Weligama Bay Marriott Resort and Spa Weligama, a beachfront 5 star 200 room, 11-story property is scheduled to be opened in the year 2014. Marriott International has signed an agreement with Weligama Hotel Properties Ltd., a fully owned subsidiary of East West Properties PLC on the project. Weligama Bay Marriott Resort and Spa is being built according to Marriott International’s five star brand standards, with a beach frontage of 115 meters on the Galle-Matara road. The seaport city of Galle is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of VOC Galle Duch Fort, the best preserved colonial Dutch For in Asia.
Weligama located 144km from Colombo in the south western coastal belt of Sri Lanka is a pristine beach of golden sand sheltered with groves of coconut palm trees.The images of stilt-fishermen perched on a cross bar of a single pole planted into the sea bed have become iconic reperesentation of the popular beach of Weligama.
With a flexiable ball room space of some 640 sq meters, Weligama Bay Marriott Resort and Spa will be geared to serve Sri Lanka Holidays tourists as well as to the MICE market, i.e. Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition.
Commenting on the project of Weligama Bay Marriott Resort and Spa at Sri Lanka Holidays Weligama Mr. Nihal Wijesuriya, Chairman of East West Properties PLC, Sri Lanka said: “We are among the first companies in Sri Lanka to sign up with an international branded hotel company and to open as early as 2014. The is being built according to International’s five star brand standards, with a beach frontage of 115 meters on the Galle-Matara road in the South-West of the country. The construction is being carried out in-house by East West Engineering Services (Pvt) Ltd., Sri Lanka so we have direct control of every aspect of the construction of the and are confident that it will be of the highest standards and quality.”
Marriott International is a world renowned operator and franchiser of a broad portfolio of hotels and which include Bulgari Hotels and s and The Ritz Carlton. International currently operates over 3,700 hotels in over 73 countries and territories around the globe. Marriott Hotels and Resorts are Marriott International’s signature and most widely distributed brand and is also known for the world’s largest loyalty program, Rewards.
Marriott International, Inc. is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA with more than 3,700 properties in 73 countries and territories and reported revenues of over $12 billion in fiscal year 2011. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership s under 17 brands, including Hotels & s, The Ritz-Carlton, JW , Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by , Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Executive Apartments, Vacation Club, Grand Residences by , and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club. There are approximately 300,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties. is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world.
Location of Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, Weligama
Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort is located at the fishing of Weligama of the Southern Coastal Belt, at a distance of 140km from Colombo, the capital city and the main transportation hub of Sri Lanka. South Western Coast and Southern Coast of Sri Lanka are studded with the loveliest pristine bay beaches of golden sand. All the bay beaches are fringed with groves of coconut palm running along each one of those, providing shelter and shade from the tropical sun to the Sri Lanka Holidays tourists on touring holidays in the beaches.
Weligama is halfway between Dondre Head [Devi Nuwara or Devundara], the southernmost point of Sri Lanka to the east [25km] and Unawatuna, a lovely palm fringed bay beach to the west [22km]. Tissamaharama, at once the main Sri Lanka Holidays Cultural Attraction in the Deep South and the gateway to the popular Ruhuna Yala National Park [Yala West] is 124km to the east.
The UNESCO World Heritage site of VOC Galle Dutch Fort is 28km to the west of Weligma on the south western coast.
Barberyn Beach Hotel, Weligama, Sri Lanka Holidays
Eco credentials of Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, Weligama: To be edited
Setting of Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, Weligama Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort is scenically set upon a small hill by the sea at Weligama. Flanked by two beautiful verdant valleys on the east and west, the hill slopes down to the beach at Red Cliff bay, where the guests do swim when the tide is low. On the other side of the resort is the Palm Beach.
Barberyn Beach Hotel, Weligama, Sri Lanka
Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, Weligama’s targeted clientele Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort isn’t just another beach resort: it is a dedicated Ayurveda Resort. Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort has restricted itself strictly to the clientele who arrives for Sri Lanka Holidays with a view to undergo Ayurvedic treatments and therapies to rejuvenate their bodies and lives. A minimum of 14 days treatments being required for effective Ayurvedic therapies and treatments, the rates are all inclusive: accommodation, all vegetarian meals and meals with fish, up to four treatments a day including massages and herbal baths, all the Ayurvedic medicines used during your entire stay at Barberyn.
No alcohol is served or allowed at all during your stay at Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, Weligama.
Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, Weligama has been renowned for its Ayurvedic Spa throughout Europe and Asia for its Ayurvedic treatments for more than a couple of decades. The resort offers effective treatments for shoulder pain, back ache – sciatica, insomnia, gastritis ulcers, skin disorders, psoriasis, allergies, arthritis and many other ailments.
Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, Weligama, Sri Lanka
Accommodation at Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, Weligama
The bright, airy and high-ceilinged rooms at Sri Lanka Holidays Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort is furnished, wherever possible with natural materials. All rooms are equipped with ceiling fans, mosquito net. Each and every room has its own balcony and en suite toilets.
Deluxe Studio Rooms appr. 450 sq. ft.
Deluxe Rooms appr. 400 sq. ft
Standard Rooms appr. 300 sq. ft
Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, Weligama’s Facilities: Dining
The dining room, that is open in two sides, brings in grand views of beach on one side and hill on another. All meals are carefully prepared and served to support and enhance the effects of the Ayurvedic therapies and treatments.
Fresh tropical fruits, fruit juices, an array of traditional porridge prepared by boiling herbs and rice together, yam, eastern and western styled bread is served for the breakfast.
Buffet lunch features vegetables and fresh fish, followed by fruits, yogurt like local delicacy called curd sweetened with palm treacle.
Dinner is a set meal with a soup, main meal and desert. Guests may have the vegetarian main course or dinner served with fish.
Saturday evening features “Sri Lanka night”: hot, spicy hot and delicious dishes of Sri Lanka, some of it cooked at the Buffet table, and eastern music played by a group of traditional musicians.
Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, Weligama, Sri Lanka
Facilities at Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, Weligama
Ayurveda health center, Yoga and medicine pavilion, Shrine room, Reading room
Sea view room serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
Reception pavilion, Swimming pool overlooking the beach
Conference facility, Asian skills and crafts shop
Food demonstrations, Ayurvedic lectures, Cultural evenings
IDD, Laundry, Tailoring, Foreign Currency Exchange
Excursions off Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, Weligama
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of VOC Galle Dutch Fort at Galle Matara Dutch Fort at Matara
Folk Museum at Koggala
Buddhist temple at Dondre Head
Location of Malu Malu Resort & Spa, Passekudah Malu Malu Resort & Spa is located on the beach of Passekudah of the Eastern coast of Sri Lanka halfway between Arugambay and Trincomalee: 115km north of Passekudah in the eastern coast is Trincomalee; 145km south of Passekudha is Sri Lanka Holidays surf beach of Arugam Bay [Arugambay].
Reaching Malu Malu Resort & Spa, Passekudah, Eastern coast
Passekudah can be reached from Sri Lanka Holidays Polonnaruwa [a UNSECO World Heritage Site], the eastern point of the Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle. Distance from Polonnaruwa to Passekudah is 68km.
