O' Ports of Lanka - Resplendent Isle

Smiling Lanka Serendib to Arabs
Later Seylan, Ceylan not for grabs
Ports aplenty strategic location
Comparable beauty no other nation
Bruises tears heart aches and pain
Surely she will her lustre regain

Ports of Ophir gold was abundant
Maritime business Isle Resplendent
Mannar was Ovir Emporium Great
Cosmas writes of ships and mate
Thambapanni to some Taprobane
Sadly her fortunes wax and wane

Brilliant Pearl of the Indian Ocean
Land of battle and great commotion
Land of Ravana and Ancient enterprises
Valmiki narrates wonders surprises
Endowed Generously by her Creator
Isle beloved full of God's splendour

Ships of Solomon loaded with Cinnamon
Apes Peacocks and spices cardamom
Sandalwood, sapphires tuskers' ivory
Shipped to portray monarch's victory
Spices turned to incense & worship
Renowned wisdom ancient scholarship
Ptolemy's Taprobane of large proportions
Greeks or Arabs - trade with many nations
Decimated they say by an ancient Tsunami

During the times of the Vihara Maha Devi
Gold coast lost and Lanka humbled
Fortunes thru centuries ebbed & tumbled
East met West in Lanka's Great Emporium
Time is right for a grudge moratorium
Races long severed united as brothers
Father Forgive us - our many trespasses
O' smiling Lanka your battle ceases
Where every visual prospect pleases

Port of Galle - was it Eastern Tar shish
Jonah fled vomited out by a great fish
Sir William Tennant writes with erudition
Ancient Ceylon's scholarly rendition
Ports of Lanka yet a mighty attraction
We shall soon be a much sought nation

Trincomalee largest natural harbour
Bastian of British military ardour
Eyed by many huge Oil Tankers
Able to hide a fleet of destroyers
City of Peace where three races merge
Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim unity urge

Colombo Port's opportunity Lost
Singapore's Wealth Winning post
Famous Port of the British Empire
Many a famed ship found her lair
O Colombo where's thy former fame
We pray you back to honour and fame

Hambantota - President's wise choice
Readied to send forth a mighty voice
Help from China Fortune very near
No more economic woe lack or fear
Port of the World thriving and bustling
South of Lanka prosperity beaming

Our dear island, I wipe thy tears
A Bard for thee I comfort thy fears
Bruises healed races well reconciled
Thy sons return from painful domicile
No more war, blood or terrorist wiles
Revived Nation blossoms and smiles

- Dr. Lalith Mendis