‘I was 10 and on the ill-fated ferry ‘Goshen’
When Mrs. Nelum de Mel picked up the Sunday Times on October 22 and turned to the features (Plus) section, she found, to her surprise, an article that transported her in time. Back to the days when she, as a ten-year-old, was taken by her parents, along with her four sisters, to Bombay, India, to [...]
The Prof who brings our past to present day audiences
For Prof. Raj Somadeva, his passion for archaeology began when, ten years old, he came across a newspaper article about Prof. Senarat Paranavitana discovering an ancient lithic inscription, and was claimed by the mysteries of the past. It was similar to the grand old man of Lankan archaeology, Paranavitana himself being sparked by the copy [...]
Shades of showbiz and Hollywood in his pop art
“It’s trippy, it’s unusual, it’s the story of my life basically – one minute it’s strange, next it’s normal so I thought I’d call it that,” says American artist, film producer, director and writer, Giovanni Sticco of his upcoming art exhibition ‘Life’s a Trip’. The exhibition at the Lionel Wendt on November 15 and 16 [...]
Letters to the Editor
Land for agriculture or power and energy While the President who is also the Minister for Environment offers state land and uncultivated land for agriculture to grow food crops both for local consumption and export to overcome the precarious economic crisis the country is facing, the Minister for Power and Energy gets Cabinet approval to [...]
APPRECIATIONS
Her home was always open to Sri Lankans who visited Bangkok Erika Dias Erika Fraulien Jayawardena was born on July 15, 1933 in Palana, Weligama in the Matara District. She had four siblings Sybil, Berryl, Cyril and Artie. Erika was the third in the family. Her father was Diamond and her mother was Dona. Erika [...]
Sometimes…..
A few days ago, one of my friends – a former classmate who is now domiciled overseas – sent me this lovely poem by Robert Drake. It struck a chord in me – so much so that I felt I must share it with you my readers, because it would make an excellent theme for [...]
Latheef Farook: A book for all aspiring journalists
The ‘Journey of a Journalist’ is the fascinating and inspiring life story of veteran Sri Lankan journalist and author Latheef Farook, who started his journalistic career in 1966, with the now defunct Independent Newspapers Ltd. In those days the life of journalists was no bed of roses as they did not enjoy the facilities journalists [...]
Find a permanent home for ROOTED
An exhibition to celebrate and explore 200 years since the arrival of the first members of the Malaiyaga Tamil community was held at the Public Library, Colombo in August 2023. This exhibition, curated by the Collective for Historical Dialogue and Memory (CHDM) and Institute for Social Development (ISD) with objects loaned by the Tea Plantation [...]
Dancing their way through a fairy tale and more
The Ballet School of Colombo on November 4, presented ‘Joy of Dance’ a unique two-part concert with Hansel and Gretel as well as both classical and contemporary dances. The evening took off in a classical ballet style, with the first act, doing justice to the original work by authors Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm. Beautiful [...]
‘Petsurance’ safety net for dog owners could be expanded
In celebration of World Animal Day on October 4, the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) unveiled a brand-new pet insurance scheme to aid pet owners. ‘Petsurance’ is a comprehensive insurance programme designed to help pet owners secure their finances in the event that their animals require expensive medical care. With the exception of congenital and [...]
Prithipura Home all set for annual fundraising sale
The CFS Prithipura Home will hold its annual fund raising sale on Tuesday, November 14, at the Lionel Wendt Memorial Art Centre from 10.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Prithipura Home is a facility for 60 mentally and physically differently abled residents who range from young children to adults in their fifties and sixties. Many are [...]
Top Italian chefs to dish out gastronomic fare
‘At the table with Italian cuisine: well-being with taste’ is the theme of the Worldwide Week of Italian Cuisine (WWIC) being held across three five-star hotels and four Italian restaurants in Colombo from November 13 – 19. Award winning chefs from Italy, Chef Lorenzo Alessio, Chef Maria Nasso and Chef Leonardo Ricci will be working [...]
A piano trio featuring impressionists by CMSC
The piano trio is an ensemble that has enthralled audiences for centuries. Comprising piano, violin and cello, this particular chamber music formation allows for a rich and dynamic interplay between the instruments, mostly, the piano serves as the backbone, providing harmonic support and melodic lines, while the violin and cello add depth and texture with [...]
Tackling nature-based solutions for climate change
Two well known scientists Dr. Sriyanie Miththapala and Prof. Devaka Weerakoon will deliver this month’s Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) lecture on November 16 at 6 p.m. at the Jasmine Hall, BMICH. Their topic will be ‘Harnessing Nature for Climate Change Action’. These two speakers have over six decades of combined experience in biodiversity [...]