The Livelihood project which commenced in December was initially started off by a small team of individuals with a burden for the under privileged. During an initial visit to Baticalo, which is part of the east of Sri Lanka, we assessed the damage and the lack of any economical structure for the many survivors of the war. Being moved by this calamity, we setup an ongoing strategy to enhance and monitor the livelihood of widows in the Kittula village which is part of the Baticalo district. The livelihood project was launched as a pilot project in December when the very first victims of the war was identified and documented by our team. These victims were primarily widows who have lost their husbands to the war and now dependent on minuscule resources for survival. Upon identifying these widows, (which mounted to no more than 12) a plan was underway to provide poultry for this identified group of widows. On March 21st, a good 3 Months later, another team headed to the east carrying the precious cargo of chickens which were to be delivered in batches of 15 to each widow identified. Along with each batch, we delivered a bag of feed which would last about 2 weeks from the date of delivery. As these poultry are adept to the tough environmental conditions, the widows should have no financial burden taking care of the chickens. As with all traditional handouts they were all given explicit instructions on how they should bring up the chickens within the upcoming months. On our way back, we stopped by the Rugam Preschool to hand over some well deserved dry rations along with the reimbursements for the milk stock since December.

Rugam preschool

The Rugam preschool is located about 45minutes from Maha Oya along the A5 road. The school which was built by the PCAG church is fully functional with an average daily attendance of 35. While the teachers are paid by the church, the students are equally cared for. The provision of a single meal for each child per day is a bonus for those attending school. During our recent visit, we managed to supplement their depleted stock of hygienic products (Dettol, Cotton, Panadol, Band-aid, Balm) with new items. As this is the only school within a 50 mile post, the educational needs for this school is looked into with meticulous details. All supplements are well documented by the teachers and presented to the team upon every visitation.

Karadiyanarukulum village

This village is situated in the Baticalo district, east of Sri Lanka. The climate is generally hot and humid with an unmistakable taste of dust. One only wonders if this was an immediate extension of the Kalahari desert. With a relative humidity of 80% and temperatures soaring to 35′C, this village houses 30 families which were initially counted amongst the internally displaced persons. However in recent years, this has become a safe haven for dwellers seeking shelter and food for their families. As with all families, children were amongst the most needy thus requiring added attention. During our initial survey of these endless desert plains we identified many children who deserved school clothing. As no parent was in a position to afford such temporary luxuries, we decided to donate school uniforms along with other minor itineraries.

Kittula village (May 1st)

As with all project follow ups, we decided to launch the 3rd team to Baticalo to assess the outcome of all previous assignments. Based on the surveys conducted by the team, it was estimated that all widows, with the exception of one, were doing quite well with their chickens. It was then decide that we should sit with each widow and meticulously document their immediate needs which extended to their financial background and source of income. We also distributed the pictures taken from the previous trip of each child and gave them a copy with a little goody bag that contained sweets and biscuits and bubble blowers. Unfortunately, it would be near to impossible explaining the joy on their faces in mere words.

Thirukovil Church

Heading down to the Thirukovil church was quite intriguing; especially since it provided us with a unique experience to savor the rough terrains that lied before us. That’s a good 40km of rough terrain. Nevertheless we found ourselves along the coastal regions of Baticalo heading to the Thirukovil church. The church itself was built shortly after the tsunami hit the east coast, devastating lives and ruining villages. At the church we were greeted by pastor Ram and his fellow team members. To top things off, we were entertained by the village children with a song & dance which we all appreciated with load applause. As this was the annual season for cricket and the children already high on its mania, the gang decided to hose down the cricket pitch with some gentlemanly testosterone. After all who can resists the invitation to play cricket from children, even if it meant playing in the smoldering hot sun in Baticalo.

It was about that time when our well spirited team coordinator Arun decided to take his better half for a bicycle ride; which we all stand guilty for sadistically wooing him into. During our short visit, we also had the pleasure of meeting a young boy name Kimojan, who just happened to be a cute bundle joy mixed with a touch of terror. As he needed special love and attention, we decided to look out for a nice loving home for him as his parents were unable to give him the support and love he deserved. Sadly nothing much has been done by us regarding this special child until this day.

