Setting the scene of a crime
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” A simple white cross and a woman, soaking-wet, upraised face and palms together, mouthing words of remorse and anguish as streaks of lightning render the landscape ghostly. A searing scene in the gloaming before the shadows of night overcome the dusk. The gloomy and overcast skies have begun, it seems as [...]
Over 70, not out!
As Australia’s Ashes campaign was about to begin in summery England in August last year, most people would not have been aware of another impending cricketing clash between these two old enemies. It was a tour of England – the first of its kind – by an over-70s Australian cricket team. While that in itself [...]
The honesty of humble folk
She would have gone back to her post-graduate studies in South Carolina, America, with a heavy heart not least because she was leaving her father and mother behind after her holiday in Sri Lanka. Muditha Dias from Boralesgamuwa was unhappy because she had lost her wallet, presumed stolen, with a lot of cash, but more [...]
My village by the jungle
The magnificent Bo Tree (Ficus religiosa) in the centre of the land was the deciding factor in my buying a homestead with a few small buildings in Samagipura Mahabulankulama off the Puttalam Anuradhapura road. The few acres of land are settling into a garden while the buildings have become the first part of a house. [...]
The gods find a new home
The first face I see belongs to Lord Ganesh. As is traditional, the Remover of Obstacles greets every devotee who arrives at the newly opened temple in Wellawatte. Inside, three goddesses await but this space is dedicated primarily to one of the eight forms of the goddess Luxshmi – from the benevolent hand of Aishwarya-Luxshmi [...]
Appreciations
Ali Moheed A friend, brother-in-law and multifaceted guy This is not an appreciation I ever thought I would have to write at this time. Ali Moheed was my childhood friend, brother-in-law, spiritual seeker, adventurer, amateur photographer, appreciator of fine art, maps, conversation and good friend. I have known Ali all my life. He was the [...]
Letters
A ghostly wake-up call to check trains’ safety devices The incident involving a runway train has badly exposed the inefficiency and the sheer lack of safety-consciousness on the part of the Railways Department. Attempts made by the Transport Minister and MPs to treat this incident lightly by espousing “ghost action” underscore their lackadaisical attitude towards [...]
PCCSL’s after parties
Their days were filled with weighty deliberations on the right to information and ethical issues in journalism but for the delegates at the International Conference on Self-Regulation and Media Ethics organised by the Press Control Commission of Sri Lanka (PCCSL) this week, there was also time to enjoy some Sri Lankan party-time. The conference’s opening [...]
Weaving in the old with the new
For young designers Ramona and Indi, opportunity seemed to knock at their door when they least expected it. The two designers literally had their hands full last October creating collections for the HSBC Colombo Fashion Week Resort Wear Show. Now in collaboration with the National Crafts Council, Colombo Fashion Week founder Ajai Vir Singh and [...]
An elite evening of music with Shani Diluka
A chosen few fortunate children of Sri Lankan parents who have migrated abroad, have reached the pinnacle of musicianship and international acclaim. Among these high achievers, Shani Diluka has made a formidable impact as a pianist of repute. Piano Magazine describes her as one of the greatest of her generation. London Sunday Times as, ‘Passionate, [...]
Well known thespians to take on Sartre’s Men Without Shadows
It is 1944 and five members of the French Resistance have been captured after a failed action against the Vichy-occupying forces. Awaiting interrogation by their captors, the young soldiers converse about crumbling-or not-under pressure, about the terrors of warfare that they will and will not reveal. When Jean Paul Sartre’s Men Without Shadows goes on [...]
Colombo’s first art and design hub
In the heart of Colombo on Horton Place, opposite the Institute of Aesthetics, No.41 Horton Place, is the PR and Saskia Fernando Gallery, Colombo’s first fashion concept store as well as contemporary art gallery. This hub for art and design presents a new collaboration between the two daughters of Sri Lankan entrepreneur, Shanth Fernando. Working [...]
A star, a star….singing in the night
Familarity breeds contempt, they say. It shouldn’t, but perhaps in some situations – like marriage – it does. What familiarity does breed on a less objectionable scale though, is a lack of perspective. For instance, when I meet Mahela Jayawardena, I tend to forget that I am in the presence of one of the Greatest [...]
