There always seems to be some festivity or celebration taking place in Sri Lanka at any given time. With Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians making up the country’s population, most events are religious in nature. Many of the Buddhists and Hindu festivities feature elaborate processions with dancers, drummers and even elephants, and attract pilgrims from around the island. Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim festivals follow the lunar calendar and their dates vary from year to year. All full moon or poya days in Sri Lanka are public holidays and are associated with an event in the life of the Buddha or the history of Buddhism. On poya days, Buddhists visit nearby temples with offerings, and places of entertainment are often closed. In addition to religious events, several other holidays such as National Day, celebrating Sri Lanka’s independence, are also observed.

Monsoons

Due to its location in the equatorial and tropical zones, Sri Lanka has been influenced by the monsoons which consist of four very distinctive seasons.

First Inter-monsoon Season (March – April) – Thunderstorm type rainfall with warm and uncomfortable conditions.

Southwest-Monsoon Season (May – September) – The warm season is eased away by the windy weather during this particular monsoon season. Rains can be expected during any time of the day.

Second Inter-monsoon Season (October – November) – Rains occur with thunder storms while the influence of the weather system like depression and cyclones in the Bay of Bengal is considered to be common. The whole island experiences wide spread rain with strong winds.

Northeast-Monsoon Season (December – February) – Cold and dry windy weather can be expected during this season while cloud free and days filled with sunshine can be expected. Rain can be expected in several parts of the island as well.

Southwest Monsoon

Sri Lanka is affected by two monsoons, each hitting a side of the island at different times. The southwest monsoon arrives in the South, West and the Hill Country from April or May until September, when days can get very humid with short, heavy rainstorms. Many Colombo residents head to Nuwaraeliya over the New Year period to escape the heat of the lowlands. These monsoon months are the best time to visit the northern and eastern parts of the island. Some of Sri Lanka’s biggest and best festivals take place during this period, including the
Sinhala and the Tamil New Year.

Northeast Monsoon

The Northeast monsoon is the weaker of the two and affects the North and East of the island from October until February or March, although other parts of the island can also experience rain during this time. The best time to visit Sri Lanka is between December and April, although this is when it is busiest, with prices rising significantly over Christmas and New Year.

January

Duruthu (Jan), Kelaniya. The poya day commemorates the first of the Buddha’s three visits to Sri Lanka. A perahera (parade) is held at the Raja Maha Vihara inKelaniya, north of Colombo.

Tamil Thai Pongol (mid-Jan), nationwide. This Hindu harvest festival, lasting two days, honors the sun god Surya and the cattle that have ploughed the fields over the last year. There are fireworks and festivities, and pongol, a sweet rice dish, is prepared in homes.

Galle Literary Festival (Jan/Feb/Mar), Galle. This annual five-day literary festival based in and around Galle Fort attracts international and domestic authors. Several talks and workshops are organized.

February

Navam Perahara (Feb), Colombo. The Navam poya day commemorates two significant incidents: the first Buddhist Council and the appointment of two chief disciples of Gautama Buddha. It is celebrated by a large perahara, in which a procession of elephants and dancers begins at the Gangaramaya Temple and winds its way around the Vihara Mahadevi Park and Beira Lake in Colombo.

National Day (4 Feb), nationwide. This event marks Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule in 1948. Th day is celebrated with parades and merrymaking.

Maha Shivarathri (late Feb/ early Mar), nationwide. This Hindu festival is dedicated to the god Shiva. Devotee’s fast and all-night pujas are held in temples.

March

Good Friday is a Christian holiday celebrating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday, and may coincide with the Jewish observance of Passover. It is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, and Black Friday.

Easter (Mar/Apr), nationwide. Passion plays are performed on the island of Duwa near Negombo, Jaffna and other coastal areas with catholic populations. On the following Sunday, Easter is celebrated with re-enactments of Christ’s crucifixion and large processions.

