Come Sri Lanka Magazine July 2016 English (E Version)

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CONTENTS 06

Living in a Pearl

Paradise is found on an island off the Indian Sub-Continent

24

Nature’s Elixer A Buddhist Way of Life

Coconut Water

08

From Army Soldier to the Chief Mahout

30

10

Ayurveda in Sri Lanka

34

Unser Botschafter in Sri Lanka

14

Kandy

38

The Most Beautiful Train Ride in the World

Paradise on Earth...

A Mind Blowing Experience

16

44

Clingendael

46

Cinnamon

48

Colombo By Jeep

52

Come and See Us

The Spleandour of the Culture

20

Kandy City

21 22

The Temple of the Tooth Relic The Painter of the Temple COME SRI LANKA MAGAZINE Page

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The Secret History

An Adventure in the City of Architecture

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54

The Golden Outline of the Nature’s Masterpiece

80

The Epitome of Sri Lankan Culture

84

Nursery of Whales

60

The Majesty by the Sea The Mount Lavinia Hotel

86

I Swam With 15 Whales

62

Mount Lavinia Beach

87

64

Following the Trail

Foundation Of Goodness It Works!

92

Why Invest in Sri Lanka

70

A Homelike Experience with Serendib Leisure

94

George Steuart & Co.

74

Negombo

96

Cinnamon Legends

76

Taste Sri Lanka

78

The Bio Diversity Hotspot of Sri Lanka

98

Ihr zu Hause in der historischen Stadt Galle

Sri Lanka’s Most Visited National Park is Home to Many National and Global Treasures

The Rainforest Ecolodge

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Sri Lanka’s Oldest Company, a Leading Diversified Conglomerate Today A Modern Company Bathed In History and Legend!

Fairway Galle

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Living in a Pearl

Paradise is found on an island off the Indian Sub-Continent

TO

the South of the Indian Sub-Continent lies an island shaped like a pearl from which it derives the name “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”. Over the centuries this island has been known by many names. Ancient Greek geographers called it Taprobane and Arabs referred to it as Serendib since they are said to have found serendipity as they arrived on these shores. Ceilão was the name given by the Portuguese when they arrived on the island in 1505, which was translated into English as Ceylon.

In 1972, the official name of the country was changed to “Free, Sovereign and Independent Republic of Sri Lanka” and in 1978 it was changed to the “Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka”.The current name is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning “resplendent land”, which was also the name in the ancient Indian epics Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Sri Lanka is a small miracle with a big smile and an even bigger heart. Diversity extends to virtually every aspect of life. One will find everything from pristine white sand beaches, to lush green mountains, lagoons, wetlands, rivers and

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various types of wildlife-rich jungle within short distances of each other.

Diversity is also extended to its people. Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic, multireligious and multi-cultural society. But it all began with indigenous people, the Veddahs who though a dying race still exist today. The main ethnic groups are the Sinhalese and Tamils. Then there are Muslims, who settled in the island from the time it became an ancient trading centre. Similarly, Malays and Chinese were also attracted to the island. The Portuguese and British brought with them Kaffirs from Africa, and the Dutch an assortment of European traders, known as the Burghers. There are other communities too, like the Chetties from South India for example . . . and the list just goes on. In terms of religion, perhaps nowhere else in the world will you find a temple, kovil, mosque and church down the same street with people of all faiths living in harmony.

When it comes to celebrating, Sri Lankans have their own unique style too.

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techniques such as yoga, meditation and special diets.

For those who prefer the great outdoors, Sri Lanka is paradise in their terms. With over 1,600km of coast, Sri Lanka is an ideal location for wind-surfing, waterskiing, surfing, sailing, scubadiving, snorkeling, speed-boating and banana-boating. There are also plentiful opportunities for year-round kayaking and canoeing, perhaps combined with a camping trip on the many rivers. Seasonal white-water rafting, para-gliding, rock climbing, cave treks and mountain biking are also becoming increasingly popular as is whale and dolphin watching.

With religious and cultural festivals all year round, Sri Lankans are constantly preparing to entertain which is an inherent trait that comes with hospitality passed down for generations. Whatever their situation in society, the people of Sri Lanka possess a warm and friendly nature reflected in persistent smiling faces and eagerness to help those unfamiliar with aspects of local life. You’ll find that Sri Lankans are very hospitable and take pride in inviting people to their homes, however modest they may be. And don’t decline, as Sri Lankan hospitality is taken very seriously!

The importance of Sri Lanka’s culture and heritage has been recognized

by UNESCO, which has declared 8 archaeological World Heritage Sites in the country including the architectural masterpieces in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, and Galle. But there is so much more to see and experience in almost every town and village. An abundance of waterfalls, natural pools, hot water wells, man-made reservoirs and water works are strewn across the island. The all year round tropical climate also makes the island the perfect stopover for migrant birds. Sri Lanka is also home to a considerable amount of endemic species of flora and fauna found in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and the Yala and Wilpattu National Parks.

Sri Lanka has always been a place that refreshes not just the mind and body, but also the soul and spirit. For thousands of years, the most popular method used to restore and rejuvenate tired bodies and weary souls has been Ayurveda – the oldest and most holistic medical system available in the world.

Sri Lanka has been a centre of spiritual and physical healing for 2,000 years.

Ayurvedic programmes consist of a range of herbal treatments and various types of baths and massages, together with cleansing and revitalization

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With tourism being one of the country’s main income generators, Sri Lanka has an assortment of accommodation options. The commercial capital Colombo features not only a host of modern five-star hotels but also iconic colonial-era hotels with the charm and romance of a bygone era. The coastal areas, especially the west and south, have innumerable resort hotels.

Hill country towns such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Bandarawela feature colonial era hotels, and for those who venture farther there are beautifully converted colonial homes, tea and rubber plantation buildings, jungle cabins, tree-houses and eco-lodges as well as camping under canvas.

No matter where you go, you will also find traditional artisans handcrafting little treasurers to take back home. Traditional masks, ornately carved brass work and silverware, batik and handloom textiles, lace, and wood carvings are popular. Sri Lanka also has the widest variety of precious stones among the world’s gem producing countries - blue sapphires, star sapphires, rubies, cat’s eye, garnets, moonstones, aquamarines and topazes being just a dazzling handful.

At the end of a 30 year civil war, Sri Lanka has further opened up to the world. International hotel and restaurant chains, retailers and clothing lines are battling for prime spots in the main cities, while the local government is obliging investors by improving infrastructure. Lifestyle itself has changed with more of the West being slowly infused in to city living. And yet one thing remains. Sri Lankans are a strong resourceful people. Colonial rule, war, and devastating natural disasters have not been able to take away the resilience and smiles of the people. This is life in a pearl!

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FROM

ARMY SOLDIER

TO

CHIEF MAHOUT

W

e are in Pinawala the Elephant orphanage some 80 km from Colombo to meet the Chief Mahout.

A Mahout is an honourable job. The job selection is in fact done by the Elephants themselves. Candidates have to be among the Elephants for a while. Then after a week or so the Eldest Elephant of the hurd shows some affection to one candidate in particular. That is monitored by the committee who has to appoint the new Mahout, We meet one of the Mahouts who is to modest to mention his name. A translator explains that this man was a army soldier and fought in the war to liberate the country some 10 years ago. While he stands with us his eyes are

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with the hurd down below.Noticing every move they make. I wonder myself how on earth could this man hold a gun ?

The big hurd is gathering. It is an amazing scenery . The wide river with low water level is ideal for the hurd to move slowly trough the water. They know it is about time to get out of the river.

One of the Elephants gets restless and the Mahout quickly walks down to the river bed to look after the mother and her young.

The Mahout grabs softly the trunk of the mother and whisper a few words.

His unconditional love for the elephants is demonstrated in that “one golden moment”

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Ayurveda

in

SRI LANKA

Ayurveda, a Sanskrit word meaning ‘the science of life’, is a system of knowledge deeply entrenched within the Sri Lankan culture.

The history of Ayurveda T

his ancient knowledge was first gathered by seers in India over 5000 years ago. Gained through deep meditation and observation of nature in motion, these wise elders viewed the planet and all life as connected.

The knowledge gathered was used to come to understand the deepest mechanics of human physiology and health and advised on how we can conduct our daily life in order to maintain or re-gain, perfect health for mind, body and spirit.

Sri Lanka ist ein Schmelztiegel unterschiedlicher Religionen und Kulturen, hauptsächlich Buddhismus, Hinduismus, Christentum und Islam. All diese verschiedenen religiösen Praktiken wurden von Ayurveda beeinflusst.

Ayurvedic practice was actually a very small part of the knowledge and wisdom gathered by these seers. The Veda, our planet’s oldest existing literature, is made up of India’s first philosophical and spiritual texts.

How beautiful then, that the very first knowledge deemed important enough to record, was based on the deep, unbreakable link between our planet, all the nature on it and our own health and well being.

In fact, for well over a thousand years the knowledge was passed from teacher to student orally, before being written down in Sanskrit around 1,500 BC. The Vedic texts formed the birth of the Hindu religion into which the knowledge of the seers was interwoven as a living practice.

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Ayurvedic cross-culture influence Sri Lanka is a melting pot of different religions and cultures, in the main Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. It may be said that even all of these differing religious practices were influenced by Ayurveda.

By 700AD Chinese scholars were studying medicine in India and as such the knowledge and wisdom encased in the Vedic texts filtered through Chinese medicine and into Buddhist philosophy. Both the Christian and the Islamic texts also advocate practices that affect the body and the mind. For example, the early Christians would observe the practice of fasting as do Muslims today, in fact the Muslim system of prayer incorporates also the practice of yoga, which originated within the Veda.

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The root of Ayurvedic teaching At the root of Ayurveda for health lies the importance of the ‘Agni’, or digestive fire. The idea is that with a strong and robust digestive system, anything we eat or drink or otherwise ingest, quickly passes through and leaves the body.

A strong digestive system ensures fast and easy assimilation of nutrients meaning that the body benefits from the foods we eat.

Problems occur when Agni is impaired. When the body is unable to process the food we eat and drink fast enough, a backlog occurs and this backlog eventually clogs up the whole system causing dis-ease and impaired health.

Therefore preserving Agni is the cornerstone of Ayurvedic health.

Ayurveda teaches us how to live within the wider cycle of nature so that it is not just what we eat that is important, but when we eat, how we eat, which foods we eat together, when we wake and when we sleep.

When our own human physiology is in line with the wider rhythm of nature we can experience a real balance of mind, body and spirit, bringing a calmness and an inner wisdom lost to most of us today

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Ayurveda in Sri Lanka Ayurvedic practice underpins every day life in Sri Lanka. The people rise early with the sun at 5am and are normally in bed by 8pm or 9pm. Sri Lankan food centres around rice and curry where the vast proportion of the meal is rice and vegetable dishes. Where meat is served it consists about 5% of the whole meal.

Ayurvedic shops selling herbs and tonics, either to be prescribed by Ayurvedic doctors, or which are commonly known to treat certain ailments, are found in every village, town and city Sri Lanka wide.

Ayurvedic doctors of great esteem can be visited on the island and they will prescribe a lifestyle which will restore lost health and vitality. The prescription will always be centred around diet and other daily practices.

In fact every Sri Lankan person country wide holds this ancient knowledge almost within their genealogy. It has been passed down through generations and if you happen to have a stomach ache, or headache or any malady you can imagine, a Sri Lankan will always have the perfect herbal remedy to offer you along with a huge smile. This connection to the natural world around us is something we should all seek to strengthen.

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Some basic rule you can start to follow today!

Here are a few basic rules of Ayurveda which can help anyone get started on the route to a healthy balance ‌ what is so poignant is that these are not just made up rules based on loose theory, there is a reason for everything, which once understood, makes perfect sense.

Rule: Light breakfast should be taken before 8am, either porridge, or fruit or something similarly simple.

Reason: A light breakfast is best as you want to avoid using the rising morning energy to digestion, this energy is for your day!

Rule: Fruit should always be eaten alone and on an empty stomach and never with or after a meal.

Reason: This is because fruit digests very quickly, in under 20 minutes and if it is eaten with other slower digesting foods it becomes held up in the digestive tract, purifying and causing gas and bloating and impairing digestion.

Rule: Lunch should be taken between 12pm and 1pm Reason: As the sun is highest in the sky our digestion is also at it’s strongest at this time!

Rule: If you are going to have animal products - Ayurveda teaches vegetarianism - then have them at lunch.

Reason: Animal products take the longest to digest so if you are to eat them it is best to eat them when digestion is at it’s strongest which is midday. Also gives the body more time to digest before digestion starts winding down at around 4pm.

