Sinharaja

Sinharaja (vergin rain forest of Sri Lanka)

Dense, dark, wet and mysterious - Sinharaja is a primeval forest for meditation, relaxation and for scientific exploration. This relatively undisturbed expanse of primary forest is a Sri Lankan heritage - the last patch of sizeable lowland evergreen Rain Forest still remaining more or intact or undisturbed in our island.

The forest is steeped in deep legend and mystery. The word Sinharaja means, lion (Sinha) king (Raja) and the popular belief it that the legendary origin of the Sinhala people in Sri Lanka is form the descendants of the union the lion king who once lived in the forest and a princess.

Today, the spirit of the legend remains captured in solitude in the silent forest and the rising mist of the early dawn. More than time however separates the modern explorer in the Sinharaja forest from its legendary inhabitants, man has rapidly penetrated the seemingly inaccessible wilderness of the Sri Lanka's rainforest which once covered perhaps over 100,000 ha. of the South Western hills and lowlands. The present reserve is but a glimpse of its former glory, occuphying a narrow silver of land 21 km. in length and 3.7 km. in width, covering 11187 ha. of undisturbed and logged forest, scrub and fern land. It was declared an International Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978, then a National Wilderness Area in 1988 under the National Heritage Site in 1989.

To the casual observer, the forest represents a tropical rain forest with a dense tall stand of trees, steep and rugged hills etched by numerous rocky streams and rivulets. The value of forests such as Sinharaja are well known for their functions as watersheds and store houses of great biological wealth. It is a rich treasure treasure trove of nature with a great diversity of habitats and a vast repository of Sri Lanka's endemic species found no where else in the world. Sinharaja therefore, represents an irreplaceable genepool, a refugia for all those rare and endangered forms of life, both fauna and flora.

Sinharaja forest reserve is one of the least disturbed and biologically unique lowland rain forest in Sri lanka. This forest covers an extent of about 11187 hectares from east to west .The length of the forest is about 21km and width from North to South is about 3.7km.It was declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve (MAB) in 1978,as representative of tropical humid evergreen forest Eco system in Sri Lanka and has been recognized by UNESCO as part of it?s International Network of Biosphere reserves. It was declared a National wilderness area in 1988 and lately a world heritage site in 1989.It is situated in the southwest lowland wet zone of the country in the districts of Ratnapura, Galle and Matara. The average annual temperature of Sinharaja is 23.6 C. Annual rainfall is more than 2500mm.The rain fall is well distributed during two monsoons, May to July and October to December.



Flora of Sinharaja

The vegetation of Sinharaja may be described either as a tropical lowland rain forest or tropical wet evergreen forest.some striking characteristics of the forest are the loftiness of the dominant trees, the straightness of their bole, the abundance of regeneration and the diversity of species. Average height of the trees varies between 35m ? 40m.some individuals rise even upto 50m.The vegetation of Sinharaja is that of humid wet evergreen forest type with a high degree of endemism. In fact some families such as Dipterocarpaceae show an endemism more than 90%. The untapped genetic potential of Sinharaja flora is enormous.

Out of the 211 woody trees and lianas so far identified within the reserve 139 (66%) are endemic. Similarly, high levels of endemism are perhaps true for the lower plants like ferns, epiphyts as well.out of 25 general endemic to Sri Lanka 13 are represent in Sinharaja. The Total vegetation density, including trees, shrubs, herbs and seedlings has been estimated to be around 240,000 individuals per hectare, of which 95% comprise individuals of the ground layer bellow 1m in height.The density of trees, lianas above 30 cm girth at breast height, ranges between 600 ? 700 individuals per hectare while the number of merchantable individuals of trees of girth grater than 150cm ranges between 45-55 individuals per hectare.

Fauna of Sinharaja

Studies on the fauna of Sinharaja have revealed that there is a high degree of endemism among the butterflies, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals are greater than 50%. There have been reports of sightings of a few animals in the eastern Secter.The most common deer species is the Sambhur The Monk deer and Barking deer are also found within the reserve. Leopards are very seldom sighted, but their frequent presence has been confirmed by tracks and other signs. Badger Mongoose and the Golden Palm Civet have been occasionally sighted. The most commonly seen primate is the Purple - faced Leaf Monkey.Although the elephants said to be common in the past, there have not been reports of sightings during the last 15 years.



Out of the Birds recorded in the western sector of the reserve, 72% were resident non-endemic and 13% migrants. One of the most interesting and colorful spectacles to be found in the in the Sinharaja is the presence of mixed species of foraging bird flocks, a phenomenon commonly found in rain forests total of 100 such flocks were systematically observed, and studies have revealed that some flocks contained 48 species including 12 endemic species. The rare endemic birds to be seen in Sinharaja are the Red-faced Malkoha, the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, the Ashy-headed Barbbler, and the White - headed Starling and the Green ? billed Coucal the rarest of Sri Lankan birds. The Agamids are the best represented group of reptiles, the most common being the Green Garden Lizard. Of Special significance are the sightings of Calotes Liolepis an arboreal species, the rearest of all agamids found in the island .The only Tortoise recorded in the reserve is the Hard - shelled Terrapin, while of the species of skinks, the spotted skink can be seen often. Among the snakes The Green Pit Viper and Hump-nosed Viper are commonly found in this forest and are endemic to Sri Lanka.
The amphibians are fairly well represented in the reserve and nine endemic species have been identified. The endemic Torrent toad and the common house toad. In most streams and marshes, the Wrinkled frog and The Sri Lankan Reed frog is also found in Sinharaja. Ramanella palmata a rare endemic species is the only microhylid recorded so far while the yellow-banded Caecilian is the only apodan recorded.
It is desirable that you, who visit the forest, be sensitive to the need to conserve forests such as Sinharaja.Contray to the chaos and congestion prevailing in urban areas, it is in forests that the quality of life is best expressed. In addition man finds peace and tranquillity in forest.
Allow yourself sufficient time to roam about within this nature?s green cathedral and enjoy its beauty and majesty whether you be a photographer, artist, scientist or a nature lover. ?Please leave it as you find it? is our humble request?


