Bulldozer-happy RDA: Symptoms of impunity and violation of people’s rights
The recent excitement over the Road Development Authority’s bulldozing of the rich man’s pond in Colombo 3, the Colombo Swimming Club (CSC), received much coverage. The rich and poor are being treated alike. At least the RDA doesn’t discriminate when it comes to bulldozing. The RDA’s actions, whilst creating a stir in Colombo society, are [...]
Philanthropist laments lack of support for KTSF
Requests for kidney transplants have become the norm in the print media. The requests appear in the background of patients dying due to lack of funds, or being unable to find a suitable kidney in time. In such a scenario are there any programmes to increase the life expectations of patients? Such a programme was [...]
Photography exhibition on Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo
‘A smile in the middle of the way’ – an exhibition showcasing the lives of Mexican artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, organised by the Mexican Consulate on behalf of the Mexican Embassy, will be held from September 1 to 3 at the Faculty of Visual & Performing Arts, Horton Place, Colombo 7. The exhibition [...]
Annual Academic Sessions and Reunion of CoMSAA
The Colombo Medical School Alumni Association (CoMSAA), comprising past graduates and staff members of the Medical Faculty of the University of Colombo, will hold its Annual Academic Sessions and Reunion on September 2 and 3 at the Hotel Jetwing Blue, Negombo. Even though the Colombo Medical School is in its 148th year, CoMSAA was formed [...]
Don’t miss Funvention
‘Funvention 2017’ – that promises a fiesta of fun for the family will be held on September 1, 2 and 3 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) at the Thurstan College Cricket Grounds. The fun fair will have many attractions including a ‘Mini Jurassic Park’, a ‘Learning Zone’ – for the entire family, Music and fun and [...]
Ballpoint strokes bring to life village scenes
He draws disappearing village scenes and to even hear that such beautiful works can be made with a ballpoint pen that you and I use everyday is amazing. Presidential award winner Mangala Madanayaka holds his 25th solo art exhibition at the JDA Perera art gallery today and tomorrow (August 27 and 28). While most artists [...]
Bernard Soysa Memorial Oration on August 31
The ‘Bernard Soysa Memorial Oration will be delivered by Emeritus Professor Savitri Gunatilleke of the University of Peradeniya at 5 p.m. on August 31 at the auditorium of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS). This biennial oration is organized by the General Research Committee of SLAAS which plays a major role [...]
Talk on “Indigenous medicine and posterity” at J.R.Jayewardene Centre
The 29th in the Programme of Intellectual Discourses organised by the J.R.Jayewardene Centre will be held on Wednesday, August 30 at 9.30 a.m. at the auditorium of the J.R.Jayewardene Centre, No.191, DharmapalaMawatha, Colombo 7 with Dr (Mrs.) Janaki Herath speaking on the subject “Indigenous medicine and posterity”. This programme is organised by the staff of [...]
A concert for differently abled children
A concert in aid of differently abled children has been organised by the church of St. Paul’s Milagiriya, featuring the Friends in Harmony orchestra and ending with a sing-along. It will be held on September 8 at the Russian Cultural Centre, Independence Avenue, Colombo 7 at 6.30 p.m.
Sampath Bandara to launch latest book ‘Lionel Wendt Art and Life’
Veteran journalist Sampath Bandara will launch his latest book ‘Lionel Wendt Art and Life’ on August 30 at 3.30 p.m. at the Lionel Wendt art gallery, Colombo 7. Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Visual and Performing Arts, Prof. Sarath Chandrajeewa, veteran photographer Lal Hegoda, Chairperson of the Sapumal Foundation Rohan de [...]
Admani re-elected as Baithulmal president
The 60th annual general meeting of the Ceylon Baithulmal Fund was held on August 20. CBF was formed on the initiative of the late H S Ismail, (the first Muslim Speaker of the House of Representatives) who served as its President from 1957 to 1973. A.A.M Illyas Admani, eminent lawyer and industrialist, was re-elected as [...]
Food distribution at temple
Bags of nutritional food items were distributed to residents living around the Bauddhaloka Viharaya in Colombo 7 under a programme initiated by the Viharadhipathi. Western Provincial Council member and Pragna Pradeepa Concept initiator Jayantha de Silva is seen here taking part in the programme held at the Viharaya.
Present Gulf crisis: Qatar and four neighbouring nations
Diplomatic relations severed between Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Egypt combinedly entered three months on August 5. They met in Manama on this day to discuss the strategies to be adopted in the future. As is common knowledge, on June 6, the four countries mentioned broke off diplomatic links with Qatar and [...]
Clean money, dirty money
A popular song with a catchy tune came to mind when the entire print and electronic media used the maximum space and air time to inform the members of the public of the amount of money derived legally or illegally due to various legitimate and illegitimate transactions. The Central Bank “bond” transaction has been the [...]
Historic note on the music of the Mughals
The Mughal Period in the history of the Indian Sub-Continent had witnessed an unparalleled emergence of a new cultural heritage encompassing all that was good in that era about 900 years ago. Persian, Turkish, Arabic and the native cultures inter-mingled (sangam) with each other, creating a new vibrant, sophisticated, and civilized pattern, spreading over a [...]
Reconciliation and Muslims of Sri Lanka
Excerpts from the Colombo, Zahira College Founders Day Oration delivered by President’s Counsel M.M. Zuhair, former Member of Parliament, on ‘Reconciliation and Muslims of Sri Lanka’ on August 21 at the College Ghaffoor Hall. Zahira College Principal Trizviiy Marikkar presided. We have gathered here today on the 125th Anniversary of the founding of Zahira College. [...]
A nation resigned to resignations
I have been musing this month about the question of resignation. It is a sad fact that when ordinary people like you and I do something wrong, we are likely to be accused, arrested, charged and if found to be guilty, punished for our misdemeanours with fines, incarceration or worse. On the other hand, politicians [...]
Can Trump deal with North Korea and China?
CAMBRIDGE – For years, Americans have misunderstood the nuclear threat from North Korea, misjudging how to address it. They have also misunderstood the bilateral trade deficits with China, overestimating their importance. Today, as President Donald Trump threatens new trade barriers against China, on which the United States must depend to help rein in an increasingly [...]