Srilanka Paradise

Ceylon Tea

2007-11-29T22:33:00.000-08:00

Tea comes from flowering evergreen shrubs called Camellia sinensis, growing in tropical and subtropical regions. Pruning keeps the plant at a reasonable height for picking (about three feet) and stimulates the growth of young leaves.
It is this new growth, consisting of two leaves and a bud that are picked, from which tea is made. The tender new growth on a plant is referred to as the "flush", and is the most desirable leafage for making tea.
There are four distinct types of tea; white tea, green tea, oolong tea, and black tea. All come from the same plant and it is the method of processing that produces the characteristics of each tea. Black tea, which accounts for 98% of all exported tea, is fully fermented during manufacturing. Oolong tea, made in China and Taiwan, is partially fermented. Green tea, primarily produced in China and Japan skips the fermenting stage altogether, making green tea very nearly caffeine free. White tea is comprised of only the buds of an extremely rare tea plant during a short three day "first flush" of the year and is also unfermented. This tea is very pale in color and delicately aromatic. In addition to numerous varietal flavor choices within each category of tea, the leaves may be smoked, pressed, rolled, scented, or flavored to produce an endless array of choices for the tea connoisseur.

Teas from the highest region on the island are described as the ‘champagne’ of Ceylon teas.
Until the 1860’s THE MAIN CROP PRODUCED on the island of Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, was coffee. But in 1869, the coffee-rust fungus, Hemileia vastatrix, killed the majority of of the coffee plants and estate owners had to diversify into other crops in order to avoid total ruin. The owners of Loolecondera Estate had been interested in tea since the late 1850’s and in 1866, James Taylor, a recently arrived Scot, was selected to be in charge of the first sowing of tea seeds in 1867, on 19 acres of land.
Taylor had acquired some basic knowledge of tea cultivation in North India and made some initial experiments in manufacture, using his bungalow verandah as the factory and rolling the leaf by hand on tables. Firing of the oxidized leaf was carried out on clay stoves over charcoal fires with the leaf on wire trays. His first teas were sold locally and were declared delicious. By 1872, Taylor had a fully equipped factory, and, in 1873, his first quality teas were sold for a very good price at the London auction. Through his dedication and determination, Taylor was largely responsible for the early success of the tea crop in Ceylon. Between 1873 and 1880, production rose from just 23 pounds to 81.3 tons, and by 1890, to 22,899.8 tons.
Most of the Ceylon tea gardens are situated at elevations between 3,000 and 8,000 feet in two areas of the southwestern part of the island, to the east of Colombo and in the Galle district on the southern point. In the hot, steamy plains and foothills, the tea bushes flush every seven or eight days and are picked all year round. The finest teas are gathered from late June to the end of August in eastern districts and from the beginning of February to mid-March in the western parts.
Until 1971, more than 80 percent of the island’s tea estates were owned and managed by British companies. In 1971, the Sri Lankan government introduced a Land Reform Act which gave the state control of the majority of the plantations (which also grow rubber and coconuts for export) leaving about one-third in private hands. Since 1990, a restructuring program has been going on to involve the private sector companies (both Sri Lankan and foreign) as Managing Agents of the state-owned plantations. The long-term aim is for the private managing companies to take on most, if not all, of the financial responsibility and control of the estates, with the government retaining ownership.

NUWARA ELLYA
Teas from the highest region on the island are often described as the “champagne” of Ceylon teas. The leaf is gathered all year round, but the finest teas are made from that plucked in January and February. The best teas of the area give a rich, golden, excellent quality liquor that is smooth, bright, and delicately perfumed.
Characteristics: Bright brisk flavour and wonderful perfume.
Brewing hints: Brew 1 teaspoon in a scant 1 cup water at 203 F. Infuse for 3-4 minutes.
Drinking recommendations: Good at any time of the day with a little milk.

