Lightning Protection of Stupas in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Lightning is a weather-related phenomenon with dire consequences for tall structures. The lightning protection adopted in Sri Lanka in stupas in ancient times, from the third century was adequate, as no lightning damage to stupas have been recorded in early times However, the present restoration of lightning protection may be inadequate as recent strikes have been detected due to improper new practices due to an absence of detailed recording of the lightning protection in ancient times. This paper discusses the lightning protection of stupas, especially of Ruwanweliseya from ancient times to the present, tracing the history of lightning protection from the Mahawansa and the Culawamsa. While the bulk of the lightning energy probably went through the stupa in ancient times, the modern protection tends to bring the energy to earth through the surface of the stupa and the compound at the bottom which can cause disastrous effects. Monitoring is recommended to be undertaken to see whether the dissipation of bulk of the lightning energy is through the stupa itself, even in the present day, or along the surface of the stupa and through the compound at the bottom.