MAHAMOOTH, Kenneth

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, a magical island not far from the southern tip of India has enchanted travellers and merchants since ancient times. Marco Polo the 13th century Venetian explorer described the country then known as Ceylon as being of the highest quality and most pleasing island in the world. Sri Lanka has had its share of travails over the years. A 26 year civil war which finally ended in 2009 with the defeat of the ‘Tamil Tiger’ rebels, a devastating tsunami on boxing day 2004, two armed insurrections and a governance system since independence from the British Empire in 1948 that has not been able to extract the true potential of the land and its resourceful people. The country lacks economic development, a 21st century infrastructure, adequate foreign currency reserves and a comfortable standard of living for a majority of its citizens. Poverty is widespread and growing. Sri Lanka needs to attract investment, both foreign and local. Tourism is one way forward due to the island’s beauty, wildlife and culture.

My book is intended to pique the curiosity of modern-day travellers who would enjoy the many aspects of this diverse and interesting island nation which has so much to offer. Tourists can enjoy the many attractions and historic wonders of this resplendent isle, delve into its culture and ancient past and savour the nostalgia of Sri Lanka’s tea industry and lifestyle of the planters in an era gone by. The people of this enchanting yet troubled island deserve the prosperity and happiness which has eluded them so far.

The author lives in Melbourne with his Colombian wife. He frequently travels to Germany to visit his daughter.