Country Profile

Name: The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Location: An island in the Indian Ocean is located to the south of the Indian subcontinent. It lies between 5° 55' and 9° 55' north of the equator and between the eastern longitudes 79° 42' and 81° 52'.

Area: 65,610 sq km (25,332 sq miles) [Land: 64,740 sq km  Water: 870 sq km]

Climate: Tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to ctober)  

Average Temperature: 27ºC  (In the higher elevations it can be quite cool with temperatures going down to 16ºC)

Average annual rainfall: 1861mm

President: Mahinda Rajapakse ((since 19 November 2005)

Prime Minister: Ratnasiri Wickremanayaka (since 2005)

Population: 19.4 million (UN, 2005)

Population growth rate: 0.78% (2006 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female ,under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female ,15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female ,65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female ,total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2006 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 24.1% , 15-64 years: 68.6% ,65 years and over: 7.3% (2006 est.)

Birth rate: 15.51 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Death rate: 6.52 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Median age: total: 29.8 years ,male: 28.7 years ,female: 30.9 years (2006 est.)

Suffrage: 18 years of age

Net migration rate: -1.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Capital: Colombo (commercial), Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (administrative)

Major languages: Sinhala (National language), Tamil (National language), English

Ethnic Groups: Sinhalese (74%) ,Sri Lankan Tamils (12.6%), Indian Tamils (5.5%), Muslim (7.1%), others(0.8%)

Life expectancy: 73.41years (total population),  70.83 years (men), 76.12 years (women) (2006 est)

Literacy: 92.3(total population) 94.8% (male) 90% (female) (2003 est)

Monetary unit: Sri Lankan rupee

Main exports: Clothing and textiles, tea, gems, rubber, coconuts

GNI per capita: US $1,010 (World Bank, 2005)

Internet domain: .lk

International dialling code: +94

Time zone: UTS/GMT +5:30 hours

Unesco heritage sites:  Sacred City of Anuradhapura (1982) , Ancient City of Polonnaruva (1982), Ancient City of Sigiriya (1982) Sinharaja Forest Reserve (1988) Sacred City of Kandy (1988), Old Town of Galle and its fortifications (1988), Golden Temple of Dambulla (1991)

Galle

   The port town of Galle in the southwest of Sri Lanka has a splendid natural harbour. The port was in use in pre-Christian times, but gained in importance after the 12^th century. By the 14^th century it was arguably the most important port in the country, and it retained this preeminence until 1873 when an artificial harbour was built in Colombo. The great Chinese admiral Zheng He commemorated his visit by leaving a trilingual inscription in 1411; the three languages were Chinese, Tamil, and Arabic, implying a cosmopolitan trading community. The Portuguese arrived in 1505, and later built a small fort; but it was after Galle was captured by the Dutch in 1640 that the city rose to its greatest prosperity. The Dutch rebuilt the town and strengthened the fortifications.  

The English took over in 1796 but made few changes to the infrastructure, and it is Dutch architecture of the 17^th and 18^th centuries which gives the town its present character and charm. Among the Asian ports of the United Dutch East India Company (Verenigde Oost Indische Compagnie, or VOC), Galle was second only to Batavia (now Jakarta). 

Galle harbour has an impressive number of heritage sites, some dating back well before the Dutch. Several stone anchors of Indo-Arabian pattern have been discovered, one weighing almost a ton (so implying a ship of some size), made of stone probably from Oman, and with a wooden anchor stock around five hundred years old. (The wooden stocks would have been regularly replaced, so the anchor itself may be older.) Another anchor has been found of Mediterranean pattern, similar to those used in Roman times. A celadon bowl of the Southern Song dynasty (C13th) is one of our few relics of the early trade with China; later blue-and-white Chinese tradeware is abundant. 

While Sri Lankan archaeology is rich in treasures from much earlier periods, it is the combination of several Dutch East India Company wrecks with the VOC's extensive historical archives which makes Galle Harbour so interesting. The Dutch administrative records and maps are helping us to identify the shipwrecks and to understand the historical context.

Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in south and southeast Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and south Asian traditions. The Galle Fort is a world heritage site (declared by UNESCO in1988) and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European invaders. 

Galle is the main town in the most southerly part of the island, with a population of around 100,000, and is connected by rail to Colombo and Matara. It is home to a cricket ground, the Galle International Stadium, where test matches are played.

Rumassala Kanda is a large mound-like hill, which forms the eastern protective barrier to the Galle harbour. Local tradition associates this hill with some events of the Ramayana.