Vertebrate Group no. of spa. in Sri Lanka No. of sps. in Sinharaja % of sps. in Sinharaja No. of endemic sps. in Sri Lanka No. of endemic sps. in Sinharaja % of endemic sps. at Sinharaja % of endemics out of total in sinharaja.

Vertebrate Group	no. of spa. in Sri Lanka	No. of sps. in Sinharaja	% of sps. in Sinharaja	No. of endemic sps. in Sri Lanka	No. of endemic sps. in Sinharaja	% of endemic sps. at Sinharaja	% of endemics out of total in sinharaja.
Fish	59	11	19%	16	3	19%	27%
Amphibia	37	20	54%	19	10	53%	50%
Reptiles Snakes Tetrapod
	65	16	25%	34	6	18%	36%
	79	29	37%	38	15	39%	52%
Birds	384	147	38%	20	18	90%	12%
Mammals	85	39	46%	12	8	67%	20%
Total	709	262	36%	139	60	43%	23%

Cyprus wine

Cyprus was the first Mediterranean country to produce wine more than 5,500 years ago and since then wine and wine making has an intrinsic part of Cypriot life ever since. Many families run their own wineries and at this time of the year, more than 25% of the population is involved with the grape harvest. Even though there are 50 wineries in Cyprus today, Cypriot wines are little known abroad, but the Limassol-based Wine Products Council is trying to change the image of Cypriot wines with wine connoisseurs worldwide and to raise the profile other wines in the European market.

The Wine Products Council (WPC) is an independent semi-government organisation that was founded fifty years ago and has become increasingly important since Cyprus joined the European Union in January 2004. The Wine Product Council has several roles in Cyprus. The Council implements both EU legislation regarding wine production and the policy of the Cypriot government and advises local wine makers on new techniques and grape varieties that are suitable for cultivating in Cyprus and encourages them to produce top quality wines. The WPC also helps wine makers to promote and advertise their products effectively both on the home market and in the European market place.

The cornerstone for the success of the Cyprus wines is quality because they can never be as competitively priced as other wines simply because the number of bottles produced by each wine company is much smaller than the numbers produced by its European, Chilean and South African competitors. Historically, Cypriot wines were produced and sold in bulk abroad so consequently they were characterless and inconsistent in quality. Since 2004 however, the export of bulk Cypriot wines has dropped dramatically and winemakers have worked extremely hard to bring production methods in line with EU regulations, to stabilise the quality of their products and to develop unique characters for their wines. in many cases, this has been achieved by blending traditional indigenous grape varieties with imported varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Blanche, Chardonnay and Riesling which are all grown successfully in Cyprus. The results have been impressive. As well as developing the overseas wine market, members of the WPC have nurtured the home market and today’s trend is that 60% of Cypriots now regularly enjoy a bottle of wine.

Members of the Wine Products Council knew that they had to help local winemakers to get their wines right for the European market – and to ensure a consistent quality and that the best way to achieve this was by specifying the areas that could successfully produce the different wines. In turn this has led lead to a natural upgrading of all the wine types. This was achieved because the limitations of each area were fully researched and fully appreciated. Vines of certain varieties can now only be grown in certain areas, where they flourish and the best possible quality grapes can be cultivated.

With the help of various schemes - including financial assistance provided by the European Union - winemakers have been able to abandon the use of certain grape varieties that were not doing well in their particular area, adjust their production methods and convert to other grape varieties. A legal framework is now in place which monitors and regulates the production of new wines in these designated areas. These changes have led to the production of some new, exciting and really good wines in the different regions. The Cyprus government has given winemakers its full support in marketing these wines effectively with increasing success.

Local wine producers are striving for quality and are trying to be more competitive. The introduction of the annual Cyprus Wine Competition three years ago has sparked friendly rivalry between the wineries and almost every wine producer eagerly takes part in the competition. The major incentive is that wines are awarded medals and their producer can display the special ‘medal winner’ sticker on their wine labels. The organisers have been delighted with the success of the event and the interest generated in both the international and local press and the event has certainly raised the profile of local wines in the public eye. The Cyprus Wine Competition is gaining increasing recognition and the organisers hope that in years to come it will be as internationally recognised as the Thessaloniki wine competition, where several Cypriot wine producers also did particularly well again this year.

