Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo is the densely populated economic capital of Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), an ancient land that combines Buddhist, Hindu and Moslem cultures. Traffic is horrific as bikes, cars, trucks, buses and three-wheel taxis vie to create and erase lanes along the narrow roads. Buildings, as has been true in most of the places we have visited, are constructed of cement and iron siding with stores and homes intertwined.

Our first stop was the peaceful Kelaniya Buddhist Temple with its main temple, stupa, and holy ficus tree. The temple walls are painted with the journeys of Buddha. Reclining and posed Buddha statues are set throughout the temple and the adjacent grounds.

After removing our shoes, we walked the clean gravel and stone grounds where monks, people in everyday dress and families (only one or two children) worship. Fire, incense, fruit and flower offerings are presented at various altars. Many dogs lay out on the grounds ignoring all who went by.

Colombo is divided into numerical districts, parts of which are World Heritage Sites. We stopped at the Independence Square and passed by historic government buildings. The National History Museum was previously the home of a colonial governor. We needed more time to study and view the ancient and medieval collection. One small room was dedicated to explaining evolution.

After a lavish buffet lunch served with a nice local Lion’s Ale at the four-star Cinnamon Grande, we drove passed Beira Lake where Buddhist monks are ordained. Our next religious stop was a Hindu Temple. While bare-chested men performed rituals with incense and fire, women sat on the floor preparing floral and fruit offerings. As we walked around, a loud drumming and clanging filled the air. In a corner, a mechanical instrument created this somewhat cacophonous sound. Then two monks parted a curtain revealing gilded metal statues. We were unable to get an explanation for the ceremony, instead we were hustled by a uniformed man demanding payment for photos and tips for letting us in.

Our last religious site was the old Dutch Reformed Church where pews perch on graves.

While not a religious visit, we also stopped at a corner liquor stand so some from our tour could purchase local alcohols. Our report on the Strong Lion Beer will come later.