Fast fading frescoes of Degaldoruwa
The tale of Prince Wessantara, whose utmost generosity led him to give away all his possessions including his two children, is one of the most popular Jataka stories. It takes pride of place in many temple paintings and considered finest among these are the frescoes of the Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Viharaya in the village of [...]
When a resplendent chariot of faith kindles devotion
As cries of ‘Haro Hara’ permeate the Jaffna landscape, lotus and rose petals cascade on statues of Lord Murugan also referred to as Skanda or God Shanmuhar seated with his consorts Valli and Deiveyani on a throne of intricate artistry. The 50 foot-tall golden-hued Chariot or ‘Ther’ receives the idols within the outer courtyard (prakaram) [...]
An Irish artist in Ceylon
I hired a palanquin carriage to convey me to my house, on the Colpetty road, five miles where I arrived nearly barefooted`; my shoes having been worn out, and my clothes hanging in shreds, completely exhausted from excessive fatigue and exposure to the sun’s heat and malaria of the swampy forests with my sketches strapped [...]
SOSL: 60 years of spreading the sound of music
This year sees the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka reach its 60th year—an important milestone in the history of any institution. It is a testament to the enduring nature of this organisation and its dedication to preserving, supporting and promoting western classical music in this country. The SOSL is the oldest orchestra in the South [...]
Weaving in the Lankan connection from without
In 2015, Sam Perera of Perera-Hussein Publishing House picked up Shankari Chandran’s manuscript from the publishing house’s to-read pile and chucked it inside his bag, vowing to read it whenever he had the time on a trip out of Colombo. While thumbing through the manuscript, he found himself unable to put it down and devoured [...]
Asia Pacific Choir Games in Colombo in October
It will be an orchestra of friendly competition and choral celebration as Colombo hosts the 4th Asia Pacific Choir Games from October 21 to 28. Presented by the Colombo Cultural Hub Trust (CCHT), under the patronage of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and INTERKULTUR of Germany, it [...]
A heavenly blend of voices and music
The magical sounds of choral singing and orchestral music raised us from the depths of our earthly abode to the realms of heaven. ‘The Church’s One Foundation’ -a programme of orchestral music and singing held at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour in Colombo on Saturday, July 29 was a combination of orchestra, choirs [...]
A splash of watercolour
Beyond the Water Margin, a group exhibition of watercolour paintings by four talented artists in Sri Lanka’s arena of watercolour art – Gunasiri Kolambage, Basil Cooray, Sanjeewee Senevirathna and Nilusha Weerakkody opens on August 18 at the Lionel Wendt Art Centre. The four artists who have each gained recognition for their work will present 80 [...]
Sri Lanka now one of four RIBA chapters in the world
The local membership group of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) was officially launched at a ceremony held on August 3 at Westminster House, the residence of the British High Commissioner in Colombo. The group was established under the name ‘RIBA Members Sri Lanka’, and will be the second such membership group to be [...]
Toni & Guy to turn heads here too
Hairdressing specialist Toni & Guy, over their 50- year history have grown to have a global reach of over 500 hundred salons spanning over 50 countries, maintaining international standards where ever they’re located. Now, thanks to Gaya Weerabahu the director of Toni & Guy Sri Lanka discerning men and women of Colombo can expect those [...]
Bejewelled beauty fit for a queen
When Crown Miss Intercontinental Sri Lanka 2017 is selected on September 24 at the Hilton Colombo, the crown placed on the young beauty will be a customised masterpiece worth Rs. 1.2 million. Especially handcrafted by Tiesh for this pageant, the crown, known as “The Spirit of Elegance – Blue Water by Tiesh” that is aligned [...]
Camping in luxury in the wilds of Belihuloya
The hill country of Sri Lanka famous for its scenic landscapes, wildlife and lush waterfalls, offers a great escape from the rigid routines of citylife, especially for those seeking adventure. Situated within a 2,300 hectare nature reserve in Belihuloya, ‘Ahas Pokuna’- a new venture by ‘Eco team’, an adventure, nature, eco and agro tourism company [...]
Celebrating the uniqueness of Popham’s Arboretum
I have been on so many overseas expeditions but this visit to Sri Lanka is undoubtedly the best so far both in terms of biodiversity and hospitality. Such diversity within one canvas is just incredible,” says Josh Raper, a Falmouth University Marine and Natural History Photography graduate. Josh is among the group of visiting Falmouth [...]
Canvas of portraits
Dilantha Upul’s first solo exhibition is on today at the Lionel Wendt Gallery. The young artist whose forte is portraits has titled his exhibition ‘Frozen Wings’. It is open till 7 p.m.
WNPS lecture on tackling garbage problem
Colombo, like all large urban centres, requires strategies to dispose of the vast amounts of solid waste generated daily by its citizens. The tragic loss of life and property that resulted from the disaster at Meethotamulla has prompted the Government to seek instant answers to this problem particularly as there are many other solid waste [...]
Handy guide to Sri Lanka’s reptiles
There is a long string of publications focusing on nature not only linked to Sri Lanka but also the region. The latest to ‘roll off the presses’ from John Beaufoy Publishing based in Oxford, England, are herpetological titles including ‘A Naturalist’s Guide to the Reptiles of Sri Lanka’ by Anslem de Silva and Kanishka Ukuwela. [...]
AGM of All Ceylon Women’s Buddhist Congress
The Annual General Meeting of the All Ceylon Women’s Buddhist Congress was held last Sunday at the ACWBC headquarters with Prof. Anoja Fernando as chief guest.
“Down the Rabbit Hole” by Stafford International
“Down the Rabbit Hole” a production by Stafford International School- An adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classics “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There” will go on the boards at the Lionel Wendt theatre at 7 p.m. on August 15. Tickets and box plan are available at the Wendt. [...]
Letters to the Editor
Look beyond fumigation and burning garbage to tackle dengue menace It was reported that from the beginning of July, thousands of soldiers, airmen and sailors have supported the Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) in a house-to-house campaign to identify mosquito breeding areas and take corrective measures. I live in Kochchikade (Negombo) and, alas, I have hardly [...]
Appreciations
From backroom UNPer to much talked about politico PAUL PERERA Paul Perera was a household name in politics two decades ago. Paul became a close associate of J.R. Jayewardene when he was the Leader of the Opposition and played a key role in ensuring the UNP victory at the 1977 General Elections. He started his [...]