Experience the Ocean

Sri Lanka, an island floating in the blue waters of the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Endowed with over a thousand miles of beautiful golden beaches fringed with coconut palms. A large percentage of Sri Lankan hotels and resorts are located along the seacoast. The main attraction for the most part is on the beaches and the resorts and less on the nearby towns and villages. However, some places like Galle on the west coast with its historical heritage, are included in the attraction even without the lure of the sun and sand. You can also stop on the drive down the west coast for interesting sidetrip like visiting a batik factory or a turtle hatchery, paying your respects at the local temple or sampling the local fruit and getting first hand knowledge on the art of toddy making. The western and southern coast beaches begins from Negombo, 13kms north of Colombo and curves south along the coastline for 273kms up to Hambantota. This is definitely the better developed of the two circuits and accounts for most of the hotels and the resorts. South of Colombo it is called the ?Cold Coast? and the resorts stretch from Mt. Lavinia (a suburb of Colombo) along Wadduwa, Kalutara, Beruwala, Bentota, Induruwa, Kosgoda, Ahungalla, Hikkaduwa, Calle, Unawatuna, Koggala, We- ligama, Dickewalla, Tangalle and finally Hambantota. The southern beaches are sandier than the western ones and do not shelve steeply into the sea. While the eastern and northern coast beaches stretches north in a gentle arc from Arugam Bay till Kuchchaveli approximately 275kms up on the eastern coastline. Fine beaches, typically wide stretches of sand and what seems like miles of clear, shallow water, pretty bays and coves, deep natural harbours, still lagoons and underwater coral gardens. The best ones are those of Nilaveli, Kuchchaveli, Marble Bay, Sweat Bay and Dead Man?s Cove, with its magnificent harbour, north of Trincomalee. The southern section includes the peaceful beaches of Passekudah, Kalkudah and Arugam Bay. Access western and southern coast beaches by road start from Negombo Route A3, till Colombo. Then to A2, better known as Galle Road up to Galle, 117kms south of Colombo hugs the coast line all the way till Hambantota before veering away towards Wellawaya further inland. The Railway runs all the way down from Negombo to Matara, just short of Dondra Head, the southern most tip of Sri Lanka. From here Hambantota is 78 kms by road. By air, there are airports at Katunayake, which is the airport servicing Colombo and the only other international airport in Sri Lanka, Moratuwa and Koggala. The eastern and northern coast beaches can be reach by road thru A4 cutting across the

country from Colombo via the gem city of Ratnapura, passing the Central Highlands on the way before hitting the eastern coast at Pottuvil, 320kms from the capital. There it turns north to service the coastline Up to Batticaloa at a distance of 110kms. The 137kms stretch of coastline from Batticaloa to Trincornalee is serviced by the A15 and the last beach at Kuchchavelli some 35kms further up can be gained by a secondary road. Trincomalee is the only gateway by rail on the eastern coast. It is connected to all the major. Airports are at Batticaloa and Trincomalee. Accommodation is not a problem. There is a wide choice, not only of locations, but of quality and price. As mentioned earlier, the most developed are resorts of the south and the west coasts, where luxurious comfort and all the five star amenities, adventure tours, animation and the kind of entertainment typical of the ?Club? concept are as much a part of the service as fine accommodation and international cuisine. There are also boarding, canoeing, sailing, boating, deep sea fishing, water polo, water gymnastics, water and jet scooter racing and Banana Boat riding. Seasonal bathing is available off the sea and river fronts of many hotels and of course there is always the fresh or sea water swimming pool. The food is cosmopolitan. Of course, sea food is fresh and plentiful and most hotels innovate creatively with the wide variety available. There is a fairly extensive choice between spicy Sri Lankan food and standard international fare. An abundance of local tropical fruit and fruit juices is an essential feature of the buffet table.

Into the Wild the Wildlife of Sri Lanka The Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) is one of three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant, and native to Sri Lanka. Since 1986, Elephas maximus has been listed as endangered by IUCN as the population has declined by at least 50% over the last three generations, estimated to be 6075 years. The species is pre-eminently threatened by habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation. Elephas maximus maximus is the type subspecies of the Asian elephant, first described by Carl Linnaeus under the binominal Elephas maximus in 1758. The Sri Lankan elephant population is now largely restricted to a few National Parks and Nature Reserves. Udawalawe National Park, Yala National Park, Wilpattu National Park and Minneriya National Park are prime locations for spotting elephants.

