Running through the town of Negombo is a canal, built by the Dutch, which presently serves as an important means of transportation as well as tourist attraction. Many private tour operators and hotels offer boat rides in this canal to show you around the city from a different perspective. The routeThe Dutch Canal covers a route of 120 kilometers passing from Colombo in the south to Negombo in the west and moves towards Puttalam in the north. On a boat ride here, you will be surrounded by mangroves on both the sides. There’s a good chance that you will spot many birds such as Herons, Cormorants, Kingfishers, and a variety of prey and perching birds. So don’t forget to take your cameras along for capturing the beautiful views of the journey. It is advised that you wear comfortable clothes, preferably in earthy colors. In the pastWhen the Dutch invaded this country in the mid-seventeenth century, they recognized the value of several lagoons crossing the lands and harnessed these water resources by building canals. During those days, the canals were used for carrying cargoes of precious gems, pearls and spices till the main sea port of Negombo for export.
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R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo has been titled as the ‘Home of Sri Lankan Cricket’ and it truly is. With a seating capacity of 35,000 spectators, exceeding that of Lord’s, it is the largest cricket stadium in Sri Lanka. This place has been host to several notable Tests, ODIs as well as T20s. Surely a place to be visited in Colombo, even if you are not a cricket buff. HistoryThe stadium has been named after late Sri Lankan president Ranasinghe Premadasa, under whose orders it was constructed. Opened in February 1986, the first match played here was between Sri Lank ‘B’ team and England ‘B’ team. Two months later the inaugural ODI was played between Sri Lank and New Zealand; whereas the first Test Match, played between Sri Lanka and Australia was hosted in 1992. Matches to RememberThis stadium is best remembered for the highest Test total ever made. Sri Lanka scored a whopping 952/6 declared against India in 1997. Former captain Sanath Jayasuriya scored 340 and Roshan Mahanama 225. Stadium PlanThe pavilions have two-tier seating systems, with several corporate boxes built in. The grandstand built opposite the score board and top level blocks have high quality seating arrangements. In preparations for the 2011 World Cup, the stadium underwent significant renovations.
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Adding to the serenity of Galle is the Japanese Peace Pagoda, situated on the headland to Unawatuna. This massive white structure sits on the Rumasalla Hill, overlooking the Indian Ocean. It was built by Japanese Monks in 2004 and is one of the four Buddhist Stupas in Sri Lanka. The stupa is large enough to be spotted from the beaches of Unawatuna and Galle. Reaching UpThe best way to reach the pagoda is to walk all the way up, it is not a daunting but beautiful path. If not possible, one can also drive up the hill. The other way through steps would also have to be covered on foot. View from aboveThe place is surely a soul-stirring one for those seeking inner peace but there is also something more here. The view from this stupa, overlooking the forest and the ocean is something you will never forget. Particularly if you are here at dusk, be prepared for a sight that is spellbinding. TipsDress appropriately with your legs and shoulders covered. Either wear something full or bring a scarf or sarong to wrap around. It would be a pleasant experience to visit during the evening time and participate in the daily rituals.
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