Thantirimale will soon be aglow
As they have done for the past ten years, Wijeya Newspapers Ltd.(WNL) is gearing up to illuminate the Thantirimale temple this Poson Full Moon Day. Organised for the 11th consecutive year since it was first begun in 2004, this year’s Aloka Pooja programme will take place in the temple premises on June 12, 13 and 14 combined with various religious [...]
For a better tomorrow with new marrow
Sitting cross-legged on the bed, the little trailblazer is engrossed in a cartoon on TV, oblivious to the change that is about to take place in his life and the epoch-making significance for Sri Lanka. It is only an impish smile that seven-year-old Mohamed Rizni flashes at the Sunday Times on Tuesday, but his mother, [...]
Letters
A step in the wrong direction: Walkers on the cycle track The renovated and beautified Viharamahadevi Park is undoubtedly one of the best things that have happened to Colombo in recent decades. The park itself is world-class. In contrast to its past dubious reputation, thousands of people now use the park for recreation and physical [...]
Appreciations
AIR CHIEF MARSHAL TERRENCE GUNAWARDENA This was a born leader Terrence cut a distinctive figure as a tall, well-built teenager at school. He commanded much respect as the Senior Prefect in 1958. I can still picture him standing by the door closest to the stage at the great hall at Wesley College, the place reserved [...]
Looking cool and bright with all that white
The architect is pleased with the writer’s choice of clothing. “You match everything!” he beams. In this determinedly colour coordinated home of white and deep, almost turquoise blue, that’s definitely a compliment. In this residence the colour scheme is just one of the many striking features that capture your attention on entrance. The architect uses [...]
Birth centenary of a unique personality
June 3 marked the birth centenary of Professor Ediriweera Sarachchandra. In the University College days he was Professor of Pali after he was awarded a doctorate by the University of London in 1949 where he did a post graduate degree on Western Philosophy. His research study was on ‘The Buddhist Psychology of Perception and the [...]
Cue Theatre gets ambitious with The Count of Monte Cristo
As far as plays go, The Count of Monte Cristo is by no means the easiest to pull off but the Cue Theatre Co. feel they have it under control. Their director, Ranga Jayaratne who was a teacher before starting up the theatre company describes them as a “close knit clan” who are more of [...]
De Lanerolles strike a classical note with world-renowned artistes
Just back from Toronto Canada after two successful concerts, the De Lanerolle Brothers, Rohan and Ishan are now preparing to welcome the Slovenian born opera singer Sabina Cvilak and renowned pianist Rohan De Silva. This concert will be on July 1 at the Kingsbury Hotel Main Ballroom. Preparations are underway for a slightly different show, [...]
Muses of the string quartet
The Chamber Music Society of Colombo presents a varied selection of music of diverse inspiration at the Goethe Hall, 39 Gregory’s Road, Colombo 7, on Sunday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m. The evening will include the last unfinished, exquisite quartet by the great Joseph Haydn and Mozart’s second “Salzburg symphony”, the Divertimento in B flat [...]
One love inspired by one teacher
Seven ladies, from different age groups and different disciplines and professions share one thing in common- their passion to paint. They met at Lathifa Ismail’s adult painting class at her residence in Pamankada and immediately bonded. They are now ready for their first art exhibition as a group. “Myriad Hues” will take place at the [...]
Mirisavati Stupa: Pinnacle of Buddhist architecture
Periods of historical development in Sri Lanka are identified in relation to the kingdoms, of which Anuradhapura is referred to as the earliest and the Kandyan kingdom as the last. The establishment of Anuradhapura as the kingdom of the Anuradhapura dynasty by King Pandukabhaya (5th century B.C) was considered as the beginning of the era [...]
Arrival of Mahinda Thera and the Sangha’s role in preserving the Buddha Dhamma
Poson poya is reverentially observed by Sri Lankan Buddhists as it was on a Poson full moon day in 236BCE that the most precious gift – the Buddha Dhamma was brought to Sri Lanka. When Arahant Mahinda introduced the Doctrine, the Sangha Saasana was part of the legacy which was established for the propagation of [...]
From hot debate on bullfighting to a cooling Sangria
A two hour train ride from Madrid on the Renfe took us past low mountains, farm animals, olive fields to this city with its flowering bougainvillea, date palms and Spanish and Moorish architecture. Our small hotel “ Palacio Alcazar“ with a balcony overlooking the street was exquisite with painted doors and so well situated near [...]
