A vintage Austin, BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Austin cars made in England were quite popular in the days of the British Colonial rule. I took these photos of vintage cars for hire for use at wedding ceremonies, parked as advertisement, at the BMICH, Colombo. 

Ride on a 'kola patha', Joys of childhood, Sri Lanka.

Getting ready with a 'kola patha' - Arecanut palm leaf base.

Seated and getting a good grip on the fronds.

Away on the ride of a life-time.

Getting a ride on a 'kola patha' - the base of an arecanut leaf - is still one of the joys of childhood in Sri Lanka. The peals of laughter of the rider and the spectators is a joy to watch.

Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY_uAm2ybOk

Flower plants for sale, Waters Edge, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The sheer variety of shapes and colors of flowers attract buyers in  large numbers on Friday-Saturday-Sundays to this sales point near the Parliament complex, Colombo.

Various flowers of Sri Lanka.

The 'Kandyan dancer' orchid.

Orchids 

Orchids

A flower found in the wet-zone of Sri Lanka and carried by children in 'Peraharas'  of the village temples, crying 'Saadhu, saadhu, mal Perahara'.

Canoeing, sailing at Water's Edge, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Canoeing

Sailing

'Water's Edge' near the Parliament is the venue for leisure activities in Colombo. It has walkways, flower stalls, boating and any number of snack bars. There is a 5 star hotel and a Golf Course close by.
Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_smQdqG1ESo

Acts of penance, to Goddess 'Paththini', Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

Cradle of ropes.

Suspended by hooks in the skin.

Acts of penance or acts to fulfil a vow are parts of religious traditions from times immemorial. Here is one such scene from a Hindu religious procession to Goddess 'Paththini'.
Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLQAINZfwYI

Two scenes in Sri Lanka.

Hindu religious procession, Avissawella.

Watchers of a sunset at the Galle-Face beech, Colombo

Women carrying brass pots filled with milk in a Hindu religious procession, Avissawella.