Cultural Heritage in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a country in South Asia
located at the south tip of India which boasts of a
rich and distinct cultural heritage spanning over
2500 years.
Yet as our modern global society
changes at ever – quickening pace. Its is this
distinct culture are likely to be displaced,
overshadowed and forgotten. Presently Sri Lanka
loosing most of its Ecologically sustainable,
economically productive , cultural practices at a
rate rivaling our lose of biodiversity.
Volunteers – Sri Lanka strongly
believe that diverse human culture still
prevailing in the Island of Sri Lanka are critical
components for a stable and sustainable future.
This is why we promote and
encourage International volunteers to joint Sri
Lankas effort in Protecting , preservation and
conservation of its cultural practices by utilizing
their interest, skills, talents and available
knowledge to support the conservation of diverse
its cultural heritage and encourage their survival
into the next millennium.
How you can contribute
-
You will be engage in locally
design and locally driven projects geared towards
the conservation of the Traditional cultural
practices in Sri Lanka.
-
You are here to help tap that
centuries – deep well of indigenous beliefs and
traditions before it runs dry.
-
The Project “Conservation of
Distinct Cultural Heritage of Sri Lanka” consist of
two main Components as follows.
-
Cultural Practices and Beliefs
-
Ancient Kingdoms and Archeological Wonders of
Sri Lanka
-
Cultural
Practices and Beliefs
Research, Study
and Observation of Endangered Traditional
Cultural Practices and Beliefs of the Sri Lanka
Society.
During your
volunteer period you will provide opportunities
to research, study or observe several endangered
Traditional practices and belief in different
sectors such as …
Ritual
Performance and community ceremonies
Family Celebrations
Folk Heritage
Sound patterns of Ancient Drums and Musical
Instruments
Masks & Puppets theatre
Way of participating
You will be provide home stay
accommodation in a culturally sensitive rural village
where you can play a vital role in the cultural
preservation.
During ritual performances , family celebrations,
traditional musical dramas , Mask and puppet theatres
and self –led interviews of knowledgeable elders, you
will be making audio tapes and taking photographs of
the activities and performances of the villages and
their surroundings.
While attending intense drumming performances you will
be responsible for recording all aspects of the music on
audio tapes and still and video film and writing your
observations, discussions, interactions and thoughts in
a field notebook.
Volunteers with writing skills can document the
findings and cultural practices.
2.
Ancient Kingdoms and Archeological
Wonders of Sri Lanka
You will visit
several locations of ancient cities, Buddhist
Temples and other interesting places of
historical and religious
significance.
Explore the
Archeological Wonders of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka civilization is more than
twenty centuries old. Remains of this ancient
civilization reflecting the character, imagination,
cultural philosophy and faith of
Ruined Cities
Buildings
Palaces
Reservoirs
Parks
Dagabas & Stupas
Buddha Images
Temples
Sculpture
Paintings etc
Through out this small
island. Volunteers / Interns who are participating
the Conservation of Cultural Heritage will
receive opportunity not only visit major
Archaeological sites, they will be given
considerable time to research, study, observe and
conduct discussions with knowledgeable people.
Major Archaeological
sites to be visited
Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Seegiriya, Dambulla
Rock Temple. Kandy
Visiting the ancient
Kingdom of Polonnaruwa
This Ancient city is an absolute delight to
wander through. The remains are preserved well and
there are some truly awe-inspiring monuments to
be seen. Some of the most impressive are the
massive carvings of Buddha which are hewn out of
bare rock.
You can take a step back in time and imagine life
as it must have been here almost a thousand years
old.
Rock Fortress of
Seegiriya
Visiting the spectacular rock fortress of
Seegiriya - 200 meter high rock outcrop is one of
Sri Lanka’s most extraordinary and impressive
monuments. You can see remains of the huge palace
complex covered the flat summit of the rock.
As you continue to the summit there are
breathtaking views across the forest covered plains
and additionally the walkway is decorated with
vivid 1500 year old rock frescoes, much
celebrated for the beauty of their female images.
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