Keep a date and take a green break
As the noon sun beats down mercilessly on the men, women and children hurrying about in the asphalt jungle that is Katubedda, Moratuwa, on the outskirts of Colombo, there is an oasis of greenery exuding an aura of serenity and comfort. Nestling within tea giant Dilmah’s Merrill J. Fernando Centre for Dignified and Sustainable Development [...]
The flamingos are back but for how long?
Flamingos in flight are a sight to behold. They had not been seen in the area after the 2004 tsunami but wildlife enthusiast Ajantha Palihawadana spotted nearly 30 birds a week ago at Palatupana. On a tip-off from a friend, Palihawadana, head of the Responsible Trail, the eco-tourism arm of the Yala Adventure Resort left [...]
Our National flower still embedded in muddy waters
The pomp and pageantry are over. The wisps of smoke from the 21 gun-salute have wafted away, carried hither and thither by the gentle winds blowing across the sea at Galle Face Green. The 69th Independence Day celebrations drew to an end on February 4 but there is a matter of national importance still embedded [...]
‘It can never be Goodbye’ for us in distant lands
On the eve of another independence day in Sri Lanka, with nostalgia I recall the first Independence Day celebrations I attended with my father at Bogambara grounds in Kandy. Just seven years old then, I didn’t quite understand what it was to get freedom after many centuries of foreign rule. Yet, I still could feel [...]
Bringing back Spittel’s ‘Essentials of Surgery’ for today’s medical fraternity
Dr. R.L. Spittel’s book, “Essentials of Surgery” reprinted and annotated by Dr. Lakshman Karalliedde and Dr. Philip Veerasingam will be launched on Wednesday, February 15, at 11.30 a.m. at the Lionel Memorial auditorium, Wijerama House, No 6, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. Prof. A. H. Sheriffdeen, Dr. Wilfred Jayasuriya and Dr. Premini Amerasinghe, will be the [...]
Stalking Tiger, drowsy Lion
The author Daya Gamage is a journalist who served many years in the U.S. Department of State and its Embassy in Sri Lanka. His title sums up the argument that he so tellingly fleshes up in his compelling 578 page narrative. He has had the advantage of being an inside observer/participant of the ideological battle, [...]
Shani returns for SOSL concert of Beethoven, Rossini and Arnold
Classical music lovers can expect an evening dedicated to three great composers–Beethoven, Rossini and Arnold–when the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka performs under the baton of Chief conductor of the Japan Wind Ensemble and Resident Conductor of the Tokyo Wind Symphony Orchestra Keiko Kobayashi on Wednesday, March 15, at the Ladies’ College Hall. A popular [...]
Musical tribute to Carnatic composer
The Indian Cultural Centre and the High Commission of India, in Colombo will present Sri Thyagaraja Aaradhana, an annual music festival paying homage to the great Carnatic music composer St.Thyagaraja Swamy, on Friday, February 17 at 5.30 p.m. at Saraswathie hall, No. 75, Lorenz Road, Colombo 4. Musicians, vocalists as well as instrumentalists and percussionists [...]
Ajahn Brahm ‘teaches the teachers’
“Tiring but very worthwhile and very enjoyable,” was how Ajahn Brahmavamso summed up the retreat he conducted exclusively for monks and nuns at Bandarawela recently. “Sri Lanka has been a Buddhist country for 2,300 years. A white monk is invited to teach meditation to monks and nuns there. Really they should come and teach us. [...]
A picturesque tribute to fallen heroes
An exposition of oil and water colour paintings by Russian architect Maria Lvova was opened recently at the new ‘Gallery Maria’ at ‘Eco Village’ in Dodanduwa, Galle. The art gallery was opened by Ven. Nindane Kassapa Thera, Chief Priest of Dodanduwa Gangaramaya Temple and Ven. Jinawanso Thera of Holland who joined the chanting of ‘seth [...]
The female face of dedication
Teaching has long been recognised as one of the most noble and respected professions throughout history. Teachers are often under valued and under appreciated but in every sense, are one of the most essential professionals in any society, irrespective of economics and geography. To put it in context without too much effort: What would any [...]