SriLankan Airlines

2007-11-29T21:56:00.000-08:00

Custom Search

SriLankan Airlines

Asia’s rising starApril 1998 heralded a new era in the history of Sri Lankan civil aviation when its flag carrier, Air Lanka, was privatised following the establishment of a strategic partnership with Dubai based Emirates Airline. The agreement, in which the United Arab Emirates airline took a 40% shareholding in the company, was the regenerative boost that was urgently needed to re-establish Air Lanka as southern Asia’s preferred international carrier. This was crucial as throughout the previous decade investment had been minimal - a factor that had retarded growth and taken away the airline’s competitive edge.
As part of its commitment to the Sri Lankan government Emirates contracted to undertake the management of Air Lanka for a 10-year period, during which time it would establish programmes to stimulate renewed growth and profitability. Primary among these considerations was the development of Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, as a major passenger and cargo hub linking east and west.
The business plan put forward by Emirates centred on the appointment of a new board of directors drawn from the Sri Lankan government and Emirates Airline. Pertinent to this the chief executive officer (CEO) was to be seconded from Emirates. To help achieve its objective of raising Air Lanka’s profit margin, a thorough overhaul and analysis of the airline’s infrastructure was completed. This resulted in Air Lanka adopting a whole new approach to airline operation. Cost-effective strategies were introduced; new pro-active management teams were put in place; computer technology became the basis of everyday activities; a reappraisal of the airline’s network was made; product enhancement became part of airline philosophy, and a fleet renewal programme was activated. But to raise awareness and underline its new ideals the airline set into motion a re-branding programme.
The perceived success of the business plan was, to a great extent, based on the acquisition of six new fuel efficient, easy to maintain, passenger friendly Airbus A330-200s to complement its fleet of A340-300 and A320-200 aircraft. The first A330-200 joined the airline in October 1999, with the remaining five delivered by July 2000. That same year saw Air Lanka’s last L1011 TriStar sold to Air Transit (Canada) but perhaps more momentus, in July 1999, the company’s fourth A340-300 arrived at Colombo painted in the airline’s new corporate livery. SriLankan Airlines was now on view to the world.
As part of its product enhancement programme SriLankan upgraded its existing A340 fleet into two-class configuration - business and economy. At the same time the interior décor and seats were refurbished to reflect the airline’s new corporate image and the inflight entertainment systems were improved to match those of the new A330s. The A320 short-haul fleet also underwent an interior modernisation programme.
Apart from its cosmetic differences the SriLankan Airlines fleet, which now ranks among the most luxurious and well equipped in the world, is also one of the most efficient. Fleet compatibility has reduced maintenance and training costs, Rolls-Royce Trent and CFM56 engines give minimum fuel consumption on long-haul sectors, cargo uplift has increased, and the high quality of the products on offer is encouraging a growing number of passengers to fly SriLankan Airlines.
Promoting Sri Lanka
Because of its geographical location and the nature of the country Sri Lanka is energetically promoting itself as a destination of many facets, most of which it believes will appeal to people from many walks of life. SriLankan recognises the importance of tourism to its country and is adamant that once people have experienced the island they will return time-and-time again, and because of this belief is deeply committed to persuading its passengers to visit Sri Lanka.
Holidays and stopover packages feature strongly in SriLankan’s bid to bring more people to its country. The airline regards Sri Lanka as being equidistant between Europe and the Far East and says it is the ideal place for passengers - whether travelling east or west - to take a break. From Colombo stopover tours of one day or more are available, with packages tailored to appreciate the country’s historical sites and ancient monuments, visit the hill capital of Kandy and admire the magnificent Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. Others call at tea plantations, offer jeep safaris to Yala National Park – home of elephant, leopard, sloth bear and wild buffalo – or allow visitors to spend a few hours at the Pinnawela orphaned elephant sanctuary before returning to Colombo for the shopping experience of a lifetime. Alternatively spending a couple of days at a luxury beachfront hotel, relaxing on a pristine white beach, drinking ice-cold cocktails and enjoying the long hours of warm sunshine might be more appealing.
Sporting activities are integral to Sri Lankan life and the airline is involved in the promotion of international golf, cricket and rugby tournaments, the International Rugby Sevens being recognised as a world event.
On the theme of bringing visitors to Sri Lanka, business travellers are by no means neglected. SriLankan is fully committed to promoting Meeting, Incentive Tour, Conference, Exhibition, (MICE) special events. For those companies who select Sri Lanka for their MICE gatherings, the national carrier offers attractive fare rates, overseas promotions, group check-in, distribution of promotional material, reconfirmation facilities, and inflight welcome announcements. Sri Lanka is definitely a very affordable convention centre destination.
Regular travellers flying SriLankan, Emirates, and their partner airlines, can take advantage of Skywards, a loyalty scheme, which allows frequent flyers to amass Skywards Miles and benefit from the hundreds of reward flights available. Also included in the programme are selected airline, hotel, car rental, financial services and holiday partners. Membership of Skywards has many privileges including priority check-in, flight upgrades, lounge access and family bonus miles.
The increasing popularity of Sri Lanka, due in no small way to strong promotional campaigns by SriLankan in Europe has resulted in it recording very heavy load factors on these schedules, but particularly out of London. Because of demand the frequency of services on this high-density route has been increased, with two routed via Male (Maldives) each week. SriLankan approached the Maldivian government to fly into Male and now operates direct services to Male from London, Paris, Zurich and Tokyo. Such has been the success of the Male routing that new schedules from other destinations are being considered.
SriLankan’s efforts in regenerating itself as a major Asian carrier have not gone unnoticed and it has been the recipient of a number of prestigious awards. In March 2003 the Skytrax Research Agency’s worldwide passenger survey voted SriLankan, for the third consecutive time, Best Airline of the Year for Central Asia. Further, in that same year TTG(Asia) voted SriLankan Best Airline in South Asia. In 2001 the UK’s Wanderlust magazine placed SriLankan eighth in its Top Major Airlines travel award category. This latter achievement was all the more satisfying as these awards are normally presented to the world’s larger airline operators.
New services
Enlightened route management is playing a vital role in SriLankan achieving its objective of attaining the airline industry’s specified profit level. Non-cost effective schedules have been withdrawn and new routes that offer prospects of growth and profitability have, and still are, being initiated. In this context SriLankan is aiming, as well as developing business traffic, to maximise its short-haul tourist travel from the Indian sub-continent to Sri Lanka.
Driving this campaign is the hard financial fact that relative to India the cost of holidays in Sri Lanka are considerably less expensive, and with most flights from India taking no more than 90 minutes to reach Sri Lanka, the opportunities presented are enormous. Weekend schedules are already benefiting as travel to the island’s competitively priced beach resorts is already increasing.
Pivotal to SriLankan’s growing success is its belief that the government should try to attract ‘quality’ carriers back to Sri Lanka. With the peace process firmly established in the country, Sri Lanka is being ‘re-discovered’ by higher spending tourists, which in turn is improving yields. More specialist tour operators are beginning to promote the unique delights of Sri Lanka, which should encourage some European scheduled airlines to consider resuming flights to Colombo.
SriLankan, at this stage of its development, has no interest in joining an airline ‘alliance’ and is quite happy to continue working in partnership with Emirates, which has now upped its stake in the airline to 43%.
SriLankan is now firmly on course to reach its set target, but ultimately its aim is to generate manageable levels of growth and consistent profitability, objectives that can only be attained by continuously, and cost-efficiently, improving its product. CEO Peter Hill says that despite operating in a difficult economic and very competitive climate SriLankan has proved, without doubt, that a strongly managed airline with innovative and visionary ideas can succeed whatever the odds. And who better to know than the man guiding the fortunes of South Asia’s Best Airline of the Year?

Travelling Time

2007-11-29T21:35:00.000-08:00

These times cannot be guaranteed, but they are average driving times,

based on the experience of our drivers.

