Sri Lanka - Kandy - Outside the temple of Buddha

Sri Lanka - Detail of Buddha temple of Kelaniya Vihare

Sri Lanka - Stilt fishermen at Weligama

Sri Lanka - Young man with cinnamon roll

Rice and curry - In Sri Lanka, the traditional meal consists of nine dishes: on the left, white rice and fried rice, papadan bread, vegetable soup, cooked tuna, curry sauce, a bowl of red carrots, mixed vegetables with grated coconut, eggplants and yellow lentils. - 1990

As a vine-like orchid, the vanilla plant relies on a supporting tree. It anchors itself to the trunk with tendrils that grow from its shoots and can grow up to ten meters tall. The leaves are oblong to egg-shaped, thick and fleshy, and a rich green. On plantations, the climbing plants are allowed to grow up light-tolerant tree species and are pruned back to a certain height every year. They can live up to fifty years. – 1990

A bundle of dried vanilla beans, with a fresh, not yet fully matured fruit placed on top for comparison. The cylindrical pods, which can grow up to twenty-five centimeters long, change color from yellow to brown as they ripen. After harvesting, the pods are left to ferment by alternating exposure to sunlight with storage in sealed containers. During this process, they turn blackish, and the glycoside in the pod’s skin is broken down into fructose and vanillin. – 1990

A flowering cinnamon tree in Sri Lanka. Various environmental factors contribute to the growth of this spice tree here. First, the high average temperature of twenty-five to thirty degrees; second, annual rainfall of at least two thousand millimeters; and finally, sandy soils with a high quartz content. The plantations, which require no special care, are established as dense nurseries. Farmers limit their efforts to occasional hoeing, weeding, and fertilizing with natural materials such as manure or copra residues. However, the tree must be pruned regularly so that it does not grow too tall. The cinnamon tree then develops numerous root suckers and takes on a shrub-like form. The cinnamon tree is propagated by seed, cuttings, and layering. – 1990

A worker in Sri Lanka produces cinnamon sticks using traditional methods. This process involves peeling the bark from the branches of the cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum verum). Cinnamon is the inner bark of this tree. First, the outer, rough bark is scraped off the branch. The remaining bark is rubbed with a brass rod to separate it from the wood. Then, a special knife is used to peel off the thin inner bark layer in long strips. These pieces of bark are intertwined and dried, causing them to roll up into the familiar cinnamon sticks. Sri Lanka is known worldwide for its high-quality Ceylon cinnamon, also known as ‘true cinnamon’. Production is traditionally often in the hands of the Salagama caste. - 1990

Cinnamon sticks stacked closely together, viewed from above. The characteristic spiral-shaped layers of the tree bark are clearly visible. Ceylon cinnamon (“true cinnamon”) consists of several extremely thin layers of bark that are tightly rolled together like a cigar. In Cassia cinnamon (Chinese cinnamon), the individual pieces of bark are usually thick and coarse and curl inward from both sides (often like a “U” or a double spiral). – 1990

A large bundle of cinnamon sticks, which are obtained from the dried inner bark of cinnamon trees. Cinnamon is used worldwide as a spice in cooking, baking and beverages. The picture shows the traditional harvesting and storage in bundles, as is customary in growing regions in Sri Lanka. – 1990

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

The picture shows an Asian elephant accompanied by two people, known as mahouts. One of the mahouts is sitting on the elephant's back, while the other is walking alongside the animal on a road. Mahouts form a lifelong, close bond with their elephants and are responsible for their care, feeding and training. These working elephants are often used to transport heavy loads, in forestry or in cultural processions. – Kandy region, Sri Lanka – 1990

Traditional ox cart in Sri Lanka, used to transport agricultural goods. Such carts were a very common means of transport in rural areas. The cart is pulled by two zebus (humped cattle), which are known for their endurance and adaptability to hot climates. – 1990

Shop sign in Kandy, Sri Lanka, bearing the inscription “Golden Tea Store”, advertising various agricultural products such as tea, coffee, cocoa and spices. The sign features text in three languages: Sinhala, Tamil and English. This is typical of the linguistic diversity in Sri Lanka. – 1990

An elderly woman in traditional dress, photographed at the market in Kandy – 1990

