I Love Ceylon

09/05/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrEo-Yufoi4

On April 4th, 1942, a single message changed the fate of Ceylon.A Royal Air Force pilot spotted a massive Japanese fleet heading toward Sri Lanka. He had sec...

16/04/2026

World's Biggest Neon Sign was in Ceylon!

In 1936, travelers arriving at the Colombo Port were met with a sight unlike any other in the world: a massive, glowing neon sign stretching 232 feet across the night sky.

Spanning the entrance to the harbor, the "CEYLON FOR GOOD TEA" sign was more than just an advertisement; it was a world-record-breaking landmark and a symbol of an era. But in 1942, as the shadows of WWII reached the Indian Ocean, this brilliant beacon suddenly went dark.

In this video, we uncover the history of the world's largest neon sign, why it was dismantled, and why it was never rebuilt.

In this video, you’ll learn:

The massive scale of the 15-foot neon letters.

Why the Ceylon Tea Propaganda Board built it in Mutwal.

The tragic reason it was taken down during the war.

The only remaining evidence of its existence today.

If you love stories about "Lost Sri Lanka" and forgotten history, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Bell icon.



Shop the largest collection of authentic vintage Ceylon posters, Sinhala film art, souvenirs & surfing apparel:
iloveceylon.com (worldwide shipping)

Visit us in: Ella | Ahangama | Mirissa | Unawatuna | Galle Fort

14/04/2026

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous Sinhala New Year!

14/04/2026

Ceylon’s First Superstar

Prem Jayanth was the first true superstar of Sinhala cinema — a matinee idol who captivated audiences in the 1950s before reinventing himself as one of Sri Lanka’s most influential film poster designers.

Born Emanuel Aloysius Rodrigo in Colombo in 1933, Prem Jayanth rose from humble beginnings to dominate the silver screen with unforgettable performances in films like Sujatha and Seda Sulang.

At just 22 years old, he became Sinhala cinema’s first matinee idol, setting the template for leading men in Sri Lanka.
But as the industry evolved, Prem Jayanth made an extraordinary transition — becoming a master of vintage film poster art, designing iconic posters that defined the visual identity of Sri Lankan cinema in the 1970s and 80s.
, , , , , ,

07/04/2026

We’re excited to announce the opening of our newest I Love Ceylon outlet! 💛

📍 Location:
I Love Ceylon
Shop #6
Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel
Colombo

Step into a world of vintage Sri Lankan posters and unique handcrafted souvenirs 🖼️✨
From nostalgic memorabilia to locally made treasures like bookmarks and keychains, there’s something special waiting for everyone.

Perfect for collectors, travelers, and anyone who loves a touch of Sri Lankan heritage. 🇱🇰💫

Come visit us — we can’t wait to welcome you! 🛍️

03/04/2026

Tintin in Ceylon?

I Love Ceylon – rediscovering the forgotten soul of Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

James Dalton Linkleter—born in Tynemouth in 1910—turned wartime chaos into bold, comic-style illustrations that feel straight out of Tintin.

From sketching Newcastle United football heroes in the 1930s to documenting RAF pilots in Ceylon during World War II, Linkleter captured history with humour, motion, and unmistakable character.

Arriving in Colombo in 1942, he worked alongside RAF 222 Group, creating iconic covers for Airflow—a morale-boosting magazine for thousands of airmen stationed in Ceylon. His work blended British wit with comic-book energy: rickshaws, monsoons, crocodiles, and pilots in pith helmets—all brought to life with punchy lines and playful storytelling.

After the war, his work faded into obscurity. Today, original Airflow illustrations are rare collector’s items—and a unique visual record of wartime Sri Lanka.

🛍️ Discover original James Dalton Linkletter artworks:
https://iloveceylon.com

📍 Visit us:
Ella | Ahangama | Mirissa | Unawatuna | Galle Fort

Subscribe for more hidden stories from Sri Lanka’s past.

06/02/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp3YWzfwMs0

Every year, Sri Lanka throws away over 1.6 million tons of plastic waste.And every school term, millions of students finish exercise books that usually end u...

30/01/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny3HCrpG6Nk

20/01/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ0Scqs-raA

From an invasive w**d to beautiful handmade souvenirs! Discover how a small family in a village near Maho, North-West Sri Lanka, transforms Guinea Grass (Man...

16/01/2026

Beedi: Poor Man's Cigarette with Rich Back Story

12/01/2026

Air Ceylon: A High-Flying Dream Turned Cautionary Tale