Hitting the road with a boxful of books for the kids
At least once a month for the past five years, Mahinda Dissanayake, has been taking a regular journey on his bike, with a box of books strapped behind him. He travels to remote areas to provide a lending library for children, a project he continued even amidst the economic crisis. He started small, but with [...]
Finding spirituality in a serene setting
As an evening chill descended upon the ground, a nightjar couple commenced a conversation somewhere in the wilderness. Then, the temple bell began to toll. Monks in saffron robes and laypeople in lily white emerged from the thickets encircling the impressive assembly hall of the monastery. Their sedate tread in one direction in fading light [...]
Critique of conflict: Exhibition of works by German artist Otta Dix
‘Otto Dix – Social Criticism & War (1920-1924)’ – a travelling exhibition was opened by German ambassador Dr. Felix Neumann, Professor Rohan Nethsinghe, Vice-Chancellor of the University for the Visual and Performing Arts and Stefan Winkler, Director of the Goethe-Institut Sri Lanka at the J.D.A. Perera Gallery of the UVPA on Horton Place, Colombo 7 [...]
Appreciations
He believed in decency, honesty and fair play Percy Seneviratne Three months have passed since the demise of my good and trusted friend, Percy Tudor Jayasundara Seneviratne, after a brief illness. Our bonding and friendship was formed and cemented over 60 years since he and l joined the Port together on the formation of the [...]
After Galle Lit Fest Matara to come alive with Arts Festival
Matara Festival for the Arts (MFA), a celebration of Contemporary Art and Music from Sri Lanka and beyond, will take place on the Independence weekend, February 2- 4, 2024, hot on the heels of the Galle Literary Festival. The idea is to provide tourists and Lankans alike with further reason to spend the start of [...]
Finding freedom in her canvas of colour
Opening your mind to colour can be a revitalising and even healing experience. For Peshali Saranya Fernando, the direction of change was a magical shift, which she understood through splashes of colour and vibrancy. This week, the Sky Gallery will be showcasing Peshali’s first solo exhibition in Sri Lanka, “Waves of Transformation: Peshali’s Change Journey” [...]
Going back in time with vivid reminiscences
Meghavarna S. Kumarasinghe’s Megha’s Eloquent Memories: Book Two is a compendium of miscellaneous writings that have appeared in the press from 2014. It is a patchwork ranging from pieces on notable personalities in many fields to a condensed history of Christmas customs and traditions. Megha is an old Anandian (many an old guru of the [...]
Sunera Foundation’s Samanalayaya hits the stage once again
Another edition of Samanalayaya – the annual drama festival hosted by the Sunera Foundation to spotlight the talents of young differently-abled participants attached to Sunera performing arts workshops around the island had its grand finale on October 26 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. In the lead-up to Samanalayaya 2023, nine regional drama festivals were held [...]
Don’t miss the Colombo Philharmonic Choir in Kandy
The Colombo Philharmonic Choir will be in Kandy this weekend to perform ‘Sure on this Shining Night’ – An evening of songs through the ages – today, Sunday, November 5 at 6 p.m. at the Trinity College Main Hall. The programme features songs by Brahms, Elgar, Lauridsen and others. The Philharmonic choir is conducted by [...]
The ‘Sir’ who made such an impression on us students
A young teacher joined Royal College, Colombo in January 1962 as soon as he qualified as a “Trained Teacher” from Maharagama Teacher Training School. He was Mr. Upali Attanayake (Sir/Upali). He was in a batch trained to teach science subjects for Ordinary Level classes in Sinhala medium. This smart and witty teacher won the admiration [...]