Introduction

28th November 2003
Earlier this year we found ourselves in Sri Lanka for the wedding of our son to his Sinhalese fiancée. It was the first time we had travelled outside of Europe and the three weeks we spent travelling around the country before and after the Poruwa wedding ceremony proved to be a seminal experience that since our return to England has greatly affected our lives. We now have family and friends in Sri Lanka and have learned at first hand to view the World and its people in a different light.

During our visit I kept a detailed diary of our experiences, the people we met, the places we visited and the sights and sounds of the country. Illustrated with photographs this now represents a fascinating record of our first impressions and our experiences while travelling around Sri Lanka.

Ian and I are librarians living and working in Exeter, the county town of Devon, in South West England.

In October 2003 the Exeter Public Library ran a project intended to more closely integrate the diverse ethnic groups that make up our local community in the 21st century. The programme sought to view our city through the eyes of recently arrived residents from different ethnic backgrounds now integrating into British society. Accompanied by an exhibition taken from the Library's collections, residents were invited to contribute their early impressions on finding themselves thrown into a culture and a way of life that may differ greatly from their own.

It occurs to me that, in the same way as Exeter residents were intrigued to see themselves through the eyes of a different culture, the people of Sri Lanka may be interested to see how their country first strikes a foreign visitor.

The account is quite spontaneous, vividly expressing our experiences and impressions of such a complete culture change. Our experiences, both good and bad are present. With hindsight, some of my initial impressions have moderated somewhat and I apologise if any views expressed should in any way offend our new friends and family in Sri Lanka. It is certainly not intended, but the few negative experiences have their place alongside the many, many positive ones and to omit them would not present a true picture of our very first encounter with a country outside of Europe.

This account is dedicated to our new friends and family in Sri Lanka, with immense gratitude for the kindness and hospitality shown to us. This unselfish hospitality will be our strongest and warmest memory. More than all the rest of our rich experiences together, it is what will ensure we return to Sri Lanka again and again. Meanwhile, our awareness of the country and its people grow as we discover more concerning the literature, the history and political background to this astonishing island. Jeev and Neil are able to ensure our palettes can still experience the authentic tastes of Sri Lankan dishes and I'm fast becoming adept in the use of cardomon pods, ginger, peppers, cumin seeds, gara masala and coconut milk! The wonderful diversity of fruit has no substitute here however. Does anyone know where I can find a jack fruit?