Thursday, June 14, 2012

'Wavurukannala', Tangalla, Sri Lanka

The old entrance - Note the British 'Coat of arms'
The timber-work of the main hall.
The footsteps to the hall

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Langurs raiding a 'Rambuttan' tree, Meepe, Sri Lanka

A sumptious feast of 'Rambuttans'


'Rambuttan' trees produce fruits which fetch Rs.2 to Rs.5 wholesale and Rs.10/- each for consumers. Thieves rob the produce. Bats, squirrels and various birds eat part of the produce. Langurs raid the plantation to enjoy the fruits. The owners do various ruses to prevent these acts. In earlier days empty tin cans were tied to the top of the trees and were made to rattle by pulling a string from a hut close by to scare away bats at night. Transistor radios were put on full volume and tied to the top of the trees at night. Recently I heard that domestic dogs are put in a cage and tied to the branches of the trees to bark and chase away thieves and pests. I saw a keeper using stones on a catapult to chase away the monkeys.

Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwGgtzyTXmY

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Saturday, June 9, 2012

'Nongu' at Kithulgala, Sri Lanka.

Unripe palmyra fruit - 'Nongu' and King coconut for sale at Kithulgala. Note  the Kithul jaggery and kithul honey on the table for sale. Note also the folded camp bed and chair of the vendor.
The road at Kithulgala.


Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8SDsxDCfZY