 ‘We are reputed to produce best pearls’
Our ancestors knew about India
before the English knew anything about India. The closest land fall of
the sub-continent of India is Sri Lanka (then Serendip) a port of entry
for Indian traders and Arab merchants as well as invaders. In the
north-west of this island lies Mannar Town, which is rich in myth legend
and history.
  It claims the legendary distinction of Prince Vijaya’s arrival to
this island. It was here too that Hanuman, the Monkey God crossed over
from India to Sri Lanka in search of Sita (legend) then held captive by
Ravana. As if this were not enough the area also boasts of its rich sea
coast with long groves of palmyrah palms, sandy beach, and at the tip of
this strip is Talaimannar Pier.
For centuries traders have come from India and the East to buy spices
and precious rareties. Teak-wood ships were sailing across the seas from
this island to Madagascar and beyond carrying timber, sandalwood and
spices which were sold in the markets of Europe including England. Even
the deep blue sea along the coastal belt is known for its rich minerals.
Historically, the seabeds were at a depth of 60 ft to 70 ft where my
family lived. We were known as oysters. Living by the side of coral reef
brought us protection. I gradually grew and formed into a jellyfish. Our
family was reputed to produce best pearls.
The oysters made their home where the underwater fresh springs gushed
out into the sea. The belief is that some of the remarkable pearls come
from Mannar seabeds. Traders used large boats with divers to pick us up
and carry to the seashore. We are left for up to two days to dryout, and
our bodies to relax.
This made opening our bodies much easier from the shell. Many divers
work strong forearms, rugged faces, would be involved in opening the
oysters. Tempered by fresh water-springs, we were considered genuine and
reflect the best of nature’s attributes.
The traders visit the decks and the crew agrees to the prices they
offer. We are taken to Colombo the hub of business activity. By now I
have grown up to a dazzling figure and I’m very much in demand. I was
introduced to number of my colleagues by the name pearl who joined hands
to form a neckless. We were kept on glass-top shelves for public
display. While many visitors passed us admiring our beauty, a lady, who
must have been at least forty not an ounce of extra flesh and a skin of
the texture of a newly budded cherry blossom got around me. She was
dressed in impecable good taste. Very soon I was in her home. The lady
looked after me well.
The following evening I was in her arms and taken to a gala dinner
where men and women displayed their elegant dresses and jewellery. I was
looking proud and happy coiled around my bosses neck. Many eyes were
focused on me turning their heads regardless of their attire.
Sri Lankan pearls have earned a unique status for their value and
natural beauty. Embellished by aesthetic design, they bear a unique
hallmark for thousand of years, the pearls of this island have
enthralled people across the world.
-Tissa Hewavitarane
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