April

Sinhala and Tamil New Year (mid-Apr), nationwide. This two day celebration of the New Year is typically a family holiday. Houses are cleaned, traditional treats are prepared, new clothes are worn and gifts exchanged. On an auspicious day after the celebrations, a senior male member of the family anoints the others with a special oil to bring them luck for the following year.

May

May Day (1 May), nationwide. Originally, street demonstrations and marches were organized by workers and their unions on this day to promote workers’ rights. Today, rallies and demonstrations still take place on the island, with the largest ones in Colombo and the main cities, but many are politically motivated to promote messages of political parties.

Vesak (May), nationwide. This is the most important poya day in the Buddhist calendar as it celebrates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. Devotees dressed in white can be seen heading to the temple early in the morning. During this two-day festival, paper lanterns are hung outside homes, oil lamps are lit and pandols (large platforms) display scenes from the life of the Buddha. It is also considered propitious to distribute food and drink during this time, and dansals (roadside stalls) offering free refreshments to passers-by are set up across the island.

June

Poson (Jun), nationwide. Poson poya day celebrates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Devotees flock to Anuradhapura to see the festivities at the temples or climb the steps to the dagoba on the summit at Mihintale, where Mahinda converted King Devanampiya Tissa and his courtiers.

July

Esala Perahera (Jul/early Aug), Kandy. The most famous event on the island, Esala Perahara celebrates the arrival of the Tooth Relic in Sri Lanka. The festival lasts for 10 days, featuring a grand procession of elephants, dancers and drummers that parades through the streets of Kandy, growing larger and longer every night. Accommodation over this period should be booked well in advance. Dondra and Colombo also celebrate the Esala full moon on the tenth day.

Kataragama Festival (Jul/early Aug), Kataragama. This festival is also held at the time of the Esala full moon. Pilgrims descend on Kataragama town for the celebrations, which are perhaps best known for self-purification rituals that involve self-mutilation and fire walking. The festival marks the end of the two-month long Pada Yatra pilgrimage from Jaffna to Kataragama.

Vel (Jul/Aug), nationwide. This Hindu festival is dedicated to Skanda or Murugan (Kataragama), the god of war. Ornate chariots bearing a statue of the god or his vel (spear) are paraded through the streets or around the temple gounds. Accompanied by pilgrims. The deities are brought in a procession from the Sammangodu Sri Kathirvelautha Swami Temple in Pettah to the Sri Manickavinayagar Temple in Bambalapitiya and separately, from the Kathiresan Kovil in Pettah to the New Kathiresan Hall in Bambalapitiya.

Nallur Chariot Festival (Jul/Aug), Jaffna. This is Jaffna’s main festival and it has steadily grown in popularity since the end of the Civil War. The festival is dedicated to Skanda and lasts for 25 days. Every day throughout the festival, a chariot procession takes place within the temple premises in the morning and outside the temple in the evening. Devotees, drummers and dancers also participate in the procession.

August

Elephant gathering

(Aug-Oct), Minneriya National Park. Elephants gather at the Minneriya tank during the height of the dry season.

September

Dussehra (Sep/Oct), nationwide. Also known as Durga Puja, this Hindu festival honors the goddess Durga, who defeated the demon Mahishasura, and also celebrates the Hindu god Rama’s victory over Rawana (King of Lankapura).

October

Deepavali (late Oct/early Nov), nationwide. The festival of Lights, symbolic of good triumphing over evil, is celebrated by all Hindus. It also commemorates Rama’s return with the rescued Sita after 14 years in exile. Lamps are lit in Tamil households and in places of worship.

November

Hajj festival

Eid-al-Adha is also called the Hajj festival, Feast of the sacrifice, the Greater Eid and Eid e Qurban. It is the second religious holiday in the Islamic calendar and is celebrated by Muslims all over the world. The Hajj festival is commemorated by many Muslims with a pilgrimage to Mecca during the Hajj week. It is said that this is the largest gathering of Muslims in the world every year. Family members dress up in new clothes and visit relatives and friends. Giving money to poorer families in the community is also considered a good deed, enabling them to join in the celebrations.

