Sri Lanka is a country which owns a great and proud history and it is elegantly represented by historical monuments which are all over the country. Amazing Ruins and monuments will definitely add a great value to your journey. Therefore if you are planning to make a wonderful journey in Sri Lanka don't ever miss to explore the great history. Sri Lankan Historical places also get the highest attention among history Explorers and tourists because it is the best place all over the world for realizing the maximum entertainment of plenty of enjoyable activities for History lovers such as, Watching Beautiful Frescoes, Ancient Sri Lankan Civil Engineering Architecture, Visit Holy sanctuaries, Exploring Sri Lankan Historical Ruins, Visit Sri Lankan Ancient Temples and Explore the glorious History forgotten by time.
Panduwasnuwara
Panduwasnuwara is an off the beaten track minor cultural attraction of Sri Lanka. The site that spreads over an area of 20 hectares is scattered with some ruins of monuments built in 12th century AD. In spite of the significance of the ruins and the legends attributed to Panduwasnuwara, archaeological exploration hasn’t been completed to date.The nearby Panda Wewa reservoir located close to the ruins is perhaps the first ever irrigation reservoir in history. At the entrance to the site are a six meter wide moat and the ruins of a huge fortified wall. Within the compound is a cluster of ruins: edifices of significance called “panchayathana”, that feature stupas, bodhigaras (the short protective wall surrounding the Bo tree), monasteries and image houses (pilimage), assembly halls, and accommodation quarters for Buddhist monks.The most important History of Panduwasnuwara, Is Vijaya, the first king of Sri Lanka. (circa 5th century B.C. ) Several sites here date by tradition, from these early times-especially the Ektemge, the moated tower where Princess Unmada Chitra, so beautiful that she drove men crazy, was confined because of an ominous prophecy of untimely death in the family.
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Yapahuwa
A royal residence in 13th century Yapahuwa was able to preserve some interesting remains. While many traces of other ancient defenses are still seen, an ornamental stairway remains as the main piece. Located in Kurunegala, belonging to the North Western Province of Sri Lanka, the Yapahuwa ancient fortress rises to a height of 90 m above the surrounding plains. Built by King Buwanekabahu the First, as the capital of Sri Lanka in 1301, today, the Royal residence, the Temple of Tooth Relic, the battle defenses are in ruins. The ruined walls of Yapahuwa form a rough semicircle. The ends join the foot of the high steepsided rocky granite outcrop. The outer fortification, an earthen rampart which extends to about a mile is about 20 feet in height. Over the rampart are the ruins of a brick wall that was erected to protect the interiors. Around the rampart was a moat. Access to the fortress was by means of the three gates that were connected to three causeways. Within this rampart was an inner fortification: a stone wall, 12 feet in height and about 500 yards long with a moat outside it and with two gates. The homes of the ordinary people would have been between the outer and inner walls while the king’s palace, administrative buildings and of course the Temple of the Tooth was within the inner wall.
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Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu
The Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu is a Roman Catholic Marian shrine in Mannar district of Sri Lanka. With a history of over 400 years, this shrine acts as a center for pilgrimage and worship for Sri Lankan Catholics. The site is considered as the holiest Catholic shrine in the island and is a well known place of devotion for both Tamil and Sinhalese Catholics. The church has been a symbol of unity not just between Tamils and Sinhalese, but also between people of different religions, including Buddhists, Hindus and Protestants. Pope Pius XI granted the image a Canonical coronation on 2 July 1924. Attendance for the August festival at times touched close to a million people before the outbreak of the Sri Lankan Civil War. Situated in the heart of the conflict zone, pilgrimage to this shrine was dramatically affected by the Civil War with the presence of refugee camps around the shrine complex. It was shelled a number of times.
