A variation of the 'Beetle' used extensively in the Second World War.

Designed in Germany when Adolf Hitler was in power by Auto Designer Porsche, the 'Beetle' had a variation to suit the needs of the Wehrmacht. This was used extensively in the Russian Front and in Libya. The air-cooled engine had no reliance on water and was a definite advantage in the deserts of North Africa.This model came to the Volkswagen Rally in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in April 2013 and was in pristine condition.

A modified 'Beetle', Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The front end.

The driver's seat. Automatic transmission, air-conditioning, stereo player etc. The rear seats have been removed and the canopy shortened.

The twin chromium plated silencers.

The rear engine compartment.

The engine with an alternator.

A view of the rear.

What a lot of care and attention would have gone into this 5 Sri model most probably manufactured in the late 1960s.
Click on link below to see a video:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWUrd5eM5FE&list=UU1dqepitfAJwrQWLD-gZ3NA&index=2

The 'Beetle' in Sri Lanka.

The first shipment of the Volkwagen 'Beetle' landed in Ceylon in 1953. Thia was imported by Clarence Amarasinghe of Car Mart, Colombo. The price was Rs.3900/- I hear when the Morris Minor was around two thousand Rupees. The first series number plates issued to them was EY. A later EL series is still on the roads and took part in the Rally held on 7th April 2013.

Two Volkswagens at a rally on 7th April 2013 at Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The green one parked next to the 'beetle' is with a different body used extensively by the Wehrmacht during the Second World War. It is a beauty. 

The Volkswagen 'Beetle Rally', Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The youngster came all the way from Australia with his parents to be with his Grandpa to take part in a Volkswagen 'Beetle Rally' at Colombo, Sri Lanka. The last picture shows the Ayres Estate Guest Bungalow at Bope, Padukka where the Rally terminated.This building was put up in the 1930s. There were more than 75 Beetles in the Rally this year.
Click on link below to see video:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ9LucRxxyg&list=UU1dqepitfAJwrQWLD-gZ3NA&index=3

Lighting an oil lamp - New Year traditions, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

 Lighting an oil lamp before the festvities is one of the traditions at the Sinhala Tamil New year Celebrations in Sri Lanka in April every year. The nursery school children had an advance celebration. I took these photos there. The pictures show the decoration on a post used in place of a brass lamp for the traditional lighting up. The lighting-up was done on wax floats with wicks inside the basin of water..

Bicycle race at a New Year Celebrations, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

The grass was wet with the morning dew and it was tough going. Only the one in red completed the course.