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Rule: Dinner should be taken between 5pm and 7pm. It should be vegan and low fat.

Reason: By the time you sleep, your stomach should be empty, allowing the body to direct all its energy on regeneration and not digesting food. Eating early and in this way allows this important time during which you body can regenerate. An ideal evening meal would be vegetable soup and toast, vegetable pasta or dahl and rice.

Rule: Never eat or drink anything that is below room temperature Reason: The stomach lining is a complex organ bringing digestive enzymes to your food, this is Agni! Dousing the stomach with cold foods or drink impairs this important digestive function.

Rule: Never eat until you are full, always eat until you are about two thirds full or feel satisfied but that you could eat a little more.

Reason: The stomach is an incredibly muscle and after it has taken food it then churns the food to allow for it to be mixed fully with digestive enzymes and bile from the liver. Having an over full stomach leaves no room for this churning to occur and food instead remains undigested causing a plethora of problems.

Rule: Bed by 10pm or 11pm at the latest. Even if you cant sleep it is still of value to lie with your eyes closed until you do fall asleep.

Reason: Between the hours of 10pm and Midnight, the body sends all of the blood through the liver and kidneys to replenish and clean these vital organs.

This is part of the daily self-rejuvenation process of the body. If you are still awake and watching television or eating etc, the body cannot perform this important youth preserving practice.

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KANDY

Paradise on Earth

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Kandy

is the second largest city after Colombo and could not be more different. Colombo is the modern center, the hub of galloping economic growth, which makes Sri Lanka so exciting. Kandy

contrast embodies steadfast nostalgic elegance, the old values ​​and the almost untouched beauty of Sinhala culture and architecture. The city was the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom and held conquest attempts by the colonial powers for over 300 years stood until it was conquered by the British in 1815th Here you feel deprivation and abstinence as well as the deep-rooted pride of the people of the beautiful city. Colorful buildings and gleaming white temple are situated around a scenic lake, and women in colorful saris, going about their business, compliment the lively image. In Kandy you still have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a safe soon bygone era Sinhalese culture, which is hard to find elsewhere in the country yet.

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Clingendael

The splendor of the culture

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T

he charming property is perched on a green hill overlooking a golf course in the world class Lake Victoria and the Knuckles mountain

range.

You can go back in time and be surrounded by splendor and luxury, pampering and indulging in days gone by colonial charm.

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mixed lush greenery with soothing shades of blue, as far as the eye can see

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A great mix of culture, entertainment, comfort and cuisine COME SRI LANKA MAGAZINE Page

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Whether it’s an afternoon round of croquet on the lawn and then champagne at sunset, an early morning walk to Victoria and the golf course with private butler in tow, a carafe of port wine on the porch end of the day, a tour of the plantation in a vintage car, a in first-class spa massage or a free, personal style advice, Clingendael impresses with the elegance of the Old world, offers relaxation and tries to satisfy all desires.

Architecture of a bygone era coupled with modern comforts

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Temple of the Tooth Relic

KANDY City K

andy is a large city in central Sri Lanka. It’s set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, which are home to tea plantations and biodiverse rainforest.

The city’s heart is scenic Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake), popular for strolling. It’s famous for its sacred Buddhist sites, including the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) shrine, and for its Esala Perahera annual procession.

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The

Temple of the Tooth Relic S

ri Lankan Buddhists holds the Sacred Tooth Relic as one of the most holiest symbols because it is the left canine tooth of Lord Buddha himself. Because it was believed that whoever possessed the tooth relic can rule the that land, it was guarded closely by royalty. The Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy was the final resting place for this invaluable tresure after it changed hands for various reasons throughout the history of Sri Lanka. As part of the royal palace complex you can be struck by the amazing examples of Sri Lankan craftsmanship of stone and wood scattered in and around the Temple.

The ‘Wall of Clouds‘ is one iconic piece that surrounds this holy ground. With a unique style of architecture, a rich history and a spiritual experience, this is a place for mind, body and soul.

Esala Perahera The Esala Perahera in Kandy is celebrated to honour the Sacred Tooth Relic and the four ‘guardian’ Gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Goddess Pattini. The Kandy Maligawa Perahera is followed in order by those of the Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Pattini ‘Devales’ (Temples dedicated to these Gods) which are situated in the vicinity of the Kandy Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth).

After the Kandyan Kingdom fell to the British in 1815, the custody of the Tooth Relic was handed over to the Buddhist Clergy. In the absence of the King, a lay custodian called the Diyawadana Nilame was appointed to handle routine administrative matters. The purpose of the Kandy Esala Perahera Procession is to beseech blessings of the gods to obtain rain for the cultivation of crops and to enrich the lands of the kingdom.

This ritual is performed by carrying the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha through the streets of the Kandy city which is done with exceptional panache. This is considered as one of the most beautiful pageants in the Asia.

The first ritual ‘Kap Situweema’ (planting of a sanctified young Jackfruit Tree) will be held to commence the rituals that start off Perahera. The ritual is performed according to an auspicious time decided by astrologers. The Jackfruit tree is sprinkled with sandalwood scented water and offerings are is made of nine kinds of flowers and an oil lamp with nine wicks. The priest of the Maha Vishnu Devale (Vishnu Temple) recites his prayers to all the gods. www.comesrilanka.com

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Painter of the temple R

asitha the young painter of the temple of tooth.

He is third generation painter of the Temple of Tooth. His father was painter and so his grandfather. All days he paints the beautiful walls of the temple. Today he is lucky as the side wall needs repair but it gets hard if he lies down on a scaffolding to do the ceiling.

Rasitha is proud to be selected to do this work for the rest of his life. He is 18 years of age now and no desire to study. Painting is all he wants to make his family proud .

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Coconut water

Nature’s

Elixir!

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S

ince the times of the earliest Hawaiian voyagers, tropical populations have cultivated coconut palm trees for over 4000 years. Pure fresh coconut water, is available in abundance in Sri Lanka. On every street it is a sight to behold, coconut sellers, their wiry pedal bikes laden with 50 or so beautiful golden coconuts, shimmering in the midday sun. These are just one of the freshly harvested produce straight from Sri Lankan soil. In Sri Lanka you are always eating and drinking from the bounty of crops that grow so feely on the island. Coconuts are sourced locally, in fact directly from nature herself. Drinking their revitalising water can re-energise your body and hydrate you perfectly.

Packed with electrolytes, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium, all in their natural form, these golden vessels bring you a special Sri Lankan energy all of their own!

The benefits This super charged water has been touted to have many health benefits. Even the claim that it can slow down or reverse the ageing process and provide a whole host of other skin friendly benefits! The electrolytes present in the water also mean that coconut water is one of the most re-vitalising drinks available to man, it effectively ‘re-charges’ the body and mind. Thambili anyone?! Thambili is the Sinhala word for coconut, pro-nounced tam-be-li.

There have even been historical cases where resources have been scarce in hospitals deep in the tropical jungles of the world, resulting in the use of fresh coconut water in the place of saline drips. The British in Ceylon used fresh coconut water as IV fluid during world war II.

Nature is kind to Sri Lanka and grows alongside palm trees and thrives in the fertile soil an incredible variety of plants, so that at any time fresh can enjoy Harvested. The water of the coconut is the perfect thirst quencher, refreshes, revives and gives new energy.

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The hype In Europe and the US there has been an explosion in the sale of coconut water - ever since Madonna was purported to be drinking it by the bucket load, allowing her to sail through gruelling bikram yoga sessions like a swan across a lake - people all over the world, have been guzzling the tsuff. And it is not cheap, at around euros3.80 for a mere 250ml, along with the bikram yoga session, your pocket can be left feeling a little light!

Too good to be true?

However, the beautiful coconut is no different to any other fruit or vegetable ‌ as soon as they are harvested, their magical nutrients begin to fade. Fresh is best or not at all!

Packaged coconut water has been processed in one of a few common ways.

Many brands use concentrate instead of fresh water. Reducing the coconut water to a syrup is easier to transport and store and water can later be added before packaging and onward sale. There are many other methods that are used to preserve the shelf life of coconut water. But the nutritional benefits are lost.

But not so in Sri Lanka, here you can delight in fresh coconut water wherever you go, conveniently served in a cup designed by mother nature herself, the coconut shell! Sri Lanka is home to many natural treats to revive, regenerate and invigorate your soul!

This is in Sri Lanka differently.

Here fresh coconut water is widely available, packaged by Mother Nature in a practical drinking vessel, the coconut shell! And nature still provides ample further Culinary Delights to revitalize, regenerate and strengthen the soul.

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Back to nature!

As is always the case with mother nature, she provides her bounties to humankind best in her own way. Us humans have access to a whole green earth of medicines and life-givers from the fresh food that grow on our planet.

The chance to experience this direct communion with nature; is everywhere in Sri Lanka, a place where you can re-energise your body mind and soul.

Imagine cutting the top off a fresh coconut to find the refreshing water inside, humming with vitamins and electrolytes, holding the coconut in both hands and drinking the water in the warmth of the dancing sunlight … ahhhhhh …. now you can really feel the benefits of this powerful elixir!

That, along with Sri Lanka’s tropical climate, means you can drink this water until you are hydrated and vibrant with health and perform your own bikram yoga session on the shores of the sparkling azure blue ocean, for next to nothing. It is true that all the best things in life are free, or for as little as 30 cents a litre!

Simple things like this are commonplace in Sri Lanka, a country still very much guided by the stunning natural beauty all around. At once you are transported to the garden of Eden, with fresh local fruits and produce everywhere, monkeys in the trees and fireflies competing with the stars at night. Here on this island paradise, one can find great spiritual and nutritional nourishment from the natural world in amongst which the Sri Lankan people live everyday.

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M

esmerized by

UdawwatteKele Sanctuary

The reserve Udawattakele is a green oasis of peace, which is just above the Sacred Tooth Temple of Kandy. Leave the bustle of the city and you enter into the mysterious, urban jungle.

Walking paths wind among the huge treetops, past steep rocks and the unseen wildlife. The forest is of great religious significance and is home to three Buddhist temples and three cliff dwellings of Buddhist monks, lead there her solitary life. The forest area was in the 14th century hunting grounds and pleasure gardens for the royal family of Kandy and the pond in the middle was a favorite resort of the Queen.

The

Yellow fin Tuna Sri Lanka is one of the leading quality yellow fin tuna exporters in the world. Here on the island you can enjoy this delicious fish fresh, as it is widely available at the many fish markets that line the coast. Whether you slice the fresh meat into thin slices forming delectable ceviche or melt in the mouth sashimi, or enjoy it cooked and juicy baked, fried or fresh from over the fire, the yellow fin tuna forms the staple of the many seafood BBQs and dishes you can enjoy island `wide.

Fishing

at sea

Sri Lanka is looped with hundreds of kilometres of coastal roads. There is no better feeling that whizzing along on a scooter or a tuk with the wind in your hair and the beauty of the Indian ocean just a few feet to your left or your right!

Along long stretches of sandy beaches you will see fish market upon fish market. The coastline itself is adorned with beautiful traditional fishing boats, slim and beautiful, painted in azure blues and turquoise and green. The nets themselves, ochre, red, orange and purples. It is a delight to behold twice or thrice a day the fisherman hauling in the catch as a backdrop to stalls and stalls of the same fish, as fresh as can be!

Grab yourself a portion of tuna, or snapper or any fish you could dare to imagine and have yourself a wonderful BBQ. Where you eat at a restaurant you can rest assured the fish on your plate is fresh and delicious, directly from the ocean that day.

Surfing AT

ARUGUM BAY

Imagine a stunningly wide bay with a good half kilometre of sandy beach stretching inland dotted with the hippest and most chilled out bars, eateries, surf shops, guest houses and juice stops. The vibe at Arugum bay is ethereal as though stepping into a dream, where time slows down and you feel as though you may never leave. The bay boasts world class consistent surf breaks with long, lazy rights peeling off for hundreds of metres. The occasional barrel means that A-bay, as it is known by locals, caters to all levels of surfers. You can rent a surfboard for a couple of euros and spend the day surfing the warm Indian ocean in just a bikini or board short‌ no wetsuits needed here!

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A Buddhist Way of Life ‘Buddha is a human being just like you and I. However, having sacrificed his life for the pursuit of the knowledge of the truth of things, you could say he has special powers’.. and so begins my interview with a Buddhist Monk and two Buddhist scholars.

