Angampora - A Nations Legacy in Pictures

"Angampora" is the ancient martial art of Sri Lanka. After being banned by the British in 1818, its practitioners retreated into secrecy, protecting its knowledge of thousands of years from being destroyed by the hands of imperialism. After the end of the brutal 30 year civil war in Sri Lanka, these Angampora fighters have come out into the open after hundreds of years.

Centuries of secrecy has left the art at a vulnerable place, and the practitioners themselves understand that the art needs to receive public exposure in order to survive in today's world. The art holds a fascinating history, is imbued with exotic rituals, and holds a tremendously sophisticated discipline of combat that makes you stand in awe of the unknown pioneers of this art who lived thousands of years ago.