The stars of ’75
As enthusiastic crowds throng the Lionel Wendt for the newly-opened ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, there comes the ‘news flash’ wrapped up in nostalgia — this is not the first. Wind the clock back to 1975, 38 long years ago, when some of the cast members of the current production “were not even born”. Scene: Navarangahala Dates: September [...]
108 and the ‘Grande Dame’ stands tall
The ‘Lady in Red and White’ is not a slip of a girl sitting shyly and coyly any more but has taken her rightful place as the ‘Grande Dame’ of Cinnamon Gardens as true matriarchs should do. Having been very much a part of the hustle and bustle of Lipton’s Circus and nestling in the shadow [...]
No one believes it, but everyone believes that someone believes!
When your old, long-in-the-tooth scribe (yes, dear, a glory has passed!) was a mere toddler, the terror of the town – a pickpocket and also a break-in artist – was paraded through the streets. Now the borough where I was born, bred, and baptised had been terrorised by a gang of bandits. In the days [...]
Spice and all that’s nice
Fifty or sixty years ago curries were a labour of love. Spices were hunted down and painstakingly rolled till they formed a smooth paste, which a housewife would then form into a small ball. This little orb of flavoursome spices had to be used prudently over the next few days. The only hitch in the [...]
Memories are made of coloured glass on copper
Layla Gonaduwa, self-labelled “inspirationalist” and artist, is showcasing her latest solo work, a collection of 30 wall installations in copper and enamel at the Barefoot Gallery, until October 15. The exhibition, titled ‘MemoryScape’, is what she sees as the beginning of a backward-autobiographical process. “It’s some part of letting go,” she explains, “but also definitely [...]
Appreciations
A committed Buddhist leader who lived for the Dhamma Albert Edirisinghe The well-known Buddhist leader who contributed much to the Buddha Sasana in Sri Lanka, Deshabandu Albert Edirisinghe, J.P., passed away on July 22 this year at the age of almost 100. In the latter years as a monk he was known as Ven. Ganegama [...]
Letters to the editor
Poaching in Sri Lankan waters: Double standards everywhere On September 22, I read with dismay your front and inside page stories on how Indian fishermen steal our fish in the Palk-bay and earn billions by exporting the catch. Yet, we only make some feeble protests due to political pressure from India and intimidation from Tamil [...]
HFC: A rocking 110 years-old
The young and the ever-greens in all their glamour not only danced but also sang the night away when the Past Pupils’ Association (PPA) of Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya, held their dinner-dance ‘Eleven Decades’ on September 28 at the Hilton Colombo. With Misty and Doctor providing the music and Clifford Richards compering the evening, the [...]
Ladies get ready for another VIP night!
Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo partners with The Annix Group to present the second in the series of Ladies VIP events on Wednesday, November 20, at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, King’s Court. The Ladies VIP Night – Passport To Fashion aims to bring together women to network, celebrate friendships and make new ones. The event continues its theme of [...]
Seminar on creative writing
The English Writers Cooperative of Sri Lanka (EWC) invites those interested to a one day seminar on poetry and short story writing on Saturday, October 19 from 8.30 to 3 p.m. at the auditorium of the Sri Lanka Federation of University Women headquarters at 96/25 Kitulwatte Road, Colombo 08. The seminar will consist of talks, [...]
Meet a host of artistes
Most of us would link the name Ruwan Ekanayake with cardiology. True– he is a well-known cardiologist but few of us know of his interest in Sinhala language and music though he delivered an oration at the Cumaratunga Munidasa Day recently. The other day I heard about his interest in Sunil Shantha’s songs and music. [...]
Everything inspires him
Raja Segar would walk to school every day a fish bun in his hand, revelling at its triangular goodness, his eyes drawn to the unadorned beauty of the simple shape. Segar would happily chomp it down once the admiration wore off, but little did he know that simple geometric shapes would one day define him [...]
The Saints go singing on
For the Saints choir, practices mean a little more than just singing; they’re a celebration of old friends, family and the recollection of memories. Hearty laughs and chit-chat ensues before they get down to the business of singing, and every practice begins with a little prayer. As they gear up for their seventh concert -’Thank [...]
Small steps for conservation
The benefits that humans amass from biodiversity are enormous. Specifically the wide range of services derived from diverse ecosystems underpins human well-being. Provisioning services — natural resources and products obtained from ecosystems — including food, wood, medicines, fuel and fuelwood, fibre and non-timber forest products have formed the basis for many industries, as well as [...]
Operation starfish to save reef
Armed with improvised spears, the team clad in scuba gear, were submerged in the clear waters off Pigeon Island. Seeing an area where corals were destroyed, they descended like sharks that had spotted their prey. Taking aim, they speared the starfish that was the cause of the destruction. Pigeon Island is one of Sri Lanka’s [...]
Adios Sasha, my dearest friend
Sasha was my closest companion for the past twelve years. She was the most exceptional dog I have ever had, which is why I think I loved her, as I did no other. She was by my side as I slept, prayed, read, wrote or ate; walked by me to the car whenever I went [...]
Happily ever after
Pearl and Alfred Perera met in 1952. Alfred, a dashing 26-year-old Station Master with the Ceylon Government Railway, had already turned down a few proposals that came his way. Then he was introduced to Pearl and says he was immediately taken with the feisty 22-year-old. On her end, Pearl was reluctantly impressed with the young [...]
Hilton Colombo appoints new executive chef
Hilton Colombo announced the appointment of their new executive chef Daniel Leah last month. Originally from Manchester in UK, he has been with Hilton Worldwide for 16 years sharing his expertise in Saudi Arabia, India and the United Kingdom. Chef Leah replaces Rohan Fernandopulle who has left Hilton Worldwide to further pursue his career in [...]
Rare stamps on display at ‘Royal Philex 2013’
‘Royal Philex 2013’- Sri Lanka’s longest running philatelic exhibition, was held from September 20 to 22 at the Lionel Wendt in Colombo by the students of the Philatelic Club of Royal College, Colombo. There were many rare and valuable stamps on display at the exhibition. A mini album of stamps issued in connection with special [...]
Oktoberfest at Havelock SC
Colombo Oktoberfest is back again this year, bigger and better than ever, with five full days of fun and celebration at a new venue, the Havelock Sports Club Grounds. The fun begins on October 9 and will continue till October 13, offering an excellent blend of music, food and beverages for fun-loving people. The delicious [...]
Meditation for young people
‘Why Meditate?’- an introduction to meditation targeting youth by Venerable Uda Eriyagama Dhammajiva Maha Thero will be held on Saturday, October 12 at the Damrivi Foundation, No. 51/A Isipathana Mawatha, Havelock Town, Colombo 5. Tel: 01122504431, 0114956373 . The course is conducted in English.
YMCA women’s auxiliary committee holds annual sale
2013 marks the 35th anniversary of the Women’s Auxiliary Committee of the Colombo YMCA. In many Western countries women were given equal status as men in the YMCA but it was after many years of discussion and debate that the Colombo YMCA decided to grant associate membership to women thus enabling them to actively serve [...]
Cora Abraham Art Classes: Annual exhibition celebrates 64 years
Celebrating 64 proud years of teaching and guiding young talent, the Cora Abraham Art Classes has the work of all their students in their respective age groups on show at their annual exhibition today, Sunday October 6 at their own premises at No.26, Boteju Road, (off Thimbirigasyaya Road), Colombo 5 from 10 a.m. to 7 [...]