Botanical Gardens

Peradeniya Botanical Garden

The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya is the oldest with its origins going back to the 14th century. Only 7 km from Kandy and 110 km from Colombo,  One of the best and most valuable collections of Plants and Trees in the world (more than 4000 species, indoor and outdoor). Giant trees of "Ficus" family, different Bamboo and Palm trees of the world, rare Ayurvedic plants, Orchid House, spice garden, timber trees such as ebony, teak, satinwood, mahogany, tamarind and jak etc.  can be seen here. It’s the biggest botanical garden (60 ha) in Sri Lanka. The best know attraction of the garden is the orchid House, which houses more than 300 varieties of exquisite orchids. A spice garden gives you a first hand introduction to the trees and plants used for the traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Mahaweli river, Sri Lanka's longest river surrounding this garden gives an added beauty to this garden. It wont be wrong to say that this garden is one of it's best kind in the world and the best in Asia.Most of the honorable guests who visited Sri Lanka, for instance The Queen Elizebath, Marshal Tito, Chancellor Henry Kiesinger and Juri Gagarin, have planted memorable trees in this park.

Hakgala Botanical Garden

Where plants and trees from around the world seen in one place, Hakgala Botanical Gardens, just 10km away from Nuwara Eliya City. Hakgala is one of the places one visits as an essential part of a pleasant journey in the famous hill resort of Nuwara Eliya.  The present botanic gardens were founded in 1860 by the eminent British botanist Dr. G.H.K. Thwaites who was superintendent of the more famous gardens at Peradeniya, near KandyIt was the site initially for experiments with cinchona whose bark yielded quinine, esteemed as a tonic and febrifuge. Quinine at that time was widely used as a specific for malaria. This was perhaps the reason for the popularity of and tonic in these parts - quinine being the principle ingredient of tonic water. The cool, equable climate of the hakgala area, whose mean temperature is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, encouraged the introduction of suitable temperate zone plants, both ornamental and useful. These included conifers and cedars from Australia, Bermuda and Japan, and cypresses from the Himalayas, china and as far a field as Persia, Mexico and California. New Caledonia gave Hakgala a special variety of pines and there are specimens of this genus from the canary Island as well.The Hakgala Botanical Gardens is one of the lovely contrasts of Sri Lanka, a home to plants and trees from around the world, making them seem to be part of the scenic beauty.

Henerathgoda Botanical Garden, Gampaha

Henaratgoda Gardens, in the low country, are 28 km from Colombo and within easy reach from Gampaha railway station. Spread across 14,16 hectares, these beautifully laid out gardens have a unique collection of exotic indigenous flora. The Garden was laid out in 1876 to introduce Para Rubber to Sri Lanka by the British rulers. In 1919 Rubber seedlings were imported from the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew and the Project was handed over to Muhandiram A. de Soyza who was the first OIC of the Garden. The trees blossomed in 1880 and from the next year Rubber seeds were distributed throughout the country as well as some other British colonies. Remnants of these first Rubber trees are new protected as a national monument.
Later the garden was developed as a standard Botanical Garden by adding and developing new plants and sections. Many of these trees of the 19^th century are still available in the Garden. It now serves as a tropical low country Botanic Garden.

Handicrafts

Sri Lanka have a large verity of traditional handy crafts. Sri Lanka is known world over for her handicrafts. These products are manufactured by applying age-old techniques that have been handed down from generation to generation.
These artifacts are manufactured by using only the tools particular to them and from raw materials found abundant in nature.

Sri Lanka has a varied heritage for of traditional crafts and arts. These products are a result of age - old techniques, indigenous raw materials and tools of natural Handicrafts are fashioned in rural Craft Centers. It was with in these Castes that traditional skills were preserved with a high degree of distinct ethnic identity,
Sri Lanka handy crafts men have been able to success fully combines certain raw material in to modern Crafts. Sri Lanka is well renowned to produce exquisite handicrafts.

Woodwork

Woodcarving is one of the oldest crafts still practised in Sri Lanka. Artisans of old had a preference for low-relief woodcarving, which lent itself to decorative wooden panels, boxes, and tables. Today, many decorative panels are still carved using traditional designs. In the handicrafts industry masks and wood carvings have remained as prestigious items reflecting not only traditional craft skills but the theatrical and cultural values of a past age.

Mat weaving

Mat weaving used to be practiced by every female villager because the craft was considered a necessary domestic accomplishment. Mats, after all, were essential items, used as both floor coverings and beds. Today, mat weaving is still popular among villagers but it is a cottage industry with few established sales outlets. Instead, weavers generally peddle their mats at festivals, fairs, and pilgrimage sites. Visitors may see them during the Kandy perahera in July, when the pavements of the city are colourfully lined with rolled up mats for sale. The mats of the highest quality with the best designs are made in the villages of the Dumbara valley in the Kandy district. These mats are traditionally woven on a simple loom using fibres from the bowstring hemp, mostly of white or black colouration. Often they are decorated with stripes or bands, or animal or floral motifs

