Comments on: The Art of Observation

By: Y.Nivedha

Y.Nivedha — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 17:28:37 +0000

Our field observation took place from Katubedda to Ratmalana. I noticed several peculiar things that we usually fail to see in our daily rush. There was a tiny plant growing between two blocks on the road, and a bee was gently sucking nectar from it. A nearby house had a balcony filled with colorful plants that enhanced its beauty. I also saw a lady suffering from elephantiasis, begging for money and I could deeply feel her pain. Few cleaners were putting their efforts to clean the road.
Later, we went to a shop to buy ice cream. One of the packages was slightly open, yet the ice cream had not melted because it was kept in the refrigerator.
This observation made me pause, look around, and truly appreciate the world around me. I learned the importance of slowing down and finding meaning in small, everyday moments.

By: G. S. Nanayakkara

G. S. Nanayakkara — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:57:34 +0000

Our observation area extended from Katubedda Junction to Moratuwa. Since it wasn’t peak hour, we were not able to observe much human interaction; however, we did notice some interesting aspects. Even though it was not a busy time, the road was filled with vehicles such as buses, three-wheelers, and lorries. There were a few people at the bus stop, most of whom were schoolchildren.

We also observed an elderly home near Moratuwa, where most of the residents were sitting on the porch dressed in white, reading newspapers. Additionally, we noticed that most of the shops located along the main road were relatively large, while near Katubedda Junction, there were several smaller shops. Along the main road, we saw only a few houses, and some of them appeared to be abandoned.

By: J.A.R.Rajith

J.A.R.Rajith — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 15:31:48 +0000

In reply to R.M.R.D.RATHNAYAKA. When I walked along the 255 route from Katubedda to Piliyandala, I could clearly see how the environment changes from urban to suburban areas. At the beginning near Katubedda, the area is busy with shops, buses, and people, especially around the university and main road. There are many commercial buildings and services, but also a lot of traffic and noise. As I moved further, the roadside was lined with small shops, food stalls, and houses mixed together, showing how commercial and residential uses overlap. I noticed that some parts had proper sidewalks, but in other places, pedestrians had to walk very close to the road. There were also many three-wheelers and vendors, which made the area lively but a bit congested. When I reached Piliyandala, the surroundings became calmer and more residential with more greenery. Overall, it was interesting to observe how the character of the area gradually changed along this route.

By: U.D.R.P.Kumarathilaka

U.D.R.P.Kumarathilaka — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 15:00:02 +0000

This afternoon, from around 2.00 to 4.30, We walked along the Piliyandala By-pass Road to observe our surroundings. I noticed a lot of wetlands beside the road. Since these days are rainy, the water levels were high And also I could even see some fishes and other small water species.
There were several small vendor shops along the road selling vegetables, fruits, fish, and sweets. I also saw some barbecue stalls and even a temple nearby. Many birds could be seen around the wetland areas, flying and resting on the trees. The road was not too busy at that time, but there were still many vehicles passing by. I also noticed a few tourists who had stopped their vehicles to buy fruits and vegetables from the roadside stalls.
Overall, it was a peaceful and interesting observation. I could see the connection between nature, people, and everyday life along the Piliyandala By-pass Road.

By: A.G.H.Nawarathna

A.G.H.Nawarathna — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 07:42:28 +0000

One key observation I made is that there was no proper drainage maintenance system at the Katubedda junction. The drains were overflowing, causing unpleasant odors to spread throughout the surrounding area.

By: R.M.R.D.RATHNAYAKA

R.M.R.D.RATHNAYAKA — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 06:09:15 +0000

In reply to H.G.S. Sasoba.

Piliyandala Town
2025.10.24
14:45 p.m.

The town looked like a busy town. Beggars and other people were in the town. There was a four-way junction with traffic lights, traffic jam nearby and people were not allowed to go even on both sides of the road. The Piliyandala clock tower was nearby and were buses, cars, vans, three-wheelers, motorcycles and vehicle parks. There was a park near the school where school children, school buses were parked. And also, there was a playground and a children’s park nearby. Both sides of the road, there was a commercial belt. There were garbage dumps on the main road, but the garbage dumping on the side roads was irregular. Various places of providing various services were located in the town for people’s daily life. There was a reclaimed swamp-like area near the bus stand. I saw very few houses, almost none. Animals like crows, dogs, and cows were seen.

