From Kings to Countrymen
The Hanging Cascades of Sri Lanka
People of
THE CASCADES
The people of Palugaswewa represent the farming communities living in harmony with some 30,000 cascades.
The area of Palugaswewa is home to about 400 families with approximate population of 1,500 people. With agriculture as the main livelihood of the people in this area, almost all of them engage in tank irrigated lowland paddy cultivation. The tank itself acts as a basket of food providing the village with fish and aquatic food sources.
The art and
CRAFT CASCADE
There are practices that have evolved for centuries and the knowledge that has been passed down through generations that have prepared the people of Palugaswewa to deal with agricultural difficulties and natural disasters. Well-knitted and inseparable with their century old culture, this ancient knowledge is passed down in the form of folklore, songs, poems and theatrical performances.
As is tradition, both men and women have an equal load to bear when it comes to the work that needs to be put in to life, but it is done in harmony. While education plays the most important role, children also help in the farming activities, housekeeping and home gardening.
Keeping true to their roots, many farmers continue to produce organic yield, relying on keeping the balance of the earth intact. Theirs is a deep-rooted relationship with nature passed down from generation to generation, keeping the tradition of Ellangawa truly alive.