Though Sri Lanka is very small in land area, the great diversity in habitats harbors are a rich and diverse fauna and flora, with many species endemic to the island. Historically as well as in the modern era, successive rulers and governments of Sri Lanka have strived to provide sanctuary and protection to our beautiful wildlife. Today the demands and aspirations of an expanding human population makes it difficult for the government to be solely responsible for the protection, preservation and management of this beguiled wild heritage of ours. Today, especially where human interest and wildlife interest are in direct conflict. It is imperative that private organizations with resources step into and fill the areas that need immediate attention: environmental education, long term research, and to develop integrated projects for community based conservation.

Of the four species of wild cats found in Sri Lanka, the leopard is the largest. No information exists for all the species of cats in regard to their population, distribution and status. There is also small scale poaching of all the species of cats for their skins, teeth and meat. The sloth bear is the only species of bear found in Sri Lanka, further research is needed to find out more about its ecology, distribution and status.

Of the five species of deer found in Sri Lanka, the spotted deer and its cousin, the sambar, have the largest distribution. Though there are still large populations of spotted deer in some areas, all five species of deer are relentlessly poached for venison. Studies to ascertain their ecology, distribution and status are urgently needed. Sri Lanka has more than 400 species of birds consisting of residents, visitors and migrants. Of this 26 species are endemic to the island. Large and small scale clearing of jungles and forests, causes local extinctions of the more specialized species, and threatens the survival of others. It is imperative to establish regional and urban wildlife sanctuaries for their long term survival.

The inland waters of Sri Lanka have more than 60 species of fresh water fish of which over 24 species are only found in Sri Lanka. Closer to a 1,000 species of fish are found in the coastal waters surrounding the island. Domestic and industrial affluents and pollutants discharged into rivers and other waterways are a threat to the survival of these fresh water and coastal fishes, and other marine ecosystems such as coral reefs.

The territorial waters of the Indian Ocean is also home to a rich and varied marine life. Five species of sea turtles and 25 species of whales and dolphins inhabit these coastal waters. Fifty three species of amphibians are found in Sri Lanka, of which over 25 species are endemic. The cobra is one of the most well known snakes of the over 90 species of snakes found in Sri Lanka. There are also many species of lizards, two species of crocodiles and monitors, two species of aquatic turtles and one species of tortoise found in the island. Of the diverse and amazing array of invertebrates found in Sri Lanka, there are over 240 species of butterflies, of which 14 species are endemic. Sri Lanka also has a wealth of plant life of which a majority are endemic to the island. Many species of colorful and rare orchids, ferns, ayurvedic herbs and plants, large trees, bromeliads and epiphytes creates colorful, exotic and rich habitats for other animal life, and a salubrious environment for humans.

Hotels in Sri Lanka Colombo Hotels feature a fair share of top end luxury hotels that are geared towards the requirements of business travelers. Supplementing the top end hotels is a growing number of chic boutique hotels: the transformation of renovated British Colonial Bungalows into boutique hotels has become the trend in Colombo as well as in coastal areas and the Central highlands. Though the budget accommodation options are somewhat limited, the Mid-range hotels have been renovated, new wings added and refurbished to cater to the ever growing demand. While visiting Colombo, the business travelers and holiday makers would find an advance booking of a Colombo hotel is to their advantage in terms of cost and time.

Colombo zones Greater Colombo consists of fifteen numbered suburbs recognized by area code: Colombo 1 (Fort); Colombo 2 (Slave Island and Union Place); Colombo 3 (Kollupitiya); Colombo 4 (Bambalapitiya); Colombo 5 (Havelock Town and Kirilapone); Colombo 6 (Wellawatte and Pamankada); Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens); Colombo 8 (Borella); Colombo 9 (Dematagoda); Colombo 10 (Maradana and Panchikawatte); Colombo 11 (Pettah); Colombo 12 (Hulftsdorf); Colombo 13 (Kotahena and Bloemendhal); Colombo 14 (Grandpass); Colombo 15 (Mutwal, Modera, Mattakkuliya and Madampitiya)

Colombo Hotels at Fort, the Heart of Colombo The heart of the city of Colombo with the area code of 1, bustling with commerce is still called Fort, though the colonial Dutch Fort, a fortified city, was demolished in the nineteenth century. Hilton Colombo , one of the finest luxury hotels in Colombo together with Galadari Hotel are located by the leafy Lotus Road at the southern border of Fort area.Ceylon Continental Hotel imposes itself as the immediate neighbor of Galadari Hotel at the round about by the beach where the Janadhipati Mawata (Sinhala: Presidents Street) running to the north towards Colombo harbor has Colombo World Center and numerous banking and finance institutions just a few meters ahead. Immediately to the south of Galadari round-about, at the end of west-bound Lotus Road is the beachfront Promenade of Colombo called Galle Face Green, the southern end of which, meets Galle Face Hotel. The Lotus road itself gives way to Galle road to the south at the Galadari round-about. Beachfront Galle Face Green Promenade, along its stretch faces three of top end hotels over the Galle Road: Hotel Taj Samudra, Ramada Colombo and Cinnamon Grand. However, Cinnamon Lakeside, the sister hotel of Cinnamon Grand isnt located at Fort (Colombo1). Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is located at Colombo 2 (Slave Island and Union

Place) by Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner Street with Beira Lake in the rear side.

