Whilst Sri Lanka is a relatively small island it feels so much bigger because journey times are unexpectedly long. With average speeds of around 20-25km an hour a 100km trip which in Europe could be achieved in a little over an hour can take the best part of a day. This is a combination of small roads, frequent potholes and numerous hazards from wayward “uncles’ on bicycles to freely wandering cows...

The blue whale is the largest animal that has ever existed on Earth and the waters around Dondra, Sri Lanka's Southernmost point, are recognised as the one of the very best places in the world to catch a glimpse of these awesome creatures.  The deep water ocean is very close to the coastline around Dondra Head Lighthouse which means that the whales often come near to the...

We are often asked about the laws around foreigners buying real estate in Sri Lanka as many people have heard that "foreigners are not allowed to own property".  As with so many things over here, the reality is not quite so cut and dried... Since 2013 foreigners have had their ability to own freeholds restricted but the laws are gradually being relaxed and, at the time of writing,...

Of the many and several fabulous things about living in Sri Lanka, the food markets are a sensory delight; mazes of stalls piled high with colourful, fresh, tropical fruit and veg alongside vendors selling fragrant spices by the kilo. Although it is a small island, Sri Lanka is blessed with a diverse climate so as well as the expected exotic produce that thrives in tropical conditions, the temperate...

Today we are sharing a taste of Sri Lanka with you. The ubiquitous and sublimely delicious "Pol Sambol" - pol being a Sinhala word for coconut. Often eaten at breakfast heaped on to Pol Roti, this mouthwatering sambol also turns up at lunch and dinner as a refreshing, palate cleansing, side dish to rice and curry. Moist, spicy and vibrantly orange it can't fail to lift the heart when spotted on the dining...

Meet some of the children and their teachers from the East Coast village of Kiran near Kalkudah. Kiran is a fishing village where many people live a hand-to-mouth existence and as we all know, education is an essential part of being able to break the cycle and create a better life.   The State education provision in Sri Lanka is universal and the government also provides uniforms, including shoes, for...