High point in high tea
The scene was picture perfect: The table set with dainty floral-patterned china. Against steaming tea pots and cocktails was a marriage of two chefs’ vision of French food with a twist. Their menu was a feast for the senses. Laurent presented his signature dish of salmon sashimi paired with Ran-Watte tea, one which he compared [...]
Appreciations
L.S. Perera A partnership that grew from our Thomian days When Rohini asked me to deliver an eulogy at this service, I obliged without any hesitation. We are gathered this afternoon to pray for his soul and bid farewell to a very dear friend of ours. Lasantha, better known as L.S. was my opening partner. [...]
Letters
Some guidelines to elect better representatives With the upcoming elections, political parties are busy finalising the lists of nominees. Some parties have declared that nominations will be given only to those with good ‘track records’. The voters are in the dark as to how the prospective nominees are screened. Reports indicate that candidates selected are [...]
The ‘sound’ of silence
It is way past lunch-time that the father and son walk into the Sunday Times offices in Colombo 2 but not a murmur arises from 11+ Akindhu, unlike other children of his age who would grumble and fuss for want of food and drink. Akindhu, however, knows that his beloved “Thaththe”, Asoka B. Gamage, has [...]
Bus-stand ballads
Older readers may remember the raucous hustle and bustle of the old Pettah bus stand where squat and bulbous buses, carrying only seated passengers, were surrounded by ‘kadala’ and ‘vadai’ vendors and serenaded by ‘kavi-kola karayas’ singing of the most recent noteworthy event or the latest high society scandal. They sang a ‘trailer’ of a [...]
What about the ‘dynamic’, ‘resurgent’ and ‘peaceful’ Sri Lanka?
One of the things that irritates Padma Rao Sundarji most about the way Sri Lanka is portrayed in international media is the description of an island 650,000 sq. km large as a “tiny teardrop,” or as a serendipitous ‘Inselparadies’ (island paradise) – these and a ‘million other clichés’ leave her exasperated by their laziness. To [...]
Lucid guide book of a bygone era
Prasad Fonseka, that indefatigable antiquarian, enthusiast has been passionately curious about Kotte that medieval Sinhalese capital. His guide book entitled Kotte: the Fortress published by the National Trust Sri Lanka (NTSL) was launched on May 28 at the HNB auditorium. The foreword of this opus is by Dr. Roland Silva, founder President the National Trust [...]
Another information-packed volume
Dr. C.G. Uragoda, the prolific writer, who has contributed literary works on varied subjects, such as A History of Medicine, A Bibliography of Health, Traditions, Wildlife Conservation, Camping and Jungle Trips etc. that are all on Sri Lanka, and his autobiography, Sri Lanka, then and now recently launched the third volume in his series, Authors [...]
A university is born: From concept to physical establishment
My observation about the five volume compilation on the founding of the University of Peradeniya is that the compiler A.T. Alwis, former Senior Assistant Librarian of the University of Peradeniya has made a valuable contribution by collecting, arranging and presenting these documents in a methodological order. These five volumes provide a detailed picture of the [...]
De Lanerolles say thank you to their fans
The De Lanerolle Brothers thanked fans and sponsors for their support over the year with a special mid-year performance at the Hilton Grand Ballroom last Sunday (July 5). The invitee-only event marked an exciting year of performances for the brothers, who have established for themselves a firm following of fans in Sri Lanka and overseas. [...]
Tea and flowing lines
In soft flowing lines and essentially muted shades, Yasisurie Suriyabandara’s collection presented at the Kingsbury High Tea last month turned many heads. The willowy models made their way through tables to show off the creations with the young designer taking a bow at the end.
Amante’s comfort range
Amanté, the lingerie brand which is at the forefront in bringing the best technology to meet the dynamic woman’s fashion needs, added the Enigma collection to its product portfolio at a recent unveiling held at its Racecourse Mall boutique. According to the General Manager of amanté Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Sasanka Bandara, the Enigma range [...]
Chartered Accountants Pink Cadillac night
Pink Cadillac was the retro theme of the annual Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka dinner dance held at the Cinnamon Grand on July 4 as the fraternity let their hair down and enjoyed a night of fun and fellowship. Pix by Indika Handuwala
Holy month back home
This is a tale of three Ramadans. Even as you read this, Muslims around the world have begun preparations for the final week of Ramadan. The religious fulcrum of Ramadan remains the same all over the world – Muslims who observe the fast, refrain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset and are expected [...]
