Indian Ocean Archives

Home ⁄ Tag Archives: Indian Ocean

Roman coins and exports in Sri Lanka Source:Sundayobserver Roman coins have been discovered at various archaeological sites in Sri Lanka, indicating trade connections between the Roman Empire and the island. The most significant findings include coins dating from the 3rd and 4th centuries CE. The discovery of Roman coins is significant as it suggests that Sri Lanka was part of a broader trade network that extended across the Indian Ocean. The island’s valuable commodities, such as spices and gemstones, attracted traders from distant lands. It is likely that Roman merchants used these coins for trade, indicating interactions between the Roman world and South Asia. During ancient times, Roman merchant ships utilised the monsoon winds to travel to South India and engage in trade with the Tamil kingdoms of the Pandyas, Cholas, and Cheras. The Romans would carry goods such as wine, gold glassware, and silver, and purchase pepper, pearls, ivory, ...

This marine biologist discovered a unique blue whale population in Sri Lanka-by Sandy Ong Growing up, Asha de Vos was taught to fear the ocean. But secondhand National Geographic magazines turned that fear into awe. Spencer Lowell, Wired © Condé Nast Source:Sciencenews Pooping whales changed the course of Asha de Vos’ career. The Sri Lankan marine biologist was aboard a research vessel near her home island in 2003 when she spotted six blue whales congregating. A bright red plume of whale waste was spreading across the water’s surface. Seeing whale poop, colored red thanks to the whale’s diet, was the first clue that Sri Lanka’s blue whales don’t migrate between feeding and breeding areas. De Vos, then a master’s student, recalls being “super excited.” What she witnessed went against prevailing dogma: Her textbooks and professors had taught that blue whales, like other large whales, embark on long-distance migrations between colder feeding areas and ...

Nov 4, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Indian Ocean, National Geographic magazines, Sri Lankan Blue Whale Project

The Southwest Monsoon in Sri Lanka: A Vital Climate Phenomenon-by Kalani-eLanka The Southwest Monsoon, known locally as the “Yala” season, is a significant climatic event in Sri Lanka, influencing the weather, agriculture, and daily life across the island. Typically active from May to September, the Southwest Monsoon brings substantial rainfall, particularly to the southwestern and central regions of the country. This seasonal wind pattern is driven by the complex interplay of atmospheric pressures, ocean temperatures, and geographical features. The Southwest Monsoon originates from the Indian Ocean, where the intense summer heat causes air over the land to rise, creating a low-pressure area. Meanwhile, the high-pressure area over the cooler ocean drives moist air from the southwest towards the land. As this moisture-laden air encounters the island’s topography, particularly the central highlands, it cools and condenses, resulting in heavy rainfall. Sri Lanka’s diverse topography plays a crucial role in determining the ...

Aug 19, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Kalani Prabodha Tagged Agriculture, CLIMATE CHANGE, Flooding, Indian Ocean, Low-pressure area, Rainfall, Rice cultivation, Southwest Monsoon, Tea Plantations, Yala season

Talaimannar Pier: A Gateway to the Past and Present of Sri Lanka – By Nadeeka – eLanka Nestled at the northernmost tip of Mannar Island, Talaimannar Pier is more than just a historical landmark in Sri Lanka; it’s a symbol of the island’s rich heritage and its strategic importance in the region. This picturesque pier has witnessed centuries of history, from ancient maritime routes to colonial influences, making it a fascinating destination for both history enthusiasts and travelers seeking a unique experience. Historical Significance Talaimannar Pier holds a special place in Sri Lankan history. It was once a vital link in the transportation network between Sri Lanka and India, particularly during the British colonial period. The pier was part of the Indo-Ceylon Railway, connecting the Indian town of Rameswaram with the Sri Lankan rail network. This link facilitated trade, travel, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. The railway service, ...

Aug 3, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Adams Bridge, cultural ties, historical landmark, Indian Ocean, Indo-Ceylon Railway, Mannar Island, migratory birds, Rameswaram, scenic spots in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Tourism, Sri Lanka-India ferry service, Sri Lankan heritage, Sri Lankan history, Talaimannar Pier, Tamil and Sinhalese culture, tourism boost, travel Sri Lanka

A UNESCO World Heritage Site “ Galle Fort ” – By Malsha – eLanka Galle Fort is a historic fortified city located in the southern coast of Sri Lanka, in the city of Galle. It was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, later fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century, and it remains one of the best examples of a fortified city built by European colonial powers in South and Southeast Asia. Today, Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination, known for its picturesque cobblestone streets, colonial-era buildings, museums, art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants. It is also home to the famous Galle International Cricket Stadium, which is one of the oldest cricket grounds in the world. History of Galle Fort The history of Galle Fort dates back to the early 16th century when the Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka. ...

