Sri Lanka History
Sri Lanka has always been that quintessential island resort. For centuries, the island has attracted and charmed travellers from all corners of the globe to its sparkling shores with its lustrous beaches, diverse wildlife and rich history.
There is a certain intimate connection one feels with this unassumingly alluring island. Sri Lanka has been known by a number of names to the many who have come to love it. The ancient Greeks called it Taprobane. To Arabian geographers it was known as 'Serendib' - whereby the word ‘Serendipity’ is derived from 'Serendib' – an exciting discovery so rare and precious they could only rationalise it as a blessing bestowed upon them by fate. The modern name is derived from Sanskrit - ‘sri lanka’ does not detract much from these names of exaltation – it literally translates into ‘sacred island’. No prizes for guesses why.
Historical records show that the island’s exports have delighted the ancient world as early as 1400 BC. Sri Lanka was the world’s leading exporter of cinnamon, coveted in countries as far flung as Egypt. Other ancient exports includes precious stones, pearls, peacocks etc...
There are even whispers that King Solomon’s supply of ivory, peacocks and other exotic commodities came from present day Galle, a southern Sri Lankan city. Historians believe the city was chronicled as the ancient port of Tarshish.
For over 2000 years, Sri Lanka was ruled by local kingdoms. Today, their legacy is evident from the extraordinary archaeological sites that remain intact. Extensive public works were prevalent even then, ranging from aqueducts to reservoirs, as well as the world’s first dedicated hospital in Mihintale, constructed in the 4th century BC.
Sri Lanka’s geographical location ensured that it was a strategic maritime link between West Asia and South East Asia. The island was first colonised by the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch in the 17th century. Control was ceded to the British in the early 19th century and it became known as Ceylon. Sri Lanka rose to international fame for its tea, coffee, coconuts and rubber.
Traditions & Culture
Ceremonies and Rituals
Sri Lanka’s doors have always been held wide open to the outside world, its arms thrown apart in welcome to the wary traveler seeking a refuge and haven from a lackluster life, to discover what it means to truly live again. Since time immemorial, its magnetism as well as – on a more practical note – exports have attracted traders from all kinds of distant lands to its glistening shores.Portuguese, Dutch and British influences from the island’s colonial period have served to enrich a well-preserved 2,500 year old Sri Lankan culture, making it a delectably eclectic fusion of East and West. The Sinhalese and Tamil cultures are the two main traditional ones in Sri Lanka. Traditions and rituals revolve around significant life events from birth to death.
Traditional greeting
In our island home, you will be greeted with clasped palms, as if in prayer, and a head nodded in welcome; the words “Ayubowan” – “May You Live Long” – forming on each islander’s lips. The equivalent greeting in Tamil is “Vanakkam”, whilst the Muslims will say “Assalamu Alaikum”.From Birth and Beyond
There are four main ceremonies for children: the Naming Ceremony, First Meal of Solids, First Trip Outdoors and Introduction to the Letters of the Alphabet. These ceremonies depict the significance of education and getting a good start in life.Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals
Poya Days Today, practising Buddhists observe Poya day by visiting a temple for the rituals of worship and adhering to the Eight Precepts. Every full moon day is a holiday in Sri Lanka and liquor is not for sale anywhere in the country. Many religious festivals are held on full moon days.Pirith Ceremony The chanting of Pirith, a Buddhist religious ritual, deals with the chanting of select ‘Sutras’. Sutras are a religious precept, sung in rhythm. The selected Sutras contain precepts that relate to the needs and