Certainly, there have been many challenges for Cypriot winemakers since the country joined the European Union, but thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of many, Cyprus wines are enjoying increasing popularity as wine lovers across Europe discover their quality and special character.

MAGE PUNCHI ROSAMALE

HORTON PLACE

HORTON PLACE
Horton Place is historically significant as the residence of two families who are identified with service to their community. Dr. Alfred Robinson's dental surgery in Horton Place served the community until shortly before his death in 1896. In 1901, Charles Webster, businessman and community leader, purchased the property. The Webster family and its descendants continue to own the property to the present day, preserving the historical and architectural continuity of the site.

In 1797, the Crown granted 210 acres of land to Thomas Phillips. Thomas Hind acquired the land from Thomas Phillips by deed poll in1803. Mr. Hind sold the township lot to Jacob Hollingshead in the same year. Robert Pen rose Irwin purchased 140 acres from the Hollingshead Family in 1853, and proceeded to subdivide the land.

In 1874 Dr. Alfred Robinson, a local dentist, bought 5/8 of an acre of Irwin's land on Yonge Street. Dr. Robinson was born in England in 1831. On coming to Canada he settled first in Bond Head before establishing his dental practice in Aurora in the mid1860's. He purchased the commercial property on the south-west corner of Yong e and Wellington Streets (2 Yonge Street South) for use as his surgery and moved his family into a house on Mosley. According to a notice in the Aurora Banner on August 28, 1868, Dr. Robinson was in his office in Aurora on the 1st and the 16th of each month. On other days he made his services available to other communities such as Newmarket, Stouffville, Richmond Hill and Nobleton. Dr. Robinson decided to purchase the land on Yonge Street just south of The Manor, at that time the residence and medical practice of Dr. Frederick Strange. Dr. Robinson's intention was to build a house on this land that would serve as both a residence and a dental surgery.

It is likely that the house and barn were constructed in 1875, as the Robinson family moved from their house on Mosley in February of 1876. It is interesting to note that families who were fortunate enough to have sufficient property and the proper facilities kept their own livestock. The Aurora Banner of January 8, 1886 tells us that Dr. Robinson has secured "one of the celebrated Jersey cows from the herd of Capt. Rolph, Glen Roche Farm." The family named their new home Horton Place, after the Robinson family's ancestral home in Yorkshire, England.

Dr. Robinson and his wife, Mary Martin, raised six children in Horton Place. Two of their daughters, probably Mary Henrietta and Ellen Louisa, ran a private school in the 1880's and 1890's. They also taught French and dancing. The Robinson's youngest, Roy, was sickly as a child and was schooled at home, probably by his sisters. Dr. W. John McIntyre, the current owner of Horton Place and local historian, advises that it was not uncommon for unmarried women to operate private schools at that time, often in their own homes. The blackboard used in the school is still in the house. Their daughter Annie married the manager of the Aurora branch of the Federal Bank, William H. Nelson, in 1886.

In 1884, Dr. Robinson changed the ownership of the house from his name to his wife Mary's. Dr. Robinson retained his office at Horton Place until his death after a year-long illness in 1896. He was buried in the Aurora Cemetery. Following Dr. Robinson's death, the dental facilities were leased to Dr. C. J. Rodgers. By 1897 he rented the residence as well until 1901, when the property was sold to Charles Webster.

Charles Webster was born in 1873 in Thorn hill, on a farm on Yong e Street. After his father's death, the family moved to Aurora. In 1899 he married Della Petch, born in 1875 in Aurora. The Aurora Banner of February 22, 1967 tells us that when Della Webster was a little girl she "dreamed of living in the 'house on the hill', owned then by Dr. Robinson the district dentist. Her dream came true and the gingerbread decked brick house was her home for over 60 years." Charles Webster notes in his diary that on November 2, 1901 they had their first meal and spent their first night in Horton Place. Charles and Della Webster had two children: Elinor Elizabeth, born in 1909 and Mary Margaret Adele, born in 1916.

Both the Websters were civic-minded people. Charles Webster served on town council, the Library Board, the Public School Board, and the Board of Trade. Della Webster was a prominent Liberal Party organizer for many years

Charles Webster was manager of the Under hill Shoe Factory for a short time. However, his longest association was as manager of the Fleur y Agricultural Implement Works on Wellington Street from the 1890's to his death in 1938. James Johnston in Aurora: Its Early Beginnings tells us that the Fleur y plow works, founded in 1859, was the most important industry in early Aurora, and was responsible to a large degree for the growth of the community. At the height of its success, it employed 200 men in its buildings located on Wellington Street West. The village fathers, grateful for the contribution the company made to Aurora business and development, honoured the company by including a Fleur y plow as part of the Village crest. Joseph Fleury the founder, born in King Township of French-Canadian descent, came to Aurora in 1859. Working as a blacksmith, he set up business in partnership with Thomas Pearson. Together they developed the cast-beam plow, but when the partnership broke up, Fleury built his own shop. His father, Alex Fleur y sold his farm and put the proceeds into his son's business. Joseph's brother Milton also came into what would become largely a family business. By 1900, Fleur y plows were competitive on a world basis. Many families moved to Aurora in order to work in the foundry. The company operated in Aurora until 1939, when it merged operations with Fleur-Bis sell, and moved to Elora.