Distance from Colombo to Polonnaruwa via Kurunegala [48 km to the north along Hiripitiya Road and Madagalla Road is Sri Lanka Holidays cultural attraction of Yapahuwa] and Dambulla [home to Sri Lanka Holidays Golden Dambulla Rock Temple-a UNSECO World Heritage Site encompassed in Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle] is 223 km [4 1/2 hours drive]
Tourist Season
The tourist season for the eastern coast is during April to September. Pasekudah Bay is safe for swimming during this secondary tourist season.
The season for the western and south western coastal belts studded with loveliest palm-fringed bay beaches is during the months of October to April- the main tourist season of Sri Lanka.
Setting of Malu Malu Resort & Spa, Passekudah Malu Malu Resort & Spa, Passekudah is set up in a block of land spanning a 2-acres in the pristine beach of silvery sands of Passikudha bay of shallow waters. So shallow are the waters the tourists holidaying in Sri Lnka Holidays are able to wade out 30-50 meters into the lagoon like waveless sea of turquoise waters.
Sri Lanka Holidays Sustainable tourism (Green i.e., eco) credentials of Malu Malu Resort & Spa, Passekudah:
To be edited
Architectural concept of Malu Malu Resort & Spa, Passekudah Malu Malu Resort & Spa, Passekudah is not at all a modern architectural marvel; it is a far cry from such a concept. The beach resort is fashioned out of the layout of the traditional cluster of fishing huts: it is set up in an arc facing the beach resembling a wadiya [Sinhala: fishing village],
Still more, the front view of chalets at Malu Malu Resort & Spa, Passekudah, has an exterior appearance somewhat resembling that of a primitive fishing village hut; but then once in, there awaits the luxury.
Accommodation at Malu Malu Resort & Spa, Passekudah Malu Malu Resort & Spa, Passekudah consists of 40 chalets of high sloping roofs. Most of the exterior walls are paneled with timber. The bedrooms are softly furnished with double or twin beds draped over with crisp white linen.
The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with tea/coffee facility, mini-bar, safe, overhead fan and LCD TV with satellite channels,
Ensuite bathrooms are of polished cement walls and the flooring are contemporary in design with, h/w showers.
The First wedding at Malu Malu: Olga Yurievna Gorbacheva married Vladimir Alexandroich Luchakovskiy on 18th February 2012
Deluxe Chalets
24 Deluxe Chalets at Malu Malu Resort & Spa, Passekudah consists of two floors. While the ground floor opens out to a private terrace, the upper floor houses a double room that opens out to a balcony bringing in spectacular views of the beach of shallow waters.
8 of the 24 Deluxe Chalets have interconnecting doors.
Deluxe Chalets with Attic
8 chalets of Malu Malu Resort & Spa, Passekudah feature an attic room furnished with twin beds in addition to the double bedroom on the ground floor. These 8 chalets are ideal for the families with grown up children and friends holidaying together.
Ocean Suites and Panoramic Suites
Ocean Suites and Panoramic Suites are the closest chalets to the beach. These eight suites are set up in groups of four. Each group is provided with steam room,Jacuzzi, exclusive private dining deck, and 24 hour butler service.
Facilities at Malu Malu Resort & Spa, Passekudah
Karadiya [Sinhala: sea water], the main restaurant with open sides brings in grand views of the beach and the swimming pool. Karadiya restaurant serves International cuisine as well as Sri Lankan cuisine.
Habala [Sinhala: boating paddle] and Ruwala [Sinhala: sail cloth] are seafood restaurant cum bar located closer to the beach.
The air-conditioned jazz bar and night club serves a range of alcoholic beverages in the evenings. Malu Malu Resort & Spa, Passekudah is also equipped with an Ayurvedic Spa and a gym. It also provide facilities for surfing, snorkelling and boating.
The First wedding at Malu Malu: Olga Yurievna Gorbacheva married Vladimir Alexandroich Luchakovskiy on 18th February 2012
Excursions
Kalkudah beach located 2km from Passikudaha beach
Polonnaruwa located 68 km east of Passikudha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plolonnaruwa, a prime cultural attraction of Sri Lanka is replete with ruins, restored ruins, ancient monuments and the lifeline to the region: ancient irrigation reservoirs
Perseverance of Theravada Buddhism
“From its inception, the Tipitaka, the universal and sacred scriptures of the Buddhasasana [Sinhala: Buddhist doctrine], and Pali, its sublime language, enlightened the Asian civilization. It is through the Tipitaka and the bearers of the Tipitaka that both South Asia and Southeast Asia learned to read and write, found peace and prosperity, and developed cultural and friendly ties among civilized countries of the world.”
Don Percy Mahendra Rajapakse aka Prince Diyasena, the Hero of Modern Sri Lanka at the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Colombo on March 6, B.E. 2549 (2006)
1st century BC
While the hoards of painted barbarians were still fighting the two legions of Julius Caesar at the beachhead (modern Wilmer) on the coast of Kent (55 BC) of England, Sinhalese of Sri Lanka had already emerged a civilized and highly literate nation.
The epitome of Theravada Buddhism, the Pali canon called Tipitaka (3 books) was committed to writing by 500 Buddhist monks on processed and polished Ola palm leaves in Pali language, a Middle Indo-Aryan language of north Indian origin, related to Old Indo-Aryan Vedic and Sanskrit dialects, at Aluvihara Temple in Matale, close to Kandy during 88 -76 BC, under the patronage of Sinhalese King Vattagamini Abbaya (Valagambahu) [108 BC, 89-76 BC] , the builder of Golden Dambulla Rock Cave Temple.
Until then the words of Buddha (6th century BC), the most profound religion ever, had been handed down by means of committing to memory and oral recitations for generations.
5th century AD
The most significant contribution in translation and dissemination of Theravada Buddhism was made by Indian Buddhist scholar named Buddhaghosa (Pali: Voice of Buddha), who arrived in Sri Lanka Holidays Anuradhapura in the 5th century AD. Buddhaghosa settled down to peruse his studies on an enormous volume of commentarial texts that had been assembled and preserved by the monks of the Mahavihara at Sri Lanka HolidaysSacred City of Anuradhapura, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Buddhaghosa, a panel of the murals at Kelaniya Temple, Sri Lanka
While Tripitaka was preserved in Pali language (a literary form of the vernacular which the Buddha used in his discourses), the commentaries elucidating it were produced in Sri Lanka in Sinhala language. Having studied the text in its entirety, the indomitable Buddhist scholar sought permission to synthesize the assembled Sinhalese-language commentaries into an all encompassing, encapsulating single commentary composed in Pali language.
Taken aback with Buddhaghosa’s request, the Sinhalese Buddhist monks at Aluvihara put the Indian scholar to the test: he was assigned the task of elaborating the doctrine regarding two verses of the suttas (discourses). The result was an unparalleled classic: Visuddhimagga (Pali: Path of Purification), a comprehensive manual of Theravada Buddhism that is still read and studied today.
The Sinhalese Buddhist monks at Mahavihara, Anuradhpura, having reviewed the works of Buddhagosha and pleased to no ends, acceded to his request and provided him with the entire mass of their Sinhalese commentaries.
