Mankulam to Murikandy on the A9 highway, Sri Lanka.

A9 highway past Mankulam.

Road hazard cattle, A9 highway past Mankulam.

'Murikandy Pillayaar Kovil'.

Rubbing the dried log of a 'Sandal-wood' tree to obtain paste to apply a 'Pottu' on the forehead. This is a part of the ritual of worship at this temple. 

'Murikandy' (breaking the journey to Kandy from Jaffna in the old bullock cart days) acts even now as a place where travelers break their journey. An offering and 'poosai' is made to 'Lord Pillayaar' the guardian diety who prevents obstacles (hence his name 'Vikkinaraasaa')

Click on the web-link below to see more photos:-
http://youtu.be/9imAkTN4kJ4

On the road to Kokkavil, A9 Highway, Sri Lanka.

A9 Highway.

Work going on on the railway.

Concrete sleepers awaiting laying on the rail-track.

Outskirts of Mankulam, A9 Highway, Sri Lanka.

New houses coming up.

Material for the railway line.

Turn-off to Mullaiththeevu.

On the approaches to Mankulam, A9 Highway, Sri Lanka.

A track leading up to the railway line work-site.

'Metal' piled up for use on the construction of the railway.

Nearing Mankulam, A9 Highway, Sri Lanka.

Going to Mankulam on the A9 Highway, Sri Lanka.

Cattle in the shrub jungle adjoining the highway.

Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQUp4aclgrQ&list=UU1dqepitfAJwrQWLD-gZ3NA&index=1