The Mace of the Western Provincial Council

The mace or the scepter is the symbol of authority of the Honourable Chairman of the Council.  It is used at meetings of the Provincial Council to signify its power and authority.  A meeting held in the absence of the mace is not a properly constituted meeting.  Particularly when a Chairman is being selected it is essential that the mace is in its proper place.  When the chairman is seated in his seat, the crystal point at the apex of the mace should point in the direction of the governing party.

The mace of  the Western Provincial Council is very similar to the mace of the Sri Lankan Parliament.  The pattern that extends from the base to the top, starts with a lotus motif.  The lotus flower is a symbol of purity.  There are carvings of the stylized female form and a pattern of ‘Binara” flowers running upwards as well as downwards.

In order to make the handling of the mace more convenient there is a section of it made out of ebony.  Ebony is a dark wood that is endemic to Sri Lanka and in the mace it has been used very effectively.  The Mace is of two parts and the heavier part is placed, so that it will be grasped by the right hand.  There is a silver pattern at the beginning and at the end.  The upper end has ‘binara’ flowers and down turned lotus petals while the lower end has a ‘binara’ flower pattern with an upturned lotus pattern.  There is a similar creation at the centre.   On the stick, is placed a square solid.  On two sides of the square there are patterns of the sun and moon.  On the two other sides ‘dharma chakra’ (the wheel of dhamma) and the ‘pun kalas’ (full pots of water) have been drawn.  The sun and the moon are two important forces that cause the world’s existence.  In this context it denotes long life and happy existence.      

The ceremonial kalas or the full pot of water signifies prosperity.  The eightfold dharma chakra depicts fame and existence in all eight directions and cause and effect.

 Placed on the square solid there are eightfold pillars which depict traditional pillar like pekada.  Its upper parts are carved with eight sacred symbols.  The eight fold beneficial symbols are – chamara (fans) grivathsya purna ghata (a full pot) sankha (conch) bhadra (sanctity) pita (   ) meenayugala (coupled fish) swastika (      ) and ankusa (goad)

These are all symbols of prosperity good health and good fortune.

The ‘pekada’ is a primary symbol that has  its origin in the architecture of the Gampola period.  On its four sides is a circular leaf pattern which spreads downwards.

After that there are three animals that symbolize the three districts.  These three animals signify the districts and 03 spheres depict them.  The Colombo district is shown by a lion figure carrying a small whip.

Above that the Gampaha district is depicted by a cobra with 03 heads and finally the Kalutara District is shown by a picture of a dragon.

The spherical part of the mace depicts the universe.  Above that is a downward and upward spreading leaf pattern which ends in a koth kerella (pinnacle) On the sphere is the picture of a lion with a sword in hand to symbolize the Sri Lankan nation.  The crystal ornamented ornate pinnacle describes the omnipresent power and energy that this mace signifies.

When considering the basic characteristics of the Western Province mace we find that it is 48 inches in height and the mineral used is thread – silver.  The central stick is made of ebony wood.  The spherical part has been made using thread silver guage 18.  At the time the mace was made (27.01.1998) its value was Rs. 275,000.00

Since we are a nation with a long history the mace was constructed to reflect the glory of the country.  Sun and moon symbols and age old patterns and symbols were used for the same reason.