FEAST OR FAMINE

At the highly-publicized Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka from 15-17 November, a declaration on poverty alleviation was announced. A spokesperson said, “We recognize the importance of meaningful social protection for all, in achieving inclusive development, and also as an important tool in addressing poverty, inequality, vulnerability and social exclusion” (Asian Tribune, 19 November, 2013). The theme of the 2013 CHOGM, held every two years, was “Growth with Equity: Inclusive Development.” The Heads of Government emphasized the mutual and interlinked values, through the December 2012 Commonwealth Charter, of democracy; human rights; separation of powers; rule of law; international peace and security; good governance; the role of civil society; sustainable development; environmental protection; tolerance, respect and understanding; freedom of expression; access to social services; gender equality; the needs of small and vulnerable states; a...

T he Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is considered to be a sacred place of worship, and the location of Buddha’s left upper canine tooth. His tooth is said to have been taken from his funeral pyre and smuggled to Sri Lanka in 313AD. Pilgrims, dressed in white, visit bearing gifts of lotus blossoms to visit the shrine. The relic of the tooth is stored in the New Shrine, a two-floored building within the temple grounds. It lies on a solid gold lotus flower encased in caskets flanked by large elephant tusks. The relic is commemorated once a year during the Esala Perahera, a 10-day parade of dignatories and decorated elephants ( www.sacred-destinations.com ). The 17 th century temple is situated around the immense Kandy Lake. The large complex accommodates temple buildings, a museum, a moat, a glass house for the lighting of candles, and magnificent gardens. The interiors are of intricately carved wooden ceilings, gold ornate decorations,...

On the route from Batticaloa to Colombo is the Maha Oya Hot Water Spring. This is one of three areas with hot water springs in Sri Lanka: at Kanniya on the eastern coast, in Mahapelessa in the south of the Hambantota district, and the Maha Oya springs on the Badulla to Batticaloa road. Sri Lanka is situated on the Indo-Australian plate. It has no active volcanoes, but there are three major plates: Wanni complex, Highland complex, and Vijayan complex. The Mahapelessa hot springs are situated in a line from Hambantota to Trincomale between the Highland and the Vijayan complexes. All hot springs are suitable for bathing, generally with a bucket from the well. Local councils charge a small fee to enter the hot spring complex. The Maho Oya spring has a number of wells with water ranging in temperature from lukewarm to about 56 degrees Celsius. The thermal waters are said to contain properties that soothe rheumatic pains and skin ailments. ...

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).