Ferry ride across the Kelany Ganga at Amithirigala, Sri Lanka.

A ferry-boat plying across the Kelany  Ganga at Amithirigala in the Gampaha District Sri Lanka. It crosses to Aswaththe on the other side on all days except on days when the water level rises due to heavy rains.
Video:-
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXe7SWDywYs

Amithirigala, Sri Lanka.

A typical village road, Amithirigala on the banks of the Kelany Ganga, Sri Lanka.

Perahera, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

The spinning fire-balls.

Blowing the 'horanaawa'

Female devotees in the procession

'Kalagedy' dancers

A 'Perahera' winding its way to an industrial establishment in the Free Trade Zone Complex at Avissawella.
Video:-
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY6VN98zT7Y

 

Initiation ceremony, Hewisi band, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

Before the 'Devatha Kotuwa'

Tying a 'Panduru'

Paying his respects to his mother

Paying his respects to the 'Gurunnanse'

Paying 'pooja' to the Gods and paying obescience to the parents and the teacher - Gurunnanse - are all part of the ceremony.

The dressing up of a Hewisi band, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

Anxious parents

Awaiting the head-dress

Tying the turban

A proud mother

Dressing up a Hewisi Band is a laborious process. The 'Gurunnanses' who taught the pupils the art of drumming take pride in dressing them up at the initiation ceremony. I took these photos at the ceremony.