Ancient art of fighting and self defence in sri lanka (a.k.a Angampora)

When someone says the "Art of fighting", anyone will definitely get a picture of Chinese fighting techniques such as "Kung Fu" or "Thai-chi". If you are a fan of martial arts movies, you will also think of techniques such as "Samurai", "Aikido" or karate. All these arts of fighting involves either hand to hand combat or using weapons and they were primarily invented for self defense. Even if you look at the western world there are many techniques. What i am going to tell you now is a technique that is less known to the world, and kept as a closely guarded secret form of martial arts among ancient sri lankan islanders. The technique might share some of the weapons that is used in indian fighting techniques but most of it is unique to Sri Lanka. This sri lankan technique of fighting is called "Angampora" in sinhala language. This ancient form of fighting not only consist of hand to hand and weapon fighting, it also has ways of using mystical magical powers and energies to put down their opponents. According to what i have come across, angampora fighting technique is not thought to everyone but only to a chosen person can be a apprentice, the ancient masters feared that this lethal fighting method will fall in to wrong hands, So the apprentices are chosen carefully by doing a mystical ceremony to ensure that he or she has a heart of pure good. Even to this day, very small number of people still practice and keep the ancient tradition alive. Here are some pictures of angampora which i received, so i thought i would share it on my blog.

These pictures will show you some demonstrations of the practice as well as before the apprentices start their daily routine of practice, they begin it with a Buddhism oriented ceremony.

If you are interested in "Angampora" you can search for this sri lankan drama named "Dadubasnamanaya" which was shown in early 90's in sri lankan television. It will give a complete idea of what it is plus a deep story about two families who knows this technique of fighting and mastered it.

The most famous and beloved japanese motorcycle in sri lanka...

I have done a rigorous search to find "Which is the most famous and beloved motorcycle and it's brand in this island?" and guess what i came across. Just like i predicted. There is no two words to it, all the Japanese motorcycle users love "HONDA" that's the brand of Sri Lankan motorcycle enthusiasts, commutes, lovers you name it.... it is the "HONDA" they all love and trust. Next biggest challenge was, was there a specific bike? Specific model?. Well friends, nearly 80% of Japanese motorcycles used in Sri Lanka is none other than the trusty classic "Honda Benly CD125T & Honda CD-TWIN 125". I see these sweet little bikes almost everywhere, from weeks village fish markets to city crowded shopping mall parks. So i decided to inquire few of the users to see what they say. People say amazing things about this bike and i thought i gather few of the stuff to post on my blog so the world knows.

Here is why Sri Lankan Islanders love "Honda Benly CD125T"

• Japanese made "Honda" Reliability and extreme durability
  
• Economical Fuel Consumption ( 40 - 48 KMPL )
• 125CC Inline Twin Engine capable of carrying a 1 person to several people
• Economical maintenance
• Availability of spare parts
• Simple engine architecture that any grease monkey can fix in a jiffy
• Strong structure & Frame that is capable of carrying weights that no other 125cc motorcycles can carry
• Comfortable two wheeled vehicle for a daily commuting even for a family of three.

Above are just to name a few. So i decided to ride couple of them and it is true what they say.... it's a amazing little bike that can do big things and of course i must add that looks also counts.... it has the vintage motorcycle look which i love the most. If you ever come to Sri Lanka and you will see what i am talking about. I have come across benlys and cdtwins ranging from few months old to nearly forty years old and i can see they with stand very well in the test of time in this tropical island. Prices are also vary and reconditioned unregistered bikes will cost somewhere between 2000US$ and upwards while you can still find registered same models for around 1300US$ etc and older CD-TWIN non CDI models can be found around 350US$ and above.

Engine Specifications

• 125CC Inline Twin Engine
• Front and Rear Drum breaks ( easy maintenance )
• Twin Exhausts
• Fuel : Petrol
• Strong Headlight Beam
• Fuel Consumption 40 - 48 Kilometers per litre of petrol.

