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T-Series is associated with music industry from past three decades, having ample catalogue of music comprising plenty of languages that covers the length & breadth of India. We believe after silence, nearest to expressing the inexpressible is Music. So, all the music lovers who believe in magic of music come join us and live the magic of music with T-Series.
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TravelTranscript
00:00It is an island, yet it holds a continent's worth of wonders.
00:21A mystical crossroads of east and west, its shores once welcomed explorers and traders,
00:27where tides carried secrets, spices and stories for centuries.
00:39This is a land of ancient cities that house some of the tallest brick structures of their time.
00:49Emerald tea plantations stretching into the horizon
00:52and scenic train journeys weaving through breathtaking landscapes.
01:06With exotic wildlife, enchanting coastlines and warm, welcoming people, Sri Lanka has everything a traveller could desire.
01:13Even Marco Polo called it the most beautiful island in the world.
01:28Today, I'll take you on a journey through Sri Lanka's amazing landscapes, vibrant culture and ancient history.
01:36Uncovering the hidden treasures that make this pearl of the Indian Ocean so extraordinary.
01:42Sri Lanka's story stretches back over 2,500 years,
01:47when Indo-Aryan settlers from northern India arrived, laying the foundations of the Sinhalese kingdom.
02:08the foundations of the Sinhalese kingdom according to legend their
02:16ancestors were led by Prince Vijaya whose lion heritage gave the island its
02:20ancient name Sinhala the land of the lion
02:28but Sri Lanka's destiny was forever changed in the third century BCE when
02:33Emperor Ashoka of India sent his son Mahinda to introduce Buddhism
02:43King Devanampiya Tissa embraced the faith transforming the island into a
02:48spiritual heartland today over 70% of Sri Lankans practice Theravada Buddhism and
02:57Sri Lanka's influence helped spread the tradition across Southeast Asia
03:03with Buddhism taking root in the Sinhalese kingdom flourishing Sri Lanka
03:11entered an era of monumental achievements
03:13nowhere is this more evident than in its first great capital Anuradhapura
03:21founded in the fourth century BCE and later established as the royal capital under King
03:32Pandukabhaya Anuradhapura thrived for over 1,000 years as the spiritual and
03:38political heart of the Sinhalese kingdom
03:41it was one of the world's greatest Buddhist centers attracting monks and
03:50scholars from across Asia its monasteries housed over 10,000 monks at its peak
03:56however after repeated invasions in the 10th century CE the city was largely
04:06abandoned with much of it reclaimed by the jungle when British explorers surveyed its ruins in the 19th
04:21century they were stunned to find colossal stupas and entire temple complexes
04:26hidden beneath dense vegetation
04:32the Jethawan Aramaya stupa built in the third century CE once stood at 122 meters
04:39400 feet making it one of the tallest structures of the ancient world rivaling the pyramids of Egypt
04:51constructed with over 93 million bricks it was an engineering marvel of its time
04:57equally impressive is Ruanweli Sire a towering white stupa built in the second century BCE by King Dutugamunu to enshrine sacred relics of the Buddha
05:12nearby the Sri Maha Bodhi tree planted over 2300 years ago remains the oldest
05:26historically documented tree in the oldest historically documented tree in the world grown from a sacred cutting of the Bodhi tree in India where Buddha attained enlightenment
05:41though time and invasions forced its decline Anuradhapura's legacy endured
05:48many of Sri Lanka's later capitals including Polonarawa and Kandi drew inspiration from its urban planning and religious monuments
05:55ensuring its influence remained alive for centuries
06:05By the 11th century the Sinhalese kingdom had shifted its capital to Polonarawa
06:09marking the beginning of a new era of resilience and innovation
06:17The fall of Anuradhapura had left the kingdom vulnerable
06:21vulnerable and Polonarawa better fortified and strategically positioned became the ideal choice
06:33Unlike its predecessor which was gradually reclaimed by the jungle Polonarawa remained remarkably well preserved offering a glimpse of a kingdom that once rivaled the greatest in Asia
06:43Under the visionary rule of King Parakramabahu the first 1153 to 1186 CE
06:58Polonarawa flourished as a center of Theravada Buddhism trade and engineering
07:03His royal palace once an imposing multi-story structure stood as a symbol of the kingdom's power
07:20The Vatadaj an intricately carved circular shrine was built to enshrine sacred Buddhist relics