Fort (Colombo 1) Fort Railway Station and Colombo Central Bus stand are located 1km east of Fort. Interspersed among the modern luxury hotels and other modern sky scrapers of Colombo Fort are well maintained colonial buildings still in operation: Cargills department stores at Fort; Presidential secretariat (old parliament); Presidential Villa (Queens House); the foreign ministry (old Legislative Council Building). Cargills department store is located York Street about 200 meters north of the Ceylon Continental Hotel. Another hundred meters north of Cargills department store is Grand Oriental Hotel (3 star) in front of the main entrance to Colombo harbor. During the colonial era, when the sea-passage was the mode of overseas transpiration, Grand Oriental Hotel provided shelter to passengers arriving Colombo by ocean liners.

Colombo Hotels south of Fort, along the Galle Road Kollupitiya (Colombo 3), just past Galle Face Green: Juliana, Ranmuthu Bambalapitiya (Colombo 4), immediately south of Kollupitiya: Hotel Renuka Wellawatta (Colombo 6), immediately south of Bambalapitiya:Hotel Omega Inn; Global Towers Apartment Hotel; Hotel Sapphire

Colombo Airport Colombo airport called Bandaranaike International Airport (IATA: CMB) is located 37km of Fort, Colombo at the town of Katunayake, Negombo. Colombo airport, by virtue of its strategically important geographical location, now coupled with on-going development of infrastructure is destined become a regional hub of East-West air routes.

The sacred city of Kandy, a world heritage site, is located in the district of Kandy of the Central highlands of Sri Lanka. The central location of Kandy has been instrumental in the city becoming a major transportation hub of Sri Lanka. The combination of being one of the main tourist attractions and a major transportation hub of the island has resulted in Kandy featuring a wide array of accommodation options ranging from 5 star luxury hotels to boutique hotels, from villas and guest houses.

The sacred city of Kandy, a world heritage site, is located in the district of Kandy of the Central highlands of Sri Lanka. The central location of Kandy has been instrumental in the city becoming a major transportation hub of Sri Lanka. The combination of being one of the main tourist attractions and a major transportation hub of the island has resulted in Kandy featuring a wide array of accommodation options ranging from 5 star luxury hotels to boutique hotels, from villas and guest houses. During the period of November to April, the main tourist season of Sri Lanka, and again during the fortnight of Kandy Esala Perehera pageant in August, the luxury hotels, Villas, boutique hotels, guest houses in Kandy enjoy the highest level of room occupancy. Room reservations during these periods are hard to come by. To get around the complication, the majority of the tourists visiting Kandy, do make their bookings well in advance. Among the star class hotels of International standing areMahaweli Reach Hotel , Earls Regency , Amaya Hills , Jetwing Hunas Falls Hotel , Hotel Swiss , Hotel Thilanka , Chaaya Citadel , Queens Hotel ,Hotel Hilltop , Hotel Topaz , Devon Hotel , and Oruthota Chalets . The class of the accommodation options not withstanding, most of the hotels,villas, boutique hotels and rest houses in the district of Kandy are scenically located amidst the rings of mountains and some even on the banks of the River Mahaweli, the largest river in the island. The Climate of the Kandy district being Mediterranean, and an abundance of luscious garden fresh tropical fruits being served at hotels, your holidays in Kandy is destined to be rejuvenating. Kandy being a high value cultural destination, its value in terms of a golfing resort is often overlooked. The golf course at Victoria Golf & Country Resort, Digana, Kandy is one of the best 100 golf courses in the world. It is the finest in the Indian sub continent. The golf resort equipped with a club house, a swimming pool and a tennis court, is home to a couple of dozen of fine guest houses. Once again, it would be good idea to book your room reservations well in advance.