Airport-Colombo: 1 hr 05 mins
Airport-Galle: 4 hrs 30 mins
Airport-Kandy: 2 hrs 50 mins
Airport-Mount Lavinia: 1 hr 30 mins
Anaradhapura-Dambulla: 1 hr 45 mins
Anaradahapura-Negombo: 3 hrs 50 mins
Anaradhapura-Wilpattu: 50 mins
Arugam Bay-Yala: 4 hours
Bentota-Colombo: 2 hrs
Colombo-Airport: 1 hr 05 mins
Colombo-Bentota: 2 hrs
Colombo-Dambulla: 3 hrs 20 mins
Colombo-Galle: 3 hrs 25 mins
Colombo-Kandy: 3 hr 15 mins
Colombo-Wadduwa: 1 hr 15 mins
Dambulla-Anaradhapura: 1 hr 45 mins
Dambulla-Colombo 3 hrs 20 mins
Dambulla-Kandy: 2 hrs
Dambulla-Polonnuruwa: 2 hrs
Dambulla-Trinco: 3 hrs
Ella–Nuwara Eliya: 1 hr 45 mins
Ella-Yala: 3 hrs
Galle-Airport: 4 hrs 30 mins
Galle-Colombo: 3 hrs 25 mins
Galle-Kandy: 5 hrs
Galle-Nuwara Eliya: 6 hrs
Galle-Uda Walawe: 3 hrs 30 mins
Galle-Sinharajah: 3-4 hours (depending on route)
Galle-Tangalle: 2 hrs
Habarana-Polonnuruwa 45 mins
Horton Plains-Nuwara Eliya: 1h 30 mins
Horton Plains-Tea Trails: 3 hrs 50 mins
Kalutara-Kandy: 4 hours
Kandy-Airport: 2 hrs 50 mins
Kandy-Colombo: 3 hrs 15 mins
Kandy-Dambulla: 2 hrs
Kandy-Galle: 5 hrs
Kandy-Kalutara: 4 hrs
Kandy-Kitulgala: 3 hrs
Kandy–Nuwara Eliya: 2 hrs 45 mins
Kitulgala-Kandy: 3 hrs
Kitulgala-Tea Trails: 1hr 40 mins
Mount Lavinia-Airport: 1 hr 30 mins
Negombo-Anaradahapura: 3 hrs 50 mins
Nuwara Eliya-Ella: 1 hr 45 mins
Nuwara Eliya-Galle: 6 hrs
Nuwara Eliya-Horton Plains: 1h 30 mins
Nuwara Eliya-Tea Trails: 2 hrs 30 mins
Nuwara Eliya-Kandy: 2 hrs 45 mins
Nuwara Eliya-Yala: 4 hrs
Polonnuruwa-Dambulla: 2 hrs
Polonnuruwa-Habarana: 45 mins
Polonnuruwa – Trinco: 3 hrs
Sinharajah-Galle: 3 to 4 hrs (depending on route)
Tangalle-Galle: 2 hrs
Tangalle-Yala: 2 hrs 30 mins
Tea Trails-Nuwara Eliya: 2 hrs 30 mins
Tea Trails-Horton Plains: 3 hrs 50 mins
Tea Trails-Kitulgala: 1hr 40 mins
Trinco-Dambulla: 3 hrs
Trinco-Polonnuruwa: 3 hrs
Uda Walawe-Galle: 3 hrs 30 mins
Wadduwa-Colombo: 1 hr 15 mins
Wilpattu-Anaradhapura: 50 mins
Wilpattu-Negombo: 3 hrs
Yala-Arugam Bay: 4 hrs
Yala-Ella: 3 hrs
Yala-Nuwara Eliya: 4 hrs
Yala-Tangalle: 2 hrs 30 mins

Hotels

2007-11-29T03:39:00.000-08:00

Taj Exotica Hotel

International Holiday Resort
Bentota, LK

Located on Sri Lankas southwest coast. The Taj Exotica is 60kms 2 hours drive from Colombo and 90kms 3 hours drive from the Airport. Bentota is a paradise with unlimited sun, sea, sand and surf overlooking the Indian Ocean and an enchanting palm-fringed beach. Sprawled across 8 acres of land, Taj Exotica possesses a unique character in its architectural splendor, with terraced buildings housing 162 fully equipped rooms, most offering spectacular views over the Indian ocean. All rooms feature Balconies or Sitouts overlooking the landscaped gardens or the sea. The hotel has 3 Restaurants, 2 Bars and Meeting facilities seating up to 300. Other facilities include a fully equipped Gym, Steam Room, Sauna, Jacuzzi, 2 Flood-lit Tennis Courts, Parking facilities, Secretarial Services, Laundry and Valet Services, 24 hour Room Service, Baby Sitting, Business CentreEmail and Internet Access, Indoor Games, Outdoor Swimming Pool, Discotheque, Shopping Arcade, Beauty Parlor, Doctor on Call, Car Hire, Satellite Television, Telephones with international dialling, in room Minibar and Safe Deposit, Hair Dryer, Travel Assistance and Currency Exchange. Utell Superior Selection - Offers the traveller quality rooms and facilities making their stay, whether business or leisure, relaxing and comfortable.

Taj Exotica Hotel Property Information:
Rooms: 162Floors: 5

Taj Exotica Hotel Services/Facilities/Features:
On-site facilities - general facilities - ballroom banquet facility bar barber/beauty shop coffee shop conference room elevators gift shop lounge meeting room non-smoking rooms restaurant sauna steam room chargeable facilities - business center fitness center health club parking facilities - disabled parking valet parking public area facilities - wireless data connection Meeting and convention facilities -
Recreation:
On-site recreation - bicycling children s activities exercising sightseeing tours swimming table tennis tennis universal gym water skiing water sports onsite recreational activities - the taj spa is designed to refect the elements of nature.The taj spa offers indian royal and holistic treatments and programs in a refreshing new setting. the menu includes signature experiences, ayurveda, meditation and beauty. signature experiences range from balancing to deep muscular to detoxification to relaxing massages. facilities - the spa has 06 massage rooms / 02 couple suites, 2 auruvedic massage rooms and two single massage rooms / separate areas for ladies and gents, steam rooms, jacuzzi and laconium. .

Taj Exotica Hotel Reservation Policies:
Check-In: 1400Check-Out: 1200

The Colombo Plaza

WELCOME TO A PLACE WHERE SENSES ARE DELIGHTED AND DESIRES INDULGED. A PLACE WHERE YOU PICK THE PACE AND CHOOSE THE MOOD. CINNAMON GRAND COLOMBO IS IN THE HEART OF THE CITYS BUSINESS SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE 35 KMS FROM THE AIRPORT. WITH 501 LUXURIOUS ROOMS AND EIGHT RESTAURANTS SERVING AN ECLECTIC MIX OF CUISINE WE HAVE GOT THE PERFECT ACCOMMODATION THAT CATERS TO YOUR PERSONAL NEEDS. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A VENUE TO HOLD THAT IMPORTANT CONFERENCE OR CLOSE THAT VITAL DEAL WE HAVE A SELECTION OF PERFECT CINNAMON SPACES WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY AND A TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS ON HAND TO CO-ORDINATE YOUR EVENT. A VENUE OF MULTIPLE DIMENSIONS WITH TWO BALLROOMS THAT CAN ACCOMMODATE UP TO 1500 GUESTS AND EIGHT OTHER ADDITIONAL MEETINGS ROOMS WHAT BETTER PLACE TO HOST YOUR IMPORTANT EVENT. WHATEVER YOUR PREFERENCE WE HAVE THE PERFECT BLEND OF FACILITIES BE IT BUSINESS OR PLEASURE KEEPING COMFORT AND CONNECTIVITY IN MIND. HOW MAY WE INDULGE YOU. THE STREET NAME HAS CHANGED. IT WAS FORMERLY REFERRED TO AS 77 STEUART PLACE.