December

Unduvap (Dec), nationwide. This poya day, also known as Sanghamitta Day, marks the arrival of the sacred Bo tree sapling from India, which was planted in Anuradhapura. It is said to be a cutting from the bo tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment and was carried to Sri Lanka by Sanghamitta, King Asoka’s daughter. The pilgrimage season to Adam’s Peak begins on this day and continues until Bak poya day in April. Christmas (25 Dec), nationwide. Celebrated by the Christian population, this festival, rejoicing the birth of Jesus, is a public holiday. Festive decorations and trees can be seen in shopping centers throughout the country and at roadside stalls.

Sri Lanka, known as “the teardrop of India”, is a small but very beautiful island with a rich and ancient history and culture. It is full of the most amazing places to visit and in recognition of the wondrous beauty of these sites, eight of the best have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka

The sacred city of Anuradhapura             – (1982)
The medieval capital of Polonnaruwa      – (1982)
The Sigiriya rock fortress                         – (1982)
The royal city of Kandy                            – (1988)
The Dutch fortifications at Galle              – (1988)
The Sinha raja forest reserve                  – (1988)
The cave temples of Dambulla                – (1991)
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka                – (2010)

Kandy

Kandy is a mountain city in Sri Lanka. It is also the site of Sri Dalada Maligawa, also called the Temple of the Tooth, as a special container holds a tooth of the Buddha. Over the years, the relic came to be very important politically; the belief was that the holder of the sacred tooth was the one who would have power over the Buddhist population. It was built within the royal palace complex which houses the tooth relic of the Buddha, a tooth, which is venerated by Buddhists. Kandy became the capital city of the last remaining independent kingdom in Sri Lanka after the coastal regions had been conquered by the Portuguese. Invasions by the Portuguese and the Dutch (16th, 17th and 18th century) and also by the British (most notably in 1803) were repelled. The relic has played an important role in the local politics since ancient times, it’s believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country, which caused the ancient kings to protect it with great effort. Kandy was the capital of the Sinhalese Kings from 1592 to 1815, fortified by the terrain of the mountains and the difficult approach. In addition, Kandy is a city set in forested hills and surrounded by tea plantations. As one of the most beautiful cities of Sri Lanka, it is famous for its scenic beauty and rich cultural value. The Sacred City of Kandy was appointed the status of World Heritage Site in 1988, mainly due to the Temple of the Tooth.

Sigiriya

Located in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Sigiriya, considered by some as the eighth wonder of the world, consists of an ancient castle used by King Kashyapa of the 5th century AD. Sigiriya also known as Lion Rock, the archaeological rock fortress or lion -mountain and palace of the Sigiriya situated in the central province in Matale District of Sri Lanka. Sigiriya was designated a World Heritage site in 1988.The Sigiriya site has the remains of an upper Sky Palace sited on the flat top of the rock, a mid-level terrace that includes the Lion Gate and the Mirror Wall and the Sigiriya Frescoes, the lower palace that clings to the slopes below the rock, and the moats, walls and gardens that extend for some hundreds of meters out from the base of the rock. The Sigiriya rock is a hardened magma plug from an extinct and long-eroded volcano. The site is both a palace and fortress. Sufficient remains to provide the visitor with a stunning insight into the ingenuity and creativity of its builders. The upper palace on the top of the rock includes cisterns cut into the rock that still retain water. The moats and walls that surround the lower palace are still exquisitely beautiful.

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, is the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka which lasted for the longest period as the capital in the country. It is the largest and oldest city of all ancient cities in Sri Lanka. It is important to locals for religion, history and the culture and world-famous for its well preserved ruins of the Great Sri Lankan Civilization. The Civilization which was built upon this city was one of the greatest civilizations of Asia and in the world. The city now a UNESCO heritage site, lies 205 km (127 mi) north of the current capital Colombo in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, on the banks of the historic Malwathu Oya. Founded in the 4th century BC it was the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom till the beginning of the 11th century AC. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. It was also a wealthy city which created a unique culture and a great civilization. Today this ancient city of Sri Lanka, which is sacred to the Buddhist world, which its surrounding monasteries covers an area of over sixteen square miles ( 40 km²) and is one of the world’s major archaeological sites.

