CHOGM 2013

The CHOGM is Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting. It is held every 2 years to enable leaders of commonwealth countries to come together to discuss global and commonwealth issues and etc. This is the first time an Asian country is hosting the summit in 24 years and it is in Sri Lanka. The first CHOGM was held in 1971, and there have been 21 held in total. The most recent was held in Australia. They are held once every two years, although this pattern has twice been interrupted. They are held around the Commonwealth, rotating by invitation among st its members.
Issues discussed at previous CHOGMS include international peace and security, democracy, climate change, multilateral trade issues, good governance, sustainable development, small states, debt management, education, environment, gender equality, health, human rights, information and communication technology, and youth affairs.

The Commonwealth

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 countries that support each other and work together towards shared goals in democracy and development. It is home to 2.2 billion citizens and over 60% of these are under the age of 30. The Commonwealth includes some of the world’s largest, smallest, richest and poorest countries, spanning five regions. 32 of its members are small states, many of them island nations.

Commonwealth Countries

There are 54 independent states working together in the common interests of their citizens for development, democracy and peace.

in Africa region

Africa
Botswana
Cameroon
Ghana
Kenya
Lesotho
Malawi
Mauritius
Mozambique
Namibia
Nigeria
Rwanda
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
South Africa
Swaziland
Uganda
United Republic of Tanzania
Zambia

in Asia region

Bangladesh
Brunei Darussalam
India
Malaysia
Maldives
Pakistan
Singapore
Sri Lanka

in Caribbean and Americas

Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Jamaica
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and The Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago

in Europe region

Cyprus
Malta
United Kingdom

in Pacific region

Australia
Fiji
Kiribati
Nauru
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu

Colombo - Katunayake Expressway

The Colombo - Katunayake Expressway is Sri Lanka's second "E Class" highway. It's connects Colombo and the "Bandaranayake International Airport" at Katunayake. The total distance of the expressway is around 25 kilometers. The speed limits are 80 kmph and 100 kmph. International standard features have been added to ensure the safety. Emergency exits have also been established for emergency casualty evacuation.


Entry point is "Peliyagoda" is near to New Kelani bridge and 6 lanes are available between New Kelani bridge and Peliyagoda. 4 lanes are available between Peliyagoda and katunayake. Expected travel time is around 20 minutes. It is expected to connect to the proposed "Outer Circular Highway" at Kerawalapitiya.

The entire extent of the expressway is covered by CCTV cameras and 54 large screens at the central operation room at Seeduwa help authorities monitor the expressway on 24 hours.

The expressway is passing through the open land of "Muthurajawela" marshes and the lagoon of Negambo by giving a natural beauty. Special attention was paid during the construction to preserve the natural environment as the expressway winds its way through the Muthurajawela marshes and the Negombo lagoon.

It has opened from 22nd October to 24th October 2013 for Public viewing.

at Public viewing

The expressway was public on 27th October by his Excellency the President Hon. Mahinda Rajapakse.

The Opening Ceremony

Trincomalee

Is famed for its natural harbor. It is ranked as the world’s 5^th largest natural harbors. During the Second World War the harbor became the base for the combined East Asian fleet of the allied powers. It is the ideal beach resort. All water sports are available here including fishing and sea angling. Whales watching is a specialty. Located at the mouth of Sri Lanka’s largest river “Mahaweli” river. Trinco’s most famous landmark is “Fort Fedrick”, a century and a half of British fortification can be found here. The cliff known as Swami Rock on the tip of Fort Fedrick’s promontory is associated with a tragic romantic tale women around a Dutch median who is believed to have jumped to her death from this spot seeing her fickle lower sailing away. The “Thirukoneswaram Kovil” which stands on the top most pinnacle of the “Swamy Rock” is a highly venerated Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. About 11 km from west of Trinco are the Kanniyai Hot-Springs, sacred to Hindus who believe them to be a creation of God "Vishnu".

