Development of photography in Sri Lanka

 Development of photography influenced in Sri Lankan Culture ,media and historical documentation

Photography has profoundly impacted Sri Lankan culture and media by preserving historical moments and showcasing the nation's diverse heritage. Photographic collections such as those featured in " veins of influence " have brought Sri Lanka into the global conversation of photography , emphasizing the importance of visual documentation in understanding the country's colonial past and cultural evolution.

Colonial  Era ( 19th century)

Early photography was introduced by British colonizers, documenting landscapes , archaeology and ethnography often reinforcing colonial  narratives ( wright 1999) 

Past - Independence ( 20th century) 

1. Cultural Documentation 

Photographers like Lionel Wendt (1900- 1944) blended modernism with Sri Lankan traditions, capturing rural life and Buddhist rituals.

2. Photojournalism

Outlets like the Ceylon observer used photography to chronicle political events such as the 1971 JVP insurrection.

Cinematography Trends

1. Digital Media 

Social platforms amplify grassroots storytelling ( E.g. ; Wartime documentation by citizen journalists during the civil war)

2. Influence on Culture 

Photography Shapes tourism ( E.g. : promoting scenic locals ) and preserves intangible heritage ( E.g.: Vesak lantern festivals )

Challenges 

1.Representation 

Historical archives often marginalize minority communities.

2. Ethics 

Post war reconciliation efforts use photography to memorialize conflict victims ( sontay 2003 )

A Novel

 

 Loveena

Author : Mohan Raj Madawala

Language : Sinhala 

 

 summary

Born into a noble family , Punna , a beautiful and intelligent young woman , was destined to become a concubine of king Narendrasinghe. She became pregnant due to an illicit relationship with Daskon Adikaram, and incurred the warth of the king. As a result , she was ordered to be exiled to the Rodi Kuppayam in Udugalpitiya along with family. However due to the death of her patents , she was the  only one left to be exiled. Betrayed by an old Rodi named Baiya, she eventually becomes the most powerful adult woman in the Rodi Kuppayam. Her granddaughter , Pinchi had a secret relationship with the king's Parangi solider named Aponsua and a girl named Lovina was born. Due to the wrath of the Kulina people, they had to flee from the Rodi Kuppayam in Udugalpitiya and finally ended up on the shores of Mount Lavinia. It is there that the love affair between Governor Maitland and Loveena (later Laveena) develops. That is the essence of the novel " Loveena".

This is the not only love story between Governor Thomas Maitland and the young lady Loveena. Nor is it just the love story between the great Daskon and the queen Pramila. This is also the heart pounding love story of Punni,a young lady who never had love but lived for the love of everyone except herself, over a period of one hundred and nine years.

Main Characters

Loveena : A symbol of cultural amalgamation and resistance, representing the struggles of mixed heritage individuals in a stratified society.

Thomas Maitland :The British Governor whose relationship with Loveena challenges colonial and societal norms.

Daskon : A historical figure whose forbidden love with Queen Premila underscores the tensions between duty and desire.

Queen Pramila : A royal figure tone between her obligations and her love for Daskon.

Punni : An elder from the rodi caste , embodying resilience and the silent sacrifices of marginalized women.

Sasira : A character whose experiences highlight the deep seated issues of caste and identity.

Themes and symbolism

Magical Realism

The novel employs magical realism to blur the lines between reality and myth, enriching the narrative with cultural depth.

Colonial Impact

The relationships depicted serve as metaphors for the broader colonial influence or Sri Lankan society and culture.

Language and Identity

The novel delves into how language can both bridge and widen cultural divides , especially in the context of colonialism and caste.

Love story

The central love affair between Loveena and Governor Maitland is a key plot elements showcasing a forbidden romance that could change Loveena's destiny and her family 's fortunes.

Social Context

The novel explores the plight of the Rodi caste, who faced discrimination and lost privileges under colonial rule. Lovina's fight for their rights is a significant part of the narrative.

Historical Setting

The story is set in colonial Ceylon ( now Sri Lanka ) , specifically around Mount Lavinia and the hotel, which was once the Governor's residence .The author paints a vivid picture of colonial life and its impact on the local population.

Hidden Secrets

The novel reveals  hidden secrets and mysteries, including the rumored secret tunnel between the Governor's palace and Loveena's house , further adding to the intrigue.

" Loveena " has been recognized for its bold narrative and thematic depth, earning nominations for the 2014 Swarna Pusthaka and Godage Literary Awards . Critics have praised it exploration of taboo subjects and its contribution to Sri Lankan literature

Biodiversity

 Endangered Plants and Animals in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka renowned for its rich biodiversity, is home to numerous species of animals and plants that are currently facing the threat of extinction. Factors such as habitat loss, human wildlife conflict and environmental degradation have significantly impacted these species. Blow is an overview of some of the endangered animals and plants in Sri Lanka.