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T

he first thing that struck me about the monk I was greeted by, was the warmth and kindness with which he did so. I was invited to join for lunch and the generosity and friendliness with which my lunch was served was remarkable. These monks seemed to operate on a different level of social interaction than that of my every day norm. Openness, care, love, warmth and a congenial spirit seemed to emanate from each of them.

The oldest living practice of Buddhism still takes place to this day. The Sri Lankan Royal court was converted to Buddhism over 2,000 years ago. Today 70% of the population are Buddhist and the principles and beliefs underly the country’s own unique spirit underlined with kindness, non-judgement and a dedication to the belief that all things change in the end anyway so why worry or rush? This concept of transience is something key to the Buddhist philosophy.

It was explained to me that the founder of Buddhism, Lord Buddha, was actually born a Royal Prince. Prince Shakyamuni was born in 624BC in Lumbini, now Nepal. As was the custom at the time, shortly after his birth Sages were called to predict his future.

The Sages predicted that if this baby boy was to remain a within the Royal family, he would become a universal Monarch and reign over all of India and beyond. On the other hand if the baby boy was to become a monk, he would attain the highest point of enlightenment within his lifetime. It was said that the Prince would be moved to become a monk once he had witnessed in sequence, an old person, a sick person, a dead person and finally, a monk. The King took great steps to ensure that these things would never happen, which was perhaps counterproductive as by the time the Prince, by then in his 20’s, encountered an old person, a sick person, a dead person and finally a monk, he was greatly moved, as up until that time he has been protected from the realisations that such sufferings existed by his privileged life within the Royal Court.

The Prince was so moved by these new truths that he immediately began thinking of life from a far more realistic perspective. He finally understood that this life is not permanent, it is in a state of continual flux and change. He saw the suffering of the people he at once set about thinking how he could alleviate this suffering in mankind. He focused on how to construct the mind properly. When the Prince finally saw a monk, he learned that these people had renounced the lay life and all their possessions. He learnt that they did this so that they had nothing to lose and therefore nothing to crave for, they had detached from all of their attachments to concrete only the search from salvation from suffering.

The Prince, now 29, so moved by these realisations slipped out of the Royal Palace in the dead of the night, leaving behind his wife and young son. He began a personal quest to find out the answer to the questions that now burnt within him. He went to the leading minds of the time but he was not satisfied and finally decided he should find out the truth from himself.

This is a itself a great teaching of Buddhism, that we shouldn’t rely soley on the opinion of others, or even simply on the written records of the Buddha’s teachings or that of the monks. When it comes to seeking our own personal path to the enlightenment we should use these aids simply as guides but we should always find the truth for ourselves through practice.

The Prince, now budding Buddha, spent 6 years alone in examination of what are now known as ‘the four noble truths’:

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It was explained to me that the founder of Buddhism, Lord Buddha, was actually born a Royal Prince. Prince Shakyamuni was born in 624BC in Lumbini.

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1.

2.

3.

4.

What is suffering?

What is the cause of suffering?

How can we cease suffering?

What is the path leading to the cessation of suffering?

It was explained to me that the word ‘suffering’ in English does not really adequately reflect the meaning of the word in Pali (the language in which Buddhism was first received). In Pali, the word means a general anxiety and craving, giving rise to jealousy and comparison between one man and another.

It was the contemplation of these four noble truths that led to the Buddha’s teaching of the what is known at the ‘8 fold path’ and which is based on nonviolence.

The 8 Fold Path Each of these right ways of conducting oneself have been expanded upon

by Buddha and discussed for centuries, although they are presented in their simplest form here. For example the concept of right speech centres around the truth that your words can either hurt people or make them happy. It is such a simple truth and one that if everyone gave due care to would surely play a part in ending all violence in the world. That is not to say that you should ever err from the speaking the truth. Indeed speaking the truth is one of the 5 precepts as taught

by Lord Buddha: 1.

2.

3.

4.

reverence for life and abstinence from killing abstinence from stealing abstinence from adverse sexual conduct and behaviour (Buddhism teaches the sanctity of marriage and staying sexually loyal to one partner for life) abstinence from telling lies and to only speak the truth

5.

abstinence from any kind of liquor or drugs, because under the influence of these things it becomes so much easier to break all the other precepts!

It is taught that if these precepts are followed then both the individual and all of society will be protected from all harm and society as a whole may live in peace and happiness. Indeed Buddha taught us to treat everyone with loving kindness and as though a brother or a sister.

These simple but poignant instructions underpin the Sri Lankan culture and when visiting this wonderfully spiritual island you can witness the effect of the teachings of Lord Buddha within the Sri Lankan people themselves, as a welcoming nature, kindness and a rare and simple honesty so lost in today’s modern world.

Buddha believed that by correcting our internal terrain to one of ‘Ahimsa’ roughly translated as a peaceful and loving inner state, we can achieve the outer manifestation in the form of non-violent action. In other words, it all

Right View Right thought Right speech

Right bodily action

Right livelihood

Right effort

Right mindfulness

Right concentration

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starts with the individual giving due care to his own thoughts and deeds. Buddha believed that the violence we inflict on each other is only the outward manifestation of a violence within.

Although correcting our internal thoughts (the starting point for words and then deeds) is not easy, the Buddhist philosophy teaches that concentration and effort at all times towards this goal, is the best way to achieve peace on earth. Indeed if everyone followed these simple rules, war, starvation and the pillaging of the planet would be impossible.

The cultivation and practice of the way of life prescribed by the Buddha makes one aware of the true feeling of love and leads to the attainment of happiness. And so it is taught that Buddhism is not a religion, it is a philosophy and a way of life.

In this simple but very striking statements, culture and

customs are based in Sri Lanka. The impact of the teachings of Buddha are, to feel the same when you visit this wonderful and very spiritual island. People have a welcoming nature, are friendly, simple and honest; Virtues that are already nearly lost in our modern age.

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Für die deutsche Erstausgabe von “Global Sri Lanka” sprach unser Herausgeber, Tom Tielrooij, mit dem deutschen Botschafter, Dr. Jürgen Morhard, im Goethe Institut in Colombo.

1

Herr Botschafter, bitte erklären Sie unseren Lesern in Deutschland, was für eine Rolle die Botschaft in Colombo spielt.

Botschaften sind so etwas wie die “Augen, Ohren und die Stimme” des Landes im Gastland. Dabei vertritt die Deutsche Botschaft die Interessen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Wir sind eine Schnittstelle zwischen unseren Regierungen. Selbstverständlich wollen wir dazu beitragen, die gut entwickelten und vielfältigen politischen, wirtschaftlichen und kulturellen Kontakte zwischen unseren Ländern weiter zu vertiefen. Darüber hinaus sind wir Ansprechpartner und Anlaufstelle für deutsche und sri-lankische Bürgerinnen und Bürger.

2

Sri Lanka ist ein äußerst beliebtes Reiseziel für deutsche Urlauber. Was, glauben Sie, ist der Grund?

Die Schönheit und Vielfalt des Landes sowie die Freundlichkeit und Offenheit seiner Bevölkerung spielen eine große Rolle. Sri Lanka bietet vielfältige Kultur, atemberaubende Natur und traumhafte Strände. Das Essen in Sri Lanka ist ebenso abwechslungsreich. Seit dem Ende des Bürgerkrieges ist Sri Lanka zudem ein sicheres Reiseziel. Sri Lanka wird daher auch zu Recht als „Perle des Indischen Ozeans“ bezeichnet.

3

ImTourismus ist Deutschland traditionell einer der wichtigsten Partner Sri Lankas. Bereits im späten 15. Jahrhundert wurde Ceylon von Deutschen bereist. Wie unterstützt Deutschland heute Sri Lanka?

Es gibt viele verschiedene Initiativen beispielsweise von Nichtregierungsorganisationen oder Privatpersonen, um Sri Lanka auf unterschiedlichen Ebenen zu unterstützen. Gerade bei dem Besuch des srilankischen Präsidenten Sirisena, Mitte Februar in Berlin, wurde nicht nur die Zusammenarbeit bestärkt, sondern auch Unterstützung von deutscher Seite zusagt. Schon seit der Aufnahme der diplomatischen Beziehungen zwischen Deutschland und Sri Lanka existieren zahlreiche unterschiedliche Abkommen zwischen Sri Lanka und Deutschland in beiden Ländern.

Deutschland ist seit Ende der 1950er Jahre einer der wichtigsten bilateralen Geber Sri Lankas. Im Mittelpunkt steht, seit mehreren Jahren, die „Soziale Integration und Konflikttransformation“. Das hört sich vielleicht etwas sperrig an, ist aber einfach zu erklären: Wir wollen Sri Lanka in seiner friedlichen und erfolgreichen Entwicklung unterstützen. Über die Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, kurz „GIZ“, helfen wir unter anderem dabei, die Berufsausbildung für junge Menschen zu stärken. Sie sind die Zukunft des Landes, ihnen müssen wir eine Perspektive geben. In dieselbe Richtung geht unsere Unterstützung zur Förderung von SMEs. Das derzeit größte deutsche Projekt der Finanziellen Zusammenarbeit ist der Aufbau einer neuen Geburtsklinik in Galle.

Ich möchte auch erwähnen, dass es nach der Tsunami-Katastrophe massive Unterstützung durch die EU und die EU-Mitgliedstaaten, an erster Stelle Deutschland, beim Wiederaufbau gab. Besonders beeindruckend war, wie viele Privatpersonen sich über Spenden und Initiativen engagierten. Viele seinerzeit geknüpfte Kontakte bestehen als feste Freundschaften fort. Über die Botschaftsinitiative „Germany- helping hands“ haben wir mehr als 450 private Hilfsprojekte erfassen können.

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4

In welche Art von Entwicklungsprojekten ist die Botschaft hier in Sri Lanka involviert?

Bei der Einbindung ist nach dem Projektstand zu unterscheiden. Die Botschaft wird z.B. um Stellungnahme zu Projektvorschlägen gebeten, die der Bundesregierung zur Entscheidung vorliegen. Diese Vorschläge gehen teilweise auch auf Initiativen der Botschaft zurück.

Soweit wir von den großen Projekten sprechen, die von der GIZ durchgeführt werden: Hier ist die Botschaft in der Regel zusammen mit den jeweiligen srilankischen Partnerministerien in den Steuerungsgremien vertreten.

Thematisch konzentriert sich die entwicklungspolitische Zusammenarbeit in Sri Lanka auf die soziale Integration, die Bildung und die Förderung des Privatsektors und der beruflichen Bildung. Regional konzentrieren wir uns auf den Norden und Nordosten des Landes, da diese durch den langjährigen Bürgerkrieg besonders betroffen waren und noch immer sind. Darüber hinaus verfügt die Botschaft jährlich über Eigenmittel, um Kleinstprojekt zu unterstützen. Im Jahr 2016 konnten wir z.B. den Bau von Brunnen, Sanitäranlagen, einer Brücke oder Wassertanks fördern.

5

Sri Lanka wird für Unternehmen und Investoren immer interessanter. Welchen Rat würden Sie zukünftigen Investoren geben?

Zukünftige Investoren sollten ein breites Spektrum an Informationen von verlässlichen Quellen in Deutschland und in Sri Lanka einholen. Geeignete Ansprechpartner sind zum Beispiel die Deutsche Botschaft in Colombo, der Ostasiatische Verein e.V. (OAV - German Asia-Pacific Business Association) in Hamburg und vor allem der „Sri Lanka Desk“ des Indo German Chamber of Commerce in Mumbai.

Wie bei jeder größeren Investition ist es zudem ratsam, weitere Informationen über mögliche Hilfestellungen durch die Investitionsförderbehörde (Board of Investment – BOI) in Sri Lanka sowie ganz allgemein die rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen einzuholen.

6

Ist, Ihrer Ansicht nach, jetzt der richtige Zeitpunkt für deutsche Investoren hier in Sri Lanka, und warum?

Sri Lanka bietet gute Voraussetzungen bei der Infrastruktur (Flughäfen, Straßennetz, Häfen) und ist strategisch an wichtigen Seefahrtsrouten zwischen West und Ost gelegen. Das Land ist ein idealer Umschlagplatz für Märkte in Südasien. Ausländische Direktinvestitionen sind auf alle Fälle vorteilhafter für Sri Lanka als ausländische Kredite.

Deutsche Unternehmen investieren schon seit vielen Jahren in Sri Lanka und es gibt bereits viele erfolgreiche deutsche Investitionen. Gegenwärtig gibt es dennoch einzelne Faktoren, die Auslandsinvestitionen erschweren.

Die Regierung hat den Handlungsbedarf erkannt und arbeitet daran, diese Investitionshindernisse abzuschaffen und die Verwaltung leistungsfähiger zu machen.