07:26possibly including the sacred tooth relic at one point
07:32But perhaps the king's most ambitious project was the Parakrama Samudra
07:36a massive 2500 hectare reservoir that ensured year-round irrigation reflecting Sri Lanka's unparalleled mastery of water management
07:51At the heart of the city stands the Galvihara a masterpiece of Sri Lankan sculpture
07:56This collection of four colossal Buddha statues carved directly into a single granite rock face
08:10is considered one of the finest artistic achievements of its time
08:18Each figure standing seated and reclining displays an extraordinary level of craftsmanship
08:24capturing the serene and meditative essence of Buddhist art
08:40For over two centuries Polonarawa remained a thriving capital shaping Sri Lanka's cultural and spiritual landscape
08:53However, internal conflicts and repeated invasions by South Indian Pandayan forces in the late 13th century led to its decline
09:05forcing the Sinhalese rulers to shift their capital once again
09:10Seeking a more defensible stronghold they established a fortified citadel Yapahua which briefly served as the capital under King Bhuvanekebahu the first
09:211272 to 1284 CE
09:31Rising 90 meters 300 feet above the plains its steep stone staircase once adorned with intricate carvings
09:38led to the temple of the sacred tooth relic the island's most revered buddhist artifact
09:44With its towering walls moats and strategic vantage point Yapahua was designed to withstand invasions reflecting the kingdom's struggle against external threats
10:00However, Yapahua's time as a royal seat was short-lived
10:03In 1284 South Indian Pandayan forces overran the fortress seizing the sacred tooth relic
10:11With its loss Sri Lanka's rulers were forced to relocate once again
10:19The sacred tooth relic was taken to Madurai but it was later recovered by King Parakramabahu the third
10:30Over the next few centuries it was safeguarded in various capitals each ruler asserting their legitimacy through its possession
10:37Eventually, in the 16th century it found its permanent home in Khandi Sri Lanka's last royal capital before British colonization
10:53At its center stands the temple of the tooth one of the most revered buddhist shrines in the world
10:59Said to house a tooth of buddha himself the relic is far more than just a sacred object it has long been a symbol of sovereignty and divine authority
11:19For centuries Sri Lankan rulers believed that possession of the relic legitimized their rule
11:27Making it the ultimate symbol of kingship
11:38This belief was so powerful that every capital that held the relic was seen as the rightful seat of power
11:45Which is why it was fiercely protected stolen and reclaimed throughout history
11:50Recognizing its importance King Vimaladharma Surya the first built the temple of the sacred tooth
12:01In the 17th century ensuring the relic had a permanent sanctuary in Khandi
12:08Even after the fall of the monarchy the relics ceremonial importance remained
12:12To this day presidential inaugurations include
12:15Rituals of the temple reinforcing its role as a spiritual and national treasure
12:22The relic significance is most vividly displayed during the Asala Parahera festival
12:27One of the grandest buddhist celebrations in the world
12:33This grand festival which dates back centuries was formalized under the Nayak kings of Khandi
12:39In the 18th century incorporating rituals that honor both the relic and Hindu deities
12:48Each year Khandi erupts in a spectacular procession of dancers, drummers, fire breathers and elaborately adorned elephants
12:57All paying homage to the sacred tooth relic
13:00A majestic tusker adorned in richly embroidered robes and glowing lights
13:05Carries a sacred casket representing the revered relic through the streets
13:09A tradition that has endured for centuries
13:13Beyond its breathtaking spectacle the festival is a deeply spiritual event
13:18Embodying the country's devotion to buddhism and its royal heritage
13:24This rich cultural legacy extends beyond the festival
13:28Khandian dance with its dramatic leaps rhythmic drumming and elaborate costumes
13:33Traces its roots to ancient temple rituals performed to honor the relic
13:39Today it remains one of Sri Lanka's most iconic and vibrant art forms
13:43A living testament to the enduring spiritual and cultural significance of Khandi and the sacred tooth relic
13:50But Khandi was more than just a spiritual center
13:56It was the last stronghold of Sinhalese independence
14:03Resisting Portuguese, Dutch and British rule for over 300 years
14:08For centuries Khandi defied foreign control
14:19Negotiating with European powers while maintaining its sovereignty