Galle Face

Gall Face, the mile long promenade which borders the Fort on the South, is the largest open air stretch in the city affording a beautiful view of the sunset. Around it care the main city hotels, from the "Galle Face" hotel which was established in 1864, the "Galadari" hotel and the "Taj Samudra". Nearby are the "Hilton", the "Cinnamon Grand" and "Ramada". The Galle Face is located between Colombo Fort Light house and Gall Face hotel. It is long beach with walking track and ground. Extra beauty is added by "Palmyrah" trees and "Coconut" trees in parallel to Gall road. The Gall Face ground is located between Gall road and beach. People are enjoying with their family members and friends in the Galle Face area in day and night. In the evening you can see beautiful view of the sunset. At night time also you can see Gall Face area very beautifully. You can see broad area in the Gall Face with colorful hotels and structures. You can enjoy 24 hours in this area with foods drinks and others. Old parliament and old Colombo courts located near the Gall Face. In addition you can see Colombo Light house, old artilleries fixed on the "Chethiya road" and Fort "Chaithyaya"(Stupa). Several ships are anchored in sea near the Gall Face. You can see Colombo expansion port now in the Galle Face.

Gal oya National Park & Senanayake Samudraya

Gal oya National Park in Sri Lanka was established in 1954 and serves as the main catchment area for "Senanayake Samudraya", the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka. "Senanayake Samudraya" was built under the Gal oya development project by damming the Gal oya at "Inginiyagala" in 1950. Gal oya reservoir currently defined as "Senanayake Samudraya" is the largest and very special among other reservoirs in Sri Lanka in various manners. Gal oya Scheme is one of the largest 4 modern irrigation projects of Sri Lanka. This scheme involved the restoration of a number of ancient medium scale reservoirs & construction of the "Senanayake Samudraya" (7680 ha), the largest reservoir in the history of Sri Lanka. "Senanayake Samudraya" is one of the main project of the Scheme. Senanayake reservoir which consist a catchment area of 384 square miles has been constructed by the earthen dam of which is 3600 feet in length and 140 feet in height comprising 2 million cubic yards of soils. This can store 770000 acre feet capacity of water. A concrete spill of which is 1020 feet in length has been constructed far away from the main dam to inspections. It is 770 feet in spill length and 60 feet in height comprising 6 doors and distributes water by the sluice with 13 feet in diameter. From 1954 to 1965 the park was administrated by the Gal oya Development Board until the Department of Wildlife Conservation took over administration. The National Park is situated 314 km from Colombo The Gal oya Development Board established several protected areas to protect the catchment areas of "Senanayake Samudraya" and several other reservoirs.

Bambarakanda Waterfall

Bambarakanda is the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka with a sheer drop of a 263 meters. In the world ranking its the 299th tallest waterfall in the world. This is not a wide waterfall but drops as a thin line from a rocky outcrop. The fall lies in the Badulla District among a evergreen forest in the Kalupahana area. This is not a wide waterfall but drops as a thin line from a rocky outcrop. The fall is formed by the Uduweriya Haputale mountain and Kuda oya, a tributary of Walawe river. There are some waterfalls closed to Bambarakanda falls. Those are "Lanka falls", "Uduwara falls" and  "Nagadowa falls". Several mini waterfalls also available. It's also beautiful but not higher than Bambarakanda and not famous. The area around Bambarakanda is rich with scenic beauty, rugged terrain, waterfalls, tea fields and cool climate making it an attractive destination for nature lovers. You can reach  from Colombo by passing Rathnapura, Balangoda and Kalupahana then turn left at Kalupahana junction to "Weerakoon village" and continue for 5 km to the fall. The terrain is relatively difficult, so a four wheeled drive vehicle is recommended. Travel to this place is not easy than other waterfalls of Sri Lanka because this fall is far away from a main road. The view all around is pretty beautiful including the mighty Bambarakanda falls and the surrounding hills. Cool bath in the natural pool complex known as “Seven Basins” or the natural pools at top and bottom of Bambarakanda falls. Best months to visit Bambarakanda are from March through May.

