Kalani Prabodha

Kumana National Park – A Birdwatcher’s Paradise in Sri Lanka-by Kalani-eLanka Kumana National Park, located on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka in the Ampara District, is one of the island’s premier destinations for birdwatching and wildlife experiences. Covering an area of approximately 35,665 hectares, the park is part of the larger Yala East National Park and is renowned for its tranquil beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance. History and Location Kumana National Park was originally declared a bird sanctuary in 1938 and was later designated as a national park in 1970. It borders the more famous Yala National Park, but unlike Yala, Kumana offers a quieter, more serene safari experience. The park lies about 391 kilometers from Colombo, making it accessible by road for both local and international travelers. Wildlife and Birdlife Kumana is especially famous for its wetlands and mangrove swamps, which provide an ideal habitat for a ...

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Before You Visit Sri Lanka: What You Need to Know-by Kalani-eLanka Sri Lanka, often called the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” is a breathtaking island nation known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, golden beaches, ancient ruins, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach vacation, a cultural adventure, or a wildlife safari, here are some important things to know before you travel. 1. Visa and Entry Requirements Most travelers need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. You can apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before your arrival. It’s a simple process, but make sure to do it in advance to avoid delays. 2. Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with two monsoon seasons. The best time to visit the west and south coasts is from December to April, while the east coast is ideal from May to September. Choose your travel dates ...

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World Labour Day Celebrations in Sri Lanka-by Kalani-eLanka World Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day or May Day, is celebrated on May 1st every year in Sri Lanka, along with many other countries around the world. It is a day dedicated to honoring the contributions of workers and promoting the rights of the working class. In Sri Lanka, Labour Day holds political, social, and cultural importance, and is observed as a national public holiday. History and Significance The origins of Labour Day trace back to the 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago, where workers protested for an eight-hour workday. Since then, May 1st has become a symbol of workers’ rights globally. In Sri Lanka, Labour Day gained momentum during the 20th century with the rise of trade unions and leftist political movements. The day has become a platform to recognize the efforts of the working class and to raise ...

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Blue Whale Watching in Sri Lanka: A Majestic Marine Adventure-by Kalani-eLanka Sri Lanka, the teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean, is not only known for its cultural heritage, lush landscapes, and ancient ruins, but also for offering one of the best experiences of marine wildlife — Blue whale watching. The island’s southern and eastern coastal waters are among the few places in the world where you can witness the largest animal ever to live on Earth: the Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). Where to Go Whale Watching in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka’s geographical position and deep continental shelf close to shore make it an ideal location for spotting Blue whales. Mirissa (Southern Coast) Best time: November to April Mirissa is the most popular destination for Blue whale watching. Located in the south of Sri Lanka, it offers calm seas and ideal conditions during the season. Sightings are almost guaranteed with experienced ...

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Bogambara Prison: A Historic Landmark in Sri Lanka-by Kalani-eLanka Bogambara Prison, located in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka, stands as one of the country’s most historically significant and architecturally distinctive penal institutions. Built during the British colonial period, the prison operated for over a century before closing in 2014. Today, Bogambara is a powerful symbol of Sri Lanka’s colonial past, justice system, and architectural heritage. Historical Background Bogambara Prison was constructed in 1876 under British rule, modeled after the design of European prisons of the time. It officially opened in 1878. Before Bogambara, prisoners in Kandy were held in smaller, less secure facilities. The British authorities, seeking a more modern and structured prison system, invested in building Bogambara to replace the aging facilities. The prison was originally designed to hold around 400 inmates but often housed far more, especially during periods of political unrest. Over its long history, Bogambara ...

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Gal Oya National Park: The Hidden Jewel of Sri Lanka-by Kalani-eLanka Nestled in the serene landscapes of Sri Lanka’s eastern province, Gal Oya National Park is one of the country’s most unique and unspoiled wildlife sanctuaries. Established in 1954, it was created primarily to protect the catchment area of the Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka. Spanning over 25,900 hectares, Gal Oya is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, stunning scenery, and the rare opportunity to witness elephants swimming between islands. A Sanctuary of Diverse Ecosystems Gal Oya National Park offers a spectacular variety of ecosystems, from evergreen forests and grasslands to rocky outcrops and aquatic environments. The park’s rich biodiversity supports a wide range of flora and fauna. It is home to about 32 species of mammals, including: Elephants (often seen swimming across the lake) Leopards Sloth bears Sambar deer Water buffalo Monkeys like the endemic toque macaque ...

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World Earth Day: A Call to Protect Our Planet-by Kalani-eLanka Every year on April 22nd, the world comes together to celebrate Earth Day a global event dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and encouraging action to protect our planet. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day has grown into a powerful movement involving over a billion people in more than 190 countries.  The Theme for 2025: “Planet vs. Plastics” The Earth Day 2025 theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” highlights the urgent need to reduce plastic pollution. From oceans to forests, plastic waste has become a serious threat to ecosystems, wildlife, and even human health. This year’s focus encourages individuals, communities, and governments to take bold steps toward phasing out single-use plastics and promoting sustainable alternatives.  Why Earth Day Matters Earth Day reminds us of the interconnectedness of all life. It is a time to reflect on how human activities—like deforestation, pollution, ...

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Easter Sunday: A Celebration of Hope and Resurrection-by Kalani-eLanka Easter Sunday is one of the most significant and joyous days in the Christian calendar. Celebrated by millions of Christians around the world, Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, an event that forms the foundation of Christian faith. The Meaning of Easter Easter symbolizes hope, renewal, and victory over sin and death. According to the New Testament of the Bible, Jesus was crucified on Good Friday and buried in a tomb. On the third day—Easter Sunday—He rose from the dead, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah and proving His divine nature. When is Easter Celebrated? Easter does not have a fixed date. It is observed on the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox, usually falling between March 22 and April 25. In 2025, Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 20. Traditions and ...

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Tourism in Sri Lanka: A Paradise of Natural Beauty and Cultural Heritage-by Kalani-eLanka Sri Lanka, often called the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” is one of the most beautiful and diverse tourist destinations in South Asia. With its golden beaches, lush green mountains, ancient temples, and rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka attracts millions of visitors from around the world every year. A Land of Natural Wonders One of the main attractions of Sri Lanka is its stunning natural beauty. The island is home to breathtaking landscapes such as: Beaches: From the vibrant shores of Negombo and Unawatuna to the calm and serene beaches of Tangalle and Pasikuda, the coastline offers something for every beach lover. Hill Country: The central highlands, including Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and Haputale, are known for their cool climate, tea plantations, and scenic train rides. Wildlife: Sri Lanka has many national parks such as Yala, Wilpattu, and ...

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A Childhood Avurudu-by Kalani-eLanka There is something magical about Avurudu, especially when seen through the eyes of a child. It is more than just a New Year celebration.it is a season of joy, togetherness, tradition, and sweet memories that last a lifetime. “A Childhood Avurudu” is a journey back to those carefree days, when time seemed to slow down and the world was painted in the bright colors of festivity. As the month of April approached, excitement would build in the air. The days grew warmer, the trees bloomed with flowers, and the scent of delicious Avurudu sweets began to fill the home. In the village, preparations started early. Mothers and grandmothers would gather in the kitchen, laughing and chatting as they made kokis, kavum, mung kevum, and aluwa. As a child, sneaking a taste of these treats before the auspicious time was a mission of mischief and delight. The ...

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