Nuwara Eliya Hotels are invariably set amidst the rings of mountains of the health resort city of Nuwara Eliya (1890 meters above the sea level), the highest town of Sri Lanka. The city of Nuwara Eliya, located 180km away from Colombo, is a plain that nestles in the high mountains of the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. In the backdrop of the year round salubrious Climateof the Central Highlands, all Nuwara Eliya Hotels and Nuwara Eliya Guest Houses feature options in room heating: wood burning fire places (hearths) or electric room heaters. Unlike the luxury hotels and guest houses located in the string of fine bay beaches and numerous tourist attractions of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya Hotels do not feature swimming pools. Wherever a hotel

or guest house in Nuwara Eliya features a swimming pool, the guests would find it temperature controlled to avoid the chill brought in by the surrounding high mountains of the Central Highlands. All of Nuwara Eliya Hotels and Nuwara Eliya Guest Houses feature pipe-borne hot water. Nuwara Eliya draws in Sri Lankan tourists as well as foreign tourists. During the month of April, the city is overrun by the Sri Lankan tourists from all over the island resulting in a major spike in room rates of Nuwara Eliya budget hotels and mid range Nuwara Eliya Hotels. Then again during the months of August and December, room rates get a boost in view of the school vacations. Should you plan to visit during April or August or December, hotel bookings well in advance of these months would be of great value. Some of the luxury hotels are renovated, restored or reconstructed colonial buildings: 155 room Grand Hotel at the heart of Nuwara Eliya is a restored colonial bungalow now endowed with a new wing; Heritance Tea Factory in the outskirts of Nuwara Eliya at Kandapola is an ingenious modification of a colonial tea factory with its compartments, machinery and equipment intact. Most of the guest houses too are renovations, restorations and conversions on old colonial bungalows and tea bungalows used by the colonial British businessmen and planters during the 19th century. The advantages in staying at a Nuwara Eliya Hotel or at a Nuwara Eliya Guest House is numerous: Nuwara Eliya is a fine base to set off exploring the nature World Heritage site of Horton Plains and the nearly one kilometer deep steep escarpment called Worlds End; Nuwara Eliya Golf Club which spreads over 90 acres and Queen Victoria Park are situated in the heart of the city; Haggala Botanical Gardens, Galways' Land Bird Sanctuary and Labookele Tea Centre are within few minutes drive. While Lake Gregory affords the opportunities for boating and rowing, Nuwara Eliya Turf Club is open to all visitors for Horse Riding. Nuwara Eliya is reached by Colombo-Avissawella-Hatton-Nuwara Eliya A7 main motor road. Though Nuwara Eliya isnt connected by the Railway, the closest railway station at scenic hill country city of Nanu-Oya makes the journey by railway too possible by highland railway line from Colombo via Kandy and Hatton. Galle is home to a fine selection of budget and luxury accommodation. However, the Mid-range hotels are limited. Luxury hotels and budget guest houses are found within the Galle Dutch Fort, in the city and in the surroundings of Galle. Beach hotels at Unawatuna bay beach, one of the finest beaches of the world, located 5km south of Galle complements the hotel accommodation options available in Galle.

The sea port city of Galle is divided into two sectors: the colonial town called Fort and the new town. In between the two sectors is the Galle International Cricket Stadium. To the east of the Stadium across a coastal street called Bauddhaloka Mawatha is the legendary harbor of Galle.

Galle Hotels located within the Galle Dutch Fort Galle Dutch Fort being a World Heritage Site, construction of new buildings isnt allowed within the site. However Galle Fort has seen a cluster of colonial buildings restored and converted into boutique hotels and villas to bolster the accommodation options to the foreign tourists. The most famous colonial hotel located within premises of Galle Dutch Fort is Amangalla. Formerly known as New Oriental Hotel, this luxury resort retains the decor of the grand bungalows of the British colonial days of Sri Lanka. The other guest houses located within the fort too are renovated colonial villas. Of these guest houses, most are family run enterprises.

Relax Your Body Ayurveda is the eternal Vedic science of life, the traditional natural healing system of India. The concept of Ayurveda is not just medical treatment or diagnosis of a diseased condition but much more than that. Ayurveda is a set of practical, simple guidelines, for long life and good health. Using them you can bring your body and mind to perfect balance. Ayurveda has a theoretical basis but is overwhelmingly practical in nature. It includes the total concept of life both man and environment. Ayurvedic science is referred to as 'science of life' as the word Ayurveda is composed of two words Ayu and Veda where Ayu means life and Veda means science. Thus Ayurveda means 'science of life'. It teaches us how an individual can stay in harmony with nature, and enhance their health. The content of Ayueveda has developed over thousands of years of human evolution. Today, Ayurveda is at the forefront of mind-body medicines. Ayurveda has spread far beyond its traditional base and is gaining attention throughout the world. Ayurveda with its understanding of life and consciousness becomes the medicine of the future. Ayurveda literally means knowledge of life. Ayurvedic medicines are based on the principle that every individual has a unique constitution that related to his vital energies translated into Ayurvedic terminology as doshas. Ayurveda mainly composed of eight clinical specialties. They are as follows: General medicine Pediatrics Psychiatry Treatment of head and neck Surgery

