Scenes from Mannar, Sri Lanka.

Under an 'Umbrella tree'.

On the bund of a water reservoir.

Madhu Church'.

A 'Hoopoe Bird'

Foundation laying for a house, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

A small platform built out of young coconut leaves where offerings to the Gods are made.

A bunch of coconut flowers laid on the site.

Cutting the earth to lay the foundation of a proposed house entails a ceremony. The Gods of the Buddhist Pantheon are appeased, a Pirith chanting is done while the first sod of earth is cut at an auspicious hour. It is a joyful occasion and short eats and drinks are served to the guests.

Ceramic holder for dip-pen and ink pots, and the various types of nibs.

Do you remember these old items we used as a routine as late as the 1960s.

Mobile workshop, Seethawaka Urban Council, Avissawella, Sri Lanka, 9th February2014.

The village road.

Hoisting the National Flag.

Lighting of the oil lamp by the Mayor Mr.Pinto.

The clerical staff at work.

The 'Mobile Workshop' takes the Urban Council to the villages. All problems related to the dealings with the Urban Council are sorted out here. The Mayor and his staff go to meet the villages. The houses numbering 400 were visited individually by selected members and volunteers. A lot of outstanding problems were sorted out.

Kurunegala at sunset, Sri Lanka.