Galle

Galle is a town situated on the south western tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km (74 mi) from Colombo. Galle was known as Gimhathiththa before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, when it was the main port on the island. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British, who developed the harbor at Colombo. Galle is the main city and port on the south coast. Built by Europeans, the Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications show the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions. There are two main gates to the Fort, containing the Dutch Coat of Arms on one side and the British on the other. Houses with art decoration from the Dutch and British period can be seen on the street, many of which have become boutique shops and guest houses. Dutch Reformed Church, National Maritime Museum, Old Dutch Hospital and the New Orient Hotel are the major landmarks within the fort. Nevertheless, until the construction of breakwaters at the Colombo port was completed in 1875, Galle remained the island’s major port. On 26 December 2004 the city was devastated by the massive Boxing Day Tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake that occurred a thousand miles away, off the coast of Indonesia. Thousands were killed in the city alone.

Polonnaruwa

The second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 CE to reunite the country once more under a local leader. While Vijayabahu’s victory and shifting of Kingdoms to the more strategic Polonnaruwa is considered significant, the real Polonnaruwa Hero of the history books is actually his grandson, Parakramabahu I. The city Polonnaruwa was also called as Jananathamangalam during the short Chola reign. However, with the exception of his immediate successor, Nissankamalla I, all other monarchs of Polonnaruwa were slightly weak-willed and rather prone to picking fights within their own court. They also went on to form more intimate matrimonial alliances with stronger South Indian Kingdoms, until these matrimonial links superseded the local royal lineage and gave rise to the Kalinga invasion by King Magha in 1214 and the eventual passing of power into the hands of a Pandyan King following the Arya Chakrawarthi invasion of Sri Lanka in 1284. The capital was then shifted to Dambadeniya. Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the kingdom’s first rulers. Polonnaruwa was designated a World Heritage site in 1988.The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Cave Temple Dambulla

Dambulla Cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a world heritage site in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 km east of Colombo and 72 km north of Kandy. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings. This paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. There are total of 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings and 4 statues of gods and goddesses. The later 4 include two statues of Hindu gods, god Vishnu and god Ganesh. The murals, covers an area of 2,100 square meters. Depictions in the walls of the caves include Buddha’s temptation by Mara (demon) and Buddha’s first sermon. Dambulla was designated a World Heritage site in 1991.

Sinharaja Forest

Sinharaja forest reserve is one of the least disturbed and biologically unique lowland rain forests in Sri Lanka. It is also national park in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1989. This is a very good place to see many endemic birds. Sinharaja is situated close to Ratnapura and is between the villages of Rakwana, Deniyaya and Matugama. It covers about 11,187 hectares from east to west. Out of a total of 830 indigenous flowering plants in the Island Sinharaja has nearly 500 plants and out of 21 native bird species in the country 17 species have made Sinharaja their home. It was declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve (MAB) in 1978, as representative of tropical humid evergreen forest Eco system in Sri Lanka and has been recognized by UNESCO as part of its International Network of Biosphere reserves.

Central Highlands

Sri Lanka’s highlands are situated in the south-central part of the island. This site comprises the Peak Wilderness Protected area, the Horton Plains National Park and the Knuckles Conservation Forest Central Highlands was added to the list in 2010 and qualified because of its biodiversity. At over 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) above sea level, this natural UNESCO World Heritage Site joined the others in 2010. There are plenty of hiking trails in the Central Highlands, and it’s a biodiversity haven for naturalists. These montane forests, where the land rises to 2,500 meters above sea-level, are home to an extraordinary range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as the western-purple-faced langur, the Horton Plains slender Loris and the Sri Lankan leopard. The region is considered a super biodiversity hotpots.

