When our ship docked in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 5 (Day 112), we were greeted by the impressive lotus tower. Many times during the city tour, we saw it from a distance or close up.
Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist country, with other religions respected in the constitution. The lotus tower is interesting because the lotus represents purity, spiritual enlightenment, and rebirth. Our tour guide told us this, but did not tell us that this tower had been built by the Chinese. Some articles I found spoke of it as part of China’s Buddhist diplomacy. Sri Lanka seems pulled between other countries in its region (such as India and China), as well as its own internal ethnic/religious populations, and there is some representation of this in the lotus tower.
While Buddhism originated in India, Sri Lanka became the center and preserver of it for many years. Buddhism’s influence is strong in Colombo.
Here is a stupa we passed in our tour.
There are also Muslims in Sri Lanka. The Red Mosque was in the midst of the city, and we drove by for pictures.
As is the case for most of this part of Asia, there was a strong influence form the colonial past. This sculpture in the city provided an iconic representation.
Interesting religious facts…
Wow! Thanks for these pictures and the historical and religious context. I hope this post means you are starting to feel better.