Cultural kaleidoscope
It was a colourful display of Malay culture and traditions as ‘Pesta Malayu’ organised by the Sri Lanka Malay Association in celebration of its 95th anniversary, was held at the Hotel Galadari in January garnering enthusiastic support and participation from the Malay community.
Strains of jazz blowing in the wind
A light sea breeze sweeping over your face, as the soothing sounds of jazz and blues engulf you. If this sounds like a good way to relax and unwind then head down to the Colombo Jazz Festival (CJF) next weekend- February 18 and 19 at the Galle Face Hotel. In its second year, CJF promises [...]
Sleek and new rub wheels with vintage
Record crowds of automotive enthusiasts thronged the BMICH last weekend to be a part of the Ceylon Motor Show 2017, Sri Lanka’s single largest showcase of the latest in the motor vehicle industry alongside the classic and vintage era vehicles dating back to the 1900s. Visitors were given unique access to some of the biggest [...]
Come February 14, Jetwing promises romance
The many Jetwing properties across the island are offering Valentine’s Day specials, each unique in ambience. At Negombo’s Jetwing Beach, couples can choose a quiet private dinner at the beach front with a seven course meal whilst listening to the crashing waves and live music of a violinist or indulge in a lavish seven course [...]
Jaffna hospitality gets a modern touch at Thinnai
‘The Thinnai’ an all-suite boutique hotel in Thirunelveli, Jaffna opened in August offering the perfect ambience to ‘Rest, Relax and Reunite’. Developed and managed by Thinnaveli Property Developers the hotel is firm in its resolve to serve the northern environment, economy and community. The hotel strives to be environment-friendly and has partnered with the ‘I [...]
Wind Orchestra concert with a Valentine’s Day segment
The 6th annual concert of the Colombo Wind Orchestra to be held on Valentine’s Day, February 14, at the Lionel Wendt theatre, will have a special segment of music for lovers. Conducted by the dynamic Japanese conductor, Keiko Kobayashi, popular pieces such as ‘Unchained Melody’ and tuneful pieces based on British folk music written by Percy [...]
Ladies, are you ready to be bold for change?
The theme for International Women’s Week globally is ‘Be Bold for Change’. Celebrating International Women’s Week, Ladies VIP Night in partnership with HSBC presents a night of entertainment and empowerment, ‘The Role Model – The Strength of a Woman ‘ at the Grand Ballroom, Galle Face Hotel on Tuesday, March 7 from 6 p.m. onwards! [...]
From then to now; Visakhians making a name for themselves
Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, enjoying the prestigious position that it gained at its inception when Jeremias Dias, Prime Minister D. S. Senanayake, and then Governor Sir Herbert Stanley graced the opening. Visakha Vidyalaya since then has produced leaders in every field. Begun under the name of “Buddhist Girls’ College” in [...]
Scrabble League starts zonal tournaments
The Sri Lanka Scrabble League in a series of new initiatives for 2017 launched the year with a successful workshop for emerging players. This follows an unprecedented interest in the game following the success of the Sri Lanka Under 18 national youth team who were successive world champions in 2015 and 2016 at the championships [...]
In the footsteps of a hunter turned conservationist
How would you feel if you’re walking alone in the dead of the night in deep wilderness and there comes with the wind the sounds of anklets following you? How would you react when you’ve seen someone commit suicide in a well and you hear at night sounds of the well’s Persian wheel revolving when [...]
Appreciations
Manthri Samaranayake Ramasamy To me you were my sister; and many things to many others My dearest sister, Prof. Manthri Samaranayake Ramasamy passed away on January 18, 2002 aged 52 years at the prime of her life. She succumbed to ovarian carcinoma after battling with it for two years. Before her illness set in at [...]
Letters
The role of monks in a fast deteriorating society It is unfortunately observed that in recent times there has been a serious deterioration in the moral standards of the country. Perhaps this is true not only of Sri Lanka but for most parts of the world. It is not only the number of cases of [...]