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Aukana
Aukana Buddha statue is located at 30km northwest of Dambulla close to ancient Kala Weva man-made reservoir. It can be reached from Kekirawa on Dambulla-Anuradhapura road. Aukana Buddha Statue in Sri Lanka that rise to a height off 11.36 meters, is the tallest ancient Buddha statue in Sri Lanka. Aukana Buddha Statue in Asisa Mudra or the “posture of blessing” is carved out of a rock boulder. The statue is carved in the round connected to the back to the rock boulder. The delicate and skillful carving of the Buddha’s robe humanizes and chastely reveals the underlying form of his body, while the face’s impassive expression projects an aura of spiritual supremacy. It is said that the degree of alignment of the statue is such that raindrop on the nose would drop straight down to small depression carved between the toes. Aukana Buddha Statue is a masterpiece of a colossal Buddha Statue by an unknown sculptor: the serene expression of the statue, the gracefully carved robe with neat pleats brings in delicateness that could hardly be moulded into a rock. The impassive expression of the face reflects the supreme spirituality.
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Dambadeniya
Dambadeniya, about 30 km south-west of Kurunegala, became prominent in the mid-13th century. It was selected as the capital of the kingdom of Sri Lanka by King Vijayabahu III (1232–36). The sovereignty of the country was at stake as a result of invasions, which dislodged Polonnaruwa as the capital. On the summit of the Dambadeniya rock he built fortifications and sturdy walls and gates. During the reign of King Parakramabahu II (1236–70), Dambadeniya reached the zenith of its glory. King Parakramabahu II's immaculate Poetic masterpieces "Kavisilumina" and "Visuddi Marga Sannasa" gave a turning point to Sinhalese literature.among the remaining ruins of the palace buildings, foundations are still visible. Excavations have uncovered remains of the temple of the Relic of the tooth of the Buddha, the Royal Palace, gardens, moats, and city walls. The double-story temple of the Tooth Relic has Buddha images, which is identified as the Vijayasundararamaya. It also has some interesting wall paintings dating from the 18th century, when it was restored.
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Ridi Viharaya
Ridivihara is located at Ridigama village in Kurunegala district. The name "Ridigama" means "silver village". Built during the reign of Dutthagamani of Anuradhapura, the temple is considered as the place where the silver ore, which provided silver to complete Ruwanwelisaya; one of the largest stupa in Sri Lanka, was discovered.According to the chronicles Mahavamsa and Thupavamsa, the Ridi Viharaya complex was built in gratitude for helping him cherish his dream of completing Ruwanwelisaya. Other interesting thing in here is the old Dutch floor tiles, laid by the recumbent Buddha statue. You can see rows of tiles, with blue colored painting on while background, which explain the various e incidences happens in Cristian religion history such as Garden of Eden, Adam and Eva, creation of man etc. According to the some historical facts, these tiles ware a gift to King Kirthi Sri Rajasinga (1746-1778 AD) by a Dutch envoy and then he donated to the temple. These tiles were laid without a proper orientation or a order. At Ridi Viharaya once you pass the main entrance of the Temple , the Serasum Gala is at your right hand side. The Waraka Weladu Viharaya(Jack Fruit Treat Temple) and the Maha Viharaya is located by the left side of the entrance. If you proceed towards left, you will find the historic Boo tree first.
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Ritigala
Ritigala is an ancient Buddhist monastery and mountain in Sri Lanka. The ruins and rock inscriptions of the monastery date back to 1st century BCE. It is located 43 km away from the ancient monastic city ofAnuradhapura. At 766 m (2513 feet) above sea level, and 600 m above the surrounding plains, Ritigala is the highest mountain in northern Sri Lanka. The modern name Ritigala is derived from the ancient name Ariṭṭha Pabbata (Dreadful Mountain), mentioned in the Mahavamsa. Legends abound on Ritigala. One of mysterious aspect is the belief of powerful medicinal herbs found near the crest. A herb called “Sansevi” is believed to have the power of conferring long life and curing all human pain. According to legend, all vegetation on Ritigala is protected by Yakkas, the guardian spirits of the mountain. The venerable Prof. Walpola Sri Rahula Maha Thera (1907–1997), says "the term “Yaksa” denotes superhuman beings worthy of respect. Prince Pandukhabaya (3rd century BC) was assisted by Yakkas during his battles against his eight uncles at the foot of Ritigala. Another legend refers to a duel of two giants, most possibly Yakkas, named Soma and Jayasena. Soma being killed in the duel, Jayasena became a legend.
