Sri Lanka, July 15 -- About six months ago, I drove along one of the most scenic roads in the country - Palapathwala to Ibbagamuwa through Yatawatte. It was a desire to avoid Katugastota on my way from Elkaduwa to Kurunegala that took me down that road. I wondered several times if I had taken a wrong turn. Even if I had, there were no regrets. It was that beautiful!

On Monday, July 13, 2020, I took the same route. This time I was driving from Oruthota to Ibbagamuwa and had offered to drop off a friend in Matale. He advised me on the shortest route to Ibbagamuwa and it sounded familiar. I asked him if it went through Yatawatte.

'That's my village and yes, it does!'

After dropping him off at his place in Aluwihara, another friend and I p...