The fascinating world of turtles in Sri Lanka

A growing interest is manifest in the field of turtles everywhere in the world. While an infinitesimal minority of carnivorous being are bent on destroying these disappearing breed of marine turtles for their flesh and shell, a preponderant majority of peace in many countries are keen to protest the turtle and provide them sanctuaries.
Marine turtles were roaming the oceans for about 190 million years. Among the many different variety of this species only eight of these ancient reptiles are found living today.
Of the eight Sri Lanka is famous for five kinds of turtles who regularly visit the sandy beaches to nest in Sri Lanka's South Western and South Eastern beaches from Induruwa to Yala and Kandakuliya in the Puttalam district.
Along the South Western coast turtles rest in Induruwa, Kosgoda, Akurala, Mavela, Rekava and Kahanda Modera. In the South Eastern beach from Usangoda, Ambalantota, Bundala upto Yala the turtles are found.

"The following five different species visit Sri Lanka beaches to nest. 

• Induruwa: Green Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle and Leatherback Turtle;
• Kosgoda: Loger head Turtle, Hawlesbill Turtle and the three species found in Induruwa;
• Akurala: Green Turtle;
• Mavela: Green Turtle and Leatherback Turtle;
• Kahandamodara: Unknown species of Turtles visit the area.
• Usangoda: Leatherback Turtle.
• Ambalantota: Green Turtle and Leatherback Turtle;
• Bundala: Green Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Leatherback Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle and Hawksbill Turtle;
• Yala: Green Turtle, Leatherback Turtle and Olive Ridley Turtle.
• Kandakuliya: In this area thousands of Olive Ridley Turtles are found every year. So far no nesting has been found.

Regrettably the large number of visiting turtles are caught by local fishermen for flesh and shells which provide the folks a lucrative market.
Under International Law too sea turtles are protected. Sri Lanka has barred international trade in sea turtle products.
"Turtles have lungs and must come to surface to breathe every thirty minutes. When they are asleep their bodies do not need as much oxygen and they are therefore able to spend the entire night underwater.
"Turtles are known to migrate over distances. A Leatherback turtle tagged in French Guiana in South America was recovered in Ghana some 3800 miles away.
"Marine turtles are believed to reach sexual maturity at thirty years and live to over eighty years old.
"Adult females are believed to return to the beach on which they hatched to lay their eggs. Sea turtles prefer quiet, dark, undisturbed where they will be less vulnerable to predators.
"Between 80 and 120 eggs are laid in each nest. The eggs are white and about the same size and shape as a table tennis ball. A single female may nest up to five times in a season.
"The temperature of the nest during incubation determines the sex of the hatchings. When they hatch the young turtles make their way straight to sea and swim constantly for up to 2 days.
This is known as the "juvenile frenzy" and allows the hatchings to escape the predator rich in shore waters. Every 1000 eggs laid are believed to yield only one mature adult sea turtle.".
Those who desire seeing turtles visiting the South Western and South Eastern coastal villages can do so in the nights from a distance with the aid of binoculars. Nesting turtles should not be disturbed and light disturbances should be minimised at night.
The Wild Life Department has launched a public awareness programme on the biology and conservation value of marine turtles to save the reptile from total disappearance.

                                              SAVE THE TURTLES

Five Precepts

Morning and evening, in rejoicing confidence, little children bow down at the sacred lotus feet of the Blessed Tathagata, the Enlightened Teacher of gods and men, and after meditating on His excellences, undertake to observe Pansil, the Five Precepts of Purity.

In observing the First Precept, they love the whole world and refrain from killing.
In observing the Second Precept, they refrain from stealing, and live with clean hands and hearts.
In observing the Third Precept, they practice chastity and grow up into strong noble youths.
In observing the Fourth Precept, they refrain from lying, from breaking a promise, and from twisting the truth. They grow up into true gentlemen, straight-forward and most honorable.
In observing the Fifth Precept, they ensure their own progress, preserve their health, intellect, and honor, and give peace to the world.

