Sri Lanka's rivers

There are 103 rivers and streams with most flowing from the upcountry mountains of Sri Lanka. The longest is the Mahaweli. It starts its 333 km journey near Adam’s Peak and finds its way into the Indian Ocean at Koddiyar Bay at Trincomalee. It is the only perennial river to cross the dry Zone. Sri Lanka’s perennial rivers are called Ganga,and other streams are called Oya in Sinhala or Aru in Tamil. A number of rivers have now been developed both for irrigation and power. The Victoria power project on Mahavali Ganga is one of the largest in Asia. The other power projects are Kothmale, Rantambe and Randenigala on the Mahaveli river.
Kala - Oya starts from Kalawewa Reservoir built in the 5th Century.
Other rivers which are over 100 Kms long:
Name of River Length
Mahaweli Ganga 335 km
Aruvi Aru 164 km
Kala Oya 148 km
Kelani Ganga 145 km
Yan Oya 142 km
Deduru Oya 142 km
Walawe Ganga 138 km
Maduru Oya 135 km
Maha Oya 134 km
Kalu Ganga 129 km
Kirindi Oya 117 km
Kumbukkan Oya 116 km
Menik Oya 114 km
Gin Ganga 113 km
Mi Oya 109 km
Gal Oya 108 km

Mahaweli

The Mahaweli River is a 335 km long river, ranking as the longest river in Sri Lanka. Its drainage basin is the largest in the country, and covers almost one-fifth of the total area of the island. The river reaches the Bay of Bengal on the southwestern side of Trincomalee Bay. The bay includes the first of number submarine canyons, making Trincomalee one of the finest deep-sea harbors in the world. The river and its tributaries are dammed at several locations to allow irrigation in the dry zone, Production of hydroelectricity from six dams of the Mahaweli system supplies more than 40% of Sri Lanka's electricity needs. One of the many sources of the river is the Kotmale Oya.

Kealani

The Kelani River is 145 km Long River in Sri Lanka. Ranking as the fourth longest river in the country, it stretches from the Sri Pada Mountain Range to Colombo. It covers approximately 80% of the water supply to Colombo. In addition to that, the river is used for transport, fisheries, sewage disposal, sand mining and for production of hydroelectricity. Due to these, many people depend on the river for their daily routine in life.
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Asian Photography – October 2011

Asian Photography – October 2011
English | PDF | 100 pages | 53.7 Mb

India’s premier photography Business to Consumer (B to C) publication, devoted to photography both in the professional and amateur segments… with a very high monthly circulation and is patronized by the entire industry including advertisers like
Kodak, Fuji, Agfa, Canon, Nikon, Olympus and all major players. This publication is 15 year old.

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Travel + Leisure (Southeast Asia) - November 2011

English | HQ PDF | 136 pages | 99.4 Mb
Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia is the regional edition of the world’s biggest—and most trusted—travel magazine brand. Every month, Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia inspires its readers to experience stunning adventures; explore cutting-edge hotels, spas, shopping and more; and travel in sensational style, armed with hands-on, up-to-date, accurate and practical travel information. A chic, stylish and authoritative guide for today’s traveler within Asia and beyond, Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia is the must-read guide to all that Asia has to offer. Download Links


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Travel Africa (UK) - Autumn 2011

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English | HQ PDF | 132 pages | 104 Mbhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

The only international magazine dedicated to exploring Africa's diverse attractions, national parks, wildlife, culture and history. Travel Africa draws on some of the world's top photographers, writers and experts to create an inspiring and practical resource for anyone interested in the world's most exciting continent. Download Links


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The Horton Plains

The Horton Plains are located on Sri Lanka 's highest plateau, between altitudes of 2,000 and 2, 300m. The landscape typically consists of undulating lands covered in a tropical cloud of forests or verdant montane savannah grasslands, locally known as patannahs.Visiting Horton Plains or 'Mahaeliya' as it is traditionally named is quite popular amongst locals, who mostly come to admire the views from the park's thrilling escarpments such as World's End at weekends . For this reason we recommend that you try to organise your visit during a weekday as this ensures that you will experience the Plain's isolated serenity.

The Park lies approximately 32 km south of Nuwara Eliya in the highland of the central province.
Horton Plain the surrounding forest and the adjoining peak Wilderness constitute Sri Lanka’s most important catchment area , of almost all major rivers. The plains are of outstanding senic beauty and conservation importance, containing most of the habits and endemic plants and animals representative of the country’s wet and montane zones. The western slops support the most extensive area of montage cloud forest surviving I the country.
Horton plains can be reached by any of the following routes
Via Nuwara Eliya,Ambewela,Pattipola (32 km)
Haputale or Welimada,Boralanda,Ohiya (38 km)
Nuwara Eliya,Hakgala,Rendapola,Ambewela,Pattipola (38 km)

Adventurous visitors can trek into the park along the Thalawakele-Agarapatana-Diyagama and the Belihul Oya- Narak trails.

The Annual rainfall in the region is about 2540 mm, but may exceed 5000mm on the plains. Rain occurs throughout most of the year but there is a dry season from January to March. Temperature are low with an annual mean temperature 15°C and ground forest is common during December.

Cultural Heritage
Stone tools dating back to the Prehistoric Balangoda Culture have been found in the area. The Sinhalese settle in the lowlands up to and altitude of 700m, sometimes frequenting higher altitudes to mine for gems or iron ore ,graze cattle, construct irrigation canals and fell trees for timber. Several patinas existed at the time in regions above 1800m.



