Colombo, Sri Lanka (May 5-6)

Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon or the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is an independent island nation southeast of India. Colombo, on the west coast, is its capital, largest city, and major port. The rich Buddhist culture of the country attracts tourists from all over the world. 

We arrived in Colombo on a Buddhist holiday, so the city was decorated with lanterns and banners. We visited the astounding Gangaramaya Temple (a Buddhist temple and center of learning) built around a sacred Buddha tree, Old Parliament, Independence Square, Colombo Municipal Council, the Colombo Fort area, the very modern Nelum Pokuna performing arts center, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, and a variety of Buddha statues scattered around the city parks. Perhaps because it was a holiday, the city seemed almost gentle and serene.

The temple

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