Artifacts in the museum of the 'Wavurukannala' Buddhist temple.

A rickshaw

An elegant writing desk.

'Apaaya' - Hell as depicted at 'Wavurukannala' Buddhist temple, Thangalla, Sri Lanka.

Scenes from 'Apaaya' - Hell

'Wavurukannala', Tangalla, Sri Lanka

The old entrance - Note the British 'Coat of arms'

The timber-work of the main hall.

The footsteps to the hall

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.

Langurs raiding a 'Rambuttan' tree, Meepe, Sri Lanka

A sumptious feast of 'Rambuttans'

'Rambuttan' trees produce fruits which fetch Rs.2 to Rs.5 wholesale and Rs.10/- each for consumers. Thieves rob the produce. Bats, squirrels and various birds eat part of the produce. Langurs raid the plantation to enjoy the fruits. The owners do various ruses to prevent these acts. In earlier days empty tin cans were tied to the top of the trees and were made to rattle by pulling a string from a hut close by to scare away bats at night. Transistor radios were put on full volume and tied to the top of the trees at night. Recently I heard that domestic dogs are put in a cage and tied to the branches of the trees to bark and chase away thieves and pests. I saw a keeper using stones on a catapult to chase away the monkeys.

Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwGgtzyTXmY

Western coastline by rail - Sri Lanka.

A fascinating journey - the western coastline by rail from Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6tib-q5YWI

Song and dance recital, Wathupitiwala, Base Hospital.

The following videos are from a cultural programme performed by the staff of the Wathupitiwala Base Hospital, Sri Lanka.

'Api maraenney nae'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C54KIE-8YPk

'Dumbara menike'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qg6bQ5aOmk