Explore Sri Lanka Magazine - January 1992

In this issue

The most important centre of faith for Buddhists in Colombo and its suburbs is Kelaniya. Kelaniya has occupied a prominent place in Sinhalese literature. In commemorating the Buddha's visit, the Duruthu Perahera at Kelaniya was inaugurated in January 1927.

In Sri Lanka, New Year is for everyone. Even though there is a Sinhala New Year and Tamil New Year later on after January, there is no reason why we cannot enjoy the lot.

Built 118 years ago and opened by the governor of the time, Sir William Gregory, Colombo's first city hall, now known as the Old Town Hall, has gained a new lease of life – after four decades of neglect and decay.

Sri Lankans of all faiths participates in this important Hindu festival. Thai Pongal is the first day in a series of festival days in the month of Thai. It is primarily an agricultural festival, where the farmer gives thanks for the timely rains, the sun, and a bountiful harvest.

The Veddas were always a little-known community, for they lived far away from the beaten track, deep in the jungle. For the knowledge about Veddas their origin, customs, and lifestyles, we owe a debt to a brace of investigators who made the study of Veddas their chosen preoccupation.

The National Zoological Gardens, 11km south of Colombo Fort is one of Asia's most famous zoos. The collection of 500 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish occupies 45 acres of lush tree-covered grounds.

Coir fibre is a product derived from the coconut husk. Coir work is predominantly women's work, though certain stages of the production process also involve men.

To most Sri Lankans, Polonnaruwa's niche in history is the reign of Parakramabahu. The monuments of Polonnaruwa are mainly scattered around the vast Parakrama Samudhra.

Color postcards developed into an art form with locally produced cards rivalling foreign ones in attractiveness.

Explore Sri Lanka Magazine Description:

The very first publication of BT Options, Explore Sri Lanka that began in 1987, celebrates 35 years of offering readers articles on travel destinations, off-the-beaten-track, retreats and getaways, serendipitous discoveries, cultural events, personalities and lifestyle, accompanied by captivating photography. The magazine caters to a broad readership including resident expatriates, local residents and Sri Lankan missions overseas. Distributed through a large subscriber base, the magazine is available at the Bandaranaike International Airport, hotels and resorts island-wide, onboard the national airline and lifestyle stores