Charles Webster owned the property until his death at 65 in 1938. He was killed while crossing the street in front of his home by a car travelling northbound on Yonge Street. Mr. Webster was buried in the Aurora Cemetery. Della Webster, his widow, assumed ownership of the property.

In 1950, Mary Margaret Adele, Charles and Della Webster's daughter, married William Ogilvie McIntyre, and along with Della Webster, lived together in Horton Place. Mary Margaret and William McIntyre had two children, William John (known as John) born in 1951 and Mary Elizabeth (known as Mary Beth) born in 1956. William McIntyre died in1974 and was buried in the Aurora Cemetery. Mary Beth lived in Horton Place until her marriage in 1983.

In 1984, Mary Margaret McIntyre, finding the house too much to care for on her own, moved out of Horton Place into a condominium nearby. Her son, Dr. W. John McIntyre moved back to his family home in the same year.

The Webster family and its descendants continue to own Horton Place to the present day. Following the death of Mary Margaret McIntyre in December 2000, Margaret's son, Dr. W. John McIntyre, assumed ownership of the residence and continues to live in the house.

Dr. McIntyre continues the Webster tradition of service to his community. He has served on the Aurora heritage committee (Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee) for about 15 years. The history of Aurora has been the subject of several books written by Dr. McIntyre. He has served on the Aurora Historical Society since about 1967, including several terms as president. Since 1985 he has been the archivist for Trinity Church, Aurora. While not involved in community service Dr. McIntyre is Chair of the Department of English and General Education, Faculty of Technology, at Seneca College.On March 4 1987, Horton Place was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act for its historical and architectural significance.

SOLIDE WASTE& RECYCLING OF LITTER

From the down of the industrial revolution the human community has constantly producing a vast amount of relatively substances.This included refuse from food stuffs,various chemical substances and many kinds of packaging.These kinds of substances can be categorized as solid waste as waste cannot be put in to any practical use it was a traditional ritual which involved the collecting and dumping the waste into may be ones neighbors back yard.this would have solved the problem had the population density been low,but in a small country these measure is hardly practical.Hence waste management has become one of the most acute problems in our country today
Before one attempts to solve such a serious problem it is wise to get a rough idea of the composition of waste In our locality almost 80% of waste or organic substances which bio degrade almost automatically. A bout 10%-or 15% non recyclable plastic are present in the waste which poses the most threat to the environment and the balance is made up of recyclable materials such as paper ,glass and many metal items.
A proper waste management system should be initiated in ones home. The 1 st stage of the process is reduction.This can be done by following a few guide lines

1) Carrying your own bag when going shopping insted of buying a bag each and every time you visit the shop
2) Refusing to buy items which have too many wrappers.
3) Refusing from buying products in plastic packages.

Following these guidelines will certainly reduce the volume of waste (non recyclable) emitted to the environment.Reusing bags or bottles will help reduce quantity of waste while the recycling process can also be helpful.In order to have a recycling process a method of collection of recyclable items should be formed .A good example is the paper & bottle collector system in which is the costumer is paid for the quantity of refuse collected & the collector is paid for his load at a collection center .This is a most successful method of collection..Ones the materials is collected it can be put in to the recycling process.
The next stage of waste management is the treatment of waste.All the waste should be collected and transported to a treatment plant,where after a separation of recyclable materiel the balance can be either incinerated of biologically processed .Since the local waste comprises of about 80% Organic matter is it rather unprofitable to have incineration facilities which is also costly. But the biological process can be considered the ideal method of waste treatment.This involved micro-organism which survive on this waste having to
digest the waste.Such a method is not only cost effective but also a clean method of treatment.

Another way of treatment is composting which is quite cheep & also leaves you with a high quality manure .Even after these processes we are left with about 10% of waste which can neither be recycled nor put to any other method of management .Therefor this reminder has to go in to a land fill.The reminder should be taken to the land fill site and dumped the dump area should be covered with a layer of earth which helps reduce the small & leaves a clean look at end of the day.
Following this process can help reduce the waste and also provide an environmentally friendly method of solid waste management.This will not only be an answer to a growing need of land hill sides of so let us all wake up and give a helping hand in managing this acute problem in order to presence the beauty of this country and the whole world for the future generations to experiance.

A B C

Nirosha

SINGHALA SONG

Amazing Sri Lanka

SRI LANKA 3

SRI LANKA 2

SRILANKA

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura

The city

Protohistoric Iron Age

Although according to historical records the city was founded in the 5th century BC, the archaeological data put the date as far back as the 10th century BC[citation needed]. Very little evidence was available about the period before the 5th century BC (i.e. the protohistoric period), though excavations have revealed information about the earlier inhabitants of the city.

Further excavations in Anuradhapura have uncovered information about the existence of a protohistoric habitation of humans in the citadel. The protohistoric Iron Age which spans from 900 to 600 BC, marked the appearance of iron technology, pottery, the horse, domestic cattle and paddy cultivation. In the time period 700 to 600 BC the settlement in Anuradhapura had grown over an area of at least 50 ha. The city was strategically situated of major ports northwest and northeast, it was surrounded by irrigable and fertile land. The city was also buried deep in the jungle providing natural defence from invaders.

