Our host took us to Islands of the north of Sri Lanka. The drive took us along some poorly maintained roads, but nothing too bad. Being Sinhalese, Buddhist and having connections from his previous job where his ability took him far, we got to meet a senior priest in the Buddhist temple on Nainativu after we had been shown around. My son, daughter and I also went to the Hindu temple, but as he was expected to take his top off to enter, he declined so instead my daughter and I entered, me with no top and a reminder of my beer belly.
Afterwards we were taken to a small fort and shown around it, including the cells which were of use until the end of the civil war. Atrocities were committed on both sides and the use of torture was not discussed, so I have so idea if this also took place on the island in addition to being held in cramped cells.
On the journey back to our base, we stopped at a Buddhist temple devoted to the landing of Sanghamitta on the Island. My daughter and I went along for that tour and then it was back to rest, and then later an evening function.