 Toxicology Rejuvenation therapy Reproductive medicine The main aims of Ayurveda are to To prevent diseases To treat and cure diseases And both these are aimed towards the promotion of health on three levels: Mentally Physically Spiritually As we refer to Ayurveda as a holistic system of medicine and health native to ancient India. Ayurveda has not restricted itself as the path, which treats diseases but being the science of life has covered all the aspects necessary to maintain health and to restore it when inflicted with a disease. There are certain rules and regulations of Ayurveda, which are nothing but guidelines, which are to be followed to remain fit, refrain from diseases and lead a healthy life. Ayurveda Therapies Panchakarma This five-fold purification therapy aims at correcting the imbalance of the body's Doshas or bio energies (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) in order to maintain their inherent equilibrium and Ama, which forms as a result. Panchakarma therapy has three main stages : Poorvakarma, Pradhanakarma and Paschatkarma. Poorvakarma, the first stage, comprises essential preliminary procedures for preparing the body to unload stored toxins. The treatments help to loosen Ama (toxins) and move it out to the deep structures into the gastro-intestinal tract, where Panchakarma's cleaning therapies can then eliminate it. Pradhanakarma is the second stage and includes the main cleansing therapies. Paschatkarma is the final stage and describes the measures employed after the main treatment, such as diet, medicines and daily routine. Abhyanga A synchronized full body massage performed by two therapists using specific herbal oils prescribed according to the body type.

Improves eyesight, promotes sleep and gives a glow to the skin. Udwarthana A deep, dry massage using herbal powders to stimulate hair follicles and tissue in order to break down the subcutaneous, stored fat. Slimming of the body is the significant effect. Choornaswedan A vigorous massage, with a cloth bundle containing herbal powders. Induces profuse perspiration leading to relief of neurological disorders, rheumatism, arthritis and sports injuries. Navarakizhi Massage with small linen bags filled with cooked Navara rice. This procedure is highly rejuvenating, nourishing and prepares the body for the stress and strain of a busy lifestyle. Pizhichil A combination of two classical Ayurvedic treatments: Snehana (oliation) and Swedana (sudation). Pizhichil is considered to be the most natural way to purify different body systems, to protect from illnesses and build up immunity for a healthy life. Sirodhara Lukewarm herbal oil is poured in a continuous stream on the forehead, while a gentle massage is simultaneously given, also on the forehead, for rejuvenating and revitalizing the body and mind. It relieves stress and strain related problems, slows the aging process, improves memory, and is known to have a curative effect on paralysis and other neurological malfunctions. Takradhara Medicated buttermilk (takra) is poured in a stream (dhara) on the forehead to calm and give relief from conditions like insomnia, depression and other stress related problems. Tarpana Medicated ghee made with black gram powder, is smeared on the eyes. This has a cooling effect on irritated and stressed eyes. Gandusa Retention of medicated oil / decoration in the mouth for several minutes. Lends a radiance to the face, improves lines and wrinkles, tones the skin and assists with any kind of mouth, voice

or teeth disorders while cleansing the ear, nose and throat pathways. Kaval Holding in the mouth and gargling with medicated oil/decoction. Is highly beneficial for ear, nose, throat disorders; improves the voice and brings a glow to the face. Vamana Administering herbal decoction to induce therapeutic vomiting. Very beneficial for Kapha imbalances such as asthma, cough, psoriasis and other skin disorders. Virechana Administration of Virechak Aushdhi, a purgative, in milk or warm water. Alleviates excess Pitta in the body and helps treat dermatitis, chronic fever, heartburn and jaundice. Sneha Vasti An oil enema. The main seat of the Vata Doshi is Pakwashaya (large intestine), therefore Vasti is the main therapy for all Vata disorders such as constipation, neurological ailments, paralysis, flatulence, lower backache, gout and rheumatism. Kashaya Vasti This therapy is usually taken after a course of Sneha Vasti. A cleansing enema of honey, oil and herbs leads to nourishment and rebuilding of the Dhatus (body tissues), strengthens their respective functioning, restores and fortifies the body's immune system. Nasya The face, shoulders and chest are massaged with specific herbal oils, inducing perspiration. The medicine is measured out in the exact doze and poured into the nostrils while inhaling. A highly effective treatment for headaches, sinusitis and migraine.