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Medirigiriya
Medirigiriya Watadageya in Sri Lanka is a monastery located in the kingdom of Polonaruwa,(14 miles from Minneria) dating back to over two millennium. The centerpiece or point of interest of the whole monastery is the Medirigiriya Vatadage. It was an architectural masterpiece of those early eras which housed the Stupa completely within it. Only 7 such stupa houses remain today in Sri Lanka. The earliest references to this monastery were recorded in the 2nd century AD, though many clues point towards an even longer history. Records during the time of King Kanitta Tissa (AD 192 – 194) of Anuradhapura show that this Vatadage was much worshipped and respected at that time. However the ancient brahmi characters engraved in the bricks and the stone carvings, which pre date carvings found in the other Vatadages, point towards a long history dating from the pre-Christian Era. The monastery was supported by, and was donated to by many kings throughout Sri Lanka’s history. In particular, the stupa which forms the centerpiece of the Vatadage appears to have been built in the time of Aggabodhi I (564 – 598 AD). The Medirigiriya Watadageya in Sri Lanka was a building supported by three concentric rings of pillars, and housed the stupa completely. The pillars and ruins still stand today.
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Somawathiya
Somawathi Chaithya was built in 2nd century BC and this stupa is said to enshrine the right Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. The Somawathi Chaithya is located about 20 km north east of Polonnaruwa, by the bank of the Mahaveli River ("The River of Great Sands") within the Sanctuary. The flood plains of Mahaveli River have been inhibited by a large number of wild animals ranging from elephants, wild buffalo, deer and other animals. This Chaithya(Pagoda) had been abandoned more than fifteen years due to the threat by war. According to the ancient chronicles of Sri Lanka state that the very first Arahant of this country Ven. Aritta, visited the abode of Gods and brought back to Sri Lanka the Sacred Right Tooth of the Buddha. This Sacred Relic was handed to king Giri Abha and his consort Queen Somawathiya who was King Kavantissa's sister. Queen Somawathie dedicated to construct a Stupa in adoration of the Buddha at Somapura with consent of Arahath Mahinda and the King Giri Abha. It is believed that one of the only two tooth relics of Buddha existing in the world is at the Somawathiya and the other one is at the Dalada Maligawa, Kandy.
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Katharagama
Kataragama a popular pilgrimage destination frequented by adherents of all religions in Sri Lanka. The main shrine devoted to Skanda popularly described in eulogies as God having six faces and twelve arms whose assistance is sought for worldly gain. The history of the shrine dates back to 2 century BC. The annual procession held in July or August is the main event of the shrine with fire walkers and Kawadi dancers. Offering to the got are made at 4.30am 10.30am and 6.30pm daily. Kataragama has a network of hotels, guest houses as well as free pilgrim rests.
Location: 19km inland from Tissamaharama lies the small & remote town of Kataragama. Kataragama is one of most popular & most sacred pilgrimages sites of Sri Lanka. Like Adam’s Peak, it attracts Sinhalese Buddhists as well as Hindu Tamils. The adored site is visited by Muslims & Christians too. |
Buduruwagala
Buduruwagala is situated in the Wellawaya District Secretariat Division of the Moneragala District. It could be reached by traversing 4 km along the road opposte the Buduruwagala School which is about 4km from Wellawaya on the Wellawaya –Tissamaharama road. Seven statues sculptured on relief of the rock during the 9th -10th c A.D. are seen in a single rock face. Of the seven Mahayana statues, three smaller statues each are sculptured on either side of the main Buddha statue. The centrally sculptured main Buddha image is the tallest in Sri Lanka and is 51feet in height. The Buddha is in the Samabhanga posture and has the right hand gesturing the Abhaya Mudra. On the right of the Standing Buddha image are the sculptures of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisatva, Goddess Tara, Prince Sudhana and on the left are the sculptures of Maitree Bodhisatva, Vajrapani Bodhisatva and an unidentifiable deity. These sculptures could be identified as a collection of the Buddha and Bodhisatva figures with Mahayana influence.