Kumana National Park

Kumana national park is located in Ampara district in Eastern province of the Sri Lanka. It's around 340km from Colombo. You can reach "Kumana" passing Rathnapura, Udawalawa, Thanamalwila, Wellawaya, Siyabalanduwa, Pothuwil and Panama town. Kumana is a well known bird sanctuary where a multitude of birds breed and roost. Regular sightings include such species of bird as pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets and little cormorants. The very rare black necked stork has also been spotted at the swamp. One of the most significant features of the park is the ‘Kumana Villu’ is a 200 hectare natural swamp lake, fed by the ‘Kumbukkan Oya’ through a half mile long narrow channel. Attached to a lot of lagoons, lakes and swamps.
Kumana is more of a bird sanctuary providing shelter for myriad endemic and migrant birds. Bird watching in Kumana is one of the top most events in every tourist’s sightseeing list in Sri Lanka. Kumana National Park has been rated as one of the most important breeding grounds in Sri Lanka. Many ancient cave engravings and inscriptions had been discovered in Kumana which date back to the 1st Century BC. Significance in Kumana is that Buddhist and Hindu devotees turn to Kumana on their foot pilgrimage towards the sacred Kataragama. Another significant part of the Kumana visit is witnessing the Kumana Villu during the months of May and June. One can say it is the heart of Kumana, in the prospective as a bird sanctuary. The reason for "Kumana Villu" given such importance in the checklist is it is the nesting place for many birds. It should be noted that "Kumana Villu" is subjected to sea water inundation occasionally. Kumana is also home to some of the mammals found in the neighboring "Yala" National Park such as elephants and leopards which can also be seen on safari. Other animals which reside inside Kumana National Park include the Golden Jackal, the European Otter.  It is also reported that approximately 30-40  Sri Lankan elephants reside in the park, although they do crossover to Yala National Park.

Hikkaduwa Beach

Among the coastal side tourist attractions in Sri Lanka "Hikkaduwa" beach has a special place for its exquisite white sands and uniquely beautiful corals that has lured many visitors and tourists to take a glimpse at the marvels that can be seen in full abundance. Magnificent corals and tropical fishes are the top priorities in this highly popular beach location and being the only marine life sanctuary in Sri Lanka. It is also a fine and rich place to explore the bio diversity and marine life of this beautiful tropical island. White sans glistening under the warm sun shine sure has made the place have a captivating effect on tourists and visitors. Hikkaduwa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka is located 100 km south of the Colombo. It is located in the Southern Province, about 17 km north west of Galle. Hikkaduwa has long been the most popular diving and surfing area in Sri Lanka. Surfing is the dominant water activity. In the center of Hikkaduwa, a lagoon also creates a beautiful and safe snorkeling area. There are plenty of good surfing points and although most of them are reef breaks, none of them is risky since they all have a flat deep bottom. The wave size ranges up to 3 meters during the season. Big groupers, barracudas, moray eels, dog tooth tunas, manta rays, lobsters & turtles are often to be seen just off the coast at Hikkaduwa. The area is well known for its coral sanctuary and the proximity of wonderful scuba diving sites to explore. The diving at Hikkaduwa is diverse and there is an abundance of marine life and dive sites to suit all levels of experience.