Metalworks 

Sri Lanka has a long tradition in metals such as gold, silver, brass, tin, lead and iron, as well as their various alloys, in all sorts of work, from ornamental casting and pierced designs, to damascene- and filigree-work. Brass is the most common ornamental metal used outside of jewellery, and therefore the one most likely to be encountered and purchased by visitors. The alloy used in Sri Lanka is excellent for both castwork and cutwork. Castings in brass are usually created by the “lost wax” method, in which the model is sculpted in wax, covered with clay, and baked so that the wax melts and a mould is formed. Cutwork, on the other hand, involves cutting the pattern onto a flat sheet of metal and then embellishing the work by engraving, hatching, or repousse to produce items such as trays and plaques. Repousse is the most characteristic type of Sri Lankan metalwork, used on brass, copper, silver, or all three together to create a variety of traditional designs.

Lacquerwork

 Lacquerwork involves the intricate decoration of wooden objects such as bowls and ashtrays with a resin secreted from the bark of certain trees that have been infested with the lac beetle. The resin, also called lac, is scraped from the bark, melted down and strained. While the lac is soft, pigment is beaten in to produce the desired colour. Then it is left to dry. Two different techniques are used to apply lac. One method, called beralu veda or spool-work, involves putting the object to be decorated on a lathe, spinning it, and applying a hardened stick of lac to it at an angle, rather like a woodcarving tool. The resulting friction melts the lac, which seeps into the grain yet gives a glossy coating.The other technique involves drawing heated and softened lac into a fine thread and laying it in a pattern. This method is called niyapothu veda or nailwork, since the thumbnail is used to fashion the thread of lac. Today, lacquerwork is also produced by the inferior method of painting the object and covering it with layers of varnish. Visitors who wish to witness this craft should travel to the villages of Angalmaduwa near Tangalle, which is famous for beralu veda, and Palle Hapuvida near Matale, which is renowned for niyapothu veda. Laquerwork image

Lacemaking

Lacemaking is not an indigenous art. Dutch ladies probably introduced it during Dutch colonial times, particularly in the Galle area. Sinhalese ladies caught on, and lacemaking soon became an established local craft. During the 19th century, when Galle was at its zenith as a port, it became popular with passengers. Today, many older village women in the Galle area still spend their spare time making pillow lace and crochet lace, but when that generation passes the craft may die.

Handloom textiles

Although hand woven materials have lost their pre-eminence since the introduction of machine-made textiles, the craft of weaving high quality handloom textiles has experienced a remarkable resurgence in Sri Lanka over the past half century.

Jewelry

Sri Lankan Produced Excellent Costume Jeweler. In Jewellery there Are two traditions (branches) namely Galle. Traditional and the Kandyan Tradition. The Galle Low Country Traditional also called Western Traditional. The Stones are more conspicuous than the metal in the Law Country Traditional. The metal is only binding the Stones. But in the traditional kandyan Jewellery it is the metal work that is found more. The European tourists prefer the law Country tradition. There is also a technique Called filigree Work. This filigree work is found in the Silver Jewellery. In this type of Jewellery you get grainy finish. These telescopic grains are made of hairy Silver wire and welded to the surface. This technique is very difficult and finds therefore, it is Expensive.

Pottery

Pottery, like mat weaving, is a craft essential to village life in Sri Lanka. Robert Knox observed in An Historical Relation of Ceylon (1681) that the Sinhalese are adept at crafting “all sorts of earthenware to boil, stew, fry and fetch water in.” Today, as then, the potter can invariably be found demonstrating his or her skills in the verandah. Most of the pottery is thrown on small wheels turned by the potter himself. The output consists largely of simple undecorated pieces, but there is an increased demand for decorated pottery. Such decoration is usually done by incising patterns or stamping with a wooden die while the clay is still wet. Sometimes a glaze is painted prior to firing, which is done in a traditional kiln built of brick or stone and covered with a vaulted wattle-and-daub roof.

The primarily utilitarian character of Sri Lankan pottery remains to this day. It lends charm to its elegance of form and simplicity of ornamentation. Items include small clay lamps, elegant water-jugs and practical cooking vessels. Figurines and delightful animals with distinctly Sinhalese characteristics are also made. These can be seen in abundance just outside Weligama.

Batiks

Titik" or "Tik" means a bit or a drop in Indonesian language. The melted wax covers the area of the cloth that dose not get a particular colour. This is a tedious process, depending on the colour scheme the already prepared cloth has to go into the colour bath several times.

The patterns are generally drawn on the white cloth with the help of a template, but an Artist who is talented has the ability comes from china not only cotton but pure silk as well used in this from of artThe lime drawing is the initial step. Then waxing begins and depending on the pattern and the zise of the Artwork several waxing and boiling sessions take place between the dyeing session.
The "Tie & Dye" method was popular sometime ago with this method the drawing is not necessary but there is only a uniform round patterns with multi colours available.

