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The Dark Side of the Spice Trade

Everyday life around the Well House is heavily impacted by the export of spices from Sri Lanka to the rest of the world. Whilst the Moorish trader who developed a large coconut oil factory 140 years ago engaged with the British colonising powers, this was of course very recent in Sri Lanka’s history. Sri Lanka’s previous colonising powers, whether the Aryan peoples of India, the Chinese Naval Commander some 1,500 years ago or the more recent Portuguese, Dutch or English overlords who colonised and plundered the Island’s treasures.

The success of exporting spices from the port of Galle may be measured in their acceptance in European markets and cuisine. The Dutch East India Company [VOC] which shipped spices from Java, Goa, Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka has evolved into the largest sea container ship transportation system outside of China. Based in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, the huge flotilla of cargo vessels criss cross the globe moving goods.

Dutch seafarers energetically sought out the comfort foods of home. They were responsible for most Sri Lankan bread, which is known as Roti. Other Dutch influences blended Dutch dining with local spices. Examples would be Cinnamon buns [Schnecken] pancakes and jam filled buns. Potatoes and pumpkin were quickly propagated in the colder climates of the hill country. Today they are staples in may dishes, with favourite pumpkin and potato curries. 

Sri Lanka is a major producer of spices such as cinnamon, pepper, and nutmeg, and these products make up a significant portion of the country’s exports. According to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, the country’s spice exports for the year 2020 was worth US$ 523 million. The major export destinations for Sri Lanka’s spices are the United States, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.

However, the spice trade had a number of negative impacts on local communities. One major impact was the displacement of indigenous peoples as European colonizers and merchants sought to gain control over the production and trade of spices. This often involved the forced relocation of indigenous populations, which disrupted traditional ways of life and led to the loss of land and resources. Countless traditional medical treatments that were made from plants, flowers, fruit and roots have been lost to humanity forever.

Another impact of the spice trade was deforestation and damage to the environment. As demand for spices grew, vast areas of land were cleared to make way for spice plantations, which led to the loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction. Additionally, the intensive use of pesticides and fertilizers on spice crops resulted in pollution of soil and water sources, further harming the local environment.

The spice trade also involved the exploitation of labour, as European merchants and colonizers often relied on forced or slave labour to cultivate and harvest spices. This resulted in the abuse and mistreatment of workers and contributed to the displacement of indigenous populations. The Veda People [or Jungle People] are contained in a reserve and discouraged from interacting with the outside world. Tourist operators enter the reserve with busses filled with visitors, who are brought to see the traditional grains, remedies and crafts of the Veda. Sales of small items, from wooden rings or other jewellery, Kurakan flour or grain, children’s toys such as bow and arrows, carved decorative items or even a shared meal of heavy grain panakes and jungle bee honey are the sole income of the indigenous island dwellers.

For all it’s positive benefits, the spice trade had a significant negative impact on local communities and the environment, resulting in displacement, environmental degradation and exploitation of labour.

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The importance of this piece of history may be seen in the Galle Maritime Museum and in the tri lingual plaque erected by Zheng He. A Muslim eunic of the Ming Emperor’s court, his presence in Sri Lanka on the Ming treasure voyages saw him install a puppet king in the southern Kotte Kingdom.

Was bedroom 2 ever known as a “Ghurfat Nawm, it’s Arabic name? Was the influence of Moorish traders brought home after work with the merchant who became very wealthy from his factories produce being exported from the port? We can never know, but we can take time out to consider the impact of sleeping quarters and living quarters over 140 years. As we relax into the space, history’s voice is ever there, but never disturbing our relaxation, rest or quiet enjoyment of Sri Lanka.

The first bedroom may well have been known as a “Woshi”, under the influence of the great Chinese Admiral who ensured the trading port grew in importance. His

esablishment of the ancient White Tea Agreement one of the world’s oldest commercial arrangements, established between Sri Lanka and the Ming Dynasty still holds validity today.

The importance of this piece of history may be seen in the Galle Maritime Museum and in the tri lingual plaque erected by Zheng He. A Muslim eunic of the Ming Emperor’s court, his presence in Sri Lanka on the Ming treasure voyages saw him install a puppet king in the southern Kotte Kingdom.

Guests will have a special experience as this double room provides a pool with a view. The roomy double comes with a private entrance, air conditioning, a terrace with views of the garden, and a 2 private bathroom with a shower. The unit has 2 bedrooms

Boasting a private beach area and views of pool, The Well House by Colonial Villas in Sri Lanka is a recently renovated villa situated in Unawatuna, 700 m from Bonavista Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi. The property has a garden, as well as a family-friendly restaurant that serves Chinese and Indian cuisine.

All units in the villa complex are fitted with a kettle. Some of the units have a satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, and a private bathroom with a shower and bathrobes. At the villa complex, units have bed linen and towels.

Guests at the villa can enjoy a continental breakfast.

Guests at The Well House by Colonial Villas in Sri Lanka can make the most of yoga classes offered in-house. A bicycle rental service is available at the accommodation.

Popular points of interest near The Well House by Colonial Villas in Sri Lanka include Jungle Beach, Japanese Peace Pagoda and Unawatuna Railway Station. The nearest airport is Koggala, 10 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

The Well House by Colonial Villas in Sri Lanka has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 12 Dec 2022.