Kallady beach, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka.

The beach at Kallady in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka has for generations attracted people. The acres of treeless sand and the ocean breeze on moonlit nights called for group singing, booze and dinner. What a lovely time we had in days gone by. After the Tsunami it has been made into a lovely spot. There is an elevated board walk, halls to rest in and an adjoining play ground for children. I took these pictures on the 13thAugust 2011.

Wayside boutique, road on the right bank, Randenigala.

 At a wayside tea boutique the female owner had a pet squirrel runner all over her body and hiding under the tresses on her scalp. The owner said that the squirrel had fallen from its nest and she had fed it milk and was now her constant companion.

Road to Mahiyangana

The road to Mahiyangana on the right bank of the Mahawely from Kandy is well maintained except in the early stages. It runs for quite a distance on the side of a hill overlooking the Mahawely downstream. It is sparsely populated and has a sense of peace and serenity. I took this picture of the road.

The Batticaloa Lagoon, Sri Lanka

 Batticaloa in Sri Lanka is known as the land of 'milk and honey'. It has buffalo curd and bee honey, it has cadju nuts and very tasty rice, sea food like crabs, prawns, lobsters and crayfish from the lagoon and fresh sea fish. It has the beautiful lagoon which at sunrise and sunset are paradise itself. Its people are very hospitable and they love their leisure. I took these photos of the lagoon during a recent visit.

Pied Kingfishers

Photo taken from the ramparts of the Dutch Fort, Batticaloa.

Indian Pond Heron

Photo taken at Rekawa near Tangalle, Sri Lanka.

Buddha statue being constructed at Rambodagala Moneragala Vihara

 

 Turn to the right from the Kurunegala - Dambulla road near the 51st mile post to go to Ridivihara. Go past Ridivihara and you will come to Rambadagalla Moneragala Viharaya. A stupendous Buddha statue is being carved out of solid rock by some artisans from Thamilnadu. The Chief of them is Padmashree Muthaiah M Stapathy. Work started in 2002 and has already cost I am told 350 lakhs of rupees. It would be 'in the round' and would be double the size of the Aukana statue. I went to see it being made. The above is a picture I took. Do go and see it being constructed.