Most Common Motorcycles in Sri Lanka

Sri lanka's motorcycle market was once dominated by Japanese giants such as Honda , Yamaha, Kawasaki etc has started to decline in the late 90's and now being completely conquered by Indian and Chinese motorcycle makers. Reason for this decline is mainly the prices of the Japanese motorcycles was increasing as well as rarity of certain spare parts, and also fuel consumption is somewhere in the middle. Indian motorcycle makers such as "Bajaj, TVS, Hero, Kinetic" has introduced their products at the late 90's and they picked up like a storm. The popularity of motorcycle brands as follows.

1. Bajaj - It was easy for bajaj because their three wheelers has been long here before the motorcycles and they won the hearts of many. So they easily became the number one in sri lanka.
2. Hero Honda - Carrying the brand name "Honda" as a part of their brad name drew the previous Japanese Honda riders easily towards their products.
3. TVS - Was rather a new name for Sri Lanka but easily picked up the third place by giving a super low end prices, and extremely economical fuel consumption on fairly faster motorcycles.
4. Kinetic - Also as far as i heard a mixture of indian motorcycles and chinese made parts picked up the fourth place here in sri lanka because it was bought and introduced to sri lanka by a company named "Singer Sri Lanka" which was quiet a famous for their many products such as "Sewing Machines, Tv's etc"
5. Suzuki - They became the fifth place because they were carrying their Japanese ancestors name with chinese production plants. They were very famous for their trust GN125.

Other than above mentioned brand names, there are many others such as Loncin, Ranomoto, Umazaki, Senaro which is assembled here in sri laka and mainly from chinese manufacturers. Here are some of the common and famous motorcycles of Sri Lanka which you can see hundreds of them when you go to the main road.

Bajaj Pulsar

Took on sri lankan market like a storm due it's looks and power. First pulsars which was introduced to sri lanka was running at power of 150cc engine, later upgraded to 180cc and 220cc. The looks have drastically changed from model to model as well as power. They always comes in several major colors such as, Red, Black, Blue etc. Bajaj Pulsar became very famous among sport/road motorcycle enthusiasts due to it's power, looks, and the amazing low fuel consumptions. For an example Bajaj Pulsar 180Dts-i 2007 model did 50KMPL.

Bajaj Boxer

Bajaj boxer has been here since the introduction of bajaj motorcycles in sri lanka and took on like a storm on daily riders. People switched to this neat little 100cc motorcycle because of it's extremely low fuel consumption which is like 75 - 80 KMPL and it's toughness along with bullet proof kawasaki inspired engine. This has won the hearts of common man in sri lanka. Even though it is not in the main show case of bajaj right now, it is still one of the highest selling day to day commuters in Sri Lanka.

Bajaj CT100

Bajaj CT100 is also another 100cc motorcycle introduced to the market slightly later after the launch of bajaj motorcycles in sri lanka. It gain popularity again due to it's low fuel consumption, Low price and also for its's dashing looking new headlight design. It won over the Boxer mainly due to that newly installed headlight. There were some more models in the line along with CT100, suchas Bajaj Caliber 115cc etc. They were also equally famous among day to day riders.

Bajaj Discover

This was the baja's ultimate 125cc motorcycle. The picture you see is the latest upcoming model and there have been different models previously. This was very famous among people who wants a 125cc Motorcycle and the looks of the a pulser. Sometimes if the Pulsar was quiet too expensive, riders always went for this. There are some models in this line, and they were called XCD125 etc. Somehow later all of thes models were introduced with 135cc Engines and in different colors etc.

Hero Honda Hunk

Not the most famous from the huge line of Hero Honda has to offer but recently became the most famous from all of hero hondas in sri lanka. powered by a 150cc engine same as the Hero Honda CBZ, the looks are much different, and also has the Gas Shock Absorbers. Hunk is currently competing with the bajaj's pulsars market. They are somewhat head to head if you look at the colombo roads But i personally thinks pulsars head count is higher. Known to be a very reliable due to Honda developed engine. But price was slightly higher than others.