“Sri Lanka bietet gute Voraussetzungen bei der Infrastruktur (Flughäfen, Straßennetz, Häfen) und ist strategisch an wichtigen Seefahrtsrouten zwischen West und Ost gelegen. Das Land ist ein idealer Umschlagplatz für Märkte in Südasien. Jedoch sind ausländische Direktinvestitionen vorteilhafter für Sri Lanka als ausländische Kredite.”

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Präsident Sirisena hat während seines Besuchs in Deutschland im Februar des Jahres, bei einem größeren Business Forum in Berlin, für mehr Handel und Investitionen geworben. Auch ich setze mich dafür ein und freue mich, dass Mitte Mai der Parlamentarische Staatssekretär beim Bundesminister für Wirtschaft und Energie, Uwe Beckmeyer, mit einer Wirtschaftsdelegation nach Sri Lanka gekommen ist und bei dieser Gelegenheit zwei Vereinbarungen zu einer engeren wirtschaftlichen Zusammenarbeit unterzeichnet wurden.

7

Ist der Erwerb von Grundstücken oder Appartements hier in Sri Lanka interessant für Investoren?

Kleine und mittelständische Unternehmen sind angewiesen auf gut ausgebildetes Personal. Sie halten ihre Belegschaft über viele Jahre, auch in wirtschaftlich schwereren Zeiten. Diese Einstellung gilt ebenso bei Investitionen im Ausland. Sri Lanka und Deutschland arbeiten bei verschiedenen Projekten zusammen, um hierfür eine gute Grundlage in Sri Lanka zu schaffen.

Die Sektoren, die für diese Unternehmen von Interesse sind, sind die Energieerzeugung aus erneuerbaren Energien, die Informationstechnologie, der Tourismus, die Landwirtschaft, Textilien, die Rohstoffgewinnung und -verarbeitung, und die Lebensmittelproduktion.

10

Jeder Investor, egal in welchem Land, strebt nach Investitionssicherheit.

Deshalb müssen die gesetzlichen Rahmenbedingungen für Erwerb oder langfristige Anmietung von Immobilien entsprechend gestaltet sein.

Gibt es hier in Sri Lanka Deutsche, von deren Aktivitäten Sie besonders beeindruckt sind?

Ich hatte ja bereits erwähnt, dass es zahlreiche langjährige private Initiativen aus Deutschland gibt, mit denen Projekte z.B. in den Bereichen Gesundheit, Bildung und Daseinsfürsorge unterstützt worden. Diese Initiativen und der selbstlose Einsatz vieler ehrenamtlich Tätigen beeindrucken mich sehr.

Besonders beeindruckt haben mich z.B. der Einsatz von Frau Ursula Beier, die bereits mehr als 100 Mal nach Sri Lanka gekommen ist, und die mit ihrem Verein „Universal Society for Peace and Love e.V.“ seit 1980 die verschiedensten Projekte für Kinder und ältere Personen fördert. Auch das Engagement des Main-Kinzig-Kreises in Beruwela – entstanden nach dem Tsunami – ist sehr beachtlich, wie auch das P.I.C.U.-Projekt (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit) in der Karapitiya Kinderklinik in Galle, das von 13 Hannoverschen Lions Clubs unterstützt wird. Das sind nur wenige Projekte, und viele mehr hätten es verdient, auch erwähnt zu werden.

11

Welche srilankischen Produkte wären für den deutschen Markt von Interesse?

8

Welche speziellen, staatlichen Regelungen gibt es bezüglich Grundstückskauf und wo bekommen Interessenten den bestmöglichen Rat oder Informationen?

In Sri Lanka gilt weiterhin der „Land Alienation and Restriction Act“, ein Gesetz von Oktober 2014, das den Erwerb für ausländische Privatleute und Unternehmen (mit mehr als 50% in ausländischem Besitz) einschränkt. Zwar können Ausländer Immobilien langfristig pachten, müssen dann aber als Pächter bei der Registrierung des Mietvertrags im Voraus eine Steuer für den gesamten Mietzeitraum zahlen. Hier sehe ich noch Handlungsbedarf.

9

Welche Aussichten haben deutsche SME Unternehmen in Sri Lanka und welche Sektoren sind für SMEs von Interesse?

Kleine und mittelständische Unternehmen schaffen in Deutschland die meisten Arbeitsplätze. Viele von ihnen sind auf den Weltmärkten „hidden champions“, d.h. sie bieten Nischenprodukte an, ohne die in der Industrie und Dienstleistung vieles nicht funktioniert.

Das Goethe Institute Colombo Seit dem Jahr 2003 feiern die ersten Goethe-Institute ihr 50-jähriges Bestehen. In diesem Jahr begeht das Goethe-Institut in Colombo seinen 50. Geburtstag. Es gehört damit zu den ersten der inzwischen 144 Institute weltweit und steht für die Bedeutung der kulturellen Beziehungen zwischen Deutschland und Sri Lanka

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Die Regierung von Sri Lanka möchte ausländische Unternehmen gewinnen, um den Produktionsstandort Sri Lanka zu stärken. Ich halte es für wichtig, die Exportpalette zu diversifizieren. Mehreren Nachbarländern, wie Thailand und Vietnam, ist das in den letzten 25 Jahren sehr gut gelungen. Sri Lanka wird dann in der Lage sein, erfolgreicher am internationalen Warenaustausch teilzunehmen und wird insbesondere weniger anfällig sein für Schwankungen.

Stand Heute ist vor allem das Urlaubsziel Sri Lanka für Deutschland interessant.

Mehr als 116.000 deutsche Touristen kamen 2015 nach Sri Lanka. Damit sind wir als Herkunftsland an vierter Stelle.

Ich bin zudem sehr zuversichtlich, dass die Europäische Union schon bald – wenn Sri Lanka die Voraussetzungen geschaffen hat – das Export-Embargo für sri-lankischen Fisch aufheben wird. Daran besteht in Deutschland sicherlich auch Interesse.

Deutsche Unternehmer wurden, bereits zu Zeiten der Briten, auf Sri Lanka aufmerksam und kamen ins Land, als die Wirtschaft anfing aufzublühen und sich eine gesunde Marktpolitik entwickelte. Einer der geschäftstüchtigsten Unternehmer war der Deutsche, Philipp Freudenberg, ein Name, der noch heute in Colombos Geschäftskreisen bekannt ist. Philipp, das älteste Mitglied der Freudenberg-Familie, gründete seine eigene Firma zu Zeiten als das Deutsche Reich (gegründet 1871) ein wichtiger Handelspartner Sri Lankas war.

Das Interesse von Deutschen an Sri Lanka wuchs dermaßen, dass Freudenberg, im Jahr 1876, vom Kaiserreich zum Konsul ernannt wurde, um in Ceylon deutsche Interessen zu vertreten.

Einen Einblick in die damalige Plantagenindustrie bekommt man beim Lesen von „Pflanzerleben in Ceylon, 1923“, das von den beiden Deutschen, John Hagenbeck und Christian Boehringer, herausgegeben wurde. Im Jahr 1885, schrieb Hagenbeck dann „25 Jahre in Ceylon“, ein, in Deutschland, viel gelesenes Buch über sein gutgehendes Schifffahrtsgeschäft in Colombo sowie sein Tierexportunternehmen.

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Dream Holiday with

Freudenberg

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family holiday or visiting on business, Freudenburg leisure caters in sheer resplendence. Ranging from palatial colonial style mansions to magnificent luxury resorts, guests have been delighted with the beauty of the stunning environment at each location.

From honeymoons to corporate affairs Freudenburg travel has been designed with care to ensure a first class experience. This boutique leisure chain provides sumptuously luxurious hotels in the top three experience destinations of Sri Lanka.

Ellen’s Place

The Firs

Randholee

Enjoy the vibrant city of Colombo from

A stunning heritage bungalow over a

Enter the mystery and pageantry of

this stunning ancestry mansion which

century old, this was once the holiday

hundreds of years of Kandyan culture and

has been converted into a modern day

home of the country’s first prime minister.

history in this magnificent hill country

boutique hotel. After a busy day exploring

Enjoy the grandeur and opulence of old

hotel. Let the royal treatment transport

the vibrant city you can relax on the golf

world charm when the British colonial

you to an era when queens travelled by

course, cool off in a pool set amongst

empire was at it’s height. The lavishly

golden palanquin. Walk on water, swim

fragrant tropical foliage or enjoy a finely

furnished hotel is nestled within the

in the clouds, dine at the top of the

prepared meal within the renowned

verdant hills of the ethereal Nuwara Eliya.

world. Breakfast while the valley sleeps

restaurant. Rooms and suites are

Enjoy a host of luxurious facilities and first

snuggled in blue mists and the sun kissed

spacious and lavishly adorned with great

class service so rarely seen in modern

peaks turn to gold. It is no wonder that

attention to detail.

times with personal Butlers available on

Kandy is a world heritage site with the

request. Be transported to a bygone era

unique and unforgettable experience it

which will create vibrant memories for

provides.

years to come.

Ellen’s Place | 31, Shady grove avenue, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka Tel.: +94 112 680 062 E-mail:info@ellensplace.lk The Firs | 85/2, Upper Lake Road, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka Tel.: +94 52-2222-387 E-mail : info@firs.lk Randholee Luxury Resort | Heerassagala Rd, Bowalawatte, Kandy, Sri Lanka Tel.: + 94 81 2217741– 3 Fax: + 94 81 2217744 E-mail: reservations@randholeeresorts.com www.comesrilanka.com

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The most beautiful train ride in the world Board the train from Ella in the up-country to Kandy and you are in for a real treat.

Hailed as the most beautiful train ride in the world due to the magnificent scenery through which you pass. Built by the British to transport coffee from the Hill country into the towns and cities for shipping, the railways of Sri Lanka still boast the old world colonial charm. The carriages are comfortable and airy and you wont go hungry either.

At each station an array of treats are available as sellers board the train with buttery pop-corn, ice-creams, fresh fruit, chilli fritters and much more besides, perfect snacks to munch on as you enjoy nature’s cinema along the way!

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The sun is shining on the young green, the majestic mountains and clouds in the background that pickers friendly wave when the train passes by. It’s all about small details in this magnificent journey.

We owe this finally the British. After they had beaten the Dutch in 1796, it took the first “cup of tea”.

Ceylon built at that time but only coffee. It was the Scotsman James Taylor, who brought a few tea plants from India. He quickly realized that the climate was ideal for growing the best tea in the world.

The railway network of the steam railway grew steadily during the British colonial period and until 1927 were 1530 km tracks in operation. The railway line was extended in 1867 to the mountain capital of Kandy and 1926, the work on the railway line to preferred to Nelson’s harbor Trincomalee remotely East of Sri Lanka was completed, which meant that now all points were covered on the compass.

The Kandy railway line was a major company. Man-made tunnels were sechsundfünzig built and the railway led past the beautiful places Nawalapitiya, Hatton and Haputale, directly by the Teegebiet.

The train station Ella is unique. In the station building there is a space where you can see how the train system works, which is in operation since 1850th From a redpainted box made of all the signals are controlled on the railway line. A cabinet with a loud bell announces when a train is coming. no mistakes can be made, because only one train operator has the golden key to the single-lane track. Only the leader, who has the key, must go on the line.

The British like it here, because everything is still similar to the good old days. The weather, the typical English country house, the Golf Club, the Rose Gardens. They call it “little England!”

The train ride from Kandy to Ella is really worthwhile.

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Nuwara Eliya

When it gets too hot down on the beaches and in the coastal towns and cities, Sri Lankans escape to the cool, sleepy town of Nuwara Eliya standing at an altitude of 1,868 metres above sea level. Overlooked by the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya is place of stunning natural beauty. It is home to acres of tea plantations, mountainous ranges, parks, lakes and many, many waterfalls. It is a hikers dream come true as the climate allows for physical exertion and the variety of different views and attractions means that whatever your passion, you can find it here!

Sri Lankans

Medicine Doctors are

With a culture so steeped in Ayurvedic natural medicine, itself a skill of prescribing the right herbal remedy for every gripe you could imagine, every Sri Lankan person becomes a doctor! The wisdom of how to use natures pharmacy is passed down from generation to generation and this along with the fact that the people are naturally caring to all, means that where you run into a cut or a scrape or a sore tummy from stuffing yourself full of delicious Sri Lankan food… someone nearby will have a remedy for you!