Ramadan – A retreat into a time for deeper contemplation
A voice calls out the Adhan – the call for prayers – sometimes melodious, at other times just the reverse. The call is always welcomed. It ushers in important times in our prayer. During Ramadan it is no secret that most adherents wait for the evening call. It is the breaking fast time, iftar as [...]
Colours and shapes of a bustling Colombo
London-based artist Laknath Peiris, will have a brief display of his latest work at the Leo Burnett Quadrangle at No. 379 R.A. de Mel Mawatha today, July 12, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. ‘Cityscapes – Bustling Colombo’ will feature a mix of abstract paintings that depict the diversity and vibrancy of city life. Having [...]
Punchihewa’s historical vignettes continue
The tenth in a series of books on vignettes of Sri Lankan life by veteran author late Gamini de S.G. Punchihewa was launched in Embilipitiya yesterday amidst a gathering of family and friends. The occasion also marked the third month commemoration of the author who passed away on April 11. “History Flows along the Walawe [...]
Connecting through art
A group exhibition of graduates from the University of Jaffna is now on in Colombo. Mentored by curator and founder of Raking Leaves, Sharmini Pereira, and Jaffna’s leading contemporary artist, Thamotharampillai Shanaathanan, these works have been curated over one year with an aim to connect the emerging art scene of the north east with the [...]
Sharing their love for music
Sanuja Goonetilleke (flute), Ramya de Livera Perera (piano), Sasini Chandrasinghe (cello), Amasha Peiris (piano), and Sureka Amerasinghe’s flute ensemble, Flutopia will take the stage at Flute Soirée, a chamber music recital to be held on July 18 at 7 p.m. at the Russian Cultural Centre Auditorium. The concert is a collaborative musical venture by colleagues [...]
The betel bag of many parts and hues
Utility items were ornamented to such a high degree in the Udarata kingdom that many became objects of art. One such item is the betel bag, known as ‘kurapayiya’. P.H.D.H. de Silva says ‘the Udarata betel bag ‘surpasses the betel bags of South and Southeast Asia, in its construction, use of traditional motifs and craftsmanship.’ [...]
Philippines National Day celebration
The National Day of the Republic of the Phillippines was celebrated at a reception held at the Atrium, Cinnamon Grand Hotel. The picture shows Ms. Brookes Navarro (Secretary, Sri Lanka Philippine Association) Dr. Vijaya Corea (Vice President, Sri Lanka Philippine Association) and Charmon Wickramanayake at the event.
‘Ayubowan’ to Colombo’s newest health clinic Absolute Ayurveda
Opening their inviting- looking wooden doors, Absolute Ayurveda bid ‘Ayubowan’ as the newest health clinic offering traditional healing last week. With the aim of catering to those who would generally opt for “Western medicine” and those visiting the country Absolute Ayurveda “is not a spa” according to Director, Shalin Balasuriya. Set in a quiet, colonial [...]
Of Greece, Germany, and the Omphalos Syndrome
The Greeks had a word for it. Omphalos. Meaning, essentially, navel. Signifying, importantly, the centre. Once upon a time, Greece – Hellas! – was the centre of the world, the fountainhead of ‘western’ ‘civilisation’. Today, like the famous Greek (Spartan) king-general Leonidas’ brave band of 300, Greece – alas! – has come to a strategic [...]
Foundation stone laid for new building at Dharmashramaya Dematagoda
The foundation stone was laid for a new building at Dharmashramaya Dematagoda from the money allocated by Western Provincial Councillor and chief organiser for the UNP, Borella electorate Jayantha de Silva. Picture shows Mr. de Silva receiving the stone from the Chief Incumbent Ven. Ranchagoda Sudarshana.
Blood donation drive
A blood donation drive organised by the Sri Lankan-French citizens society headed by Diana Yureni in collaboration with the National Blood Transfusion Service of Sri Lanka will be held at the Balapokuna Purana Viharaya Buddhist Temple in Kirulapone, Colombo 6 on July 18 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact 0765452892 for more details.
DBU sale
The grand DBU Mid-Year Sale takes place on Sunday, July 26 from 8.30 a.m.onwards at the Dutch Burgher Union premises at Thunmulla. Apart from the usual Burgher delicacies that most Sri Lankans crave for such as Lamprais, yellow rice, ghee rice, black pork curry, beef smore, Bolo Fiado, Fougetti, borowa, asparagus sandwiches, roast beef sandwiches, [...]
Tribute to a 102-year-old teacher
The year is 1948. We students at St. John’s College Panadura watch the Principal Cyril A. Jansz (Jnr) escorting a beautiful young lady up the steps. He brings her to our class (the HSC as it was then known) and introduces her as our class teacher and the teacher for Sinhala and Pali. These are [...]
