Wednesday, November 21, 2012

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.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

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.

Monday, November 19, 2012

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.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

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.

Friday, November 16, 2012

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