Mimic Octopus

Its a “Mimic Octopus” (Haumoctopus mimicus), and it lives along the South-East-Asian seas where its relatively warm. The unique feature about this octopus is its capability if mimicking living organisms found in its environment. It grows to a length of 2ft and is usually found either striped or spotted while at rest. As all octopi species are known to change color dynamically, its impossible to describe their general patterns & colors.

As it lives in the tropical seas of South-easter-asia, it was not discovered officially until 1998, off the coast of Sulawesi. This octopus is well noted for its astonishing mimicry of wild aquatic creatures. Its capable of mimicking the physical likeness and movements of more than fifteen different species, including sea snakes, lionfish, flatfish, brittle stars, giant crabs, sea shells, stingrays, flounders, jellyfish, sea anemones, and mantis shrimp. It accomplishes this by contorting its body and arms, and dynamically changing color.

Todays food for thought is: Who taught this octopus species to do that?. Its a well know fact that octopi in general are intelligent, making them the most intelligent invertebrate in the documented world of species. Well, to answer the above question; Who taught him this trick? – I have just 1 answer: Psa 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge“

Only an intelligence can begat intelligence. The God of heaven and earth who made all things in just 6 days left his fingerprints over all creation. The creatures of the seas proclaim the works of His hands. I’m simply amazed at the creation God left behind.

BUT – is it the most amazing animal God created? – The answer is “Not Even Close!”… Look at your neighbor and you will see God’s very image manifested in flesh. Although the flesh may not be a pretty sight, his soul still reflects the image and nature of God… And that my friend is the greatest of all creations.. So the next time you walk along the road or look into a bush and see something fascinatingly beautiful, give thanks to our Creator who is indeed greater than all of creation..

Chlamydomonas (Micro Algae)

What does one do when confronted with the uniqueness of plants and the neverending names it carries with them?. Personally I’m fogged when it comes to scientific names that are Greek and unpronounceable. I will first need to get a blooming microscope from somewhere – anywhere for that matter as I approach the climax of Botanical names. Many of which are invisible to the human eye. So there I am, studying life forms that are invisible. Then naming such invisible life forms with cryptic names like “Chlamydomonas”, “Filametous”, “Scenedesmus” etc.. This is exactly why I would recommend reading an Archie Commic book (Less brain strain). However due to the dilemma I’m in, I would need an extra boost in confidence to sit for these weird exams and somehow get through with the cryptic names. However to add insult to injoury: we’re to understand the theoretical/immaginery concepts of evolution and how plants began to invade and dominate the land in extreme forms. One only has to look at the shear complexity of the humble flower in detail to understand that there is indeed a designer to this fantastic design. Anyhow, I have to get back to studying this as I have exams approaching, and I bet there will be 1 question relating to evolution of the humble flower. If only they would open their eyes and look at the bio-molecular structure of ovule buried deep in the flower, they will be baffled beyond their socks.

Kandy dancers at wedding

Well, As the war has finally ended, there are signs of foreign visitors flocking the island (especially the coastal regions)!… I do believe the Europeans love the country as its warm all year around.. Not so great for the locals, as we feel the heat quite well.. The only way to get away from it is “head to the hills in a mad rush” Europeans are way too lucky -> They have 4 great seasons (Winter =Freezing, Spring=Cold, Summer=Hot, Autumn=Colorful) .. While we’re here stuck with 2 season (Warm and Hot)

Other than the single season we have all year round, Sri Lanka has way too much culture and everyone is over the moon about it.. Me on the other hand — I’m part Portuguese, Part Indian, Part Sri Lankan hence I’m quite colorful Oh how I do wish we would not be asking questions like “Are you sinhalese or tamil?“, as I honestly have no I what to reply with. My kids are going to be thoroughly confused at these weird questions.

Nevertheless If your a tourist visiting this lovely emorald isle – remember the Golden rule “Be Aware Of Tourist Traps”… They are everywhere.. The best way to avoid it would be check up TripAdvisor or VirtualTourist for “Things to Do & See“..

Collect all the information you got and ask someone you trust about the stuff you plan on doing… I’m a trustworthy person ) , well aren’t I ??

Anyways, this is a good luck wish from a warm tropical country with expanding Night Life and Dwindling wildlife (being sarcastic here) — By the way, did I mention the reduction in Wildlife or the Conflicts between Human and Wildlife?.. If I haven’t, its probably because its another story.

