documentary photography – Son of the Morning Light

Special Feature — THE FORGOTTEN TEMPLE: Dakkinagiriya & the Other Kaludiya Pokuna

March 27, 2023March 26, 2023 David BlackerLeave a comment

A thousand-year-old ‘mountain monastery’, lost in the Kaludiya Pokuna Forest, east of Dambulla; forgotten by the tour guides, and seemingly by time itself. For the visitor seeking something literally off the beaten track, the Dakkinagiri Viharaya is an intriguing but serene detour away from the well-trodden sites of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.”

https://sonofthemorninglight.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/img_2819.jpg — *The stupa of the 9th century Dakkinagiri Viharaya, with Erawalgala behind it.*

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Planning for Disease

March 23, 2023March 22, 2023 David BlackerLeave a comment

https://sonofthemorninglight.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/1u9a4462.jpg — Nadika Fernandopulle, a project manager of the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka; shot at the National STD/AIDS Control Programme, de Saram Place, Maradana, on assignment for *Panos Pictures and The Global Fund, in January* 2022.

^{• 50mm • f/1.6 • 1/640 • ISO500 • 5DMkIV & EF 50/1.4 courtesy Canon/Metropolitan}

Special Feature — The Devil’s Staircase: Travels on the Kalupahana-Ohiya Road

March 19, 2023March 19, 2023 David BlackerLeave a comment

To call the route connecting Kalupahana to Ohiya a road is quite generous. What it is, is an adventure. Whether you are tough enough to walk its length or mad enough to drive it, this is a journey every adventurer should take.”

https://sonofthemorninglight.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/img_6128-1.jpg — *Sometimes the Devil’s Staircase feels like the edge of Heaven.*

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Special Feature — Mysteries in the Jungle: the Batatotalena Cave Temple

March 12, 2023March 12, 2023 David BlackerLeave a comment

Current belief is that Batatotalena is the Divaguhawa of legend, though the argument on its authenticity goes on.

*The characteristic triangular shape of an arch cave can be clearly seen at the mouth of Batatotalena.*

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When will It be My Turn? #3

March 9, 2023March 8, 2023 David BlackerLeave a comment

https://sonofthemorninglight.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/529a0385.jpg — *The Workshop Players rehearse* Akuna at the Lionel Wendt. February 2022.

^{• 53mm • f/4 • 1/50 • ISO12800 • EOS R & RF24-105mm f/4L courtesy Canon/Metropolitan}

No More Street Cred

March 7, 2023March 7, 2023 David BlackerLeave a comment

https://sonofthemorninglight.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/img_6734.jpg — *Protestors in Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, demand the reinstatement of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and his United National Party government, in October 2018.*

^{• 200mm • f/5.6 • 1/400 • ISO200 • 600D & EF-S18-200/3.5-5.6 • polariser •}

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Enslaved in Slave Island #14

February 23, 2023February 23, 2023 David BlackerLeave a comment

https://sonofthemorninglight.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/1u9a3167e2.jpg — Iresha Wijesinghe, lab assistant at the National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP) clinic tending to needle users in Slave Island. Shot on assignment for Panos Pictures and The Global Fund, in January 2022.

^{• 50mm • f/1.4 • 1/250 • ISO200 • 5DMkIV & EF 50/1.4 courtesy Canon/Metropolitan}

Enslaved in Slave Island #13

February 15, 2023February 15, 2023 David BlackerLeave a comment

One an NSACP* outreach volunteer, the other a single father; both lifelong friends, and recovering addicts. Wekanda Housing Scheme, Stewart Street, Slave Island. *Shot on assignment for Panos Pictures and The Global Fund*, *in January 2022.*

^{• 70mm • f/4 • 1/400 • ISO800 • 5DMkIV & EF 24-105/f4L courtesy Canon/Metropolitan}

^{*The National STD/AIDS Control Programme is a Sri Lankan Health Ministry initiative to coordinate the country’s response to sexually transmitted diseases.}