May it be an incurerable illness or simply the stresses of the everyday life Aryurvedic system will provide an answer with no adverse or side effects in many occasions. Use of natural products and methods such as the Aryurvedic therapy for cure of ailments and physical well being has flourished in Sri Lanka for over two thousands of years. The healing processes have

often passed from one generation to the other but in recent times such information has been organised and teaching is now carried out as degree level studies. There are some modern exclusive Ayurveda resorts. Many of the modern Aryurvedic therapy centres would provide services such as massaging, yoga, meditation, medicinal baths as well as other medical treatments. Visitors should verify that the Ayurveda centres they are interested in, provide all the services they seek. Here is a list of some of the well known and trust worthy Ayurvedic centres Hotel Paradise Island [Formerly Hotel Club Paradise] Ayurveda Walauwa Siddhalepa

Relax Your Soul Meditation in Sri Lanka MEDITATION CENTRES IN SRI LANKA
BY ANDREW QUERNMORE

There are many meditation centres throughout Sri Lanka, most of which offer tuition in Sinhala only. The places listed below represent those where at least one teacher can communicate in clear English.

Kanduboda Meditation Centre Delgoda Tel. 01 445518 or 01 570306 Located 16 miles from Colombo, accessible by bus route 224 (Colombo/Pugoda). Started in 1956, and offers Vipassana instruction in the style of Mahasi Sayadaw of Burma.

The centre can accommodate up to 70 meditators at a time. Accommodation, meals and services are offered free of charge, the centre being funded by donation. Meditators must dress in white throughout their stay (White clothing is available for foreigners). Meditators can stay for a number of weeks or months, and help can be given with visa extensions. It is recommended that meditators undergo an initial training period of 3 weeks at the centre. Tuition continues throughout the year, but as the centre can be full at times (particularly around poya days) it is wise to telephone ahead. Nilambe Meditation Centre Nilambe Near Kandy Telephone 0777-804555 (leave message) or 0777-811653 E-mail address: upulnilambe/AT/yahoo.com ( - replace /AT/ with @ when sending mail)

The teacher, until his death in March 2000, at this centre was Godwin Samararatne, a layman with extensive experience of teaching both in Sri Lanka and abroad. Godwin's style was firmly within the Buddhist tradition but with an emphasis on metta (loving-kindness) and mindfulness in daily life. The emphasis at the centre under teacher Upul Gamage continues to stress these aspects. The centre is in beautiful surroundings above a tea plantation outside of Kandy. Meditators are expected to adhere to the outline schedule: 04.45 Wake up 05.00 Group Meditation 06.00 Tea 06.30 Hatha Yoga 07.30 Breakfast 08.30 Working Meditation 09.30 Group Meditation 11.00 Individual and Outdoor Meditation 12.00 Lunch 12.30 Rest/Reading (Library open 12.30pm-1.30pm) 14.30 Group Meditation 16.00 Tea/Developing Right Speech 16.30 Hatha Yoga

17.30 Watching the sunset/Individual Meditation 18.30 Chanting and Group Meditation 19.30 Snack 20.00 Discussion or Talk (not every day) 21.00 Take Rest On Poya (full moon) days there is an optional Group Meditation through the night. On the quarter and half moon days there is an optional extended Group Meditation until midnight. The centre is easily reached by bus from Kandy. Buses for Galaha pass Nilambe Office Junction (about 17km). From there it is a steep walk (or rickshaw ride) through tea plantations to reach the centre. Alternatively, taxis or autorickshaws are available from Kandy. Autorickshaws are generally available from the bottom of the office junction, at Nilambe. It is a good idea to contact the centre in advance to let them know when you will be arriving. Advice can also be sought from the Buddhist Publication Society in Kandy. Meditators stay from one night to several years, and the centre can help long term meditators with visa extensions. Accommodation at the centre is in single or shared rooms. The centre has no electricity supply, and conditions are adequate but basic. Although this is a lay centre, often there are members of the Sangha undertaking personal retreats at Nilambe. The centre charges 500 Sri Lankan rupees per day (about GBP 3.00 sterling, USD 4.50, EUR 3.50 at Feb 2009 rates) to foreigners to cover accommodation and food. Sri Lankans may offer donations instead. The majority of longer-term meditators are Westerners, but many Sri Lankans also use the centre (particularly around Poya days). Teaching is available in English and Sinhala from the resident teachers. There is a good library of books and tapes in English and Sinhala. Dekanduwala Meditation Centre Kananwila Kahatapitiya Horana Inquiries and bookings should be made through: Buddhist Cultural Centre, 125 Anderson Road, Nedimala, Dehiwala. Tel: 734256.

