Commemorates the deliverance of the first sermon to the five ascetics and setting in motion the Wheel of the Dhamma (Dhammachakka) at Sarnath Benares, India. The essence of this sermon is the explanation of the Four Noble Truths: The Noble Truth of Suffering or dissatisfaction or conflicts (Dukkha), the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering and the path leading to the cessation of suffering. And The Noble Eight-fold Path:

Elaborately adorned elephants, in rows of three, sway to the beat. At times, with their trunks linked or tucked away, it almost appears as if they are joining in the dance. Flanking the entire procession are the torch-bearers. Walking with measured step, they steadfastly carry the flaming long wooden poles, their golden-orange glow tinting the scene with magic light. At regular intervals, they lower their poles to revitalize the glow with coconut shells. The heat is intense. Their bodies glisten with beads of sweat. Smoke plays tricks with the coloured lights. Sri Lanka’s hill capital, Kandy, will once again host the festival honouring Lord Buddha’s Sacred Tooth Relic - enshrined in the city’s main temple - and showcase temple chiefs, Kandyan dancers, fire-juggling acrobats, whip crackers, palanquins, musicians and torchbearers who follow the elephants through the streets in spectacular processions.The highlight of the nightly procession is the brightly festooned Maligawa Tusker, the biggest elephant in the procession, entrusted with carrying the Perahera Karanduwa, a replica of the tooth casket enshrined in the temple in the 4th Century AD. For more information log in: http://www.daladamaligawa.org/

A fun-filled fiesta for kids, adults, and grandparents. The world famous southern coastal town of Hikkaduwa, is all agog with preparations, to hold Hikkaduwa Beach Fest 09 an initiative of Sri Lanka Tourism. The sun-kissed beaches of Hikkaduwa will vibrate to the pulsating rhythms of DJs, dancers, and musicians from July - August . The event will cater to both local and foreign visitors as well as to persons of all age groups – a family outing – a break from the monotony. There will be something for everyone from sand-castle building, movie night to a jazz festival.

Pakistan Tour 2009 4th July to 13 August 2009 Tests First Test 4 to 8 July GICS, Galle Second Test 12 to 16 July P. Sara, Colombo Third Test 20 to 24 July SSC, Colombo ODIs First 30 July RDICS, Dambulla Second 1 August RDICS, Dambulla Third 3 August RDICS, Dambulla Fourth 7 August RPICS, Khettarama Fifth 9 August RPICS, Khettarama Twenty20 12 August RPICS, Khettarama

Sri Lanka’s thriving Hindu population comes together many times a year, to celebrate the many colourful festivals in their calendar – although, none is possibly more revered in the country than the Kataragama Esala Festival. Held annually, the Esala Festival brings life into the site of Kataragama, as numerous pilgrims converge upon this sacred city to commemorate the victory of the Hindu war god, Skanda, over an army of demons

June 17, 2009, (London) The UK Pro Surf Tour has announced it will be returning to Sri Lanka in July this year for the Sri Lanka Champion of Champions Surf Contest at Arugam Bay Renowned as one of the best point breaks in the world, Arugam Bay is situated on the East coast of Sri Lanka which is now accessible as a result of the recent end to the civil unrest in the country. The 2009 Championships which take place on July 1-6 will see 48 surfers fighting it out to become the ultimate champion including some of UKs top professional surfers, international stars and local Sri Lankan surfers For more information contact julia@representationplus.co.uk dave@ukprosurf.com greg@representationplus.co.uk www.srilanka.travel www.prosurf.com