Apr 18, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Malsha Madhuhansi Tagged art galleries, boutique shops, colonial-era buildings, Galle Fort, Indian Ocean, museums, Portuguese, Unesco World Heritage Site

Historical Buddhist temple Located in Unawatuna Sri Lanka ” Rumassala ” – By Malsha – eLanka Rumassala Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Unawatuna, a coastal town in southern Sri Lanka. According to local legend, the temple was built by the Indian monkey god Hanuman during his search for medicinal herbs to heal the injured Lord Rama, as described in the Hindu epic Ramayana. The temple is situated on a hill overlooking the Indian Ocean and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The temple complex includes a large Buddha statue, several smaller shrines, and a stupa (a dome-shaped Buddhist monument). The temple is also believed to have a healing power and is visited by many locals and tourists seeking spiritual solace or physical healing. The surrounding area is lush and forested, and there are several walking trails leading to beautiful viewpoints and secluded beaches. In recent years, ...

Apr 7, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Malsha Madhuhansi Tagged Buddha Statue, Galle, historic Buddhist temple, Indian Ocean, Ramayana, Rumassala Temple, Southern Coast of Sri Lanka, tourist destinations, Unawatuna Beach, visiting places in Galle, visiting places in sri lanka

Diego Garcia controversy: UK quietly sends back some Lankan asylum seekers “voluntarily” as Australia issues dire warning – By Shamindra Ferdinando Source : island Global Tamil Forum skirts the issue The Global Tamil Forum (GTF) wouldn’t get involved in the ongoing controversy over the UK decision to move Sri Lankans, seeking to settle in the UK, to what the government called ‘a safe third country,’ unless they returned to Sri Lanka ‘voluntarily’. About 120 Sri Lankans are believed to be housed in a fenced encampment in the US-British held Diego Garcia, part of the Chagos Islands which the United Nations ruled belonged to Mauritius and should be handed back by Dec. 2019.The UK calls the Indian Ocean archipelago the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).Those who represent the interests of the Sri Lankan group, want the UK to allow them to settle in the UK. The Island sought the GTF’s response to the ...

Oct 23, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged "SRI-LANKANS", British Indian Ocean Territory, Diego Garcia, Global Tamil Forum, Global Tamil Forum skirts, Indian Ocean, voluntarily

Baththalangunduwa Island – ideal destination for beach camping – By Arundathie Abeysinghe A tiny island of approximately five square kilometers in size, located approximately 38 kilometers (20 nautical miles) away from *Kalpitiya in the Puttalam District of the North Western Province of Sri Lanka, Baththalangunduwa is popular as a beach camping site. It is an island located in the Dutch Bay (also known as Portugal Bay). Baththalangunduwa is one of the few inhabited islands to the north of Puttalam Lagoon. Battalangunduwa is a fishing village with a population of approximately 3000 inhabitants. The majority of them are Catholics, mostly from *Chilaw and *Negombo with a substantial population of Tamil Catholics from Jaffna. Hence, the culture in Battalangunduwa is a stimulating mix and the language is a mixture of Tamil and Sinhalese, similar to residents of Negombo. The one and only livelihood within the Island is fishing. The Island borders the ...

Jun 30, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Baththalangunduwa, beach camping, Chilaw, Indian Ocean, Kalpitiya, Negombo, Puttalam District, Puttalam Lagoon, Wilpattu National Park

Colombo Port becoming most efficient in South Asia – By Maya Majueran Source:ft.lk The trend of using larger container vessels has become obvious as shipping companies believe that the voyage cost per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) would be reduced by increasing the capacity of vessels. This may limit the maritime access of mega-ships to all the ports due to draft restrictions and an increase in port facilities and equipment, because of that larger container ships normally call at fewer ports. As ship sizes increase then it makes fewer port calls but larger box exchanges. However, mega-ships can only be profitable when fully utilised, without too many port calls. Therefore, ports may lose direct calls for trade lanes where it has limited amounts of cargo unless that port has transshipment cargo. Sri Lanka’s Colombo port is strategically located on the East-West main sea route as a major transshipment hub in the ...

Jun 11, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged East African countries, Indian government, Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, transshipment cargo

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka is hosting thousands of stranded Ukrainians Official figures show about 5,000 Ukrainians and 15,000 Russians visited the island nation in the month the conflict began. A Ukrainian tourist cries in front of the Russian embassy in Colombo during a protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine [File: Dinuka Liyanawatte/Reuters] Source: aljazeera-com.cdn.ampproject.org As the sun dips below the Indian Ocean waves, Ukrainian tourist Viktoria Makarenko and her daughter light incense every evening at a temple in a Sri Lankan beach resort to pray for a return home. Russia’s invasion of the 35-year-old’s homeland in February has left thousands of foreign travellers from the two countries stranded on the tropical island. But Ukrainians with empty wallets, distraught over the fate of loved ones back home, say they have been overwhelmed by support from locals – despite their own travails in the face of a worsening financial crisis. “I love ...

May 29, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Ahesh Shanaka, Indian Ocean, Russian forces, Russia’s invasion, Sri Lankan people, Ukrainian passport, Ukrainian tourist, Viktoria Makarenko