The Colombo Plaza Property Information:
Rooms: 501Floors: 9

The Colombo Plaza Services/Facilities/Features:
-air conditioning -coffee shop -elevators -gift shop -disabled parking -disabled access -lounge / bar area -meets ada specs -hotel safe -storage space available -guest laundry -elevators -front desk 24hr -interior access -some facilities may include a charge
Recreation:
-cardio equipment -jacuzzi -limited health club -massage -outdoor pool -sauna -squash courts -tennis courts -weight lifting -whirlpool
The Colombo Plaza Reservation Policies:
Check-In: 1300Check-Out: 1200

The Beach Negombo

Property Information:
Rooms: 78Floors: 3

The Beach Negombo Services/Facilities/Features:
On-site facilities - general facilities - bar beach coffee shop conference room elevators gift shop indoor pool lounge meeting room non-smoking rooms outdoor pool restaurant sauna spa squash courts steam room tennis courts whirlpool chargeable facilities - business center 24 hours fitness center hours - from 0600 to 2100 health club 24 hours parking facilities - free parking 24 hours outdoor parking 24 hours public area facilities - high speed internet access information center wireless data connection lobby/info center Additional onsite facilities - 24 hour room service qualified in house naturalist to organise nature and cultural tours signature dining experiences, cookery demonstrations with executive chef to suit individual guest back of the house tours and a special visit to kitchen experienced child care assistants managing the well equipped child care center fishing villege tours boat and catemaran ride tours spa, exclusive wines and jetwing tea Meeting and convention facilities - Total nbr of meeting rooms - 2 Measurement of largest meeting room - 1485 sq ft Measurement of smallest meeting room - 729 sq ft Seating format options - meeting room name - main meeting room measurement - 1485 sf classroom - 65 theatre style - 100 u-shaped - 40
Recreation:
On-site recreation - cardio vascular exercise children s activities exercising fishing sailing/boating sightseeing tours squash surfing swimming table tennis tennis treadmill universal gym volleyball water sports wine tasting onsite recreational activities - a destination spa with two single treatment rooms, one thai and shiatsu room equipped with a jacuzzi and a rama and sitha room equipped with a jacuzzi, and a steam room. gym, tennis, squash, beach football, beach volley ball and water sports during the season. .
The Beach Negombo Reservation Policies:
Check-In: 1300Check-Out: 1200

Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya - Highlands overview
Imperial style hotel, near Nuwara Eliya Town. In the tea highlands, 5 minutes walk from a golf club
The Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya is an Edwardian classic hotel, just outside Nuwara Eliya Town. It is set in a pleasant park 2,000 metres up in the tea highlands. Rooms in an imperial style are unfussy with wooden furnishings. Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is within 5 minutes walk.

We recently stayed at the beautiful Hunas Falls resort for our honeymoon. We stopped here on a leg of the tour between Colombo and Kandy, for which it's ideally placed. It's in the most beautiful surroundings on the edge of the tea-picking country. Some of the room rates include a free walk with the hotel's own nature guide, which is a really unique feature of this hotel. We had a two hour walk with the guide which was fascinating (he will do whatever you want to do -- whether it's just a walk round the lake or a trek up the nearby mountain). Within minutes we'd seen golden orioles, barbels, mongooses, Shaheen falcon.The food was excellent and the service very friendly. The hotel appears to be a very popular honeymoon destination for Sri Lankans too. My only slight disappointment was with the rooms which were functional, though not especially luxurious.

The lovely Amanwella is situated near Wella Wathuara village amidst a mature coconut grove fronting a beautiful crescent-shaped beach flanked by two rocky headlands. An early morning or evening stroll along village paths that wind through the jung...

At Kandalama, nature and the Geoffrey Bawa-designed architecture have become one – tropical birds (and at night bats), flutter freely along the open walkways and the rocky outcrops of the hillside ...

At Kandalama, nature and the Geoffrey Bawa-designed architecture have become one – tropical birds (and at night bats), flutter freely along the open walkways, and the rocky outcrops of the hillside...
Just 27 villas, housing beautiful, traditionally decorated suites and the exclusive Saman Villas, are perched on a rocky outcrop. Wonderful for couples of all ages, the villas offer privacy and com...

Ayurveda

2007-11-29T03:27:00.000-08:00

Ayurveda literally means “The Science of Life” for the promotion of positive health and prevention and cure of diseases. It is in practice in India and its neighboring countries since time immemorial.“Health”, according to Ayurveda, is not merely the freedom from diseases. A person is to be treated as healthy only when his mind, sense, organs and the soul are in the state of perfect of equilibrium to endow happiness. In addition, the body should be free from diseases.Ayurveda lays a lot of emphasis on the prevention and cure of diseases. Therefore several therapeutic measures both for patients and healthy persons are prescribed in this system of medicine.

What Ayurveda does for you?Ayurveda is considered to be one of the best healthcare methods available in the world. It can not only cure but prevents diseases as well.
Ayurveda treatments can give us the opportunity to be aware of not only physical but also social distortions. If one is comfortable receiving Ayurveda treatments, most likely he has established good human relationships which is essential for good health.
Therapeutic MeasuresThese are done to promote self-resistance (immunity) power in the body to overcome different changes and to cure a disease if it has already got manifested. Several therapeutic measures are available in Ayurveda such as drugs, diet, drinks, regimens and special therapies.

