Sinharaja Rainforest

The Sinharaja forest is the only undisturbed rainforest left in Srilanka.It is about 9000 hectares in extent.Many of the plants are very rare.Over 60% of the tree species are found only in the lowland wet zone of Srilanka.If these species of trees are allowed to get destroyed,the world would lose them altogether.So it is important that much effort is made to conserve this rich,valuable and fragile habitat.

The Sinharaja rainforest is the largest rainforest reserve in Srilanka.In 1840 Sinharaja became a crown property.In 1988 the Sinharaja was made a National Wilderness area.In 1989 UNESCO included the Sinharaja Forest in the World Heritage list,as the first National Haritage of Srilanka.

The Sinharaja forest is home to many rare animals,birds,butterflies,insects,reptiles and trees.Ferns and mosses grow well as the climate is humid because of heavy rainfall.

Gems

Srilanka has been famous for gemstones from the earliest times.It is an important export trade today.Many areas in the Sabaragamuwa province are well known for gems.Ratnapura isthe most important region for gems.Eatnapura means the "CITY OF GEMS" .It has gem museums displaying the wide range of gems,available in the country.

The blue Sapphire is the king of Srilanka gems.The 400 carat blue sapphire called the "Blue Bell" which adorns the British crown is from Srilanka.Rubies,cat' s eyes, alexandrites,aquamarines,tourmalines,spinals,topazes,garnets and amethysts are some of the precious stones found in Srilanka. The cutting of gems is a specialized job.Gems are cut and polished before they are set.Different regions in the country have different ways of making jewellery.Gems are generally worn for their beauty.People also believe that gems have the power to bring luck.

Handicrafts in Srilanka

Srilanka has a heritage of handicrafts.All crafts are made by hand.These handicrafts include weaving cloth,making baskets,leather items, pottery,woodwork,jewellary,brasswork and masks etc. Our handicrafts are an important part of the crafts tradition of our country.We must protect and maintain the flower of our heritage,so that they don t disappear with time.







Earlier these crafts were a part of our day to day life.Now too they play a role.for example, we light the oil lamp when we start some new venture.The lamp has niches for nine wicks.These are meant to be for the "navagraha" . But now the lamps are decorated with jasmine flowers like an offering made in the Hindu temple.The traditional lamp had a rooster at the top.this is now sometimes replaced with other symbols.So tradition is continued with change.










Wood carving is a very popular handicraft evan today,in our country.The Embakke temple built in the 14th century is famous the world over for for its carved wooden pillars with intricate designs.













Masks are also imaginative creations of the
village craftsmen coming down from ancient
times.Masks are made of wood and used for
rituals and folk plays.Masks are carved by
craftsmen according to patterns approved
by custom and tradition.Ambalangoda is
famous for its mask making industry.





















Dumbara mats, jewellery,rattan baskets..are other traditional products that show our traditional arts and crafts.Some handicrafts are limited to certain areas in the island,it is because of the availability of the special material used and other historical factors.Most brassware is used as decorative ornaments.These are very popular as gifts and souvenirs.Pilimatalawa is a place famous for brass work.