Lower Early Historic period

The Lower Early Historic period, spanning from 500 to 250 BC, is studied on the lines of the chronicles. During this time King Pandukabhaya formally planned the city, with gates, quarters for traders etc. The city at the time would have covered an area of 1 square kilometre which makes it one of the largest in the continent at the time.
[edit] Beginnings
Sacred City of Anuradhapura*
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The oldest living tree in the world with a reported planting date.
State Party Sri Lanka
Type Cultural
Criteria ii, iii, vi
Reference 200
Region** Asia-Pacific
Inscription history
Inscription 1982 (6th Session)
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List.
** Region as classified by UNESCO.

The layout of Anuradhapura as described in the Mahavamsa:

"He laid out four suburbs as well as the Abhaya-tank, the common cemetery, the place of execution, and the chapel of the Queens of the West, the banyan-tree of Vessavana and the Palmyra-palm of the Demon of Maladies, the ground set apart for the Yonas and the house of the Great Sacrifice; all these he laid out near the west gate." Mahavamsa X, trans. Wilhelm Geiger

"A hermitage was made for many ascetics; eastward of that same cemetery the ruler built a house for the nigantha Jotiya.(...) On the further side of Jotiya's house and on this side of the Gamani tank he likewise built a monastery for wandering mendicant monks, and a dwelling for the ajivakas and a residence for the brahmans, and in this place and that he built a lying-in shelter and a hall for those recovering from sickness." Mahavamsa X, trans. Wilhelm Geiger

It is said that King Pandukabhaya made it his capital in the 4th century BC, and that he also laid out the town and its suburbs according to a well organised plan. He constructed a reservoir named Abhayavapi. He established shrines for yakkhas such as Kalawela and Cittaraja. He housed the Yaksini-Cetiya in the form of a mare within the royal precincts and offerings were made to all these demi-gods every year. He chose the sites for the cemetery and for the place of execution, the Chapel of the Western Queen, the Pacchimarajini, the Vessavana Banyan Tree, the Palm of the Vyadhadeva, the Yona Quarter and the House of the Great Sacrifice. The slaves or Candalas were assigned their duties and a village was set apart for them. They build dwellings for Niganthas, for wandering ascetics and for Ajivakas and Brahmanas. He established, the village boundaries. The tradition that King Pandukabhaya made Anuradhapura the capital city of Sri Lanka as early as the fourth century BC had been very important.

The administrative and sanitary arrangements be made for the city and the shrines he provided indicate that over the years the city developed according to an original master plan. His son Mutasiva, succeeded to the throne. During his reign of sixty years, he maintained Anuradhapura as his capital and further laid out the Mahameghavana Garden which was to play an important role in the early history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It was in the period of his successor, his son Devanampiya Tissa, that Buddhism was first introduced this island 236 years after the passing away of the Buddha. Emperor Ashoka in India was a contemporary of Devanampiya Tissa. Historically this period is considered to extend from 250 to 210 BC. This is the point at which a kingship began and a civilization developed based on one of the most significant religions of South Asia, Buddhism.
[edit] Buddhism and Anuradhapura

With the introduction of Buddhism, the city gained more prominence and the great building era began. The Mahavansa states that King Kutakannatissa built the first city wall to a height of seven cubits with a moat in front of the wall. This fortification was further enlarged by raising the wall a further 11 cubits to 18 cubits by King Vasabha. The king also added fortified gatehouses at the entrances of which the ruins can be seen to date. The Mahavamsa also states that soothsayers and architects were consulted in the construction.
[edit] Great Building Era
The Ruwanweli Saya Stupa in Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura
Moon stone
[edit] The city grows

The city's popularity grew both as a ritual centre and as the administrative centre, a large population was attracted to the city for permanent settlement. Thus the living facilities were improved to accommodate the expanding population. King Vasabha constructed many ponds which were fed by a network of subterranean channels which were constructed to supply water to the city. Tissa and Abhayavapi tanks were built, the Nuwara weva was built and the Malwatu Oya was dammed to build the Nachchaduwa wewa which was 4408 acres (17.84 km²) in size.

Parks were also provided in the city. The Ranmasu Uyana below the bund of Tissavapi or Tisa weva was one such, but it was strictly reserved for the members of the royal family. Health care and education were two other aspects to which the authorities paid attention. There were several hospitals in the city. In the fourth century King Upatissa II provided quarters and homes for the crippled and the blind. King Buddhadasa (337-365 AD), himself a physician of great repute, appointed a physician to be in charge of every ten villages. For the maintenance of these physicians, one tenth of the income from the fields was set apart. He also set up refuges for the sick in every village. Physicians were also appointed to look after the animals. Kassapa V (914-923 AD) founded a hospital close to the southern gate of Anuradhapura. General Sena in the tenth century is believed to have built a hospital close to the ceremonial street (Managala Veediya). The history of medical care began early, for in the fourth century BC King Pandukhabaya, in the course of sanitizing the town constructed a hospital. A large workforce was entrusted with the task of keeping the city clean.

Large lakes were also constructed by the city's rulers to irrigate paddy lands and also to supply water to the city. Nuwara wewa and Tissa wewa are among the best known lakes in the city.
[edit] The great city

Anuradhapura attained its highest magnificence about the commencement of the Christian era. The city had some of the most complex irrigation systems of the ancient world, situated in the dry zone of the country the administration built many tanks to irrigate the land. Most of these tanks still survive.


