These ornaments are sold to foreigners and locals for different prices.

Wimalasena, who has made this his livelihood for the past 30 years said that out of items on display the favourites among the foreigners are masks and Buddha statues.

Expressing his experience, Wimalasena said “since it is the off season the business is bad. Not only foreigners but also the locals buy these items. There are days when the business is extremely good and days where not even a single piece is sold. However, we come to fort with these items. It is very hard on rainy days, but somehow we manage to run the business.”

There are number of other vendors who engage in similar trades as Wimalasena at Galle Fort. However, the bitter truth is that these lives beaten up by burning sun and heavy rains are not as smooth and colourful as the ornaments they sell.

(Pics by- Roshan Chathuranga)