Rediscovering joy of childhood through her art
While studying for an architecture degree at the University of Moratuwa and then working as a professional architect, Bhagya Madanasinghe discovered a love for drawing. A few years later she made the switch from full-time architect to full-time illustrator, and now at the age of 29, is on her way to becoming a well-recognised children’s [...]
Giving muscle to encouraging strong women
Saroj Corr cannot help stopping the traffic when she obliges us by posing for the camera by Galle Road, near Crescat, at a golden dusk. She is 57, yet draws looks of admiration for her beautifully sculpted musculature and grace. Briefly home for a cosy Christmas with mother and sister, Saroj lives in the USA, [...]
Letters to the Editor
What is the point in having a defaulting Bribery Commission Whenever a legal case filed by the Bribery Commission against a politician is coming up, we all know what the outcome would be. Not because we are soothsayers, but because we all know how incompetent the Bribery Commission is when it comes to cases involving [...]
Appreciations
Malli, we had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun Thusith Mudalige As Thusith’s only sister, I was deeply moved and humbled to read the articles in the newspapers and on Facebook, from people who knew him professionally, commending his sterling qualities and his service to the country. This was also because [...]
Another chapter in CFW’s ethical fashion drive
As Colombo Fashion Week (CFW) trapezes into its 19th consecutive edition this month, from February 24 to 26, Founder and Managing Director, Ajai Vir Singh has quiet satisfaction in how this developmental project, has step by step for the past 19 years created an entire ecosystem for fashion in Sri Lanka. This year with ‘Green [...]
A story of contrasts, a story of success
I have written many reviews in the past but Sumi Moonesinghe’s recent publication of her life’s journey is perhaps one of its kind in Sri Lanka. Brilliantly presented and related by Savithri Rodrigo, it is a story of traditionally ethical Sinhala/Buddhist parents who raised a family of four achieving children in an outstation where they [...]
Dealing with drug addiction as a biological illness
Drug Addiction in Sri Lanka–a guide to understanding and managing addictions is a timely multi-author compendium written with the objective of providing a comprehensive and balanced view of the problem of drug addiction – with particular reference to Sri Lanka. The editors – Dr Mahendra Perera, a well reputed practising psychiatrist with much experience in [...]
Connecting the old and the new
‘Encounters’ the second exhibition presented by the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art opened on Friday, February 11 affording the public a look at works seldom seen. With paintings by George Keyt and Senaka Senanayake from the collections of the George Keyt Foundation and the John Keells Foundation as a starting point, the exhibition leads [...]
Here comes the Wedding Week
It has been quite some time since grand weddings have taken precedence in people’s lives as the pandemic forced many couples to have rather intimate, low-key ceremonies instead. However, as the world adapts to a ‘new normal’ with vaccinations and safe health practices keeping COVID-19 at bay, couples can look forward to planning that dream [...]
WNPS lecture focuses on protecting our city of wetlands
Colombo is a city of wetlands. They play a vital role in reducing the impact of flooding, in absorbing pollutants from the air, improving water quality, whilst providing a habitat for a wide diversity of plants and animals. Despite continuing loss and degradation, they still cover over 200 sq.km of the metropolis and its suburbs. [...]