Jungle Fowl

The Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl, Gallus Lafayetii, is a member of the pheasant family which is endemic to Sri Lanka. It is a close relative of the Indian Red Jungle fowl, Gallus Gallus, the wild Jungle fowl from which the chicken was domesticated. These are large birds, with colorful male plumage, but are sometimes difficult to see in the denser woodlands. It is common in forest and scrub habitats, and can usually be seen at sites such as Kitulgala, Yala and Sinharaja. This is one of four species of bird in the Genus Gallus. It is a ground nesting bird, which lays 2 - 4 eggs in a nest. There are 4 species of Gallus so far recorded from Asia. The Red Jungle fowl (Gallus gallus), the Grey Jungle fowl (Gallus sonneratii), the Green Jungle fowl (Gallus varius) and the Sri Lankan Jungle fowl (Gallus lafeyetii). The Sri Lanka Jungle fowl is endemic to Sri Lanka, and is not found anywhere else in the world. It spends its life in forest or its outskirts, never venturing far from cover, though, especially in wet weather, it likes to frequent open places, such as roadsides or glades. The food of the "Wali Kukula" consists of grain, weed seeds, berries, various succulent leaves and buds, and a large proportion of small animals, such as crickets, centipedes and termites. The main breeding season is in the first quarter of the year, but often a second clutch is laid in August to September, and breeding may go on throughout the year. The nest is often a shallow scrape in the ground, concealed by herbage, at the foot of a tree or beside a dead log. The eggs number two to four, they are creamy white, some very finely peppered, other more boldly but sparingly speckled with brown and they measure about 48 × 35 mm.

Jungle Fowl (Male)

Jungle Fowl (Female)

Pasikuda Beach

Close by, has a fine bay with clear waters, which opens to the north. An offshore reef shelters a sandy beach and keeps the water, calm and clear. This place is a windsurfers and water skiers delight. Fast developing in to a fine beach resort. A place with golden sand ,blue water and sunshine from heaven, Its Pasikuda. Pasikuda is a beach which located in Eastern province of Sri Lanka. It is bit strange because it is one of the safest beaches in the East coast. Due to lack of crowd the beach is very clean and pure, not like other crowded beaches. Pasikuda is a ideal place to have a cool and calm holiday. There are not any one to disturb you and any thing don't make your calmness jam. Pasikuda beach, recognized as one of safest beaches in Sri Lanka is very famous among the travelers who travel around the Sri Lankan tourism areas. Throughout the year the beach is fully crowded with travelers from all around the world. The sea is visualized with crystal clear water. Foreign travelers never miss this beach as it is known as an ideal destination for a sea bath. During the seasons, many water surfing sports men and women come to frolic with the waves in Pasikuda Beach. Even Sri Lankan players are trying to compete with them. Especially Pasikuda beach is appropriate for the beginners in water surfing. Surfing the waves, pulling off cool techniques, jumping high off the wave and spinning in the air are attractive. 

Sri Padaya (Adams peak)

"Sri Pada" mountaion (Adams peak) Sinhalese "Samanala kanda" or "butterfly mountain" is 2243 metres (7359 ft) tall conical mountain located in central Sri Lanka. It is well known for the "Sri Pada" "sacred footprint", a 1.8 m rock formation near the summit, in Buddhist tradition held to be the footprint of the Buddha. It has specific qualities that cause it to stand out and be noticed including its dominant and outstanding profile, and the boulder at the peak that contains an indentation resembling a footprint. Sri Pada is an important pilgrimage site, especially for Buddhists. Pilgrims walk up the mountain, following a variety of routes up thousands of steps. The journey takes several hours at least.

Sri Dalada Maligawa (The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic)

The Sri Dalada Maligawa or The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a temple in the city of Kandy in Sri Lanka. It was built within the royal palace complex which houses the one of the two surviving relic of the tooth of Buddha, an object of veneration for Buddhists. King Wimaladharmasuriya I (1592 - 1603), the first to select Kandy as the ruling capital originally built a two storied Temple for the Relic and brought the tooth relic from Delgamuwa near Kuruwita in Sabaragamuwa which has been hidden for protection. Remains of this temple no longer exist. Wimaladharmasuriya II (1686 - 1706) built a three storied temple and his son king Viraparakrama Narendrasinha (1706 - 1738), built a new two storied temple temple seeing that the old temple built by his father has decayed. The last king of Sri lanka, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe (1797 - 1814) built the Pattirippuwa (the Octagon). Originally, the Pattirippuwa (octagon) was part of the royal palace. It was used by the king to address his follow countrymen. Today the Pattirippuwa has become a part of the temple and houses ancient textures written in ola leaves.

