Tea is cultivated in Sri Lanka ( formerly Ceylon) using the ‘contour planting’ method, where tea bushes are planted in lines based on the contours of the land, usually on slopes.
For commercial manufacture the ‘flush’ or leaf growth on the side branches and stems of the bush are used. Generally two leaves and a bud, which have the flavour and aroma, are skilfully plucked, usually by women.
Sri Lanka is one of the few countries where each tea leaf is picked by hand rather than by machines.
For commercial manufacture the ‘flush’ or leaf growth on the side branches and stems of the bush are used. Generally two leaves and a bud, which have the flavour and aroma, are skilfully plucked, usually by women.
Sri Lanka is one of the few countries where each tea leaf is picked by hand rather than by machines.
Old Colombo Lighthouse and Clock Tower.
The structure was first established as a clock tower in 1857, and the lantern was apparently added in 1860.
The original clock (made by the same manufacturer as “Big Ben” in London ) had a clock face on each of the tower's four sides.
The clock mechanism was replaced in 1913.
The light from a kerosene lantern 40 metres (132 feet) above sea level could be seen from as far as almost 30 kilometres (18 miles) out to sea.
The light was eventually blocked by tall buildings . It was deactivated in 1952 and replaced by a new lighthouse at another location.
An interesting note about the above postcard is the barometer on the tower, showing the progress of a National Savings Campaign. It appears that an amount of 20 million pounds had been reached when the photo was taken.
The structure was first established as a clock tower in 1857, and the lantern was apparently added in 1860.
The original clock (made by the same manufacturer as “Big Ben” in London ) had a clock face on each of the tower's four sides.
The clock mechanism was replaced in 1913.
The light from a kerosene lantern 40 metres (132 feet) above sea level could be seen from as far as almost 30 kilometres (18 miles) out to sea.
The light was eventually blocked by tall buildings . It was deactivated in 1952 and replaced by a new lighthouse at another location.
An interesting note about the above postcard is the barometer on the tower, showing the progress of a National Savings Campaign. It appears that an amount of 20 million pounds had been reached when the photo was taken.
The Jami-ul- Alfar Mosque in the Pettah district of Colombo.
It was built in 1909 and is a conspicuous landmark, contructed of decorative brick-work patterned in red and white.
It was built in 1909 and is a conspicuous landmark, contructed of decorative brick-work patterned in red and white.
A rare sight today in even the smallest towns , the bullock driven cart was still being widely used in parts of the capital of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in 1952. The hood coverings were often made from woven dried coconut palm leaves.
Rubber plantations were first set up by the British in Ceylon ( now Sri Lanka) in the late 1800s.
Production increased in the early 1900s to compensate for low tea prices.
Currently about 122,000 hectares (301,000 acres) of rubber is under cultivation in Sri Lanka.
It's the second most important plantation crop for the country.
Production increased in the early 1900s to compensate for low tea prices.
Currently about 122,000 hectares (301,000 acres) of rubber is under cultivation in Sri Lanka.
It's the second most important plantation crop for the country.
Elephants have aesthetic, cultural and economic roles in Sri Lanka ( formerly Ceylon).
The Sri Lankan species is the largest of the Asian elephant genus.
They are used for carrying timber and they have special significance and roles in religious events.
Wild elephants can still be observed in several protected areas of the country.
But the wild population has fallen by almost 65% since the start of the 1900s.
The latest count suggests a population size of between 3,160 and 4,405 individuals. Between 2,000 and 2,870 of these are in protected areas.
Captive elephant numbers have declined to between 400 and 600 individuals.
The Sri Lankan species is the largest of the Asian elephant genus.
They are used for carrying timber and they have special significance and roles in religious events.
Wild elephants can still be observed in several protected areas of the country.
But the wild population has fallen by almost 65% since the start of the 1900s.
The latest count suggests a population size of between 3,160 and 4,405 individuals. Between 2,000 and 2,870 of these are in protected areas.
Captive elephant numbers have declined to between 400 and 600 individuals.