Visitor Facilities
The overnight park accommodation though limited caters to deferent preferences. Ginihiriya(Anderson)bungalow with four well-appointed rooms is in an existing forest setting . in additional there is another circuit bungalow called “Mahaeliya” within the park. Two separated dormitories in groups. Several camp-sites are available for natural lovers.
Horton Plains is well recognized for its reach and unique biodiversity , its flora given to a high level (5%) of endemism , yet remains largely underexplored. Thus it is not merely a destination for nature tourists, but also for those engaged in educational and research activities.







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National parks in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka was the setting “Mihinthale” being the site of the world’s first recorded (247 BC) wildlife and nature preserve, established by King Devanampiyathissa , a convert to conservationism preceded only by Noah in the animal of mankind : deeply influenced as he was by the inspirational massage of the Buddha imparted to him by Arahath Mahinda. Further evidence of this deep-rooted concern for wildlife and the commitment to conservation is found in an inscription engraved on a stone slab at Anuradhapura’s majestic millennia-old Ruwanveli dagoba,attributed to the 12th Century king Kirthi Nisanka malla of polonnaruwa, forbidding the capture, killing or commercial trafficking of any animals,birds and fish within a radius of 7 gau from the city. References to royal protection and preservation of wildlife are extent throughout the Mahawansa and this Traditional care concern for crenatures of the wild continues to this day.

There are 15 popular national park in Sri Lanka maintained by the Department of Wild Life Conservation, totaling 8%(app: 2026 Sq.miles/ 5284 Sq.km) of the island’s Total land area.
There are
1. Bundala National Park
2. Flood plains National Park
3. Gal Oya National Park
4. Horton Plains National Park
5. Kaudulla National Park
6. Lahugala Kithulana National Park
7. Lunugamvehera National Park
8. Madhuru oya National Park
9. Minneriya National Park
10. Somawathiya National Park
11. Udawalawa National Park
12. Wasgomuwa National Park
13. Willpattu National Park
14. Yala East National Park
15. Yala National Park




Travel Information to Parks

Visiting hours - 6.30 a.m to 6.30 p.m
There is an entry fee to all national Parks. Tickets could be obtained from entrance gates.
Reservation of circuit Bangalows and Camp Sites must be made at the Derpartment’s head office.
Department of Wild Life Conservation
Bodhiraja Mawatha
Jayanthipura
Baththaramulla
Sri Lanka
Tel : +94 011 288 8585
Web : www.dwc.gov.lk

Map of National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries in Sri lanka
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Bloomberg Businessweek - 10 October-16 October 2011

English | 68 pages | HQ PDF | 49.5 Mb
Bloomberg Businessweek Magazine: Business Week, America's leading business news magazine, makes the world of business intriguing by identifying and analyzing pivotal events, hot trends and compelling personalities. This insightful weekly magazine edifies complicated issues and conveys a sense of excitement while telling readers what they need to know, often before they need to know it.
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Systems Integration Asia - October/November 2011

English | 84 pages | True PDF | 4.08 Mb

by monthly magazine for audio, visual, light and control systems industry. Indian AVSI going places Convergence, the next level? Redefining Visualization at the world’s largest refining hub. Integrate 2011 Review
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Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia - September 2011

English | HQ PDF | 148 pages | 123 Mb

Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia is the regional edition of the world’s biggest—and most trusted—travel magazine brand. Every month, Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia inspires its readers to experience stunning adventures; explore cutting-edge hotels, spas, shopping and more; and travel in sensational style, armed with hands-on, up-to-date, accurate and practical travel information. A chic, stylish and authoritative guide for today’s traveler within Asia and beyond, Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia is the must-read guide to all that Asia has to offer.

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Caribbean Travel & Life - November 2011

English | HQ PDF | 88 pages | 78.2 Mb

Caribbean Travel & Life is devoted to bringing paradise right to your doorstep! Whether it's undiscovered beaches, the best luxury resorts, or the finest snorkeling destinations, our veteran writers have been there and bring back all that is special in the Caribbean.
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Surfer - September 2011

English | HQ PDF | 118 pages | 66.5 Mb

Surfer Magazine: The No.1 surf magazine delivers for every level of surfer. Coverage includes secrets to finding the best waves, tips on the hottest new moves, travel stories from those who've found peak surfing experiences, as well as an inside look at competitions around the world. Plus, the awesome photography that puts you in the water.


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National Geographic Traveler Interactive - October 2011

English | HQ PDF | 128 pages | 88.1 Mb

National Geographic Traveler Magazine: Discover a wealth of vacation ideas for the U.S., Canada, and overseas destinations. Each issue of National Geographic Traveler features superb photography, lively stories and features and a wide range of practical travel advice. This award-winning bimonthly publication has everything you need to plan the perfect trip. Download Links


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Caribbean Travel & Life - November 2011

English | HQ PDF | 88 pages | 78.2 Mb

Caribbean Travel & Life is devoted to bringing paradise right to your doorstep! Whether it's undiscovered beaches, the best luxury resorts, or the finest snorkeling destinations, our veteran writers have been there and bring back all that is special in the Caribbean.


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Flux 3.2.45

Flux 3.2.45 | Mac OSX | 43 Mb

Flux has an amazing WYSIWYG rendering engine, which means you can drag, stretch, and move objects like a you can in a DTP application, and your webpages will look exactly how you intended.*Flux will generate all the code for you, with no unneccesary tags. Size, position, even margins and padding can be altered with handles on the elements themselves. If the properties are stored in external CSS stylesheets, these are automaticaly updated.

If you’d rather type your code, you can do that too. The objects you create in the Code Editor will appear on the page as soon as you stop typing, they can then be edited using the WYSIWYG display.
Flux doesn’t make a distinction between typed code, or objects created by Flux, you can create anyway you like, and Flux will understand.
The Flux Code Editor has syntax highlighting for HTML and CSS, auto-completion and line numbering.

