Who was Sirimavo?
The private life of a very public figure! Who actually was Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike, the world’s first female head of government in modern history? Propelled into the Prime Minister’s chair in very much a man’s world after the traumatic assassination of husband S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike in 1959 and the longest serving PM (1960-1965, 1970-1977 and [...]
NYT spotlight on Thenuwara at Frieze London
In its October 8 issue, the New York Times in an article titled ‘At Frieze London, a Web of Art Circling the World’ reviewed a current exhibition in London highlighting the work of Sri Lankan artist Chandragupta Thenuwara who is one of the 18 artists taking part. Published here are the relevant extracts: In Buddhism [...]
Pushing boundaries through art
“With this collection, perception is part of the medium; there’s this idea that ‘If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?’ Similarly, with these pieces, the way they are perceived will vary and that perception can change too so you need to engage [...]
Guide on palliative care
“These are people who may be paralysed, have varying types of cancer and disabilities which threaten their lives – not only are they suffering physically from these infirmities, they also experience stress and trauma, mentally. They deserve compassionate, sympathetic care,” said Dr. Lakshmi Somatunga, Additional Secretary, Public Health Services of the Ministry of Health at [...]
Radhika’s tribute to her life’s work
“The most important thing you need (as an artist) is to have an eye for art,” says Radhika Dias Bandaranaike. “To look at the world and see what others don’t see.” No matter the training you receive or classes you take, this is something that cannot be taught, she believes. “Anyone can travel the world, [...]
Reflections in prose and poems
REFLECTIONS, a collection of Poems and Prose compiled by Honeida Packeer was launched as an electronic flipbook by the Women’s Association of Sri Lanka Malays (WASLAM) on Sunday, October 2. A few printed copies of the book autographed by the writer was distributed to special invitees. Reflections, “penned in my own inimitable style of writing [...]
Power of the Pop-up
Pop-up markets are all the rage these days. They are a significant part of a brand’s retail strategy and it’s not just new brands on tight budgets that use them to launch products. Well established brands like Adidas and Gucci are in on the act. Even virtual shopping giants like Amazon have realised there’s something [...]
SOSL back with magical moments from Max Bruch, Bach and Dvorak
After many months, the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka (SOSL) returns to the stage with a symphonic classical music concert at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. Conducted by the SOSL’s Resident Conductor, Dushyanthi Perera, the programme will feature the SOSL’s Principal Cellist, Tamara Holsinger as solo cellist in Max Bruch’s Kol Nidrei. Both Dushyanthi and Tamara [...]
Letters to the Editor
Ode to Geneva! Spare me, O ye mighty glistening pots Free of every taint, Spare a poor little kettle Black all over, smothered in soot. And slacken that jackboot pressing against my throat, Just a little That I may breathe a little, and croak out a reply Before I croak. A reply to your accusations [...]
APPRECIATIONS
A special bond– we laughed and cried together Nilmani Maithri Peiris October 16 – for years on end it’s been a day that traditionally starts with me calling my dear friend Nilmani Maithri Peiris at the break of dawn and singing Happy Birthday to You and Comes a Birthday Once Again, in my tuneless voice [...]