SRI LANKA: Village Life

We had a peak into village life around Dambulla.

Farming is the primary occupation, with locals growing rice, vegetables, bananas, and spices.

Chena cultivation (slash-and-burn farming) is common, where farmers clear small plots in the forest for seasonal crops.

We started our exploration with an ox pulled bullock cart.

(Notice who has been entrusted with the reins.)

 

 

 

Most people travel by bicycles, motorbikes, or tuk tuks.

Some villagers make a living fishing in nearby lakes and reservoirs.

Our local guide stopped and picked water flowers to make a pretty bouquet for me.

 

Other villagers are involved in poultry, dairy, rice and spice farming.

People live in simple houses made of mud, clay, or brick with thatched or tiled roofs.

Many villagers engage in handicrafts, pottery, and traditional cooking, passing down skills.

Grinding grain. It looks a lot easier than it is.

Sorting rice, which also looks a lot easier than it is.

Weaving banana leaves together to make a thatch roof.

She broke open a coconut using a dangerous looking weapon.

And then another dangerous knife to get at the meat.

A blade scrapes the meat out. It is a lot of work. And to think we just open a package - voila, shredded coconut!

Imagine cooking on a stove with wood as the source of heat.

And when she needs a bit more heat she "just" blows on the flames. 

Juggling several pots.

And in no time they had whipped up delicious snacks for us.

It may seem like a simple and peaceful life, but it is also a lot of work.