Mutwal Walk About Jan-2014
This document provides a summary of the Mutwal neighborhood in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It describes how the area was formerly a garbage dump but is now undergoing development, though dereliction and decay are still present. It highlights how the neighborhood is best experienced by walking around and encountering the local people and sights. Several notable buildings from the early 1900s that were frequented by the British elite are mentioned. The document also provides brief descriptions of local residents going about their daily lives and livelihoods, including pensioners collecting payments, palm readers, a woman cooking outdoors, a shop owner with a photo of her late husband, and various small home businesses. Several religious sites are described, including temples serving both conventional and uncon
Mutwal Walk About Jan-2014
- 2. A MIXED VISTA A.K.A Modera (River Mouth) Used to be Colombo¡¯s garbage dump. The stink still lingers. The new promanade is being built, reflecting development & dereliction, decay everywhere.
- 3. SERENDIPITY AROUND EVERY CORNER This area is best enjoyed walking about. From meeting the colourful locals to seeing life in places you least expect. Keens eyes will help identify Hindu homes with yellow on their door-step from the ritual splatter of saffron water
- 4. THE COLOMBO - 7 OF THE 1900¡¯s This area has a number of popular watering holes frequented by the British elite. Lasalle formerly owned by entrepreneur C.S. Antony, (now by the Church) and Whist Hall (aka Pradeepa Hall) are 2 of the remaining examples.
- 5. PENSIONERS Waiting all morning at the Post Office for their monthly life blood ¨C payments.
- 6. FANCY A PALM READING? Seated near the Kovils, eagerly anticipating the patronage of passing worshippers.
- 7. LOCAL SMILES This family has lived here for the past 60 years in a tiny home brimming with rich history.
- 8. EVER READY FOR A PICTURE A camera is like a magnet. People love their picture taken. Especially the children.
- 10. THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN She is forced to cook outside, by the street, as there is no space in her home for a kitchen. She is currently bubbling a kola kenda on a pot, for her children
- 12. NEVER FORGOTTEN A shop woman keeps a picture of her husband on a shelf at the back of her shop as a reminder of all that she has sacrificed to make her living.
- 13. ENTREPRENEURS A tiny living room also doubles up as a TV repair shop. Examples of the entrepreneurial spirit are present everywhere you look.
- 14. THE KOVIL SUPPORTS MANY There are a number of people that the Kovil supports. From people selling traditional temple offerings to keeping footware of the worshippers.
- 15. TEMPLE OFFERINGS TO TEA The smallest of spaces are enough to earn enough money to put food on the family table. `
- 17. DOMAIN OF THE GODS The Maha Vishnu Temple, aka Kali Temple, aka Muttumariammum temple is particularly significant for those seeking favour of the Gods for either protection or vengeance. Ritual sacrifices used to be commonplace. Until recently a lady used to write a curse on an egg and bash it to the ground.
- 18. THE BLACK MAGIC TEMPLE A small room converted into a temple offering unconventional services not normally conducted at main temples. These include exorcisms, curses, hexes and sacrifices. The chief priestess
- 19. The gods are put to sleep on a swing at night.
- 21. THE SISTINE CHAPEL OF COLOMBO With murals painted by Hendrikus, (in the 1920s), the St. James Church is a sanctuary frequented by those seeking sollace or just a place to hang out in the hot afternoons.
- 22. Thank You ! .
Editor's Notes
- #5: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whist_Bungalow
- #22: Hendirkus introduced 3 dimensional and western elements to painting in SL. His most famous church is in Negombo. He has done lots of buddhist temples too. He liked to copy famous original paintings. The oldest buddhist temple in clmbo is close by ¨C Mirandarama¡.