Seethawaka Botanical Gardens, Illukkovita, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

At the Seethawaka Botanical Gardens, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

Just inside the entrance, of the 'Seethawaaka Wet Zone Botanic Gardens', Illukovita, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

Having an extent of 106 Acres, this is  a very amazing site to visit. It is 6Km on the Thummodara road from Puwakpitiya. 

'Back-hoes' - The work horses of present Sri Lanka.

Coming back from Colombo recently I saw a row of six trailers carrying 'back-hoes' towards Avissawella. Bach-hoes are used in road works, digging foundations for houses, making trenches to plant rubber or coconut saplings, clearing drains etc. They have become quite popular in present Sri Lanka.

Traffic jam, opposite the Rest House, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

At 7am on a weekday the road to Colombo is chock a block with traffic. I took this picture opposite the Rest House. It is faster travelling by a three-wheeler or better still a motor bike, with its higher risk of accidents.

The National Hospital of Sri Lanka, former GH Colombo, Sri Lanka, celebrating 150 years of service to the nation.

One of the earlier buildings.

A quiet tranquil area near the Bandaranayake block.

 Founded in 1864 while under British Colonial rule, on a plot of land donated by Sir Alfred de Zoysa, it is the Prmary Tertiary care unit of the Island. Having nearly three thousand patient beds it is a behemoth even by international standards.

Bread-fruit on a tree, Sedawaththe, Sri Lanka.

Bread-fruit is a staple diet in South and South-eastern Asia. Captain Bligh of 'Mutiny on the Bounty' fame was transporting these  young plants on board the HMS Bounty, when the mutiny occurred. It is a fruit which could be boiled, baked or fried as slices. The South sea Islanders would put the peeled fruit with pork inside a pit n the ground, cover the pit with leaves and light a fire on top. The fire would be tended for hours. The baked product was served at their functions.