Photo Gallery

Hindu rituals are deeply rooted in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Everyday life is marked by ritual purification and temple visits, while the culture is closely linked to the Ramayana epic. – 1990

Hindu rites in Colombo, Sri Lanka, are deeply rooted. It is a religious ceremony in which followers pour water over a person who is decorated with flowers as part of a ritual. – 1990

This scene shows street vendors selling shoes in Colombo, Sri Lanka, a trade that has existed in the capital for centuries. - 1990

The image of women ‘chatting’ in the streets of Colombo, Sri Lanka's bustling metropolis, is an integral part of everyday city life. Especially in busy neighbourhoods such as Pettah or at the markets of Colombo, you will encounter women in colourful saris or shalwar kameez exchanging news while shopping or standing in front of their homes. – 1990

Sleeping man in front of the ancient Kathiresan temple, dedicated to the god of war Murugan. – Colombo – 1990

There are several places in Colombo where women practise the art of batik or offer workshops. There are traditional businesses run by women that often support local craftswomen. – 1990

The picture shows a street scene in Colombo, on Wolfendhal Street in Pettah in 1990. The façade of the damaged Abdeen building can be seen. On the ground floor are small shops such as Lanka Stores. A typical tuk-tuk can be seen on the street. Next to the shops is the Christian St. Paul's Chapel. - 1990

Relief on the Wolvendaal Church in Colombo, Sri Lanka, which is an important historical landmark from the Dutch colonial period (built 1749-1757). It is located in the Pettah district and is one of the best-preserved Dutch Reformation buildings in the region, known for its architecture and surrounding neighbourhood. This is the coat of arms of the van Rhee family, which is found on one of the gravestones or epitaphs inside the church. It belongs to Thomas van Rhee, who was the Dutch governor of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) from 1692 to 1697. – Photo 1990

This image shows a historical stone bas-relief located on a wall of the famous Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The relief depicts a magnificently decorated elephant with a rider (mahout) on its back. The Temple of the Tooth is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world and houses a relic revered as the left canine tooth of the historical Buddha. – 1990

The image shows a stone sculpture of the god Ganesha, located on the façade of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Temple in Sri Lanka. It is an important Buddhist temple that commemorates Buddha's historic visit to the island. It is considered one of the 16 most important shrines (Solosmasthana) and is known for its impressive architecture, murals and the annual Duruthu Perahera procession. – 1990

Kelaniya Temple is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka, as Buddhists believe that the Buddha sanctified the place during his third visit to the island. The stone carvings are an example of how stories from the Ramayana are linked to local Buddhist tradition. The depiction shows the coronation of Vibhishana as king of Lanka. His wife Sarama sits to his left. Lakshmana stands to his right, placing the crown on Vibhishana's head. Lakshmana is often depicted with a bow, which can also be seen here. – 1990

Stone sculpture of the Hindu god Ganesha, located on the exterior façade of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Temple in Sri Lanka. Ganesha is the deity of wisdom, good fortune and new beginnings, who removes obstacles and is depicted here sitting on his vahana (mount), the rat. Below the Ganesha niche are friezes depicting dwarf figures (ganas) and a row of elephants. - 1990

Artísticos trabajos de cantería en el Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara (también conocido como templo Kelaniya), uno de los lugares budistas más importantes de Sri Lanka. Las paredes exteriores del edificio principal (Viharage) están decoradas con tres frisos distintivos, cada uno con su propio significado simbólico: Friso superior: muestra hamsas (cisnes o gansos), que simbolizan la pureza y la discernimiento. Friso central: muestra ganas (enanos o figuras muragal), representados en diversas poses juguetonas y acrobáticas. Friso inferior: consiste en una procesión de elefantes (gajas), que encarnan la fuerza y la constancia. – 1990

Sunset on the beach in Colombo, Sri Lanka – 1990

Natural spectacle on the beach near Colombo, Sri Lanka – 1990

Painted Chinese porcelain plate from the 18th century, diameter 40 centimetres. The seal of the Dutch East India Company can be seen in the centre. This magnificent piece is kept in the museum in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo. - 1990