“Ayurveda” is not only a form of medication – it is a total way of life know to generations of Sri Lankan for over 3000 years. It is a gentle method of treating the root causes of illness in both mind and body.The health conscious today are searching for effective alternatives to the spiraling costs and side effects that at times result from the use of modern medicine.

In Sri Lanka, we have had for the last couple of millennia a “user-friendly “ traditional medicine – Ayurveda” which over 75% of the island’s population depend on because of its reliance on natural plants, herbs and oils. Nature’s way to good health, the efficacy of “Ayurveda” has been proved by 3,000 years of successful caring and curing…
What is Ayurveda? It is an ancient system of medicine developed in our part of the world, long before the “father of medicine”, Hippocrates, was even born. The name comes from two conjoined Sanskrit words “Ayuh” (life) and “Veda” (science or knowledge). Basically a science of healthy living, Ayurveda has two aims – to preserve health and to cure a body afflicted by disease.
One of the fundamentals beliefs of Ayurveda is the doctrine of “Tri Dosha” or the Three Vital Forces – Vayu, Pita and Kapha. Generally translated into Wind, Bile and Phlegm, a more accurate interpretation of Vayu is the transmission of energy within the body; in modern medical terms, nerve impulses, muscle contraction and hormonal activity. Pita may not be confined to bile but signifies the whole scope of metabolism and internal heat production while Kapha means mucus, often described as “The Protective Fluid”. The modern concept of mucus as an antibody containing liquid which coats and protects internal linings of the body, seems to fit in with Ayurvedic thinking.
When the three, “Doshas” are balanced, the body is in good health. When this equilibrium is disturbed and the balance of these complementary forces become unbalanced and upset, then illness results.
Ayurvedic practitioners study the patient as a whole with the object of restoring balance, getting to the root of the problem and treating it. Local folk have been known to say that while western medicine classifieds germs and attempts to destroy them, Ayurveda classifies human beings and attempts to save them.
The dive-pronged evacuative therapy – “Pancha Karma” is designed to rid the body of toxins and is achieved by special diets and herbal decoctions. The five elements of medical herbs: leaves, flowers, barks, roots and berries are used to cleanse the blood and the body of impurities.
The preparation of Ayurvedic medications is usually a long process with ingredients being ground in a pestle for a prescribed period of time. Juices and extracts of plants are simmered until they are reduced to a fraction of their original volume. Besides decoctions, wines, pills and powders for internal use, Ayurveda also uses poultices, pastes, ointments and oils for external application.
Massage with herbal oils, steam baths and bathing in herbal waters are said to be particularly beneficial to patients with migraine, insomnia and arthritis.

Methods of treatment vary – while one might have herbal oil dripping from a suspended clay pot onto a patient’s head, another would place the patient in a steam bath like an ancient wooden chest with perforations, in which he or she lies relaxed, benefiting from the vapours of various steamed herbs wafting up from underneath.

Herbal teas are now available and gaining in popularity worldwide. Their ingredients vary. While some might invigorate and energize, others would relax and calm both mind and body.
The preventative aspects of Ayurveda recommend codes for healthy living which include dietary and social-cultural norms. Certain foods are considered good while partaking of others such as red meat is discouraged. Vegetarianism and the consumption of dairy products such as milk and curd are smiled upon while drinking alcohol and smoking are frowned on.

“Ayurveda” is a cure for a lifetime and a way of life; after all, generations of Sri Lankan have been using these age-old remedies, and obtaining relief from their illness, living to a ripe old age in excellent physical condition.

It is a gentle and relaxed treatment for both mind and body, one that leaves you feeling light, tranquil, yet filled with the zest and energy that our ancestors experienced and benefited from.
“Ayurveda” is nature’s way of caring and curing for a lifetime…

Meseum

2007-11-29T03:07:00.000-08:00

Meseum

National Museum,Colombo(Closed on Fridays)Situated in Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 7. It is the first public museum to be established in Sri Lanka (1877). Best known for its collection of antiques and objects displaying the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka, including national treasures and artefacts from all parts of the island. A section of the first floor houses the Puppetry and Children's Museum. It also houses a library with a collection of about 500,000 books, and more than 4,000 ancient palm leaf manuscripts.(Tel : 2697467-8)

National Museum Of Natural History(Closed on Fridays)Situated in the same premise as the national museum, it is also accessible from Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 7. Displays the Natural Heritage of Sri Lanka. Fauna are displayed in dioramas, and there are sections on applied botany, geology and fossils and the natural environment. In the Discovery Room one finds the mounted skeleton of an elephant and a scale model in relief showing the topography of a part of Sri Lanka.(Tel: 2694767-8)

The Dutch Period Museum(Closed on Fridays)Situated at Kumara Weediya, Pettah, Colombo11, the old "Dutch House" in Prince Street, Pettah, which houses this museum was built in the latter part of the 17th century. It was the residence of Count August Carl Van Ranzow. Today, the sides of the streets are filled with boutiques and stores of traders. The building embodies the unique architectural features of a colonial Dutch town house. The museum which displays the Dutch legacy with artefact - viz. furniture, ceramics, coins, arms, etc. - portrays facets of contemporary life and culture.(Tel: 2448466)

Kandy National Museum(Closed on Fridays & Saturdays)Situated behind the Temple of the Tooth, in a building of historical and architectural interest. Its collections are all of the Kandyan period in the 17th-18th Century.(Tel: 08 223867)

Ratnapura Museum(Closed on Thursdays & Fridays)The national museum, Ratnapura, is housed in the famous Ehelapola Walauwa, on the Colombo Road in Ratnapura. The museum displays the prehistory of Sri Lanka famous for gems, the process of gem-mining is displayed through a model. Some of the artefacts displayed here reflect the unique arts and culture of the Sabaragamuwa Province.(Tel: 045 22451)

Anuradhapura Folk Museum(Closed on Thursdays & Fridays)The Folk Museum is in the sacred city close to the Archaeological Museum. It houses a collection of artefacts which illustrate the rural life of the North Central Province.(Tel: 025 22589)

Galle National Museum(Closed on Sundays & Mondays)Within the Fort of Galle, in a Dutch Colonial building in Church street, is the Cultural Museum adjoining the New Oriental Hotel. Its artefacts reflect the culture of the Southern Province.(Tel: 09 32051)

The National Maritime Museum, Galle(Closed on Fridays & Saturdays)Located within the Galle Fort in a colonial Dutch warehouse with imposing pillars, this museum displays the fauna and flora of the sea and the environment. Artefacts consist of preserved material and scale models of whales and fish.(Tel: 09 42261)

Bandaranaike MuseumBMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall) houses memorabilia of Mr. S.W.R.D.Bandaranike, Prime Minister, assassinated in 1956. Admission: Adults Rs. 2/-, Children Rs. 1/- Photography permitted. Guides free of Charge.(Tel: 2691131, 2686421)

Jayawardane Cultural CentreArchives and Library situated at 191, Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 7, houses many valuable books inherited as "family treasure" by late President J.R.Jayawardena and priceless gifts received by him from many heads of States during his distinguished career.