14:25However in 1815 Khandi finally fell to the British marking the end of Sri Lanka's monarchy
14:38As the final royal capital Khandi showcased the last era of Sinhalese sovereignty through its grand architecture
14:51Khandi Lake constructed by the last king of Khandi in 1807 was part of an ambitious city beautification project
14:59Nearby the royal palace once the seat of Sri Lanka's last kings preserving the artifacts of a kingdom on the brink of colonial rule
15:21Today Khandi's spiritual landscape extends beyond its royal past
15:25Overlooking the city the Bahirawakanda Buddha a towering white statue built in 1993 stands as a symbol of Sri Lanka's enduring Buddhist heritage
15:35Just 45 minutes from Khandi perched atop a 1,100 meter, 3,600 feet mountain near Gampala
15:53Ambulawawa tower is one of Sri Lanka's most unique landmarks
15:57More than just an observation point it stands within Sri Lanka's first multi-religious sanctuary
16:07Where a buddhist stupa inspired tower is surrounded by symbolic representations of a hindu kovil
16:14A christian church and an islamic mosque reflecting the island's deep-rooted religious harmony
16:19Climbing its narrow spiraling staircase is an exhilarating experience with open walkways that make you feel as if you're floating above the landscape
16:41From the top breathtaking views stretch across lush forests rolling tea plantations and misty mountains
16:50And on exceptionally clear days the Indian ocean may even be visible in the distance
17:00A visit to Ambulawawa tower isn't just about the climb
17:04It's an unforgettable blend of nature culture and adventure offering panoramic views of Sri Lanka's central highlands
17:11But to truly immerse yourself in this breathtaking region there's no better way than by train
17:28Originally built by the British in 1864 and later extended to Ella
17:34The Kandi to Ella railway was designed to transport salon tea from the highlands to the coast
17:40Shaping Sri Lanka's tea industry into the global giant it is today
17:50Many tamil laborers from south india originally brought to work on tea plantations
17:55Remained and became a vital part of Sri Lanka's tea culture
18:07Today this slow moving train journey is considered one of the most scenic in the world
18:12Winding through misty forests emerald green tea plantations and cascading waterfalls
18:17As the train climbs higher into the mountains it passes through Sri Lanka's iconic tea country
18:28The cool misty town of Nuwara Elia developed as a British hill station in the 19th century
18:36is famous for its English style gardens, horse racing and colonial architecture
18:52This region remains the heart of Sri Lanka's tea industry which flourished after a coffee blight in the 1860s
19:01Today Sri Lanka is the fourth largest tea producer in the world
19:06As the train crosses Patapola station Sri Lanka's highest railway station at 1,898 metres
19:186,227 feet above sea level the landscape transforms into rolling cloud forests and remote plantations
19:26Near Demodara the railway performs an engineering marvel
19:36The Demodara loop where the tracks curve around a hill
19:56And pass under the station itself one of the few railway loops of its kind in the world
20:16Sri Lanka is home to over 400 waterfalls making it one of the densest waterfall regions globally
20:22Along the train route Ramboda, Devon, Sinclairs and Diyaluma Falls tumble down cliffs
20:43Their mist mingling with the clouds rolling through the highlands
20:46The final stretch of the journey leads to Ella a charming mountain town
20:54The final stretch of the journey leads to Ella, a charming mountain town known for its laid-back atmosphere and dramatic landscapes.
21:24One of its most famous landmarks is the Nine Arches Bridge, a masterpiece of British-era railway engineering completed in 1921.
21:35It was built entirely from bricks, stone and cement, without a single piece of steel, showcasing early 20th century engineering ingenuity.
21:48Beyond the tracks, Ella Rock offers one of the best hikes in the region.
22:01While Little Adam's Peak provides a more accessible alternative with equally stunning views.
22:22And no trip through Sri Lanka's tea country is complete without sampling its diverse cuisine, influenced by Indian, Portuguese and Arab flavours.
22:35A perfect way to end this unforgettable journey.
22:39Leaving the cool, misty highlands behind, the landscape shifts to open plains and lush jungles, revealing the island's ancient wonders.
22:55Here, centuries of history are carved into rock, from towering fortresses to sacred cave temples that have stood for millennia.
23:06Among them is Dambula Cave Temple, Sri Lanka's largest and best-preserved cave monastery, where vibrant murals and statues have drawn pilgrims for over 2,000 years.
