An old Austin passenger car, BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

A few vintage cars were advertised for hire for the ceremonial ride of newly married couples at The Bandaranayake Memorial International Conferance Hall (BMICH), Colombo. I took these pictures there.

Carbide bicycle lamp.

In the old days lamps on vehicles were of various sorts. One of these varieties was a 'carbide lamp'. Calcium carbide nuggets or powder was put in the bottom container. Water was added to the top container. An outlet from the water tank had a nut to stop and also to control the water-flow as droplets onto the carbide particles in the bottom tank. This released acetylene gas which was led by a copper tube to a nozzle in the lamp chamber. A flame was applied to the nozzle when the acetylene started burning. On closing the glass front of the lamp there was a steady bright beam of light ahead.
I came across this lamp in Kandy, Sri Lanka in the 1980s and bought it for Rs.100/- It was manufactured by 'Lucas of Birmingham, UK' in the heydays of British Empire and had been bought in Ceylon of those days.

Xerophytes for sale, Waters Edge, Colombo.

Xerophytes - Plants thriving in water-scarce dessert conditions are easy to look after in flats. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes and add colour to a living room. They need minimal attention.

Traditions of a 'House-warming' ceremony, Sri Lanka.

Lighting-up the brass lamp.

Placing the pot of milk on a make-shift hearth.

Lighting-up the hearth.

The pot of milk boiling over.

Entry to a new residence is associated with so many traditions in Sri Lanka. An auspicious day and time are chosen by an astrologer. The brass-lamp is lighted at the specified time. The pot of milk is placed on a make-shift hearth and the hearth lighted up. The milk boiling over equally all round the rim of the clay pot is considered a good sign. The table covered with sweet-meats already prepared is uncovered and the guests enjoy the meal.

Boating on the Diyawanna Oya, 'Water's Edge', Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Canoeing

Sailing

The 'Water's Edge' near the Parliament is a hive of activity now. This beats the old 'Galle Face Green' for leisure activities.
Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_smQdqG1ESo