Maligawa MuseumCenturies old articles given to Sri Dalada Maligawa by kinds, nobles and other devotees have been put on display in a well laid out museum within the precincts of the Maligawa Museum.The two upper levels of the building at the back of the shrine house of this museum where rare ola manuscripts, Royal apparel, life size models of the lost King and Queen of Kandy, variety of antiquities and ornaments, ritual objects can be seen.

Monument To Rajah (Former Maligawa Tusker)To the North of the Maligawa complex facing Natha Devale is the mausoleum of Rajaa, the most devout servant of the Maligawa. Rajah, the Maligawa tusker that carried the relic casket in the annual Esala perahera for 50 year from 1937 to 1987 died in 1988. But the majestic tusker still stands gracefully in still life inside the building with an extended lease of life given by local taxidermists brining nostalgic memories to those who have seen it carrying the caske in the perahera. Visit to the mausoleum is a tribute paid to the dead tusker.

Koggala Folk MusuemKoggala Folk Museum presents a rare collection of folk implements and appliances from different parts of the Island. The items are arranged under twenty five different categories representing handicrafts, folk art and music, cottage industries, agriculture, folk medicines, costumes, religion etc. this museum created at a tribute of Martin Wickramasinghe, the doyen of Sinhala writers is Ginpathaliya in Koggala, the birthplace of the late writer that had once been the playing field of your Wickramasinghe.

Archaeological MuseumThe Department of Archaeology maintains archaeological museums at Anuradhapura, Kandy, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Jaffna, Panduwasnuwara, Ampara, Yapahuwa and Dedigama. Open on all days except Tuesday from0800 hrs to 17000 hrs.Publications on respective archaeological sites are available on sale.Photography: Permitted from Commissioner of Archaeology, Dept. f Archaeology. Sir Marcus Fernando Mw, Colombo 7(Rel: 694727)

Ancient Cities

2007-11-29T02:46:00.000-08:00

Dalada Maligawa

Kandy ’s main attraction is the Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th c. A.D., the sacred relic has ever since been the symbol of sovereignty for its rulers and always enshrined in great splendour. Kandy’s Dalada Maligawa is a magnificent shrine, with decorative walls, moat, turrets, golden roof and fine wood-work and its 16th – 19th century ambience vividly alive. Three religious services (pooja) with traditional music, held daily at dawn, mid-day and in the evening, can be viewed by visitors.

Adam’s Peak

It is believed that Lord Buddha during his third visit to Sri Lanka placed his footprint on the summit of this sacred mountain. So, the name Sri Pada the sacred footprint. This mountain is also known as Samantakuta, Sumanakuta, Samanalakanda, Samanhela, Samangira, Medumhelaya etc. The Christians call the mountain Adam's Peak, derived from the Portuguese Pico de Adam (Peak of Adam). It is 7,360 feet in height and is the forth highest mountain in the country and has several approaches, the main ones being through the Hatton town and Ratnapura District. Annually, from December to April, devotees climb the mountain to pay obeisance.

Kelaniya Temple

This temple, consecrated during the third and final visit of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka, eight years after gaining enlightenment, is situated 7 miles from Colombo in Gampaha District on the banks of the Kelaniya River. Its history goes back nearly 2,563 years. The Mahawansa records that the original Dagoba at Kelaniya enshrined a gem-studded throne on which the Buddha sat and preached. The temple is also famous for its image of the reclining Buddha and paintings which depict important events in the life of the Buddha, in the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, also incidents from the Jataka tales. lt is the venue of the annual Duruthu Perahera held in the month of January.

Sigiriya Rock

The history of Sigiriya dates back to over 5000 thousand years, to the Mesolithic period. One of SriLanka’s major attractions and a World Heritage Site, Sigiriya(Lion Rock) came into prominence in the 5th centaury AD, when the patricidal King Kasyapa, afraid of reprisals led by his half - brother, Mogolan, chose to move the seat of power from Anuradhapura to this 500m rock. It was Kasyapa and his master-builders who were responsible for the complex plan which made Sigiriya the glorious capital it was, for 17 years (477 – 495 AD). The frescoes of the ‘ heavenly maidens ‘ halfway up the rock in a sheltered gallery, are the only painted renderings of a secular subject in this country.The ‘ mirror wall ‘, which records the poetic outpourings of early visitors to the rock and the colossal plan of the royal palace, water gardens and fortifications, is entirely fascinating.

Dambulla Vihara

Located north of Kandy and considered by most to be the center point of SriLanka, Dambulla is a town built around a vast isolated rock mass 500 ft and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.It was here that King Valagambahu took refuge in the 1st century B.C. The view from the top of this rock is breathtaking 350 ft. above are a series of five caves which was later turned into a magnificent rock temple by King Valagambahu.In the first cave is a recumbent image of the Buddha 47 ft, long , cut out from the rock. There are images of deities associated with Buddhism. The frescoes on the walls and ceiling could be dated to the 15th - 18th centuries. In the second cave, the finest and the largest , are not less than 150 life size statues of gods. There are numerous images of the Buddha as well. The ceiling too is covered with frescoes which depict great events in the life of the Buddha , and landmarks in the history of the Sinhala People.