[edit] Pictures found in the Oldest great city at Anuradhapura escavations

According to carbon time detection test, it says this ruins found in the escavations were belongs to 10th century BC.
[edit] In ruins

The ruins consist of three classes of buildings, dagobas, monastic buildings, and pokunas. The dagobas are bell-shaped masses of masonry, varying from a few feet to over 1100 ft (340 m) in circumference. Some of them contain enough masonry to build a town for twenty-five thousand inhabitants. Remains of the monastic buildings are to be found in every direction in the shape of raised stone platforms, foundations and stone pillars. The most famous is the Brazen Palace erected by King Dutugamunu about 164 BC. The pokunas are bathing-tanks or tanks for the supply of drinking water, which are scattered everywhere through the jungle. The city also contains a sacred Bo-Tree, which is said to date back to the year 245 BC.

The royal botanical garden- Peradeniya

Peradeniya, the name
Peradeniya is believed to take its exotic name from Sinhalese names Pera (guava) and Deniya (a plain). The name also reveals, although Guava is not indigenous to Sri Lanka, introduction of the fruit to the island and cultivation had occurred even prior to the era of British Colonialists in Ceylon.

Royal Botanical Gardens,
Two key Botanical Gardens exist in Sri Lanka that presents visitors the chance to glimpse some of the beautiful plant life that grows here. Both the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and the Hakgala Botanical Gardens offer beautiful greenery, a diverse selection of plants and the chance to partake in a relaxing stroll through nature.

The gardens all have a rich history and most of them were all formulated well over a century ago having being further developed under British rule.

The botanical gardens provide the perfect location for the ardent botany lover and enthusiast to take a relaxing stroll through various types of plant life. Furthermore, the gardens are also beautifully maintained and provide a charming and naturalistic experience that is sure to delight all those who pass through them.

Sri Lanka is a city that has many different sides to it, but the gardens truly showcase the natural and harmonious side of the country through its various forms of plant life.

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital from11th to 12th Century AD, lies 216 km northeast of Colombo. It is a well-preserved city of ancient dagobas (Buddhist temples), moonstones, beautiful parks, massive buildings and stunningly beautiful statues. The majestic King’s Council Chamber, the Lotus Bath, the rock temple and the statue of one of Polonnaruwa’s great kings, Parakramabahu, are a few of this capital’s memorable sights.

The ancient city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.

Although it is nearly 1000 years old, it is much younger than Anuradhapura, the other ancient capital, and in much better repair. Moreover, the monuments here are located in a more compact area, and their development is easier to follow.

South Indian Chola invaders were the first to make Polonnaruwa their stronghold after ransacking Anuradhapura in 993 AD. King Vijayabahu I recaptured the throne for the Singhalese in 1073 and became the first to rule from the new capital Polonnaruwa, in a succession spanning 153 years.Vijayabahu did much to develop religion and irrigation, but it was Parakramabahu I reigning from 1153-86 who raised Polonnaruwa to its glorious heights in a grand renaissance of art and architecture, which produced the most beautiful statues and carvings in the country.

Parakramabahu built huge structures and laid out beautiful parks and gardens. His monumental feats include the construction of the Parakrama Samudra, a vast reservoir covering 6000 acres next to the city. Nissanka Malla, who contributed many ornate buildings to the city, succeeded him.

After about a century of efforts to hold back invaders, Polonnaruwa was finally abandoned to the jungles during the 13th Century. Polonnaruwa has an old town and new town, and most of the ruins begin at the north edge of the old town. The ruins are divided into five groups. The first is a small group that has structures dating from the period of Nissanka Malla’s reign, and includes royal baths and the King’s Council chamber.
The palace group of buildings dates back to Parakramabahu I’s reign and includes the magnificent royal palace, which is said to have been seven storeys high, the audience hall with an amazing frieze of elephants, and the Prince’s bathing pool, which still has one of the crocodile mouth spouts.

The quadrangle group includes the circular relic house, a massive stone slab representing an Ola leaf and several astonishing temples of Buddhist and Hindu influence and style.The northern group has the Tivanka Image House, the Lotus Pond, a massive monastic convocation hall and many temples.


The museum, which is near the rest houses, is open from 8am to 5pm daily.

The new town is a recent settlement away from the ancient city. You can find plenty of good accommodation in the new and old town. Buses and trains travel daily between Colombo and Polonnaruwa, and you can also get to Anuradhapura, Kandy, Dambulla and Trincomalee from here. The best way to travel around Polonnaruwa itself is by hired bicycle or car.

Sigiriya (Lion's rock)

Sigiriya (Lion's rock) is a rock fortress and ruins of a palace situated in central Matale District of Sri Lanka dating to the fifth century B.C.E. Although the history of the building of the fortress, palace, and monastery is unclear, most probably it was built by King Kasyapa (477–495 C.E.) of the Moriyan dynasty as a fortress and palace. After Kasyapa's death, the fortress was converted into a Buddhist monastery and served for the next eight hundred years when it was abandoned in the fourteenth century. Rediscovered by British explorer John Still in 1907, the site has undergone extensive archeological work, opened to researchers, scholars, and visitors.

