Lifting up little lives
Seated in the car, looking out of the window, while her husband was attending to their malfunctioning television, the heap of old blankets dumped along the corridor leading to the repair shop seemed strange. Disinterestedly looking at them for want of something better to do, suddenly to her consternation she saw something moving amidst the [...]
Collage of fragmented memories
“When I am narrating this story to you, I am thinking of how the Indian army [the IPKF] burned our house,” says Thamotharampillai Shanaathanan, his voice strong as it comes over a phonecall from Jaffna. “That itself was not the most painful thing – it was what was left behind. A cup, but the saucer [...]
A festival of thanksgiving
Hindus around the world celebrate Thai Pongal on January 15. The festival of good harvest and tribute to the sun, it derives its name from a custom practised in every household- the boiling of milk for the New Year. The milk overflowing from the pot is called Pongal and it symbolises multiplication and prosperity. Thai [...]
Coming of Pope Francis: Who am I to judge?
When a journalist asked the Holy Father what his stance was on gays, he promptly replied: ‘Who am I to judge?’ Ever since then, these words of wisdom have reverberated around the world, touching not only Christian hearts but people of all nations as he strives to ‘turn respectfully’ to gay couples and those who [...]
The same old, the same old? No more!
I am taking a chance writing this. In fact, a risk: Today is the seventh day of the new year… Tomorrow the people of our nation will vote for a new era!? By the time you read this, the election result will be known. But I do not know which way the poll will swing. [...]
Letters
Get the JVP involved in running the country If everything in connection with the presidential election goes well as planned, the voters of this country would have given their verdict on January 8. Accordingly, one of the two contestants in the forefront of the fray will win and get the contract of leading this country [...]
The British invasion of 1815 – the march to Kandy
In early January 1815, nearly two centuries ago to the very year, armed columns set off from various parts of the coastline into the Kandyan territory to subject the interior kingdom –this time to British rule. History was very much on the march once again. Sound planning had been the hallmark of this latest expedition [...]
Dancing and drumming: Bishop’s girls take Hewisi to new heights
A sharp, rich sound pierces the silence. Coming effortlessly from four conch shells, the call to attention slowly gives way to entrancing drumming from the army of drummers behind them. Known as one of the earliest school Hewisi bands when it was set up in the 1960’s, the girls of Bishop’s College will be stepping [...]
The fair that brings art and artists to the people
It’s that time of year when art lovers head to GreenPath (Nelum Pokuna Mawatha) looking for a work of art that would capture their hearts. Kala Pola 2015, Sri Lanka’s internationally acclaimed open air art fair and festival will take place for the 22nd time on Sunday, January 25, from 8 a.m. till 9 p.m. [...]
Canvas of all genres
An exhibition and sale of watercolour paintings will be held by Lakshmi Perera, a former teacher of Ananda College, from January 15 -17. A gifted child artist, Lakshmi studied under Mudliyar A.C.G.S. Amarasekera who introduced her to watercolours, and held her first exhibition in 1989 at the British Council, Kandy and also subsequently exhibited her [...]
A relaxed beachside holiday
Yasmin Cader, the doyenne of hotel public relations directors whose career helped the old Ceylon Intercontinental, the Hilton and the city’s Cinnamon Hotels to prosper, wrote to me recently: “With all your travels and experiences I wish you would put together an easy reference on where to stay on affordable budgets in the many hotels, [...]
Rethinking architecture: How should we go post Bawa
‘Space’ is often misinterpreted as ‘emptiness’. But on the contrary, unlike ‘emptiness’, ‘space’ is an organised phenomenon. An organised space or something built. Architecture can be defined as the art and science of designing structures in civilization. It’s both an art and a science at the same time. And holds both symbolic and use value. [...]
Murder most chic
The invitation was to an evening of murder, mystery and intrigue and guests at the Dinner Theatre evening ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ organised by the Mount Lavinia Hotel and the Annix Group on November 28 played their role in the entertainment in more ways than one. The event was another in the string of [...]
Flair for grooming a young generation
Flashy signboards all through the Kandana town make a few things clear. The area has an abundance of salons promising everything from just pampering to the more heavy-duty bridal make-up. People rushing in and out from the early hours of the day make it clear that competition for beauticians is fierce. This competition however doesn’t [...]
Is it time to ring in mobile phone etiquette?
It’s a common sight: walk into any restaurant and take a quick look around. Chances are you’ll see at least half of the diners busy, not engaged in animated conversation but absorbed in their mobile phones. It seems we can’t put them down. Our mobile phones have become so essential to daily living that we [...]
Appreciations
DR. REGGIE SEIMON He used the talents God had given for the welfare of all It is with profound sadness that I write this appreciation of my life-long friend, classmate in school, batchmate and roommate in the university, accomplished eye surgeon, leader in the field and acknowledged teacher of ophthalmology in Sri Lanka, benefactor of [...]
Lions Club annual Christmas Party
The Lions Club of Colombo 6 Cosmopolitan held their annual Christmas Party for the Mentally Handicapped & Physically Challenged Children of the Camilla School, Mattegoda on Saturday, December 20 under the Lions District Governor of District 306A2, Lion Arjun Abeysinghe’s concept of Lions Helping Hand for Children. A variety show was performed by the inmates [...]
A culinary magic show
The air was a heady mixture of sense-tingling aromas. Professional chefs put together elegant dishes as the judges munched on forkfuls of gastronomical explosions while nodding their heads in approval. For the onlooker, this scene was like a live session of Master Chef where good food is celebrated with sophistication. This was the atmosphere at [...]
JWT’s 150th anniversary celebrations in Colombo
JWT celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2014. Anniversary celebrations reached a zenith as the year drew to a close, with the global agency’s worldwide network commemorating its 150th year with yearlong activities and innovative events. JWT Colombo partook in the global celebrations with a night of fellowship, food and festivity. “It’s an exciting time to [...]
Bates beach party
Leading advertising and public relations firm Bates Strategic Alliance held their annual Christmas party on the beach at Mount Lavinia
Galle Face Hotel to offer exclusive experiences for guests
Welcoming in the New Year, the grand old Galle Face Hotel has introduced exclusive experiences for guests with a Galle Face Hotel Expeditions Department and a Hotel Historian, the first of its kind in the Sri Lankan hotel industry. “The Expedition Agents will be knowledgeable individuals who are specially trained to ensure guests are given [...]
Launch of Sinhala translation of Bertolt Brecht play
Inside the rough hewn walls of that magnified ant hill down Cottta Road, the Namel Malini Punchi Theatre, a few people had come together recently to applaud a new Sinhala translation of Bertolt Brecht. The Rifles of Senora Carrar, a play Brecht had adapted from JohnMillington Synge’s 1904 play Riders to the Sea, had been [...]