This is a newer Vipassana centre catering mainly to Sri Lankan meditators. English and Sinhala are both spoken by the monk-in-charge, and foreign meditators are welcome. Transport regularly leaves the BCC in Dehiwala (outskirts of Colombo) to go to the meditation centre, and the BCC should be able to arrange an interview with the teacher beforehand should this be required. The meditation centre is also accessible by bus from Colombo. The centre is under the direction of Ven. K Wimalajothi. Dhamma Kuta Mowbray Galaha Road Hindagala Peradeniya Tel: 08-234649 A meditation centre which follows the instruction of S.N.Goenka. Regular 10 day courses in Goenkajis vipassana method take place at the centre. Please telephone for dates. Instruction is with the aid of tapes, and assistant teachers are in attendence. Goenka follows the technique introduced by U Ba Khin of Burma. After instruction in Anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing), the meditator moves on to a form of 'sweeping' meditation, whereby mindfulness of the sensations arising and ceasing in the body lead to an understanding of anicca (impermanance), and through that an understanding of dukkha and anatta. Instruction is available in Sinhala and English. No fees are charged, donations welcome. See dhamma.org for more details on this and other Goenka centres worldwide. Lewella Meditation Centre 160 Dharmasoka Mawatha Lewella Kandy Tel: 081-4921814 E-mail: lewella.meditation/AT/gmail.com ( - replace /AT/ with @ when sending mail) A centre for experienced male meditators, and for the study of Buddhism, situated on the outskirts of Kandy. In addition to rooms within the centre several individual retreat kutis (huts) are available on the edge of the Udawattakelle forest reserve.

Interview Sri Lanka has an enormous potential particularly in the tourism sector because it is a virgin market. Dr. Nalaka Godahewa

Tourism seemingly has begun to play an essential role in energizing economic development and thereby enhancing the living standards of the people in many countries. It keeps opening up huge markets and investment opportunities as more people choose to travel out of their countries and in to the world. Countries blessed with the miracles of nature and many other unique aspects compete to attract visitors. Sri Lanka with its distinctive diversity and compactness has returned to the competition after many years of troubles, with a ripen potential. Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, the Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism thus expressed his views regarding the rising tourism industry of Sri Lanka at an interview done by the Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka, www.news.lk. Dr. Godahewa also revealed the strategies and measures made by Sri Lanka Tourism for the year 2012. Following is the complete interview.

1) Achievements and achievers seem to have become a common trend in the recent history of Sri Lanka. What are the achievements of Sri Lankan tourism industry in 2011? 2011 was a very important year for us because that was the year which we have dedicated for tourism, which is called Visit 2011 year. During that year we were able to achieve all our tourism targets particularly the arrival target which was 750,000, the target that we have set at the beginning of the year. But we ended the year with 855,000 tourists which is almost a 30.8% growth, one of the highest growth rates recorded in the year. 2) Less popular segments of tourism, new markets, prospective competitors and potential to compete: How does Sri Lanka Tourism expect to synchronize these aspects? In the Sri Lankan tourism promotion strategy one thing we have got very clear in the recent past is that we have to market Sri Lanka as a diversified destination, not just a beach destination or a heritage destination. It is a destination which can offer a variety of things which can be covered within a short period of time. For an example, heritage, nature, wild life, sports and adventure: all these things are the products that can be offered in this country. Essentially all these become rich markets. So what we are doing right now is giving the right prominence for each category and promoting it. And looking at the arrivals of tourists for different segments we can see we are doing the right thing. As you all know the main competition for Sri Lanka is coming from the Asian region and particularly emerging markets like china, Malaysia, Cambodia are the key competitive markets for the country at the moment. Of course Maldives

