Out of Africa in our wilds
Palatupana used to be one of the ‘climaxes’ of Yala. After the long safari drive through dry jungle, the landscape broke into haunting sand dunes and a wild boulder-strewn beach where you got down at dimming dusk for a ‘stretch’ and to read the sands for the roll-call of creatures from leopard and elephant to [...]
My year of living dangerously
So it’s the end of what has been a very long year, and we have seen it all – the impossibly smug, unbelievably glossy lockdown achievements of other people. There were the luscious cupcakes your cousin baked, for a start (“What, those? You know I whipped them up just this afternoon? I used gram flour, [...]
Letters to the Editor
Northern politicians quibble over irrelevant matters while people wade in murky waters Following the recent heavy rainfall and floods experienced in the Northern Province, one is compelled to ask the question ‘ is there a storm water and flood management scheme operative in the Northern Province’? I refer particularly to Jaffna Town, a major city [...]
Appreciations
A career dedicated to attending to displaced people in the most troubled parts of the world Angelo Rasanayagam Angelo Rasanayagam, retired UN diplomat who worked for nearly three decades with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), passed away in Colombo, on December 9. He was 84 years old, and had been living in [...]
Big step for little shorebird
It is a small innocuous bird, nothing like the iconic flamingoes that turn all eyes. But as a duo from the Zoology & Environmental Sciences Department of the Colombo University trudged up and down the sandy landscape in arid and dusty Mannar island engaged in research, they became riveted and intrigued by the polkichcha-size plovers. [...]
The sacred Bo sapling arrives in our land
Four lunar phases occur every month of which the Full Moon Poya is the most important to Buddhists. This year, Unduvap Full Moon Poya falls on December 29. Unduvap is the last full moon poya of the year and is significant to Buddhists in Sri Lanka. During the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa, Theri Sanghamitta, [...]
The generosity of our people is amazing
For our final edition of ‘Notes on Resilience’ Amalini De Sayrah speaks about the generosity of Sri Lankans in times of need, burnout and 2020 as a year to acknowledge and reflect on privilege. Amalini works in research and communications on human rights; documenting, creating awareness and carrying out advocacy on various issues. How did [...]
In a flash, a daily evening stroll turned into a nightmare
I have been walking on the lonely Ratmalana Airport road every evening almost daily. If I miss this routine, I hardly sleep and come the next morning, I eagerly wait to be in the familiar surroundings. The deserted stretch calms my mind and my brisk stroll is not without the blessing of a comfy breeze [...]
CBB Christmas carol service goes virtual
In keeping with the safety health measures in the country at present, the Council for Business with Britain – Sri Lanka (CBB) held its annual Christmas Carol service via Zoom recently. Participants interacted virtually while a designated amount of guests participated in person keeping to socially distanced protocols. The service included Christmas carols and readings [...]
‘Who We Are’ :Giving local creators a wider platform
Otara Gunewardene has launched the online platform, www.whoweare.lk, that shares the products of local creators from around the island, promoting Sri Lankan ingenuity across the globe. As well as supporting local communities, ‘Who We Are’ is committed to championing a conscious lifestyle, meaning all items are ethically sourced, cruelty-free and sustainable. The diverse range in [...]
“All-day club” in the heart of the city
Hilton Colombo launched their newest venue SUNSETBLU – the only “all-day club” in the city, offering food, drink and entertainment in the heart of Fort, yet far removed from the city’s hustle and bustle. “Our commitment to authenticity and originality paired with loads of Sri Lankan hospitality is at the very heart of what we [...]
New look Sri Lanka Design Festival at a much needed time for innovation
The Sri Lanka Design Festival conceptualised by the Academy of Design (AOD) with the aim of promoting the country’s ‘designed and made in Sri Lanka’ initiatives will be held virtually for the first time on January 15, 16 and 17, 2021. The SLDF will take the form of a series of virtual fashion showcases, design [...]