Endangered Animals:

Mammals :

Sri Lankan Leopard ( Panthera pardus kotiya )

Sri Lankan elephant ( Elephas maximus maximus)

Sloth bear ( Melursus ursinus)

Red slender loris ( Loris tardigradus)

Flame- striped jungle squrirrel ( Funambulus layardi)

Mou8se deer (Moschiola meminna and M. kathygre)

Birds :

Sri Lanka Blue Magpie

Reptiles and Amphibians:

Numerous frog species

Sri Lankan Gecko

Lyre Head Lizard

Other:

Pangolin

Crustaceans

Insects

Giant Snakehead ( Channa ara)

Hawksbill Turtle

Blue Whale

Endangered Plants :

Endemic Terrestrial Orchid : Anoectochilus regalis ( wana -raja)

Mangrove Species : Lumnitzera littorea ( Rathamilla)

Stemonoporus moonii

Polyspora gardneri ( Rathu Mihiriya)  

Gyrinops Walla ( Walla Patta)

Endangered Animals

1. Sri Lankan Leopard

The Sri Lankan leopard is a subspecies endemic to the island. As the apex predator, its plays a crucial role in maintaining  ecological balance. However with an estimated population of fewer than 800 mature individuals, the species faces threats from habitat loss and human induced mortality. Notably incidents involving snares have led to significant fatalities among leopards. Yala, Wilpattu, and Horton Plains National Park are popular for leopard watching.

2. Purple- faced Langur

This arboreal monkey is endemic to Sri Lanka's wet zone forests. Rapid urbanization and deforestation have led to a significant decline in its population. The species is highly sensitive to habitat fragmentation, which has resulted is isolated groups and reduced genetic diversity. Conservation efforts are focusing on habitat protection and the establishment of ecological corridors to connect fragmented forest.

3.  Pangolin

Also knows as the thick - tailed pangolin, this nocturnal mammal is covered in protective scales. It primarily feeds on termites and ants. Despite its natural defenses, the pangolin is heavily poached for its scales and meat. Habitat destruction further exacerbates its decline. Conservation initiatives include strengthening anti-poaching laws and raising public awareness about the species ecological importance.

4. Asian Elephant

( Elephas maximus), also called Asiatic elephant, is the only living species of the genus Elephas and is distributed throughout the Indian subcontinent and southeast Asia, from India in the west , Nepal in the North, Sumatra in the south, and to Borneo in the east. Three subspecies are recognized E. m. maximus from Sri Lanka , E. m . indicus main land Asia and E. m. Sumatrans from the island of Sumatra. The Asian elephant is the largest living land animal in Asia. Since 1986, the Asian elephant has been listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, as the population has declined by at least 50 percent over the last three generations, estimated to be 60-75 years. It is primarily threatened by loss of habitant, habitant degradation , fragmentation and poaching.

5. Blue Whale

( Balaenoptera musculus) is a marine mammal belonging to the baleen whale parvorder, Mysticeti. At up to 29.9 metres (98ft) in length and with a maximum recorded weight of 173 tonnes (190 short tons) , it is the lagest animal known to have ever existed. Long and slender, the blue whale's body can be various shades of bluish grey dorsally and somewhat lighter underneath. There are at least three distinct subspecies: B. m. musculus of the North Atlantic and North Pacific , B. m . brevicauda ( also known as the pygmy blue whale ) found in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific Ocean . B.m. indica , found in the Indian Ocean, may be another subspecies . As with other baleen whales , its diet consists almost exclusively of small crustaceans known as krill. 

Endangered Plants

 

 

Sri Lanka's rich plant biodiversity faces significant threats, with many species at risk of extinction. According to the National Red List 2020, approximately 48.4% of the evaluated flowering plant species are classified as threatened.

1. Stemonoporus moonii

This critically endangered endemic plant is unique to Sri Lanka and holds a singular position as the sole representative of its genus.

2.Lumnitzera littorea( Ratha milla) 

Is a true mangrove species that has been consider critically endangered in 2007, 2012 and 2020 National Red List of Sri Lanka . It was found only in Madu Ganga Ramsar site until recently. Bringing new hopes towards its conservation , rediscovery of the Lumnitzera littorea has now been made from the Bentota estuary, where it has previously been recorded a century back. This newly found population is of great significance due to the considerable number of young plants in carries.

3. Gyrinops Walla ( Walla Patta)

Clssified as vulnerable, this species is harvested for agarwood, leading to concerns about overexploitation . Conservation efforts include research on sustainable cultivation and protection measures. It was described by  Joseph Gaertner. The tree grows up to 15m high. Its bark is thin and brownish grey color . Leaves are 1-6 mm long and yellowish white flower's pedicels are 3-4 mm long. Gyrinops Walla is found in wet zone of Sri Lanka and very rarely in southwest India. Due to the demand of the tree, Sadaharitha plantations limited released study on growing Gyrinops Walla in home gardens. some organizations conducted the research with the support of the Sri Lankan government.

4.Polyspora gardneri ( Rathu Mihiriya) 

This species , known for its striking red flowers, is critically endangered due to its limited distribution , being found in just one location with fewer than one hundred individuals trees. Its red color which gives  it the name " rathu mihiriya " which is Sinhala for" red beauty". This species was once more common in forests above Ramboda in Sri Lanka but has undergone severe population declines.

This conservation of these species is critical not only for maintaining Sri Lanka's unique biodiversity but also for ensuring the health and stability of its ecosystems. Ongoing efforts by governmental and non governmental organizations aim to address these challenges through habits protection, legal enforcement and community engagement.