Sri Lanka’s traditional form of medicine, Ayurveda uses plants, herbs and oils in its treatments. Translated as the “science of life”, it works on the premise that the body is ruled by three doshas (humours): vata (air), pitta (bile or fire) and kapha (phlegm or earth). In medical terms, these refer to the nervous, digestive and immune systems respectively. Toxins, poor diet, bad digestion, lack of sleep and excess stress cause an imbalance of the doshas and lead to poor health. Ayurvedic treatments aim to balance the doshas and, thus, restore health. Ayurveda physicians prescribe customized treatment plans that include a special diet, while Ayurvedic centres in mid and top-range hotels offer practices aimed at relaxation, such as massages and skin treatments.

Panchabhutas, according to Hindu philosophy, are the five basic elements that make up the universe and all individuals. These are prithvi (earth), jal (water), teja (fire), vayu (air) an akash (ether).

Ayurveda in Sri Lanka Today

Originating in neighboring India, the ancient science of Ayurveda continues to play an important role in the Sri Lankan healthcare system. Ayurvedic practitioners are trained in government-approved institutions and are registered under the Sri Lankan Ayurveda Medical Council. Besides local physicians, several resorts are dedicated to Ayurveda and many hotels also offer treatments.

Ayurvedic Centres

Can be found across the island. Some cater mainly to tourists and offer relaxing treatments. Ayurvedic resorts, however, are for those 5in need of intensive curative treatments that are supervised by physicians. Several resorts also offer a wellness combination of Ayurveda, yoga and meditation.

Ayurvedic products

Ayurvedic products are ubiquitous in Sri Lanka. These vary from medicines to beauty treatments and soaps. Ayurvedic medicines, made from herbs and spices, can be found in the form of capsules, oils, balms or teas. For a glimpse of a traditional Ayurvedic environment, head to one of the speilized pharmacies. These are typically stocked with packets and bottles of tablets, oils and teas as well as dried ingredients such as powdered herbs and whole roots.

Ayurvedic Treatments

Ayurveda aims to eliminate the body’s toxins and balance its energy. Herbs, plants and oils are used to achieve this through treatments such as oil massages and steam baths. Ayurvedic therapies are believed to be beneficial for a range of medical conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and skin aliments. They are also said to improve digestion and eyesight as well as slow the ageing process. Facial or head massages, steam baths and body wraps are ideal for reducing stress and detoxing. One of the best-known treatments is shirodhara, which offers relief from stress and insomnia.

A massage with medicinal, herbal oils is one of the oldest Ayurvedic treatments and is tailored for different ailments. It is believed a massage returns balance to the body’s three doshas. De-stressing massages are a great way to relax the muscles after a day of sightseeing. Head, foot and full-body massages are particularly popular.

Shirodhara is a popular treatment where warm oil is poured steadily onto the centre of the forehead or “third eye”.

Ayurvedic baths are considered highly therapeutic. Herbal and steam baths are believed to open the pores and rid the body of toxins. Flower baths, on the other hand, close the pores and are often taken at the end of a treatment.

Marmapuncture, or Ayurvedic acupuncture, is an ancient art in which needles are inserted into the skin at marmas (points) that correspond with the 14 nadis (main energy channels). This aims to restore balance to the body by unblocking the nadis, as it is often used in conjunction with other treatments.

Museums in Sri Lanka offer a rich insight in to the history and evolution of Sri Lanka as one of the most distinctive countries in the world. As in any other place in the world, one gets to know all about the past of a country through the exhibits housed in the museums. In a way museums are place to get enlightened about a country’s heritage. Speaking of heritage, Sri Lanka undoubtedly has several areas of tourist attractions. National Museums in Sri Lanka

The museums in the country are dedicated to different themes, or rather the exhibits displayed make us delve deeper in to the relation of sea and the country or the life and times of a past prime minister or the significance of the archaeological findings. All the museums in Sri Lanka are for the common man, the curious tourist or the serious student of that particular discipline.