23:23Known as the city of remembrance, Dambula's origins date back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human habitation as early as the 7th to 3rd century BCE.
23:35The caves took on their Buddhist identity in the 1st century BCE, when King Valagamba, Vatagamani Abhaya, sought refuge here after being exiled by South Indian invaders.
23:48After reclaiming his throne, he expanded the site into a grand temple complex, a place of worship that has remained sacred ever since.
24:02Inside, the five caves house over 2,100 square metres of murals and hundreds of Buddha statues, some dating back over 1,000 years.
24:18Among them is a 15 metre, 49 feet, reclining Buddha, one of the largest in Sri Lanka, its serene expression frozen in time.
24:42In 1991, the temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, officially recognised as the Golden Temple of Dambula, for its exceptional Buddhist heritage and continuous religious significance.
25:07Even today, thousands of devotees gather here, especially during Vaisak, Poissonpoya and Ersalapoya, making Dambula a true living monument of Sri Lanka's Buddhist traditions.
25:23Rising 200 metres, 656 feet above the jungle, Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka's greatest architectural and engineering marvels.
25:43Built during the late 5th century CE under King Kashyapa I, this colossal rock fortress was meant to be an impenetrable royal citadel, as he feared an attack from his half-brother Moggallana, the rightful heir.
26:01But Sigiriya was more than just a fortress, it was an architectural masterpiece, a royal city in the sky, blending urban planning, artistic grandeur and defensive engineering in ways that still mystify experts today.
26:18At its base lies some of the oldest landscape gardens in the world, meticulously designed to integrate beauty with defence.
26:37The water gardens featuring moats, pools and fountains use an advanced hydraulic system that still functions today.
26:44Further ahead, the boulder gardens, a maze of natural rock formations and caves once provided both a defensive barrier and a meditation retreat for monks.
26:56As the path ascends, the terraced gardens form a grand staircase leading towards the Lion Gateway, a massive carved entrance built into the rock itself.
27:13This is where you would have once passed through the imposing lion-shaped structure, with a stairway leading between its giant paws to the summit.
27:23Though only the paws remain today, they stand as a haunting reminder of Sigiriya's grandeur.
27:41Beyond the gateway, at the very summit, stood Kashyapa's royal palace, surrounded by the summit gardens.
27:47A sky-high retreat with artificial pools, terraces and lush greenery mirroring the gardens below.
27:57Even today, remnants of this 5th century water system remain, showcasing the sophisticated engineering of the time.
28:12Sigiriya's sheer rock face was once a vast open-air art gallery.
28:19Adorned with over 500 vibrant frescoes known as the Heavenly Maidens.
28:26Celestial figures believed to be royal consorts, apsaras or goddesses.
28:35Though only 21 remain today, they are among South Asia's most treasured ancient artworks.
28:45Yet, for all its splendour, Kashyapa's fortress was built on fragile power.
28:54Moggallana, having gathered a formidable army, returned to reclaim the throne.
29:05Confident in victory, Kashyapa led his war elephants into battle.
29:08But in a critical moment, they unexpectedly turned back.
29:12Whether due to miscommunication, fear or confusion remains uncertain.
29:24The sudden retreat threw his forces into disarray.
29:30Seeing their king exposed and vulnerable, his soldiers panicked and fled.
29:38Left to face his fate alone, Kashyapa refused to surrender.
29:46With no army left to stand beside him, he drew his sword, rode forward and took his own life.
29:52Choosing death over capture.
29:58With Kashyapa's fall, Sigiriya lost its royal status.
30:05Though briefly used as a Buddhist monastery, it was eventually abandoned and reclaimed by the jungle.
30:14Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often compared to Machu Picchu, for its grandeur and historical significance.
30:22Just a short distance away, Pidurangala Rock offers a breathtaking alternative perspective of Sigiriya.
30:43Before Kashyapa built his fortress, this was a sacred Buddhist monastery.
30:53And even today, a temple and a massive reclining Buddha statue remain at its base.
31:02Unlike Sigiriya, Pidurangala's summit is untouched, offering one of the most spectacular sunrise views in Sri Lanka.
31:15From the top, Sigiriya's massive rock formation dominates the jungle landscape, an awe-inspiring site worth the climb.
31:31Less crowded and equally rewarding, Pidurangala is a hidden gem for those seeking a different angle of Sri Lanka's legendary fortress.