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Gadaladeniya
Gadaladeniya Rajamaha Viharaya with an ancient monastery is found on the flat rock at Diggala in the district of Kandy. According to a inscription there this temple was built by King Buwanekabahu IV in the year 1344. The chief architect of this temple has been a south indian called Ganesvarachari. Therefore this temple is essentially a South Indian design.The main stupa with 4 satellite stupa. Underneath each satellite stupa is a small shrine room with a flower pedestals. The main shrine room has seated (in Vajrasana) Buddha Statue under a Makara Thorana and four standing Buddha images. The makara thorana is decorated on both faces with gods such as Brahma, Suyama, Santhusuta, Natha and Maithree, and two attendants.The chamber within the Sikhara (dome) has had a Buddha Image but has been destroyed by the Portuguese. Next to the shrine room is a Devale (shrine) dedicated to God Visnu. According to Mahavansa, The great chronicle of Sri Lanka, It was “Upulvan Deiyo” thus Visnu that was selected as the guardian to protect the land of Sri Lanka and Buddhism within it at the time of Buddha’s passing away. There for this deity has special place among the Sri Lankans.
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Lankathilaka Viharaya - Kandy
The majestic Lankatilaka Raja Maha Viharaya, believed to be one of the most magnificent architectural edifice in the Gampola kingdom, was built at the crest of a large rock named “Panhalgala” overlooking the Hantanemountain range in the Hiripitiya hamlet in Udunuwara. The history of the temple dates back to the 14th century, and a pre-colonial Lanka where several strong kingdoms ruled the land. At a time when the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom was Kurunegala, that era drew to a close when the the Sinhalese kings decided on setting up the new kingdom at Gampola, a safe stronghold on the bank of the Mahaweli river. In front of the main entrance of the temple stands the preaching hall thatched with flat roof tiles, as opposed to the ordinary half round tiles, used to cover the central part of the roof and to create beautiful patterns. The main Vihare has been built using granite with a plaster covering, has three storeys built on natural rock. Elegant architectural design and wall paintings rich in colours of the Kandyan period, adorn the inside walls and the ceiling of the main image house. The two large lion paintings and two figures of guards facing each other decorate the two walls of the short corridor to the image house. Inside the image house is a magnificent glory – a twelve-foot high Buddha image under a beautiful Makara Thorana .
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Kirinda
Kirinda, Visited by many pilgrim and tourists and naturalists alike, Kirinda is a beautiful place which welcomes you all throughout the year. The ancient temple which attracts the pilgrims, is sited atop a rocky outcrop from which one can obtain magnificent views of the desolate coast with its long stretch of sand dunes and the ocean beyond. Kirinda is the appropriate setting of one of the popular legends that constitute early Ceylon history. It was prophesied that the kingdom could be saved only by way sacrificing a princess to the raging sea. The eldest daughter of the king, already reputed for her bravery, rose to the occasion to save her nation. Overcome with remorse, the king decided to atone for his sacrilegious act by making the sacrifice that would appease the gods. Accordingly he had a golden boat built, loaded it with one month's provisions for one & cast it adrift with his daughter. The boat carried an inscription that on board is no less than a princess. The boat was cast away onto the shores of Kirinda & the news was carried to the King Kavantissa, who reigned in Ruhuna. It was already prophesied, that if the king was ever to marry, it would only be a princess arriving over the seas.The princess, named Queen Vihara Maha Devi, And They had 2 sons ( Dutugamunu & Saddhatissa )
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Embakke
Embekka Devalaya (Embekka Temple) was built by the King Vikramabahu III of Gampola Era (AD 1357 - 1374) inSri Lanka. The Devalaya in Embekka is dedicated to the worship of Mahasen, popularly known as Katharagama Deviyo. A local deity called Devatha Bandara is also worshiped at this site. The shrine consists of three sections, the "Sanctum of Garagha", the "Digge" or "Dancing Hall" and the "Hevisi Mandapaya" or the "Drummers' Hall". The Drummers' Hall that has drawn the attention of visitors to the site, due to the splendid wood carvings of its ornate pillars and its high pitched roof. It is said that some of the wood work utilized for the "Drummers' Hall" came from an abandoned "Royal Audience Hall" at Gampola. There is every possibility the hall has seen repairs during the reigns of the Sinhalese Kings of Kandy. The carvings, which adorn the wooden pillars of the drummers' hall, as well as the "Vahalkada" (the entrance porch of the devala, which is said to be older) are some of the best examples of Sinhalese art.The roof itself has significant features. The rafters all slant from above towards the incoming visitor are fixed together and kept in position by a "Madol Kurupawa", a kind of a giant catch pin the like of which we do not find elsewhere.
