Why Sri Lanka is entering a golden era for travellers
by Ute Junker · Australian Financial ReviewUte JunkerTravel writer
Sep 4, 2026 – 5.00am
At first glance, a row of golden Buddhas lined up along Seema Malaka temple appear identical: legs crossed, torsos upright, serene faces topped with spiral curls. On the waters of Colombo’s Beira Lake and reached by walking barefoot across a floating pontoon bridge, the statues seem to be wrapped in a cocoon of calm. Quite an achievement, given we are in the middle of Sri Lanka’s lively capital, skyscrapers rising on the lake’s far shore.
The Buddhas, on closer inspection, each have their hands arranged in a distinctive mudra, or gesture, heavy with meaning. The one with his right arm draped over his leg, fingers pointing to the ground, left hand resting in his lap? He represents the exact moment Buddha achieved enlightenment.
Loading...
Save
Log in or Subscribe to save article
Share
Copy link
Copied
Copy link
Copied
Share via...
Gift this article
Subscribe to gift this article
Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.
Already a subscriber? Login
Read More
Ute JunkerTravel writerUte Junker is a columnist.
Latest In Travel
Fetching latest articles