Sri Lanka’s Maritime Beacons – The Story of Galle, Dondra & Trincomalee Lighthouses – By Malsha – eLanka Sri Lanka, an island nation long celebrated as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” has been at the heart of global maritime routes for centuries. Traders, explorers, and conquerors—from Arabs and Persians to the Portuguese, Dutch, and British—have relied on its strategic location along the busy sea lanes of the Indian Ocean. With such prominence, maritime navigation around its coasts required guidance and safety mechanisms, and lighthouses became silent guardians that have stood the test of time. Among the most iconic are the lighthouses of Galle, Dondra, and Trincomalee—each with its own unique history and significance, yet united in their role as enduring beacons of safety. Galle Lighthouse – The Jewel of the Southern Coast The Galle Lighthouse, also known as Point de Galle Lighthouse, is not only Sri Lanka’s oldest but ...
Railway Heritage of Sri Lanka – Iconic Stations and British Engineering – By Malsha – eLanka Sri Lanka’s railway system is not only a vital means of transport but also a living heritage of British colonial engineering. Introduced in the mid-19th century, the railways transformed the island’s landscape, economy, and cultural connectivity. Today, the railway network stands as a remarkable reminder of industrial progress and architectural charm, attracting railway enthusiasts, historians, and tourists alike. The Birth of Railways in Sri Lanka The Ceylon Railway, as it was originally known, was established in 1864 under British rule. Its main purpose was to transport coffee from the hill country plantations to Colombo for export. After the coffee blight, the railways adapted to carry tea and rubber, ensuring their economic sustainability. Built through difficult terrains—lush jungles, misty mountains, and deep valleys—the railways showcased the brilliance of British engineering. British Engineering Feats Constructing railways ...
Kaludiya Pokuna – The Ancient Black Water Pond of Dambulla – By Malsha – eLanka Hidden in the cultural heartland of Sri Lanka, not far from the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, lies Kaludiya Pokuna—a tranquil and historic site that blends natural beauty with deep archaeological significance. The name Kaludiya Pokuna translates to “Black Water Pond”, inspired by the dark reflection of surrounding trees on the still waters of its central pond. Historical Background Kaludiya Pokuna dates back to the 8th–10th centuries AD, during the Anuradhapura period. It was built as part of a monastic complex where Buddhist monks once lived, meditated, and carried out scholarly work. Archaeologists believe that the site served as an important hermitage, providing monks with a serene environment away from bustling kingdoms. The ruins found at Kaludiya Pokuna include: Stone pillars and foundations of ancient buildings Image houses with remnants of Buddha statues Stone inscriptions in ...
Jaffna Food – A Journey Through the Flavours of Sri Lanka’s Northern Cuisine – By Malsha – eLanka Jaffna, the vibrant cultural capital of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, is not only known for its rich history and unique traditions but also for its distinctive cuisine. Deeply rooted in Tamil heritage and shaped by centuries of trade, migration, and local agriculture, Jaffna food stands apart from other Sri Lankan culinary styles with its bold flavours, aromatic spices, and creative use of local ingredients. A Cuisine Born from Heritage and Geography Jaffna’s location has made it a crossroads for influences from South India, Southeast Asia, and even colonial traders. Surrounded by the sea and blessed with fertile land, Jaffna’s cooks have always made the most of fresh seafood, home-grown vegetables, and traditional spices. Coconut, tamarind, curry leaves, and dried chillies are at the heart of many dishes, giving Jaffna food its fiery, ...
The Heartbeat of a Nation: An Exploration of Lankan Folk Music By Malsha – eLanka Sri Lanka, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” boasts a rich cultural heritage shaped by centuries of history, religion, and tradition. Among its many cultural expressions, folk music holds a special place as a living reflection of the island’s diverse ethnic identities and ancient customs. Rooted in rural communities, Lankan folk music is more than just entertainment—it is storytelling, ritual, and the voice of generations past. Origins and Influences Lankan folk music evolved organically, primarily passed down through oral traditions. Its roots lie in pre-colonial village life, closely connected with agriculture, nature, spirituality, and ancestral worship. Over time, it absorbed influences from Buddhism, Hinduism, colonial cultures (Portuguese, Dutch, British), and South Indian drumming traditions, all of which added to its richness and complexity. Types of Folk Music in Sri Lanka Harvest ...
