by Sean | Feb 5, 2013 | Emerging Markets, Fulbright, Politics, Sri Lanka, Travel
While most of the world was watching the Super Bowl I was standing in the rain to watch the celebration of Sri Lanka’s 65th Independence Day. Sri Lanka, or Ceylon as it was known at the time, gained its independence from the British Empire on February 4, 1948....
by Sean | Feb 5, 2013 | Business, Emerging Markets, Fulbright, Sarvodaya, Sri Lanka, Travel
Over the past several months I’ve been forced to become more efficient in all of my interactions. When speaking with someone from a different cultural background, even in English, much can be lost. After studying in China for two semesters I had a good sense of...
by Sean | Jan 31, 2013 | Culinary, Food, Fulbright, Sri Lanka
The first time you attend a wedding in Sri Lanka you will likely notice a beautifully decorated cake somewhere in the reception area. You may be surprised when you are served an individually wrapped piece of cake, not from the wedding cake. Upon close inspection of...
by Sean | Jan 29, 2013 | Fulbright, Sri Lanka
I came across this poster in town a few days ago. It is amazing how the tsunami lingers over Trinco; the shells of buildings litter the beach front. Fallowed plots of land are common sites, the salt from the ocean water have rendered them useless.
by Sean | Jan 26, 2013 | Fulbright, Sri Lanka
“What to do?” This common Sri Lankan English phrase summed up my feelings earlier this week, when on my way home from work the pedal fell off of my bicycle. I stopped, picked up the pedal, and assessed the situation as a few curious Sri Lankans came to...