Démonstration d'une pratique de pêche traditionnelle : la pêche sur échasse A demonstration of traditional fishing practices : fishing on stilts this region has succeeded to rehabilitate most of its districts and more among the monuments accessible to visitors includes the UNESCO World rural zones. Heritage Site, the Temple of Gold of Dambulla, built in the 1st century in a One of the main activities of this peninsula is coastal fishing, more complex of 80 caves at the base of a rock. commonly the vocation of the Tamil community. This practice is carried From the highlands culminating at more than 2,500 metres, to the tea out in outrigger canoes or in Teppams, rafts made from wooden beams. cultures of Ceylon (the former name of Sri Lanka in the colonial period), The traditional means of fishing on stilts which is emblematic of the south the exceptional preservation of flora and fauna is mostly due to the strong of the country has become a tourist activity, bringing to light a bygone links between Buddhismand nature. The same goes for the flora and Sinhalese fishing technique. fauna in the sea beds that surround the island. Dominique Goybet, who has been a resident for nearly 9 years in Sri Lanka “In a professional capacity”, confides Dominique Goybet, “our team adapts and who works for a partner of GlobeSailor, Sail Lanka, happily recalls the its onboard supplies according to the desires of the travellers on land as special relationships established between travellers and families of Tamil well as at sea. For those who wish to discover the coral reefs by Sellativu fishermen. “The cruises in Palk Bay sometimes give rise to miraculous island, snorkel and contemplate the myriads of parrot sh or even sail withfi incidents. The most striking I can remember was when an enormous tuna their family open sea or by white sand beaches, we guide them towards was caught on the line by some French sailors. After a day at the bay, the Trincomalee and Passikudah at the east of the island. With its environ- crew that had taken care to take their own gear on board, disembarked ment which is so distinctive to the Tropics, it’s an ideal harbour to recharge at Jaffna port with an “enormous thing”. Too heavy for little local dugout your batteries and contemplate the beauties of the world. The lucky ones canoes, this tuna became the attraction and the delight of the fish market. will come across families of whales in the open sea.” The ease of interaction and exchange with the Timal community as with As for lovers of party stops and water sports, they will prefer the southern the Sinhalese community hugely encourages encounters between tour- coast and Mirissa. This coastal town, opted for by surfers and other board ists and locals, who invite visitors to immerse themselves in everyday life, sport fans, is also well-known for its tasty restaurants and lively atmosphere. however far it may be from the rhythms of our western way of life. Finally, another significant advantage of holidaying along the southern It is precisely rhythm which plays a significant role in the discovery of this and western regions of Sri Lanka is the opportunity to see the blue whales country. Indeed, it is important to consider the traffic conditions and the pass through the Gulf of Benegale and the Oman sea during the period of road network which more than often limit the speed to 50/60 km/h. Far migration (January to April). In experts’ opinions, Mirissa is the best place from being a restriction, it is an opportunity for travellers to penetrate the in the world to observe these cetaceans, which are impressive not only historical heart of the country and appreciate the richness of the heritage because of their size but also because of the deep emotions and sensa- of the Cultural Triangle. This stop in the high places of Buddhist spirit- tions they provoke… The beauty and nature of Sri Lanka is a jewel to be uality is an irrefutable means of finding your cruising speed. For example, discovered and rediscovered time and time again. 37