Science and medicine were part of my life
Totally relaxed, she comes on Zoom on Wednesday – at the appointed hour of 12 Greenwich Meantime Time (GMT) in Oxford, England, and 5.30 p.m. in Sri Lanka. No one would imagine that pretty Dr. Maheshi N. Ramasamy, who is quick to smile and chats leisurely, has been having a “crazy” time since the COVID-19 [...]
Then he dared not read the book, now he plays the role of Arjie
Brandon Ingram graphically remembers not reading Funny Boy. The book would have been number one in his Christmas stocking wish list; it may have given his teenage-self butterflies in the stomach and a dizziness in his head but he never dared pick it off the bookstore shelf. As the Shyam Selvadurai novel is about to [...]
More time to don the creative cap
On this week’s ‘Notes of Resilience’, law lecturer, creative practitioner and activist Visakesa Chandrasekaram discusses the release of his movie ‘Paangshu’ after the first lockdown, the importance of friends and family bonds in cultivating personal resilience and reconnecting with an old artistic practice. How did the pandemic affect the work you do? In what ways [...]
It’s on now! So don’t miss online Christmas Charity Bazar to get some gifts
The 40th edition of the International Christmas Charity Bazaar (ICCB) is in full swing online with shoppers enjoying goodies and treats from across the globe from the comfort and safety of their homes. All proceeds from the Bazaar, which will end on December 10, will be donated to a select few charities who have been [...]
Appreciations
Gentle being loved by all in the legal fraternity Gamini Jayasinghe Gamini Jayasinghe passed away peacefully on November 18. He was hospitalised for a few days on losing consciousness, on account of a fall. By his untimely demise, his family, friends, colleagues at the Bar and his many clients have lost an eminent senior lawyer [...]
Letters to the Editor
Towards a ‘new normal’ for office workers and schoolchildren While listening to the Budget Speech, I was delighted to hear that one of the suggestions in my letter to the President and the PM in May 2020, to assign office workers to offices closest to their residences in the respective district has been reckoned for [...]
Take a leaf from this book if you ever want to become a tea planter
“Wisdom in the Leaf” is an appropriate title for this informative book contributed by well-known, experienced and knowledgeable retired planters and selected tea scientists. The wealth of knowledge surrounding the tea leaves, gathered over the years in Sri Lanka and elsewhere is amazing. However, no amount of knowledge will suffice if there are no experienced [...]
A ‘must’ addition in the field bag for keen naturalists
This new book on the mammals of Sri Lanka is the first portable and affordable photographic field guide with near comprehensive coverage with 96 per cent of all the land and marine mammals recorded in Sri Lanka. ‘A Naturalist’s Guide to the Mammals of Sri Lanka’ covers 122 of the 127 land and marine mammals [...]
Ideal getaway from lockdown blues
Having been through an extended period of lockdown, everyone is longing for a getaway. Mount Havana Luxury Boutique Villa is the perfect place for a quiet retreat with family and friends this season. Located in the cooler climes of Gampola in the Kandy district, this 25-acre estate is lush and green, a soothing balm to [...]
Living in harm’s way: Whales and the threat of being struck by ships
One of the major threats to large whales globally is being struck by ships, which can cause severe injuries and death. These incidents happen throughout the world’s oceans, but particularly in areas where shipping and whales are concentrated. Sri Lanka is renowned for its blue whales, but their habitat lies within one of the world’s [...]