Located on a prominent hill standing 370 m above the plane surrounding it, Sigiriya makes a striking appearance. The site has tremendous cultural and historical significance. Its western rock face, 140 m long and 40 m high, has won acclaim for the abundant erotic frescoes that are strikingly similar to the paintings in Ajanta Caves of India. Sigiriya has an upper palace that sits at the top of the rock, a mid level terrace, a lower palace with gardens, moats, and walls at the base of the rock. The architects created a sophisticated reservoir and garden system for aesthetic beauty, drinking water, and air cooling. When Sigiriya converted to a monastery after King Kasyapa's death, Buddhist monks removed many of the erotic paintings as out of keeping for a place of religious practice. UNESCO designated Sigiriya a World Heritage Site in 1982, one of seven World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka.History

Sigiriya, inhabited from prehistoric times, has been used as a rock-shelter mountain monastery from about the fifth century C.E. King Kashyapa built the garden and palace. Following Kasyapa's death, the site again became a monastery complex until abandoned in the fourteenth century.

British explorer John Still rediscovered the ruins in 1907. Archaeologist Senarath Paranavithana deciphered the Sigiri inscriptions, publishing an authoritative two volume work, "Sigiri Graffiti." He also wrote the popular book "Story of Sigiriya."
Mahavansa, the ancient historical record of Sri Lanka, describes King Kasyapa as the son of King Dhatusena. Kasyapa murdered his father by walling him alive into a room, proceeding to usurp the throne from to his brother Mogallana, the rightful heir to the throne. Mogallana, fleing to India to escape assassinating by Kasyapa, vowed revenge. He raised an army in India, intending to return and reclaim the throne of Sri Lanka. Planning for Mogallana's return with an army, Kasyapa built his palace on the summit of Sigiriya as a fortress.

Mogallana attacked with his army. Chronicles relate that Kasyapa's battle-elephant changed direction to get a better fighting position, but the army misinterpreted it as the king fleeing. His armies abandoning him, Kasyapa committed suicide by falling on his sword. Moggallana returned the capital to Anuradapura and turned Sigiriya into a monastery complex.

Kasyapa's actual fate has been difficult to ascertain. One version relates that a concubine assassinated him with poison. Another has him cutting his own throat when faced with inevitable capture during his final battle.

Several versions of the building of Sigiriya exist. In one account, King Dhatusena had been the ruler to begin building Sigiriya, with Kasyapa finishing the work in honor of his father. Still another account portrays Kasyapa as a playboy king, with Sigiriya a pleasure palace. In another account, the site had been created by a Buddhist community, with no military function at all. All in all, the historical background for Sigiriya has been difficult to unravel.

Archaeological remains and features
Aerial View
Aerial View

Sigiriya rock, a hardened magma plug from an extinct and long-eroded volcano, stands high above a surrounding plain visible for miles in all directions. The rock, resting on a steep mound, rises 370 meters. With sheer wall on all sides, the rock overhangs its base in many places.

Sigiriya, consisting of the remains of an ancient castle built by King Kasyapa during the fifth century C.E. The remains include:

*-An upper palace siting on the flat top of the rock. The upper palace includes cisterns cut into the rock that still retain water.
*- A mid-level terrace that includes the Lion Gate and the mirror wall with its frescoes
*- The lower palace that clings to the slopes below the rock
*- The moats, walls and gardens that extend for some hundreds of meters out from the base of the rock. They have retained much of their original exquisite beautiful.

The site most likely served as both a palace and fortress. Reasonably well preserved, Sigiriya provides the visitor with a stunning insight into the ingenuity and creativity of its builders.

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Archaeologists consider Sigiriya one of the most important urban sites of the first millennium, revealing an elaborate and imaginative city plan. The architects interlocked the symmetry of the fort with the natural surroundings. On the west side of the rock, the designers placed a royal park. Some of reservoirs, including sophisticated underground channels, still function. The south side reveals a man made reservoir of the type used extensively in dry zones of ancient Sri Lanka. Five gates mark entrances to the city, the more elaborate western gate most likely reserved for royalty.

The Gardens

The landscaped gardens of the Sigiriya city, considered one of the most important aspects of the site, stand among the oldest in the world. The architects created three types of gardens: Water, cave and stone. The water gardens, with pools of various depths, has streams flowing over slabs of marble. Underground channels, which still operate, provide water to the fountains. Other water gardens use channels to cool the pavilions. Stone gardens integrate pathways with pavilions and ponds.

The Mirror Wall
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Originally the wall had been so well polished that the king could see himself while walking alongside it. Made of porcelain, the mirror wall contains verses scribbled by visitors to the rock dating from the eighth century. People from all walks of life wrote on the mirror wall, reflecting on subjects like love, irony, and every day experiences. The Sri Lanka government has prohibited further writing on the Mirror Wall.

Frescos

The paintings originally covered most of the western face of the rock, an area 140 meters long and 40 meters high. Some of the graffiti on Mirror Wall refers to those paintings which depict 500 ladies. Many of them have been images of women have been destroyed, removed when the Palace reconverted to a Monastery so that they would not disturb meditation.

