University of Peridenyia,
Patricia, JP, awesome string hoppers with three curries to die for. Arjuna, holding court in his office with the deptment Chairman of Fine Arts. Another wonderful fellow. A guest house on the University of Peridenyia built in 1938, so a relatively modern structure. The outside amphitheater from the university. A really cool old banyan tree and Arjuna’s English Department and offices. Then I visited two Temples: the first is a perfect example of Hindu design and structure blended with Buddhist (14th/15th c). It is equally rare because it was built with wood pillars,( mahogany) with incredible carvings. The next is Rajamaha Viharaya, again a blend of Buddhist and Hindu design. It also is represented on the 500rupee note. It also goes to illustrate that at least in terms of architecture the two religions coexist in perfect harmony.
The darker grey pictures are descriptions of this vary temple first written in Sinhala in 14 th century and below in Tamil. I had a very full day. I revisited a Benedictine Monastery that I stayed in 30 years ago that have, what they claim is one of three replicas of the shroud of Tourin. No pictures allowed , but I must say it looked quite dubious. The last photo are of Nihal and his wife Shyanthi, friends of Arjuna’s who put me up in their wonderful home and made me feel as one of their family.
Tomorrow- Horton Place a wildlife hike while Arjuna takes a couple of meetings. Then on to Nuwara Elyia for the evening.
ljm22 