Hero Honda CBZ Extreme

This is the all time favorite from Hero Honda, and first it came as "CBZ" and later it turned in to "CBZ Extreme". It is known as one of the Cult motorcycles in India. It was not equally popular in sri lanka as in India but somewhat popular due to it's light weight, easier handling on the traffic and again bares the badge of "Honda". I had my self ridden for sometime few years back, and it was an amazing motorcycle for 150cc. had a mid range fuel consumption and extreme handling. Comfort wise it was slightly low compared to the Hero Honda Hunk.

TVS Apache

Apache became very famous for it's looks and price tag. It was in the market since the introduction of TVS to sri lanka. It has undergone through various types of upgrades since the introduction. Apache is packed with a 150cc engine and rival against Pulsar and CBZ in the market. After the initial launch, TVS has also released the 160cc Version of the Apache which is called "Apache RTR". Certain rumours say that TVS has a Apache 200 is on the horizon so all the TVS riders, grip tight for the future releases.

TVS Flame

TVS Flame is the 125cc flavour of their motorcycles. Powered with a 125cc Three Valve engine, Tvs flame quiet popular among the 125cc riders due to it's dashing looks and the mid range price tag. According to what i have found out, TVS Flame is being developed by a separate division in TVS under the authority of an professional German engineer. If someone wants a TVS and wants a good looking day to day commuter of 125cc. TVS Flame is the way to go.

TVS Star (sport & city)

TVS Star Sport & TVS Star City both were a great challenge for other 100cc motorcycles. This is the 100cc motorcycle from TVS and works great as a day to day commuter. TVS STAR series was very famous in sri lanka for it's extreme low fuel consumption and all the value added features such as Self starter, Alloy wheels, Beautiful design which other 100cc motorcycles did not had when it was launched. This motorcycle boast mind blowing 105KMPL ( on bench test at normal speed ). I have ridden one and it has a very good acceleration, and it did about 85KMPL in real life test. It's pretty amazing how they do these things.

Bajaj Kristal, TVS Scooty Pept, Hero Honda Pleasure

Hey, i didn't leave the ladies out? did i? Oh crap, stupid me. All the above manufacturers had scooters of their own brands released especially for the lady riders. yes i know, in European and many other countries ladies ride 1000cc and above, the smallest they ride is 250cc. Well it's different here and most parts of Asia i guess. The most famous from all the scooters was the TVS Scooty Pept due to it's advertising campaigns and looks. They all boasts a engine capacity of 100cc and comes with various easy to use features such as automatic head lights in the dark, self starter, economical fuel consumption etc. Even though it was intend for female riders, we see many male riders also take these scooters on the road. They are excellent motorcycles for day to day rides. Especially for the ladies and people who wants a automatic gear system on their motorcycles. One of above scooters are the way to go in Sri Lanka.

Suzuki GN125 & Clones

Suzuki GN125 is quiet famous among Sri Lankan Cruiser style motorcycle enthusiasts. When a person usually wants a bike that is comfortable for long distance riding, they usually go for the GN125. GN125 has been copied and cloned by many other makers such as Loncin, Senaro etc. They all are chinese motorcycle makers, and some of them are equally good as the original Suzuki GN125. It packs a single cylinder 125cc engine, comfy seat for two and the cruiser styling. Old skool riders also favorst he new GN-125 for it's looks.

Bajaj Avenger , Yamaha Enticer & Chinese Built Cruisers

Here comes my favorite motorcycles to talk about. That's the cruisers, Cruiser class motorcycles in sri lanka was first introduced by chinese motorcycle makers such as loncin, Daido etc. But never gain the popularity among the cruiser motorcycle fans and Harley wannabes due to it's inferior reliability and quick deterioration. Then the Bajaj and Yamaha of india introduced these two models which quickly gained the popularity among cruiser class motorcycle enthusiasts. To tan color is Yamaha Enticer 125cc & and black is the Bajaj Avenger 200cc & 180cc. According to indian market bajaj won over the Yamaha but in sri lanka it was winning over the Yamaha until sri lankan distributor discontinued bringing bajaj avenger due to low sales. Bajaj avenger is now only available in pre-orders. Yamaha Enticer is still doing well but honest truth is in sri lanka Cruiser motorcycles only gained popularity among small number of people who are harley & Cruiser enthusiasts just like my self. For past year of course cruisers has started to gain more and more popularity. Main reason for their decline is higher fuel consumption compared to other motorcycles and lack of motorcycle enthusiasts in sri lanka. We have lots of riders but very little enthusiasts. People just ride because they can't afford a car, Not that they want to ride instead of driving.