The paintings, dated to the Anuradhapura period, possess a unique painting style, the line and style differing from typical Anuradhapura paintings. The lines have been painted in a form which enhances the sense of fullness of figures. The paint has been applied in sweeping action strokes using more pressure on one side giving the effect of a deeper color tone towards the edge. Other paintings of the Anuradhapura period contain similar painting techniques. But they lack the sketchy nature of the Sigiriya drawings, as the painting of the Anuradhapura period uses a technique of drawing distinct lines.

Nuwara Eliya

The city was founded by non other than illustrious Samuel Baker,the legendary discoverer of Lake Albert and the explorer of the Nile in 1846. Such was the salubrious climate that in no time Nuwara Eliya became the prime sanctuary of the British civil servants and planters in Ceylon. Nuwara Eliya, called Little England then, was also the ideal hill country retreat where the British colonialists could immerse in their pastimes such as fox hunting, deer hunting,elephant hunting, polo, golf and cricket.

Although the town was founded in the 19th century by the British, today the whole district is visited by native travelers, specially during the month of April, the season of flowers, pony races, go cart races and auto rally.

Many of the buildings retain features from the colonial period such as the Grand Hotel, Hill Club, Town Post Office and even new hotels are often built and furnished in the colonial style such as the Alpine Hotel. Anyone who visits the city can wallow in its nostalgia of bygone days by visiting these land mark buildings. Many private homes still maintain their old English-style lawns and gardens.
Climate

Due to the high altitude, Nuwara Eliya has a much cooler climate than the lowlands of Sri Lanka, with a mean annual temperature of 16 °C. But the temperature changes and sometimes it can be as low as 3°C. In the winter months it is quite cold at night, and there can even be frost. although it rapidly warms up as the tropical sun climbs higher during the day.
Demographics

Nuwara Eliya is the only district in the country where the Indian Tamils form the majority with 50.6% of the population. The Sinhalese (40.2%), Tamils (6.5%) and the Moors come next respectively. Many tea plantation workers are whose ancestors were brought over to Sri Lanka by the British in the 19th century.
Language

Sinhala and Tamil are the two major languages spoken in Nuwara Eliya. English is also widely used by the locals.
Festivals
Nuwara Eliya Town Square

The town really comes alive in April for the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, and it is difficult to find accommodation as Sri Lankans holiday in the region during this period. The festive season starts on April 1 annually in a ceremonial manner. The ceremony consists mainly of a band show in which all the local school bands participate.

Main attractions during April season include the numerous motor racing and horse racing events. Motor racing comes alive with the Mahagastotte and Radella Hill Climbs, the former being run since 1934. The Nuwara Eliya Road Race and the 4X4 Lake Cross on edge of Lake Gregory attract a fair share of enthusiasts. Parties are held nightly in the hotels, and the season culminates in the nine furlong (1811 m) Governor's Cup, Golf Tournerments and the flower show at the end of the month.
Attractions
Victoria Park.

The town's attractions include the golf course, trout streams, Victoria Park, and boating or fishing on Lake Gregory. Victoria Park is an attractive and well-used oasis. It is popular with birdwatchers at quieter times because of the good opportunities it gives to see various species, particularly the Indian Blue Robin, Pied Thrush or Scaly Thrush lurking in the denser undergrowth. The Kashmir Flycatcher is another attractive bird species found in the park. Galway's Land Bird Sanctuary, close to Lake Gregory, is another wildlife site of 0.6 km².

The town is a base for visits to Horton Plains National Park. This is a key wildlife area of open grassy woodland. Species found here include the Leopard, Sambar, and the endemic Purple-faced Langur. Endemic highland birds include the Dull-blue Flycatcher, Sri Lanka White-eye, and Yellow-eared Bulbul. The plains also has a well-visited tourist attraction at World's End, a sheer precipice with a 1050 m drop. The return walk passes the scenic Baker Falls. Early morning visits are best, both to see the wildlife, and to view World's End before mists close in during the later part of the morning.

One of the distinctive features of Nuwara Eliya's countryside is the widespread growing of vegetables, fruit and flowers usually associated with temperate Europe. This "Little England" is covered with terraces growing potatoes, carrots, leeks, and roses, interspersed with tea bushes on the steeper slopes.

The slow-growing tea bushes of this highland region produce some of the world's finest Orange Pekoe tea, and several tea factories around Nuwara Eliya offer guided tours and the opportunity to sample or purchase their products.
Other interesting places
A temple to Hanuman near Nuwara Eliya

One is a grave stone of one British governor located in the very corner of the golf grounds. He was famous for elephant hunting and it says that he killed thousands of elephants. Folklore in Nuwara Eliya says that every year his gravestone is struck by lightning for the great sin that he did. At present this place is not open for the visitors.

Another place related to folklore is the Hindu Temple called "Seetha Kovil" (Hanuman Kovil). It is found on the way to Badulla from Nuwara Eliya before reaching the Hakgala Botanical Garden. The temple is located in the village called "Seetha Eliya". The area is related to the Ramayana story in Hinduism. Folklore says that the mighty king Ravana kidnapped princess Seeta who was the queen of Rama and hid her in the place where the temple now is.

There is also a Church called the Holy Trinity Church on church road, which accommodate an old graveyard and most of the grave stones have British names engraved on them.