The Mysterious Red Slender Loris: A Hidden Treasure of Sri Lanka’s Rainforests – By Nadeeka Deep within the dense rainforests of Sri Lanka, an elusive creature lurks in the shadows of towering trees. With its large, luminous eyes, reddish-brown fur, and stealthy nocturnal movements, the Red Slender Loris (Loris tardigradus) remains one of the most fascinating yet least understood primates in the world. Despite its small size and gentle nature, this endangered species faces a significant battle for survival due to deforestation, illegal pet trade, and human encroachment. A Unique Nocturnal Primate The Red Slender Loris is one of the smallest primates in the world, measuring only 10 to 15 inches in length and weighing less than 300 grams. Unlike its cousin, the Grey Slender Loris, this rare species has a distinct reddish-brown coat, which helps it camouflage perfectly in the dense foliage of Sri Lanka’s rainforests. One of its ...

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eLanka Newsletter – 6th November 2024 – 2nd Edition Sri Lankans in Australia Click here or on the image below to read this week’s elanka Newsletter Colombo Night Met Gala 2024 – University of Colombo Alumni Association of NSW Prostate, Bladder and Urinary Incontinence – By Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam An Inspirational Message for the Month of November 2024 – The Way of Mercy – by Charles Schokman COINAGE OF SRI LANKA – by ERANDA ADIKARAM – A New Book on Ceylon coins. “The Amazing Health Benefits of Red Onions – By Harold Gunatillake SADUN PERERA PERHAPS THE MOST POPULAR TRENDING VOCALIST AT THE SUMMIT OF FAME – By Sunil Thenabadu Make Mondays Matter: Your Guide to a Powerful Start to the Week – By Alok Das Ceylon in the Rainer Schickele Papers – By Michael Roberts World’s best women’s players highlight Cricket & Culture Festival Signature Partners with Sri Lanka ...

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Knuckles Mountain Range: A Hidden Gem of Sri Lanka’s Natural Heritage – By Bhanuka – eLanka The Knuckles Mountain Range, located in central Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking beauty and biodiversity. Named for its resemblance to a clenched fist, the Knuckles Range is a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and eco-tourists seeking to explore one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. This article will take you on a journey through the splendor of Knuckles Mountain, highlighting its unique features, rich biodiversity, and why it should be on every traveler’s bucket list. The Unique Geography of the Knuckles Mountain Range The Knuckles Mountain Range spans approximately 234 square kilometers, covering parts of the Matale and Kandy districts. The area features a unique combination of rugged mountain peaks, deep valleys, and dense forests. The mountains rise over 1,800 meters above sea level, providing ...

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Meemure: Unveiling Sri Lanka’s Hidden Gem in the Knuckles Mountain Range – by Bhanuka- eLanka Tucked away in the heart of Sri Lanka, amidst the rugged terrain of the Knuckles Mountain Range, lies the hidden village of Meemure. This remote and picturesque village, accessible only through winding paths and challenging terrain, offers an authentic and immersive experience that few travelers have had the privilege to discover. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore Meemure, uncover its secrets, and share the breathtaking beauty and unique culture of this hidden gem. The Road Less Traveled: Meemure’s remoteness is part of its allure. The journey to this village involves traversing winding roads, dense forests, and river crossings, making it an adventure in itself. Natural Splendor: Meemure is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. From cascading waterfalls to lush green valleys, the village is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. We’ll explore the ...

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A remote village located in Knuckles Mountain Range of Sri Lanka ‘ Meemure ‘ – By Malsha – eLanka Meemure is a remote village located in the Knuckles Mountain Range of Sri Lanka. It is known for its natural beauty, traditional lifestyle, and cultural heritage. Meemure is situated in the Kandy District, approximately 180 kilometers away from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. Due to its isolated location, Meemure has retained its traditional way of life, and it provides a glimpse into the rural and indigenous lifestyle of Sri Lanka. The village is surrounded by lush green mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and forests, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. To reach Meemure, visitors usually have to travel through rough terrain, which adds to the adventurous nature of the journey. The village is accessible by a four-wheel-drive vehicle or by trekking through the scenic landscapes. It’s ...

