The art of Sri Lankan Masks was existing from time immemorial. Mask carving is a local tradition in the southern coastal region in Sri Lanka. Ambalangoda is well known for traditional masks carvings and masks dancing. The present institution named ‘Ariyapala Traditional Masks’. The history of this tradition date back for many centuries and has developed into perfection in the hand of the Wijesooriya family in Ambalangoda. Ariyapala Tradition passing through their seventh generation of traditional masks carving and Low country dancing. The marks of this family’s cultural activities have become a part of Ambalangoda history. “Ariyapala Wijesooriya Gurunnanse”, one of the greatest master craftsmen in Sri Lanka. He handed over his profound knowledge in all traditional masks carving and dancing into Mahindapala Wijesooriya one of the nationally and internationally award winner master carver.

Presently, there are five species of turtles that are taken care of in the hatchery and rescue centre. Such species are the Olive Ridley Turtle, Leatherback Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, and Green Turtle. The facilities of the sea turtle hatchery and rescue centre are all state-of-the-art, complete with water tanks to care for newborn turtles, along with adult turtle species that have been rescued from the sea due to injuries. One of the more peculiar sights in the centre is the area in which the turtles lay their eggs, as they have distinct little mounds of sand piled neatly between one another. Each of these mounds is monitored closely to calculate the hatching process of the turtle eggs.

Could there be a more romantic gemstone name than moonstone? Once believed to be solidified moon beams, moonstone has been a favourite for thousands of years and it’s certainly one of mine! It looks stunning on everybody and is traditionally used—especially by women—as a stone of healing for both mind and body.