They’ve thrown out the bath water but kept the blonde babe
By any measure, the Colombo Art Biennale 2014 will be a sprawling, mind-staggering affair, bigger and more action-packed than the last outing, in 2012, which itself was an overwhelming showcase of international and local contemporary art. CAB14 will carry a lot more to see and experience – more artists, participants and events – and it [...]
It’s a performance!
A girl goes into a public square, stands in the midst of the thronging crowd and takes a pair of scissors to her hair. Astonished, passers-by will stop; some will stare, some will question, some will laugh and some will avert their eyes and rush past. In a while she leaves, taking her shorn hair [...]
Let not another battle brew war
There was a time when – in polite circles, at least, and for the sake of good company – two subjects were delicately avoided by dint of being unsuited as topics of discussion: politics and religion. Politics, however, has been cannon fodder for as long as one can remember in our conversations. Be it in [...]
From humble beginnings to great achievements
“When Carey calls her sons respond With steadfast hearts and true To venerate the Alma mater With love and honour due…” Carey College, the only Baptist school in the country, celebrated their centenary last Sunday, January 12 in their school auditorium. The event was graced by many of those who played a vital role in [...]
Bishop’s College Founder’s Day Oration: “ Life is a cabaret . . . So shall we dance”
In the picture is the President and Executive Committee of the Bishop’s College Past Pupils’ Association, together with Lilamani Benson, who will present the Oration for Founder’s Day, which falls on January 23 this year. President of the PPA, Sonali Dias explained that Bishop’s College celebrates its Founder’s Day to pay tribute to the Sisters [...]
Muslim Aid hands over library to NI/WA Babul Adam Muslim Vidyalaya
Muslim Aid Sri Lanka constructed a fully equipped library which was declared open and handed over to NI/WA Babul Adam Muslim Vidyalaya in the Kurunegala District, Wariyapola DS Division in Mellapotha Village on January 9. This followed a request made by the village community and the school society. The event was graced by the Zonal [...]
Sri Lankan made Fellow of US Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Prof. Ravindra Goonetilleke, Professor and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial Engineering and Logistics Management at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has been elected a Fellow of the United States Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES). The Society was founded in 1957 with a mission to promote the discovery and exchange [...]
A day full of fun and learning with Dilmah Conservation
‘Who Cares About Nature?’ a festival for learning and recreation organised by Dilmah Conservation will take place on January 24 and 25 at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS), 24 Horton Place, Colombo 7. A series of educational and interactive activities centred on nature and the environment will take place [...]
Ananda is ready to cut trees once again
Mitupitiyaarachchige Ananda from Etampolawatte, Hendala, Wattala, now pushing 47, is no ordinary tree- cutter. He hails from a family of professional woodcutters descending down generations. Ananda learnt the intricacies of cutting trees from his father and uncles at age 15. He now lives alone, practising his profession at his original pace with only one foot! [...]
A timely Sinhala bi-monthly launched
A recent book launch I attended was different in many ways to the usual launches we are accustomed to. It was held in a school auditorium. Except for a few invitees the audience was mainly students – A’ Level ones. For the teachers, especially the ones promoting literary activity it was a new experience. They [...]
Guitar Fest 2014
Around 40 guitarists will take the stage at Colombo Guitar Fest 2014 organised by the Guitar Association of Sri Lanka which will be held for the fourth consecutive time at the Navarangahala, Royal College, Colombo on January 25 from 6 p.m. Leading guitarists in Sri Lanka will participate in “Guitar Fest 2014” and a special [...]
Sonam Kalra to perform at India’s 65th Republic Day celebrations
As part of the 65th Republic Day celebrations of India, the Indian Cultural Centre will present a musical evening titled ‘One World-One Voice – Spiritual Symphony’ by renowned Indian singer Sonam Kalra, at 6 p.m on January 25 at the Bishop’s College auditorium, Colombo. High Commissioner of India, Y.K. Sinha will preside and Minister of [...]
