Beacon of an awakening city
Outside, the noise is deafening. Standing on the 12th floor of one of the tallest buildings in the area we are afforded a magnificent view of the clear blue skyline and everything else Hambantota is fast earning a reputation for. In the distance little trucks make their progress alongside the dock and workers in hard [...]
The greatest show on earth
Of all the wildlife experiences available in this country, perhaps that of seeing whales and dolphins in our waters is the most memorable. The Chief Incumbent of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya, Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Thera, Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera, Ven. Palatuwe Jinarathana Thera and Ven. Dr. Pallegama Rathanasara Thera were among those who had this [...]
A world of tranquillity
Entering the gates of the Prithipura Home in Hendala one is immediately transported into a world of tranquillity. With its leafy gardens, playground and homely cottages it lives up to its description as being a sort of sanctuary. Formally established in 1964, Prithipura Home is an approved Non-Governmental Organisation, dedicated to caring for those with [...]
Sujeeva, a ‘true musical ambassador’ to perform in Colombo
Referred to as a ‘true musical ambassador’ for her efforts as an educator, concert pianist and her musical and community outreach work, Sujeeva Hapugalle, the award winning solo recitalist returns to Sri Lanka to present a concert in partnership with the Zonta club 11 of Colombo. The concert ‘Poetry of the Piano’ will raise funds [...]
Dramatising Daniel for today’s society
An up and coming young playwright, Angelo Pereira, is seeing his first major work come to life under the expert direction of Jerome de Silva. “Daniel” is a well-known Biblical character whose story is told mostly to children, but Pereira’s perspective is geared to bring revelation to the not-so-young as well. The story of the [...]
Faces that launched many paintings
Affectionately called “Chutson” by her father when she was a little girl, the nickname stamped itself firmly on Henrietta Wickramasinghe’s identity. “Most people still refer to me by that name,” she laughs, explaining that it has stuck on even through her adult life as she took wing and travelled abroad. Come March 14 and 15 [...]
Other people’s stories
One of the organisers asked me, “Which work of art at the Colombo Art Biennale 2014 (CAB) makes most meaning for you?” It is not an easy choice to select from 60 artists having roots in 15 to 16 countries, all responding to the theme “Making History” exhibited in over eight locations. Thankfully CAB 2014 [...]
Appreciations
Dr. P.S.M.P. Nanayakkara (Padmanada) You will be a friend of ours forever “Leaves have their time to fall, and flowers to wither At the North Wind’s Breath and stars to set But of all, thou hast all seasons for thine own, O Death!” Yes, Death has all seasons of its own and Padmananda’s was no [...]
Letters
Thoughts on Lanka as a diving medicine hub I wish to thank Kumudini Hettiarachchi for her feature on ‘Lanka as a diving medicine hub’ in “The Sunday Times 2” of February 23. I also wish to add something to it, based on the facts that I learnt in my diving days in the Navy in [...]
Life of the Kalu Wandura
The Kalu Wandura or the Purple-faced langur (Semnopithecus vetulus) is endemic to Sri Lanka and found nowhere else in the world. Given its unique biological status it is an animal that we hold in trust for the rest of the world. However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the Kalu Wandura [...]
No Oscars for Leo, some other ‘Lions’
So Leonardo DiCaprio was denied an Academy Award again. If he had been given a dollar for every post, tweet, or learned comment on how much these Oscars were to be his opportunity to pocket one of those statuettes, he’d be a billionaire many times over. Er, wait, is he already? Point is: Leo’s the [...]
Revelry in true Royal style
With the Big Match season now upon us, the Old Boys are back, from all parts of the country and abroad. This group of Old Royalists (Group of 66-GROSS) enjoyed a grand reunion at the Cinnamon Bay, Beruwala before the annual Royal-Thomian big match, a most enjoyable prelude to the much awaited encounter, with spouses [...]
It was the end of the 60s, when guys were too shy to say ‘beautiful’
Rising to pink heights of bloom on the school front lawn are the trees that blossom during the Big Match season. If, from early February, the flowering trees have been working up to an especially dazzling climax of pink blossoms during the week of the big match, in March, the school expects to see a [...]
Pick up this book with a pot of tea at hand and relax
The alarm rings and instantly, you hop out of bed. Another day is off and running. In between the haze of a quick shower, a gulped breakfast and a commute to work, the day unfolds as you keep making mental notes in choking traffic. Weaving back and forth looking for the tiniest gap to outdo [...]