Wewurukannala Vihara

15 miles east of Matara is the town of Dikwella, where there is one of the most amazing Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The Wewurukannala Vihara temple is dominated by an image of a seated Buddha. It is 160ft high, the largest statue in all of Sri Lanka and dates back to the time of King Rajadhi (1782 - 1798).The temple has three parts, the oldest being about 250 years old; however this is of no particular interest. The next part has life size models of demons and sinners shown in graphic detail. If you don't follow the path to enlightenment this is what happens to you. Punishments include being drowned in boiling cauldrons, sawn in half, disemboweled and so on. Finally there is the enormous seated Buddha that is as high as an eight-storied building.The temple walls show you the path towards enlightenment by depicting hundreds of comic strip representations of events in the Buddha's life. Among one of the episodes is the Chulla Dhammapala Jataka. It tells the story of how King Maha Prathapa of Varanasi on entering the palace found the queen cuddling her seven month old child. After ignoring him the King was left insulted so ordered that the prince be executed and the body be thrown into the air. Several Jataka Stories are also amid the paintings, which where selected for Vesak stamps in 1991. One depicts The Kattahari Jataka showing Prince Kastavahana, son of King Brahmadatta resting with his entourage.

Kataragama Devalaya

One of Sri Lanka’s holy places where Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims visit on religious pilgrimage. It is a large Complex with the `Mahadewala’ – Main Hindu shrine being the most important place. This Shrine of God Skanda, the Hindu war God who is worshipped as the Kataragama Deviyo is venerated by pilgrims of all three religions. It is believed that King Dutugemunu the warrior king and Sinhala folk hero built a shrine here for the worship of the Kataragama God in the 2nd century BC. There is also a first century BC Buddhist Dagoba - `Kirivenhera’ at this site. The annual Hindu Kataragama festival is held in July and August.

Map

2007-11-29T02:39:00.001-08:00

Government

2007-11-29T02:39:00.000-08:00

Government

Republic. History

Indo-Aryan emigration from India in the 5th century B.C. came to form the largest ethnic group on Sri Lanka today, the Sinhalese. Tamils, the second-largest ethnic group on the island, were originally from the Tamil region of India and emigrated between the 3rd century B.C. and A.D. 1200. Until colonial powers controlled Ceylon (the country's name until 1972), Sinhalese and Tamil rulers fought for dominance over the island. The Tamils, primarily Hindus, claimed the northern section of the island and the Sinhalese, who are predominantly Buddhist, controlled the south. In 1505 the Portuguese took possession of Ceylon until the Dutch India Company usurped control (1658–1796). The British took over in 1796, and Ceylon became an English Crown colony in 1802. The British developed coffee, tea, and rubber plantations. On Feb. 4, 1948, after pressure from Ceylonese nationalist leaders (which briefly unified the Tamil and Sinhalese), Ceylon became a self-governing dominion of the Commonwealth of Nations.
S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike became prime minister in 1956 and championed Sinhalese nationalism, making Sinhala the country's only official language and including state support of Buddhism, further marginalizing the Tamil minority. He was assassinated in 1959 by a Buddhist monk. His widow, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, became the world's first female prime minister in 1960. The name Ceylon was changed to Sri Lanka (“resplendent island”) on May 22, 1972.
The Tamil minority's mounting resentment toward the Sinhalese majority's monopoly on political and economic power, exacerbated by cultural and religious differences, erupted in bloody violence in 1983. Tamil rebel groups, the strongest of which were the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, or Tamil Tigers, began a civil war to fight for separate nation.
President Ranasinghe Premadasa was assassinated at a May Day political rally in 1993, when a Tamil rebel detonated explosives strapped to himself. Tamil extremists have frequently resorted to terrorist attacks against civilians. The next president, Chandrika Kumaratunga, vowed to restore peace to the country. In Dec. 1999, she was herself wounded in a terrorist attack. By early 2000, 18 years of war had claimed the lives of more than 64,000, mostly civilians.
After Dec. 2001 elections, Ranil Wickremesinghe, a longtime bitter rival of President Kumaratunga, was sworn in as prime minister. Wickremesinghe's victory precipitated a formal cease-fire with the Tamil rebels, signed in Feb. 2002. In September talks, the government lifted its ban on the group, and the Tigers dropped their demand for an independent Tamil state. Another significant breakthrough came in December when the Tigers and the government struck a power-sharing deal that would give the rebels regional autonomy. But negotiations in 2003 achieved little.
Intense political rivalry threatened the peace process. In Nov. 2003, President Kumaratunga, convinced that Prime Minister Wickremesinghe was too soft in his negotiations with the Tigers, wrested away some of his powers. In Feb. 2004, the president dissolved parliament and called for elections in the hope of further eroding the power of the prime minister. The gamble paid off for Kumaratunga—her United People's Freedom Alliance won April's parliamentary elections, and Wickremesinghe was replaced by a new prime minister, Mahinda Rajapakse, a high-ranking member of Kumaratunga's party.
On Dec. 26, 2004, a tremendously powerful tsunami ravaged 12 Asian countries. About 38,000 people were reported killed in Sri Lanka. President Kumaratunga and the Tamil Tigers reached a deal in June 2005 to share about $4.5 billion in international aid to rebuild the country. But intensifying violence in the eastern part of the country threatened the cease-fire and jeopardized the aid package. In Aug. 2005, Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar was assassinated and the government declared a state of emergency.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse won November's presidential elections, taking 50% of the vote to former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's 48%. Rajapakse is expected to take a hard line with the Tamil Tigers. Rajapakse appointed Ratnasiri Wickremanayaka as prime minister.
In 2006, repeated violations of the 2002 cease-fire on both sides turned into outright war. Since April 2006, about 1,000 soldiers and civilians have been killed, and 135,000, mostly Tamils, have been displaced. Efforts by Norway, which brokered the 2002 cease-fire, to bring both sides to the negotiating table were unsuccessful throughout the summer.
Fighting between the rebels and government troops continued into 2007. After a weeks of deadly battles, the military took control of rebel-held regions of eastern Sri Lanka in March, leaving tens of thousands more civilians displaced. In April, the Tamil Tigers launched their first air raid, using small airplanes to bomb an air force base near Colombo.

