Ayubowan!  My name is Naomi Lazarus.  Welcome to my home page.  
I was born and raised in Sri Lanka, the island nation located off the
southeastern coast of India.  My country is a diverse mix of
landscapes and cultures.  Well known for its beaches and warm
tropical ocean waters, Sri Lanka is also endowed with mountains,
natural forests, and wildlife that inspired ancient Arab merchants to
call the island ‘the Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ and ‘the Isle of
Serendibity.’  Buddhism is the primary religion and is evident in the
temples and ancient ruins of Sinhala kings that are found across the
island.  Sri Lanka is also home to Tamil, Muslim, and Burgher
communities who add to the cultural diversity of the island.

What does it mean to me to be Sri Lankan?  It means enjoying a cup
of freshly brewed tea at a roadside ‘kade’ or eatery, taking the train
to the hill country, seeing women clad in colorful attire picking tea
buds by hand, and walking the busy streets of Colombo, my
hometown.  It means sharing the warmth of hospitality and an
appreciation of our culture.  It means having self-confidence and
resilience in the pursuit of goals, while recognizing the importance of
family, faith, and tradition.