A triumph of the human spirit
When Radhika Philips decided it was time to write her first novel, she turned to Google for advice. Her search turned up a recommendation that she produce at least 5,000 words a day and also that she work with a specific reader in mind. She considered her infant daughter for the honour but then decided [...]
Int’l Video DJ from Dubai to rock Ladies Night; so be there
The Annix Group partners with the Kingsbury to present the third in the series of Ladies VIP events on Saturday, March 22 at the Balmoral, the Kingsbury. The Ladies VIP Night –Video Music Box Party will continue the focus of bringing together women for a full ‘Night out with a Cause’. “These sell-out events have [...]
Blossoms for a cause
‘Beyond the Rainbow’, the Shi-en Ikebana & Floral Art Society’s annual floral exhibition and demonstration on February 23 and 24 at the Galadari Hotel was an eye-catching display of blossoming talent with members presenting their work in both Western arrangements and Ikebana. All proceeds as usual went to the cause they have faithfully supported- to [...]
A show of food artistry at Kingsbury
The Kingsbury Hotel, known for the opportunities it provides its staff to identify their talents organised another event to encourage its Kitchen and Food and Beverage staff giving them an opportunity to shine. The Culinary Challenge held last month was judged by renowned chefs Koluu, Chandrasena Sudusinghe, Ranjith Morugama, Gerard Mendis, Nishadha Pediyapperuma and Sisira [...]
Lanerolle Brothers perform “Live V” in style
March 3 being a Monday didn’t stop the horde of fans that made their way to Waters Edge for the De Lanerolle Brothers annual anniversary show. Titled “Live V” the sold-out show was a major milestone for the singing siblings who have been performing together as a duo since 2009. Well-known for their melting harmonies [...]
A meditation on rhythm
Tabla virtuoso and three-time Grammy Award-winner Pandit Tanmoy Bose will be live in concert on March 22 at the Musaeus College auditorium. This is the tabla maestro’s second concert in Colombo. His show ‘Taal Tantra Tantric Rhythms’ featuring his music group, Taal Tantra, is presented by Standard Chartered Bank. One of India’s best-loved, globe-trotting percussionists [...]
Citibank celebrates ‘Women’s Multiple Roles’
Having always upheld the strong foundation of gender equality inbuilt into its principles, ethics and values, Citi worldwide celebrates International Women’s Day on the platform of ‘Citi Women – Connecting Women. Inspiring Change. Making Progress.’ This year, on March 18, Citi in Colombo will celebrate women by recognising the multiple roles of women at home, [...]
New Justice of the Peace
Ronald Duleep Ratnayake of 285/C, Dippitigoda Road, Kelaniya has been appointed as a Justice of the Peace for the Judicial district of Gampaha. Mr. Ratnayake, who initially was an English teacher at the Methodist School in Tangalle, later joined the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and retired after 34 years. At the time of retirement he [...]
Dr. Azard Uduman honoured by the Amarapura Nikaya
The Founder, Managing Director and Chief Principal of Atamie International School Network was recently honoured by chief incumbent of the Amarapura Nikaya, the Most Venerable Ambalangoda Sri Sumangala Thero. Dr. Azard Uduman was honoured with the title Asarana Sarana, Manawa Hithawadi, Samaja Mohana Vidya Nidi, Deshamanya Sammana Acharya. Dr Uduman was commended for his social [...]
Jittabugs Baby and Pre-school: An activity group like no other!
Let children be children, let them have fun and learn through play! Jittabugs UK is now in Colombo! A licensee of Jittabugs UK, Jittabugs offers the most exciting Baby and Preschool Activity Groups in Colombo with structured activities for babies from two months to six years +, to stimulate little minds, exercise little bodies in [...]
St. Anne’s College 31st AGM
The 31st Annual General Meeting of St. Anne’s College, Kurunegala – Colombo Union will be held at Rainbow Room of the Grand Oriental Hotel, Colombo 1 on March 15 from 7 p.m. onwards. All members are kindly requested to attend. The meeting will be followed by cocktails and dinner priced at Rs. 1,500 per person [...]
The hearth is kept burning by the Perpetual Help Sisters
Today, we often hear of “Jubilees and Celebrations”- copper, silver, gold, diamond and sapphire jubilees of priesthood, religious life, married life, or of any congregation, church or establishment. The provenance of the word jubilee is “jobel” from the Hebrew language. It means the horn of a ram which is formed like a small trumpet. In [...]
