Lost and found after 160 years
Nearly lost forever, now this brownish-yellow beauty hidden from the human eye for 16 decades, has been rediscovered in the misty, cool climes of Rangala, nestling within the majestic Knuckles Mountain Range. The orchid, Vanda thwaitesii, an endemic species to Sri Lanka was rediscovered nearly 160 years after its presumed extinction, marking the first sighting [...]
A virtual reality walk-through Lunuganga among the work of filmmaker cum architect
For Clara Kraft Isono, her first glimpses of Lunuganga were in a black and white coffee table book, where as she flipped the pages she was transported to a world of wonder; the faraway brooding antique Dutch doors opening to the ‘Plain of Jars’, Greek statues poised against Bentota lake and frangipani, and all that [...]
The forgotten soldiers and a snapshot of Ceylonese community
The neglected and almost forgotten Kanatte memorial to the Ceylonese fallen of World War 1 (the Sunday Times, August 17, 2025) is interesting for many reasons. For one, it provides a succinct and fascinating snapshot as to how the Ceylonese community viewed themselves at that time. The government of the era was, of course, colonial. [...]
Appreciations
Farewell to a wonderful, loyal and loving cousin Subodhini Radhika Thambiayah Nirmalalingam It is with a deeply saddened heart that I bid farewell to my precious cousin, who passed away last week. To me, she was more than a cousin – she was my dearest companion, my confidante and my sister in every way that [...]
Where the workshops turn into a merry zoo
Michael Jenn obviously enjoys his work with the Sunera Foundation. The British actor with a sharp profile and quiet charisma loves to guide Sunera’s trainers and differently abled children, and watch these oft silent kids, “locked in themselves”, suddenly expand and express, becoming butterflies and unicorns, mermaids and dragons… At the core of this training, [...]
Drinks and doughnuts: A perfect pairing
This month’s column is part of “Sri Lanka’s crème de la crème” series that highlights inspiring Sri Lankan chefs across the country. A new generation of chefs is emerging in Sri Lanka paving the way in the prideful art of baking and pâtisserie. Here KIKU restaurant Pastry Chef Sineka Ranasinghe shares how she is changing [...]
The loss of habitat and heritage
Last Sunday morning I went for my usual walk to Galle Face Green. It is a habit I have cultivated over the years – an early morning walk before the sun gets too hot, when I can inhale the fresh ozone-laden air coming in from the Indian Ocean and invigorate my physical body while refreshing [...]
Exhibition at the Sarath Gallery
‘Art to Relax Your Mind” – an exhibition by artists – S.H. Sarath, Robert Sedgley, Nihal Sangabo Dias, Felix Perera, Theshani Perera and Dr. Dinesh Rangana is on at the Sarath Gallery this weekend -August 30 and 31 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and not at the Lionel Wendt Gallery as published last Sunday. [...]
An unforgettable evening of choral music by Metho Cantati
Metho Cantanti, the official OGA choir of Methodist College, will present “Rise Up! Her Voice. Her Dream. Her Moment”- a concert on Saturday, September 13 at 7 p.m. at the Methodist College Auditorium. Looking to celebrate and empower girls through an unforgettable evening of choral music, this show marks Metho Cantanti’s 15th anniversary. Proceeds from [...]