Taking the Dhamma to the Dalits
It is well known that in 1891, Anagarika Dharmapala initiated the first revival of Buddhism in India, the land of its birth where most of the people who were attracted to him belonged to the upper strata of society. What is less known is that Anagarika Dharmapala inspired a mass movement of South Indian Dalits [...]
Letters
Back to basics: Cricket telecast and product advertising Channel operators and advertising agencies need to learn a few lessons on viewer preferences and adverse psychological effects on their brands due to erratic positioning of commercials during live cricket telecast. A serious lover of the game would like to take a look at the field placing, [...]
First the big bang and black holes, now all this bubble business
These days, I’ve been thinking a lot about Robert Frost’s insightful poem Fire and Ice. I have quoted this marvellous offering from a master’s pen so often that I wouldn’t be surprised if my editor muttered something rash and unintelligible under her angry breath while she trashed my piece. In which case, gentle reader, you [...]
Back to the estate as doctors
He hopes to become an Obstetrician & Gynaecologist and she a Paediatrician. Having achieved the ‘peak’ of securing the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) against all odds, while their parents have toiled on the rough slopes, they see not a mist-shrouded journey, but a clear pathway ahead of them. Born to humble tea [...]
More than 30 writers honoured
Thirty six writers of diverse branches of literature in all three media carried away trophies – the symbol of the highest recognition at national level for excellence in literature at the 57th State Literary Awards ceremony held on September 3 at the BMICH. President Mahinda Rajapaksa presented the main awards of the evening. The presentation [...]
Ripe for an exotic plucking
As all exotic novels about Sri Lanka do, this one too gets off to its real start abroad rather than at home. By the time it reaches a conclusion in its strikingly tropical destination, the plot has reconnoitred some strange territory – from suburban wastelands of the imagination to beautiful and bizarre southern locales that [...]
Mariam Riza wins Godage Short Story Prize for “Aqua”
Mariam Riza was awarded The Best anthology Short stories (English) Prize for her third collection of short stories titled ‘Aqua’ at the recent Godage National Literary Awards 2013 held on September 4.Commenting on the winning entry the judging panel of the Godage National Literary Awards stated that: “The short stories in Aqua are reflective of [...]
Seminar on Creative Writing
The English Writers’ Cooperative of Sri Lanka (EWC) invites participants to the annual seminar on poetry and short story writing on Saturday, October 18, at the auditorium of the Sri Lanka Federation of University Women at Kitulwatte Road, Colombo 8 from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The sessions will be conducted by University academics through [...]
A myriad of thoughts and emotions
Once their skills are developed sufficiently as tools to help them forge ahead in achieving material success, reading, leave alone writing, becomes a forgotten pastime among most young people these days . Gayendra’s burgeoning creative spark manifests itself clearly in this first book and bodes well, indeed, for a promising future as a writer. In [...]
Await a spectacle of spectacles!
For most directors, to watch the show they’re about to produce performed on Broadway would only be an intimidating experience – instead Jerome L. De Silva tells me he was a little bored. ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ has long been hailed as one of Broadway’s most spectacular productions – from the iconic chandelier to [...]
Thomians have a ball
Thomians young and Thomians old, Thomians staunch and true, gathered at the Colombo Hilton last Sunday for the much-awaited Thomian Dance 2014 with the organising committee pulling out all the stops to make the event a memorable one for the Old Boys and their spouses and friends.
The dazzle of diamonds
The lure of diamonds especially those beautifully set and displayed is hard to resist. It was an interested gathering that was present at the launch of Tiesh by Lakmini, the exclusive jewellery store down R.A. de Mel, Mawatha, Colombo 3. Star cricketer Kumar Sangakkara was among the invitees.
CFW to head to Negombo beaches
Few press conferences can boast a location like that of the HSBC CFW Resort Show. With the ocean at their backs, the organisers and sponsors gathered at Jetwing Blue in Negombo to announce the third edition of what is rapidly becoming known as one of the region’s premier fashion events. This year will be even [...]
‘The King and I’ with the Ladies’ girls
The three bells that end a school day at Ladies’ College have always signified a happy sprint to the gates for most students. Though usually among the crowd waiting to go home, life for about 100 of the students from the Middle School has had an interesting twist of late. Fishing out a change of [...]
‘It’s all about having a good time’
Mary Anne David is rather tired of sitting at a concert, surrounded by a sea of people distracted by their tech toys. “Why bother coming if you’re going to have your eyes glued to the phone,” she asks, more than a little exasperated. This is why Mary Anne hopes that when she holds her sing-along [...]
The artist who found peace in his canvas
Strong jagged charcoal strokes create the arch of her foot and seamlessly melt into the smooth satin of her shoes. A recognized name in art circles for capturing Sri Lankan smiles and landscapes from forgotten eras, Jayantha Silva’s newest paintings and drawings have a few surprises. Compressing the beauty and strength of ballet into a [...]
