Wednesday, June 13, 2012

'Yellow-billed Babbler', Avissawella, Sri Lanka.


One of the noisiest birds in the garden. They gather in groups and and have the common name 'Seven sisters'. The Sinhalese name is 'Demelichcha' and the Tamil name 'Pulinil'. They act as guardians to the squirrels and give a cry of alarm when cats or snakes are around. Watch the video with the sound turned up to hear the racket that they make.
Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uwy9wO0_QE

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Langurs raiding a 'Rambuttan' tree for its fruits, Meepe, Sri Lanka.


'Rambuttan' trees produce fruits which fetch Rs.2 to Rs.5 wholesale and Rs.10/- each for consumers. Thieves rob the produce. Bats, squirrels and various birds eat part of the produce. Langurs raid the plantation to enjoy the fruits. The owners do various ruses to prevent these acts. In earlier days empty tin cans were tied to the top of the trees and were made to rattle by pulling a string from a hut close by to scare away bats at night. Transistor radios were put on full volume and tied to the top of the trees at night. Recently I heard that domestic dogs are put in a cage and tied to the branches of the trees to bark and chase away thieves and pests. I saw a keeper using stones on a catapult to chase away the monkeys.
Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwGgtzyTXmY

Monday, June 11, 2012

Western coastline by railway, Sri Lanka.


A wonderful journey in Sri Lanka  - to travel the western coastline by rail.
Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6tib-q5YWI

Sunday, June 10, 2012

'Ranga Dhahaena', Wathupitiwala, Sri Lanka.


The following videos are from a cultural programme performed by the staff of the Wathupitiwala Base Hospital, Sri Lanka.

'Api maraenney nae'

'Dumbara menike'

Saturday, June 9, 2012

'Nongu' at Kithulgala, Sri Lanka.

King Coconut and unripe palmyra fruits to eat 'nongu'.
Note the Kithul honey in bottles and leaf wrapped Kithul jaggery on sale on the table. Note also the 'camp-bed and chair of the vendor.
The road at Kithulgala


Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8SDsxDCfZY