Mopeds & other 50cc Motorcycles

Hey i don't wanna leave these cute little bikes away, so here they are. Almost all the makers have a moped which is 50cc or below which requires no license and registrations, and riders are not required to wear a safety helmet according to sri lanka motor vehicle rules and regulation authority. In the picture what you see is a model named "Safari" by the indian motorcycle maker "Kinetic" which is a four stroke motorcycle runs at 50cc. These small moped motorcycles comes with neat features such as self starters, extremely low fuel consumption, some of them with paddling facilities etc. Earlier models were mostly 2 Stroke motorcycles and later on after banning the 2 Stroke motorcycles in sri lanka. Motorcycle makers came up with these neat little four stroke moped. If you are looking for something to take a ride around the city, and wants automatic gears, and lowest fuel consumption, and don't want to wear helmets and bother of license and number plates. This is the way to go, go grab a moped. Mopeds are popular among ladies, school students, and people who hates wearing helmets.

This is just a little post that will give you a rough idea of what are the most common motorcycles and brands in sri lanka. There are plenty others and not to forget the japanese motorcycles, they are in plenty, sometimes equalent to certain indian and chinese makes. What i mentioned was the common motorcycles only. This post may not include all the common motorcycles, because each of this manifacturers have a huge line of motorcycle models with various different flavors and colors and they keep changing everyday. I hope you enjoyed the post.

Few of the oversized monsters in sri lankan roads ( motorcycles beyond 250cc in sri lanka )

Everybody who knows me knows that i am a motorcycle enthusiast, i enjoy riding as much as i enjoy every other good things in life. So this is my little blog in the internet and i thought i would put this entry in it's best possible way. Yes i know, if you are not living in sri lankan you would already be laughing at this entry because it says over-sized  monsters, well it's not like in your country fellas, in sri lanka according to the current law maximum allowed engine capacity for a motorcycle is 250cc, you cannot go beyond that. Even if you manage to go beyond that you still cannot get it legally registered in the RMV (Deparment of Registering Motor Vehicles). Lets imagine by some sheer luck and hard work you manage to get your monster registered in RMV, if she looks really big like 750cc traffic police will keep on stopping ya and asking you questions about the bike. So fellas, don't talk about riding anything beyond 650cc on the sri lankan roads. I am one of those ambitious positive people who lives in Sri Lanka that always wishes RMV will change it's laws someday so people can free go ahead with 1000cc and above and cruise the sri lankan roads. All of ya guys might be wandering right now, why the heck 250cc? :O well this is what sri lankan traffic police, RMV and government says. They say, Traffic police have 450cc, 650cc, etc and above. So if someone use to have something equivalent or above, they can always commit a crime and getaway. that's the simple objections they put when it comes to importing bigger, higher capacity machines. Personally i think it is the dumbest things i ever heard. Engine capacity do decide the speed of the bike but that is not one of the main factors as far as i see... take this for an example, an properly tuned "Honda Baja XR 250cc" can take on any 450cc conventional traffic bike after doing a crime scene and it can even go off the road without any hassle. So i think it is time for sri lankan government to think again and re do the rules and regulations.

But HEY! being a motorcycle enthusiast, rules ain't gonna stop me from riding over capacity motorcycle, so i own a Yamaha XV535, i love to cruise all around, I've been all around the island and i didn't come across any problems from law.

Phew! Touch wood fellas, here is a picture of me and my bike. I have added two more pictures of the over capacity motorcycles which i came across on the road while i am riding. they all were registered but i have taken off the registration numbers before posting it on my blog to preserve the anonymity so that riders will never have a problem including me. White tank with a golden jaguar badge is a "Honda Steed 400cc modified", and the one with nikel tank is a indian made motorcycle called "Royal Enfield 350cc Bullet".