[Into the first hour]
Our journey begins at 4AM. Pack bags / leave home/ head to in-laws/ eat breakfast, jump in Coach and sit happily ogling at the starry sky.. For once, I wasn’t driving as the in-laws mounted to a dozen, hence we hired a personal Coach to take us there. The first hour was mostly dark as we went through Malabe, Biyagama, Weliweriya and eventually hit the Kandy road.

[Into the second hour]

Sigiriya Rock

Heading along the Kandy road, I notice the lack of vehicles which sometimes surprises me as this is a major trunk-road connecting half the Island to Colombo… What surprises me more is the fact that its still a 3 lane highway! (1 1/2 lanes for outgoing while 1 1/2 for incoming vehicles).
After a few minutes, we turned left and took a short cut which was familiar from past experiences, however he didn’t stop at the 10km junction point as I did in my past experiences heee heee

[Into the 3rd hour]
In the middle of nowhere, driving down hundreds of paddy fields to my left and right, I drift slowly into dreamland.. But to be awakened a few minutes later by wifey as snacks were been served in the coach.. The once flat landscape is now dotted with hills and valleys which has received its glow thanks to the early morning sunrise… Still half asleep the food tastes good, but my urge to sleep overwhelms me and once again I’m in dreamland.

Ancient walls

[Into the 4th hour]
We are somewhere close to the Anuradhapura district, or was it Sigiriya? Nevertheless I was fully awake and had no clue where I was. The scenery hasn’t changed much from what I had seen earlier however the climate started to change as we begin to decent gently into the low lands of Anuradhapura or Sigiriya.. Small hills abruptly rise and fall into the flat lands marking a distinct edgy landscapes, while the paddy fields have grown in number as well as the shrub-lands.

[Into the 5th hour]
We get lost…!! However we stop and ask directions as there are hundreds crossroads at every town.. A few minutes into the hour, and the coach stops so we may stretch our legs before we continue the long road ahead.. As anyone would expect these roads are quite strait. For hundreds of Km, you would find mostly strait road systems within the Northern provinces of Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya Rock Maidens.

[Into the 6th hour]
After a quick tea break we continue on our journey to arrive in Sigiriya! A small town located in the Southern portion of Anuradhapura.. Close by, a massive rock structure that was used by King Kashapa to hide from his broth Mogalan stand up like a giant 400m loaf of bread amongst the greenery…

King Kashapa, a prince at the time killed his own father for the thrown in the 4th century AD and fled to Sigiriya to take refuge in the Rock. The Rock is visible in all directions and is a great lookout tower for anyone seeking shelter.. However his elder brother Mogalan who was the rightful heir to the throne fled to India to raise an army to recapture the Kingdom which was stolen unrighteously… However during the decades Mogalan spent obtaining an army, Kashapa spent lavishing his Rock kingdom with luxuries from over over the world. From Lilly gardens to Swimming pools to Conference halls to Air-conditioning – he had it all. Not to mention the hundreds of women.

Sigiriya Maidens

Once Mogalan did raise an army and came back to fight Kashapa, the tables have turned and Kashapa had grown lethargic. Its recorded in history that during battle, Kashapa’s Elephant while advancing forward smelled water nearby and detoured away from the battle field – mistaking this action as a retreat, soldiers fled the scene leaving Kashapa behind. Once Kshapa noticed the dismay it was too late. As his brother was nearing, Kashapa lifted his dagger and drew it into his neck and fell to his death..

[Sigiriya - The Climb]
As many people all over Sri Lanka has made the journey to Sigiriya, we attempt to haul ourselves up the giant rock. I keep wondering why someone would ever want to live in a rock?.. However as the path unfolds, I see structure upon structure that look like brick and stones. The fortress was once indeed a giant fortress that housed servants, elders, concubines, wives, cooks, gardeners, guards, horses, etc… To top it all, he had the mansion built with primitive air-conditioning by channeling and harnessing the power of water vapor through a series of pipes and drains. It was good that we had read about the structure and we knew to keep quiet when approaching the many Hornet nests…

[3 hours go by]
Once we reached the summit after 2 hours, it begins to rain! With Absolutely no shelter around, I quickly took my Photo’s and headed strait for the nearest tree that grew in the gardens near the swimming pool which was built by the king to irrigate the gardens below.

