Spot on!
Leopards do change their spots. They also change their rosettes! Putting paid to a much-used saying about these magnificent Big Cats, is a study at the Yala National Park done by a group of leopard lovers in coordination with the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). The shape and form of spots and rosettes change, this [...]
Destined to dance: Vajira looks back
As Vajira Chitrasena (born Vajira Perera, then Vajira Dias) celebrates her 90th birthday on March 15, it is at her life as a legendary Kandyan dancer, choreographer, teacher and incomparable artiste that we look back on. We meet Vajira at the Kalayathanaya, where she has spearheaded the Chitrasena tradition, keeping alive the legacy of dance [...]
Letters to the Editor
At receiving end of unhelpful system to get promised Rs. 5000 increase in pensions My wife and I are government pensioners. I retired in 1981 and my wife in 1996. Since then our pensions are credited to a joint account in a certain bank. As there have been disputes in the families when it is credited [...]
Appreciations
True to his name he was gifted with a magnetic charm and gracefulness PRASANNA OBADAGE This is a tribute to a humble human being, lovable husband, caring father, dutiful son and trusted friend who is no more with us. Prasanna Obadage, who always had a pleasing smile, passed away under tragic circumstances one year ago on [...]
Relaying message through metaphor
An illusory collection of oils and watercolours steeped in surrealism and fantastical depictions was unveiled at the Barefoot Gallery Colombo on March 3. ‘Stories Recreated’, is the title of the gallery’s latest exhibition – the work of Indian painter and printmaker, Dushyant Patel in his debut solo exhibition in this country. Having exhibited in Sri [...]
Westminster to Bohemia, via Weimar; musical journey with CMSC
The Chamber Music Society of Colombo (CMSC) will present their inaugural concert of the year at the Goethe Hall, Colombo 7, at 7.15 p.m. on Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27, in association with the Goethe-Institut, Colombo, and with the support of their co-premier sponsors, A. Baur & Co. and Tokyo Cement Group. The [...]
Diary of a power-cut citizen
Friday, February 25, 2022: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Watching horror movie with elderly father. Now plunged into our own horror – another power cut. Second today. Church candles are now antidotes to government’s initiative of taking the country back to the Dark Ages. Elderly father with dementia repeatedly tells me all governments of Sri [...]
Kolam creators to the fore
Showcasing the creativity of Kolam creators around the country, well known jewellers Muthukaruppan Chettiar together with their subsidiary Madhavi Jewellers held the country’s first ‘PL. MTT. Muthukaruppan Chettiar Kolam Mangalam’ competition recently. Kolam, an ancient folk art, sees intricate and colourful designs made from materials including rice flour, coloured rice or flower petals done delicately [...]
On the trail of Lanka’s crocodiles with expert Anslem
Recently, crocodiles have hit the headlines in Colombo, and beyond, with these ancient creatures who merely follow their instincts, one of which is to keep away from humans being frequently demonised. Humans don’t always, however, respect the domain of crocodiles, and that is when the trouble starts. Who better to explain all of this to [...]
Discourse on Chapter IV of the Bhagavad Gita
Bhagavad Gita is a manual of life. It enunciates the ancient philosophy of Vedanta that presents the eternal and universal principles of life and living which transcend the barriers of race and religion, caste and creed. Chapter IV of the Bhagavad Gita explains how to convert daily activities into a yajna, worship. Yajna signifies actions [...]