Colombo National Museum

The Colombo Museum as it was called at the beginning was established on 1st January 1877. It founder was Sir William Henry Gregory, the British Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) at the time. The Royal Asiatic Society (CB) was instrumental in bringing to the notice of Gregory on his appointment as Governor in 1872 the need for a public museum with much difficulty the approval of the legislative council was obtained within a year. The Architect of the Public Works Department, J.G. Smither was able to prepare the plans for new structure on Italian architectural style. The construction was completed in 1876 and the Museum commenced it functions in the following year. The Authorities of the museum took various steps to display the cultural and natural heritage of the country for this purpose. With the development of the museum to international level, it earned the status of a national museum during the period of Dr. P. E. P. Deraniyagala. He was able to open up branch museums in Jaffna, Kandy and Ratnapura and a full – fledged Department of National Museums was established in 1942 under the act No. 31. The extension of the number of branch museums has now increased to nine and in addition a school science programme and a mobile museum service are also in operation. This process has further been improved by the arrangement of the galleries of the ground floor in a historical sequence and those of the upper galleries on a thematic basis. It is the oldest and largest Museum in the country, established in 1877. Housed in a fine colonial-era building, the museum is famous for collection of ancient royal regalia, Sinhalese, antique furniture, china, and Ola manuscripts. The museum contains: more than 4.000 palm leaf manuscripts; ancient and medieval jewelry; rare collection of traditional masks; wood and ivory carvings; temple frescoes; ceramics objects including VOC plates of the Dutch period; stone sculpture and lithic inscriptions.

National Museum of Natural History

It is located in the same premises as the National Museum. National Museum of Natural History which reflects the Natural heritage was established on 23rd of September 1986. This museum is situated same premises of Colombo National Museum facing Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 07. Even though there is considerable number of museums in Sri Lanka, this is the only one representing solely the Natural Heritage. The special feature is that plants and Animal specimens which are endemic to Sri Lanka, rare and threatened with extinction are displayed in this museum. There is a large collection of specimens such as Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Insects, Fish, Amphibians of various kinds of Plants and Geological Rocks. Leopard of Punani can be introduced as a special specimens displayed in the Natural science Museum. This leopard which was caught at Punani in Batticaloa District on 16th August 1924 had killed about 13 people. The Skull of Megacerus giganteus (elk) which huge horns which is displayed at the Geological section of the museum is a specimens that creates curiosity among the visitors. This skull which belonged to an extinct species of stag was gifted by Lord Enniskillen in 1950.

Galle National Museum

The Galle National Museum is established in the oldest Dutch building of the Galle fort, constructed in 1656. To aware the public on traditional cultural heritage of Southern Sri Lanka, the Department of National Museums developed this museum and opened to the public on 31st March 1986. Galle National Museum displays a wide range of archaeological and anthropological objects inherited in Southern region. Collection of traditional masks used in various rituals, collection of ornamental objects made up of turtle shells, ancient wooden carvings and a Beeralu collection are important visitor attractive exhibits in the museum. The influence of Dutch is depicted by the equipment’s used in Dutch ships came to the Galle harbor. The Galle National Museum plays an important role as a centre of education in the Southern region. The museum is housed in an Old Dutch building in the historic fort of Galle. It has on display objects connected with marine biology and botany and also some beautiful diagrams showing local fishing methods, natural coral beds, sea grass beds and deep sea fishes.

Dutch Period Museum Colombo

There are numerous exhibits from Dutch colonial times such as ceramics, coins, paintings and military equipment that were used in the invasion of Lanka. The museum has maintained the features of a colonial Dutch town house and would be of great interest to architecture enthusiasts. This two storied large building reflecting the features of a 17th century Dutch Urban house was built by Thomas Van Rhee, The Dutch Governor of Sri Lanka from 1692- 1697 as his official residence. During the British period in 1796 this building was used as an arms store of army hospital, police training center, Pettah post office and telecommunication center. This building was preserved by a special preservation committee with the assistance of Netherlands government in 1977 and opened for the public as Dutch museum by the Department of National Museums. It has displayed over 3000 museum objects related to the Dutch who ruled coastal areas of Sri Lanka. The garden still has the original stone wall of the house as well as a grave yard full of Dutch explorers and traders. The museum is housed in the old ‘Dutch House’ on Prince Street, Pettah, which was earlier the residence of Count August Carl Van Ranzow.