Buddhist monks in front of a white stupa (also called a dagoba) outside the grounds of the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy, which is considered one of the holiest places in Buddhism because it houses a relic of Buddha's tooth. – 1990

A monk with a parasol walks along the outer wall of Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Tooth. – Kandy, Sri Lanka – 1990

Stupa (also called dagoba) on the grounds of the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy. – 1990

A small grocery shop known as ‘J.T. Traders’ in Kandy. Various staple foods such as grains, legumes and sugar are sold here, displayed in large sacks in front of the shop. The salespeople prepare the goods for customers or weigh them on traditional scales. Advertising posters for products such as ‘Nestomalt’ are displayed on the wall. – 1990

At the market in Kandy, a man dressed in traditional clothing offers small fruits for sale. At first glance, the fruits resemble tomatoes, but they are actually Indian jujubes, also known as ‘Sri Lankan apples’ or simply ‘ber’. They taste crisp and sweet like apples and are eaten fresh or dried. – 1990

A man sells moringa pods at the market in Kandy. These long, green pods come from the horseradish tree (Moringa oleifera) and are cultivated as a vegetable. They are rich in vitamins and minerals. – Sri Lanka – 1990

As a liana-like climbing orchid, vanilla depends on a supporting tree. With its adventitious tendrils, it anchors itself to the trunk and grows up to ten metres high. The leaves are elongated to ovate, thick and fleshy, and rich green in colour. On plantations, the climbing plants are allowed to grow up light-wood species and are cut back to a certain height each year. They can live for up to fifty years. – Sri Lanka – 1990

A bundle of dried vanilla pods, with a fresh, not yet fully grown fruit above for comparison. The cylindrical capsule fruits, which can grow up to twenty-five centimetres long, change colour from yellow to brown as they ripen. After harvesting, the pods are left to ferment in containers, alternating between exposure to sunlight and sealing. During this process, they turn blackish in colour and the glycoside in the skin is broken down into fructose and vanillin. – Sri Lanka – 1990

Flowering cinnamon tree in Sri Lanka. Various environmental factors contribute to the thriving growth of this spice tree. Firstly, the high average temperature of twenty-five to thirty degrees, then annual rainfall of at least two thousand millimetres and finally sandy soils with a high quartz content. The plantations, which do not require any special care, are laid out as dense nurseries. The farmers are content with occasional hoeing, weeding and fertilising with natural substances such as manure or copra residues. However, the tree must be pruned regularly to prevent it from growing too tall. The cinnamon tree then develops numerous root-based side shoots and takes on a shrub-like form. The cinnamon tree is propagated by seeds, cuttings and offshoots. – 1990

In Ella, in the Badulla district of Sri Lanka, tea plantations stretch across dozens of square kilometres. Tea is one of the country's most important exports. Its cultivation was introduced by the British, who ruled the island between 1782 and 1948. Ceylon tea is rightly famous worldwide. The fresh shoots are harvested in the morning before the intense heat of the day sets in. Nevertheless, the work is hard and is mainly done by Tamil women. Most Tamils in Sri Lanka come from southern India; their ancestors were brought to the island by the British to establish the tea plantations. - 1990

The Tamil women from Ella return to the village after the tea harvest, their hats (back baskets) worn with headbands filled to the brim. During the harvest, the women place the long pole horizontally on the tea bush as a measuring stick: the young shoots and leaves that protrude above it are picked. - 1990

A spice shop in the holy city of Kandy in the mountainous highlands of Sri Lanka. In addition to other foodstuffs, the shopkeeper stocks a remarkable variety of spices – formerly known as “spezereien”. Fortunately, these picturesque shops, where you are greeted with a friendly smile, have not yet been displaced by supermarkets. - 1990

Terraced rice fields in the mountainous district of Nuwara Eliya in central Sri Lanka. They are artificially irrigated, and in some of them the fresh light green of the young rice plants is visible. These plants are then pricked out by hand and planted in the remaining fields, where the rice grows to harvest maturity. – 1990

The rice fields of Kotmale in the Central Province of Sri Lanka are considered some of the most picturesque and historically significant in the country. They are nestled in a mountainous region that has traditionally been farmed in such a way that rainfall in the valleys could be optimally utilised for rice cultivation. – 1990

Ploughing a flooded rice field for planting the pricked seedlings. In the foreground, a second field has already been cultivated. - Sri Lanka – 1990

Near the Sinhalese town of Kegalle between Colombo and Kandy in Sri Lanka, Buddhist monks follow some believers who have invited them to eat. The monks must have eaten their last meal of the day before around 11 a.m. Breakfast is then served at dawn. - 1990

Historical street scene in Matara, Sri Lanka, from 1990. In the foreground, a Buddhist monk in traditional orange robes walks with a parasol. The vehicle pictured is a Morris Minor, a British small car produced between 1948 and 1971.

