There are several cemeteries such as the one in Trincomalee all over the world where British forces were involved in various conflicts. Trincomalee and six such cemeteries in Sri Lanka are part of this network. The cemetery memorializes the deceased individually with their name on a headstone and it is maintained by the Ministry of Defense under an agreement and receives financial support from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
The Trincomalee cemetery which is situated on a slope facing the Trincomalee – Nilaweli road conforms to the design of a cemetery where more than a hundred bodies are buried. It is surrounded by a masonry wall with a wrought iron gate at the entrance and a Cross of sacrifice prominently high on the sloping site. According to the design individual graves are arranged in rows and marked by the same rectangular headstones with rounded tops made from Portland stone. The national badge or the regiment’s badge, name of the rank, division, deceased date are inscribed on the headstones.
The cemetery is on a beautiful site backed by trees and is well maintained. This is due to floriculture being made an integral part of the cemetery design and is intended to exude a peaceful ambience. Originally the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew had an input into incorporating horticulture into cemetery design and various types of low growing plants were chosen so as not obscure the inscriptions on the headstones. Now the botanic gardens in Peradeniya have an input into the keeping WWII cemeteries beautiful in Sri Lanka. The Trincomalee cemetery presents a picture of well manicured lawns with colourful flowering plants growing amidst the tombstones and contributes in no small measure to the garden like atmosphere. The visitor’s book at the entrance shows that many people both foreign and Sri Lankan still visit the site.
One of Trincomalee Sri Lanka hotels on the east coast, famous for whale watching and pristine beaches Chaaya Blue of the John Keels Hotels Group located right on the beach provide visitors with charmingly updated contemporary rooms with a balcony or terrace, a delicious selection of international and Sri Lankan cuisine and the opportunity to spend hours lazing on the beach at its doorstep, to take excursions to discover nearby islands and a historic port city. As one of prominent Trincomalee hotels visitors are guaranteed comfort, gorgeous ocean views, and a pristine beach all combining to offer a relaxing getaway.