was considered as a key threat for us sometime back but I do not see it as a threat for us any longer because we offer a diversified product and Maldives is restricted to beaches. Our competition is primarily with the countries that can offer similar products. And the real advantage of Sri Lanka comes from its three key aspects. Firstly we have a natural or an authentic product. Secondly we have a small country: 65000 kmsq in size. So one can cover the entire country within a short period and it is called compactness. Third one is the diversification. We normally market our products under eight product categories that include wildlife, heritage, scenic beauty, ayurveda, yoga and meditation, festivals, sports and adventure and essence: essence is basically being Sri Lankan: our spices, gems, costumes etc. No other destination in the world can offer this variety. 3) How prepared are we to meet the increasing tourists arrivals especially in terms of service industries? In 2011 the government published a document called Sri Lankan Tourism Development Strategy 2011 2016 which is basically a five year master plan developed based on lot of discussion on lot of thought. In that we have very clearly identified all the key areas which are necessary for tourism development: the policy frame work, the infrastructure, service standards and right market segments: all these things have been identified and that was approved by the Cabinet. Now what we are doing is implementing this strategy gradually, step by step as per our plan. And the key challenges that we have identified in this strategy document: a) the room capacity which we have to increase up to about 45000 which is basically doubling within five years, secondly, the man power requirement which will come to about half a million people by 2016. In addition to these two areas there are other targets like the foreign direct investment target and promotional targets. For all these things we have a plan and we are working according to the plan. So far we have been able to achieve our targets. 4) What does Sri Lanka has to offer to potential investors and what would be the strategy to ensure accommodative opportunities and benefits? If you look at investment opportunities around the world Sri Lanka has an enormous potential particularly in the tourism sector because it is a virgin market; it has not been exploited so far. Because of the issues we had in the past for about twenty years our development was somewhat slowed down which is again an opportunity for the investors who are coming now because they can come and explore those. What we are doing right now is creating a frame work and infrastructure to facilitate investment. When investors come how we can make sure that their approval processors done faster, how can we assist them from government line agencies etc, all these things have been thought through and we have put systems in place. As for local investors, we are looking for possibilities to assist them with bank loans and various other types of guidance including policy. All these have been worked out at the moment.

5) What are the possible challenges that Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Tourism may encounter in its journey to be one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world? How such issues should be addressed? There are two aspects: firstly we have to create an environment in the country that is conducive for tourism. When a tourist come to the country the product must be ready, the service quality must be excellent, the tourist must get a fantastic experience which they will go out and talk about. Second one is once we indentified our right target markets we have to do our promotions. For that we need to be very clear about what are the promotional methods, channels and tools that we can use. In this case, the global perception matters a lot as a tourism destination. Unfortunately we are having problems; still certain world powers are trying to convey a negative message about the country which is not the truth. We all know it is not the truth so we have to work together to correct this perception and tell the world what is the real product of the country, what is the real situation in the country and the true positive message must be conveyed to the world.

Sports and Tourism Cricket was brought to the nation when it was colonized by the English. The first recorded cricket match was played in the country as for back as 1832. although the country then known as Ceylon was playing first class cricket in 1905,it was in the 1975 inaugural world cup that they made their international debut. They were humbled here losing to the west Indies by 9 wickets. They did however, turn heads at the same tour name at wit an excellent display in their match against Australia. Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, has an age-old civilization. It came under European influence and control after Dutch colonists arrived in the 17th century; although the interior hilly region of the island remained independent for over a century with its capital at Kandy. TheBritish East India Company established control of the island in 1796, using war with France as its excuse for commandeering Dutch territory. Ceylon was declared a Crown Colony in 1802, but the island was never to be officially connected with British India. The fall of the kingdom of Kandy in 1815 unified the island under British rule. As everywhere that the British arrived in numbers, cricket soon followed and it is reasonable to assume that the game was first played on the island by 1800. Ceylon was renamed Sri Lanka in 1972 [edit]Early developments The earliest definite mention of cricket in Ceylon was a report in the Colombo Journal on 5 September 1832 which called for the formation of a cricket club. The Colombo Cricket Club was formed soon afterwards and matches began in November 1833 when it played against the 97th Regiment.

Throughout the 20th century, the game became increasingly popular in Sri Lanka and the national team won the ICC Trophy in 1979. On 21 July 1981, Sri Lanka was admitted to full membership of the ICC and was awarded Test Match status. The inaugural Test was played at the Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium in Colombo in February 1982 against England but Sri Lanka lost by 7 wickets. Sri Lanka won the 1996 Cricket World Cup by defeating Australia. There is no finer, more welcoming place in the world than Sri Lanka for a cricket tour. Sri Lanka offers more for the cricket tourist than the Caribbean, Australia and South Africa, and at far superior value for money. Kandy has long been one of the major centres of cricket in Sri Lanka, where the sport has been nurtured by the rivalry between the city's many prestigious schools, such as St Anthony's, Trinity and Dharamaraja. Much of the high-level cricket in the city used to be played in the grounds of these schools. Trinity's Asgiriya was developed into a major international venue around the time Sri Lanka gained Test status in 1981. The new stadium, built for the 2011 World Cup in Pallekele, about 30 minutes away from the heart of Kandy, has since displaced Asgiriya as the international venue of choice in the region. The venue One of the two new stadiums built in Sri Lanka for the 2011 World Cup, the Pallekele stadium hsa been designed along the lines of Centurion's SuperSport Park, and replicates the South African venue's famed grass banks. After the World Cup, the venue was handed to the navy indefinitely because the cost of constructing it and the stadium in Hambantota, and redeveloping the R Premadasa in Colombo, left Sri Lanka Cricket financially crippled.