(Insert Figure 2 Here)
These artefacts bear evidence to the degree of concern that ancient Sri
Lankan rulers had for the protection of the natural environment. The
reason for their explicit interest in conserving the Mee tree could be
that the ancestors were aware of the value of the tree in preventing
soil erosion, conserving water, cooling the environment, providing food
and medicinal substances and ensuring the survival of various animal
species. Owing to its’ importance in the livelihood of the people, the
Mee tree was sometimes chosen as the site for religious and spiritual
rituals in villages (Figure 3).