Piliyandala bus stand
2025.10.24
15:05 p.m.

Space was allocated for buses, using nameplates to identify the buses that were going to each area. There were many people because it was evening. Students finishing school, preschool, people finishing work, beggars, taxi drivers could be seen here. There was a threewheel taxi at the junction near the bus stand. And also, there were a few shops, small dustbins, benches to sit on and a tap for drinking water at the bus stand itself. People were tired. The area in front of the bus stand was green with trees. Pigeons, crows and dogs could be seen.

Walking around Piliyandala bus stand and town helped me see both the busy and quiet sides of life. It taught me to stay calm, be patient, and appreciate everyday moments without judging them.

By: H.G.S. Sasoba

H.G.S. Sasoba — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 18:59:17 +0000

I walked from the University of Moratuwa to Rawathawatta Junction while observing the environment along the road. First, I walked along Molpe Road, where there were many boarding places, small shops, and houses. Although it was a slightly busy area, there was a Buddhist temple, and inside the temple, it was very calm. Then I walked along the main road to Rawathawatta Junction. The road was very narrow, and some parts were broken. Because the afternoon was rainy, the road was muddy. There were also many furniture shops and wood companies. It felt like this is the true character of the Moratuwa area. I also noticed several religious places such as churches, Buddhist statues, and temples. Since the environment was filled with the noise of vehicles, I was not able to hear the sound of birds. However, observing this area gave me a valuable experience of practicing the art of observation.

By: B.M.R.N.Balsooriya.

B.M.R.N.Balsooriya. — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 17:15:55 +0000

When I observed Molpe Road from the University to Rawathawatta Junction, I noticed that it is a very busy and crowded area. There are many vehicles such as buses, three-wheelers, and motorbikes moving along the narrow road, which often causes traffic congestion. The noise and rush made the place feel a bit stressful and unpleasant. I also saw water flowing along the side of the road, which made it look untidy and uncomfortable to walk. However, there are also calm places nearby, like temples and a church, which bring a peaceful feeling. Overall, Molpe Road shows both the busy life of the town and a few quiet corners where people can find peace.

By: H.S.M. Jayathissa

H.S.M. Jayathissa — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 05:29:02 +0000

Our little observation started around two o’clock, immediately following a heavy rain, leaving the surroundings thoroughly wet with water puddles everywhere. Although this segment of the Galle Road is usually notorious for its rush hour congestion, it felt unusually light, the recent downpour likely served as a temporary deterrent to crowds and vehicles. The people we encountered were a fascinating collection. some displayed visible tiredness, while others notably couples appeared genuinely happy (well at least most of them). Intriguingly, most people’s eyes were fixed on the sky, a clear signal of their underlying anxiety about the rain returning. For the Galle Road, traffic was remarkably subdued, yet the buses moved with startling speed a possible consequence of fewer passengers enabling swift transit. The route itself was a non stop commercial strip, a mosaic of commerce where every kind of shop from vehicle dealerships to liquor stores lined the pavement. Nature offered a contrasting static element a series of trees planted along the median which I observed as a future buffer against the heat on a sunny day. Finally, the uncontrolled pedestrian crossings felt like death traps. The rapid speed of some vehicles, unmoderated by traffic lights created a precarious hazard for anyone attempting to cross.

By: K. H. P. S. Silva

K. H. P. S. Silva — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 09:53:50 +0000

Today afternoon, we walked along the Galle Road from Katubedda to Moratuwa and watched the busy city around us. The road was full of movement with most buses, three wheelers. And also people going in and out of shops.I could hear the sounds of traffic and people talking. Some people were waiting at bus stops, and trees gave shade to those walking.Near the Katubadda junction area was very stinks,it feel uncomfortable for me.