I initially knew Sri Lanka only in terms of its conflict since 2007. My first exposure to the concept of displacement, war and persecution was through the testimonies of those who fled this island. Their resilience, intelligence and desire for a better beginning always impressed me. I also wrote a 30,000 word thesis on a tragedy in Trincomalee. So when coming here for a holiday, I was full of curiosity, wondering if her reality would meet my imagination. Unfortunately, we came during the unfathomable Easter bombings and two days after a beloved friend of mine passed away. These incidents very much coloured the whole energy of the experience. We didn’t venture out and explore as much as we usually would in another holiday and so I can’t say I left Sri Lanka with a better knowledge of the culture. What I did see though, was phenomenal sunsets, a full moon, and just a country that lived comfortably alongside nature. I pray that over-industrialisation/ over-commercialisation will not deprive her of her deep and natural beauty.