Cloth should be washed Thoroughly to remove the starch. To was the cloth should be pined to a Frame.A drawing pen with a heap with molten wax is used to trace the pattern with wax and all areas that do not take the first dye is waxed. The Temperature of wax 17° c. When wax is cooled the cloth is submerged in a Bowl of cold water and then placed in the dye bath added with soda & salt, for 30-60 minutes. Then the cloth is removed and paged to drip. Then to remove wax the cloth should be boiled in a container for 5 minutes with detergents. Then the cloth is Rinsed and dried. This is the process for each colour until the Final design is completed.

Caneworks

As the cane is naturally grown in SriLanka cane work is in practice since ancient times.Radawadunna near pasyala on kandy road is famous for these craft

Adventures

Scuba Diving Adventures

Sri Lankan warm seas house thousands of marine species for the fascination of any scuba diver. The recreational coral reefs around the island range from depth 5-10 meters to 40 meters. Many ancient wrecks, caves and special reef formations will make a diver to experience best of Scuba Diving. The diving centers and training schools are equipped with latest scuba gear and internationally qualified instructors.
 

Surfing

With a wide range of excellent Surfing locations on both the east and southwest coast (each suitable at different times of year according to the monsoon seasons), Sri Lanka is a year-round surfing destination.

Sri Lanka has been recognised by the international surfing community for some time now, with the east coast's ARUGAMBAY boasting an annual International Surfing Competition. So whether you're an expert or a beginner looking to ride the white stuff for the first time, there's something for everyone!

Wind Surfing

For a real wind-surfer's paradise, head down to Benthota on the south-west coast of Sri Lanka where the exhilaration of cruising across the azure water overlooking the idyllic beach won't fail to disappoint. For beginners of windsurfing, the more tranquil waters of the Bentota river or any of Sri Lanka 's many tanks and lakes offer an ideal training zone before heading out to the challenge of the ocean.   North of TRINCOMALEE , in the west coast of Sri Lanka , the sea off Nilaveli beach provides a fantastic east coast alternative for when the Yala monsoon brings strong winds and rough seas to the west.  So whatever your level of experience, leave your wetsuit at the door and make the most of what Sri Lanka has to offer this exciting sport.

N.B.  If venturing out on the south-west coastline, grab your sail and board between November and April before the monsoon hits. To ensure the best wind and water conditions on the east coast, go from May-October.

 Water Sking

Water-Skiing is the ultimate rush on the water's surface!  Whether you're a beginner who just wants to get round without too many falls or a well-seasoned water-sports fan, eager to check out slalom courses and jumps in Sri Lanka , you're guaranteed a good time!  Full training, on dry land and in the water, is available for both beginners and those more experienced water-skiers who simply want to brush up on their style while on holiday in Sri Lanka .  While you're there, why not have a go at jet-skiing and wake-boarding as well, or for maximum fun try bouncing along the water in a gigantic inflatable tyre!

Cycling and Mountain Biking

If you prefer cycling but aren't so keen on struggling with uphill climbs, there are many interesting trails in the lowlands of Sri Lanka that take you through a beautiful landscape of tea, rubber and spice plantations or even the ancient capital of POLONNARUWA .  For those seeking more of a challenge, the Sri Lankan hill country locations offer a number of steeper trails that are only suitable for more experienced mountain bikers.  Whatever your experience and fitness level, the diversity of Sri Lanka has something for everyone who wants to take part in the exhilarating activity of cycling and mountain biking!  We can even arrange trips moving from one location to another (and transporting luggage by a support vehicle) – just let us know what you want to do and we'll help you do it!

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Imagine floating over some of Sri Lanka's dramatically varied landscape ranging from the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle (such as SIGIRIYA ) to the wonders of the UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK (how else do you get to see the elephants from above?!) Hot Air Ballooning is a relatively new activity to Sri Lanka , but in response to the ongoing search for new and exciting ways of seeing the country, it provides a remarkable experience never to be forgotten. With no two flight paths the same, it really will be a unique journey.

All hot air balloons are manufactured in the UK , where balloon pilots are also trained by instructors licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka . Throughout the flight, an experienced ground crew (following the flight path in a jeep) are in constant communication with the pilot of the balloon, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. So all you need to do is relax, enjoy the peace and quiet and admire the views of Sri Lanka !