Flux can edit sites directly off an FTP or SFTP site, so you can make quick changes even quicker. All elements from a DIV to a PARAM to a CSS Rule can be edited in the Inspector. Flux supports Plugins, most CODA plugins work great in Flux.

Requirements: PPC / Intel, Mac OS X 10.5 or later.

http://www.anonymz.com/?
http://theescapers.com/flux/


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Information for Travelers

Sri Lanka use a 230-240 Volts 50 cycles A.C

Holidays in addition to Saturday and sun day. The full moon day(poya day) of each month is holiday. Other days of religious significance are also declared holiday ion sri Lanka. Most places of entertainment as well as liquor shops are closed on poya days and other religious days.

A fully fledged Tourist Police force has been established at the Sri lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) premises at No.80 Galle Road Colombo 03. Tel +94 112 437059/60
Tourist Police Division Tel 011 2 42 1451 (Emergency Service – 1912)




Flight Information
Sri Lanka Air Lines 019 733 2677
All Air Lines 019 733 2377
Katunayaka Bandaranayaka Air Port 011 225 2861/5
Online flight booking (Sri Lankan Air) http://www.srilankan.aero Read More!

Sri Lanka climate season

Climate & Seasons
Sri Lanka enjoys a tropical climate without extremes of temperature: which averages 80 OF (27 OC) in Colombo and its suburbs, rising to as much as 100 OF (38 OC) in the semi-arid northwest and cooling off to 61 OF (16 OC) at higher elevations of the central hill country. Tropical monsoons mean rains at a stretch for some months. Sri Lanka certainly has no dearth of rains as it has two monsoons and two inter monsoon periods. Sri Lanka’s climate has wide influence on both the coastal plains and other low lying areas as well as the high mountainous regions The southwest monsoon which mainly affects the southern, western and central regions during May to July; while the northeast monsoon brings rain to the north and east from November to January. The Indian Ocean’s warm tropical embrace seems to linger in a caress at this, the very edge of Eden, spearheading the subcontinent’s plunge south to seas that lie unbroken by any other land-mass until they shift and shape the icy shores of mighty Antarctica.
Temperature Chart Read More!

Travel Sri Lanka

Read Before you START TRAVELING
Vehicle:
You may be planning to drive your own vehicle or maybe a hired one, yet make sure the vehicle is mechanically sound.
Get the vehicle thoroughly inspected by your mechanic.
Replace all the worn-out parts.
Pack all the spares required in any emergency and the tool kit.
Make sure the spare wheel is on standby.
Make sure that you load only things that you absolutely need.
Check all revenue license and insurance of the vehicle.
You an use the Motor Guide published by us for assistance at any emergency.

When to Start
Calculate the time backwards from the final destination
Add supplementary time for visiting the places on your way
Confirm the time with the place where you are going to stay at the final destination.(Road maps and the distance chart will help you to do these estimates).

Preparation
Food and Water are very important and you will not get them everywhere the way you want; it’s better to prepare at least one meal as you could get stranded somewhere or held up by a breakdown or what ever.
Meals must essentially be prepared when you are travelling with kids.
Always carry some confectionary items and water.
Get everybody involved in pre-trip planning, especially as kids will get a good exposure in this.
Plan the accommodation; if you are looking for budget accommodations it’s always advisable to carry your sleeping needs.
Take a good country map in order to have a closer overview of the country.
Take sufficient money for the entire journey. We also have provided information of ATMs on the
Road Maps.
Do not rely on your credit cards alone.
Compartmentalise your goods and pack your vehicle in such a way that you could easily access contents. For instance, Food, clothes, medicine, emergency needs, tools, spares, on the journey needs, etc.
Keep informed a reliable person where you are going and when you are planning to come back.
Enjoy the travel with the travel hints and information !!

First Aid
(Take an umbrella and a torch always in your vehicle.)


Information for travellers
Voltage 230-240 volts 50 cycles A.C.
Holidays
In addition to Saturday and Sunday, the full moon day (Poya Day) of each month is a holiday. Other days of religious significance are also declared holidays in Sri Lanka. Most places of entertainment are closed on Poya days and holidays.
Tourist Police
A fully fledged Tourist Police force has been established at The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) premises at No. 80, Galle road, Colombo 03. (Tel.: +94 112 437059 / 60 ) This unit ensures that both local and foreign tourists have a safe, pleasurable and memorable travel experience in Sri Lanka without being subjected to any harassment, fraud, theft or other inconvenience.
Tourist Police Division - Tel.: 0112-421451
- Emergency services: 1912

The following units are supervised by the local Police Stations.

Police Division Police Station Tele: No Police Post
Anuradhaura Anuradhapura 025-2224546 Rest House
Beruwala Moragolla 034 227 6049
Galle Galle 060-2905981 Fort
Kalutara Aluthgama 034-2276049 Moragalla
Kandy Kandy 081-2222222 -
Negombo Negombo 031-2275555 Eththukala
Katunayake 011-2251475 Air Port
Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa 027-2223099 Kaduruwela
Flight Information
Sri Lanka Air Lines 019 733 2677
All Air Lines 019 733 2377
Katunayeka - Bandaranayeka Airport 011 225 2861-5

