'Murthy Thorana', and traditional 'Thorana', Kudagama, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

A Wesak 'Thorana' depicts a 'Jataka' (birth) story of Lord Buddha. This is usually composed of pictures drawn and numbered in series on a bill-board like structure. This is adorned with electric lights.

A 'Moorthy Thorana' does the same thing but instead of drawings the story is depicted by figures made out of clay. This was seen by us for the first time at Avissawella, this Wesak.

Walking through a rubberr plantation, Kudagama, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

A gentle stream flowing by.

Soil erosion after heavy rains.

On the banks of a dry Kelani Ganga at Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

The Kelani Ganga at Kudagama, Avissawella was very low when I took these photos.

Help for the ferry-man.

Boat ferries are a common site in Sri Lanka. They are used to ferry travelers across rivers where there are no bridges close by. I took this video at the Kudagama ferry-crossing the Kalu Ganga in Avissawella. You can see a female passenger giving a helping hand to the ferry-man. Please click on the internet link below to watch the action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMDTTEekbmw&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Little Cormorant

I took this picture on the Kudagama road, Avissawella. The cormorant was cooling itself by opening its wings to the breeze after a prolonged dive.