ISERNHAGEN. There is no need for mentioning the fact that Sri Lanka and Isernhagen maintain a special relationship thanks to the immensely dedicated working group at the Gymnasium in Altwarmbüchen. For years there have been regular exchange programmes, fixed fundraising dates, such as the concert of the Capella Conveniensis or the Run for Help.

Coconut trees, kilometres of sandy beaches, surfers, string tangas, dolphins and bathing season all around the year - that can only be found on Sri Lanka. We are introducing the most extraordinary beaches of the small island in the Indian Ocean.

Picturesque beaches, baby elephants, Buddha's tooth and bare-breasted cloud girls: The island of Sri Lanka has something to offer for every type of holidaymaker. We are introducing the ten most spectacular destinations.

In their tidy white shirts and trousers, they are posing with their teacher in the far-away Sri Lanka in front of a board with German terms on it. When the five students of the S. Thomas College in Mount Lavinia will be landing on the airport in Frankfurt on Sunday, they will not only be taking warm winter clothes along, but also some knowledge of the language, in order to be able to talk with their exchange partners of the Gymnasium Isernhagen apart from English. This was made possible by Anusha Galage, who is fluent in German and actually working with the German Embassy in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo. She has offered to teach the exchange students some basic terms.