N.D.Lakshan

  Butterflies In Sri Lanka Sri Lanka boasts of an impressive 245 species of butterflies with 23 species being endemic and 76 being listed as threatened nationally, while Ceylon Rose is designated as critically endangered. The majority of butterfly species are found in the foothills and a much smaller number of species are found above 4,000 feet, while 20 species of butterfly are restricted to the low lying dry zone. There are two seasons annually within which the butterfly population peaks in numbers; during the Southwestern (March to April) monsoon and the and the Northeastern monsoon (September to October). This gives rise to the local legend of butterflies making annual pilgrimage to the Adam’s peak to pay their respects to the footprint of lord Buddha. A majority of endemic species are restricted to the wet zone forests. The Ceylon Birdwing is one of the largest endemics of the country and is found in large numbers in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. The latest revision of lepidop...

  Sri Lankan Leopard Among twenty four subspecies belonging to the Wally Felidae, only Panther models kotiya is present in Sri Lanka. The adoptability of the leopard in inhabiting a variety of different habitats (from rainforest to desert) and its opportunistic hunting behavior, greatly contribute to its successful survival in diverse landscapes. Its ability to run at speeds of 50 km/h, its unique climbing habits even when carrying a heavy carcass, as well as its stealth are positive features for survival. Leopards arc powerful swimmers too. Leopards are agile and stealthy predators and they are able to take large prey using their massive skulls and powerful jaws. They are versatile, opportunistic hunters, and have very broad food preferences. Their diet consists mostly of ungulate and small primates. At least 92 prey species have been recorded as their diet. Leopards am elusive, solitary and largely nocturnal. They are territorial and the extent of their territory depends on t...

  Sri Lanka Cashew Industry Cashew, the evergreen tropical tree has become a cash crop today. But it has never produced easy money for anyone. It’s believed that cashew orchards first originated in Brazil. From the 16th century, Portuguese sailors moved South American plants around the world, introducing their native fruits and nuts to people in Malacca and East Africa. Cashew cultivation entails a lot of risks. The shelling process is laborious and time-consuming. Cashew season in Sri Lanka begins in March and continues through April. The vendors in Bataleeya get their nuts from Wariyapola, Wanathawillu, Wewagama, Giriulla, Kuliyapitiya, Puttalam, Ampara, Mahiyangana, Galgamuwa, Galewela and villages in the Eastern Province. The nuts are consumed as edible snacks and being sold as expensive value-added products ranging from raw, roasted, spiced and fried kernels. The global cashew economy is booming and Sri Lanka has to compete with some of the largest cashew exporters in the wo...

  Sri Lanka Cinnamon Industry Sri Lanka the “Spice Island” is renowned for the spices export for time immemorial. Cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, clove and nutmeg are the major spices which have an export significance to Sri Lanka. Cinnamon ( Cynnamomum Zeylanicum Blume) is one of the oldest and most significant spice grown in Sri Lanka. Cinnamon was a popular spice in ancient Arab world and was used as cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredient as well. Firstly the Arabs and then Europeans became the traders in cinnamon and this brought Sri Lanka in contact with the other parts of the world. According to history, Cinnamon played a major role in world history, by motivating the Christopher Columbus to discover the new world and Vasco De Gama to South India and Sri Lanka. The traditionally known cinnamon was the peeled cinnamon bark rolled in to the quill form, which facilitate storage and transportation. Cinnamon oil distillation would have probably commenced during the Dutch regime. T...

  Sri Lanka Tropical Agriculture Industry Sri Lanka being a tropical island with sun shining throughout the year, agriculture is the most important sector of the Sri Lankan economy. Even though its contribution to the gross domestic product declined substantially during the past few decades, it is the most important source of employment for the majority of the Sri Lankan workforce. Rice is the main crop and farming rice is the most important economic activity for the majority of the people living in rural areas. It is mostly cultivated in the North Central area of Sri Lanka. During the last 5 decades the rice sector grew rapidly and output more than tripled, reaching the highest ever output of 2.9 million metric tons in 1999. Increases in the area under cultivation, and improved productivity due to the modernization of agriculture are the main reasons for an increase in production. The rehabilitation of Sri Lanka’s extensive ancient irrigation network and massive new investment i...

  Sri Lanka Palmyra Tree Based Industry Sri Lanka’s inherited craftsmanship, cultural diversity and rich natural resources provides the base for a wide range of giftware products that satisfy the quality conscious and discerning buyers. Giftware from Sri Lanka is now a combination of traditional skills and modern technology. Final artistic touches are given by the deft fingers of the expertly skilled hands to ensure the uniqueness and the exclusivity of the product. Cultural diversity has enriched the talents of local craftsmen, with traditional skills running in the families passed down through generations. Historical records reveal how art and crafts flourished under the royal patronage and the craftsmen were held in high esteem. The talented artisans turn out innovative products to their own designs and are ready to make products according to the designs given by buyers at internationally competitive prices. Modern trends are taken into account in producing items of beauty w...