Hot Air Ballooning in

Sri Lanka

Sun Rise Ballooning is the premium hot air balloon flight company the country’s with the most experienced balloon team since the inception of ballooning. Flights with us are safe, memorable and breathtaking, being a family business we take care of our passengers just like family. If you are lucky enough to visit this beautiful island you should take the opportunity to see the wondrous sights from the air.

Visit us : www.srilankaballooning.com

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The

German history

S

in

riLanka

The relationship between Gemany and Sri Lanka has always been amicable and rooted in deep appreciation and respect. Where other nation’s only ambitions were to colonise the Island, the Germans who came to Sri Lanka, as far back as 1605, never even tried. The German people through history have seen Sri Lanka as a muse and inspiration on topics spanning from business to spiritual affairs. It was a German cartographer who created the very first map of the Island and a German man who was the first foreign national to be ordained a Bhikkhu, or ordained Buddhist monk. Thus Sri Lanka and Germany have a very special historical relationship based on the true and peaceful desire of the German people to learn about Sri Lanka and echo and magnify the best of her.

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SRI LANKA'S FINEST IN HOSPITALITY

Explore an Eclectic Paradise There is no better way to experience the lively vibe of the southern coastal town of Hikkaduwa than by indulging in the hospitality of Citrus Hikkaduwa – a 90 room beach resort. Unwind by the beach or poolside or venture out to experience the sights and sounds of its free spirited surroundings. Pulsating with a relaxed, party vibe, Hikkaduwa’s beaches are famed for their shallow fringing reef, and are a favored spot for water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and glass bottom boat rides - all a few minutes away from Citrus Hikkaduwa.

Discover Your Dream Sun-soaked tranquility and breathtaking views, sumptuous cuisine and luxury accommodation, nestled on the magnificent golden-sand crescent along the South West coast of Sri Lanka, Citrus Waskaduwa embodies the true essence of luxury for your ideal beach getaway. Each of the 150 rooms, fully equipped with lavish amenities, offers majestic vistas of the Indian Ocean. Located on an unspoiled, 400m long, tranquil beach strip of Sri Lanka, Citrus Waskaduwa is just 45 minutes’ away from Colombo. The endless beautiful beach garden together with its magnificent banquet facilities makes this resort an ideal destination for beach weddings and conferences.

Scottish Heritage in the Lap of Colombo The Steuart by Citrus is a 50 room ‘business boutique hotel’ centrally located at the heart of Colombo’s business district and entertainment hub. The hotel’s Scottish theme draws inspiration from the building’s legacy as one of the earliest business houses of Imperial Ceylon. The hotel even offers business spaces while its large rooms are thoughtfully designed with amenities to make your stay more pleasurable. The hotel operates the ‘&Co Pub and kitchen’ which is an authentic Scottish themed pub and restaurant offering a chic mix of style and sophistication.

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Citrus Leisure PLC +94 775 700 562, +94 115 755055 | www.citrusleisure.com

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A

Mind Blowing Experience

K

itulgala is a jungle area rich with wildlife and adventure. Experience white water rafting through a tropical rainforest, both thrilling and refreshing! From the fast pace rapids, into the serenity of drifting along peaceful rivers, watching the locals bathing and the wildlife go by, the tranquility all the more arresting for having just been in the heaving white water. An experience that touches your soul for the transience of life is no more apparent than where you can find your peace in these extremes whilst surrounded by our glorious natural world.

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The

SECRET HISTORY

Cinnamon of the

The history of the Sri Lankan cinnamon is one of the most fascinating stories to tell.

We are at the Cinnamon Experience in Hamagana close to the colonial town of Galle. We are welcomed by a most friendly guide who welcomes us with a fresh cinnamon ice tea.

The taste is just delicious. As we sit on the veranda overlooking the breathtaking valley the guide tells the story.

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T

he history and production of Sri Lankan cinnamon fascinating to learn as it weaves history and economics closely together around this precious spice.

This was the start of the journey of cinnamon into the hands of many invading nationalities.

We are at the Cinnamon Experience in Ahangama close to the colonial town and world heritage site of Galle fort.

The Cinnamon Experience is the place to learn about this fascinating story.

A friendly guide welcomes us atop a verdant hill, nestled between lush paddy fields withfresh cinnamon ice tea. And so begins our own unique Cinnamon experience.

As we sit on the veranda of an old Cinnamon planters house, overlooking the breathtaking valley the guide tells us the story of cinnamon here in Sri Lanka.

It begins more than 4000 years into the past, when the Arabs were the merchants of the world, always on the look out of new products and spices.

They discovered Ceylon and learned that the gold brown spice was used by the locals for sweetening the food and also to sweeten the smell within their homes. Great bales of cinnamon would be kept in every room, to chase away the less desirable smells of the day.

Here on the estate a tour of the grounds is given to see how the cinnamon is carefully harvest in a most sustainable way. The whole process is carefully explained by the tour guides.

Finally you can enjoy a lunch at the estate restaurant which serves excellent food in the most relaxing environment with breathtaking views over the cinnamon plantations.

The Cinnamon Experience tour takes approximately 1 hour. If you stay for lunch add on 2 1/2 hours. Reservations have to be made in advance only by phone or website www.thecinnamonexperience.com

The merchants courted the King of Kandy in order to gain his permission to take cinnamon from Sri Lanka, of course for a price.

The business flourished and soon traders worldwide were buying cinnamon from the Arabs.

The Arabs went to great lengths to keep the origin of this delicious commodity a secret and several stories were created as to its origin, themselves spurning legends which persist to this day.

It was the Portuguese that eventually raided an arab merchant ship and on finding that it was full of the purest cinnamon, they forced the captain to sail back to where he had acquired the cinnamon threatening to throw overboard the entire crew if he didn’t obey.

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COLOMBO

Jeep

BY

An Adventure in the City of Architecture

C

olombo is a indeed a most beautiful city, it’s architecture reflecting the city’s own rich history which spans centuries. Fascinating buildings remain from the Portuguese, Dutch and British era giving a European charm alongside structures built into an architectural cultural melting pot of ethnic styles including Hindu, Islamic, Indian and Buddhist.

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Buildings date back as early as the 1700’s right up until modern times with Colombo’s world trade centre the epitome of the modern skyscraper. It is fascinating to see how quickly the city has grown and changed and what has remained.

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The Old Parliament Building

Commonly known as the ‘Old Parliament’, this NeoBaroque building was built in the 1920s on an idea of Sir. Henry McCallum.

The Cargills Building

Grand Oriental Hotel

Not much has changed of this grand Victorian era building from its days when British tea planters and administrators visit for the semi annual collection of supplies and luxuries.

The heritage of the European rule can still be seen along the streets of Colombo.

Galle Face Beach

Once a mansion of a Dutch Governor and military barracks, the plans of a new hotel came into being in 1870 through the works of architect R. Smith. And on the 5th of November 1875, the hotel was christened the ‘Grand Oriental Hotel’.

luxury hotels and resturants, Galle Face Beach is the ideal place to see the local

President’s House

The Galle Face Hotel

Since 1804, it has been the residence of Brtitish governors, governor general

Founded in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1864, is one of the oldest hotel east of Suez.

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Walking distance from a number of

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life, for a morning jog or for a relaxing evening stroll.

and presidents.

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Viharamadevi Park

Once named after Queen Victoria and now Named after one of the great queens of Sri Lanka this park was open for public in 1951. The park was used for many purposes including as a cricket ground and is a place of relaxation for people from all walks of life.

An elegant mix of western and eastern architecture Town Hall of Colombo

Known as the ‘White House of Colombo‘, this building was completed in 1927 which was designed by S.J. Edwards.

COLOMBO BY JEEP With the recent tourism boom, the city of Colombo and its suburbs have been given a new lease of life with new jeep safaris. The new fleet of open-to-air vehicles is in action now with ‘Colombo by Jeep’. The magnificent fleet of vehicles used in the World War era includes the 1948 Land Rover series 1. Colombo by Jeep off-road adventure trips will bring together outdoors, nature, wildlife and down to earth people who prefer something different to common sightseeing in an antique World War 2 Jeep with fantastic tours fit every budget that takes one to other worlds, in terms of nature and adventure on private trails.

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weú;a n,,d hkak AWITH BALALA

COME VISIT US

T OCONU C G IN K SELLER

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F SO R E K TA URCH E R CA E CH TH

SM TH ILES E V FR ILL OM AG E www.comesrilanka.com

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Golden

The

Outline

of the

NATURE’S MASTERPIECE

After a long flight you want a good rest A few days on the beach is in Sri Lanka is obviously best start of your holiday And it is fair to comment Sri Lanka has got them! No country in the world has so much on offer.

This small tropical island is blessed with the most beautiful beaches in the world Negombo is a popular beach resort with lots of shops and restaurants. Not so touristic is Mount Lavinia beach in Colombo next to the famous Mount lavinia hotel. This beach has character as as the locals and few tourist really mix nicely. A few little restaurants serve the finest grilled fish fresh from the Indian ocean.

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Hikkaduwa

Trincomalee Kalpitiya

Mirissa

Bentota

Weligama

Pasikudha

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Hikkaduwa in the south is a nice beach place from where you can visit the Galle Fort. Before you visit Galle fort google a little about The history. It is mind blowing what our ancestors achieved in the 17th century and beyond.

Surfers paradise is in Arumga bay with great atmosphere of all young people from all over the world. Along the beach a long stretch of little bachhotels who offer very cheap prices and great food. Just outside is Whiskey point where you can learn to roll the waves.

Bentota is a great beach with Club Dofin as prime hotel.

Mirissa offers an early morning trip to spot the Whales in their natural habitat.

Watch the biggest mammals of the world. Here in Sri Lanka the Whales don’t migrate but stay. Not many people know that Sri Lanka is known as the nursery of the Whales.

Batticola and Trincomalee are becoming more popular and so is passikudah with Malu Malu as top resort.

The north of Sri Lanka is more for adventures although the government is working hard to to develop this yet undiscovered area of Sri Lanka.

Down south are the best beaches from Hikkaduwa to Unawatuna. A lot of fine hotels are in this area as the south is the most popular for beach adventure.

All around the island you find the most beautiful beaches , waving palm trees , the blue white ocean with the tropical fish nibbling your feet

After Hanbatota along the east coast it is one magnificent 600 kilometer stretch of unspoiled and often undiscovered beaches with lots of small beach hotels and restaurants.

Feel the energy , smile with the people, enjoy the food and re-energize your battery.

Come to Sri Lanka !!

The most romantic time with excellent fresh sea food or traditional Sri Lankan curry on the beach with amazing sunset every night in a row.

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TAKE A RIDE ON A

SEA PLANE

Stilt Fishing

Sri Lanka hosts a network of seaplane routes which mean you can fly from the bustling metropolis of Colombo into the jungle interior, taking in the sparkling ocean and beautiful golden sand fringed paddy fields on the way.

Each sea plane fits around 15 people so you feel the thrill of early air travel as the propellors whirr and the plane takes off for a visual dream of a ride.

SIGIRIYA ROCK

Probably the most beautiful example of the one of the oldest human endeavours, stilt fishing in Sri Lanka is a sight to behold. Perched atop a pole grafted deep into the sea bed the stilt fisherman, with their free hand, wield a fishing rod to catch herring or small mackerel in the waters below. The absence of nets means the fish are caught quite unawares, therefore preserving the natural ecology of the waters around the banks where the fisherman work.

Stilt fishing is performed by 500 or so friendly fishing families in the towns of Ahangama and Kathaluwa in the southern province of Galle.

Formed over 2 billion years ago, Sigiriya, meaning ‘Lion rock’ stands 660 feet tall clearing the surrounding tropical jungle into which it is embedded. Formed from the magma of an ancient volcano this magnificent edifice is streaked with the reds and greens of ancient magma and lush tropical foliage. In the 5th Century King Kasyapa, in self-imposed exile born of the guilt of murdering his father, built a citadel and Royal Palace surrounding and incorporating the rock, remnants of which remain today. Climb to the Sky Palace, stopping on the way to admire the Frescoes of the ladies of the king’s harem, then continue onto the summit and be astounded by the panoramic view that awaits you. A world heritage site, Sigiriya is an astounding survivor of the first millennium showcasing the architecture and urban planning of the time.

Magic Beaches SRI LANKA THE

OF

Imagine warm, soft golden sand beneath your feet and then stepping into the sparkling warm azure waters of the Indian Ocean; this is a reality that can be enjoyed every day whilst you are traversing the coast of this paradisiacal island. Grab a snorkel and swim with turtles, jump aboard a boat to watch whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, or simply sit, fresh fruit juice in hand on a lounger. Sri Lanka provides some of the most stunning coastline on our planet. White sand and blue ocean more or less fringe the entire island giving plenty of chance to discover completely deserted beaches or explore the more popular destinations along with their bars, restaurants and opportunities for water sports too.

