Chena cultivation was a traditional practice and ancient Sri Lankans ensured that the environment was unharmed in the process

Chena Farming is an ancient technique of farming that has been practiced in Sri Lanka for over 5000 years. Chena cultivation was a traditional practice and ancient Sri Lankans ensured that the environment was unharmed in the process. The techniques used to cultivate a chena depended on a range of variables including the climate, nature of soil as well as other environmental and topological factors of the area.

Ancient, traditional Sri Lankan farmers strongly believed in many religious and spiritual rituals and practices. A strong affinity to astrology also ensured that cultivation commenced on an auspicious day and time.

Chena was cultivated collectively; each village had one chena plot which was divided into individual shares among the villagers. The objective was to preserve the environment whilst carrying out farming activities. Thus the village would collectively select one area of land for cultivation and share the yield.

During the Chena farm visit you will get an opportunity to be part of the days farming activities. You will also get a chance to put a scare crow and pick vegetables and yams. There after you can prepare some of the veggies and yam and enjoy a local lunch just as the farmers would do.