12th century AD
In the 12th century, during the glorious reign of King Parakramabahu the Great, the Sinhalese Buddhist monk Sariputta added his own interpretations imbued with literal accuracy as well as essential meaning to the works of Buddhaghosa enhancing the reputation of Theravada traditions of Sri Lanka throughout Southeast Asia.
20th century AD
2500th anniversary of the final extinction (end of the cycle of birth, death and rebirth-cause and result) of Shakyamuni Gauthama Buddha fell in the Vesak (May) month of the 1956 AD. In commemoration of Buddha Jayanthi, Myanmar rose to the occasion to host the sixth Buddhist Convention (Chatta Sangayana) in Myanmar, to recite the Pali Tripitaka (The Buddhist Canon).
Buddhists all-over the world drew up programs to contribute to the celebrate Buddha Jayanthi. Sri Lanka, the custodian of pure Theravada Buddhism in the world launched the literary project of translating Tripitaka Pali language into Sinhala language. Sri Lanka Holidays provides you the opportunity to visit Aluvihare rock temple, where the Tripitaka was first committed to writing.
Perseverance of an unparalleled Historical Chronicle of Sri Lanka: Mahavamsa
“One of the greatest contributions of the Sinhalese people to the cultural development of South & South East Asia & to world literature is the creation of a historic literature. It is well-known that on the Indian sub continent before the invasion of the Islamic conquerors virtually no historic literature had developed. Sri Lanka tells a different story. In the Dipavamsa & Mahavamsa & in various other Sinhalese texts, we are given an account of the political & cultural history of the island from earliest times until the present time’
(Wilhelm Geiger- His Life & Works, Heinz Bechert, 2nd ed., 69)
The Sinhalese of Sri Lanka are adorned with the unrivaled distinction of being in possession of uninterrupted chronicled history of theirs exceeding monumental 2550 years, which commenced with the arrival of Prince Vijaya from Bengal, East India in 543 BC. No nation in the world, inclusive of India and China, has a historical chronicle comparable to Mahavamsa. The Mahawamsa is written in Pali-the lingua franca of the Theravada Buddhist world at different times in Sri Lanka’s history by a succession of learned and pious Buddhist monks beginning with Mahanama Maha Thera (sixth century AD). Buddhist scholar Mahanama Maha Thera is believed to be an uncle of King Dhathusena, whose flamboyant son Kashaypa (479-497 AD), who reigned in great splendor and aspired to be god king, is credited with the glory of Sri Lanka Holidays Lion Rock Citadel of Sigiriya.
Today, Mahanama seems a man ahead of his time: definitely he must have valued to no ends propagating the cause of fledging Aryan Sinhalese nation to the world. His medium of publicity was the language of Pali: his eye was focused on a wider readership, at least South-East Asia; he opted to make matters easier for would be touring scholars of the caliber of Buddhgohsa who had, first of all, to be proficient in Sinhala language to translate Sinhalese commentaries on the epitome of Theravada Buddhism, the Pali canon called Tipitaka (3 books) into Pali.
The first part of Mahavamsa narrates the era spanning the reign of 54 rulers of Sri Lanka from King Vijaya (543-505 BC) to King Mahasena (273-301 AD). The second part of Mahavamsa named Chulavamsa narrates the era spanning the reign of 111 rulers beginning with King Sirimeghavanna (302-330 AD) to the last King of Lanka Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe (1798-1815 AD).
It is believed Mahanama Maha Thera made use of Dipavamsa, a historical chronicle written a couple of centuries before and Sinhala-Attha-katha-Mahavamsa, composed in Sinhala from various earlier sources, which included Purana-style genealogies & lineages of the Buddhist order. Author of commentaries upon Mahavamsa called Mahavamsa Tika that was written between 1000 AD & 1100 AD is not known. Since Mahavamsa Tika contains information not found in Mahavamsa or Deepavamsa, it is believed that the author of Tika had access to Mahavamsa Attha-katha. From his narrations, it could be deduced that author of commentaries (tika) also supposed Mahavamsa Attha-katha to be known to his readers & accessible to all.
Authenticity of history of Sri Lanka chronicled in Mahavamsa is amply borne out by archaeological, epigraphical and numismatic evidence which corroborates supplements and clarifies the wealth of information recorded in it. The Aryan civilization in Sri Lanka, at least two centuries before the advent of Buddhism in Sri Lanka (Third century BC) and emergence of learned Buddhist monks as historiographers, had already taken to record the dynastic history of the then fledging island nation of the Sinhalese. If such stuff is for the scholars and serious readers of archeology and history, we can make it much easier to the Tourists at Sri Lanka Holidays.
Ruins, renovated and restored monuments, thousands of restored ancient irrigation networks that consists of man-made rainwater reservoirs of epic scale, stupendous Buddhist stupas (dagobas) at UNESCO World Heritage Sites (cultural of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and numerous other cultural sites throughout the island bear tangible and living testimony to the records of Mahavamsa. Visits to Golden Sand Stupa (Ruwan Weli Seya) and The Sea of Parakrama (Parakrama Samudraya) rainwater reservoir of Sri Lanka Holidays alone would give credence to your satisfaction as to the veracity of Mahavamsa.
Construction of The Sea of Parakrama (Parakrama Samudraya) Quote Chulavamsa.
To put away the sufferings of famine from living creatures that most excellent of men hand many tanks and canals made in diverse places. By damming up the Karaganga river by a great barrier between the hills and bringing its mighty flood of waters hither by means of vast canal called the Akasaganga river, the Ruler created that king of reservoirs continually filled with water and known by the name of Parakama Samudra in which there was an island resplendent with a superb royal palace and which was like to a second ocean. He also built the great Parakrama Samudra with a sluice of a hundred cubits, and which was made fast by stone construction.
Unquote Chulamvamsa, being the more recent part of the Mahavamsa. Translated from Pali to English by Dr. Wilhelm Geiger, 1929, London. The hills referred above are Sri Lanka Holidays Central Highlands.
Construction of Golden Sand Stupa (Ruwan Weli Seya) Quote Mahavamsa.
When the resources were thus obtained he commenced the work for the Great Thupa as the Visakha constellation appeared on the full-moon day of the month of Vesakha (April-May). Having got the pillar removed, the ruler of the earth had the site of the thupa there dug to a depth of seven cubits so as to make it firm in various ways. He who knew the advantages and disadvantages, had round stones brought there by warriors and had them broken with hammers; then for the sake of firmness of the site, he had the crushed stones stamped by elephants with feet covered in leather.
The clay at the place where the celestial river descends-being ever drenched-is fine all around there for thirty yojans; on account of its fineness, it is called ‘butter-clay.’ Arahant samaneras brought clay from there. He had clay spread there over the layer of stone. The lord over the clay, rough plaster over it, quartz over that, network of iron over it and, above that, fragrant marumba brought by samaneras from the Himalayas.
Unquote “The great chronicle of Sri Lanka Mahavamsa chapters one to thirty seven. An annotated new translation with prolegomena” by Dr. Ananada W. P. Guruge. 2005, Colombo.