[Journey back down]

Conference halls

As I look back on that day, I’m definitely in favor to reclaim victory of that climb once again. The paths were never dangerous as there were railings and stairs to accommodate the 2hour climb.

[Heading to Anuradhapura]
Once we reached the valley below half dead, we sought out a vendor with cool water bottles! – $1 for a bottle which I quickly grabbed and poured it down my throat since the heat of day has well set in.
Looking into the trees, I noticed a giant squirrel looking for food. However from the look of things, THIS giant was quite acquainted with the generous humans as they passed along.

Twin ponds

Once I got back in the coach, my mind was set on the hotel as I needed to cool my head. The blistering heat can indeed dehydrate you within 5 hours, hence I needed something to cool my blood. As the midday heat rises to 33′C in the shade, you will be longing for some Cool Coke which can be purchased from shops that are unfortunately not nearby.. Although a can of Coke is well under $1, you will certainly be looking for change as many of the shops appear to not have any change!!!
I have yet to see a shop which is fully competent at changing $20 without bashing an eyelid

Swimming pools

As most of the journey was on wheels, I was at disadvantage as I never managed to get out and explore the wilderness completely. Its reported that Elephants and Leopards are quite common I have yet to see one in the wild in Anuradhapura… While Peacock can be seen right throughout the landscape, we didn’t get close to anyone until we almost ran over one crossing a connecting jungle road.

A few Large Wildlife species are mentioned below for quick reference.
1. Elephants
2. Dear (3 species)
3. Leopards, Fishing Cats
4. Scorpions, Vipers, Cobras, Kraits, Pythons
5. 150 Unique bird species
6. Jackals, Rabbits, Wildboar, Squirrels

The above Wildlife can be observed at the National parks situated within the Anuradhapura district. I had the pleasure of meeting baby scorpions but didn’t have the opportunity to photograph as I was not fully equipped.

Shawn Brito
shawnbrito@hotmail.com

Kithulgala Rest House

The be honest, I live along the western sea board of this fabulous country I call home. Although the map may show you a small island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, its quite large once you land on it. With an area of 65,000 Square Km to cover, one will certainly take a lifetime exploring the entire country.

I generally start my journey early morning leaving @ 7AM the latest. All journeys begin from Colombo which is the busy capital of Sri Lanka and it constantly stays busy except during public+private holidays. Even though I stay clear away from the central capital I need a good 1 hour to get out of Colombo suburbs. Once I’ve passed Maharagama (a busy suburb some 20km SouthEast of Colombo), blood begins to seep back into my body as the traffic begins to dwindle…. and dwindle… and a calm and quiet spirit engulfs my soul

Kithulgala Rest House

[2 hours into the journey]
My first stop is in the little town of Avissawella, about 50km South/East of Colombo along the A7 highway . Most long distance journeys pass through this town while stopping for a nice hot creamy cup of tea. Once that’s done I would indulge myself in a few minutes of Photography as the scenery now begins to change – from lowland commercial to highland country.

Gregories Lake

[3 hours into the journey]
I continue my journey heading uphill along the A7 highway, which dizzily winds uphill for the next 70km.. As I leave behind the commercial bundles of joy and head uphill, a wonder begins to encapsulate my heart and puts me at rest with the surrounding country. With open plains, and wet mountains I take a deep breath of fresh air and let out out slowly. Its no wonder that local residents live to be a hundred..
The long winding road cuts through several towns, and can offer some form of adventure to anyone looking for one.. The little towns along the way paint a different picture to those seen in the lowlands.. Multicolored, barrel shaped structures dot the houses, while steep cliffs and tea plantations dot the landscape.. Heading uphill, I pass several tea plantations that were grown since the colonial era – A steady income for Sri Lankan exports… The only thing on my mind right now is Hatton..

[4 Hours into the Journey]
Closing in mile by mile, I can hardly contain my enthusiasm I scream “We’re here!!,

We’re here!”.. To which my wife surprisingly shouts “Nuwaraeliya?”… Well, not for another 1 hour.. Although the climate is not hot as Colombo, it maintains a steady cooler temperature due to the elevation..