National Museum Kandy

This museum has over 5000 museum objects which are depicting various aspects historical and cultural events of the Kandyan period. (17-19 century A.D.). This building established during Sri Wickrama Rajasingha era was then known as “Palle Vahala” This was used as the palace where the Queens of the king lived. This building has been built according to the architectural features of Kandy period. This pallevahala building was used to deposit the various items of historical value made by Kandy Art Association established in 1832 and technicians of Matale district. This was opened for the public as a museum in 1942. Situated behind the Temple of the Tooth, in a building of historical and architectural interest.

National Museum Ratnapura

The beautiful building known as “Ehelepola Walauva” located at Ratnapura – Colombo road was opened for the public as a museum on 13th May 1988. It has exhibition rooms which contain prehistoric archaeological inventions, natural heritage, geological, anthropological, zoological artefacts and models related to the Sabaragamuva Province. Ratnapura is famed for being the home of the Lankan gem trade and has several private museums dedicated to the industry, where you can purchase precious stones. Things to see the museum exhibits a collection of pre-historic fossils of elephants, rhinoceroses & hippopotamuses found in gem pits from the Balangoda area. Also displayed are stuffed animals & snakes in jars. There are numerous items of local art & culture such as musical instruments, masks, textiles, flags and fabrics. The thriving Gem and Jewelry industries are represented and examples of stunning jewelry, both historical and contemporary can be viewed to whet your appetite for what awaits outside the building. There also artifacts chartering the history of the Sabaragamuwa Province, the province in which the town lies.

Maritime Museum Galle

Maritime Museum is the only museum which aware the public on marine biological and anthropological aspects of Southern coastal area. It is located in the Old Dutch ware house of the fort of Galle, built in 1671. The museum was open to the public on 9th May 1992. Aftermath of Tsunami on 26th December 2004, the museum was completely destroyed and all the expositions were damaged. Under Sri Lanka – Netherlands Cultural Co-operation Program, the Royal Government of Netherlands provided financial assistance for reconstruction of the Maritime Museum. After 3 years period of reconstruction, now the Maritime Museum has opened to the public. The first gallery depicts the types of watercraft used in passenger transport and maritime trading in Southern Sri Lanka. The traditional life style of fishing communities and such fishing techniques are displayed with attractive models and replicas. The second Gallery is focused on marine Eco systems and their flora and fauna. Models of mangroves, sea shore plants, turtles, sea birds and marine mammals are displayed with their taxonomic details. Specimens of corals, marine shells and some invertebrates can be observed in the exhibition while a large skeleton of a Whale mounted in the roof giving you a wonderful experience. The Maritime Museum is serving as a center of education for various groups of visitors and researchers of Southern region.

Anuradhapura Folk Museum

Anuradhapura Folk Museum was established in 22nd August 1971 as a provincial Museum under the Department of National Museums. The aim of this museum is to collect, conserve and exhibit the cultural and religious objects used by the folk community in Nuwara-Kalaviya area. In 12-13 A.D. the kingdom was shifted to the South-west because of the foreign invasions. Several families remained and they lived in a little hamlets surrounded by the thick forest. They were unable to communicate with the outer world and had to product all the things needed in their day- today life. The objects they used in daily life illustrate their traditional knowledge. Anuradhapura Folk Museum has a good collection of traditional objects used by the folk community in Nuwara Kalaviya.

Independence Memorial Museum

From the beginning of Sri Lankan civilization till the present times for about 25 centuries, the service rendered by the Sri Lankan’s to uplift and sustain their political, economic, social, cultural and human freedom is immense. The challenges they bravely faced on such occasions provide an example and a pride to future generation. The aims and objectives of this exhibition constitute the rekindling of our pride and reminding of the great efforts taken over the centuries until 1972 when we regained in gain independence, by our national heroes and their bio-sketches, for the benefit of the future generations.