Two plays to honour the Master
To honour Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra’s birth centenary, the Department of Fine Arts and the Department of Classical Languages of the University of Peradeniya are presenting two plays- Subha and Lokanthara. Subha directed by Kanchuka Dharmasiri with music by Manoj Alawathukotuwa and Vinusha Wijewickrema is the story of a young girl who cannot speak. The play [...]
Appreciations
Haji Makeen A man of honour and generous giver I had the privilege of meeting him on my first visit to Holy Makkah on a pilgrimage to perform Hajj in 1969. I was only 20 years old when I embarked on this sacred pilgrimage. It was no easy task back then. Accommodation was not comfortable. [...]
Lecture: Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient
Dr. Willie Mendis, Professor Emeritus at the University of Moratuwa will talk on what caring for a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease entails when he shares his story on September 18 at the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation auditorium at 6 p.m. Dr. Mendis has been Vice-Chancellor of the University of Moratuwa and Chairman, Urban Development Authority. [...]
‘Oaken Splendour’: Holy Family Convent PPA gala
‘Oaken Splendour’, the gala dinner-dance of the Past Pupils’ Association (PPA) of Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya, celebrating its 80th (oak) anniversary will be on September 27 at the Hilton Colombo. From 8.30 p.m. onwards, well-known bands Gypsies and Nalin and the Star Combination with Clifford Richards as the compere will keep the night alive. Cocktails [...]
The AMI Training Centre at St. Bridget’s Convent celebrates 70 years
Sister Stanislaus Vas has spent many years at the head of the AMI Montessori Training Centre in St. Bridget’s Convent, Surangi Jayatilaka is in her 40th year of teaching here, and Sherene Alles Fernandopulle, Secretary of the Guild was herself a graduate of the programme – it would be hard to find three women better [...]
University of Peradeniya Alumni to stage ‘Mayadevi’
The Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya Colombo Chapter will stage K.B. Herath’s celebrated play ‘Mayadevi’ on September 20 at the New Town Hall, Green Path, Colombo 7 at 6.30 p.m. Jayalath Manoratne, Nissanka Diddeniya, Sampath Thennakoon, Ratna Lalani, Chandani Seneviratne and Janaka Kumbukage are among the cast. Proceeds from the play will go [...]
St. Anne’s College family get-together
The old boys of St. Anne’s College, Kurunegala, Colombo Union are having their annual family get-together on September 27 at Palm Village, Uswatekeiyawa. Tickets priced at Rs. 1,300 per adult and Rs 700 per child under 12 are available. Contact Kalinga on 0777221612, Deen – 0772075798, Samanth 0773613505 before September 20, to join in the [...]
WNPS lecture: Conserving Sri Lanka’s orchids
Ajantha Palihawadana will talk on ‘Conservation of Sri Lanka’s Native Orchids’ on September 18 at 6.15 p.m. at the Department of Metereology auditorium on September 18. The lecture is presented by the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society and entrance is free.
Kids’ corner at Book Fair 2014
The much anticipated 16th edition of the Colombo International Book Fair (CIBF) is now on at the BMICH until September 16. Panther, Sri Lanka’s leading stationery manufacturer, is running the fair’s popular ‘Kids Corner’ which is located close to the entrance of the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre. Kids can look forward to a host [...]
Rainbows and Butterflies: National Christian Council walk
As part of its centenary celebrations, the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka has organised a public awareness walk titled “Rainbows and Butterflies” on Saturday, September 20. The walk will commence at 3.30 p.m. at the Gunasinghapura grounds, Pettah, and proceed towards the Fort railway station, Lake House junction, and Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, [...]
“Experiencing God”: A new musical
“Experiencing God”, a worship musical will be presented by the Choir of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Mount Lavinia on Saturday, September 20 at 6 p.m. at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, 80, Hotel Road, Mount Lavinia. Entrance is free. ‘Experiencing God’, focuses on Christ of the Cross and is rich [...]
‘Ageing and a healthy lifestyle’ lecture
Prof. S. Sivayogan, Prof. of Community Medicine of the Faculty of Science, Sri Jayewardenepura University will deliver a lecture on ‘Ageing and a healthy lifestyle’ on Friday, September 19 at 6.15 p.m. at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7. All are welcome.
Swami, we the youth are forever indebted to you!
“Young men and women, the prosperity, progress and welfare of the future rest on you. Once you maintain a very high code of ethics and character, the world too will maintain this standard.” These divine words resonated throughout the colossal hall of Prashanthi Nilayam in the summer of 2007. I was a 20-year-old attending the [...]
WNPS office bearers
Seated left to right- Dr. Rupika S. Rajakaruna, Prof. Lakdas Fernando (President), Ms. Ayanthi M. Samarajeewa, Ms. Tami Flamer Caldera Standing first row left to right –Ranil Pieris (Hony Treasurer), Ravi Deraniyagala (Immediate Past President), Rukshan Jayewardene (Vice President), Rohan Wijesinha (Hony Gen. Secretary) Naresh Supramaniam, Darrel Batholomeusz Standing second row left to right- Rahula [...]