These Five Precepts are called by the Blessed One Ariyakanta Sila, Virtues Beloved of the Noble, for the Saints observe them even at the risk of life.
Parents can give no greater inheritance to their children than these Five Sacred Precepts, and they are an anchor for a world given so often to war and violence.
These merciful precepts of our Lord will heal, and soothe, and bless the whole world.

May there be Peace !

Lord Buddha's Parinibbana

80-year old Gotama Buddha then announced His passing away, Parinibbana, would take place on the third watch of the night at Sal grove of Malla royal family, and it happened to be a Vesak Poya day.

Siddharta Gautam's supreme attainment as the Buddha

Gautama Buddha was trained in various mental skills under many teachers, only to get disillusioned that they do not have the truth he looked for. The right way to achieve the truth dawned on him one day. He directed the mind in the right meditation path. Moments later he reached Enlightenment and conquered the world of sorrows on a Vesak Poya day.

Birth of Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini

The Siddharth or lord Buddha, the divine creature inquired about five affairs before expiring for the final birth: right time, right area, right continent, right caste and right mother. Then, as any Buddhist knows, the fully mindful divine being entered the womb of Queen Mahamaya. A prince was born on a Vesak Poya day to the Queen and King Suddhodana and was named Siddhartha, one who has found meaning of existence. The Queen passed away seven days after the prince's birth.

Vesak Festival

Sri Lanka celebrates Vesak - a thrice-blessed day for Buddhists as it commemorates the birth of Buddha, his attaining Enlightenment and his passing away into Nirvana.
This is a day spent in reflective prayer while lanterns made from bamboo frames and covered in coloured paper are hung inside every home and incredible illuminated displays decorate the streets. Devoted Buddhists pray in temples from dawn until dusk, then take part in processions as the sun sets, visiting the temples again in the evening to hear monks read stories from the Buddhist texts.
Stalls on the roadside distribute free refreshments to passers-by and there are some fantastic mime and street theatre performances, staged on tall platforms throughout the cities and towns near the temples.
Vesak is celebrated on the day of the full moon in May. It is the most hallowed of Buddhist festivals, almost a Christmas, Easier and Whitsun rolled into one as it commemorates the birth of the Buddha, his enlightenment and his death.
Vesak devotional songs (Bakthi Gee), sil campaigns, Bodhi Poojas, Dansalas, Pandals, lanterns, greeting cards and stamps are some of the things that we see every year at the time of this Buddhist festival. Buddhists commemorate the important events that took place in the life of Lord Buddha on this Vesak Full Moon Poya Day. First comes the birth of Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini in Nepal which took place under the arbor of Sat trees where queen Mahamaya gave birth to him.
The second event was Siddharta Gautam's supreme attainment as the Buddha, the Enlightened One. The third event was Lord Buddha's Parinibbana over 2500 years ago at Kusinagar.
In the Vesak week we find many activities conducted by the Buddhists devotees such as devotional song campaigns, almsgiving, lighting of Vesak lanterns ..etc. Many Viharas are filled with Atasil devotees and pilgrims all over Sri Lanka to mark this great event.  In temples Buddhists worship, offer flowers, light lamps and burn incense. These traditional observances, in essence, have their value in satisfying the religious and emotional needs of the people. On this holy day the Dana plays an important role. Every devotee gives alms. This is a sign of sharing with joy and peace with people. The Vesak Pandal depicting various Jathaka stories with paintings are erected all over Sri Lanka. They are illuminated and presented beautifully.

Many Vest lanterns are displayed at houses, which are very attractive and beautify the nights.
There is a long-standing tradition in Sri Lanka of sending greeting cards on this joyous occasion. People share their happiness among relatives and friends by exchanging Vest cards. Many associations arrange to hold an exhibition of paintings or competition on Vest lanterns. The winners are awarded valuable prizes.