Book lovers, this treasure trove is a must for you
When the National Library and Documentation Services Board (NLDSB) carried out a random survey at last September’s Colombo International Book Fair among visitors ranging from just below 12 years and up to 26, the most widely read and most loved book was found to be “Madol Doova”, by Martin Wickramasinghe. His other significant book, ”Gamperaliya”, [...]
Going for his goals inspite of being blind
“There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why… I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?” reads Ishan Jalill’s business card. The phrase speaks of a multitude of untold stories of the young man patiently seated in his family living room, an infectious smile on his [...]
A colourful statement
When the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) opened up in Malabe in 2000 it was the talk of the town, with its multi-coloured facade throwing pulsating reds, greens and blues into largely mundane surroundings. Heads turned, eyebrows raised and criticism flooded in. But 14 years later, the SLIIT campus complex stands testament to [...]
Formidable fortress
Steeped in history, this city lies at the doorstep of Colombo dwellers, with some even living in areas that once had pride of place, with the royal palace being sited there. While the streets of Colombo and its suburbs were a-bustle with vehicles chock-a-block heading for schools and offices on a Monday, the Sunday Times team [...]
The lost towns of Taprobane’s north
I come to the northern capital as a casual visitor or a curious stranger and even a concerned interloper. I’m among those who have been missing (by default, not design) in the intervening years; those of conflict and trauma and a succession of tragic losses. If ever war ravaged the face of a township, this [...]
Appreciations
Trailblazing anaesthetist who stood above the rest Dr. B.S. (Bertie) Perera “There are men and classes of men who stand above the common herd: the soldier, the sailor and the shepherd not infrequently, the artist rarely, rarely still the clergyman; the physician almost as a rule. He is the flower of civilisation……” (Robert Louis Stevenson [...]
Mano heralds the new year with a star performance
Good musicians always know when Mano Chanmugam is in the house. They can hear him – his hearty “hear, hear!”, his demands for an encore – ringing unabashed over the reserved applause of Sri Lankan audiences. At Hunter’s End, Mano’s stately home in Piliyandala, artistes are guaranteed an even warmer welcome. Here, Christmas still lingers [...]
Letters
A blasted New Year! It was advertised as a ‘Blast from the Past’ with special guest Desmond de Silva. My friend who bought ten tickets for our table was assured that Desmond would spend the whole evening with us and was contracted to sing 30 songs. Apparently though the BMICH Banquet Hall could hold 400, [...]
Kala Pola: Carrying on the cultural legacy of George Keyt
The British art historian and critic, W.G. Archer’s classic book, “India and Modern Art” (1959 George Allen and Unwin Ltd, London), focused virtually exclusively on four outstanding painters, “to trace” what he called “the first modern movements in Indian art”. Then, “Indian” meant South Asian. Three painters were Indians: Jamini Roy (assessed under the theme, [...]
Out with the old, in with the new
It was time to bid farewell to 2013 and welcome 2014 and Colombo’s party-goers whether dancing on the beach or in the swankiest of five-star hotels treated themselves to a rollicking good time. Mishaps like the unfortunate collapse of a stage at a five-star venue injuring some guests didn’t dampen the high spirits. Our photographers [...]
Write to Reconcile anthology – Shyam gearing to do it all over again
On January 6, Write to Reconcile’s second edition kicks off with a call for applications. At the helm once again is internationally acclaimed author Shyam Selvadurai. Shyam undertook the project for the first time in 2013 in conjunction with the National Peace Council and with the Royal Norwegian Embassy and the American Centre who will [...]
A restoration that turned into a discovery
When Dr. Janaka Goonetilleke, an obstetrician and gynaecologist set out to restore the stately home that had been in his wife’s family for many generations, it was a challenge that would become a journey of discovery, full of twists and fascinating finds for him. Bent on restoration of a crumbling mansion, he was determined not [...]
Star turns from young and talented
Christmas is for the children, with the adults providing treats for the young ones to enjoy. When, however, the children are the treat providers for the adults to enjoy, it becomes a rather special occasion, as it was recently when a group of Tiny Tots, supported by Teens and Young Adults, presented “Christmas Fantasia,” a [...]
Layer by layer: The A-Z of textiles
How do you remove a blood stain from a garment? Do you know that eau d’cologne or aftershave lotion can help in dealing with stubborn curry or saffron stains? In his informative book ‘Understanding Textiles’ Nihal Ranaweera provides a comprehensive account of the manufacture and usage of textiles. Starting from raw material to the finished [...]
Photography and painting exhibition at Indian Cultural Centre
Two exhibitions- a photographic exhibition by Rajat Passy and an exhibition of paintings by Meena Passy are now on at the Indian Cultural Centre at Gregory’s Road, Colombo 7 and will continue until Tuesday, January 7. Rajat Passy went to the UK for his higher studies and graduated from Liverpool University in Psychology. Receiving a [...]
Retired policeman appeals for artificial leg
He was once an active and dedicated policeman: today he is confined to a wheelchair, dependent and helpless. His one hope now is to get an artificial leg so he could be more independent. Michael Rodrigo, 78, is a widower – his wife having passed away in March 2011. “I consider myself to be an [...]
New Year’s Eve: A celebration for some, but not all
With the ending of another year people around the country waved 2013 goodbye in their own special ways. For some, the glamorous New Year celebrations hosted by hotels and dancing the night away seem to be an ideal way to end the year. Others preferred simpler house parties; surrounded by friends and family, while some [...]
“Vijaya-Kuweni” book and DVD launch
“Vijaya-Kuweni”; the movie that revived the story of Vijaya’s journey to Lanka was a major hit in theatres last year. It was a distribution of ‘Rupin films’ directed by Sugath Samarakoon and produced by Gayan Ranadheera. The launch of the book and DVD of the movie took place at Tharangani hall in National Film Corporation [...]
So. . . . . . this is Christmas: A festive fantasy
‘So. . . this is Christmas’ is a show I saw in October, wrote this piece in November and sent it for publication in December. Many may wonder why this took so long. The reason is too long a story to relate and moreover it was just beyond my control; however when I saw the [...]
Kalana Malimage receives Doctoral degree
Dr. Kalana Malimage received his Doctoral degree in Information Systems from Mississippi State University in USA in December 2013. He is currently employed as an Assistant Professor of Accounting at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Dr. Malimage also holds a Masters in Professional Accountancy, a Masters in Information Systems and has several years of work experience [...]
CEA and IWMI hold stakeholder meeting
The Central Environmental Authority (CEA), in collaboration with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), organised a stakeholder meeting last month to discuss improvements that can be made to the management of municipal waste in the City of Colombo. The meeting organised at the request of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), was held at the headquarters [...]
Highend Retirement Village opens
Heritage Grove, Negombo, the first Highend Retirement Village in Sri Lanka was launched last month in five-star style, in line with the comfortable life style assured for its occupants. With the end of the war, the potential for luxury retirement- planning became evident in Sri Lanka. Many Lankan professionals were returning to retire in the [...]
