Serendib Magazine - February 2012

In this issue

China Bay, Trincomalee conjures images of pristine beaches, turquoise bay, history, culture and now GOLF!
Soaring to 29 metres in height, passersby have often been transfixed by this extraordinary new landmark in the City. Not only does it command your attention, it fills the vision-span with a masterful design, built to a monumental scale it holds a distinct air of state-of-the-art. This is the Nelum Pokuna or Lotus Pond, the new performing arts theatre in Colombo.
Swirling mists rolled over offering small glimpses of emerald green water, beautiful trees and lush meadows as I tentatively peered through the gathering whiteness. With a sudden shift in the wind, the veil of mist lifted and I stood there spell bound by the sublime beauty that was before me in the form of Sembuwaththa Lake.
In rural Sri Lanka, the traditional pan Padura or reed mat is the very fabric of communal life. It is on this mat that individuals and families sleep, meals are shared, social events are celebrated, and even religious activities are conducted. The Padura can serve as bed, table, sofa, picnic mat and more.
The leopard, nocturnal by nature, has managed to keep its behaviour largely concealed under the cover of night. However, during the making of a leopard documentary focusing on the night-time behaviour of the top predator of the Sri Lankan jungles, the most astonishing visuals, never captured before, shed light on the secretive lives of Yala’s leopards.