31:46Beyond its ancient wonders, Sri Lanka's wild heart beats in its jungles, forests and vast national parks.
32:03Despite its small size, the country is one of the greenest in the world with 26 national parks and over 100 nature reserves,
32:15making it a paradise for wildlife lovers and offering some of the most extraordinary safari experiences in Asia.
32:22Among them, Yala National Park stands out as a land of predators.
32:35With one of the highest leopard densities on Earth, it offers a rare chance to witness these elusive big cats in their natural hunting grounds,
32:43alongside sloth bears, crocodiles and elephants roaming its diverse landscapes.
32:48Further east, Kumana National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, where lush lagoons and mangrove swamps provide sanctuary for migratory and endemic species.
33:07Every year, thousands of birds, including flamingos, painted storks, pelicans and eagles,
33:12descend upon its wetlands, creating a breathtaking spectacle of colour and sound.
33:18The park is also home to the rare black-necked stork and the elusive white-bellied sea eagle, making it a prized destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
33:36Meanwhile, Minaria National Park hosts one of nature's greatest spectacles, The Gathering, the largest assembly of wild Asian elephants in the world.
33:49During the dry season, hundreds of elephants emerge from the forests and gather around the ancient Minaria Reservoir,
34:08a breathtaking site that highlights Sri Lanka's status as home to the highest density of wild elephants in Asia.
34:15But Sri Lanka's connection with elephants runs deeper than the wild.
34:30It is a relationship built on both reverence and conservation.
34:34Pinawala Elephant Orphanage, the world's first elephant sanctuary, has been a place of refuge since 1975, rescuing and rehabilitating elephants that would have otherwise been lost.
34:50Many here were found orphaned as calves, injured by poachers or displaced due to habitat loss.
35:05Instead of struggling alone, they now form family bonds, bathe together in the river and roam in safety.
35:20For some, it is a second chance at life.
35:35For others, it is the only home they have ever known.
35:41Leaving behind misty jungles and vast national parks, our Sri Lanka journey now follows its coastlines,
36:05where the ocean has shaped both its landscapes and history.
36:09Lying just south-east of India, the island has long been a crossroads of civilisations,
36:19where traders from China, Arabia and Europe exchange spices, gems and silk.
36:28For centuries, its shores have been home to ancient legends, colonial battles and thriving maritime traditions.
36:38At the northern edge of the island, Adams Bridge, also known as Ramah's Bridge, stretches across the Polk Strait,
36:44forming a chain of limestone shoals that once linked Sri Lanka to India.
36:48Some believe this is the very land bridge described in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, built by Lord Ramah's army to rescue his wife, Sita.
37:00Historical accounts suggest that parts of this formation may have been walkable at times due to shifting tides and sedimentation,
37:10though it gradually became submerged.
37:16Whether a natural phenomenon or something more, the legend of Adams Bridge adds another layer to Sri Lanka's deep-rooted myths.
37:28Centuries later, the island's shores would attract a different kind of visitor.
37:32Not explorers, but colonisers.
37:34The Portuguese, Dutch and British saw Sri Lanka not just as a tropical paradise,
37:38but as a crucial outpost for controlling the Indian Ocean trade.
37:42Its cinnamon, pearls and gemstones were among the most prized commodities in the world.
38:01The Europeans fought bitterly for dominance, building fortresses, imposing naval blockades and securing coastal trade hubs.
38:11Under British rule, the island was officially named Ceylon, a name that endured until it was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972.
38:27Today, remnants of this colonial past still stand along the coast.
38:32In the far north, Jaffna Fort serves as a testament to Sri Lanka's colonial and Tamil heritage.
38:42Built by the Portuguese in 1618, expanded by the Dutch and later occupied by the British,
38:48the fort has witnessed centuries of battles and political struggles.
38:55More recently, it played a significant role in Sri Lanka's civil war, 1983 to 2009, adding yet another layer to its complex history.
39:09Its massive ramparts, crumbling bastions and ocean-facing walls still offer a glimpse into a time when foreign empires and local rulers fought for control of this strategic trading post.
39:24Further south, Gala Fort remains one of Sri Lanka's most captivating coastal landmarks.
39:32Built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later fortified by the Dutch, it has endured monsoons, invasions and even the devastating 2004 tsunami.
39:49Tanks, cobblestone streets, colonial buildings and iconic lighthouse make it feel like a city frozen in time.