The identification of the most inspiring and stirring appeal to eschew war and violence
Mahavamsa’s comprehensive account resulted in identification of Devanam Piadassi narrated in the edicts and pillar inscriptions of Mauryan Emperor Asoka of India. The identification of great missionaries whose relics were found enshrined in the stupas of Sanchi Sonari of India could never have been made without the information recorded in Mahavamsa on the missions sent out to propagate Buddhism in the reign of Emperor Asoka. Edict attributed to Emperor Asoka are of no mean contribution to the world heritage and the future of the world: the most inspiring and stirring appeal to eschew war and violence ever by a king was made in the Kalinga Edict of Asoka the Great.
In the year 1815, the last king and the island nation was betrayed by king’s own ministers in Kandy led by Pilimathalawwe, to the heinous and hypocritical invader, the British ending the 2357 years of sovereignty of Lanka. The Kandyan nobles disinherited the tradition of the heroic lion-hearted kings of Sri Lanka who repulsed intermittent invasions from Southern India at Anuradahapura and Polonnaruwa of north central plains and then repulsed the Portuguese and Dutch at Sitawake and Kandy for 2357 years.
The modern extension (period: 1815- 1948 AD) at its best is disappointing; at worst is incompetent.
Each chapter of Mahavamsa ends with stating the objective for the compilation of the historical narrative: “for the serene joy and emotion of the pious”. In 2003, Mahawamsa was extended by a few modern historians to include the period from1815 AD to 1948 AD, the year of independence from the British. The modern extension brings about dismay and disappointment at the act of omission and commission contrary to the serene joy and emotion that was intended by the succession of its previous authors.
An acknowledgement
Some of the content above owe much to the narrations by Dr. Ananda P. Guruge: The Great Chronicle of Sri Lanka, Mahavamsa. Chapters one to thirty seven. An Annotated New Translation with Prolegomena. ISBN 955-20-8963-8
Irrigation Department of Sri Lanka Irrigation in Sri Lanka has been practiced for a period of more than 2500 years. It is believed that our ancestors had acquired the technology of Irrigation from the ancient irrigation systems which existed in Babylonia, Mesopotamia, the Indus valley and China since 4000 BC. The massive irrigation systems built by our ancient kings freed our people from the need for the country to depend on external sources for the purpose of feeding her people. Unfortunately after this illustrious period from 500 BC to 1200 AD, due to invasions, disease and other unknown reasons, the irrigation system in the country went into disuse and the glorious hydraulic civilization collapsed.
A wood carving of the ruined valve pit of ancient Kantalai Reservoir
During the colonial period, British Governors realizing the great potential in the ancient irrigation works, a separate department distinct from the former Public Works Department to handle irrigation works, was established in 1900.
Having restored Minneriya, Kala Wewa, Parakrama Samudra, Nachchcduwa, Kantalai and many other major works inclusive of almost all the important ancient tanks and anicuts during the first 50 years of its existence, the Department undertook the construction of the Gal Oya Project. Even today Gal Oya can be considered as the biggest reservoir so far constructed by the irrigation Department or any other organization in the country. Its service to the nation during first 50 years to the nation was celebrated last year. The Rajangana Reservoir Project is one of the most successful irrigation projects in the country today. Inginimitiya, Kirundi Oya and Neelabemma are some of the entirely new projects recently undertaken by the Department and successfully completed.
Nachchaduwa ancient reservoir
The irrigation Department played a unique role in planning of the Uda Walawe and Samanala wewa reservoirs and the preparation of the master plan and early implementation of the gigantic Mahaweli development programme. Having realized the social and political changes taking place in the society, the Department shifted its emphasis towards farmer organizations, institutional development and integrated management of irrigation schemes during the latter part of the century.
Parakrama Samudra Sea of Parakrama ancient irrigation reservoir, Polonnaruwa
Today, after enjoying the benefits of the contributions made by the Department over the last 100 years, I have no doubt that it can play a vital role in the area of water resources planning and development in view of the anticipated changes in the global climate and economy in the future.
The efforts and capabilities of the staff of the Irrigation Department can be judged from the nature and quality of this publication. In addition it has to be emphasized that this publication will be a testimony to the great heritage of record keeping, which is an essential feature in the education process of the younger generation. This publication also transfers the vast experience gathered by our engineers and scientists during the 20th century to the 21st century.
15th May, 2000, W. P. Jinadasa, Director General of Irrigation
Above is reproduced herein by kind courtsey of Director General of Irrigation in Sri Lanka. The text is an excerpt off the Forward written by W. P. Jinadasa, Director General of Irrigation in Sri Lanka to the centenary commemoration volume [1900-2000]. ISBN 955-8431-00-1. During your Sri Lanka Holidays do not fail to visit the ancient irrigation reservoirs of Minneriya at Sri Lanka Holidays close to Polonnaruwa, Kala Wewa close to Dambulla and Parakrama Samudra at Sri Lanka Holidays Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Location of Dimbulagala Buddhist Monastery Dimbulagala Buddhist Monastery, a forest hermitage then in the ancient era, and now a Buddhist temple as well as an archeological site is located 20km south east of Sri Lanka Holidays Polonnaruwa, the ancient kingdom of reservoirs (846 AD-1302 AD). Dimbulagala was known as Dhumarakka Pabbatha in The Mahavamsa or Great Chronicle, Sri Lanka’s non-stop epic. It was also known by the names “Udumbara Giri” [Sinahala: Hill of Woodapple] & “Dola Pabbatha”
Physical nature of the site
Rising 545m above the denuded surrounding plains, the imposing rock spire of Dimbulagala is surrounded by over 100 rock caves.
Dimbulagala Buddhist Monastery, Sri Lanka
Off the beaten track Monastery
The rock caves at Dimbulagala have been in continuous use since the 3rd century BC. While the caves are intact, the scattered ruins of buildings surrounding it have been discovered from various periods between 300 BC- AD1200
Monks who lived at Dimbulagala monastery during ancient and medieval eras. Dimbulagala also made its name for being the abode of Buddhist monk Ven. Kuntha Gantha Tissa who summoned a council of monks & set about to inscribe the Tripitake,(three books of Buddhist doctrine) in the ancient script of Pali without leaving same to oral tradition that had been continued since the time of Buddha. The monumental work was completed under the patronage of King Wattha Gamini Abhaya (Valagambahu) [89-76 BC] at Aluwihare Temple, Matale, Kandy
‘Saddharmalankarya’, one of the prominent literary works in Sinhala language narrates that the last arahat (the supremely enlightened one who broke free from the almost eternal cycle of birth & rebirth), Maliyadeva Thero lived in Sandamaha cave in Sri Lanka Holidays Dimbulagala. It is recorded, in the thirteenth century Buddhist monk Maha Kassapa Thera at Dimbulagala assisted King Parakrambahu the Great [1164-1197 AD] to summon a Vinaya Sangayana (reciting of the code of discipline) & to engage in renewal of Buddhist order.
Royals at the Dimbulagal monastery
It is believed that King Pandukabhaya [437-367 BC], son of Princess Unmada Chithra & Prince Diga Gamani, lived at Dimbulagala with Princess Swranapali for a brief period in the 4th century BC, hospitality being accorded by two demon captains Chitra Raja & Kala Vela, in human form. King Mutasiva, the successor of King Pandukabhaya was born to Princess Swaranpali at Dimbulagala.
Royal Patronage
King Devanampiya Tissa [307-267] in whose reign Buddhism took root in the island, was credited with the establishment of monastery at Sri Lanka Holidays Dimbulagala.
