Tennekoon was the inspiration and life force behind a unique Sri Lankan experience. Born in 1933, he died on February 5 2005, but through the village of Ulpotha his vision and work will live on. Tennekoon’s idea was simple: to bring back to the people of Sri Lanka a system of agriculture and irrigation which existed before the British colonized the island. As a result, Ulpotha has an amazing fresh water ‘tank’ (lake) which feeds the fields where the villagers have been cultivating different varieties of indigenous and organic rice. This is a very special experiment because not only has it become a relatively self-sufficient community, but it also invites visitors to stay during certain months of the year. In keeping with his wishes, he was buried as he wanted and a Dhung tree was planted at his feet and a Kon tree at his head. He said birds loved these trees and he liked the idea of his remains giving sustenance to the tree and the tree in turn being enjoyed by the birds.
Make Poverty History: An Explanation
Tennekoon photographed in 2002 on the village ox-cart – his favourite mode of transport!