Online flight booking - Sri Lankan Air - http://wwi.srilankan.aero
Health and Safety
Most of the tourist hotels are equipped to cope with emergency treatment. There are government hospitals throughout the country in almost all the cities. some hospitals are base hospitals, and some are district hospitals which are well equipped. Other than the government hospitals there are many private hospitals in many cities.
Guide Services
Trained Registered Guide Lecturers carry identity cards issued by the Ceylon Tourist board. They could be hired thought the Travel Information Centre. Tel: +94 11 234 7059, or Approved Travel Agents.
For more information you can contact:
The President National Tourist Guide Lecturers Association of Sri Lanka 37/35 Temple Road.Colombo 10. on 011 268 1214.
All guides are proficient in English. Most of the guides speak other languages such as French, German, Japanese, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. Fees are charged for their services.
Entry Fees/Photographic Permits may be charged to visit or photograph Archaeological Sites,
Fee varies from US$ 8 – 15
Tickets are available at the following places:
Central Cultural Fund - 212/1 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7.
Tel : 250 0732, 258 7912 (08.30 hrs to 16.15 hours).
Cultural Triangle sites. Entrance tickets to individual sites are available only at each specific site. These tickets cover charges for photography, recording and parking. Half rates are for children under 12 years.
Rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars and Rupee parities are subject to fluctuation.
Travel Information
Sri Lanka Tourist Board
Head Office: 011 243 7055, 011 243 7059-60
Sri Lanka Tourism Information Center at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake 011 225 2411
Kandy Office: 081 222 2661
Anuradhapura Ofice: 025 222 4546 Read More!

Sri Lanka the Bird Watching Paradise in Indian Ocean

Kuman is situated in east Coast, Bundala, Kalamatiya are is in the southern coast, Sinharaja Rain Forest, Udawatta Kale, Bellanwila, Muthurajawela, Minneriya, Kitulgala and Minipe are other important Bird watching locations. In additions you can see birds through out the country in pockets of forests, lakes, lagoons and river sides during your travel.


Low Land Dry Zone Birds

include Malabar Pied Hornbill (Psittacula kraman), Drongo (Dicrurus adsmilis), Racquet Trailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradieus), Little Green Bee Eater (Merops Orientails), Peafowl (Pavo Cristata).

The Dryzone Tanks are shallow man made reservoirs forms very important habitat for birds. The large Pot-billed Pelican (Pelicanus Philippensis), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Cattle Egret (Babulcus ibis), Red Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus), Peasent Tailed Jacna (Hydrophasianus Chirurgus)




The Wet and Highland zone

The Wet and Highland zone birds has rich veriety of birds only found in this areas other than common birds. Many of the 26 Endemic birds including two members of parrots family are found in Sinhraja, Kitulgala, Udawatta Kale. The Ceylon Lorikeet (Loriculus Berilinus), The endemic Layard Parakeet (Psitticula calthorpae), The Gackel or Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa), The Ceylon Grackel (Gracula ptilogenys), The endemic Yellow Eared Bullbul (Pycnonotus penicillatus)
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PC Format UK - May 2011

PC Format UK - May 2011
English | 124 pages | HQ PDF | 95.90 Mb

The only magazine to cover both games and hardware in-depth, PC Format is the UK's leading technology entertainment title. We tell it like it is: we don't review unfinished games or hardware, and give cast-iron independent verdicts that put you first.
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Pilot UK (May 2011)

Pilot UK (May 2011)
English | 124 pages | True PDF | 38.10 Mb

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Ecostructure Magazine April/March 2011

Ecostructure Magazine April/March 2011
English | 82 Pages | 43MB | True PDF

Eco-structure is geared toward architects, builders, interior designers and others interested in green building. By focusing on particular green residential and commercial projects, as well as gaining “perspectives” from industry leaders, the publication strives to improve the built the... Eco-structure editorial covers green building from all angles, providing information about diverse green-building techniques and rating systems to help architects and designers choose the proper approach to their specific projects. In addition, Eco-structure focuses on the entire building and how intricately a building's systems work together to achieve sustainability. Eco-structure consistently provides reliable, in-depth coverage of the market, new trends and market statistics, as well new products information.

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IPL Team List 2011

There are Ten Teams which participate in the Indian Premier League popularly known as IPL launched by Board of Cricket Control in India. IPL is managed by BCCI working committee which looks over the issues and prospectus of IPL. The first person to bring up the idea of franchise and IPL was Lalit Modi, a former chairman of Rajasthan Cricket Board (RCB).

Below is a list of IPL Teams

Mumbai Indians
Delhi Daredevils
Chennai Super Kings
Deccan Chargers
Pune Warriors
Kings XI Punjab
Kochi IPL
Rajasthan Royals
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Kolkata Knight Riders

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IPL Schedule 2011

Get Schedule and Fixtures of IPL 2011 in PDF and Excel format. Indian Premier League has announced the fixtures for upcoming IPL season 4 to be played in India from April 8, 2011 to May 28, 2011 over period of 41 days. The fixture format of this season has changed considerably due to addition of two new teams from this season onwards.

PDF Version of IPL Schedule can be accessed by click here.

Excel Format (both 2003 & 2007 version) of this Fixture Can be Downloaded here. Read More!

Panchakarma - Complete Detoxification and Cleansing

Panchakarma means "five actions" or "five treatments". This process is used to clean the body of toxic materials left by disease and poor nutrition. This fivefold therapy is aimed at Shodhana, the eradication of the basic cause of disease. Normally the body has the innate ability to efficiently process and remove these waste materials, including the vitiated doshas. However due to one's repeated dietary indiscretions, poor exercise patterns, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition the digestive enzymes, metabolic co-factors, hormones, and agnis which regulate the body's internal homeostasis become disorganized. This can lead to the accumulation and spread of toxins throughout the physiology resulting in disease.
Panchakarma will remove the excess doshas and correct imbalances in them as well as eliminate the harmful 'ama' [foul-smelling, sticky, harmful waste matter] out of our system through the body's own organs and channels of elimination (colon, sweat glands, lungs, bladder, urinary tract, stomach, intestines, etc).