Being pleased with the contribution towards the Buddhism by Ven. Kuntha Gantha Tissa at Aluwihare Temple , King Wattha Gamini Abhaya (Valagambahu), nephew of the hero of the nation, King Duttha Gamini, had the caves had renovated & donated to the Order of Buddhist Bhikkus (monks), one of the triple gems of Buddhism, the other two being Buddha, the founder & his Doctrine.
During the 2nd century 1057 BC, King Vijayabahu [1065-1120 AD] restored the Dimbulagala monastery which had suffered at the hands of marauding Dravidian invaders from Southern India.
Rock Inscriptions at t Dimbulagala
A number of caves with inscriptions over the drip ledges provide the historians valuable information. One Brahmi inscription indicates Queen Sundari, daughter-in-law of King Vijayabahu of Polonnaruwa, once lived at Sri Lanka Holidays Dimbulagala of. An inscription at Sundaramaha devi cave in the 12th century indicates that 500 monks resided there at that time. The Brahmi inscriptions depict the earliest form of Sinhala writing.
Irreverence at Dimbulagala by the British colonialists [1815-1948]
The legendary ancient monastery of the order of Buddhism, a non-violent doctrine, was rechristened “Gunner’s Quoin” by the British in Ceylon. During the colonial era, the island of Sri Lanka was known by the name of Ceylon. Such was the unfathomable irreverence of the British during the colonial era.
The modern Dimbulagala temple
The temple at the base of the rock is built in a large cave where over 300 pilgrims could be accommodated. With a bit of bent of adventure, you can take the path past a sequence of caves to a stupa at the summit of the rock. The hot climb with Sri Lanka Holidays is rewarded with grand views of dry-zone landscape at the summit.
Pulligoda Rock Cave close to t Dimbulagala Monastery
On a rocky outcrop next to the lovely Hitcha Pitcha weva reservoir is a shallow rock cave, home to a series of frescoes, though in a much dilapidated state unable to hide its artistic elegance and archeological value. According to the archeologist Dr. Raja de Silva the artistic style is of some similarities to that of acclaimed Sigiriya frescoes at Sigiriya Lion Rock Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka.
Everybody loves Black Tea, Coffee & Chocolate, the premier beverages. Of all of them Black Tea (oxidized tea) is the most consumed & healthiest beverage. While Green Tea (minimally oxidized tea) from Japan & China has become fashionable, Oolongs tea (semi oxidized tea) from Taiwan too has achieved its rightful place among the beverages. Meanwhile White tea (unoxidized tea) has been reaching out for a fair share in the tea market. All of them are products of a leaf from single specie of plant: Camellia Sinensis, popularly called tea plant.
Ceylon Tea from the Resplendent Sri Lanka is the finest Black Tea in the World.
Sri Lanka and India are the leading producers of high quality Black Tea. Of all the Black Tea produced in the world, the finest Black Tea is from the tropical island of Sri Lanka branded and marketed “Ceylon Tea” with unmistakable logo of a stylized, upright lion bearing a sword depicting justice in a steadfast stand. Go for unadulterated Pure Ceylon Tea.
Ceylon Tea from the Resplendent Sri Lanka is the finest Black Tea in the World.
Black Tea by another name: Red Tea
Black Tea when prepared and served plain without milk is called Red Tea in some of the Middle Eastern countries & Asian countries in view of the reddish tint of the beverage.
Ceylon Tea from the Resplendent Sri Lanka is the finest Black Tea in the World.
Rooibos Tea aka Red Tea is not Black Tea
To mince no words, Rooibos Tea aka Red Tea is no Black Tea. To pull no punches, Rooibos Tea aka Red Tea has nothing to do with Black Tea or White Tea or Green Tea. To hit the last nail on the coffin, so called Red Tea aka Roobios Tea is not manufactured from the tea plant Camellia Sinensis. Rooibos Tea is a bush tea manufactured in the wilderness of South Africa & marketed mainly in U. S. A. As Such, herein we pay last respects to Roobias Tea aka Red Tea. We make a steadfast stand and tolerate no fakes when it comes to Black Tea.
Ceylon Tea from the Resplendent Sri Lanka is the finest Black Tea in the World.
The finest Black Tea in the world: Ceylon Tea Ceylon Tea, the finest Black Tea in the world has been a cornerstone of the economy of the island since the beverage from Sri Lanka rose to prominence in the world with the entrepreneurship of Scotsman Thomas Lipton [1848 –1931], who closed ranks with the pioneer tea planter, Scotsman James Taylor [1835 -1892] at Loolecondera estate in Galaha, Sri Lanka Holidays Kandy. The consummate combination of Lipton and Taylor took Ceylon Tea to the Top of the World with a kind of hush. A hush reserved for awe.
Ceylon Tea from the Resplendent Sri Lanka is the finest Black Tea in the World.
Today, Sri Lanka, the 3rd largest producer of Black Tea in the world, has a total extent of 202,347 hectares of Black Tea plantations, with most of it running along the highland motorway and railway line from Sri Lanka Holidays Kandy, the gateway to the Central Highlands and the medieval capital of Sri Lanka Holidays to Badulla of the Central Highlands of resplendent tropical island of Sri Lanka. Badulla is the terminal point of Sri Lanka’s highland railway line laid out to transport tea from the highlands to seaport of Colombo by the British colonialists [1815-1948]. Highland railway line and highland motorway twisting, winding and ascending hill after hill are overwhelmed with immaculately cultivated vast seamless Black Tea plantations that follow the contours of the land with incredibly trim, short and tight bushes of tea plants. So trim, so tight, so neat, so vast so green hill after hill lulls you all into a dreamy world in the salubrious climate of the Central Highlands, the one and only mountain mass of Sri Lanka. Then the bubble, babble and gaggle of streams and waterfalls awake you to the reality. It’s for real.
Ceylon Tea from the Resplendent Sri Lanka is the finest Black Tea in the World
Above rare poster is reproduced herein by kind courtesy of Getty Images. www.gettyimages.com
Fine plucking Ceylon Tea
Sri Lanka’s seemingly seamless shimmering Black Tea plantation, that if left untended shoot up to become tall trees, are immaculately pruned to waist height so that manual fine plucking of two tender leaves and a bud are carried out with great swiftness. Plucking is done throughout the year except for the short period following pruning. No less than 300,000 plantation workers, the descendents of the indentured labor force brought down by the British colonialists in Sri Lanka pluck millions of superior quality Black Tea by hand day after day. The swift hands of the women tea puckers collect the youngest leaves of tea with both hands as if all of those thousands of women are equally ambidextrous. Their busy bee, butterfly swift mode of nipping off the youngest and topmost leaves (to maximize the flavor and aroma of the beverage) by snapping the stem with index and middle fingers, then tossing their pickings into large baskets hanging over the shoulders to the rear takes you by surprise. It takes the plucking from some 150 tea bushes to make one pound of Black Tea. The small and swift feminine hands coupled with the superior temperament in womanly virtue of patience are instrumental to great extent for high yield plucking. What would you do without them? In Sri Lanka, we say we can do without them, and then on the same breath that we say, we cannot do without them. The human condition is same all over the world from west to east, from east to west.