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Hiking

THE

GALLEFORT

Witches Hat

The topography of the island of Sri Lanka has been poetically described as resembling a witches hat. With beautiful stretches of sandy beaches forming the brim all around the island, emerald green graduated paddy fields create the start of the crooked rise into tea plantations and mountainous ranges. The highest point of the island is Piduruthalagala Mountain and the Forest Reserve, which rises 6240 feet above sea level and is nestled within the cool town of Nuwara Eliya. Such a varied landscape offers the opportunity for awe-inspiring

A world heritage site, the ethereal lanes within Galle fort are an architectural, archeological and cultural treasure. Situated on the southwest coast, the Fort was first built in 1588 by the Portuguese the Fort was then fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Home to a plethora of gem shops, 100 year old Banyan trees, old law courts, a working lighthouse, restaurants, bars, boutique shops not to mention the beautiful Amangalle hotel, a wander around the fort leaves you feeling as though you have entered another world entirely. Who can adequately describe the echoes of 17th century European architecture within a tropical island? The Fort ramparts provide the perfect elevated sunset walk with views of the waves of the Indian Ocean crashing below, Just magic! hikes through verdant fields, past resplendent waterfalls and up into misty mountains covered in tropical rainforests. The eventual views from thousands of feet above sea level are both magnificent and unforgettable.

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The

M

ajesty by the Sea The Mount Lavinia Hotel

W

ith a history spanning over 210 years, Mount Lavinia Hotel Colombo is one of the oldest hotels in Sri Lanka.

This premier colonial heritage hotel in Colombo has earned a reputation over the years for its magnificent structure and ambiance, the old world charm which harks back to the grandeur of old Ceylon, a romantic legacy left by the colonial Governor General who used it as his residence, the exceptional service offered by its well-trained staff and its popularity as a venue for weddings.

No.100, Hotel Road, Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka.

TEL : 0094 11 2711711 | FAX : 0094 11 2730726 EMAIL : info@mountlaviniahotel.com WEB : http://www.mountlaviniahotel.com

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Mount Lavinia

BEACH

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hat more could you want from a vibrant capital city than for it to have it’s own glorious golden sandy beach from which you can enjoy the most spectacular sunsets night after night. Forming the tail end of the southern part of the city Mount Lavinia beach is known as the ‘golden mile’. A popular beach where local families come for a sea bathe, fathers mothers and their children enjoy the warm waves after a long day at work or school in the city. Grab a sunbed and relax and enjoy the wonderful variety of bars and restaurants. The evenings are made for romance, or catching up with friends, with dinner tables set right on the sand dotting with torches and candles. We recommend La Voile Blanche beach restaurant as a great hang out day or night.

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F

ollowing

the

Trail

Sri Lanka’s Most Visited National Park is Home to Many National and Global Treasures

Elusive leopards, majestic elephants, dancing peacocks, playful black bears, a lone wild buffalo, ferocious crocodiles, herds of spotted deer, and over 200 species of wild birds are but a few of the attractions that bring thousands of foreign and local travelers to the Yala National Park in the South of Sri Lanka every year. Add to that the allure of the Indian Ocean gently splashing against untouched white sandy beaches, and flora in all its glory everywhere you look, and you will find yourself in paradise.

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T

he Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. It consists of five blocks, three of which are now open to the public. Yala was designated as a national park in 1938, and, along with Wilpattu was one of the first two national parks in the country. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is also of immense importance in efforts

conserving the Sri Lankan elephant, Sri Lankan leopard and many endemic aquatic birds. Yala is a safe sanctuary for 215 bird species including six endemic to Sri Lanka. The number of mammals that has been recorded from the park is 44, and it has the highest leopard densities in the world.

The leopard is one of the main attractions at the Yala National Park, and arguably the only member of the “Big Cat” family to roam the Paradise Isle.

The spotted creature’s success in the wild is due to its well camouflaged fur that blends in well with its surroundings. Even skillful trackers sometimes miss these majestic creatures lounging in the trees. The herds of elephants and spotted deer are not so hard to track, but one would be lucky to catch a glimpse of the elusive black bear that sometimes comes out of its hiding place to roam the trails. Peacocks dancing and prancing to impress a mate are also a common site.

Experienced trackers and tour guides will tell you that the early morning hours are the best times to see the many wonders that the Yala National Park has to offer. Setting off in to the park as the sun rises is an epic experience to say the least. Dodging branches and thorn bushes that brush against the jeep, felling the bumps and potholes of the forest trails, and inhaling a considerable amount of dust is all worth it when you come up close and personal with the untamed wild. Even if you’re a seasoned traveler, the sights and sounds of the forest will always leave you awestruck and wanting to return again and again.

Night safaris and camping sites are also now available within the safe zones of the park which brings a different dimension to the Yala experience. No matter where you come from or what your expectations are, once you have followed a trail within the Yala National Park it is indeed difficult not to have become one with nature.

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The leopard is one of the main attractions at the Yala National Park, and arguably the only member of the “Big Cat” family to roam the Paradise Isle.

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YALA...

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A HOMELIKE EXPERIENCE

With

SERENDIB LEISURE

From the golden sands of Bentota and Waikkal, to the unique beauty of the Kalutara peninsula, to the exotic jungle retreat of Sigiriya – Serendib Leisure’s portfolio of four unique hotels capture the range of the very best experiences Sri Lanka has to offer.

Our four hotels have one thing in common and this is the friendly, attentive service of the staff who are committed to making sure you feel at home in our magnificent paradise. We capture the essence of Sri Lankan hospitality which is gentle unobtrusive service with a warm smile and where every request is welcomed with delight.

If you’re looking for a romantic destination, or the perfect getaway for any other reason, then Serendib Leisure Hotels is an impeccable choice amongst Sri Lanka Hotels due to a wide range of enviable facilities within wonderful visiting locations.

BLISS BY THE BEACH AVANI BENTOTA & KALUTARA

AVANI

Bentota and Kalutara are two destinations which capture perfectly the essence of a romantic beachside paradise getaway.

Both located right on golden sandy stretches of unspoilt beaches, the clear turquoise indian ocean sparkling into the distance, with the Kalutara resort backed by the Kalu river, these hotels give luxury and service that takes relaxation to new heights.

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Feel the golden sand between your toes and the warm sun on your skin, breathe in the fresh sea air and feel yourself come alive again. Make plans over a generous breakfast of all your favourites before exploring the wild mangroves on a boat safari, spotting kingfishers and crocodiles along the way! Skim the white waves of the Indian Ocean on board a traditional fishing boat, or watch the sunlight glitter on the water as you kayak along the riverside… it’s almost like you’re paddling through diamonds.

Later, draw close to the warmth of the beach-side fire and share stories of another incredible day over a fresh seafood BBQ under the sunset and then the stars.

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CLUB HOTEL DOLPHIN For a World of Discovery

A

nother perfect beach setting awaits you at Club Hotel Dolphin, situated along the West coast of the island. This hotel is great for family fun, being just 30 minutes from the International airport and hosting a range of activities. With a plethora of modern facilities, from huge pools, to beach side games, to kayaking and jet skiing and even our own theatre, we introduce the unique ‘pause and play’ concept, which means that you can revel in the best of both worlds from activities to relaxation. Our onsite restaurants also deliver delicious world class food for all tastes and with our first class spa and gym facilities you have no reason not to indulge! Rooms have sea, garden or pool access so you can be assured you are relaxing in the most beautiful of environs.

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osting a simply jaw dropping view of Sigiriya rock, itself a word heritage site, at Hotel Sigirya you can bask in the cultural heritage of the Sri Lanka that brings myths and legends alive. Discover the sights and sounds of the jungle from our eco haven and embrace nature in all its glory while sipping on a tropical cocktail.

Our spa offers world class ayurvedic treatments administered by experienced professionals in this ancient art of pampering the mind, body and soul. Be enthralled by lush green landscapes that will lead you through the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. When evening comes enjoy resplendence in our luxury rooms with rainwater showers, cotton thread sheets and stunning tropical views.

THE MODERN GETAWAY in an

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Ancient Kingdom

Hotel Sigiriya

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Negombo

is located approximately 37 km north of the commercial capital of Colombo in Sri Lanka. It is located at the mouth of the Negombo lagoon.

The major beach resort in the West Coast is Negombo. The wide sandy beaches and the safe sea are the main attractions of Negombo and it is perfectly located within 7 km from the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, Sri Lanka.

Negombo has a small port, and its economy is mainly based on tourism and its centuries-old fishing industry. Negombo is a traditional fishing town in Sri Lanka, and no wonder the town is a gourmet food lover’s paradise with seafood available in plenty. Negombo also produces spices, ceramics and brassware. The town has a majority of Roman Catholics along with Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims while it has been given the name “Little Rome” due to the highly ornate Portugueseera Roman Catholic churches found within the township. The town has several buildings that date back to the Dutch and Portuguese colonial era. Attractions in the city include the old Dutch fort gate built in 1672 now a part of the prison, the Dutch Canal which was then a supply route to the Dutch administration, old churches and fishing villages.

The 100km long canal running through the town is still being used and is an attraction for those who want to see the country from a different perspective.

The Katuwapitiya Church and the Grand Street Church are the two biggest parishes in Negombo. “Agurukaramulla temple” is a famous Buddhist temple bringing Buddhists from all over Sri Lanka to Negombo every year.

The wide sandy beaches and the safe sea are the major tourist attractions of Negombo, while many tourists use the town for the first or the last night of their stay in Sri Lanka. Negombo offers some of the better beaches on the west coast of Sri Lanka, and draws tourists who stop over for a day on their way to or from the airport. Several hotels ranging from luxury hotels to budget hotels, guest houses and restaurants are available in Negombo. Some quiet stretches of the beach are maintained by the tourist hotels, while others are always busy with fisherman and their equipment. Water-sports and diving are also extremely popular among visitors, with a few well preserved coral reefs and a 50 year old shipwreck that serves as an artificial reef for many varieties of fish. There are also local handicraft sales on the beaches and the shops near the town.

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Rice

and curry is one of the greatest Sri Lankan traditions and pervades every part of living on this paradise Island. Rice and curry is eaten by everyone, of all ages, during the morning, day and night. It is served in 5 star hotels as well as in little shops along the road.

What is presented is an assortment of delicious culinary delights. The basis is a large portion of either red or white rice and alongside perhaps 3 or 4 vegetable curries, a coconut sambol mixed with a cleansing herb and your choice of chicken, fish or beef. The final flourish is a papadam and a dried chilli.

3 or 4 vegetable curries is standard along most road side joints but in many places, especially high end restaurants and hotels, this number can increase to up to 15 different side dishes. Each dish differs in taste and every province has its own special way of preparing the dishes, including which spices are used and how the curries are cooked. From very spicy seasonings for meat and fish

TASTE

SRI LANKA curries to much much milder spiced dishes like aubergine, sweet potato, and butternut squash, to local vegetables on the table like baked banyan fruit and jackfruit, rice and curry caters to every palette imaginable.

It is a most satisfying meal and also is often incredibly healthy where cooked with very little oil and fresh. In fact rice and curry is based in Ayurvedic living and dishes are presented to provide the body with health giving, vibrant food.

This way of eating naturally is gluten free, low fat, dairy free and where you choose to omit the small amount of meat, which many Sri Lankans do, it is vegan and vegetarian too. Despite this it is delicious, nutritious and filling.

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THE

RE

ainforest colodge the Biodiversity Hotspot in Sri Lanka

The

Rainforest Ecologde is situated in the Sinharaja division of the ensalwatte estate in Deniyaya. This plot of previously cultivated tea land borders the south-western fringe of the sinharaja forest reserve. Sinharaja rainforest is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site inscribed in 1988. The Sinharaja is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a Biodiversity Hotspot as designated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). All these titles highlight the importance of the forest reserve and hence the location of the Ecolodge in terms of its biodiversity as well as its fragility. In selecting this location, the management of the Ecolodge has recognized the importance of committing to the conservation of its surroundings and promoting the cause through its development and operations.

The main building houses the restaurant kitchen, the lounge & the bar, interpretation centre and the deck adjoining. The lounge provides a beautiful view of the tea patch and the jungle around it. Its cozy interior is an ideal place to snuggle in when the rain characteristic to the area pours on.