Demodara Nine arch bridge"

Demodara is a quaint and interesting railway station of Sri Lanka. Demodra is at upcountry region and closed to "Badulla" town. Demodara meets when travel to "Badulla" from "Bandarawela" and about 10 Km to Badulla and about 12 Km to Bandarawela from Demodara. This Bridge is situated 2 km away from Ella town along "Passara" road between "Ella" and "Demodara" Railway Stations. Built by the British in the early 20th century, the station and the Nine Arcs bridge were engineering marvels of the day. This name is used since the bridge contains of 9 arches. It is also known as “Ahas Nawaya Palama” (9 Skies Bridge) and this bridge is 300 feet long and 25 feet wide. Located almost 3100 feet above the sea level. The bridge connects with two high lands and has been made of large cubic stones. This massive bridge is built entirely of solid rocks, bricks and cement without using a single piece of steel. The bridge was finally commissioned in 1921. One and only railway station trains travels same horizontal level in place is Demodara Railway station. It’s amazing point of Sri Lanka. Inventor of this technology is person who looks after cattle. There is a railway tunnel downside of the Demodara Railway station. The train comes through the tunnel and after travel about 400 m gap which round way then comes to Station. 
There is a popular story to say that when construction work was commenced on the bridge, the World War 1 broke out and the steel consignment assigned for this site was seized and was used for war related projects. When the work came to a standstill the Sri Lankan came forward and build the bridge with solid stone bricks and cement without steel.

Horton plains - Nuwara Eliya

The Horton Plains is located at 2200 m above sea level. Horton plains or Mahaeliya Thenna in Sinhalese is the great plains of the central hills of Sri Lanka, located approximately 30 km from the town of Nuwara Eliya. This is the only national park in Sri Lanka where visitors are permitted to walk on their own. World's end and Baker's falls located in Horton plains. The walk to World’s End is 4km, but the trail loops back to Baker’s Falls (2km) and continues back to the entrance (another 3.5km). The round trip is 9.5km and takes a leisurely three hours. 

Horton Plains can be reached by any of the following roads:

• Via Nuwara Eliya, Ambewela and Pattipola.
• Via Haputale or Welimada, Boralanda, Ohiya.
• Via Nuwara Eliya, Hakgala, Rendapola, Ambewela, Pattipola.

World's end

The southern edge of the Horton Plains is famous World’s End. On a clear morning the World’s End affords the view running to the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Stand 2,000 m high, at the edge of the cold, frosted grassland and lower your eyes towards the next landmark the tea plantations of 'Nagrac', some 900 m below. Gaze onward beyond the waves of mountains, filigree waterfalls, hazy lakes and paddy fields to the pink salter of "Hambanthota" and the shimmering sea, in a horizon less sweep.

Baker's falls

Baker's Falls derives its name from Sir Samuel Baker, a British man who discovered it in 1845. Baker's waterfall is one of the very beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka. This waterfalls is height about 22 meters. The Fall is very beautiful because various corners and various views shows various beautiful scenery. Its looks like a  step view. In top side of the fall like a long pool. There is a point at fall which divides more than thousand of parts and made beautiful scenery in middle of the fall.