Ceylon Tea from the Resplendent Sri Lanka is the finest Black Tea in the World.
Black Tea processing; as green as you would like
In Black Tea processing leaves and flushes from the tea plant Camelia sinensis are transformed into the dried leaves for brewing tea. Processing Black Tea consists of important stages: oxidizing the leaves, stopping the oxidation, forming the tea and drying it. That’s it: not overly complicated; still better, no artificial additives at all. Black Teais as green as you would like. Of these steps, the degree of oxidation plays to a great extent in determining the final flavor of the beverage, with rest of the process being instrumental to a lesser extent.
Ceylon Tea from the Resplendent Sri Lanka is the finest Black Tea in the World.
Black Tea manufacturing process: withering
Each and every major tea plantation of Sri Lanka has its own airy fairy factory by the side of a stream. On wide lofts one above the other with abundant space the Black Tealeaves are spread on long tables to wither in warm waves of dry air for twelve hours.
Ceylon Tea from the Resplendent Sri Lanka is the finest Black Tea in the World.
Black tea manufacturing proceeds: rolling
Then the leaves are subjected to a slow rolling process by means of heavy machinery making the tea leaves roll over and around in a twisting and crushing action till each leaf end up with an attractive twist. After all, everybody love a twist. The rolling process break up the cells of the tea leaf, releasing moisture, enzymes [the flavenoids and alkaloids] & Tea tannin. The distinctive flavor of the beverage comes out in rolling.
Black Tea manufacturing process: roll breaking
Roll breaking process breaks up the twisted balls or lumps of leaves and allows them to cool. The roll-breaker is a long mechanized sieve that vibrates while pushing the leaves over sloping mesh from one end to other.
Ceylon Tea from the Resplendent Sri Lanka is the finest Black Tea in the World.
Black Tea manufacturing process: fermentation
Then the mass of twisted green wisps are sifted according to the size & placed in a very cool room to ferment for a short time. Since there is no growth of yeast in the process, fermentation is a misnomer. The process herein is oxidation. Following the release of chemical enzymes from the ruptured cells, the mass of twisted & crushed ea leaves undergo an oxidation of the tea tannin. Oxidation changes the leaf to a coppery red-brown.
Black tea manufacturing process: firing
It all ends up with fire: following the fermentation is the torment. The leaves are fired and dried for 21 minutes in an enormous dryer on a series of trays exposing them to temperatures as high as 260 degrees Fahrenheit [120 degrees Celsius]. The tea leaf now goes black and brittle, the Black Teaas you know, is ready to brew in your kitchen.
Ceylon Tea from the Resplendent Sri Lanka is the finest Black Tea in the World
Ceylon Tea: Premium Black Tea
The ordinary beverage of tea consumed from Colombo to London, Dubai to Moscow, is not necessarily premium quality Black Tea. Most of the products could well be blends of good quality Black tea with low quality Black Tea. Never be satisfied unless your beverage is brewed from premium quality Black Tea from Sri Lanka, branded Ceylon Tea. Always go for Pure Ceylon Tea. While the affluent society would enjoy premium quality Black Tea from Sri Lanka, Ceylon Tea, some humble folks too find themselves lucky to live in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka where among the tea sold for everyday consumption is also the premium quality Black Tea though with a significant price disparity against the lower quality Black Tea. The well-to-do residents of hill country resorts of Sri Lanka Holidays Nuwara Eliya, Hatton, Haputale and Bandarawela etc. would agree, to the boot.
Ceylon Tea from the Resplendent Sri Lanka is the finest Black Tea in the World.
Ceylon Tea: High grown, medium grown and low grown tea
Sri Lanka’s varieties of Black Tea draw their distinctive essence and flavor thanks to the climatic conditions of the tea growing areas of the tropical island. Sri Lanka’s Black Tea, still branded and marketed as Ceylon Tea since the era of British Colonial period of Sri Lanka [1815-1948], is categorized high grown, medium grown and low grown in line with the altitude of the zone. For a small island with no more than 25620 sq. km in area, Sri Lanka has a pretty good range of altitude in the Central Highlands. High grown teas from Nuwara Eliya [altitude: 1800meters; distance from Colombo: 180km], the prime hill country resort produces the ultimate Ceylon Tea, the finest Black Tea in the world: rich, pure and fragrant.
The Turn of the Screw: from Ceylon Coffee to Ceylon Tea in Sri Lanka
Prior to the beginning of plantation of Ceylon Tea in Sri Lanka, coffee grew wild in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. Sinhalese Buddhist traditions that run into medieval era enlighten us of a time coffee flowers being offered at the Holy Temple of the Tooth at Kandy. But it was not until 1823 coffee plantations took root in Sri Lanka, then called Ceylon. During the Napoleonic Wars in Europe (1799-1815), when Holland was occupied by France, the Dutch East India Company [whose VOC Dutch Galle Fort at Sri Lanka Holidays Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the best preserved colonial Dutch fort in Asia today], lost much of the Indonesian coffee-producing area to the British East India Company (1811-1816). The Dutch reclaimed Indonesian archipelago from the British in 1815, following the inevitable downfall of Napoleon. No “third Reich”, no “Grande Armee” would withstand Russian winter; no Napoleon, no Hitler would conquer great Russia.
In 1823 British colonial Governor of Ceylon, Sir Edward Barnes (1776-1838) & his friend George bird, a former cavalry officer, formed the first European coffee plantation in Sri Lanka Holidays Kandy, the gateway to the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. In the same year the colonial governor established a government plantation of 200 acres near the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens at Kandy. The quality of CeylonCoffee was such the governor believed in a brilliant future for coffee in Sri Lanka Holidays Central Highlands. The Story of Ceylon Tea was yet to begin and unravel.
Ceylon Coffee Production during the British Colonial Era in Sri Lanka: sifting coffee beans
The British Child Soldier
In 1825, the British colonialists in Ceylon began cultivation of coffee in large scale in the Central Highlands. Governor Barnes invested in a network of roads in Ceylon. At the forefront of the road building work was one Thomas Skinner (1804-1877), who enlisted in the Ceylon Rifles in 1818 at the tender age of fourteen. Thomas Skinner made roads and history in Ceylon. Such was his contribution, he was attributed to had his hand & heart in the construction of nearly every road & bridge in the tropical island of Ceylon. He gave British Ceylon 3000 miles of good macadamized roads. The remarkable growth of coffee plantations in Ceylon was more or less a result of the road building work of Major Skinner.
Sir Emerson Tennet (1804-1869), colonial secretary of Ceylon (1845-1850) was on the bull’s eye when he stated “to him more than to any living man the colony is indebted for its present prosperity”. One would wonder whether Emerson could have done still better to do justice to Skinner, had Emerson lived to witness the success of Ceylon Tea plantations.
Ceylon Tea Plantations, Central Highlands. Sri Lanka
Ceylon Land Rush Vs. California Gold Rush
The investment in the network of roads in British Ceylon caused a Land Rush, commencing in 1836, for a decade, in the Sri Lanka Holidays Central Highlands in the vein of the Gold Rush in California (1848-1855). Coffee was the latest craze that torched Ceylon ablaze. Fired up by the coffee craze, enterprising individuals across a wide spectrum of the populace took lock, stock & barrel (literally in view of the herds on elephants then populated the Central Highlands). Among those who swarmed to the Central Highlands were Ceylonese civil servants, soldiers, judges & clergymen with one ambition in common: to become planters. At the forefront was legendary Sinhalese Coffee planter, “Rothschild of Ceylon” Charles Henry De Soysa (1836-1890) of Moratuwa [of South-Western Coastal Belt of Sri Lanka Holidays].
