Drowning tradition gets a step up
Stilt fishing is very famous in Sri Lanka – everyone knows about it but very few actually practise it. Today this unique livelihood, which has been passed down from father to son for many generations, is on the decline. Modern fishing techniques, marine pollution and the inherently difficult nature of the profession have all played [...]
Dancing gurus remembered with Sanni Yakuma
The name ‘Sanni Yakuma’ comes from the Sinhala word “sanniya” meaning disease or ailment, and “yakuma” meaning demon ritual. The ‘Sanni Yakuma’ is one of the four main rituals in the Low-Country dance tradition and it was performed at the Chitrasena Kalayatanaya on Park Road overnight on Friday, May 6. “Sanni Yakuma” also referred to [...]
Letters
Vanishing species in Parliament and politics In England MPs are not called honourable members, but some of them are. In Sri Lanka, they are called honourable members, but some are not. - Lakshman Kadirgamar, Speech at the UK-Sri Lanka Friendship Society in 1993. The late Lakshman Kadirgamar spoke these words with his characteristic combination of wit [...]
Man’s best friend on the street must remain on the street
Some love dogs; some hate them; some fear them. Yet, man and dog have co-existed for centuries, but it has not always been a peaceful co-existence. The Mahavamsa records that when Prince Vijaya landed in our country (Thambapanni) in the 5th century BC with 700 followers, on seeing a dog and surmising that “only where [...]
A new lease of life but a heavy burden too
The main function of the kidney is to remove most of the waste products and the excess water from the body. Helping to produce haemoglobin which is essential to carry oxygen in the body is another of its important functions. When the kidneys fail and an individual cannot maintain life, it is called End Stage [...]
A valuable source for both the practitioner and the student
Dr. Jayatissa Costa’s 20th publication has been launched under the title, Law of Elections. It has 392 pages with 17 chapters. The electoral process is the foundation upon which democratic institutions rest, and the importance of this book at this stage of democratic governance of Sri Lanka must be emphasised. The book surveys both the [...]
Viroga opens its doors
The latest addition to Colombo’s luxury wellness establishments, the Viroga Spa opened its doors on May 11 at the Independence Arcade.
Why mum still always knows best
In this world of inevitable change, constant indecision and subtle adjustments; with many people living in an increasingly consumer-driven society which is never satisfied unless and until the latest newest model of anything with a circuit board is obtained, one thing remains unchanged. One thing that in most cases, remains unshakable and immovable in the [...]
Shades of rainforest
ODEL’s latest ‘Jungle Luxe’ collection themed ‘Rainforest’ was unveiled recently at a fashion show at the Alexandra Place store. The exotic collection consisted of printed culottes, off-shoulder maxi dresses, cold shoulder crop tops, printed tops, skirts and pants, tropical leaf printed shirts, T shirts and much more. Inspired by the rainforest, the collection is dramatic [...]
“Shoot in Sri Lanka’ takes aim at Cannes Film festival
Sri Lanka has often been thought of as a popular tourist destination with its golden beaches and ancient sites, but the island’s diverse visual appeal comes with many other possibilities that any filmmaker is bound to discover on arrival. Film Island (www.filmisland.net),Sri Lanka’s newest film production and distribution company, will market the concept of ‘Shoot [...]
Now a more spacious BeWaxed
Though hair removal was more often than not part of the services offered by regular salons in both urban and rural areas, the lack of a personalised, hygienic and customer friendly specialised waxing salon was a void that many women felt. Enter Durga Kenny. Her waxing salon “BeWaxed” launched four years ago has seen success [...]
Evergreen Cliff kept toes tapping
Politicians, fellow musicians and other well known faces in the Colombo scene were there to enjoy an evening of hits from the past and favourite Sinhala songs as the evergreen Clifford Richards presented his own show at the Bishop’s College auditorium recently. There were touching moments as he brought his two children daughter Jacintha and [...]
Sing-along by Past Pupils Association of Good Shepherd Convent
There was lively music and dancing at the Sing-along organised recently by the Past Pupils Association of Good Shepherd Convent Kandy, Colombo Branch, as old friends and families gathered to enjoy a fun-filled evening.
Semage’s paintings in Singapore during Vesak
This Vesak, well known artist Kalasuri Dr. Jayasiri Semage has been invited by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Singapore Nimal Weerarathne, to hold an exhibition of Buddhist paintings in Mangala Vihara in Singapore. The exhibition will be opened on May 20 with Lim Ah Swan, the chairman of Mangala Vihara as the guest of honour [...]
A&K Lit Fest back with special session for young enthusiasts
This weekend, May 14 and 15 will see literature enthusiasts heading to the Western Province Aesthetic Resort for the second annual Annasi & Kadalagotu Literary Festival. The Annasi & Kadalagotu Literary Festival, or as it is more commonly known-the A&K Lit Fest, is all about providing a stage for undiscovered local talent. Sponsored by Sampath [...]
Under attack: The enemies of your wood
Have the woodworms returned? There are little piles of sawdust on the lovely mahagony cabinet and tiny holes on the frame of the painting above it. It wasn’t a cheap frame. The little creatures who destroyed an entire row of kitchen storage cabinets some years ago seem to have returned. A few signs of infestation [...]
Appreciations
Dr. Indra Ariyawansa Perera nee Pathirage In loving memory of our dearest friend It’s three months since Indra passed away. An unforgettable person especially to the ‘P Group’ of the 1970 batch from the Colombo Medical Faculty, she was a great friend to all of us and many others. In fact lndra was the personification [...]
To Grandada at 100
It isn’t often that a grandchild gets the chance to write about a grandparent turning 100. We, the grandchildren of Joseph Anthony Perumal born May 15, 1916 are blessed indeed. Blessed, because we had grandparents most kids can only dream of. They spoilt us with gifts and goodies – but most importantly they spoilt us [...]
G.P. Malalasekera panel discussion
A panel discussion with illustrations on Prof. G.P. Malalasekera will be held on Tuesday, May 24 at 5 p.m. at the All Ceylon Women’s Buddhist Congress, 400 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7. The speakers and their respective topics will be: Vijaya Malalasekera – My father Prof. K.N.O Dharmadasa – Prof. Malalasekera as a scholar Dr. Hema [...]
Conservation and human elephant conflict
A public lecture on “ Elephant Conservation and Human Elephant Conflict” has been organised by the Sri Lanka Federation of University Women as part of its Diamond Jubilee celebrations this year. It will be delivered by Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando, chairman, Centre for Conservation Research , Tissamaharama, at 5 p.m. on May 19 at the SLFUW [...]
Debate to enrich the north-south reconciliation dialogue
Jaffna Hindu College and Ananda College, Colombo recently held their annual English Debate between the two schools which is organised every year for the “Panikkar–Thanabalasingham Challenge” in memory of two senior teachers who excelled in teaching science and encouraging English at Ananda. This year, the English Debate for the “Panikkar–Thanabalasingham Challenge” was held for the [...]
WNPS lecture: The leopards of Londolozi
‘The Leopards of Londolozi -From farmland to world renowned safari destination’ is the title of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society lecture for May that will be delivered by Don Heyneke on May 19 at 6 p.m. at the Met Department Auditorium, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7. Londolozi, a Zulu word meaning ‘the protector of all [...]