"Clear had the day been from the dawn,
All chequered was the sky,
Thin clouds like scarfs or cobweb lawn
Veiled heaven's most glorious eye."
- Michael Drayton: "A Calm Day"

Located beyond a valley, amidst a rural setting is the holy creation of nature: the mountain Shri Pada (holy footprint). This mountain, which is regarded as a symbol of religious harmony, is revered by Buddhists, Christians, and Hindus alike.

In the religious books of Buddhism, where the literary creations of the great Buddhist monks of all times are documented, details about this particular mountain have been included. They say that Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, visited Kelaniya, a city rich with cultural and religious values. Once the religious acts of preaching and "alms giving" ended, his lordship moved gracefully towards the mountain. On top of the mountain his lordship placed and engraved the holy footprint on the ground with his sacred left foot. Thus, due to this religious incident, the mountain obtained the name Shri Pada (holy footprint). Christians believe that the sacred footprint belongs to Adam; thus, to them it is Adam's Peak. The Hindus, too, have their own beliefs. Until today, people all over the world continue to respect these religious beliefs, and the mountain Shri Pada also symbolizes the peace and prosperity of the nation.

Besides its religious significance, the cloud-capped mountain Shri Pada is well known for its natural beauty. Mostly pilgrims are amazed to see the breathtaking view of the sunrise from Adam's Peak. I, a Buddhist monk, living in a monastery located at the top of the peak, have experienced this magical moment. As the sun rises slowly, the sky is lit up by brilliant orange rays. For a monk who is practicing meditation and prayers, the mountain's atmosphere is ideal.

The early morning breeze is cool, and as the mist gradually fades away, the whole area begins to warm up. The sun's yellowish beams add color, life, and joy to the mountain's atmosphere like the unerring touch of a master on a painting. The bordering banks of the brooks are dotted with weeping willows and great beeches. Beyond these, oaks and Cyprus trees rise up and add serenity to the area. Streams flow smoothly through grasslands, their surfaces glistening under the sun as though a gigantic hand has scattered diamonds over them. And the mountain range looks magnificent against the blue sky.

With the morning hours, comes confusion. The calm atmosphere is disturbed by the ringing voices of youngsters who are out on an educational tour. As they pass through the national heritage, they hail in a religious chorus, "Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!" bestowing their respects for the mountain Shri Pada. During the day, people of different faiths come to us, the monks, for blessings.

Yet amidst such calm happenings, there are disturbances. Pollution is taking place. The mountain area is being littered with plastic bags and objects. Deforestation is taking place. We, the monks, held a formal discussion and finally sought aid from officials. And our struggle began.

During this period, we tried to remain calm. We believed that our problem had to be solved with patience. We prayed and meditated day and night. Finally our chief monk talked to the people involved in the conflict. His lordship was able to gain their understanding and concern. But I feared that these thoughtless beings would still try to pollute and destroy our environment again.

Once I was enjoying the fresh air after a rainfall, when I caught sight of a faint rainbow in the eastern skies. What did this creation of mother nature signify to me? Maybe our rays of hope… our hopes that Mount Shri Pada would be conserved and protected forever.