When ‘Shakes’ cast a spell
There is undoubtedly something magical in the air on the nights of the annual “Shakes” finals. Whether it is the competitive spirit of the young actors and actresses or the excitement of the audience, it is hard to match. Worked out over two gripping nights, Ladies’ College emerged winners in the Girls’ final on September [...]
How Ceylon came alive in Dickens’ writings
An anthology by Charles Dickens entitled ‘Sunshine on Daily Paths’(or the ‘Revelation of Beauty and Wonder in Common Things’,1 picked up in an antiquarian bookshop in the UK, included six of its 45 chapters on different aspects of life in Ceylon, all written in the first person. I asked myself the question: Did Dickens really visit Ceylon? If he did, [...]
Appreciations
A warrior and empathetic, inspirational Grandmother Rathneswari Nadarajah Our beloved grandmother Rathneswari Nadarajah was a force to be reckoned with. She has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her. Born in Jaffna, she fearlessly faced life’s challenges, exhibiting unparalleled strength and determination. She fought battles both big [...]
Safa’s Counselling Centre to hold workshop on mental health awareness
In a world that often seems to race forward, the importance of taking a moment to pause, reflect, and prioritise our mental health cannot be overstated. World Mental Health Day falls on October 10 and this year’s theme chosen by the World Health Organization (WHO) – “Mental Health as a Universal Human Right,” is one [...]
Stamped with memories
Many may not be writing letters and posting them these days due to the advent of emails and text messages. However, there is a generation who still awaits the postman and it is in this connection that October 9 celebrates the 149th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), while commemorating the 149th World Post [...]
We only have two lives
I have recently been reading about the work of Brazilian poet and novelist Mário Raul de Morais Andrade, who was born in 1893 and lived all his life in Sao Paolo, Brazil. In Andrade’s poem ‘The Valuable Time of Maturity’ I came across these poignant words – “We only have two lives – and the [...]
Local demons in American setting
Shyama Golden’s art is among the most exotic in the current collection at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) under the title ‘The Foreigners’. For they capture the experience of ‘being foreign everywhere’ as Shyama (Texan-born, roots in Sri Lanka and living in LA) puts it. This past week the artist has been [...]
Amidst a bustling Colombo stands the 170-year-old Christ Church Galle Face
For 170 years, Christ Church Galle Face has stood as a timeless symbol of faith. On October 13 at 6.30 p.m, the church will mark its anniversary with a service of praise and thanksgiving featuring the choirs of Ladies’ College, S. Thomas Prep. School and the Church choir, as well as the Music Ministry Choir [...]
Weaving together contemporary and classical
The Rachel Raj Foundation, along with the Industrial Development Board launched the inaugural Ceylon Heritage Festival on September 27 with a fashion show featuring traditional Sri Lankan textile crafts. Headed by Sarita Rajandran who is behind the luxury fashion label Rachel Raj, the Foundation collaborated with the Industrial Development Board to provide a greater platform [...]
Maharagama Toastmasters Club holds meeting on public speaking
The Maharagama Toastmasters Club recently held an educational meeting on Public Speaking at the Young Men’s Buddhist Association (YMBA) Maharagama. The picture shows officials of MTC and YMBA and their members posing for a photograph at the end of the meeting.
Zee Classics luxury clothing sale in Sri Lanka
Zee Classics, by Zartashia Umer, the well known Pakistani brand of affordable luxury clothing will soon be in Sri Lanka when Zeena & Farah present Zartashia Umer creations on October 12 between 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Women’s International, Guildford Crescent, Colombo 07. On offer will be Zartashia’s artisanal clothing line comprising embellished and [...]
A touch of local and European from new furnishing store
Blending the creativity of local artisans and interior designers with imported fabric from Europe, new furnishing retailer Perago opened their doors at No. 48, Chitra Lane, Colombo 5. Designer and Manager Lashinika Weerakoon, Directors Shafraz Thawfeek and Ahamad Farook along with Head Designer Rezani Rishafy spoke at the press conference announcing the launch on September [...]
Mahanama says thank you as Trust to help children turns one year
The Roshan Mahanama Trust (RMT) founded by well-known cricketer Roshan Mahanama celebrates its first anniversary this October with a series of events throughout the month to assist needy children. RMT has transcended the boundaries of cricket to touch the lives of more than 50,000 beneficiaries. The trust was inaugurated on October 4, 2022, marked by [...]