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Rangala Natural Pool amidst spectacular landscape – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Situated in *Teldeniya in Kandy District, Rangala Natural Pool is situated amidst tea estates, fields, mountains and beautiful streams. It is an alluring natural pool. Rangala village is a spectacular hamlet and the pool can be easily accessed. Considered as one of the best natural pools in the *Knuckles area, some visitors have named the pool as a “theatrical pool” due to its shape. The river that flows through Rangala is the origin of this natural swimming pool. The deepest end of the pool is approximately nine meters (30 feet). Yet, there is one section of the pool which is over nine meters (30 feet) deep. It is not advisable to bathe in that area. There is a small bridge to indicate the location of the pool (over Kotaganga (“ganga” meaning river in Sinhala) that originates from Knuckles Mountain Range. ...

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Cenotaph – capture of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe – By Arundathie Abeysinghe   After the fall of the *Kandyan Kingdom in 1815 to British Colonial rule, *Adigar Ehelepola, considered as one of the main conspirators who assisted British Colonials to take over the Kingdom sent a group of his people to assist the British to capture *King Sri Wickrama Rajasingha who had escaped from the Royal Palace. Yet, the team was unable to capture the King and his Queen. Several days later, the team got information that the King and his Queen Venkatha Rangammal were hiding in Bomure, a hamlet in Medamahanuwara. “Medamahanuwara” also spelt “Meda Mahanuwara” or “Meda Maha Nuwara” (“Mahanuwara” meaning “big city” in Sinhala and “Meda Mahanuwara” meaning Middle Kandy, probably, due to it being a suburb of Kandy) situated approximately 36 kilometers from Kandy in *Mahiyangana Road (A26) between Wegala (a hamlet in Central Province) and ...

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Uthuwankanda – hideout of “Robin Hood of Sri Lanka” – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Glimpse of a rock similar to a chimney can be seen in the distance when traveling on Colombo-Kandy Road in close proximity to *Kadugannawa. Uthuwankanda standing at approximately 430 meters (1410 feet) above sea level was the hideout of Saradiel. The rock has memories of Saradiel (Dekirikewage Saradiel also known as “Uthuwankande Soora Saradiel” by locals), a bandit who later became a gang leader. Saradiel is popular among Sri Lankans as the “Robin Hood of Sri Lanka” as he used to rob from the rich and distributed the wealth thus robbed, among the poor. He was also a highway robber, yet, had been popular among the poor. Saradiel was an outlaw who rebelled against British authorities during the British Colonial Era. Although, he was arrested on several occasions, he managed to escape and Uthuwandka was his hideout. ...

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Bambaragala Raja Maha Viharaya – cave temple with serene vistas By Arundathie Abeysinghe Situated in the village of Henagahawela in Teldeniya, Kandy, Bambaragala Rajamaha Viharaya is a cave temple situated at the summit of a rock surrounded by spectacular views of Victoria Reservoir and Knuckles Mountain Range. History of the temple dates to pre-Christian era and the caves had been donated to Maha Sangha (Buddhist monks). According to *Professor Senarath Paranavitana, the inscription in *Brahmi script refers to the gifting of this cave by “Datta, the wife of the Pocani King”, Naga. According to the inscription: “The Cave Indrasala (meaning a hall for the community) – given for the monks”.  During the past, these caves had been the abode of ascetic monks. At present, the second cave is used by novice monks as an extra accommodation. The majority of the current constructions had been carried out during King Keerthi Sri ...

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Dunumadalawa Forest Reserve – a habitat island in Kandy City By Arundathie Abeysinghe   Dunumadalawa Forest Reserve also known as Wakara-watta (known by locals for decades) or Walker Estate (its former estate name) is a forest cover overlooking Kandy City (part of the forest reserve is within Kandy City) located at a height of approximately 548- 875 meters (1800 -3200 feet) above sea level. Dunumadalawa Forest Reserve is a semi-isolated, hill country wet-zone forest reserve situated in Kandy City. There are 13 endemic bird species, 29 endemic subspecies and 10 restricted range bird species in the forest reserve. As there are endemic as well as restricted species, Dunumadalawa Forest Reserve is considered as a habitat island in the midst of a city. As such, environmentalists are of the view that the forest reserve should be conserved due to its biological significance and unique features. The forest reserve has an area of approximately ...

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