Yohan

 Jaffna is the main city of Jaffna peninsula in the northernmost district of Sri Lanka. Comfortable intercity busses from Colombo take 10-12 hours to reach the city of Jaffna. Sri Lanka Navy runs a passenger boat service off Jaffna peninsula to the Island of Nagadeepa where the ancient Nagadeepa Buddhist temple is located. Jaffna is the capital city of the Northern Province, Sri Lanka. 85% of the populations of the Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts are Hindus. The Hindus follow the Saivite tradition. The remainders are largely Roman Catholics or Protestants, some of whom are descendants of colonial settlers, known as Burghers. The Tamils are divided along caste lines, with the farmer-caste Vellalar forming the majority. Sea products, red onion, and tobacco are the main products in Jaffna. Jaffna is home to beautiful Hindu temples. An Old Dutch Fort still stands well preserved within which is an old Church. Another example of Dutch architecture is the King's House. No visit to Jaffna

Toddy (Ra) is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular drinks. Not only Sri Lankans, this coconut liquor with unusual milky sweet flavour, is loved by visitors from across the globe. Toddy is not hard liquor and is said to be a healthy drink like red wine. Toddy is produced in many Asian and African countries. In Sri Lanka, toddy is called thal ra, kithul ra or pol ra according to the plant used to make it. Pol ra (coconut toddy) is made with the sap of the coconut’s flower which is produced through an unusual process.   The toddy tapper usually walks a tightrope called “athura” tied high above between two nearby coconut trees. He holds on to one rope and walks on the other carefully because a single lapse would be fatal. This is a sight familiar in the early morning in western coastal areas in Sri Lanka such as Wadduwa, Maggona, Payagala, Beruwala to Aluthgama. Toddy tapping is the sole profession of many people in the area and they have been climbing trees for years yet the younger generation

 We had been in various parts of Sri Lanka for several days and were getting ready to go to Kantale.  We have two friends in the Kantale area in the Trincomalee District.  We went to Kantale last December 28th.  Our group came to Kantale from Kebethigollewa, Moneragala, Horana and Mirigama.  I am from Kegalle.  I passed through Warakapola, Kurunegala, Dambulla, Habarana Hatareskotuwa and reached Kantale at 11 am. That afternoon we arranged to put the fish and meat fry and put the devils.  We also prepared flour at home to make bread.  Later we all came by bus from Kantale to Vanela village.  We stayed there for a while and with the help of a tractor we reached a house in the middle of a thick forest and a paddy field.  That night we made bread and devil and prepared food.  We enjoyed the night and had a wonderful experience.

 Anuradhapura has a unique beauty of Sri Lanka and is different from other places you have ever known.  Its treasure is in the religious and cultural history of the ancient capital of Sri Lanka and today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.   This historic and scenic city is revealed from the ruins of a large empire, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka.  The following passages reflect what is ancient and what established Anuradhapura as a religious reference that contributed to the development of Buddhism in the country, even with centuries of restoration.   Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka - Samadhi Buddha Statue.   Stay tuned to find out the origin of Buddhism, where it all started and the story of the cradle in Sri Lanka today.  You can see the ruins of temples, palaces, gardens, lakes, monasteries and more.

 There are several places of worship in Sri Lanka.  Of these, Mount Adams is considered the most sacred place for Buddhists.  The Mahavamsa states that the Buddha left his footprint on the Sri Pada peak on his third visit to Ceylon.  Some believe that Lord Saman protected this footprint from the day Lord Buddha ascended the mountain.  This sacred place is located in the Sabaragamuwa Province.  The height of this mountain is 7362 feet.   Every year devotees go on a pilgrimage to this sacred mountain.  The pilgrimage season begins in December and ends in May.  People of all walks of life climb this mountain during this time.  They usually go in groups.  The leader of the group is known as the "Nade Guru".  While climbing the mountain they say the devotional verse.  They climb the mountain as members of the same family.  They do not feel tired because their minds are full of religious thoughts.   Some devotees wear warm clothes because of the cold on the mountain tops.  The main

 I started playing the flute 2 years ago.  Among the many musical instruments, I learn the flute because of its sound.  Of course, it's not just a sound, it's a feeling, I think.   Bansuri is considered to be the first wind instrument.  People used it for communication purposes thousands of years ago.  It is made of bamboo.  Bansuri's rhythmic melody opens us up to the beautiful sounds of nature such as flowing water, the sound of the wind and the birds. We live in the digital world today.  But the beautiful sound emitted by the horns cannot be replaced by any device.  The sweet music of the flute is soothing to the mind.   Bansuri is a device that is easy to maintain and transport.  No need to buy an extra seat when we travel with it.  Bansuri is definitely enjoyed by the player as well as the spectators.  In addition, it offers a number of significant health benefits.  The Bansuri tune captivates our mind and calms it down.  It helps to improve lung power and improve a pe