Sri Lanka revives ancient martial art banned for 200 years under British colonial rule

Sri Lanka lifted a British colonial-era ban on a Sinhalese traditional martial art, known as Angampora, on June 13, 2022. The law, restricting the practice, was enacted more than 200 years ago and punishments for breaking it were severe, including being shot in the knee, or jailed. The self-defence technique survived efforts to completely eradicate it and today, Sri Lankans and their government are working to recognise its national heritage.