40:01During the age of exploration, Gala Fort was among the most important ports in the Indian Ocean, linking Europe, the Middle East and the Far East.
40:14Even today, echoes of this past remain in its bustling spice markets, European style architecture and diverse cultural influences.
40:29Beyond its colonial landmarks, Sri Lanka's shores are alive with marine wonders and ancient traditions.
40:35Off the island's southern coast, Marissa is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales, the largest animals on Earth.
40:52Between December and April, these gentle giants, reaching up to 33 metres, 108 feet, in length and weighing over 180 tonnes, can often be spotted just 20 kilometres from the coast.
41:13Sri Lanka's position along the Indian Ocean migration route makes it one of the world's top whale watching destinations.
41:28Where sperm whales, dolphins and even orcas can also be seen.
41:34Beneath these waters lies a world waiting to be explored.
41:55Sri Lanka's underwater realm is a paradise for divers, where history and marine life blend in the most incredible way.
42:03Sunken ships, once abandoned, are now thriving reefs bursting with coral and marine creatures.
42:18From World War wrecks to lost cargo vessels, these underwater relics tell stories of the past while becoming a home for vibrant sea life.
42:33Swim through rusting hulls and coral covered passageways, where nature has taken over, creating some of the most unforgettable dive sites on Earth.
42:42Along these same shores, Sri Lanka's stilt fishermen continue their delicate balancing act perched on wooden poles above the waves.
42:57A centuries old fishing tradition found nowhere else in the world.
43:01This unique method emerged as a resourceful solution to the region's shallow coastal waters, allowing fishermen to catch small reef fish without disturbing the seabed.
43:16Though modern techniques have made it less common, some families still preserve the practice, particularly along the southern coastline near Weligama and Kogala, keeping alive a tradition passed down for generations.
43:39Sri Lanka's coastline has long been shaped by trade, conquest and resilience, but nowhere is this more evident than in Colombo, the island's largest city,
43:54de facto capital and economic powerhouse.
44:13While Gala and Jaffna Fort stood as military strongholds, Colombo was different.
44:19It was never just a fortress, it was a city of movement, a gateway to the world.
44:24For over 2,000 years, Sri Lanka's western shores thrived as a hub of maritime trade, with merchants from India, Arabia and later China exchanging spices, gems and silk.
44:43By the 16th century, the Portuguese established a fort in Colombo, later expanded by the Dutch and British, transforming it into a strategic colonial outpost.
44:58While echoes of this past still linger in the city's historic districts, Colombo has evolved beyond its colonial legacy.
45:08Its port, once a battleground for European powers, is now one of South Asia's busiest harbours.
45:17Just beyond, sleek skyscrapers rise along the coastline as part of Port City Colombo, an ambitious but still developing mega project designed to position Sri Lanka as a global financial hub.
45:44Though the administrative capital moved to Sri Jayawad de Nipurakota in 1978, Colombo remains the true centre of political and economic power, shaping the nation's future while preserving its storied past.
46:03A walk through its streets tells the story of a city balancing heritage and progress.
46:17In Petra Market, the air is thick with the scent of spices and fresh tropical fruit, much like it was centuries ago.
46:31Nearby the Gangara Maya Temple, a blend of Sri Lankan, Thai and Chinese influences, stands as a reminder that Colombo is a city shaped by many worlds.
46:46Towering 350 metres above the skyline, the Lotus Tower isn't just Sri Lanka's tallest structure, it's a beacon of resilience, innovation and national pride.
46:57Modelled after the lotus flower, a symbol of purity and enlightenment, the tower reflects Sri Lanka's enduring spirit, rising despite challenges.
47:12It's glowing lotus bud transforms Colombo's skyline at night while its observation deck, luxury spaces and telecommunications hub cement its place as a modern icon of South Asia.
47:27Yet Sri Lanka's recent history has been marked by hardship, and as its economic and political centre, Colombo felt the full impact.
47:46In 2022, the country faced its worst economic crisis, defaulting on its foreign debt for the first time in history.
47:59Fuel shortages, soaring inflation and nationwide protests brought turmoil to its streets.
48:08But like the lotus that rises from the mud, Sri Lanka is slowly emerging from crisis.
48:29With tourism rebounding, economic reforms taking shape and new investments flowing in, Colombo remains the beating heart of a nation determined to rise again.
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