According to Charaka, the five actions are;
Nasya (nasal therapy)
Vamana (emesis or vomiting)
Virechana (purging)
Two kinds of Vasti (therapeutic enema)- Nirooha Vasti and Sneha Vasti.
According to Sushruta;
Vamana
Virechana
Nasya
Basti
Raktamoskshana.

It is highly individualized based on the needs of the individual depending on the Ayurvedic constitutional type, doshic imbalances, age, digestive strength, immune status, and many other factors. Depending on each individual's needs all or only parts of the five therapies are utilized.
Three stages of treatment -
Purva Karma (pre-treatment)
Pradhana Karma (primary treatment)
Paschat Karma (post-treatment

Pre treatment [Purva karma] -
The general purpose of the Poorvakarma Therapies is to begin to loosen, liquefy, and move the vitiated doshas from their abnormal sites in peripheral tissues to the appropriate central site within the alimentary canal.
During Purva karma, Sneha [taila or gritha] prepared with herbs is given in the early morning for a maximum of seven days in specific diseases. If sneha is given in a pure form without adding herbs its called Achcha sneha, and is considered the most effective.
Oil massage and fomentation are also administered. Fomentation covers both dry and sticky materials (snigdha dravyas). It is said to help in the liquifaction of doshas; it is given after Abhyanga or massaging the body, so after the seventh day of oleation, the patient is made ready for Vamana and other procedures.

Therapeutic Vomiting [Vamana] -
Vamana removes Kapha toxins collected in the body and the respiratory tract. On the morning of the vamana., kapha aggravating foods such as basmati rice and yogurt with salt is given to further aggravate the kapha. And then the emetic drug is given. Vomiting will either occur spontaneously or is induced by rubbing on the tongue. 4-8 vomiting is the target
Benefits of Vamana: Bronchial Asthma, Chronic Allergies, Hay Fever, Vitiligo, Psoriasis, Hyperacidity, Chronic Indigestion Nasal Congestion, Edema, Obesity, Psychological disorders, Skin disorders.

After vomiting the patient will feel very comfortable; most of the congestion, wheezing and breathlessness will disappear along with the clearing of the sinus.


Purgation Therapy [Virechana] -
Virechana is the cleansing of the pitta and the purification of the blood toxins. Virechan cleanses the sweat glands, small intestine, colon, kidneys, stomach, liver and spleen.Generally, it is administered three days after the Vamana treatment.
Benefits of Virechana: Skin diseases, chronic fever, piles, abdominal tumors, worms, gout, jaundice, gastrointestinal problems, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

Enema or Colonic Irrigation [Vasti] -
This treatment is used to promote elimination of the loosened Vata dosha out through the rectum.
Types of Enemas:

Nirhua Basti (Decoction Enema) - mainly herbal decoction and small amounts of oil
Anuvasana Basti (Oil Enema) - mainly warm oils with small amounts of herbal decoction
Brihmana Basti (Nutrititive Enema) - warm milk, meat broth, bone marrow soup, etc.
This procedure is usually applied for 8 to 30 days, based on the medical condition of a person.
Benefits of Vasti: constipation, distention, chronic fever, the common cold, sexual disorders, kidney stones, heart pain, vomiting, backache, neck pain and hyperacidity, vata disorders as sciatica, arthritis, rheumatism, neurodegenerative conditions, and gout.



Nose Cleaning [Nasya] -
This treatment is the administation of herbalized oils and liquids into the nostrils to cleanse accumulated Kapha toxins from the head and neck region.
Benifits od Nasya: Dryness of the nose, sinus congestion, hoarseness, migraine headache, neurodegenerative conditions (i.e. multiple sclerosis), convulsions and certain eye and ear problems



Blood Letting [Raktamokshana] -

It is used to eliminate toxins that are absorbed into the bloodstream through the gastrointestinal tract. This process purifies the blood.
Benifits of Raktamokshana: Urticaria, rash, eczema, acne, scabies, leucoderma, chronic itching and hives. It is also often effective for enlarged liver and spleen, hemochromatosis, and for gout.

After treatment [Paschat Karma]-
Dietary regimens, restricted bodily exertion and the intake of herbs believed to promote health come under the Paschat Karma (post-treatment). Paschatkarma is administering required food for the body after the purification of the body, to intensify the agni (digestion power) which will subside after Panchakarma.

Like all medical procedures, Panchakarma Therapy always must begin with an initial consultation by a qualified health professional who can determine the individual's prakriti (constitutional type), the nature of the health problem (if any), and the appropriate degree of intensity of the prescribed therapies. These procedures must be administered by specially trained therapists in a definite sequence for a specified period of time.
There are certain special circumstances in which panchakarma should be administered only with strict medical supervision: recovering drug addiction, alcoholism, hypertension, diabetes, and eating disorders are the most common.
Panchakarma may also not be appropriate for individuals who are significantly underweight or physically weak or for persons with inadequately treated (or undiagnosed) hypothyroidism or hypoglycemia. The same is true of persons with cancerous diseases, immune deficiency states, or those recovering from recent surgery.

