Today we split into smaller groups to visit previous Project Sri Lanka villages. Five of us went to Gandarawatte, and after experiencing our first treacherous tuk-tuk ride, were greeted by an incredibly friendly monk.If there is just one thing that the Sri Lankan people should be remembered for (and believe me there are many more!), it’s their hospitality; the pre-school children and their teachers welcomed us with a beautiful array of flowers and garlands, as well as a row of fourteen shy smiles.

The school room, which was built and decorated as part of the 2008 Project Sri Lanka team, displayed a large amount of the work that the children have been and their lively rendition of the English alphabet and numbers showed the sheer enthusiasm they have for learning.

With our limited Sinhala we helped the pre-school children with drawing and cut and paste tasks, which definitely put some of the team’s own artistic talents to shame!  

After a short break where we were invited for tea and biscuits with the monk, the team returned to the school to help- or simply play- with the children until their home time at eleven thirty.

Lunch for the five of us was also very enjoyable; the monk himself generously heaped more and more varieties of rice and curry onto our plates before giving us a tour around the temple to see the enormous statue of the Budda, which finished our day off perfectly.

I cannot stress enough the generosity that the people of the village, and of Sri Lanka in general, and can’t wait to return next week when we have been promised a lesson in meditation!