Today we met an expatriate local plantation owner who grows tea, rubber, cinnamon and coconuts over 23 acres. We gained an understanding of the challenges involved in managing a plantation and employing a mix of employees and migrant workers. Concentrating on the cinnamon element of this, we explored the issues involved in the plantation owner being a price taker for what is a seasonal commodity.

After this we visited a small community outside of Weligama to talk directly to the cinnamon craftsmen called “peelers”. A very informative discussion took place through both Jagath and another local interpreter regarding work, pay, conditions and the future of cinnamon peeling. We were welcomed on the visit by the offer of some king coconuts taken fresh from a tree and trimmed enough for us to drink from which was very refreshing, we rewarded their children with a number of balloon animals that they seemed to enjoy.

Earlier, a visit to a local primary school tested our organizational and planning skills in making around 100 balloon animals for the children. A demonstration of the making of various animals was given by Andy and then the pre-fabricated animals were handed out lighting up their little faces and warming our hearts to match the Sri Lankan sunshine.

The stats at the end of Day 4:

• Balloon animals 128
• Smiling Faces 1 classroom full
• Snakes 7
• Men with fishy poles 12
• Near misses at least 9
• Cow on beach 1