Thursday, March 13, 2014

Carnival, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

The 'Well of death'. A bicycle, a motor-cycle and a go-cart were being ridden in turn round the interior walls of this wooden 'well'. Quite a crowd was bthere to pay for the tickets to watch the show.

'Rotti' being prepared.

Toys for sale.

Plastic balloons for sale.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

The 'saara-vita' - betel seller, man, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

The 'Saara-vita' seller.

The illumination for the tray is done by a small acetylene flame issuing from a hypodermic needle. The acetylene is generated by water dripping on calcium carbide and is led to the needle by a cut plastic tube from a discarded intra-venous set.

The 'saara-vita' containing a betel leaf, arecanut, tobacco, spices and coloured coconut scrapings. The price was Es.30/- each.

Old 'saara-vita' seller fast asleep before his ware. The acetylene lamp is burning bright illuminating his tray.