We started from Mount lavinia early,around 6.00 our crew was all friends & family. The roads were good and we made a short stop for breakfast by the side of a stream In cool shady spot at Iranawila close to chilaw lagoon.After enjoying good homemade

Breakfast and face dip in cool running water we were back on the journey admiring The fantastic scenery on our route Puttalam,Anuradhapura,Medawachchiya heading To Vavuniya.The scenery on either side was beautiful,the music from the crew all From Moratuwa with 3 guitarists,congo drummer,percussion,singers kept up the Tempo.With good music, baila and good sprits every one was hungry now the main Agenda was to look for good spot for lunch.We were lucky to find an excellent Spot close to the causeway near Periyakulam. Having enjoyed the homemade Bath packets,we were on our way towards vavuniya one could notice the change In the landscape.At Omantai all vehicles must pass the army checkpoint after all Formalities we were ready to go. The same time the army was also attending on 500 Ex Ltte carders after rehabilitation was returning with their families to the North.

The journey beyond this we could witness the scars of war, huge stretches of Area marked with red tape indicating uncleared land mines,army camps strategically Placed. Our next stop was Kilinochchi, we toured the town and suburbs to explore ,I leave to the readers to their imagination what it would have been like just 17 Months ago.It was getting dark we headed to Jaffna, was around 9.00 we reached Our guest house.This guest house is operated by U.S. guest house and is opposite St.John the Baptist church on hospital street.It has 5 large bedrooms with attached Bath ,A/c,5 to 6 could occupy one room.They charge around Rs.3500.00 per room But could negotiate.Sorry I do not have the contact numbers cos I was on holidays And at the time was not a lakdasun member,or else I would definitely got all info.

A war memorial built in front of the army camp	Water tank destroyed by LTTE at Kilinochchi
LTTE bunker at Killinochchi
the scars of war	the scars of war

Next morning after tasty breakfast of stinghoppers,Dhal curry and pol sambal We proceeded to Nagadeepa.The main docking area to enter the causeway Was packed with local tourists and pilgrims in bus loads,hive of activity and
Excitement,eager to get through to the causeway before big lineups begin. The scenery on both sides of the causeway was really breathtaking

The sun was up, the sky was turquoise blue,large open lagoon on one side And the sea with crystal clear waters on the other. The fishing boats were Heading to deep water,whilst shore fisherman were casting their nets and Others were busy with prawn/crab traps. Variety of storks,terns and other migratory water birds were feeding along The swamps and grass plains bordering the lagoon. After a long slow but Fantastic causeway ride,we arrived at the boating dock.The boats owned & Operated by the local fishing community,supervised by the Sri Lanka navy. Each boat takes in about 80 passengers,one way fare of Rs.150.00 is charged. They provide wornout life jackets, but the safety standards are unacceptable. I belive the navy should operate these boat or ferry services as they do the Canal boat service and whale/dolphin watching service.

The boat trip ends at the Nainativu jetty ,all disembark and walk about 100-150 meters to The Nagadeepa vihara.There were large numbers of worshippers & pilgrims at the time. We Got in to a dimo batta that took our crew to the other end of Nainativu island to the sri Nagapooshani amman kovil. After spending some time there a brisk walk took us to the Departure Jetty. The journey back on the causeway had lost some of it’s “wow” factor, Unlike seeing it for the first time, nevertheless scenery on either side was just fantastic. The boys were pelting out non stop baila with some juicy ones, their own compositions, Kept everyone entertained,happy and relaxed occasionally stoping to enjoy a glimps of The spectacular view of the sea and lagoon.

Welcome to Nagadeepa	Small shop& cool bar in Nainativu Island
disembark and walk about 100-150 meters to The Nagadeepa vihara	Nagadeepa vihara
sri Nagapooshani amman kovil	sri Nagapooshani amman kovil

We proceeded to Jaffna town where the crew went on a shopping spree,while some went to Get lunch packets.The main bazaar was very busy the prices some commodities were much Cheaper than in Colombo. We did not miss the crabs,prawns and dhallo for the dinner. We Reached the guest house tired and hungry.Everyone had a quick wash ,lunch a short rest And by 4.p.m. were ready for a sea bath & explore Jaffna.Making inquires reveled the closest Safe sea bathing spot is at KKS and time did not permit, we went on a sightseeing tour of Jaffna visiting as many places of interest including the dutch fort,the new library,rail station and the Nallur kovil.

Back at the guest house a quick shower & short rest it was party time with music & song With a sumptuous dinner including Jaffna style succulent crab curry,prawns,dhallo & strings. Every one was enjoying and in high sprits till well past midnight.

The next day early breakfast and next destination madhu church. We stopped at the war Memorial at Elephantpass and war hero Hasalaka Gamini monument. Lance corporal Gamini Kularatne’s supreme sacrifice saved the Elephant pass army camp.

war Memorial at Elephantpass	Hasalaka Gamini monument
	Long stretches of sceneries on route

We travelled to Kilinochchi and then took a shortcut via a newly constructed road that was not In good condition due to recent rains, the going was painfully slow avoiding large pot holes, Broken culverts etc. The scenery on either side was one of kind with hundreds of topless palm Trees scorched and burned,scarred buildings and bunkers remains as scars of the brutal war.

After what seemed to be an endless journey we entered the madhu road sanctuary which was Elephant infested thick jungle. Travelled a good distance but did not see any Elephants but only Dung. Finally arrived at the church premises.Every one was tired and very hungry and Was eagerly looking forward for the delayed lunch of boiled manioc and katta sambol. After spending sometime in prayers and devotion at the madhu shrine we continued On the homeward journey.

The Evening sky over the horizon	Gorgeous sun set

The roads leading to and from madhu church was in super condition,the driver was catching Up on lost time. There were IDP camps and NGO buildings in this area we continued along Admiring the sceneries and the monkeys and peacocks at play,on both sides enchanting The beauty. Moving further on we experience the panoramic view of the setting sun over the Surrounding landscape which was spectacular. On the way a brief stopover for hot tea & coffee And continued with more sing a song keeping everyone happy and upbeat, till we reached Anuradhapura for dinner.After enjoying a hearty meal we continued on homeward bound at a Leisurely pace,reaching home around 2.30 A.M. tired but happy ending a memorable trip.