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Aluvihare - Ash Temple
Surrounded by hills, the famous Aluvihara cave temple 30 km south of Kandy on the Matale-Dambulla road is having a great historic importance. The history of Aluvihara is traced back to the 3rd Century B.C. in the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. Aluvihare is one of the most important cultural sites in Sri Lanka.It was believed to be, Buddhist doctrines were first recorded on Ola leaves after passing through orally, here in the 1st century BC, during the reign of King Vattagamini Abaya.This Dhamma record is known as 'Thripitakaya' and to day it is concern as main guiding Dhamma book of Theravada Buddhism. This magnificent temple with caves and a row of tall rocks is believed to be one of them. The archaeologists believe that - "Yanthragala" a small box like thing with different compartments made of solid stone to hold relics and precious stones - usually to entomb in stupas - and "chathragala" - a small umbrella shaped thing made of stone to place on the top of a stupa instead of a "Kotha" - a pinnacle - which were part of the stupa then now kept in "Bo-maluwa", was the tradition of the Devanampiyatissa - era to have Yanthragala and Chathragala, in stupas.
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Nalanda Gedige
The venerable Nalanda Gedige is built in the style of a South Indian Hindu temple, dravidian architecture (Pallava style) and enjoys a wonderfully peaceful location next to a tank (artificial lake) with prolific local bird-life. The temple consists of an entrance hall connected to a taller shikara (holy image sanctuary), with a courtyard for circumambulations. There is no sign of Hindu gods, however, and the temple is said to have been used by Buddhists. It's one of the earliest stone buildings in Sri Lanka. The temple’s richly decorated stone-block walls, reassembled from ruins in 1975, are thought to have been fashioned during the 8th to 11th centuries. The plinth bears some Tantric carvings with sexual poses – the only such sculptures in Sri Lanka – but before you get excited, the carvings are weather-beaten and it’s difficult to see much in the way of action.
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Sithulpawwa
Situlpawwa rock temple with a history of over 2000 years is one of the significant Buddhist sites built in the 2nd Century BC. Located deep within the Yala National Park within the Hambantota district in the deep south of Sri Lanka. There are two temples perched high atop hard volcanic rock outcrops. Maha Sithulpauwa rock is 400 feet in height. . The dagoba is situated on top of the rock and is reached by a difficult steep climb, aided by steps cut into the rock. The dagoba is believed to have been built by king Kawantissa. It houses an intricate cave complex.The name Sithulpauwa is derived from the word 'Chittalapabbata' which means the hill of the quiet mind. The rock temple was a place of worship for devotees as well as a centre of Buddhist scholarship. It is believed that in ancient times this rock temple once housed a total of 12,000 Arhats or monks who achieved the highest mind level in Buddhism. The life that the Arhats lived in Sithulpawwa was a hard one, with silence and solitude. The rock temple is famous for its early Brahmi script, ruins of the preaching house and the fragments of paintings that can be viewed at the image house. Inside Situlpawwa are a number of gal len (rock caves), dagoba (pagodas), Poya geval (chapter houses), bodhigara, pilimageval and pokunu (ponds).Sithulpawwa rock temple houses an intricate temple complex.