And the authorities were only too ready to sell crown lands of British Ceylon and did so at the pace of about 40,000 acres per annum. With the abolition of slavery in the British West Indies in 1833 resulting in a decline of coffee production therein, coffee export from Ceylon was in ascendance, filling the gap in the world market. The success of Ceylon Coffee plantations was such it successfully transformed Ceylon’s economy from reliance upon subsistence crops to plantation agriculture. Coffee industry became a money spinner of Ceylon in the lines as tobacco, cotton, or sugar was in America albeit on a different scale of production. By the mid 1800s Ceylon was the world’s leading coffee producer. In 1869, coffee covered over 90,000 acres of Sri Lanka Holidays Central Highlands and had created a vibrant export trade. But then the wheel of fortunes was to turn & turn with merciless wrath.
Irish Potato Blight Vs Ceylonese Coffee Blight
In 1869, nature turned its wrath upon the coffee plantations of Ceylon through a leaf blight called Haemileia vastatrix, for which no control could be found as was the case in Irish Potato Bight during 1740-1741, a watershed in the history of Ireland which sparked Irish emigration to the New World. Alas, once vibrant CeylonCoffee plantations of Sri Lanka, then called Ceylon was to become a footnote in the history.
The Los Angeles Time, June 30, 1899: The coffee of Yemen (Mocha) is esteemed the best in the world, but little Mocha coffee gets out of Arabia, or at least beyond Turkey and Armenia. Ceylon once had an excellent reputation for its coffee, but so many natural obstacles arose to impede coffee cultivation in Ceylon that Ceylonese coffee plantations have been largely converted into tea plantations…
Andrew Carnegie sees a brilliant future for Black Tea in Ceylon
In 1879, a decade after the coffee blight, American industrialist Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) wrote “there are more than twelve hundred coffee plantations, and the amount of coffee exported exceeds twenty millions of dollars per annum. Tea cultivation has been introduced recently, and the quality is said to be excellent. There cannot be any doubt of this, because it finds a ready market here. None has been exported. If it were not a remarkably good article the foreign would be preferred, as we all know a domestic article has a world of prejudice to overcome at first. I shall watch Ceylon Tea leaf may rival that of the coffee bean.”
On the ashes of once great CeylonCoffee industry, was built the now world renowned Ceylon Tea industry of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Holidays 2012: part 1 Sri Lanka Holidays, the Touring Holidays in Sri Lanka (the inbound tour operations into Sri Lanka) has been surging since the dawn of new era in 2009. The tourist traffic FTAs (Foreign Tourist Arrivals) rose from 447,890 in the year 2009 to 654,476 in the year 2010. The forecast for year 2011 is 780,000.
Tourist Visa to Sri Lanka
However with the scheduled withdrawal of tourist visa on arrival w.e.f 1st January 2012 at Colombo BIA (Bandaranayke Int’l Airport: IATA: CMB), some tour operators in Sri Lanka have estimated a drop of 30%-40% of the tourist traffic in 2012. However it is believed that the Defence Secretary of Sri Lanka saw the urgent need to balance facilitation and regulation with respect of tourist traffic into Sri Lanka.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) System takes its rightful place with the beginning of the year 2012. www.eta.gov.lk
“Following several discussions with stakeholders in the tourism sector, this is the most practical solution which we came up to facilitate tourists arriving in Sri Lanka,”
Sri Lanka Tourist Board chairman Dr. Nalaka Godahewa.
The ETA is a web-based system that grants a person permission to travel to Sri Lanka. According to Chulananda Perera, the controller of Immigration and Emigration, ETA isn’t a visa itself, but, an approval for travel. The visa will be stamped on the passport in arrival in Sri Lanka, but the passenger will have to log in ahead, and have the authorization. The only exceptions are set out to the nationals of Maldives and Singapore. Since both of these countries grant Sri Lankans tourist visa on arrival in their countries the exceptions at Colombo are merely reciprocal.
Main features of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) System
(a) Application of Visa on-line
(b) Acceptance of processing fee (USD50) by credit card online
(c) Release of authorization to travel (bar coded) on-line within 24 hours
(c) Issuance of a computer printout at the visors end
(d) Acceptance of Travel Authorization on arrival so that visa could be stamped at the airport.
Facilities on Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) System
(a) It is not necessary for the Airlines boarding the tourists to be concerned of ETA.
(b) The application can be made by the visitor online, a third party (a friend or a relative) on behalf of the visitor or by a registered travel agent.
(c) Although the ETA is for travelers on brief visits, the permit could be extended up to six months.
Emergency travel to Sri Lanka without prior approval
An ETA issuing counter has been installed at the airport in Sri Lanka for the benefit of those who have visited Sri Lanka in a rush. Welcome to Sri Lanka.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) System and National Security of Sri Lanka
Though the authorities haven’t admitted it, the implementation of on-line visa points to the direction of National security: for a country which has just ridden of a plague that had been sapping its life blood for three long decades, no concern could ever supersede as that of National Security. Visa on arrival, though boost Sri Lanka Holidays, the inbound tourism in Sri Lanka, also makes the island nation vulnerable to the excursions by western journalists with vested interests masquerading as tourists, drug traffickers, gold smugglers and assorted international criminals. Furthermore, ETA would enable to the authorities to minimize overstay and malpractices by some of those who have visited Sri Lanka on tourist visas.
Tourist Visa Fees 2012
Indeed the tour operators aren’t amused with the system of visa on-arrival. Still more Sri Lanka Holidays tour operators are disappointed over the higher level of visa fees: with USD 50 per head, for a family of 4, would incur an additional cost of USD 200. Though the additional cost put upon the tourists could be detrimental to the tourist traffic into Sri Lanka, the government is quick to point out the charges are on par with the rest of the world.
National Security of Sri Lanka and Construction of roads over Wilpattu National Park
This isn’t the fist instance that the authorities have stayed away from admitting the concern of National Security. When two roads projects (a coastal road and an interior road) over the Wilpattu National Park were built, the authorities termed those as development of Sri Lanka’s largest National Park, Wilpattu National Park (131,694 ha). Indeed the National Parks are conserved and never developed is a notion known even to the schoolboys
The construction of an interior road that cut across 35km from the southern boundary at Illuvankulam to Pukulam on the northern boundary of the Wilpattu National Park is called Development of A32 highway. However, as the wildlife conservationists of Sri Lanka have pointed out, the A32 is well north of Wilpattu connecting Mannar to the northern peninsula of Jaffna. Indeed the construction of the road is an abrasive conversion of a colonial era jungle track that had been encroached by the jungle for over a century now.
Moreover, though the coastline of the island of Sri Lanka spreads about 1700km, National Parks possess no more than mere 7% of it: Wilpattu (35km); Bundala (20km); Ruhuna Yala (70km). The coastal road, even wider than the interior road is right along the beach from south to the north of park that turns inland at Kudramalai.