Kayaking and Canoeing

With 103 rivers and a wealth of swamps, lagoons and interconnected old canals, Sri Lanka provides no end of opportunities to try out Kayaking / canoeing, which are a different and relaxing mode of transportation.  Sri Lanka 's famous KALU GANGA (aka Black River) flows from the heart of the island down to the west coast town of Kalutara where it finally meets the Indian Ocean .  During a leisurely canoe trip down this beautiful river, canoeists can marvel at ever-changing landscapes and a fascinating variety of flora and fauna.  For an alternative to river canoeing, head to one of the country's many vast tanks and reservoirs!  The calm waters of the Samanalawewa reservoir in Sri Lanka's Sabaragamuwa province (easily accessible from BELIHULOYA ) provide an ideal setting for this slow-paced activity, and with the area's prolific birdlife and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, there's no end of things to see as you paddle. 

Whales and Dolphin Watching

Sri Lanka is situated within the International Whaling Commission's protected zone in the Indian Ocean. Of the 80 species of cetaceans observed and identified worldwide, 26 are found in the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Whale and dolphin watching is a seasonal activity in Sri Lanka, available on the west coast in locations from KALPITIYA and along the SOUTH WEST COAST from November to March while the east coast off TRINCOMALEE is preferable from June to September.

We offer both boat and air based expeditions in Sri Lanka . For the boat trips, motorised boats and trawlers enable the guests to travel far out to sea and get to the natural habitats of the whales and dolphins. Air based expeditions are also available by helicopter or sea plane for an incredible aerial view of Sri Lanka.

N.B. As with all nature, we are unable to guarantee sightings of whales and dolphins, although the sites we offer are favoured as their habitats…

The lion in the flag represents the Sinhala race. The sword of the lion represents the sovereignty of the county . The noble eight-fold path of Buddhism is signified by the lion’s tail . Curly hair on the lion’s head indicates wisdom and meditation . The beard denotes purity of words .The handle of the sword highlights the elements of water , fire , air and earth . The nose indicates intelligence . The two front paws purport to purity in handling wealth . The vertical strips of orange represents minority Tamil race and green the minority Muslim race .
The National Flag was hoisted for the first time on March 3 , 1950 .

NATIONAL EMBLEM

Sri Lanka used the British emblem when it was a British Crown Colony . We continued to use it even after gaining independence in 1948 . According to the recommendation of a select committee appointed to devise a state emblem more suitable for Sri Lanka (Ceylon) we opted for a new emblem . It had lion with a ‘Palapethi’ design atop . Below there was a strip carrying the country’s name in Sinhala ,Tamil and English . A new republican emblem was chosen after the country was declared a Republic on May 22nd ,1972 . In addition to the lion with sword and the ‘Palapethi ‘design it portrays the punkalasa , dhamachakka , sun , moon and two sheaves of paddy .

NATIONAL ANTHEM 
Namo Namo Matha,

Sri Lanka Matha , apa Sri Lanka ,
Namo Namo Namo Namo Matha,
Sundara siri barini ,
Surndi athi Sobamana Lanka ,
Dhanya dhanaya neka mal pala thuru piri , jaya bhoomiya ramya .
Apa hata sapa siri setha sadana , jee vanaye Matha !
Piliganu mana apa bhakti pooja ,
Namo Namo Matha,
Apa Sri Lanka ,
Namo Namo Namo Namo Matha,
Apa Sri Lanka ,Namo Namo Namo Namo Matha,
Obave apa vidya obamaya apa sathya obave apa shakthi
Apa hada thula bhakti oba apa aloke
Apage anuprane oba apa jeevana ve
Apa muktiya obave
Nava jeevana demine nithina apa
Pubudu karan matha
Gnana veerya vadavamina ragena yanu
Mana jaya bhoomi kara
Eka mavekuge daru kala bavina
Yamu yamu wee nopama
Prema vadamu sama bheda durara da Namo Namo Matha
                                               By Ananda Samarakoon

NATIONAL TREE

A proposal made to declare the Na Tree as the National Tree was adopted by the Cabinet on February 26th ,1986 , Socially and culturally we have been closely associated with the Na Tree for centuries. It was chosen as the National Tree for 7 reasons .
(1) It is a tree which originated in Sri Lanka ;
(2) Its utility
(3) Historical and Cultural importance;
(4) Exteror posture;
(5) Wide distribution;
(6) Color and Nature;
(7) Ability to draw and sketch it easy ;

NATIONAL FLOWER

Nil Manel or blue water lily
or Nymphaea stellata

In February 1986 blue water lily was chosen as the National flower. Found all the part of Sri Lanka and grows in the shallow water. Petals arranged like a star and the flat round waterproof leaves are bright green. It`s a symbol of purity and truth. It has a sweet fragrance and used for offering at Buddhist Temples and rituals for god Vishnu.Sigiriya frescoes of women holds these flowers in their hands. Seeds and the tubes used as a vegetable by villagers and also leaves, stem and flowers used in herbal medicine and dried flowers used to make pillows and says It produces happy dreams…

NATIONAL BIRD

Wali kukula or Ceylon Jungle fowl or Gallus Lafayetti.Jungle fawl the National Bird of Sri Lanka is commonest in the National Parks and forests.A typical fowl strutting about and scratching the ground for food.
 

