The call of Australia: From early Cingalese to recent migration
Ceylonese/Sri Lankans have entered Australia for a variety of reasons during the past one and a half centuries, early arrivals going as far back as the last two decades of the 19th century. Before Australian Federation on January 1, 1901, there is evidence of arrivals from Ceylon, mainly to Queensland and a small number to [...]
The silent scream
In her 10th exhibition at Barefoot Gallery Nelun Harasgama gives viewers her poignant interpretation of Samsara – the eternal cycle of birth, existence and death. With her oil and charcoal series, she challenges her viewers to consider why humanity continues to wound, destroy and then mourn without ever learning from the error of our ways. [...]
Memories of a friendship gives life to children’s book
It is only human to want to honour the memory of a loved one, friend or family member. Instead of the usual memorial service, almsgiving and donations to charitable organisations, Angela Gnaniah chose to remember her close friend Cheryl Ramanayake by writing a children’s book, Cuddly and Poppy’s Tea Party, in her memory. Angela and [...]
Of food, people and places
Hot, hot off the presses, like the crispy hoppers that are served at their cafes, the first cookbook from the popular HOPPERS restaurants in London, England, will roll-out next month (October). Titled ‘Recipes, Memories and inspiration from Sri Lankan homes, streets and beyond’ it is written by none other than Hoppers’ Co-founder and Creative Director [...]
A useful guide to carpentry
Author and entrepreneur Channa Wijesekara has launched the sixth addition to his series of books on wood crafting that started with “Lee Weda Sandaha Bhawithayata Ganena Ath Ayudha (Hand Tools for Carpentry)” which was recognised by wood-based industry professionals as a practical and theoretical guidebook to the trade. The book waslaunched at the Lavender Hall, [...]
Soundarie and Sanjeev strike new musical chord
“Uniting through music!” The whole purpose is to create a community choir which fosters togetherness and builds bridges, say well known choral directors Soundarie David Rodrigo, founder of the Soul Sounds Academy and Sanjeev Jayaratnam, leader of The Revelations Academy of Performing Arts, who are combining their expertise and efforts to introduce a fresh ensemble [...]
Cultural, charity bazaar to mark ties with Indonesia
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in partnership with the Sri Lanka Indonesia Friendship Association (SLIFA) will hold a cultural and charity bazaar on Saturday, October 1, at the premises of the Embassy of Indonesia, 400/50 Sarana Road, Colombo 7 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations [...]
Congratulations Vincent!
It was a day of celebration. Happy memories were shared and history was made for the family of Vincent Jayatilaka on September 10 as the father of seven celebrated his 100th birthday giving thanks to his Saviour. The story of Vincent Jayatilaka began in Malaysia where he was born to Charles and Clara Jayatilaka. He [...]
All about aquatic foragers who lived 4000 years ago
The National Trust of Sri Lanka’s monthly lecture on Thursday, September 29 at 6 p.m., will be on ‘The Discovery of Early Human Habitation (4000 BP): Southern Coast of Sri Lanka’. It will be delivered online by Samanti Kulatilake, PhD. The link to join the Zoom meeting is : https://zoom.us/j/92434423524?pwd=YTdTanlvVzJiUWZCRkZmeUxZeTVGdz09 (Meeting ID: 924 3442 3524, [...]
Letters to the Editor
Reducing the burden on young shoulders The younger of my two daughters is a small built seven-year-old. When I take her school bag to the car while she walks behind me, almost every day the bag is heavy. One day I asked her to leave whatever she could to lessen the weight, and to my [...]
Appreciations
Tribute to my boss, mentor and close friend Somasiri Ekanayake I pen these lines in profound sorrow as a tribute to my one-time boss, mentor and close family friend Somasiri Ekaanayake, affectionately called Leslie who passed away on August 12, at the venerable age of 96. Hailing from a respectable family in Matale, Leslie was [...]