A Buddhist monk, recognisable by his traditional orange robe, walking along a street. He is also carrying a yellow shoulder bag and a black umbrella. The clothing is typical of Theravada Buddhism, which is mainly practised in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. – Matara – 1990

Street scene in Negombo, north of Colombo. In villages and sometimes even in larger towns in Sri Lanka, ox carts were long the preferred means of transport, used to carry both people and goods. – 1990

Fish market in Matara, Sri Lanka. The scene is typical of fish markets on the south-west coast of the country, where fishermen sell their daily catch directly at the harbour or on the beach. – 1990

The building in the picture is Mipura Hall, the former town hall of Negombo. It is considered one of the most historically significant places in the city and is an important testament to its colonial past. The building is located directly on Lellama, Negombo's large fish market. Fish is traditionally laid out to dry in the sun on the square in front of it, a process that is central to the local economy. – 1990

At the large fish market in Negombo, known as Lellama, a vendor offers fresh fish for sale. – 1990

A rice table, as served for two people at lunchtime in restaurants on the Sri Lankan coast. The traditional meal consists of nine dishes: white rice at the top left, fried rice below it, and next to it, from top to bottom, bowls of papad bread, vegetable soup and boiled tuna in curry sauce, followed by beetroot and green mokunuwan leaves mixed with coconut flakes. The two bowls on the right contain aubergines and yellow lentils. - 1990

Mural from the Kathaluwa Poorwarama Viharaya in Koggala, Sri Lanka. The temple is known for its detailed murals, which feature a mixture of religious themes and influences from the British colonial period. Although at first glance the image may be reminiscent of ancient Egyptian art (such as the famous scenes of Tutankhamun and Anjesenamón on grave goods), it differs significantly in style, clothing and the script shown. – 1990

Koggala Beach in Sri Lanka. This stretch of coastline is located in the southern province of the country, about 120 km south of the capital Colombo and not far from the historic city of Galle. The striking rocks in the water are typical of this stretch of coastline between Unawatuna and Weligama. – 1990

Evening scene on Weligama Beach in the Galle district on the south coast of Sri Lanka. A cormorant dives for prey while stilt fishermen fish from their high seats rammed into the seabed. This method is an unusual form of fishing that originated during the Second World War. Balancing on this frame, the fishermen often hold a fishing rod in one hand for hours while storing their catch in a bag attached to their waist. The poles are often passed down from generation to generation within families. – 1990

A fisherman sits on a wooden structure, known as a ‘petta’, which is anchored to the seabed. He waits patiently there for hours on his stilts until the fish bite. – 1990

Dalawella Beach in the south of the country. The region is known for its wide sandy beaches, coconut groves and excellent conditions for travellers. – 1990

This building is known as Ernest Cottage (as indicated by the inscription on the gable). It is located in the Magalle district of Galle, in southern Sri Lanka. According to the inscription, the house was built in 1907 (2450 B.E. in the Buddhist calendar). It is considered a typical example of a late 19th or early 20th century bourgeois residence in the coastal region of Sri Lanka. – 1990

Portal of one of the two Dutch fortresses in Matara, the port city next to the southern tip of the island of Sri Lanka. The emblem of the Dutch East India Company crowns the gable of this gate, built in 1703, of the Redoute van Eck. Matara was a well-known port for Arab sailors before it was taken over by the Dutch and developed into an important base on the spice route. - 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

An elderly man walking through the streets of Galle with an umbrella and a walking stick. - 1990

Two women dressed in traditional saris walking down a street in Galle. The sari is a traditional wrap-around garment, often made of cotton or silk and worn in a variety of colours and patterns. – 1990

