Sri Lanka 080905f: The Central Park

The majestic Town Hall faces the Vihara Maha Devi Park, where the Buddha sits at the entrance. In Dec. 1999, in front of the Town Hall, a female Tamil Tiger suicide bomber made an attempt on the life of the President during a campaign rally, killing 26 people and injuring over a 100. The President was partially blinded in her right eye.

Old train coaches in the park, complete with tracks. I have no clue how they end up here. 

Denizens of the park. 

Another denizen. 

And another one - Batman on the prowl, and it's not dark yet!

Sri Lanka 080905e: The Father of the Nation

Here's the man. Don Stephen Senanayake (1884-1952), first PM of Sri Lanka. Reminds me of Trafalgar Square.

His plaque. 

Up close. I did not put the necklace around his neck, honest.

Sri Lanka 080905d: The Kids

Lunchtime for hungry schoolkids on an outing.

The Hall to the right, and to the left a square with a statue of the first prime minister. 

Sri Lanka 080905c: The Hall

The Independence Memorial Hall to commemmorate independence from Britain on 4th Feb, 1948.

A plaque commemmorating the occasion. Click image for better read. 

Proud Sinhalese lions guarding the hall. There's one on the Sri Lankan flag as well. Legend has it the Sinhalese people are of leonine origin - they even call themselves 'People of the Lion' or the 'Lion Race'. That's why the minority Tamils call themselves 'tigers'. Or so the story goes...

More Sinhalese lions.

Sri Lanka 080905b: Man in Uniform

Who's this handsome dude? Nice hat, nice belt, nice pants, nice boots.

Well, he's the parking attendant at a shopping centre. But a well-dressed one. 

Sri Lanka 080905a: Lunch in Colombo

At noon we check out of the hotel and find ourselves looking for lunch at a modern food court in downtown Colombo. Reminds me of home.

A selection of Sri Lankan chow (probably Sinhalese dishes). Quite good except a tad hot and spicy. 

This is one great competition - you get a private jet for 7 days to go anywhere in the world, and bring along 7 friends!