Source :www.jeevthaya.blogspot.com
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Ravana - The Great King, Alchemist & Physician of SriLanka

Ravana was the king of Lanka. His prosperity could be judged by the fact that his Lanka - capital city - was built in gold. Everyone had enough of food and shelter in his period.
Ravana was the eldest of the sons of Brahmin called ‘Vishrava’ and a princess called ‘Kaikesi’. He was named “Dasagriva” or “Dashanana” since it is believed that he had ten heads. But this may be because he had the power and strength of ten men. Some say the ten heads were due to the reflections of a crystal necklace gifted to him by his father at the time of his birth or he had the mental strength of 10 people. Ravana had two brothers, Vibhishana and Kumbhakarna and one sister, Meenakshi (Later named Shoorpanakha).
It is said there were 11 Ravans found in Sinhalese history such as Nala Ravana, Manu ravana, Punu ravana and Dasis Ravana. The most famous Ravana is the king who fought with Indian hindu prince Rama is Dasis Ravana.His queen was Mandodari, children were known as Upendraminika / Indrajith [Son] & Sohili [Daughter] .


King Dasis Ravana was a great Scholar in Ayurvedic medicine. He was the person who invented Arka Shastra. The book Arka Prakshaya reveals this truth to the present world. As his willing to research in Ayurvedic medicine he wrote several books revealing the cures for many diseases.
Some of his books are; Oddisa Tantra, Kumara Tantra etc.
In one book he wrote "Eating beef cause to infect ninety eight new diseases to human beings".The book "Kumara Tantraya" which reveals the treatments for infant diseases was written by him accepting the request of his pregnant queen Mandodari.

He was the first king flew over the world with his aeroplane, known Dandumonaraya or Vimanaya, Kashtawahana. Some evidence of Dandumonaraya the aeroplane is found in Rock inscriptions, Jataka Stories and Ola manuscripts. It is believed he used Mercury as the fuel for that Dandumonaraya- the aeroplane. He was a "Siddha" person- who belonged & had ability to use Mercury [Parada].

King Ravana was continuing a vegan oriented life style and was a real nature lover. According to Lankavatara sutta he was Buddhist and worshipped Kashyapa Buddha. Once he invited Kashyapa Buddha to visit Lanka and deliver his sermon to Sri Lankan citizens who practice yoga and follow Buddhism.

Today the time has changed and many of us do not know the real history of king Ravana and throw our folk tales away without considering any valuable parts of them. King Ravana was one of the best emperors found in Sri Lankan History. Read More!

Vedda's Of Sri Lanka

The unspoiled children of nature
Sri Lanka's aboriginal inhabitants, the Veddhas, are truly a fascinating people. Descended from the country's stone age inhabitants, these primitive folk cling tenaciously to their age-old life-style by living off the hunt and gathering the fruit of the land, despite the ongoing process of industrialization and modernization. The Veddhas are proud of their distinct sylvan heritage and call themselves Vanniyalette, Those of the forest .
The term Veddha by which their Sinhalese neighbours denote them, comes from the Sanskrit Vyadha meaning hunter with bow and arrow. The pure Veddhas, unlike the Sinhalese who speak an Indo-Aryan language and claim Aryan descent, are related to the Austro-Asiatic peoples found scattered today in many parts of southern Asia. These include the aboriginal tribes of Chota Nagpur in eastern India such as the Hos and Birhors, the Sakai of Malaysia, the Kubu of Indonesia and the Australian aborigines.

