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Ravana is not a Demon King to Sri Lankans
He’s the Greatest Emperor in World History and No, He’s not Evil
As the Indian Hindus celebrate Dussehra, they recount Ramayana and the lessons that come with it. For them, the Ramayana isn’t just a story of Lord Rama winning over Ravana and rescuing Sita.
It is about good winning over evil despite the many obstacles. It is the story that gives Indians hope and motivation to keep fighting for what they know is right.
But we all know that every story has two sides. So let’s hear it.
Who is Ravana?
Ravana was an emperor who lived about 5000 years ago in Sri Lanka (Heladiva — Lankapura) dates human habitation to 125,000 years and beyond.
He was a descendant of ‘Surya Wansha’ of ‘Hela Yakka’ tribe (ancient Sinhala tribe). According to Rāmāyana, the emperor Ravana was assassinated by Rāmā. But referring ola manuscripts, rock inscriptions and folklore of Sri Lanka, Ravana has not died at war. He was not to killed by any other common person as Dasis Ravana represented the soul of a Bodhisathva.
The emperor had many names as he ruled many countries. Rāvanā, Dasis Rāvanā…