A worker in Sri Lanka produces cinnamon sticks using traditional methods. This process involves peeling the bark from the branches of the cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum verum). Cinnamon is the inner bark of this tree. First, the outer, rough bark is scraped off the branch. The remaining bark is rubbed with a brass rod to separate it from the wood. Then, a special knife is used to peel off the thin inner bark layer in long strips. These pieces of bark are intertwined and dried, causing them to roll up into the familiar cinnamon sticks. Sri Lanka is known worldwide for its high-quality Ceylon cinnamon, also known as ‘true cinnamon’. Production is traditionally often in the hands of the Salagama caste. - 1990

A young man from Boossa near Galle carries a large bundle of cinnamon sticks. Sri Lanka is known worldwide for producing high-quality ‘real’ Ceylon cinnamon and covers about 90% of global demand. Unlike the more common cassia cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon is considered finer, sweeter and contains significantly less coumarin, making it safer for consumption. For many families in rural areas of Sri Lanka, cinnamon cultivation is their primary source of livelihood. – 1990

A large bundle of cinnamon sticks, which are obtained from the dried inner bark of cinnamon trees. Cinnamon is used worldwide as a spice in cooking, baking and beverages. The picture shows the traditional harvesting and storage in bundles, as is customary in growing regions in Sri Lanka. – 1990

A wooden boat on the Hamilton Canal (often simply referred to as the Dutch Canal) in Negombo, Sri Lanka. It was originally developed by the Dutch in the 17th century (and later by the British) to transport cinnamon and other spices. It connects Colombo with the Negombo Lagoon. The canal runs directly through dense mangrove and coconut groves, making it a popular route for boat trips. – 1990

In der Nähe von Kosgoda befindet sich diese Dagoba mit der typischen Glockenform. - 1990

A traditional toddy tapper at work, a scene that is particularly typical of Sri Lanka. Toddy tappers climb palm trees to extract the sap from the inflorescences of coconut or palmyrapalm trees. To avoid having to climb up and down each tree individually, the treetops are often connected by ropes, along which the tappers balance from tree to tree at dizzying heights. The sap extracted is called ‘toddy’. It is a milky drink that ferments naturally, turning into an alcoholic palm wine. – Induruwa – 1990

A palm grove near the village of Induruwa on the south-west coast of Sri Lanka (Ceylon). Like a circus acrobat, a man walks along the ropes stretched at the height of the tree tops, linking around a hundred palm trees together. Twice a day, he harvests the milky, sugary palm sap, which is extracted through incisions in the fresh flower shoots and, when fermented, produces the much sought-after toddy or palm wine. If the palm wine and rice are fermented again, distillation yields the strong arrack or palm spirit, which is particularly popular among the Sinhalese. – 1990

The beach at Balapitiya is characterised by fine sand, coconut palms and distinctive rock formations in the water. - 1990

A group of fishermen on the coast of Galle, in southern Sri Lanka, who traditionally work together to pull a large net out of the water that has been set out at sea from a boat. This form of small-scale fishing has been practised for generations and is often an important part of the local identity and economy in coastal villages. – 1990

A fisherman from the Negombo area on the west coast of Sri Lanka – 1990

Traditional Sri Lankan dugout sailing boats known as oruwa. These iconic boats can be found on the beach at Negombo, a town on the west coast of Sri Lanka. An oruwa is essentially a seaworthy dugout boat with a distinctive outrigger that provides stability. Traditionally, these boats are used by local fishermen for catching fish and crabs in the lagoons (such as Negombo Lagoon) as well as on the open sea. – 1990

On Negombo beach, thirty kilometres north of the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, fishermen are launching one of their outrigger boats with its characteristic rectangular sail. Early in the morning, they set out in droves for the fishing grounds in the open sea. Fish plays an important role in Ceylonese cuisine. Yet despite the abundance of tropical nature, life in these fishing villages is austere. – 1990

A small fishing boat lying on the beach on the west coast of Sri Lanka, secured in the sand by an anchor. – 1990

This man is carrying a huge load of coconut fibre on his head. This scene is typical of rural areas in South Asia, particularly in India or Sri Lanka. The fibrous material is obtained from the outer husk of coconuts. Coconut fibre is a versatile natural product. It is used to make ropes, mats, brushes and even for soil improvement in agriculture. – Kerala – 1990

Photo Gallery