A dark, chocolate brown complexion, long head, broad nose, heavy browridges, wavy hair and a pronounced prognathism are characteristic of this sort of people.
The hunter-gatherer mode of existence is also common to all of them. The pure Veddhas are today a numerically insignificant community comprising a few hundred souls at most. The last census, which enumerated the Veddhas as a separate community was conducted in 1953. It showed a total of 803 Veddhas.
Until fairly recent times, Veddha settlements were to be found scattered in the Uva, Sabaragamuva, North-Central and Eastern Provinces. Such areas like Nilgala in the Eastern Province and Yakkure in the North-Central Province had a considerable settlement of Veddhas.
However, linguistic assimilation and intermarriage with their Sinhalese neighbours have contributed to the decline of the Veddhas as a distinct people and today, Dambana, a Veddha settlement about six miles from Mahiyangana is the last bastion of Veddha culture. The Veddhas, once a numerically strong people, have been declining steadily during the last 2000 years of their existence, due to assimilation with the Sinhalese.
Indeed, these sons and daughters of the soil have contributed to the formation of the Sinhalese nation in no mean measure. Professor Rudolph Virchow in his contribution on the Veddhas to the Royal Academy of Science of Berlin (1881), concludes following a detailed historical and anthropological study, manifold resemblances exist between the Veddhas and the Sinhalese, and that the origin of the Sinhalese race from a mixture of Veddhas and immigrants from India possesses great probability.
Dr. Senarat Paranavitana (Inscriptions of Ceylon 1970) cites epigraphic evidence to show that the Veddhas and Sinhalese coalesced to form one people, in the course of time. R. L. Spittel (Wild Ceylon 1924) also comments on this large-scale intermarriage between Sinhalese and Veddhas.
According to the ancient chronicle of Sinhalese royalty, the Mahavansa , the Pulindas (Veddhas) are descended from Prince Vijaya (6th-5th century BC) the founding father of the Sinhalese nation, through Kuveni, a woman of the Yakkha clan whom he had espoused. The Mahavansa relates that following the repudiation of Kuveni by Vijaya, in favour of a Kshatriya princess from the Pandya country, their two children, a boy and a girl, departed to the region of Sumanakuta (Adam s Peak in the Ratnapura District) where they multiplied giving rise to the Pulindas. Anthropologists such as the Seligmanns (The Veddhas 1911) believe the Veddhas to be identical with the Yakkhas of yore.
The Ratnapura District, which is part of the Sabaragamuva Province is known to have been inhabited by the Veddhas in the distant past. This has been shown by scholars like Nandadeva Wijesekera (Veddhas in transition 1964). Indeed, the very name Sabaragamuva is believed to have meant the village of the Sabaras or forest barbarians. Such place-names as Veddha-gala (Veddha Rock), Veddha-ela (Veddha Canal) and Vedi-kanda (Veddha Mountain) in the Ratnapura District also bear testimony to this. As Wijesekera observes, a strong Veddha element is discernible in the population of Veddha-gala and its environs. As for the traditional Veddha lifestyle, a number of authorities have delved on this and we can easily describe their life-style as it existed in the past, and as it exists today.
Veddhas are known for their rich meat diet. Venison and the flesh of rabbit, turtle, tortoise, monitor lizard, wild boar and the common brown monkey are consumed with much relish. The Veddhas kill only for food and do not harm young or pregnant animals. Game is commonly shared amongst the family and clan. Fish are caught by employing fish poisons such as the juice of the pus-vel (Entada scandens) and daluk-kiri (Cactus milk). Veddha culinary fare is also deserving of mention. Amongst the best known are gona perume, which is a sort of sausage containing alternate layers of meat and fat, and goya-tel-perume, which is the tail of the monitor lizard (talagoya), stuffed with fat obtained from its sides and roasted in embers. Another Veddha delicacy is dried meat preserve soaked in honey. In the olden days, the Veddhas used to preserve such meat in the hollow of a tree, enclosing it with clay.
Such succulent meat served as a ready food supply in times of scarcity. The early part of the year (January-February) is considered to be the season of yams and mid-year (June-July) that of fruit and honey, while hunting is availed of throughout the year. Nowadays, more and more Veddha folk have taken to Chena (slash and burn) cultivation. Kurakkan (Eleusine coracana) is cultivated very often. Maize, yams, gourds and melons are also cultivated. In the olden days, the dwellings of the Veddhas consisted of caves and rock shelters. Today, they live in unpretentious huts of wattle, daub and thatch. Veddha religion centred round a cult of ancestral spirits known as Ne yaku , whom the Veddhas invoked for game and yams.
Today, however, many Veddhas are Buddhists like their Sinhalese neighbours. The Veddha marriage ceremony is a very simple affair. The ritual consists of the bride tying a bark rope (diya lanuva) of her own twisting, around the waist of the bridegroom. This is the essence of the Veddha marriage and is symbolic of the bride s acceptance of the man as her mate and life partner. Although marriage between cross-cousins was the norm until recently, this has changed significantly, with Veddha women even contracting marriages with their Sinhalese and Moor neighbours.
In Veddha society, woman is in many respects man s equal. She is entitled to similar inheritance. Descent is also reckoned through the female line. Monogamy is the general rule, though a widow would be frequently married by her husband s brother as a means of support and consolation. Divorce hardly ever takes place. The women are said to make faithful wives and affectionate mothers.
Death too is a simple affair sans any ostentatious funeral ceremonies and the corpse of the deceased is promptly buried without much ado. Although the medical knowledge of the Veddha is limited, it nevertheless appears to be sufficient. For example, python oil (pimburu tel) a local remedy used for healing wounds, has proven to be very successful in the treatment of fractures, deep cuts and so on.
Until fairly recent times, the raiment of the Veddhas was remarkably scanty. In the case of men, it consisted only of a loincloth suspended with a string at the waist, while in the case of women, it comprised of a piece of cloth that extended from the navel to the knees. Today, however, Veddha attire is more modest, men wear a short sarong extending from the waist to the knees, while the womenfolk clad themselves in a garment similar to the Sinhalese diya-redda which extends from the breastline to the knees.
The original Veddha language has to all intents and purposes ceased to exist and survives in a few words and phrases they use in their everyday conversation. The Veddha language today is a curious hotchpotch of modern Sinhala, old Sinhala and a non-Aryan speech which would have constituted their original tongue.
This unidentified language may perhaps have contributed to the formation of the Sinhala language, which, although Aryan, contains a large vocabulary of non-Aryan and non-Dravidian words that have perplexed linguists. Robert Knox, an English exile in the Kandyan kingdom for nearly 20 years (1660-1679) says in his Historical Relation of Ceylon (1681): In these woods there are wild beasts, so wild men also... they call them Veddhas, dwelling no other inhabitants. They speak the Chingulayes (Sinhalese) language, so that even during Knox s time, the Veddhas could converse in Sinhala.
Even the old Veddha names such as poromala (male) and tuti (female) have gone out of vogue; Kandyan Sinhalese names like Tikiri Banda (male) and Dingiri Menika (female) have become popular. R. L. Spittel has written a wonderfully informative book (Vanished Trails. The last of the Veddhas 1950) based on his adventures and experiences with three generations of Veddha folk. The book deals with the progressive loss of the traditional Veddha life-style and culture.
The Veddha s honesty, sincerity, compassion, marital fidelity and sense of duty to the family and clan are lofty ideals and have been commented on by various observers and scholars. They are indeed the unspoilt children of nature. One might ask if they do not epitomize the concept of the Noble Savage that was the subject of much 19th century European romanticism.
Source:mysrilanka.com Read More!

The National Flag of Sri Lanka

The National Flag of Sri Lanka has been designed with great care and purpose. It not only represents the country and her heritage, but is a rallying device that integrates the minority races with the majority race.

The present day National Flag is an improvisation of the civil standard of the last king of Sri Lanka, Sri Wickrama Rajasingha. The civil standard had a passant royal lion with a sword in it's right fore paw at the center, and a bo-leaf on each of the four corners on a plain border.

The lion flag lost it's significance after the British conquered Sri Lanka in 1815. It was the Union Jack which was hoisted in its place.

