Restoring that hidden heritage
Regarded as one of the foremost conservationists in the sub-continent, Archt. Abha Narain Lambah muses that her favourite projects have been three Buddhist sites, namely the Maitreya Buddha Temple in Ladakh, the Ajanta Caves and Bodhagaya. “I must have some Buddhist karma to get work with all these beautiful sites,” she quips. Delivering the annual [...]
When the ‘geeks’ come out to play
Come be yourself” goes the official slogan of Lanka Comi Con 2017. In its third year, the convention dedicated to comic books, science fiction/ fantasy film and literature, invites geeks and nerds of all ages, ethnicities, and languages to join in and let their inner geek loose. Whether that means coming dressed as your favourite [...]
Showing the world we too can write science fiction
By all accounts, Yudha-njaya Wijeratne should simply have not been able to find the time to write Numbercaste. As he began work on the draft, he was juggling a full-time job at WSO2, and was simultaneously educating himself. His online course schedule alone included Data Science courses from Johns Hopkins, Greek and Roman myth from [...]
Tea and intrigue; it’s all here
This 254-page book about the history of Ceylon tea was sent to me as an email attachment to download and read on a screen, in the fashion of those who use devices to read, instead of being able to hold the actual book in one’s hand. The disadvantage of this screen version of the book, [...]
Colomboscope brings art and life to old rail terminus
Cinnamon Colomboscope 2017, a multi-disciplinary arts festival featuring six days of curated visual and performing arts will take place from September 2-7, at a nontraditional venue – the former Colombo terminus railway station, Maradana under the theme – ‘Re/evolution’. At a press conference last week to announce the event, the organisers explained that the event [...]
Unforgettable evening of Indian fusion with Bickram Ghosh and ensemble
It was a most distinguished gathering at the BMICH on Tuesday, August 15 to celebrate India @70, with Indian tabla virtuoso, the Oscar-nominated Bickram Ghosh holding the audience spellbound for one and a half hours with his musical genius. The show was titled ‘ Rhythmscape’ and listening with rapt attention was President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime [...]
2 cultures in artistic dialogue
‘A Tale of Two Cities’ – a thought-provoking exhibition that opened on Sunday, August 13 at Theertha Red Dot Gallery, is a collective of the work of 11 well known artists from Sri Lanka and India. ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ was conceptualised to respond to the religious, social, cultural and political nuances of Anuradhapura, [...]
“Keeping it Real”: The De Lanerolles’ return to BMICH
2017 is proving to be a busy year for the energetic De Lanerolle Brothers. The musical duo recently wrapped up a massive concert (with 200 singers and 1200 in the audience) at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour. Next month will find them on stage at the BMICH with “Keeping it Real” the latest [...]
Tea party in full swing
Tea cups hanging from the tent ceiling, giant playing cards, and large inflatable flamingos that doubled up as chairs were what greeted all those who entered the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party last Friday, August 11. Held at the Asylum courtyard in Arcade – Independence Square, Colombo 7, the party was the kick-off event for the [...]
Masterclass for tea lovers
On August 12 and 13, a group of tea enthusiasts including tourists had a taste of being tea connoisseurs at the Ceylon Tea Festival’s Tea Masterclass. For two hours on each day, the Asylum Restaurant at Arcade Independence Square, Colombo 7, transformed into an interactive classroom. The Masterclass was conducted by professional tea taster and [...]
All set for CROWN Miss Intercontinental
The 18 contestants for CROWN Miss Intercontinental 2017 have been revealed. Selected from a pool of 110 applicants, the winner of the pageant on September 24 will take part in the Miss Intercontinental pageant in Mumbai, India alongside 80 other contestants from across the globe. Speaking at a press conference held to announce the finalists, [...]
Silent auction of contemporary art for worthy cause
On August 24, the Ceylon School for the Deaf and the Blind in collaboration with the Saskia Fernando Gallery, will present the third ‘Silent auction and Fundraiser of Modern and Contemporary Art’. The event will take place at the Temple Trees Auditorium where 42 works of art will be exhibited and open for bidding over [...]
College of Pathologists to host int’l conference
The 6th International Conference on ‘Renal, Respiratory Pathology & Thyroid, Pulmonary Cytology’ organized by the College of Pathologists of Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan British School of Pathology will be held from August 23-26 at the Hotel Ramada. The College of Pathologists of Sri Lanka will host this conference as part of its annual academic [...]
2nd South Asian Melioidosis Congress on August 29, 30
The 2nd South Asian Melioidosis Congress where global experts will interact and exchange views with local experts on this very important bacterial disease will be held on August 29 and 30 at the King’s Court, Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo. This two-day congress on the theme, ‘Unearthing a subterranean infection’, is organized by the Sri [...]
First copy of ‘Lakdiva Shreshta Charitha’ presented
The first copy of the book ‘Lakdiva Shreshta Charitha’ (Great men of Sri Lanka), by Manoj Siyambalapitiya, was presented to Principal of Wennappuwa St.Joseph Vaz College Rev. Priyangajeewa Gunaratne at the College Hall recently. Mr. Siyambalapitiya is a past pupil of St. Joseph Vaz College and has written some 100 books on different subjects. Primary [...]
Get yourself a Bento box
The race is on! 15 Bento boxes are up for grabs each day from August 21 till September 2, from 12 noon to 3 p.m at Hilton Colombo’s IkoiTei. A 10-course Bento Box for just Rs 1500 nett is all yours for dining in only. The box contains Teriyaki Chicken, Tempura Fish, Sashimi Red Snapper,Tamagoyaki [...]
Sunera Foundation and Shankar Foundation, India, present “Jonathan Livingston Seagull”
Shankar Foundation, India in association with Sunera Foundation, Sri Lanka will present an evening of dance and music featuring “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” – A musical play by gifted children with special needs from India and Sri Lanka at 6.30 p.m. on August 23 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, Colombo 7. This programme is supported by [...]
Letters to the Editor
Ravi’s resignation not a favour, but something that was long overdue I refer to your Opinion page story in the Sunday Times of August 13 relating to the resignation of Ravi Karunanayake as the Minister of Finance. Reading Mr. Karunanayake’s statement in Parliament, it would appear that he thinks that he has done the people [...]
Office bearers-All Ceylon Women’s Buddhist Congress Executive Committee
The following were elected to the All Ceylon Women’s Buddhist Congress – Executive Committee 2017 – 2018: President: Ramani Rajapakse Deputy President: Shantha Abeysekera Vice Presidents: Ranee Chandraratne, Indra De Silva, Indrani Senanayake, Jeevani Sugunadasa Secretary: Chusitha Sellahewa Asst. Secretaries: Keerthilatha Peiris, Kanthi Abeynaike Treasurer: Damayanthi Kariyawasam Asst. Treasurer: Dilini Goonesekera Press & Publicity Officer: [...]
Appreciations
A classic iconoclast with catholic tastes Asoka Warnasuriya I had just finished my breakfast when there was a call on my mobile phone from an unfamiliar number. My sister and her husband saw my apprehension as I fielded the call. It was from Asoka’s youngest daughter Mihiri who I thought was concluding her studies at [...]