All for the little ones
Seeing some of the little ones in underprivileged areas of the country taking their school books to school in ‘sirisiri bags’ broke Shigeko Baba’s heart. “I just could see the pain written all over their little faces especially when they were ridiculed by their better-off counterparts,” remembers Shigeko who initiated the educational foster programme — [...]
‘People are the highlight of my trip’
In June 2016, 36-year-old Marius Boncutiu quit his job, packed a tent, and a few essentials onto his BMW F650 GS Dakar motorcycle, and set off from his native Romania, on a solo Eurasian road trip which will span two years and take him through over 25 countries. We meet him on the sandy beaches [...]
Await a feast for your eyes
It is not often that five artists of the calibre of Noeline Fernando, Royden O. Gibbs, Michael Anthonisz, G. Wathuwalagedara and Amaresh Perera, each well known in their own right hold a joint exhibition. But that’s what art lovers can look forward to come March. The five artists gathered last week at the Sapumal Foundation [...]
Krasna Chamber Ensemble turns orchestra for challenging concert
The Krasna Chamber Ensemble (KCE) directed by renowned violinist Ananda Dabare will showcase their talents once again on February 25 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. This time they will expand the composition of the ensemble to include a fully featured orchestra by introducing woodwind, brasswind and percussion instruments played by about 50 talented musicians. The [...]
Yalpanam comes to Colombo
Jaffna Cal thosai with Nandu (crab) curry anyone? How about Paalappam (coconut milk hoppers) or Palakkottai curry (jakfruit seed curry) with steamed red rice and vilai meen kulambu (mullet fish curry)? Rava Laddu or panipinatu for dessert? More than a gastronomic delight, ‘Jaffna Festival’ which opened at the Nuga Gama of the Cinnamon Grand last [...]
The mysterious Major Raven-Hart
Inevitably, following Independence many colonists left Ceylon. Yet during the first decade of freedom, the island attracted some characters of distinction that formed a ‘diminished band’ from Britain. In unexpected ways they contributed to the nation’s historical documentation, religious tradition, modern culture, and the positive perception of the nation abroad. Prelude The best-known, Sir Arthur [...]
Rukshan’s originals to take centre stage
Multi-instrumentalist, composer, singer, Rukshan Perera will be joined by a versatile set of musicians when he presents ‘Rukshan Perera Live in Concert VII’ on March 5, at the Bishops College Auditorium, Colombo from 7 p.m. onwards. The guest artists will showcase music in different genres, including acappella and jazz. The ever-popular De Lanerolle Brothers, will [...]
From the familiar to the unfamiliar: Rapturous melodies at the BMICH
The Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka (SOSL) collaborated with the China National Symphony Orchestra (CNSO) to present an evening of classical music at the BMICH on February 6. This was to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The SOSL musicians comprised about one-fourth of the combined orchestra, which collectively demonstrated a [...]
Mathagal, Jaffna gets a Foundation of Goodness Empowerment Centre
When Rajiv and Kiran Radhakrishnan in the UK offered their ancestral property to be gifted for the community to benefit, it resulted in the opening of the Foundation of Goodness’ 7th Village Heartbeat Project Empowerment Centre in Mathagal, Jaffna. This is the kind of example that bears testimony to the South – North reconciliation initiative, [...]
Talk on judicial practice in 18th century Ceylon
A public lecture on ‘Do You Know the Ninth Commandment? Tensions of the Oath in Dutch Colonial Sri Lanka’ will be delivered by Dr. Nadeera Rupesinghe at the Department of National Archives, Colombo 7 on Thursday, February 23 at 3 p.m. Rupesinghe has studied hitherto unused sources in the Dutch language that lie buried in [...]
Orazhcha to be screened here
“Orazhcha” a film by Indo-Sri Lankan film maker Anila SK will be screened at the Indian Cultural Centre on February 22 at 6 p.m. A review in “A Week” said, “A budding Indo-Sri Lankan film maker, Anila SK, has turned out a classic on the problems of the aged in India in her maiden feature [...]
Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation hosts Scrabble Bash 2017
A much looked forward to event in the calendar of activities hosted by the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation is the Scrabble Tournament that is usually attended by many senior regulars who participate year after year with much enthusiasm. This year, LAF is looking forward to registering more participants for the Scrabble Bash on February 25 at [...]
Hindu Ladies’ College celebrates 85th anniversary
On the threshold of the 85th anniversary of Hindu Ladies College Colombo, a solemn ceremony was held recently to mark the event with the students standing along the balconies over-looking the quadrangle of the school. The prefects stood at attention as the three flags were hoisted – Mrs. Sivanandini Duraiswamy, the Manager hoisting the flag [...]
Please help Siyum to undergo urgent surgery
Twelve-year-old Siyum Induwara, of No. 230, Pahalayagoda, Ganemulla is suffering from congenital scleroconea with raised intra ocular pressure in both eyes. He also has a congenital abnormality of the upper and lower limbs that needs to be treated at Durdans Hospital Colombo 3. Siyum had previously undergone a Lamella keratoplasty operation in his right eye [...]
Letters
A strong and efficient public service crucial for a success story In the run-up to the last Presidential election, public sector institutions were a focal point of criticism of politicians, who claimed they were riddled with corruption, waste and inefficiency. Surprisingly, the same politicians after being in power for two years, raise the same issues [...]
Appreciations
Gajaba Gunawardana A down to earth scholar It is hard to believe that a year has gone since the demise of our beloved and distinguished colleague, Gajaba Gunawardana who passed away unexpectedly on February 22, last year. Gajaba was born in a coastal village in the deep south, Weligama . His father, Turin Perera Gunawardana [...]