Accommodation is provided in 16 luxurious chalets located at the fringe of the forest. Each chalet is aesthetically designed using recycled shipping containers and is perched on stilts above the tea patch. The interior is ideally decorated with bamboo paneling while the floor and private deck done with rejected railway sleepers. Each chalet contains a bedroom, a washroom, a living area and a private deck.

For more information - www.rainforest-ecolodge.com

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The

Epitome der

Sri Lankan

Culture

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Dambulla Raja Maha Temple

With a history expanding over 2500 years, Sri Lanka is filled with sites of ancient kingdoms and other wonderful places to visit. A visit to Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa or Sigiriya would be like journeying back in time as the area is scattered with ruins of ancient palaces and temples, each with its own story to tell. Remains of many Asian and European inspired cultural landmarks can be found all over the island as reminders of the colonial era. Along with these, the natural landscape of the country tells its own story with forests and wild life sanctuaries filled with flora and fauna to cities hidden in hilltops where you can find a fresh breath of air.

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Anuradhapura Anuradhapura is the capital city of North Central Province, Sri Lanka and the capital of Anuradhapura District.

Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. It was the third capital of the Kingdom of Rajarata, following the kingdoms of Tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara. The city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries.

Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site. Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom’s first rulers. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Sigiriya Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress located in the central Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning. It is the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka.

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Adam’s Peak Adam’s Peak, is a 2,243 m (7,359 ft) tall conical mountain located in central Sri Lanka. It is well known for the Sri Pada, i.e., “sacred footprint”, a 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) rock formation near the summit, which in Buddhist tradition is held to be the footprint of the Buddha, in Hindu tradition that of Shiva and in Islamic and Christian tradition that of Adam, or that of St. Thomas. It is an important pilgrimage site, especially for Buddhists. Pilgrims walk up the mountain, following a variety of difficult routes up thousands of steps.

Jaffna Jaffna is the capital city of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. Prior to the Sri Lankan civil war, it was Sri Lanka’s second most populated city after the commercial capital Colombo. The city is anchored by the Jaffna fort rebuilt during the Dutch colonial period.

Wilpattu Unique feature of this park is the existence natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater. Located in the Northwest coast lowland in dry zone of Sri Lanka, the park is located 30 km west Anuradhapura and located 26 km north of Puttalam (approximately 180 km north of Colombo). The park is 131, 693 hectares and ranges from 0 to 152 meters above sea level. Wilpattu is among the top national parks world-renowned for its leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) population.

Matara Matara historically belongs to the area that was called the Kingdom of Ruhuna, which was one of the three kingdoms in Sri Lanka. In the 16th and 18th centuries, Matara was ruled by the Portuguese and the Dutch respectively.

The Dutch and English culture and architecture can still be seen throughout the area. The lighthouse in Point Dondra was built by the Dutch, and it is considered one of the most beautiful and oldest lighthouses in Sri Lanka.

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Nursery

Whales

of the

Did you know that the largest ever blue whale recorded was found in Sri Lankan waters? In fact Sri Lanka is one of the best places for whale and Dolphin watching in the world. The waters are teeming with these magnificent mammals and it is truly awe inspiring to see whales and dolphins swimming in their natural environment. The place to go is Mirissa where boats take to the water to take you to the Whales every day.

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I

magine yourself at the sea, gazing at majestic sight of a giant blue whale splitting the water line as it emerges from the depths for air.

A number of sri lankan beaches is the cradle to a variety of whale species which includes the blue whale, which is largest mammal in the sea. While mirissa being the best location for whale watching in sri lanka, beaches downsouth and trincomalee beach are also a good spots for whale watching. The humpback whale, sperm whale are among few of the species you can see in sri lankan waters.

Comfortable and Safe boats are availbale for hiring to take a three to five hour trip.

The sea at kalpitiya is where the Dolphins dominate. You are sure to come across a school of dolphins, jumping in and out of the water as they race alongside your boat. Their ever so smiling faces almost looks like an invitation for you to join them in an adventurous journey to another world under the sea where gentle giants swim.

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I 15 Whales Swam with

T

he Sri Lankan coastline is teeming with many species of whales, from humpbacks to spermwhales, including the largest mammal on our planet, the blue whale! The words of a marine biologist and avid whale lover Marianne Argouze , speaking of her time on board a ship off the coast of Sri Lanka, show just how much whale activity can be seen here in the Indian ocean.

“On the last day, we were looking for blue whales, and we spotted a blow-whale quite far away, then five, then 10 in the same place; then another 10600 feet away, and perhaps 20 more on the other side. We were totally surrounded by a pod of sperm whales traveling together. It was an absolutely incredible moment!” I don’t know how many sperm whales there were, but husband who I was onboard with estimates there were at least 50—or perhaps two or three times that…

Can you imagine the exhilaration of being surrounded by these ancient, majestic creatures?

In one moment we experience the fragility of man and all of our troubles and concerns float away on the tail of a whale. Whale watching is possible island wide, with many experts and specialists available to travel with to enjoy the company of these magnificent ocean dwellers.

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FOUNDATION OF GOODNESS

IT WORKS! www.comesrilanka.com

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T

he Foundation of Goodness began as a humble organization in 1999 operating out of Founder Kushil Gunasekera’s ancestral home offering scholarships, IT classes and other vocational & educational opportunities to the local villagers in an attempt to bridge the gap between the urban and rural sector by bringing new opportunities to the village.

Following the disastrous Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 which devastated Sri Lankan coastlines including Seenigama Kushil was determined to rebuild stronger and better, donating his family home towards the cause which was then converted in to the MCC Centre of Excellence now home to an IT Centre, Business Skills Centre, Women’s Enterprise & Empowerment Unit, Pre-school, Business Process Outsource Centre, Medical and Dental Clinic, Community Psycho-social Unit, Library and various educational courses for children as well as a Children’s Goodness Club. The Foundation of goodness continued to grow and expand, including a Sports Academy which includes the Bryan Adams Pool Complex donated by the great musician himself, two sports grounds, netball courts and village heartbeat projects in Udumulla, Rathgama, Matara and Moneragala.

In 2011, FoG activities expanded all the way to Sri Lanka’s post war North and East reaching over 28,000 beneficiaries to date, with uninterrupted monthly visits to introduce, maintain and expand a variety of programmes geared towards development and reconciliation including village infrastructure development, sports development, library and schools development, student exchange programmes, water and sanitation projects and livelihood & vocational programmes.

The Foundation of Goodness serves over 30,000 beneficiaries anually, island wide, through its 30 productive activity sectors operating across 100+ villages.

For more information please visit www.unconditionalcompassion.org

PMTT CHARITY RIDE The Pimp My Tuk Tuk charity Ride was organised by a group of Financial Expert European expats now living in South Asia who wanted to combine travel and discovery with a true local experience while also helping the local communities.

The group of 40 rode their own tuk tuks (lightweight three wheeled vehicles which are a popular mode of transport in Asia) all around the island including its breathtaking coastlines and the beautiful central hill

country doing community aid projects along the way including opening a Reverse Osmosis Water Purification plant for a village with severe water pollution that was causing Chronic Kidney Disease among the poor inhabitants who could not afford treatment.

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MISSY FRANKLIN CAPTION: Laureus Ambassador and Olympic Gold Medalist Missy Franklin (USA) during her coaching session for the local youth.

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THORSTEN BROESE After a visit to the Foundation of Goodness Thorsten Broese from Germany was inspired to raise funds for the Foundation of Goodness, especially towards giving educational opportunities for children and youth.

His goal was to walk from Munich to Venice across the Alps within a month, and donate one rupee for each step taken, and he was determined to not take any shortcuts which included riding in elevators.

28 days after he started the hike from Munich Thorsten had covered 642 Kilmetres which included a 25,474 metres altitude difference and arrived in Venice after taking 1,011,609 steps in total, which was a truly awe inspiring accomplishment.

Essential School Supplies

The Essential School Supplies programme has delivered over 25,000 school packs containing all necessities for an entire school year to rural kids across the island.

Gourmet Goodness Spices

Gourmet Goodness is a sustainability income generation venture and blends delicious Sri Lankan Spices with a few other carefully selected ingredients to bring Sri Lankan cuisine to your dinner table with ease. Visit www. gourmetgoodness.lk

Become a Part of the Family FoG’s North Learning & Empowerment Institute will be located on a 50 acre block of land granted by the Sri Lankan Government on lease to the Foundation of Goodness in Panikkankulam, Mankulam located in the North of Sri Lanka.

Here the Foundation of Goodness hopes to replicate its flagship project from the South with the aim of bringing countless new opportunities to help uplift and empower the northern population who are striving to get

Children’s Goodness Clubs

This is an inspirational movement and youth group for young people, set up to inculcate the spirit of goodness in children as the leaders of tomorrow and the hope for the future. Through fun, educational and skill-developing activities, the CGC members learn to be conscientious citizens for a better tomorrow.

NORTH back on their feet.

The North Learning & Empowerment Institute will include state of the art sports facilities including sports grounds and a pool, children’s educational classes, vocational courses, a Children’s Goodness Club to inculcate a sense of goodness in growing youth, a community auditorium, Empowerment Centre, IT Centre, BPO and many other facilities that will offer vital resources to those in the surrounding region and help them excel in their chosen field.

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Be The Change Village Heartbeat Projects

The FoG Village Heartbeat Centres deliver its core educational, vocational and livelihoods programmes to rural communities across Sri Lanka who do not have easy access to such resources. The aim is to encourage self-development and empowerment especially among rural women and youth who will have the opportunity to learn new skills, develop their talents and escape the cycle of poverty they are often trapped in due to a lack of opportunities.

Women’s Enterprise & Empowerment

The FoG Sports Academy consists of two cricket grounds, the Bryan Adams Pool Complex, Netball and Volleyball courts, Indoor badminton nets and a gym providing training, nutritional guidance and life coaching for the regional youth to explore their talents and excel on a national and international level due to specialized and targeted coaching.

The young sportsmen also get the advantage of learning from visiting international sports personalities such as the American Olympic Gold Medalist Swimmer Missy Franklin who conducted a special coaching session for the local youth.

The Women’s Enterprise & Empowerment Centre was set up to give rural women an opportunity to gain control over their lives by giving them the necessary skills and education to start their own industries and gain financial independence which goes a long way towards giving them the power to make decisions and choices about the direction of their lives.

The courses are aimed at giving the ladies to start their own business even from their own homes and entering in to the market to earn money and improve their circumstances in life.

SPORTS Medical, Dental and Psychosocial Support

The Foundation of Goodness offers free of charge medical consultations as well as pharmacology services, a dental clinic and even a Community Psycho-Social Unit all aimed at looking after the wellbeing of the bodies and minds of local communities.

These facilities treat an average of 15,000 patients per year from up to 50 surrounding villages.

Sonali und Recycling4Smiles

Sonali Ranweera is an inspirational teenager from USA who raises funds through recycling to sponsor monthly oral care camps for underprivileged students in rural Sri Lanka and around the world.

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Diving

Before the Indian Ocean tsunami the coast of Sri Lanka devastated, earned many villagers on the south coast living with coral burning for lime production. The incinerators spat day and night ashes when the retrieved from the ocean corals were burned. Here, a sharp smell throughout the Umgebung.Nach the destruction caused by the tsunami spread was made of: The Seenigama and bile area were among the most severely affected coastal areas of Sri Lanka and the reason was the death and destruction of the natural coral reefs in the ocean.

IT, English and Tamil Classes

A crucial tool to excel in today’s world, access to computers and IT knowledge is a scarce resource in rural villages across Sri Lanka.

The Foundation of Goodness prioritizes access to computers, underpinned by high quality training for rural communities, through its own dedicated and well equipped computer training centers, and through support to schools in developing their resources and staff. In addition to providing IT classes across our Village Heartbeat Projects and establishing IT Centres in the North of the island FoG also helps schools develop their computer rooms and donate computers to youth across the island. Language is essential in establishing connections and realizing opportunities therefore the Foundation of Goodness offers English and Tamil Language classes to children and youth so that they can build bridges across local communities as well as with foreign ones, learning more about the world and

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WHY INVEST IN SRI LANKA The Sri Lankan economist, Mr. Amal Sandaratne explains why now is the right time to invest in Sri Lanka.

S

ri Lanka is at a crucial juncture in its economic journey as it positions herself to capitalize on becoming the hub of choice for Indian Ocean trade. With seven years passing since the end of the three decade civil war, the island nation has taken significant steps towards realizing

Sri Lanka strategic location that connect trade routes from the East to the West

the potential of being the next Asian economic miracle. GDP per capita has doubled in the last eight years to US$ 3,924 in 2015 and is expected to reach upper middle income levels with growth continuing to be on part with other Emerging Asian bracket of economies.

