Sri Lanka: Enjoying The Beauty of Newly Found Peace, Growth and Stability

My school is this nature. Her language is love. The way she teaches me is not easy to be described with words. It is an endless process of interaction. It is a combination of learn and relearn. What makes this school special is the elements that are used to impart knowledge. Rivers, mountains, forests and beaches are some of the main elements that are used. To those who wonder how these elements can teach us, it is important to be told that these natural elements are the true source of real knowledge. There is a clear difference between text book learning and real-life learning. Learning from the school of nature comes under the category of real-life learning. It stands out from the rest for that reason also.

To become a part of this learning process is simple. Just what we need is determination. It is not easy to overcome a haunting urge for turning back. People normally fear to break free from the frameworks erected by the establishment. Learning from nature does not come under any of these frameworks. It sometimes tents to challenge this framework even.

Thus, to choose this path needs great determination. It is believed that the world will shed its inhibitions and jump into this path to liberate itself from its limitations.
Let’s begin our exploration from our neighbourhood.

Though Sri Lanka is only few kilometres away from the southern tip of India, it shares an entirely different identity from that of ours. Its rich culture, art, architecture, tradition and many more define its identity.
In this edition, a humble attempt is made to explore this Island country, which shares an undetachable relation with India – in terms of culture, tradition, art, architecture, religion, history, language and many more.
Sri Lanka, which is officially called the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an Island country situated in South Asia. It is popularly known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. It is its shape and location that gifts this nick name to the Island country.

The modern history of Sri Lanka begins with the arrival of Portugal. The arrival of Portugal to this Island was accidental. It was its closeness to the International trade channel that invited the attention of foreign forces to this Island. Once Sri Lanka was a powerful trade hub in the Asian region. It was popular not only in Asia but also in other continents such as Europe.

Portuguese had controlled a considerable portion of the country and its trade until those were taken over by Dutch.
In the early 19th century, British pushed Dutch away from the region, and established its dominance over the entire country.
From 1815 to 1948, almost the entire country, including the trade route adjacent to the country, was controlled by the Colonial Briton.

In the year 1972, the country became an Independent Republic. It was in the year it adopted its name.

The period post the independence sadly was as eventful as that of the period prior to the independence. The most crucial event the country witnessed post the independence is the 26-year-long civil war between the Sri Lankan Armed Forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. It was a brutal war. It culminated in the year 2009, with the victory of the Sri Lankan Army and the dismantling of the LTTE – which projected itself as the voice of Tamil, the country’s prime ethnic community.

Sri Lanka is now a very peaceful country. It is a member of SAARC, UN, G77 and Non-Aligned Movement.

Tourism is the backbone of the Sri Lankan economy. The country is very keen to develop its tourism sector.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Temple of the Tooth, Adam’s Peak, Yala National Park and Arugam Bay are the main tourist attractions in the Indian ocean Island country of Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya rock fortress is often referred as the eighth wonder of the world. It is also known as lion’s rock. There are several myths surrounding this fortress situated atop a giant rock. Tour operators offer day trips to this amazing destination from various cities near the location such as Colombo.
The Temple of the Tooth is one of the sacred buddha temples in the world. It is situated in the second largest city of the Island country, Kandy. The city of Kandy is exceptionally beautiful. It is its natural beauty that makes the city spectacular. The Festival of the Tooth, which is one of the most famous festivals celebrated in this part of the world, comes in August. The festival is popular for its vibrant religious procession.

Adam’s Peak is an amazing mountain situated in the central region of the Island country of Sri Lanka. It is a pilgrimage site. The peak is locally known as Sri Pada. There is around three popular stories around this peak. According to Buddhists, Sri Pada is the footprint of Lord Buddha; considering the fact that Buddhism is the dominant religion in the country, the said belief has more popularity in the country than the rest. As per Hindus, Sri Pada is the footprint of Lord Shiva. The third dominant belief is the one preached by Christians. They believe that Sri Pada is the first step of Adam after being exiled from the Garden of Eden.

Yala National Park is located in the south-east part of the Island. It is the most famous National Park in this part of the world. It is known for its leopard population. The National Park is house of numerous elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, buffalos and birds. There is a popular saying that Sri Lanka is the true paradise of animal lovers.
Arugam Bay is one of the less crowded beaches in the country; Sri Lanka is popular for its spectacular beaches. This beach is different from the rest for its calm and quiet ambience. The beach definitely offers a rejuvenating experience. It is situated in the dry region of the Island. The topography of the region is entirely different from the rest of the Island. Kumana National Park is a popular tourist attraction situated near the bay.

The food culture of the Island is not different from the one followed in the southern part of India, though the Island does have some unique dishes.

Let’s plan a trip to this amazing Island!!!

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright