Benefits of the Sri Lanka Links
From our point of view the link will help our students understanding of the developing world and of a cultural that is significantly different to our own.
The Hanbantota region is predominantly agriculturel – tea growing takes place in the hills and fishing and rice paddies are a key industries on the coast. In addition there is a thriving gem mining industry. Agricultural is experiencing a slow decline; as many students seek to improve themselves and train for the professions there is a shortage of agricultural labour. Sri Lanka has been traditionally self sufficient in food but this decline means that some imports are now essential.
Tourism was also a major industry before the Tsunami hit. The area is known for the Bundala National Park and its wildlife as well as spectacular beaches. Sadly the massive erosion of the Tsunami has made many of these beaches unsafe for swimming and surfing.
Since the visit PSE and Science students have been working on joint projects with Sri Lankan students. They have shared work via the post and the email. The Sri Lankan students have also watched last year’s Settle College production of “Romeo and Juliet.