Write on, say these writers
“Just keep writing”. It may sound clichéd, hardly a profound piece of advice, but for acclaimed writers- Louis de Bernières, Rohan Candappa, Peter Grimsdale and Stephanie Calman, it’s the best nugget of advice they can offer, and probably the hardest to follow. Here for “Words on the Mount” a two-day literary event, it is still [...]
2013 Masterchef favourite Rishi here for some Indian fusion fare
In 2013, Rishi Desai was the hot favourite to win the fifth season of Masterchef Australia. The Indian-born home cook became an audience favourite with his quick smile, relentless drive and passion for Indian cuisine. Rishi would only make it to the top five, eventually, but he now travels the world in his spare time-with [...]
Gone is the exterminator, enter IPM
Like it or not, our living spaces are occupied by a legion of other creatures; squirrels, mice, geckoes, bugs, flies, spiders, mites and more. It’s all too easy to strike back with deadly toxins when confronted by those we find repulsive or harmful. But while that may temporarily solve the problem, time has proven that [...]
Luxury in the skies and on land
A picturesque setting; a boat glides calmly on the shimmering blue waters to our left as we land at Hong Kong International Airport on a bright sunny morning. The somewhat turbulent weather we experienced on our five-hour flight from Sri Lanka doesn’t take anything away from the comfort provided on Business Class of Cathay Pacific [...]
Mission to keep those little hearts beating
It is not only a national need but should be viewed as a national priority, for the little beneficiaries would be Sri Lanka’s children with heart trouble as well as any other critical illness. The expertise, skills and care are available in abundance, on par or even better than centres across the world, with the [...]
Madhu: Journey of devotion
When Prasad Anthony came on the Madhu pilgrimage last year, he prayed for two things to happen and made a vow to come back if his wishes were granted. A few months later he went abroad and on his return, he was able to build a small house for his young family. Having achieved his [...]
Now they can look to the future without fear
The girls in the room at Xstream SEO in Vavuniya stand up hesitantly when we enter the room. Their initial shyness is quickly gone and they share their stories, plans and hopes for their future. The young girls belong to the Don Bosco Home and Vocational Training Centre in Vavuniya. “When I came to Don [...]
Clutterbuck in Ceylon
“They say that there used to be a seashell somewhere along the coast, but one afternoon a native man picked it up and gave it away, now there is nothing to disturb the peaceful serenity” - Walter J. Clutterbuck Walter John Clutterbuck (1853-1937) was born into a wealthy family from the English county of Wiltshire. [...]
Chopsticks: do not leave him sticking up!
It is very easy to commit a ‘faux pas’ in Japan. I am not sure how they say “faux pas” in Japanese. These are referred to as “Japanese Moments” by local tour guides. Whilst Japan can be the nicest country in the world, there are lot of pitfalls associated with local etiquette which can result [...]
Bohemian rhapsody in the south
Opened in early 2016, Owl and the Pussycat, the newest boutique hotel in the south is named after Edward Lear’s quirky poem which inspired the owner from the moment she began her journey with her flagship property in Sri Lanka. Reita Gadkari hails from northern India and has spent over 23 years developing property and [...]
All set for a holiday in the sun
Beauty queen Stephanie Siriwardena, Unilever brand ambassador Pooja Umashankar, designers Amanda, Indi and Colombo Fashion Week founder Ajai Vir Singh were the celebrity presenters at the launch of Vaseline ‘Summer Glow’ Healthy White on June 30 at Stables, Park Street Mews. After a short skit – a conversation between two best friends about sunburn on [...]
Different worlds manifest side by side
At first glance Kavan Balasuriya and Branka Ridiki may seem to have little in common, being of different ages, genders and nationalities – Kavan was born here in Sri Lanka, while Branka is from Croatia. Kavan always wanted to be an artist. A graduate of Central St. Martin’s art school in London, he credits the [...]
ACWBC marks 67 years with religious ceremony
The All Ceylon Women’s Buddhist Congress was founded 67 years ago on the initiative of B. S. Jayawardena and several other distinguished ladies. On Tuesday, July 12, an all-night pirith ceremony will be held at the ACWBC premises at 400, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7 to confer merit to the founder ladies. All members are welcome [...]
Jazz and more at 41 Sugar today
The popular Sundaze returns to 41 Sugar today. An evening filled with jazz, soul and blues classics paired with exquisite views, drinks and a delectable menu, Sundaze is held at the premises of the historical Gymkhana Club which dates back 150 years. 41 Sugar is a rooftop restaurant and bar where guests can enjoy some [...]
Aranga Pravesam by Risni
Risini Inari Niriella will present her arangetram ‘ Aranga Pravesam’ under the guidance of her guru Smt. Vasugy Jegatheeswaran today, Sunday, July 10, at the Bishop’s College auditorium. The chief guest for the evening is Smt. Anuradha Ramkumar, Director of Nrityabhinaya and the guest of honour Visharada Edward Jayakody, former Director of Education- Music, Ministry [...]
Go down memory lane with Bonsoir Diaries app
The Bonsoir Diaries by Kumar de Silva was released in audio book format at the Harold Peries Gallery, Lionel Wendt on July 6. Voiced by Kumar de Silva, this book is available on the Android app store through the ‘Lisn’ app. Lisn is Sri Lanka’s first ever audiobook application. Presented by the Embassy of France [...]
Everyone has a right to contribute to the economy
American public affairs specialist Kali Wasenko delivered a lecture at the US-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission on perception and reactions to people with disabilities and American legislation on disability rights late last month. Wasenko was hosted for this talk by Fulbright alongside the University of Kelaniya’s Department of Disability Studies, Faculty of Medicine Ragama and Centre [...]
Appreciations
CELESTE MERCIA ANANDAPPA Memories of mother like the melodies she played will always linger This is my homage to the memory of my mother, Celeste Anandappa who departed this life two years ago on July 9. Married to Clarence Joseph Anandappa in 1948, Celeste bore 11 children (one died young), the first born in 1949 [...]
Letters
Dengue can be controlled only by galvanising people The Daily Mirror editorial of July 7, about dengue control is timely and urgent. It is an absolute truth that dengue can be controlled only through the participation of the citizens. It should be a multi-pronged, sustained, 24 hour vigil by every single citizen of the country. [...]