I thought of writing
about my motherland, because many of you are not aware what the country is like. Sri-Lanka is widely known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” as it is
located below India. Interestingly, on the map, it is shaped like the mango fruit. Sri-Lanka has
also been a center of the Buddhist religion and culture from ancient times.
It boasts of a diverse range of peoples and traditions. There are the
Sinhalese people form the majority of the population, but there also the Tamils who are
concentrated in the north and east of the island and form the largest ethnic
minority. Other communities include Burghers, Malays, Moors and the aboriginal
Vedda people.
Sri-Lanka is a republic and a unitary state which is governed by a semi-presidential system with its official seat of government in the capital Colombo, which is also known as the heart of the city. The country is famous for the production and export of tea, coffee, gemstones, coconuts, rubber and cinnamon. The island contains tropical forests, and diverse landscapes with high biodiversity. The country lays claim to a long and varying history of over three thousand years. Sri-Lanka’s rich culture can be attributed to the many different communities on the island. The country is a founding member state of SAARC and a member of United Nations.
Sri-Lanka is a republic and a unitary state which is governed by a semi-presidential system with its official seat of government in the capital Colombo, which is also known as the heart of the city. The country is famous for the production and export of tea, coffee, gemstones, coconuts, rubber and cinnamon. The island contains tropical forests, and diverse landscapes with high biodiversity. The country lays claim to a long and varying history of over three thousand years. Sri-Lanka’s rich culture can be attributed to the many different communities on the island. The country is a founding member state of SAARC and a member of United Nations.
Sri-Lanks has its own seven wonders, but since
I will be unable to explain all of them, the most important ones will be
highlighted. I will briefly name the seven wonders: The Sri Dalada
Maligawa known as the Sacred Temple of the Tooth, Cave temple in Dambula,
Religious place in Polonaruwa, Sigirya the famous rock, Kandy, Galle Fort and
The elephant Orphanage.
Firstly, I would commence explaining about Sri-Dalada Maligawa. This is the famous place for housing one of the most worshipped Buddhist relics, the tooth of Lord Buddha; this temple is located in the fortified city of Kandy which is one of the seven wonders. Thousands of Buddhists from all around the world visit the temple every year, and because of its religious importance, Sri Dalada Maligawa and the whole of Kandy were added to the World Heritage list. Many tourists visit this place and currently Sri-Lanka has been ahead of the curve in the tourism industry.
Secondly, Polonaruwa is the ancient capital of the country and the rulers at that time were wise and organized. It is regarded as one of the best planned archeological sites in Sri-Lanka and the world, and its beauty is acknowledged by everyone.
Another wonder is the Sigirya, the famous rock visited by many tourists. It is known as the Lion rock, the eighth wonder of the world. Inhabited since the 5th century B.C, it was a mountain monastery, but after King Kasyapa came into power, it was transformed into a fortress and a place of leisure. It was to serve as a safe heven in case the King's exiled brother was ever to return and claim his rightful place on Sri-Lanka’s throne. In the end, however, he ended up killing himself. There are paintings inside the rock. They still exist and remain beautiful after all these years. Also, on top of the rock the beauty of the whole area can be seen.
Next, Galle Fort was also added up to the World Heritage list for its historical and cultural value.
Firstly, I would commence explaining about Sri-Dalada Maligawa. This is the famous place for housing one of the most worshipped Buddhist relics, the tooth of Lord Buddha; this temple is located in the fortified city of Kandy which is one of the seven wonders. Thousands of Buddhists from all around the world visit the temple every year, and because of its religious importance, Sri Dalada Maligawa and the whole of Kandy were added to the World Heritage list. Many tourists visit this place and currently Sri-Lanka has been ahead of the curve in the tourism industry.
Secondly, Polonaruwa is the ancient capital of the country and the rulers at that time were wise and organized. It is regarded as one of the best planned archeological sites in Sri-Lanka and the world, and its beauty is acknowledged by everyone.
Another wonder is the Sigirya, the famous rock visited by many tourists. It is known as the Lion rock, the eighth wonder of the world. Inhabited since the 5th century B.C, it was a mountain monastery, but after King Kasyapa came into power, it was transformed into a fortress and a place of leisure. It was to serve as a safe heven in case the King's exiled brother was ever to return and claim his rightful place on Sri-Lanka’s throne. In the end, however, he ended up killing himself. There are paintings inside the rock. They still exist and remain beautiful after all these years. Also, on top of the rock the beauty of the whole area can be seen.
Next, Galle Fort was also added up to the World Heritage list for its historical and cultural value.
It is one of the best preserved 17th century
colonial forts in the world, and substantial renovations inside the fort are
strictly forbidden. Another interesting site to talk about is the Elephant Orphanage that we have in Pinnawala, Kandy. The Orphanage was established to feed, nurse ,and house young elephants abandoned by their mothers and displaced from their natural environment by development projects. Most of the orphans cannot be introduced back into the wild, as other elephant family groups will not accept them. They enjoy a good life with their human parents, and many find good foster homes in zoos around the world. It is more interesting to visit an Orphanage during feeding or bathing time. Many tourists visit to see the performances of the baby elephants. Elephant orphanages are rarely built around in countries, which is why this place is really special.
Finally, Kandy, mainly known as the second city of the island, is a beautiful historical city in the citadel of the country. It was independently ruled by great kings for 225 years, but in 1815, the British came and took over it. The Sacred Tooth of the Lord Buddha was laid in a magnificent temple located in the city. The incomparable Perahera celebration, a procession of more than 100 elephants, is held here every August. Kandy is also famous for its tea cultivation.
I
would like to conclude by saying that Sri-Lanka has become famous for a few other things. They export a wonderful tea known
as “Ceylon Tea. In 1996, the national Cricket team won and brought fame to the countr. Sri-Lanka has its own marvelous beaches where tourists come to admire
and see the beauty of nature. There are wide forests and also vast mountain areas.
I am happy to give some facts about my country and share about them with you. Being the only Sri-Lankan at CUK gives me pride and I am always proud to be a Sri-Lankan.
I am happy to give some facts about my country and share about them with you. Being the only Sri-Lankan at CUK gives me pride and I am always proud to be a Sri-Lankan.
by Siumie Dassanaike
