I have visited countries and I even stayed in Oman for about a year. I know I have only visited a couple of countries, even though others have visited more. But from all countries in the world, there is only one country I like the most. That country is my motherland, Sri Lanka.
I know most people say that because they want to impress people, but my favourite country really is Sri Lanka. I love to visit different places in Sri Lanka and if you read this essay, you will know why.
I love to visit Sri Lanka because of its lush greenery. Sri Lanka has many national parks including Yala, Wilpattu, Udawalawe and the Lunugamwehera national parks. It has forest reserves such as the Sinharaja forest reserve. Sri Lanka has 12 Ramsar wetland sites as well.
It is not only the lush greenery I like about Sri Lanka, it is also the wildlife.
Some animals in Sri Lanka are from other countries such as the flamingos, migratory birds who decided to stay in Sri Lanka.
The other reason why I love to visit different places in Sri Lanka is because of its rich history and culture.
Did you know that Sri Lanka was once called the ‘Granary of the East’? It’s true.
King Parakramabahu built the Parakrama Samudraya and renovated Minneriya, Girithale, Kala Weva and Kaudulla tanks and canals.
These helped to develop agriculture to such an extent, and hence it is called the.’ Granary of the East’.
Before television, telephones, radios, cars ever came to Sri Lanka, Sri Lankans used to have such simple yet satisfying lives. Sometimes, I just wish I had a time machine to go back in time to see what it was like then. To see what like to work hard in the fields in the mornings and sit in a tree house singing pal kavi in the night. Or sit in a cart driven by bulls singing karaththa kavi. What do you think? You know, I don’t actually have a time machine, so sometimes I just have to use my imagination! If you are a tourist with a lot of money, coming to Sri Lanka for the first time here is a bucket list of what I recommend that you do:
Bucket List
* Head to the National Museum in Colombo.
* Enjoy Sri Lankan food.
*Head over to the Pinnawala Elephant orphanage.
* Visit the Atamasthana (eight places of worship in Anuradhapura) and take a dip in the cool waters of the many wewas.
And keep your personal belongings from the monkeys!!
*Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in kandy. If you are lucky enough to be here in August, you can watch the annual Kandy Perahera (pageant) as well.
* Visit Yala and see a leopard that will make your day or eat your day! No…just kidding!
* Go to the Galle Fort – get some lunch, take a picture with the Galle Fort and grab some souvenirs.
* Visit the tea estates in Nuwara Eliya and enjoy a Sri Lankan hot cup of tea and a piece of homemade chocolate cake at a tea centre.
* Visit the Eastern province, Trincomalee, Marble beach where you can watch the beautiful sunset.
* Visit Adams Peak in the night.
*Buy more souvenirs,, go back to your homeland and show your family and friends that you did something better than go to the moon – you went to Sri Lanka! And bring more tourists with you, please!
Now, after you read this essay, you will love visiting different places in Sri Lanka as well.
Praveen Gopallawa
Grade 6
S.Thomas’ College
Mount Lavinia