History

2007-11-29T02:21:00.000-08:00

History of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of those places where history seems to fade into the mist of legend. Is not Adam’s Peak said to be the very place where Adam set foot on earth, having been sent out of heaven? Isn’t that his footprint squarely on top of the mountain to prove it? Or is it the Buddha’s footprint on Sri Pada? And isn’t Adam’s Bridge (the chain of islands linking Sri Lanka to India) the very series of stepping stones Rama, aided by his faithful ally, the monkey god Hanuman, stepped across in his mission to rescue Sita from the clutches of the Rawana,King of Lanka, in the epic Ramayana?The first entries in the Mahavamsa – or “Great History” – date back to 543BC, which coincides with the arrival of Prince Vijaya in Sri Lanka. Some 300 years later, commenced the early Anuradhapura Period, with King Devanampiya Tissa as the first ruler. It was in this period that a sapling of the sacred Bo Tree, under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, was brought to Sri Lanka. The late Anuradhapura Period, which began in the year 459, saw the reign of King Kasyapa, and the construction of Sigiriya. The Polonnaruwa period, witnessed the transfer of the capital from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa in 1073. Famed explorer, Marco Polo, arrived in Sri Lanka in the period between 1254 and 1324, and, in 1505, the Portuguese landed, and occupied the island’s coastal regions.

The Portuguese Period

At this time Sri Lanka had three main kingdoms – the Kingdom of Jaffna in the north, the Kingdom of Kandy in the central highlands and Kotte, the most powerful, in the south-west. In 1505 the Portuguese, under Lorennco de Almeida established friendly relations with the king of Kotte and gained, for Portugal, a monopoly in the spice and cinnamon trade, which soon became of enormous importance in Europe. Attempts by Kotte to utilize the strength and protection of the Portuguese only resulted in Portugal taking over and ruling not only their regions, but the rest of the island, apart form the central highlands around Kandy. Because the highlands were remote and inaccessible, the kings of Kandy were always able to defeat the attempts by the Portuguese to annex them, and on a number of occasions drove the Portuguese right back down to the coast.

The Dutch Period

Attempts by Kandy to enlist Dutch help in expelling the Portuguese only resulted in the substitution of one European power for another. By 1658, 153 years after the first Portuguese contact, the Dutch took control over the costal areas of the Island. During their 140-year-rule the Dutch, like Portuguese, were involved in repeated unsuccessful attempts to bring Kandy under their control. The Dutch were much more interested in trade and profits than the Portuguese, who spent a lot of efforts spreading their religion and extending their physical control.

The British Period

The French revolution resulted in a major shake-up among the European powers and in 1796 the Dutch were easily supplanted by the British, who in 1815 also won the control of the kingdom of Kandy, becoming the first European power to rule the whole island. But in 1802, Sri Lanka became a Crown Colony and in 1818 a unified administration for the island was set up. Soon the country was dotted with coffee, cinnamon and coconut plantations and a network of roads and railways were built to handle this new economic activity. English became the official language, and is still widely spoken. Coffee was the main crop and the backbone of the colonial economy, but the occurence of a leaf blight virtually wiped it out in the 1870s and the plantations quickly switched over to tea or rubber. Today Sri Lanka is the world’s second largest tea exporter. The British were unable to persuade the Sinhalese to work cheaply and willingly on the plantations, so they imported large number of South Indian labourers from South India. Sinhalese peasants in the hill country lost land to the estates.

Independence

Srilanka

2007-11-29T02:02:00.000-08:00

Country Name Conventional long form: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka conventional short form: Sri Lankaformer: Ceylon

Size 65,525 sq km

Capital Sri Jayawardenepura

Commercial Capital Colombo

Government
Sri Lanka, is a free, independent and sovereign nation with a population of 18.774 million (1998 mid year estimates). Legislative power is exercised by a Parliament, elected by universal franchise on proportional representation basis. A President, who is also elected by the people, exercises executive power inclusive of defense. Sri Lanka enjoys a multi party system, and the people vote to elect a new government every six years.

National Flag
National Flag of Sri Lanka is the Lion Flag. A Lion bearing a sword in its right hand is depicted in gold on red background with a yellow border. Four Bo leaves pointing inwards are at the four corners. Two vertical bands of green and orange at the mast end represent the minority ethnic groups. It is an adaptation of the standard of the last King of Sri Lanka.

National Anthem
"Sri Lanka Matha" composed by late Mr. Ananda Samarakoon.

National Flower
the Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea stellata) is the National Flower.

Population 19 million

Population density
309 people per sq km
Life expectancy at birth
74 female, 64 male
Literacy rate
91.8%

Languages
Sinhala & Tamil English is widely spoken throughout Sri Lanka, with the exception of remote villages.

Ethnic mix
Sihalese- 74 per cent; Tamil- 18 per cent; Muslim -7 per cent; Burgher (descendants of Dutch and Portuguese colonist) and others- 1 per cent

Religion
Buddhism- 70 per cent; Hinduism- 16 per cent; Christianity- 7 per cent; Islam-7 per cent
Climate

Low Lands – tropical, average 27CCentral Hills – cooler, with temperatures dropping to 14C. The south-west monsoon brings rain to the western, southern and central regions from May to July, while the north-eastern monsoon occurs in the north and east in December and January. Sri Lanka has a good climate for holiday-makers throughout the year.

Annual per capita GNP US$870

Industries
Processing of rubber, tea, coconuts, and other agricultural commodities; clothing, cement, petroleum refining, textiles, tobacco.

Agriculture - Products
Rice, sugarcane, grains, pulses, oilseed, roots, spices, tea, rubber, coconuts; milk, eggs, hides, meat.

Currency
Sri Lanka follows decimal currency system in Rupees (Rs.) and cents (Cts.) with 100 cents equal to a rupee. Currency notes are available in the denominations of Rs. 2,10,20,50,100,200, 500 and 1000. Coins are issued in values of Cts.1,2,5,10, 25 and 50 and Rs.1,2,5 and 10. The intervention currency continuously will be the US Dollar.

Visa
Residents from countries are issued visas on arrival. Consult your local Sri Lanka embassy, consulate, tourist office or your travel agent.

Working week
Sri Lanka works a five-day week, from Monday to Friday.

Business hours
Government offices 9.00 a.m. -5.00 p.m, Monday to Friday

Banks
9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. or 3.00 p.m. Monday to Saturday

Post office
8.30 a.m.- 5.00 p.m., Monday to Friday8.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. on Saturday. The Central Mail

Exchange, at D.R.Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10, (Telephone : 326203) is open 24-hours.
Location

An island off the south-eastern cost shores of India, 880 km north of the equator, in the Indian Ocean.