Wesak lighting at the 'Manikkawaththe Pansala', Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

Wesak is a day celebrated as the day of Birth, Enlightenment and demise - Parinibbana - of Lord Buddha, in present Sri Lanka. This is a festival of lights where coconut oil lamps, candle lit paper lanterns of a few decades ago is replaced by electric lights now. The above pictures depict a 'Pansala'- Buddhist temple - illumined by lights on a Wesak week.

Biological control of cockroaches by ants.

Roads to Wedagama and Hanwella, Sri Lanka.

Road to Wedagama, off Pugoda. 'Wedagama' was a village created by the late President Premadasa to house 25 Ayurvedic physicians of various specialities. One of them from 'Horivila' has a rollicking practice even now.

The road from Pugoda to Hanwella.

'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.

Scenes on the Southern Expressway, Sri Lanka.

'Puhul pahan' and 'Wesak lantern', Thithapaththara, off Hanwella, Sri Lanka.

Outdoor decor, Hotel, Bope, Sri Lanka.