A cup of tea and a prophylactic toilet visit was all we needed when we stopped at the Cinnamon Tree cafe in Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka on our way to Galle. The tea was good the cafe, neat and clean but the view from our table was better. The morning sun was streaming through this window, the family dog sunning himself on the verandah of this house was oblivious to my excitement at seeing this house — a quiet domestic loveliness so often forgotten in our scarred island.
Verandahs were a vital part of every Sri Lankan house of yesteryear. Pre-TV days growing up in Panadura, the extended family gathered on the verandah at sundown and a variety of subjects from politics to religion was discussed. We kids played hide-and-seek but imbibed many facts as we played with one ear cocked on the interesting dialogues.
More news of this house and permission to photograph was given by Ms. Sayuriranga Gunasekera, who was running the cafe. The house was her father’s main family house but had passed on to the youngest son as is often the case in many Sri Lankan families.
She took me around to introduce me to the current owner – her Bappa ( father’s youngest brother). However, before I came close, the Bappa was quick to take the dog away fearing he might attack me. The wooden plank on the doorstep was the only jarring object — a sign of current times and was used to take into the house a motorbike which ( not visible) was parked inside.
how lovely!imaginehow nice it must be to be chilling out on a armchair on the verandah and reading newpapers /just watching life on street pass by…..
love to see more pics of this house if it is possible. thanks
You have managed to evoke the sentimentality of rural Sri Lanka with your words and pictures. Keep up the good work. I hope more people and especially those living overseas finds your Blog. Hey , how about a good picture of yourself. We like to know what you look like, this mystery is killing me!!
I absolutely love the house…the history the artistic beauty it possesses.. lovely post! wish there was more pics
whoa!! that looks very nice and inviting!!!!
Echo: lovely!
Echo: more/inside pics?
Chulie, wonderful picture and a very moving posting! I hope to experience the same Sri Lanka with you some time soon.
Chulie, your beautiful memoir of Sri Lanka is growing piece by piece and as you capture the past you pick up those threads worth weaving into the future. Thank you.
I can only hope you keep on the move traveling throughout the country as your photos evoke such memories of my trips. Your photos are always prize winning material. Can’t wait for the next one(s).
Very nice capture and framing
by looking at it,makes me proud….
wow its very cool & prode of sinhala house. must protect this houses lovely relax
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i would like to tell some details our farthers old home also
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Spot on with this write-up, I honestly believe this
web site needs much more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the advice!