Smooth political transition bodes well for long-term prospects Sri Lanka’s democracy has never been more vibrant. In January of 2015, the country witnessed a swift and smooth transition of power after a decade long rule by its former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The ascension to power by the current President Maithripala Sirisena has been viewed positively in most corners with expectations of a more global foreign policy that would look to mend strained relationships from the past regime.

Key facets of the economy The island nation with a population of 20.9 million people is primarily a consumption driven economy with consumption close to 80% of GDP. The ‘peace dividend’ has materialized in terms of most macro-economic variables with GDP growth in the last six years averaging 6.4%. Headline inflation has been in single digit levels for six consecutive years and in 2015 has reached new lows with near zero growth. This is largely due to the positive impact of low global commodity prices as well improvement in domestic food supply.

Source: Board of Investment, Sri Lanka

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Despite being heavily import dependent, Sri Lanka’s exports has achieved world-class recognition. Sri Lankan Tea or Ceylon Tea is a signature export product with a rich heritage dating back to the 19th Century. In recent times, the textile and garments industry has grown in leaps and bounds to be the largest export commodity (46% of total exports in 2015). Sri Lanka’s textile www.comesrilanka.com

Sri Lanka to be on par in GDP growth compared to peers in Asian Emerging bracket 8

2021E

7 2017E

6 5

2016E

4

2021E

3 2 1 0

Sri Lanka

Indien

Malaysia

Mongolei Philippinen Thailand

Vietnam

Source: IMF

efforts to forge closer ties. With India looking to reassert its economic dominance in a Modi-led era, Sri Lanka is well positioned to benefit from the plethora of opportunities that would arise particularly in terms of trade.

Key Socio-economic and Human Development indicators a positive compared to peers Sri Lanka has achieved most of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and is on track to meet the others. In the United Nation’s Human Development Index for 2015, Sri Lanka ranked 73rd which is ahead of most of its emerging Asian economic such as Indonesia, India, Thailand and Bangladesh. Sri Lanka is placed number one in the South Asian region in the Ease of Doing Business Index of the World Bank and second in the region in the Global Competitiveness Report for 2015/16.

FDIs, Services and Tourism to drive Sri Lanka’s future prospects Sri Lanka’s growth prospects looks promising with the rise in earnings from Tourism and Services such as the IT/BPO industries which now play a significant part of the economy. Earnings from Tourism have increased at a rapid pace since 2009, growing to US$2.9 billion in 2015 from US$350 million in 2009.

A significant expectation of the ‘peace dividend’ was to see a sharp rise in Foreign Direct Investments (FDI). However, in recent years the achieved target has been less than expected and below levels of peers in a similar sovereign rating category. At present, the Government of Sri Lanka is looking to turn this around and ensure more development projects are channeled through FDIs.

Amal Sandaratne, Economist and garments exports cater to the top world brands and play an integral role in the global supply chain.

Two key sectors which have attracted numerous foreign investments have been the Hydro Power sector and the Tourism sector. Sri Lanka has been able to attract European funding and partnership from countries like Germany and Norway for three separate Hydro Power projects which increases Sri Lanka’s generation of electricity by up to 10 MW. The international Swiss Hotel Chain, Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts is currently building its City Hotel in the heart of Colombo while Hong-Kong based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is expected to complete its residential project by 2018. Over the last few years there been numerous investments in small scale and boutique hotels by investors from France, Norway, Germany, Italy and Austria in collaboration with local partners.

In conclusion, Sri Lanka is on the right path to achieve equitable growth while ensuring that infrastructure, good governance and transparency procedures are in place.

Tourist Inflows are more than 8 times what they were in 2009

Leveraging on Sri Lanka’s greatest asset, its location Sri Lanka’s strategic location sees it at the heart of the major shipping route between South East Asia, Eastern Africa, the Middle East and Europe. This place the country at an advantage as it is able to connect markets in the West with many nations in the East. Further, the country is looking to establish itself as a major transhipment hub with total container handling in 2015 increasing 5.7% to 5.2 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Container units (TEUs). According to the Llyods Register, the Colombo Port ranks as the number one port in South Asia and the 26th in the World.

Set to benefit from the delicate balance of power in the region

Source: Zentralbank von Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has maintained close ties with China which has been a key development partner in the post-conflict investment projects of the country.

Given the ‘maritime Silk Road’ strategy of Beijing, the geostrategic rivalry with India has intensified in recent years. However, with the new political regime’s strategy to strengthen ties with all its partners this should see a careful balance of both regional super powers.

During the visit by the Indian Prime Minister in the first half of 2015, President Sirisena and Prime Minister Modi inked four agreements underlining their www.comesrilanka.com

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George Steuart & Co. Sri Lanka’s oldest company, a leading diversified conglomerate today

G

eorge Steuart & Co - the oldest corporate house in Sri Lanka and one of the oldest mercantile establishments in the world with a documented history, is an institution built on strong corporate belief and a commitment to excellence. The company was founded in 1835 by the sea faring brothers James and George Steuart in the then Ceylon. During its 178 years at the highest echelons of Sri Lanka’s business world, George Steuart & Co has evolved and transformed to become one of the most dynamic conglomerates in contemporary Sri Lanka.

and responsible cleaning for a safer, cleaner and more sustainable tomorrow.

As Sri Lanka marches towards a new economic era as a fast emerging market, George Steuart & Co has strategically sought to expand its footprint both locally and internationally, using its legacy of belief, expertise and creativity to ensure sustainable growth for the oldest company in Sri Lanka.

The history of the company is closely intertwined with the fortunes of Sri Lanka’s tea industry. No other company can claim the expert and intimate knowledge that comes from being the original ‘Ceylon Tea People’. Today it has the distinction of being the 2nd largest tea exporter offering both bulk and branded teas to the world.

The diverse business interests of George Steuart & Co today includes tea, travel and leisure, real estate, pharmaceuticals, financial services and investments, personal care, detergents, aviation and insurance services, etc.

The company also has a number of long term partnerships with the world’s most sought after agencies in the industrial, hospitality, construction and engineering sectors.

Sri Lanka being a much sought after tourist destination, the company has also been at the forefront of the travel and leisure industry. It owns the vibrant Citrus group of hotels and resorts, and operates one of the top 5 travel companies in the country offering both inbound and outbound services.

George Steuart & Co is one of the foremost distributors of pharmaceutical and nutritional products with the aim of providing healthcare products that improve the quality of life of all Sri Lankans. Representing the world’s leading manufacturers, today the company is placed among the top five pharmaceutical distributors in Sri Lanka George Steuart & Co through its affiliate company is also in the real estate and property development sector in a fast developing Sri Lankan landscape. Its real estate footprint includes prime city and commercial properties within its portfolio including the landmark Liberty Plaza building.

The FMCG range of products produced by George Steuart & Co includes personal care and detergents. While the personal care is inspired to offering a beauty experience that surpasses international beauty care brands at the most affordable price, the detergents offer reliable

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LUXURY APARTMENTS IN COLOMBO 03

My Property Pvt Ltd, which is based out of Colombo, Sri Lanka is truly a ONE-STOPSHOP for all property investment needs for overseas investors. My Property is a fully owned subsidiary of Dwellings Group, which is a leading Property Development and Marketing company in Australia.

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Expected capital growth : 7% per Annum

LUXURY COTTAGES IN NUWARA ELIYA

A secure investment for the future from

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Cinnamon Legends A MODERN COMPANY BATHED IN HISTORY AND LEGEND!

This

thriving family company was established in 1955 when Sri Lankan Cinnamon finally landed back in the hands of it’s own people. This harvest of golden organic Cinnamon has been a prized commodity since the Arabic traders first landed in Sri Lanka in the 7th century, then cultivated and sold by the Portuguese, the Dutch and finally the British.

Only in Sri Lanka is the true Cinnamon grown as her climate is perfect. Sri Lankan Cinnamon is the only Cinnamon available worldwide which imparts powerful medicinal benefits to whoever imbibes it. Sri Lankan Cinnamon is not just superior in these health giving benefits but also in taste which is lighter, more fragrant and more delicious than regular Cinnamon, it is a true delicacy and delight to the senses.

A visit to Cinnamon Legends is a Cinnamon lovers dream come true! The company has reserved its very best organic cinnamon to make a range of cinnamon products from chocolates, to cocktail additions, through body lotions, teas, oil for burners, candles, wooden products to the spice itself in all its simple deliciousness, ready to be used in your cooking once home. The Cinnamon bee honey was one of our favourites for its versatility, it can be drizzled it over ice-cream, added it to tea and even mixed with whiskey to create a scintillating sun downer. It’s medicinal benefits in cases of a cold or when a little tic are needed are second to none.

This is a delightful and varied way to enjoy one of Sri Lanka’s most historic exports, on it’s home ground where it shines the brightest.

Cinnamon legends exports this Cinnamon to select destinations worldwide.

The company expertly produces many grades of this precious spice, however the highest grade is considered as gold dust, with qualities which render the Cinnamon as a food for the Gods!

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Cinnamon Chocolate

A wide range of products manufactured with quality cinnamon from Sri Lanka, for pleasure and for health.

Cinnamon Tea

Spices & Essential Oils Hand & Body Lotion

Cinnamon Enchanter Cinnamon Spice Gift Box

Elixir of Life www.comesrilanka.com

Bath Salts

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History lives on in the vibrant city of Galle where a blend of cultural heritage and contemporary lifestyles reside in unique harmony. With Fairway Galle, we continue the tradition of creating iconic landmarks bringing you all of today’s comforts in 2/3 bedroom apartments conveniently located at this heritage city, complete with resort like amenities, including a private club house on the Unawatuna Beach, exclusively for Fairway Galle homeowners. Be it your home, a holiday home or an investment, Fairway Galle will offer you lasting rewards to enjoy.

Call : +941 77 4454433 / +941 77 4441186 / +941 77 4447508 / +941 77 7399897 or visit www.fairwaygalle.com

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RF

ich ruit Stalls

Fresh fruit is in abundance in this colourful country. Mango, Papaya, watermelon and many more are available on every streetside, sold for around 50 rupees per portion. Fresh, juicy hydrating fruit is available either ready chopped or to take away and prepare at home. Fruit sellers are a testament to how quickly and easily everything grows in fertile soil under the life-giving Sri Lankan sunshine. The tropical heat means that sometimes some refreshing fruit is all you need until the sun sets and you can find a delicious meal to share with family and friends.

Scuba diving and

Snorkelling

My first experience of snorkelling in Sri Lanka and within minutes I was drifting alongside a turtle around a foot long and 3/4 wide being gently buffeted by the turquoise waves. What a gentle and relaxed creature it seemed to be!

Indeed within the warm waters of the island’s coastline there are all manner of sea life to see and the further south you get the clearer the water becomes until it is a mere mirage, so crystal clear you are flying through a watery world of endless majesty.

There are shipwrecks too, indeed the world under the water here is as vibrant and alive as the one on dry land.

The

THE LUNCH PACKET A veritable assortment of yumminess and all for less than a euro! Every day from mid morning to lunchtime, lunch packets are available on every street in Sri Lanka.

Whether you choose chicken, fish or vegetable you are presented with a packet of rice and curry which is delicious, nutritious and filling; a true taste of Sri Lankan cuisine!

Inside your lunch packet you will find an assortment of around 4 or 5 curries along with a large portion of either red or white rice. From delicious dahl (a staple lentil dish in the east) to creamy butternut squash and a healthy portion of green beans, your taste buds will be tingling for these delectable lunch packets every day! The curries change daily too so you can be assured of plenty of variety. Dairy and gluten free too!

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tuk tuk driver

Ah the Tuk Tuk! Iconic carriage of the east! Also known as the three-wheeler or a rickshaw by the older generations you are never far from this nimble and exciting method of transport, even in the most remote parts of the island. Commonly adorned to exude the personality and tastes of the driver himself, often with a philosophical slogan emblazoned on the back, which Tuk Tuk will you choose today?! A fun and cheap way to travel in Sri Lanka, only in the main cities do the Tuk Tuks have metres. This means that for the rest of the island you should get your bartering hat on. It should be around 50 rupees on the metre to start and 40 rupees per kilometre thereafter, although non-metres tuks normally charge about 25% more which is accepted.

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AMAYA HILLS KANDY

The must see “Amaya Triangle”

Erforschen. Entdecken.

Träumen.

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Tel: +94 112 870870 / +94 772 870870 sixt.lk

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