Sunrise at Sorabora Lake

King Dutugemunu built this reservoir twenty-one centuries ago. Legend says a giant called Bulatha dug it, paid in betel. The sluice is cut straight through living rock, the only one of its kind on the island, and it still works.

We drive you to the shore in the dark. The fishermen are already out. By the time the sun clears the Dumbara hills the water has gone from grey to copper, and the egrets have started arguing. Binoculars and tea are ours; the silence is yours.