Hilltop bangalore

I still remember the lonely trip I took from Hatton to Colombo by myself – A journey I would never forget.. It was good, but as I look back through the years I was blooming irresponsible ) – With just $3 in hand, I bought myself a train ticket and headed to Colombo.. Got on the next train and headed back home. Ridiculous!!

[Into the 5th Hour]
Anyways, getting back to NuwaraEliya, I decided to continue my uphill climb which took me through several little towns and villages famous for their creamy tea (An excellent place to stop and ask for directions). They are equally famous for their crisscross roads. I would pass through a few towns like {Maskeliya, Ginigathhena, Nawalapitiya, etc} before coming anywhere near NuwaraEliya.

During the entire hill climb, I would also pass a few water falls, which I would NOT drink from due to higher human pollution levels now monitored by the environmental groups… The areal view from these mountainous zones are indeed breath taking, however the number of waterfalls have steadily declined due to mans involvement in upcountry agriculture.. However without agriculture how does one sustain a living?. From the very low lands to the highest mountains, agriculture has shaped the hill country and its a central part of Sri Lanka as vast amounts of produce is shipped to Colombo for distribution. All one need to do is walk along the lonely trails leading from Nuwaraeliya to gaze at the countless vegetable gardens that dot the landscape.

Tea plantations

Without agriculture how does one obtain vegetables? Although there is much environmental damage, we will need to look into balancing the 2 variables. Nevertheless I have now made it a nasty habit to venture into the mountains of Sri Lanka just for the mere joy of seeing and feeling it.. Every wet rock and and every stream feels like it has a story to tell.

Two sweet local kids

[Into the 6the Hour]
I approach NuwaraEliya with anxiety- for I know the prices for logging is high, but I need to make a few bargains to accommodate 2 or 3 nights. The general price I would negotiate for a decent carpeted room is Rs.2900/- ($25) and nothing more.. All hotels and mansions look colonial, which suits the country!

As lunch time approaches, I make a quick beeline to the nearest cafe for food under $2.. It might look like I’m stingy, but I rather make 5 cheap holidays per year, than 1 grand one

Maskeliya Dam

There are a more attractions during the month of April (A month best avoided as thousands of Colombo dwellers begin to pour into the city). Although this is not an issues, the local hotel begin to hike their prices knowing you have no other option but stay..
1. Motor cross country race
2. Horse races
3. Boat races.
4. Dirt bike races.
Are just a few to be named ( I have yet to see one to tell you what they look like)

Maskeliya Dam

Wildlife is abundant in the region and one only needs to look for it.. There are many species of birds that can be spotted around the lakes and streams as well as endemic reptiles. For a deeper understanding, I would generally head towards the Horton plains (45 minute drive)… Or just get down to Ambewella lake to bathe or just get lost.. Indeed I had my share with the birds of Sri Lanka within a single weekend (spotting some 30% of the total species in a single weekend)
The hours may look long on print, but the shear enjoyment of driving will pass the time more quickly.

Nevertheless, just before heading home I decided to take the Maskeliya route as it seemed longer and treacherous. Besides that, the empty dried out lake was a major attraction these days as people flocked from all over the country to have a look at the lost city of Atlantis Maskeliya. The Maskeliya town which is situated in the hills of Hatton, is famous for its reservoir systems. During the reservoir expansion projects, it was predicted that the Maskeliya town would be fully submerged under water if the dam was constructed. Owing to this dilemma, the government decided to relocate the Maskeliya town to a new location 100ft above the water level. The photo shows the Maskeliya reservoir during drought. One can walk from one end to the other end without getting ones feet wet.

Once we left Maskeliya, it was one long journey back to Colombo, passing the famous Adam’s peak which stands apart from the rest of the mountains as its singular peak towers the rest making it an obvious landmark from anywhere in the hills of Sri Lanka.. Passing all that, I found myself heading downhill, through montane forests and winding roads. The view is simply spectacular as I felt the presence of untouched wilderness circle my very existence. But I had to keep my eye on the road as I didn’t want to be scraped off the cliffs that border the roads for hundreds of miles.

Passing all the splendid of the hills, I wound up on the main A7 road which heads back to Colombo. Surely enough it was occupied by all the vehicles heading back home as well. Oh well, I cant complain as I am one of them heading back home too…