However, building a coastal road along the stretch of the beach and securing same that once served as a base for the smugglers, so that such activities wouldn’t take place once again, could hardly be challenged. The interior road seemed to have built for water-tight support to Sri Lanka Coast Guard and the military guarding the coastal road: all possible leaks would be corked.
ETA and possible reduction of low-yield tourists into Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s cultural attractions such as Lion Rock Sigiriya Citadel, Golden Dambulla Rock Temple, ruins and restored monuments in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa (all of these are UNESCO World heritage Sites), could in time, become unfortunate victims of the ravages of mass tourism into Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s national priority ought to be the protection of our national treasures as well as our land.
It is possible ETA could lead to a reduction of low yield tourists into Sri Lanka. As the Treasury Secretary P.B. Jayasundera at the AGM of the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) on 29th July 2011 pointed out there is no point in drawing tourists who are not capable of spending even as much as the local tourists.
Local Tourists and Sri Lanka Tour Operators
For long decades, Sri Lanka Hotels have failed to table concessionary rates to the local tourists while Sri Lanka’s Sinhalese Buddhists are lured into pilgrimage in India (Dambadiva Vandana: Buddhist Circuit in India) by the outbound tour operators based in Sri Lanka.
Some of those so called Sinhalese Buddhist pilgrims who tour the Buddhist Circuit in India haven’t even visited our own Buddhist circuit (Solosmastana: Sinhala- sixteen sacred Buddhist attractions) in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s tour operators could do much better to promote local tourism among the local tourists in the year 2012.
Sri Lanka Holidays and Direct Foreign Investments
According to the Treasury Secretary P.B. Jayasundera [ at AGM of the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, 29th July 2011 ] 14 sites have been earmarked for Direct Foreign Investments on Sri Lanka Holidays, the inbound tourism to Sri Lanka. These sites would be allocated for golf courses, water parks, marinas, entertainment studios, light aircraft services and sea planes, convention and exhibition centers, gaming cities, race courses, theme parks, shopping malls, adventure sports, boat manufacturing and boat hiring and taxi services.
ETA and so-called Ramayana Trail tourists (low-yield) into Sri Lanka
Since ETA administration fees upon the tourists visitors from member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) could be much lower (most possibly USD6) than the standard fee of USD 50 per person and then again a third party (a friend or a relative) or the registered travel agent may apply for ETA on behalf of its clients, it is highly unlikely Sri Lanka would see a reduction of low-yield Indian tourists on controversial Ramayana Trail, a hoax.
Ramayana and Mahabharata are Hindu epic poems, true treasures of the cultural heritage of the mankind. Yet Neither Mahabharta or Ramayana have no place and in the history of Sri Lanka.
“It is not our job to verify historical accuracies but to encourage tourism, which is what we are doing by promoting the Ramayana Trail” said the promoter of Ramayana Trail. That’s a mouthful from the horse’s mouth itself and it spilled the beans and the carrot. bunpeiris
On 7th July 2010 Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka at Mahaweli Center, Colombo, Sri Lanka shed light on the hoax and enlightened the public: Professor Tissa Kariayawasam, Prof, Oliver Abeynaike, Dr. Hema Goonatilake, Dr. Nihal Perera, Dr. Malni Dias and Venrable Hegoda Vipassi delivered speeches on “Ramayana Circuit”, “The factual pre-history of Sri Lanka”, ‘Distortions of archeological evidence” and “My travails in refuting the Ramayana Trail”.
To be continued: Sri Lanka Holidays 2012: part 2 bunpeiris
Sri Lanka Anaconda (Anaconda of Ceylon) Vs. Amazon Anaconda
South American name Anaconda is said to have been derived from Sinhalese name, Henakadaya. Among many other dictionaries, The American Dictionary of the English Language indicates that the name could be an alteration of Sinhalese Henakandaya.
It is interesting to noteColonol Percy Fawcett (1867- 1925), who had close encounters, the run-ins with Anaconda while on an expedition to mark the borders of Bolivia, had served in Ceylon too where he met & married his wife.
Could it be possible, in Ceylon, that the tales of Anaconda had fallen into the ears of the Englishman? The Scots magazine, in the year 1768 (99 years prior to the year of birth of Col. Fawcett, 1867), published a narration of an encounter with a 33 feet long monster with a girth as thick as a man’s waist, devouring a leopard of monstrous size, in the island of Ceylon. The narrator, an Englishman by the name E. Edwin, said to had been a resident in Ceylon for many years.
The Ceylonese seemed to know the creature well; they call it Anaconda, talked of eating its flesh when they caught it. And according to E. Edwin they did. “He was cut up; and afforded a flesh whiter than veal, & as they said that ate of it, finer tasted than any flesh whatever”
However there is no record of Sinhalese ever having taken to eat snake meat in Sri Lanka.
Could it be possible, Colonel Fawcett carried the name, Anaconda to Bolivia from Ceylon? Fawcett had a run-in with one not long after he arrived in South America. In his diary he noted: “We were drifting easily along on the sluggish current not far below the confluence of Tiger and the Rio Negro when almost under the bow of the igarit’e (boat) there appeared a triangular head and several feet of undulating body. It was a giant anaconda. I sprang for my rifle as the creature began to make its way up the bank, and hardly waiting to aim smashed a .44 soft-nosed bullet into its spine, ten feet below the wicked head. At once there was a flurry of foam, and several heavy thumps against the boat’s keel, shaking us as though we had run on a snag… ”
The Colonel made seven expeditions between 1906 & 1924. On 29th Many 1925, a message was sent from Fawcett to his wife, indicating that they were ready to enter unexplored territory. The three were sending back the assistants that had helped them to this point & were ready to go on by themselves. Fawcett told his wife “You need have no fear of failure…” It was the last anyone ever heard of the expedition. They disappeared into the Jungle never to be seen again. Despite Fawcett’s wishes, several rescue expeditions tried to find him, but without success. Occasionally there were intriguing reports that he’d been seen, but none of these were ever confirmed. So what happened to Colonel Fawcett. What danger that had eluded in the past had gotten him this time? Hostile Indians? A giant Anaconda? Piranhas? Disease? Starvation? Or was it, as one told, he’d lost his memory & lived out the rest of his life as a chief among a tribe of cannibals? Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad? Red by Somerset Maugham?
The South American anaconda (Eunectes murinus) is a semi aquatic boa that inhabits swamps. The family Boidae (boas and pythons) includes the world’s largest snakes, the South American anaconda and the Asian reticulated python, as well as the smaller boa constrictor and the tree and sand boas. Python (Molurus molurus) (Southern India and Sri Lanka), is a large (maximum length 6-7 meters) & powerful carnivorous snake with a large girth.
During the British colonial period in (1805-1948), a considerable territory of the dense jungles in the Central Highlandsof Sri Lanka was cleared for coffee plantations & then for tea plantations, following the Coffee Blight. Could it be Sri Lanka Anaconda, which ambushed upon prey ranging from leopards to deer, in trees rather than in marshy areas as its cousins in the Amazon, gradually became extinct? During Sri Lanka Holidays, you will have an opportunity to have a pet Python wrapped over your shoulders and pose for a photo shoot, if you are a lover of snakes.
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