Australia’s Great Barrier Reef hit by mass coral bleaching Source : adaderana Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has been hit by a major coral bleaching event likely caused by heat stress built up over the summer at the biologically diverse site, a government agency has said. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), which monitors the reef’s health, said on Friday that the damage was “widespread” in at least two-thirds of the areas surveyed at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reef, a living organism, stretches some 2,300km (1,429 miles) off the northeastern coast of Australia and is considered one of the most species-rich habitats on earth. It is home to hundreds of coral, 1,500 fish species and 4,000 different molluscs. Coral reefs are an important part of marine life as they house more than a quarter of all sea life on Earth, provide protection for coastal communities, and are natural ...

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Anuradhapura City – A Timeless Oasis of History and Serenity – By Bhanuka Nuwan – eLanka Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura city stands as a testament to the island’s rich historical and cultural heritage. This ancient city, steeped in tradition and spiritual significance, offers a captivating journey through time. From its awe-inspiring stupas to its serene lakes, Anuradhapura is a destination that beckons travelers seeking a unique blend of history and tranquility. In this article, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of Anuradhapura, highlighting its key attractions, history, and why it should be at the top of your travel list. Unveiling Anuradhapura’s Rich History Anuradhapura served as the capital of Sri Lanka for over a millennium, from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. This illustrious history is evident in the city’s ...

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Corbett’s Gap – amidst montane cloud forests – By Arundathie Abeysinghe   Located along an abandoned jeep track along *Knuckles Conservation Forest, a designated UNESCO World Heritage, Corbett’s Gap is one of the highest mountainous passes in Sri Lanka named after British Army Colonel, naturalist, surveyor and adventurer, Jim Corbett who mapped the location. It is a montane cloud forest and home to a range of endemic flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as the purple-faced langur (also known as the purple-faced leaf monkey – Trachypithecus vetulus) and the Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya). The terrain of the location rises to 3000 feet (approximately 915 meters), above sea level. The trail to Corbett’s Gap offers breathtaking views of *Knuckles Mountain Range, verdant tea fields, a tiny hamlet almost similar to a picture postcard nestled in the foothills of the mountains that include isolated village communities. The trail ...

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A lake located in Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka “ Parakrama Samudraya ” – By Malsha – eLanka Parakrama Samudraya is a man-made lake located in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It was built by King Parakramabahu the Great in the 12th century by constructing a dam across the Amban River. The lake has a surface area of approximately 24 square miles (62 square kilometers) and a capacity of over 134 million cubic meters of water. The lake was built as part of a massive irrigation system that aimed to provide water to the surrounding areas for agriculture. It is considered one of the largest ancient man-made lakes in Sri Lanka and is an impressive feat of engineering. Today, the Parakrama Samudraya remains an important source of water for agriculture and is also a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka, with many visitors enjoying the scenic views and tranquil atmosphere. history of Parakrama Samudraya ...

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Sri Lanka – By VINDANA Hewage Source : VINDANA Hewage linkedin (Third tallest Structure in the World / The Tallest non – Pyramid Building ) The Jetavanarama Stupa is a stupa, or Buddhist reliquary monument, located in the ruins of Jetavana monastery in the UNESCO world heritage city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. At 122 metres (400 ft), it was the world’s tallest stupa, and the third tallest structure in the world when it was built by King Mahasena of Anuradhapura (273–301). He initiated the construction of the stupa  following the destruction of the Mahaviharaya of Anuradhapura. His son Maghavanna I completed the construction of the stupa, and it was renovated by Parakramabahu I of Polonnaruwa. The structure is significant in the island’s history as it represents the tensions within the Theravada and Mahayana sects of Buddhism; it is also significant in recorded history as one of the tallest structures in the ancient world; and the tallest non-pyramidal building; the height of the stupa was ...

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