Sinhalese New Year 2010

As the midpoint of the sun, from Pisces enters Aries, the very first sign of the zodiac, the Sri Lankan New Year dawns at the precise time of 06.58 am on the 14th of April 2010. From this time onwards, all activities that are important for a healthy and prosperous future are conducted to auspicious times determined by the ancient but popular science of astrology. One such significant ritual is the first bath preceded by the anointing of the head with fragrant oils which symbolizes a fresh and pure start with the beginning of the Sri Lankan New Year.

Jewel of Muscat

The project involves the reconstruction of a 9th-century sailing ship in Oman.The Jewel of Muscat is based on a range of historical sources, including the findings of the Belitung Wreck, which was discovered in 1998. The 18 metre ship has been built without nails. The planks were sewn together with coconut fibre, and had to fit perfectly so as to ensure that the ship is watertight. The wood is protected by a layer of goat fat mixed with lime. The planking on the ship is made from Afzelia africana timber from Ghana. The Jewel of Muscat was built in a specially constructed ship yard at a beach in Qantab, Oman. The ship's voyage begins in Oman, with stops in India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia, before ending in Singapore. The journey retraces part of the historic maritime trade route between Arabia and the Far East. During its voyage, the team will use 9th-century navigation techniques. The voyage began in February 2010, with the Jewel of Muscat reaching Singapore by June 2010.

http://www.jewelofmuscat.tv/

Rumassala

Rumassala is a massive hill oddly out of place in the landscape just outside the Galle harbour. Legend details that during the Rama – Rawana war Rama's brother Luxhmana, was injured and Hanuman was sent to Himalayas to fetch medicinal herbs. Hanuman forgot the name of the herb but he brought a chunk of the peak containing many herbs. However the mountain fragment slipped and broke into five pieces of which one fell to Rumassala. It should be noted that the renowned scientist Sir Arthur C. Clerk has a bungalow in the precincts of Rumassala, as it is said to be the place that has the highest specific gravity globally.