What would avurudu be without bulath
Nimal Samaratunga sits in his shed in the backwoods of Minuwangoda, half hidden amidst veritable mountains of betel leaves. Selling ‘bulath’ is not only his trade, it was also his father’s, grandfather’s and great-grandfather’s too. The lattter was called ‘Bulath-Simon Aatha’ (grandfather). Today Nimal’s own son is learning the ropes. As Avurudu – the sun [...]
A love for literature and discovering the writer in her
Rukshani Weerasooriya Wijemanne has been shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2023 for her story ‘Principles of Accounting’. 28 writers from 19 countries across the Commonwealth were selected from over 6,600 submissions. This year’s judging panel includes Bilal Tanweeer (Chair), Rémy Ngamije (Africa), Ameena Hussein (Asia), Katrina Best (Canada and Europe), Mac Donald Dixon [...]
Times may change, but that air of expectancy never dims
Goodwill, happiness and a sense of expectancy fill the air and the hearts of the Hindus and Buddhists as they await the dawn of the traditional New Year. It is observed with great reverence, a sense of duty and loving kindness towards all, stimulating society, enlivening the nation and fostering national consciousness. ‘Pudhu Varudam’ or [...]
Letters to the Editor
A major rethink is needed on how state institutions are run We have always seen after a change of government new faces being appointed to corporations and other government-controlled agencies. The boards appointed must perform the tasks they are given and run the establishments efficiently. We don’t see these institutions being run profitably. There are [...]
Appreciations
Thank you for enriching our lives with your mentorship and guidance Shyamala Senathirajah Varatharajah A teacher knows the way, shows the way and leads the way! Mrs. Shyamala Senathirajah Varatharajah was a living embodiment of this, in her years as a teacher. Even after leaving the profession following her eight years of service at Muslim [...]
Easter: A time to rejoice in God’s love and redeeming grace
“And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.” (Luke 24:5-6 KJV) This past week, Christians all over the world have observed Holy Week – a spiritually significant week that helps us [...]
Creative cross to bring home the message of Christ’s sacrifice
Today is Easter Sunday, when Christians the world over rejoice in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ after his death on the cross on Good Friday. A novel cross on display at the Wellawatte Methodist Church brought home the message of Christ’s great sacrifice to save humankind. The tall colourful cross displays palm prints of the [...]
Avoiding a death knell for our national parks
I am sure that many of us will aver that we do not contribute to killing a wild animal for its parts. We may rest assured that we do not buy rhinoceros horns as status symbols, bear gallbladders to treat various diseases, or wear feline fur coats. However, we, in Sri Lanka, are contributing to [...]