Singharaja - World Heritage Rain forest

Singharaja World Heritage Rain forest is largely undisturbed most famous rain forest in Sri Lanka. This important forest is also a man and biosphere forest reserve. It is home to a large number of endemic species. The Sinharaja region has long featured in the legends and lore of the people of Sri Lanka. Its name, literally meaning Lion (Sinha) king (Raja), perhaps refers to the original ‘king sized or royal forest of the Sinhalese. Sinharaja Rain Forest (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the last viable remnant of Sri Lanka's tropical lowland rain forest spanning an area of 18900 acres is located within "Sabaragamuwa" and Southern provinces of the south west lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. One of the few virgin forests left in the world. Streams, springs, rivers, waterfalls, leopard, monkeys, butterflies and moths, rare trees, valuable shrubs and medicinal herbs are all found within its green canopy. It is one of the least disturbed and biologically unique lowland rain forests in Sri Lanka. This rain forest covers an extent of about 11187 hectares from east to west of Sri Lanka. The length of the Rain forest is about 21 km and width from North to South is about 3.7 km. 
Sinharaja Rain forest is the country's last viable area of primary tropical rain forest  more than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare. There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds, but the reserve is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka's endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as many kinds of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians. There are three access points to Sinharaja forest. Easiest route from Colombo is to go to "Rathnapura", "Kalawana", "Weddagala" and enter the forest through "Kudawa" entrance at northwestern edge of the forest. You can stay at Forest department managed "Kudawa" camp. You can also stay at "Martin’s Lodge" or "Blue Magpie lodge" situated close the forest. Second entrance is from "Galle" or "Mathara" you can go to "Deniyaya" and then enter the forest through "Pitadeiniya" Entrance  at Southern edge of the forest. You can stay at "Pitadeniya" conservation resource center. You can also enter the forest by going to "Deniyaya", then turn off main road just south of "Suriyakanda" and enter the forest through "Morning Side" Entrance at eastern side of the forest.

Wattarama Temple

"Wattarama" is the village that located in "Kegalle" district in Sri Lanka. It is located between "Kegalle" and "Polgahawela" in the Kegalle - Polgahawela road. You can reach there from Colombo - Kandy road or Colombo - Kurunrgala road. If you are coming Colombo - Kandy road, you have to turn left from "Ranwala" junction before Kegalle city. It is Polgahawela road. you have to go few kilo meters up to "Wattarama Temple". If you are coming from Colombo - Kurunegala road, you have to turn right from Polgahawela junction and go to few kilo meters in Krgalle road until you meet Wattarama Temple. Wattarama Temple is most important religious place in Sri Lanka. This was the place "Maliyadeva Rahathan Vahanse" who was the last "Rahathan Vahanse" in Buddhist dispensation stayed in his final period.

Arugam Bay Beach

Arugam Bay beach, one of the top ten surf beaches of the world, is situated in the dry zone of Sri Lanka's South East coast. Arugam Bay is situated in the Ampara district, approximately 320 km from Colombo and can be reached in 8 hours drive from Colombo. you ca reach there by passing Awissawella, Rathnapura, Udawalawa, Thanamalwila, Wellawaya, Ampara and Pothuvil. Its located around 5 km from the small town called "Pothuvil". The end of the road is Panama village. You can reach "Kudumbigala" monastery, "Kumana" National park and "Hulan Nuge" temple easily from Arugam Bay village. Arugam Bay is popular surfing and tourist destination, still a traditional fishing village where life has been sustained by the daily catch of fish. The area is rich in bird life and wildlife in the widespread jungle areas, wetlands and lagoons nearby. It has its own specific climate with very little rain compared to the rest of the island.