NATIONAL JEMSTONE 

The Cabinet has given approval for adoption of the blue sapphire as a National Gemstone of Sri Lanka, and to issue a stamp with the picture of the blue sapphire concurrently so as to give publicity to this initiative. The stamp is released as the National Gem Blue Sapphire and also commemorate the certification date (21.10.1993) of National Gem and Jewellery Authority Act.

  Spices

In the 16th century Ceylon, as it was then known, was discovered by Portuguese who soon began trading in cinnamon and other spices. The Dutch and British followed bringing with them their own history and influences, forming a strong Western presence which created a history of food expressed with spices which can be tasted in the dishes today.

Is it any wonder that the Spices which are a vital part of Sri Lankan food are used by her people with such ease, creating food that is unique and interesting, adding subtle flavours and aromas.

It is an Ayurvedic belief that spices have healing properties that can enhance well being. The ordinary Singhalese curry contains up to thirteen herbs and spices:

Chillies, coriander, cumin, curry leaves, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, lemon grass, lime, onion, and rampe and turmeric.

Used in main meals to desserts and cakes, the islands food is expressed through vibrant colours and fragrant aromas of fresh spices.

Roasting of spices such as cumin seeds, coriander and fennel to bring out their flavour is a method used to make a black curry, and the smell of a good curry powder being roasted can excite the senses to great heights.

To food lovers, Sri Lankan food is an expression of a colourful history and delightful surprise, just like the island.

 Here are some spicy details

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the dried bark of various laurel trees in the cinnamomun family. Cinnamon sticks are made from long pieces of bark that are rolled, pressed and dried. True Cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka. It has a strong, sweet and woody fragrance. Cinnamon is used in cakes, cookies, and desserts throughout the world. It is also used in savory chicken and lamb dishes from the Middle East. In American cooking, Cinnamon is often paired with apples and used in other fruit and cereal dishes. Stick Cinnamon is used in pickling and for flavouring hot beverages.

Cardamom

Cardamom is the seed of a tropical fruit in the ginger family known as Elettaria Cardamomum. The seeds are found in ovalshaped fruit pods that are between 1/4 and 1 inch long. It has an intense, pungent, sweet flavor. A small amount of Cardamom will add a tempting flavour to coffee cake, Danish pastry, specialty breads and apple pie. Try Cardamom the Arabic way and add a little to your ground coffee before brewing, then sweeten and top with cream.

Cloves

Cloves are the rich, brown, dried, unopened flower buds of Syzygium Aromaticum, an evergreen tree in the myrtle family. The name comes from the French "clou" meaning nail. They have a strong, pungent aroma and tastes rather sweet. Traditionally, cloves have been used in spice cookies and cakes.

Saffron

Saffron is the stigma of Crocus Sativus, a flowering plant in the crocus family. In its pure form, saffron is a mass of compressed, threadlike, dark orange strands. It has a spicy, pungent and bitter flavour with a sharp and penetrating odor. Saffron is traditionally used in French bouillabaisse, Spanish paella, Milanese risotto and many Middle Eastern dishes.

Mustard
Black mustard seed is very pungent and acrid. It is used whole, powdered or finely ground, in everything from pickles and chutneys to meat, fish and vegetable dishes.

Lemon Grass
A vital ingredient in Sri Lankan, Thai and Mexican cooking to flavour meat and fish.

Nutmeg
The fruits of the nutmeg tree have single-seed berries which produce two different spices, mace and nutmeg. They greatly improve the flavour of a curry dish.

Chillis
Ripe chillis may be cream, yellow, orange or even puple-black and are easy to dry in the sun or in a slow oven.

 

Kandy’s biggest attraction is the "Esala Perahara". It is a 10-day pagent which leads up to until the full moon of the month of July. There are two kinds of pagents. The first is called the "Kumbal Perahera" which parades for the first 5 nights. Then the "Randoli Perahera" which parades the last 5 nights. The last nights perahera is the grandest of all. Randoli means the ‘Queen’s Palanquin’. Up to 1775 A.D palanquins were carried alongside the elephants in the perahera. The elephants are dressed in colourful silk costumes. The number of elephants increase daily making the perahera more spectacular each night. Whip-crackers, fire-jugglers, stilt-walkers, drummers, dancers, and brightly clothed elephants roam the streets of Kandy in front of thousands of excited onlookers.

