Sri Lanka

Colombo (Sri Lanka) visit (October 2019)

[Trivia (Cylon/ Sri Lanka): Independence was finally granted to Sri Lanka, by the British, in 1948. But the country remained a dominion of the British empire until 1972. In 1972, Sri Lanka assumed the status of a Republic. A constitution was introduced in 1978, which made the Executive President the head of state. As we all know, northern and eastern Sri Lanka were in deep turmoil and armed violence, for over a decade, when LTTE had declared ‘self-rule’. Luckily, the Govt could wipe out the LTTE rebels and peace prevailed again, thereafter. But, now, this island country is facing some serious economic crisis, this year in 2022.]

My visit to Colombo, Sri Lanka happened during October 2019, in connection with our international research project of SANH – GCRF.

As planned me, and Damodar Jena, on 22.10.2019, reached BBSR airport by 12:30 pm. Boarded Bangalore Indigo flight along with Prof. Tapan Adhya and Suraj Tripathy reached Bangalore airport before 4 pm and we all did our immigration formalities. My daughter (Mama) was waiting for us near the terminal, after security check and immigration, all by herself. She joined me, during this foreign visit (as she was free). We all then boarded our Colombo flight, 5 of us together, at 5:50 pm. Landed at Colombo at around 7:30 pm. Hotel vehicles were waiting for us. Mama went with Prof. Tapan and Prof. Damodar. Prof. Suraj and me traveled in another vehicle (arranged by the hotel). It was close to 1 hr drive from the airport to hotel Taj Samudra, located in city near Gale – Beach (a central location of Colombo city).

Next day (on 23.10.19), (Me and Mama) had a morning walk near Gale – beach, and took a few photos. I first had my breakfast and joined SANH team for our transit in Volvo buses (escorted by Police) to the main (Govt.) conference hall of Colombo (BMIC: Bandarnaike Memorial International Conference Hall). Workshop was inaugurated with big fan fare, with support from Sri Lankan Govt, with lot of cultural events. Then after our lunch, the main technical session started. I thought of leaving the venue early. It started raining all of a sudden. By chance, I got an auto driver, who was very friendly, and who readily offered me to take us around Colombo City. I picked my daughter (Mama) from form hotel. Auto driver (in following picture) first took us to his residence and then took us around the Colombo city for 2-3 hours. Myself(and my daughter, both) moved together and visited world trade centre, Independence memorial, Gangaramaya (vihara) Buddha temple, and a few other landmark buildings. Auto finally dropped us near our hotel. We thanked him, a very nice gentleman, from our heart.

Day–2 of our workshop (on 24.10.19), was held at the same main auditorium. We had less role in workshop, today. Prof. Damodar Jena was suffering from Cold and Fever. We both left venue in the afternoon bit early. Dama Babu, me (and my daughter) had a brisk evening walk and we three visited paces around the hotel (Taj Samudra). Then we went to Colombo’s oldest Hindu temple, built as per Tamil culture and architecture. I was feeling tired. Also suffered from cold. Mama ordered dinner for three of us through Uber–Eat App, that evening. Food was so, so; and some how we managed.

Next day’s workshop (on 25.10.19) was inside the hotel Taj (in its heritage building, originally built during 1870’s). Vera and Mark coordinated this 2^nd phase of the workshop, which was aimed at developing methodologies for data collection on ‘Nitrogen use and its effects’. We also had our lunch and dinner, arranged by SANH. Mama joined me during dinner. She was enjoying her stay; and She could manage to move around, in the city of Colombo, independently.

26^th October (Saturday): Today is the last day of our (SANH) workshop and also the last day of our stay in Colombo. Damodar Jena was feeling very weak (suffering from cold, cough and fever). So he could not attend today’s workshop. I represented for both of us. I contributed during WP–1.3 session discussion, along with Toju & Vera. The workshop was over by 4:30/ 5 pm. We had to pack up things for our early departure tomorrow morning. I suggested my daughter Mama to stay back and leave hotel bit late, along with Prof. Tapan Adhya, tomorrow.

Got up by 4 am, in the early morning on 27.10.19. Left the hotel by 5 am, after checking – out, along with Prof. D Jena. Hotel vehicle dropped both of us at Colombo airport by 6 am. Security check & immigration was over in next 30 minutes. After 7 am, we both boarded Sri Lankan airline (an airbus) for Chennai. Me and Dama babu reached Chennai before 10 am. Then we boarded the Indigo flight. I also then got affected by cold cough. The wait was a bit tiring and monotonous, as both of us were suffering from cold. Finally reached BBSR airport by 4 pm and my BBSR residence by 5 pm.