Whispers of Devotion: The Silent Legacy of Buddama’s Two Women – By Malsha – eLanka Image Source : island.lk Tucked away in the remote southeastern landscapes of Sri Lanka lies a forgotten treasure of history, art, and silent devotion — Buddama Raja Maha Viharaya, home to the enigmatic “Two Women’s Cave”. Known locally as Buddama Len Viharaya, this ancient rock temple, embedded in the dramatic cliffs of the Monaragala District, holds centuries of echoes — from royal patronage to spiritual solitude. An Enclave of Sacred Serenity Buddama temple dates back over 2,000 years, its origins tracing to the Anuradhapura period. It was once a place of refuge and reverence, where forest-dwelling monks practiced Vipassana meditation in the shelter of nature. But among its many caves and stone inscriptions, one feature stands out for its peculiar mystery — the Two Women’s Cave, or “Girikumbura Lena”, as it is sometimes referred to. The ...
Guardians of the Wild: Protecting the Endangered Sri Lankan Leopard – Malsha – eLanka The Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is the only large predator native to Sri Lanka, a subspecies endemic to the island with unique ecological importance. Classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, the wild population is estimated at less than 800 mature individuals, and likely declining Leopards play a keystone role in regulating prey populations and maintaining habitat health across varied landscapes—from dry scrublands and forests to tea estates and home gardens in the central highlands Major Threats Facing the Species Habitat fragmentation: Expansion of agriculture, especially tea plantations, has severed forest continuity across Highlands and other regions. Human–leopard conflict and poaching: Leopards are frequently victims of retaliatory killing by buffalo herders or caught in illegal wire snares—averaging about eight deaths yearly Unsustainable tourism: Unregulated safari activities have led to habitat stress and disrupted natural behavior ...
The Glory of Fort Hammenhiel – An Island Sentinel of Sri Lanka’s Colonial Past – By Malsha – eLanka Image Source : dailynews Tucked away in the Palk Strait, between the Jaffna Peninsula and the island of Karaitivu in northern Sri Lanka, lies Fort Hammenhiel, a striking sentinel of stone and history. Built on a small rocky islet, this compact but formidable fort has witnessed centuries of maritime conflict, colonial ambition, and later, national transformation. Origins in Stone and Strategy Fort Hammenhiel was originally constructed by the Portuguese in the early 17th century, during their occupation of the coastal regions of Sri Lanka. Recognizing the strategic importance of this tiny islet near the entrance of Jaffna Lagoon, the Portuguese built a small fortification to guard against naval invasions and secure their hold over the Jaffna Kingdom. However, in 1658, the Dutch East India Company wrested control of the north from the ...
Vanda thwaitesii: Sri Lanka’s Hidden Orchid Gem – By Malsha – eLanka Image Source : flowersofindia Among the lush rainforests and misty highlands of Sri Lanka grows a dazzling treasure of the Orchidaceae family — Vanda thwaitesii. This rare and exquisite orchid, endemic to the island nation, is a botanical gem that captivates the eye of horticulturists, orchid lovers, and conservationists alike. Botanical Classification and Origin Family: Orchidaceae Genus: Vanda Species: Vanda thwaitesii The species is named in honour of George Henry Kendrick Thwaites, a British botanist who made significant contributions to the study of Sri Lankan flora during his tenure as the director of the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens in the 19th century. Description and Morphology Vanda thwaitesii is a terrestrial to epiphytic orchid, meaning it can grow on trees or on the ground in organic matter. It thrives in humid, montane forests and is usually found clinging to moss-covered branches ...
20 Endemic Birds of Sri Lanka – By Malsha – eLanka Discover the Unique Avian Treasures of the Island Sri Lanka, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” is not just known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes but also for its remarkable biodiversity. Among its most precious natural treasures are endemic bird species – birds that are found only in Sri Lanka and nowhere else in the world. With over 400 bird species recorded on the island, 34 are currently recognized as endemic, making it a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. Here are 20 of the most iconic endemic birds of Sri Lanka, celebrated for their beauty, uniqueness, and ecological significance: 1. Sri Lanka Junglefowl (Gallus lafayettii) National bird of Sri Lanka Resembles a domestic rooster with vivid red, yellow, and orange plumage Found in forests and scrublands 2. Sri Lanka ...