Waterfalls

  The mountains of abound with waterfalls of exquisite beauty. Numbering more than hundred and many of them is virtually unknown, hidden away in forest or approached by steps and remote tea plantation tracks. In fact for it size Sri Lanka has recorded water falls than another country.
Sri Lanka numerous reveres, fed by two half ・yearly monsoons, with topography of high and steeply scarped pen plains, and river beds of hard erosion-resistant metamorphic rock, all provide ideal ingredient for the formation of waterfalls

The island is divided into nine provinces. Of them waterfalls are abundance in the hill region which includes Central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa and parts of Western provinces. The Southern province has several water falls too. Dry zone (North, North-Central, North-Western and Eastern) hardly has any water falls other than the spill of major man made reservoirs.

Ravana Falls

Situated on the Ella -Wellawaya road, this beautiful water fall lies visible from the main road itself. The water rushing down over several steps adds more hues to it’s sublime beauty. The main drop, however, is 30 ft. In height. It derives its name from the mythical king Ravana of the great Indian epic The Ramanya. A perfect place for a stop over.

Diyaluma Falls

On the Poonagala Oya river off the Koslanda- Wellawaya road over a straight rock wall. lies this magnanimous water fall, 559 ft in height. Its distance from Wellawaya town is 13 kms, while that from Koslanda is 6kms. Diyaluma is seen as a soft veil hanging endlessly from the top of a mountain. It is visible from the Balangoda - Wellawaya highway too.

Bopath Falls

Just 15 kms from the Colombo- Ratnapura road, it falls from a height of 100ft into the Kurd gang river. The formation itself is a rare beauty with a perfectly heart shaped head, resembling the leaf of the sacred Bo tree, hence the name Bopath. Also a popular picnic spot, it is bound to take your breath away.

Bambarakanda falls

789 ft in height, Bambarakanda is the tallest water fall of the island- a spectacle that reverberates the glory of nature in its every nuance. However, it throbs with life only during the wet season. The best way to access this marvel of nature is along a minor but mortable road via Haputale and Kalupahana, 22 kms from Balangoda or 32 km from Wellawaya

Dunhinda Waterfall

"Dunhinda" is one of the mostly spoken-about waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Although she couldn't come even close to the highest waterfalls of the planet in height she rivals many of them when it comes to the natural beauty that it bestows on the environment . Situated about 2 km distance from the main road which runs to Taldena from the remote city Badulla in the Uva Province this is easily accesible and frequently visited by local and foreign visitors. On the way can be seen the "Kuda Dunhinda" ( "Kuda" means small in Sinhala ) which is the prologue to its mighty brother . In native tongue "Dun" means mist or vapour which is the ideal explanation for a waterfall creating wreathes of mist on its way down.

Devon Waterfalls

With a peculiar appearance imparted to it by its formation in three continuous cascades this waterfall christened "Devon Falls" pours down to the valley beneath not a long distance away from its brother the "St. Clairs". On the main road opposite to it there is situated a modern tea centre finding its abode thankful to this "Veil ( Bridal ) of the Vale ( i.e. valley )". Driving from Colombo, the capital, via Avissawella one suddenly catches this unearthly sight which is to be soon enhanced by the grandeur of the "St. Clairs". This beauty too is endangered by the above-mentioned power plant beast

St.Clairs Waterfall

These majestic "St.Clairs" falls are close to the main road from Avissawella to Nuwara-Eliya and can well be seen from the Main Line rail track close to Talawakelle. It falls down in two cascades and is an inviting site for regular bathers because it is fairly easily reacheable from a footpath ( actually there are many ) downhill through greeny tea shrubbery. Named after a British colonist, these are one of two waterfalls threatened by a proposed hydro-power scheme in the area

 CEYLON TEA

 

 

 

 

 

The history of Ceylon Tea goes back to the early 1860s, during which the main crop produced in Ceylon then was coffee. Owing to devastation caused by the coffee-rust fungus, the majority of the coffee plants were killed, which made estate owners to lose interest in coffee and to diversify into the other crops in order to prevent an entire ruin. As the owners of Loolecondera Estate had been having a long-stood interest in tea cultivation since the late 1850s, started sowing of tea seeds in 1867under the supervision of James Taylor, a recently arrived Scot, who was appointed as the in-charge.

Tea & Health

　　Research studies show that Tea combats heart disease, lowers cholesterol and staves off several types of cancer while protecting skin and strengthening bones and teeth. Besides having practically no calories, no fat and no salt, two cups of true tea are as rich in flavonoids as a serving of vegetables. Drink tea strong and freshly brewed. Health Benefits: Green tea was the first tea studied for its cancer-fighting benefits. Recent research shows that any tea derived from the leaf of a warm-weather evergreen known as Camellia sinensis has similar cancer-fighting properties. This includes all green, black and red (oolong) teas. The leaves of this tree contain chemicals called polyphenols, which give tea its antioxidant properties

Cultural Triangle

The pear-shaped island at the tip of India has some of the world's most stunning, and least known, ancient cities and archaeological monuments, including monasteries, royal palaces, rock paintings and sculpture that span more than 2,000 years.