Udawalawa National Park

Udawalawa National Park is located approximately 200 km South East of Colombo city and is a major echo tourism destination in Sri Lanka. it is sixth largest animal sanctuary of Sri Lanka. Dry Monsoon forest with an annual rainfall is about 1520 mm has mean day & night temperature are 29 and 24 degrees centigrade respectively. The Udawalawa national park was established in 1972. This national park spans approximately 31000 hectares and is located in the southern dry zone. The park cuts across two of the Southern Provinces and includes the Udawalawa Reservoir. The most prominent peak called "Ulgala" is located in the west of the park. It rises up to a height of nearly 380 m from the lowest point in the area which is at 100 m above sea level. It lies in the lower catchment of Udawalawa Reservoir in the country's Intermediate Low land region. Keeping company to the herds of Elephants, the main attraction of the park are Water Buffalo, Wild boar  Spotted Deer, Sambur Deer, Jackal, Samber, Black naped hare, mongooses, bandicoots, foxes, s the endemic Toque Macaque and Gray Langers. Sighting Leopard and other smaller cats like Fishing cat & Jungle cat would be a bonus. Udawalawa is undoubtedly the best place in Sri Lanka to see wild Asian Elephants throughout the year: there are about 500 elephants in the park and they often roam in herds of up to 100. Udawalawa National Park is unique in terms of consistency in numbers of elephants roaming the park it has no a seasonal variation in herds of elephants. The best hours to visit the park are in the mornings and evenings. Late evening also affords the photographic opportunities in the backdrop of loveliest sunsets. Udawalawe is also a good birdwatching site. Endemics such as Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Red-faced Malkoha, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Brown-capped Babbler, and Sri Lanka Junglefowl are among of the breeding resident birds. White Wagtail and Black-capped Kingfisher are rare migrants. A variety of water birds visit the reservoir, including cormorants, the Spot billed Pelican, Asian Openbill, Painted Stork and Black-headed Ibis. The open parkland attracts birds of prey such as White bellied Sea Eagle, Crested Serpent eagle, Grey headed Fish Eagle, Booted Eagle, and Changeable Hawk eagle. Land birds are in abundance, and include Indian Roller, Indian Peafowl, Malabar Pied Hornbill and Pied Cuckoo. 

Sri Lankan Drums

Sri Lanka has been having many types of drums in use from ancient times. The main types of drums in use today are referred to by the following names:

Geta Beraya (Wedding Drum)

The Wedding Drum belongs to the category of "Awanadda". About 2 Feet & 2 inches in length, it's made with 'Ehela', 'Kohomba' or 'Jak' timber. In order to generate two different sounds, the left of the drum is made with Cow's skin and the right, with monkey's skin and bound tightly with tough leather. Its played with free hands.










Yak Beraya

Yak beraya is made from the timber of the 'Kithul' tree. This instrument is playing using the free hand and is about 3 feet in length. The diameter is about 1 feet & 3 inches. Mainly used in the lower country of Sri Lanka for 'Thowil' and the 'Perehera'.

Dawula

Dawula is made using 'Kithul' timber. Old Dawula were found to be made of 'Ehela', 'Kohomba' & 'Jak' timber. They are decorated with exquisite art and brass strips. Cow leather is used and is played with a stick called ‘Kadippu’.












Thammettama

This drum is made with either the root of the 'Kithul' tree or any other suitable timber. The root or the timber is crafted in the shape of a 'Walanda' (Pot). Secondly both the left & the right tops are bound tightly by cow leather. This drum is played with 2 'kadippu' (2 sticks).

Udekkiya

This instrument is about 1 feet in length and is shaped like a sand clock. 'Udekkiya' is made by carving either the 'Sooriya' or 'Ehela' timber in to two apertures. These apertures are then bound tightly with the leather of the monkey or the Iguana and both the sides are connected with tightly stretched twine.

Colombo Port (Expansion Project)

The Port of Colombo (known as Port of "Kolomthota" in the early 14th Century Kotte Kingdom) is the largest and busiest port in Sri Lanka as well as in South Asia. The proposed Colombo South Harbor is situated west to the existing port of Colombo comprising an area of approximately 600 hectares. The proposed harbor has 3 terminals each having 1200 m length and facilities to accommodate 3 berths alongside. The proposed small boat harbor at the end of secondary breakwater has 400 m length of quay wall. New buildings for pilot station and crew accommodation are to be constructed at the head of secondary breakwater. The proposed new harbor basin has,

Turning circle                         - 800 m
Basin depth                             - 18 m
Depth of access channel        - 20 m
Width of the Harbor mouth - 570 m

Two phases of the project:

1. Harbor Infrastructure works.

Construction of Breakwaters, dredging for new harbor basin and navigation channel and rerouting of crude oil pipe line.

2. Construction of Terminals and other related services.