Smells and shapes of an earthy harbinger of Avurudu
Pottery still plays an integral role in the traditions of our National New Year and the livelihood is still very much alive among a dedicated few despite the challenges By Yomal Senerath-Yapa Earthen-hued and fresh-smelling, they are harbingers of Avurudu. Every Sinhala and Tamil New Year used to be heralded by the womenfolk buying an [...]
The unique flavour of Puththaandu
Ayathurai Santhan recalls some time-honoured Tamil traditions The Puththaandu, popularly known as Puthu Varusham or Varushappirappu of the Tamils, is the same as the Aluth Avurudu, the Sinhala New Year. Hearing the first cooing of a cuckoo at a distance usually signified the beginning of a six-month period of kodai, the summer, that is characterised [...]
Appreciations
He was not just a politician but a man of intellect and wit A.C.S. Hameed My late brother Abdul Cader Shahul Hameed’s 99th birth anniversary fell on April 10 and I would like to give a brief snapshot of this exemplary gentleman. My brother was educated at St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota, Vijaya College and Zahira [...]
Letters to the editor
Monkey menace: What happened to initial enthusiasm to solve the issue? All the people who voted this government into power were jubilant when they assumed duties. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka showed himself a capable leader to solve our longstanding burning problems. One of the biggest issues our villagers face is the monkey menace. Monkeys destroy all [...]
La Bamba! The Song of Veracruz all set to dazzle City of Dreams
Leading cast members talk of the production that blends themes of family, community, and forging one’s own path to the rhythmic vibes of Latin music By Shannon Salgadoe After months of anticipation, La Bamba! The Song of Veracruz is finally set to take the stage at City of Dreams Sri Lanka from April 24 to [...]
UL Club Avurudu Pola 2026 flies high
The Avurudu Pola organised by the UL Club, comprising former employees of AirLanka and SriLankan Airlines held on March 29 at the Victoria Masonic Hall proved to be a resounding success. The large crowd who attended experienced a warm sense of nostalgia and camaraderie while enjoying the fare on offer. The Chief Guest for the [...]
The spirit of Avurudu lives on
By Udumbara Udugama The Sinhala Aluth Avuruddha and Hindu-Tamil Puthandu (New Year) dawns on April 14. A picturesque scene in Sri Lanka, the celebrations adhere to age-old traditions and cultural practices. The Aluth Avurudda is marked by the transition of the Sun from Meena Rashi (Pisces) to Mesha Rashi (Aries), known as the Maha Sankramana [...]
Memorable evening with Derrick Junkeer and the Bright Light orchestra
It was a special evening on April 4 as Sri-Lankan born Australian singer Derrick Junkeer joined the Bright Light orchestra comprising sight-impaired musicians at the MJF auditorium in Moratuwa. The Bright Light musicians from the Riversheen School of Music are trained by musician Melantha Perera. The evening began on a high as Jude Jay opened [...]