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Meemure Village
Meemure located near the border between Kandy District and Matale District in the Knuckles Mountain Range. It's one of the most remote villages in Sri Lanka with the only access via a 14 km (8.7 mi) trail from the town of Loolwatte. There is no cellular service available in the village, but a CDMA telephone service is available. There is no direct mail delivery to the village; a villager journeys each day to Thapal Junction (literally meaning Mail Junction) to exchange incoming and outgoing postal mail with a postman. Lakegala mountain is in Meemure village, It is considered the place where King Ravana lifted the Dhandu Monara. Residents of the village depend on several staple crops including pepper, cardamom, paddy and ginger. Meemure village owns an exceptional natural beauty. It is rich with natural Beauty and Traditional Sri Lankan styles.
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SriPada - Adam's Peak
Though not the highest mountain of Sri Lanka, the striking pyramid of Adam's Peak (7,360 ft) is certainly the most remarkable. A depression in the rocky summit resembles a huge footprint, which has been venerated as a sacred sigh from remote antiquity. This was identified by Buddhists as the Buddha's footprint, by Hindus as that of Shiva, and by Muslims as Adam's. Later the Portuguese attributed it to St. Thomas the Apostle. The Mahawamsa tells how the sacred footprint was imprinted by the departing Buddha on his third visit to Lanka, but the site did not become an object of regular Buddhist pilgrimage until the Polonnaruwa period, when Vijayabahu I built resting houses for pilgrims and King Nissankamalla himself, in the year 1201, climbed to the top and worshiped the spot. The Muslim tradition of a footprint of Adam, first of the prophets, goes back to gnostic sources as early as the Mahawamsa itself. According to the legend, Adam was hurled from Paradise for his disobedience and stood in penance for a thousand years on one foot at the top of Adam's Peak, after which he was reunited with Eve on Mt. Arafat overlooking Mecca. By the ninth century, this footprint was consequently considered one of the most sacred sites in the world.
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Mihintale
Mihintale is only 12Km, away from the famous Anuradhapura city. The sacred forest mountain Missaka Pabbatha where King Devanam Piyatissa met Arhat Mahinda Thera and his companions is situated in Mihintale. Prior to that the Lord Gautama Buddha had visited this place on his Third visit which was called as Missaka Pabbatha then. Being one of the sixteen places (Solos masthana) the Lord Buddha had visited in Sri Lanka, this is regarded as one of the most important sacred places by the Buddhists in Sri Lanka.The area of Mihintale surrounds with a jungle and there are rock boulders scattered around the mountainous area. There are many caves which were earlier used by monks for meditation in a quite surrounding away from the main city of Anuradhapura. There is abundance of ancient stone architecture surrounding the many Stupas, monastic complexes and other sacred places. We can see Mihindu Guhawa, Sinha Pokuna, Kalu Diya Pokuna, Kantaka Chetiya and Monastery with Alms Hall and Relic House.
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Kaludiya Pokuna - Black Water Pond
This site is closer to Kumbukkandanwala, which is about 8 km away from Sigiriya in the Dambulla Divisional Secretariat Division. Situated in a jungle area, this site had been named as Dakkhinagiri Vihara in an inscription of the ninth century. According to Mahavamsa it has been built by King Saddhatissa (137-139 BC.). It was developed by King Aggabodhi and a Chapter House has been constructed by him. Several inscriptions, some caves with inscriptions under the drip-ledges, a dagoba, pillars, a residence of monks, remains of a monastery can be seen in the site. This vihara is named after the Kaludiya Pokuna or the pond with blackish water found in the vicinity.
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