A school in the interior of Mannar, Sri Lanka, 2004

Strangler creeper, Mannar, Sri Lanka.

The strangler creeper which started as a vine has grown into big tree surrounding the Palmyra tree totally.

The Palmyra tree has been slowly strangled and is now only a dead trunk, after shedding its crown.

Around Arippu, Mannar, Sri Lanka.

Ruined British  Governer's residence occupied only during Pearl-fishing season of the Colonial Era.

Erected to guide boats off the shoals.

'Flame of the forest' tree, near Silavaththurai, Mannar, Sri Lanka.

With its brilliant orange colored flowers, this tree  deceives one looking from far away, as though the forest is on fire. Hence the name.

In between the wars, Mulangaavil Hospital, Mannar, Sri Lanka.

Board of the Poonakary Hospital transplanted at Mulangaavil.

The male ward at the Mulangaavil Hospital.

The kitchen in the hospital.

The fire-place in the hosapital.

With the massive exodus of population from the Jaffna Peninsula, these areas produced sanctuary. Paddy was aplenty hence feeding was not a problem. Shelter was another matter. Families  slept in the fields and highways. Malaria  and snake-bites caused casualties.

In the years of peace between the wars, road to Poonery, Mannar, Sri Lanka

Teaching staff

Students at a school depleted of pupils

The 'Kadalai Aachchi'

Children in a school, Mulangavil, Mannar, Sri Lanka, in between the wars, 2004.

Note the empty chairs.

Warning against land-mines on the school notice-board.