Hilton’s classic English High Tea is back
A buffet spread can be tempting; it can also be a tad off-putting for those who don’t want to overload their plates but would rather partake of a few choice items. It’s this clientele that Executive Chef Daniel Leah at the Colombo Hilton had in mind when he reintroduced the classic English High Tea daily [...]
Sail across the Bentota River to Centara
Bentota was clearly the place to be last week when Centara Hotels & Resorts of Thailand opened their newest venture, Centara Ceysands Resorts and Spa in partnership with Softlogic Holdings PLC. The opening was presided over by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who declared the resort open at a ceremony before the evening’s entertainment began. Speaking at [...]
Pandanus resort: A view of the sea from where-ever you are
The latest entrant to the tourism industry Pandanus Beach Resort and Spa was launched on May 29 at Induruwa, Bentota by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The event was graced by many ministers, MPs and well known faces in the corporate sector. The hotel’s name is derived from a lush, natural growth of Pandanus trees, locally referred [...]
Night of the Zonta women
The grand celebration of the Zonta Woman of Achievement Awards organised by the Zonta Club 1 of Colombo was held on Sunday, May 25 at the Galadari Hotel The winners received their awards before an audience of club members and guests. The award winners are as follows: – The Zonta award for Education: Professor Mangala [...]
It’s more than p’s and q’s; it’s being ahead
Nedra Wickremasinghe knows better than most that good manners and personality will take you where even the best of education and titles cannot. She sits across us; ankles gracefully tucked behind and perfectly manicured fingers clasped on her lap. Her trademark coiffure is just so, her make-up is subtle and her speech is eloquent. Nedra [...]
Celebrating diversity through Lankan writing
There are 54 in all – some names you will know, others you will not. The author whose seminal novel is described as the ‘starting point of Sinhala literature’; the poet, disappeared in the last phase of the war, who imagines her own ‘fearless death,’; there are the writers who stand astride multiple cultures, born [...]
The decline and fall of our once renowned public service
I first came to know of Somapala Gunadheera through reading his perceptive and sensitively written newspaper articles on issues of national significance. I was struck by Mr. Gunadheera’s wisdom, duly tempered and refined no doubt by his experience as a civil servant and insights gained thereby. My attraction to Mr. Gunadheera’s intelligent and insightful essays [...]
One clear call to ever end this “culture of impunity”
I’m in two minds. Or, if you prefer it, at my wit’s end. On the one hand: when I hear about how holy, happy, and humble our cricketers are, I think the lark’s on the wing, the snail on the thorn, God in His heaven, all’s right with the world. On the other: when I [...]
Helping hand through music
‘Helping Hands’, an evening of entertainment with popular orchestra ‘Friends in Harmony’ will be held on June 13 at the Russian Cultural Centre, Independence Avenue, Colombo 7 at 7 p.m. The concert is in aid of ‘Sahan Suwa’, an organization formed to help cancer patients with pain management and family support. The Sahan Suwa Charitable [...]
Well known puppeteers at Pera
The Ceylon University Dramatic Society of University of Peradeniya presents well known puppeteers, Ambalangoda Sri Anura Puppet Society today, June 8 at the E.O.E. Pereira Theatre, University of Peradeniya. There will be two shows of “Dikthala Kalagola”– one at 4.30 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m.
Int’l Sea Sunday service
The Mission to Seafarers in Sri Lanka will celebrate the International Sea Sunday service at St. Peter’s Church, Fort on July 13 at 10.30 a.m. Officers and ratings from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Police, diplomats, invitees and parishioners will be present. The celebrant will be Rev. Perry Brohier, Archdeacon of Colombo. The St. [...]
Inter-church Pentecost Rally on June 14
The annual Inter-church Pentecost Rally will be held on Saturday June 14 from 9 a.m. at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour in Colombo. Speakers from the Catholic Church, the National Christian Council and the Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka will give messages while there will be choirs from all three groups. Special solo [...]
Chief guest at prize giving
The annual prize giving of Ekamuthi Jeshta Purawest Sanvidanaya of Dematagoda Branch managed by the Sasanarakshaka Balamandalaya was held recently at the Sri Gnanawimala Maha Vihara premises, Dematagoda. The chief guest Western Province Councillor and Pragna Pradeepa concept founder Jayantha de Silva is seen here lighting the traditional oil lamp. Chief Incumbent of the temple [...]
He challenged the might of the British
On June 9, 1962, before C.E. Victor S. Corea was laid to rest in the Chilaw cemetery, Speaker R.S. Pelpola, representing Prime Minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike and the government said, “ Chilaw has had the rare distinction of producing two of the greatest patriots who served in the country’s legislature, C.E. Corea and his brother C.E. [...]