Magampura Ruhunu Heritage Museum

This museum which belongs to the department of National Museums establish in a special historic building where situated in “Magama” Kingdome. It was situated south from River Mahaweli and South from River Benthara and also limited south and west shores. It limits in north, goes up to Trincomalee, in the middle up to Kandy, in west up to Bentota and ended with south and west shores. Magampura was a Kingdome of Magampura which built by prince ‘Mahanama’ a brother of Dewanapathis who came from Anuradhapura. Evidence have been founded regarding this city was modern city of Thissamaharamaya. This museum was established in the ancient building complex of kachcheri in Kingdome Magampura currently named Hambanthota. British administrator Leonard Woolf (1880-1969) who was the Assistant Government Agent of Hambanthota District. The Building in which the Magampura Ruhunu Heritage Museum is established represent the secretariat of Leonard Woolf. Later his predecessors were used this old kachcheri building as it is. This museum reflects culture and natural heritage in the region of Ruhuna. The collection of artifacts and models, pictures, paintings reflects pre-historic, historic, art and archaeology situation in southern Lanka. And there is a collection of information about the European activities and changes happen in down south. As well as after independence , until the present time a large number of pioneers of divers, disciplines such as social, political, scientific and artistic facets existed in the Rohanapura. The portrait busts of pioneers in modern Rohanapura are in this museum. This museum can be used as a research center from a school child to the highest level of scholars. The very special feature of this museum is, it is using modern technology for sensors to reduce expenditure, videos, able to access into information through mobile phone apps/soft wears and also free Wi-Fi for the public and could be consider this as a modern museum.

Ceylon Tea Museum

Ceylon Tea Museum situated in Hantana, Kandy is a project jointly operated by Sri Lanka Tea Board and Tea Industry Stakeholders. The main objectives of setting up of the Tea Museum are to exhibit memorabilia machinery, documents, pictures and object of historical value to the Sri Lankan tea industry and to exploit the tourism potential of the tea industry. Tea is Sri Lanka’s main agricultural export commodity and Sri Lanka is the second largest exporter of tea in the world. The story of the tea industry is a valuable part of our history that we are committed to preserve. Ceylon Tea Museum is one of best Museums of its kind in the world and visitors would be pleased to see more than 100 years old tea machinery & object displayed. The ground surrounding the Museum is landscaped with different varieties of tea as well. The panoramic view of Kandy town, Knuckles range and Matale range of hills can be viewed through a telescope mounted on the fourth floor of the Museum. Built in 1925, the spacious four storied Hantane Tea Factory, had been abandoned for more than a decade when it was earmarked for the Museum Project undertaken by the Sri Lanka Tea Board and the Planters’ Association of Ceylon. Today it stands as a proud monument to the success story that is Ceylon Tea. The Hantane tea factory is located three miles from Kandy. It is served by a motor able road that circles the factory providing easy access. Kandy is a mandatory stop on virtually every tourist itinerary, and the location of Ceylon Tea Museum at Hantane makes sound economic sense. It will also enhance the attraction of hill country to visitors. The factory building consists of four floors. The ground accommodate heavy machinery; the first floor occupies some examples in the withering process. Library and the Audio-visual presentations in the second floor whilst the sales outlets are found in the third floor. The fourth floor is to be converted to a deluxe restaurant. Although exhibits are not abundant they do provide a valuable insight into how tea was manufactured in the early days. Old machinery, some dating back more than a century, has been lovingly restored to working order. The first exhibit that greets visitors in the Engine Room on the ground floor of the museum is the Ruston and Hornsby developed diesel and other liquid fuel engines, power for the estates were obtained by water driven turbines.

Koggala Folk Museum

Koggala Folk Museum presents a rare collection of folk implements and appliances from different parts of the island. The items are arranged under twenty five different categories representing handicrafts, folk art and music, cottage industries, agriculture, folk medicine, costumes, religion etc. This museum erected as a tribute to Martin Wickramasinghe, the doyen of Sinhala writers is Ginpathaliya in Kggala, the birthplace of the late writer that had once been the playing field of young Wickramasinghe.