The largest and most dramatic are conveniently clustered in the center of the country, in an area called the "Cultural Triangle."

Sri Lanka's three great capitals of the Sinhalese kings --- ancient Anuradhapura, medieval Polonnaruwa and precolonial Kandy --- form the points of the 85-mile-long Cultural Triangle. This amazingly rich district also includes the cliff-top palace of Sigiriya and the cave paintings at Dambulla. All five are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

"Sri Lanka is the cradle of one of the great civilizations of Asia and the world," wrote Federico Mayor, a former director-general of UNESCO. "The Cultural Triangle was the center from which the influence of Theravada Buddhism and Sinhala artistic genius spread far and wide."

UNESCO- Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle Sites:-

     1. Anuradhapura

     2. Polonnaruwa

     3. Kandy

     4. Sigiriya

     5. Dambulla

untry of Sri Lanka will surround you with velvety green freshness all around. The hill country in heart of the island, rises from 3000 ft. to over 8000. The approach to it, whether by road, or rail, is a journey through narrow passes, beside deep ravines and over gushing streams.

 

206 kms from Colombo is Anuradhapura; Sri Lanka's first capital. Anuradhapura founded in the 5th century B.C became the capital in 380 BC. For over 1000 years Sinhalese kings ruled from this great city. This ancient capital of Sri Lanka is a Sacred City today; a potent symbol of Sinhalese power, and the most extensive and important of Sri Lanka's ancient cities.Here one finds the remains of a flourishing ancient civilisation. This great past is reflected in the huge Dagobas, palaces and monuments. Its impressive remains were discovered in the early 19th century and have been in the process of restoration ever since. They lie to the west and north of the modern town of Anuradhapura.Here you will find the Sacred Bo-Tree - over 2,000 years old. The Sacred Bo-Tree is the city's holiest site, and was grown from the tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment - originally a sapling from the tree in North India. The Isurumuniya Temple (3rd century B.C.) with its unique sculptures stands beside the breezy bund of the Tissawewa - a huge fresh water tank; while in the heart of the city stands the white-stone Ruwanveliseya Dagoba surrounded by a wall of carved elephant heads.

 The Thuparama Dagoba, the oldest of many temples in Anuradhapura, is believed to contain the right collar-bone of Buddha. The Jetavanarama Dagoba is the largest remaining structure and may once have been over 100m (328ft) in height and housed an estimated 3000 Buddhist monks.

There are also museums that invite exploration, marvellously restored twin ponds which were used by monks as ritual baths, and immense tanks built to provide irrigation water for the growing of rice. Other Attractions worth seeing are The Brazen Palace, Samadhi Buddha, Kuttam Pokuna and Mirisavati Dagaba.

 

Kandy was the last stronghold of the Sinhala kings. The glory of the past is still manifest in the splendid Audience Chamber, Palace and court-yards. 

The focal point of Kandy, however, is the golden roofed "Dalada Maligawa" the sacred Temple of the Tooth, containing the Tooth Relic of the Buddha, Sri Lanka's most important religious relic. There are daily ceremonies of homage to the Tooth Relic, each attracting pilgrims.

 Major restoration work is in progress here by the UNESCO - aided Central Cultural Fund.

 Buddhist power is built around a peaceful lake. It has a distinctive architectural character thanks to its gently sloping tiled roofs.

Every year in August or late July, depending on the phases of the moon a replica of the Relic is taken in procession round the city accompanied by exotically costumed dancers, drummers and over 80 elephants. The event marks one of the most spectacular pageants in Sri Lanka, the Kandy Perahera.

DAMBULLA

 The gateway to the northwest, and the first of its great sights, is Dambulla, where one of Sri Lanka's finest cave temples stands - 150m (150yd) outside the modern village, and 72km (45 miles) north of Kandy on the outskirts of the dry zone. Within five large caverns  the largest some 50m (360ft) deep and 6m (19ft) in height, are sitting, standing and reclining Buddha images by the dozen, as well as Hindu gods; and each cave is decorated with mural paintings of scenes from the Buddha's life. These murals are much more modern than the carvings, some of which are as much as 200 years old. The first temples are said to have been created by King Valagam Bahu (104-76BC), one of the kings of Anuradhapura, who was driven from his throne by South Indian invaders during the 1st century BC. He took shelter here, and on regaining power had a rock temple built in thanksgiving. The ascent to the caves - which are on the higher part of one of the smooth, sloping crags of rock that are a feature of dry zone landscapes - is steep, but as a reward for your efforts there is a great view of the crag of Sigiriya, about 20km (12 miles) away. 

GEMS 

 

 SIGIRIYA