When Sri Lanka gained her independence from Great Britain on February 04, 1948, it was the lion flag (the same as the standard of the last king of Sri Lanka) which was hoisted once again.

The first Prime Minister of independent Sri Lanka, D.S.Senanayake, appointed a committee to advice the government on the design of a new national flag. The design approved by the committee in February 1950 retained the symbol of the lion with the sword and the bo-leaves from the civil standard of the last king of Sri Lanka, with the inclusion of two verticle stripes green and orange in color. the significance of each symbol of the national flag is as follows:

The lion in the flag represents the Sinhala race.
The sword of the lion represents the sovereignty of the country.
The noble eight fold path of Buddhism is signified by the lion's tail.
Curly hair on the lion's head indicates religious observance, wisdom and meditation.
The beard denotes purity of words.
The handle of the sword highlights the elements of water, fire, air and earth.
The nose indicates intelligence.
The two front paws purport to purity in handling wealth.
The verticle stripe of orange represent the minority Tamil race and the green verticle stripe the minority Muslim race.
The four virtues of kindness: KINDNESS, FRIENDLINESS, HAPPINESS, EQUANIMITY are also represented in the flag.
The border round the flag, which is yellow in color, represents other minor races.
The bo-leaves at the four corners of the flag represent Buddhism and it's influence on the nation. They also stand for the four virtues - Kindness, Friendliness, Happiness and Equanimity.
The maroon colored portion of the flag manifests the other minor religions.
The national flag was hoisted for the first time on March 3, 1950.

From Flags by Carol P. Shaw, Running Press Gem, 1994:
"The design of this flag has evolved gradually in an attempt to achieve national unity since the country, then known as Ceylon, gained its independence from Britain in 1948. Originally, the flag's central emblem was a gold lion and sword on a red field, derived from the flag of the Sinhalese kingdom of Kandy. As a consequence, it was not popular with the minority groups in the country, and so was amended in 1951 to include a green and orange band, to represent the Muslim and Tamil communities respectively. Finally, when the country adopted the local name of Sri Lanka in 1972, the flag was modified once more, with four leaves of the pipul tree, a Buddhist symbol, added to the four corners of the dark red panel. This version of the flag was in official use from 1978."

In 1972 the leaves replaced "finials" that were previously located in the corners. In 1978 the leaves were made more "natural".

Nick Artimovich, 2 October 1996

"The necessity of a National Flag was discussed even before Sri Lanka gained independence on February 4th, 1948. Mr. A. Sinnalebbe, MP for Batticaloa tabled a motion in the State Council on January 16th, 1948 suggesting that the Lion Flag of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe which was taken to Britain in 1815 should be ade the National Flag. This was debated and later Prime Minister Rt. Hon. D.S. Senanayake named an Advisory Committee for the formulation of a National Flag. The Members of the Committee were Mr. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike (Chairmen), Sir John Kotalawela, Mr. J.R. Jayewardene, Mr. T.B. Jayah, Dr. L.A. Rajapakse, Mr. G.G. Ponnambalam and Senator S. Nadesan, and Dr. Senarath Paranavithana (Secretary)."

Although a Committee for the formulation of a national flag was appointed no finality had been reached when the first Independence Day was celebrated on February 4th, 1948. However the Lion Flag fluttered on that day. The Lion Flag and the British Union Jack fluttered on the occasion of the opening of the first Parliament of independent Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) on February 11th, 1948. Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake unfurled the Lion Flag at the Octagon (Pattirippuwa) during the Independence celebrations held in Kandy on February 12th, 1948.

"I have seen two different versions of the flag adopted in February 1948. One is a yellow lion holding a sword in the right hand facing the hoist on a dark red background with four yellow silhouettes of a Buddhist pagoda in four corners with a yellow border and a black thin border inside. The other was exactly the same without the black thin border."
Nozomi Kariyasu, 16 May 2000

"The National Flag recommended by the special committee was presented to Parliament by Mr. D.S. Senanayake on March 2nd, 1951 and adopted. It had two strips, one green and the other yellow. Each of these strips had to be equal to one seventh the size of the flag."

"When Sri Lanka was first made a Republic in 1972 the stylized Bo Leaves depicted in the National Flag were changed to resemble natural Bo leaves. The amended
flag was first unfurled at the Republic Day celebrations held on May 22nd, 1972. The National Flag is incorporated in Section 6 Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka of September 09th, 1978."

"Except for the new Bo leaves the present flag is the same flag recommended by the National Flag Formulation Committee on March 2nd, 1951."

The Kandy kingdom flag officially hoisted on 4th February 1948 had sinhalese pines in the four corners. On 22nd May 1972 the sinhalese pines were changed to
leaves of bo or pipul. On 7th September the was a very small change in the leaves that is very difficult to perceive and a change in the background colour shade.
Jaume Ollé, 27 May 2000

From Smith (1975): " The bo leaves of the sacred pipul tree in the corners are a symbol of the religion of the majority: Gautama is supposed to have received enlightenment, becoming the Buddha after meditation under a pipul tree."

Source : Sri Lanka Library Read More!

Water Falls in Sri Lanka

Ravana Ella( Ravana Falls) It is on the Ella Wellawaya road and visible from the main road. Although the main drop is 30 ft in height, its a wide fall and the water rushes over several steps adding to its beauty. Ravana falls is closely linked in legend with the great epic of the east.Ramayanaya.It name is from Ravana, The powerful demon king who once ruled SriLanka.The cave hidden behind the fall is still believed by many to be one of the places where he hid the beautiful princess, Sita, after her abduction from India.

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