History is a conversation; always changing, always ‘modern’
Mary Beard Mary Beard, though she shies away from the title of ‘the most famous classicist in the world’, is the doyenne of Roman scholars, role model for young women and widely known as ‘Britain’s most beloved intellectual’ who makes history accessible through her books and TV documentaries. At the Galle Literary Festival, Mary will [...]
The diasporic rebel comes home
The Galle Literary Festival returns this year, from January 25-28; albeit on a smaller scale, with some exciting new names, among them Mary Beard, the world’s most famous classicist, Simon Schama, iconic British historian of ‘History of Britain’ fame, Tom Parker Bowles, celebrity food writer not to mention all the returning favourites like Anthony Horowitz, [...]
Sunera Foundation hits the stage
Catch the talented differently-abled actors of the Sunera Foundation when they present two perfor-mances at the GLF on January 26 at 12.30 p.m. at the Hall de Galle. The dance performance Playful Whispers by the Well showcases the talents of six differently abled actors (with Downs Syndrome, Autism and Mental Retardation) who have been Sunera’s [...]
Visions of the past: 19th century Ceylon in pictures
For the first time, in many decades an exhibition of 19th century photographs will be held in Galle at the Galle Fort Hotel. These digital copies of the original photographs are from the Edward Atkinson Hornel’s Archival Collection which the painter bequeathed to the Scottish National Trust. The exhibition from January 25-28 will be complemented [...]
Letters to the Editor
The poor get poorer and the rich get richer This Government imposed a withholding tax (WHT) on interest paid on Fixed Deposits. Earlier senior citizens were exempted from WHT upto a certain limit. I wonder if they are aware that the senior citizens who have invested in Fixed Deposits are mostly retired private sector employees [...]
Appreciations
My brother and friend Nihal Cyril Ignatius De Silva It’s been three months since he left us! My brother was an adoring husband to Priyanthie; loving father to Ayesha, Dedunie and Marisa; understanding father-in-law to Nalin and Anuruddha; doting grandfather to Liam; compassionate sibling and brother-in-law; and a kind and generous friend, whose home was always [...]
Glossy Ibis: Jewel of Jaffna
Sri Lanka is known for its beautiful diversity of bird life- at least 468 species of birds 34 endemic species and at least 226 migrant species. Within Sri Lanka, Jaffna and the Northern Province are also home to an array of birds, from storks, egrets and herons to kingfishers, kites and eagles and even ducks [...]
The seventeenth of January
The seventeenth of January has always had special memories for me – because it was on Tuesday 17th January 1956 that I first attended primary school. Although it was such a long time ago, I can clearly remember the events of that day – being lined up two by two with my new classmates to [...]
KALA: Celebrating modern Lankan art
KALA in association with the Lionel Wendt Art Centre, a platform for South Asian Art, opens on January 28 with its inaugural exhibition ‘Pivot Glide Echo’ and an ambitious series of programmes, including talks, workshops and tours. Kala is the Sanskrit word meaning performing art or skilled craft. Chosen as a name to represent the [...]
Rishi of Kotuwa fame in Singapore adds his flavours to Smoke and Bitters
Above the sandy shores and the tapestries of trees making up the lush countryside that surrounds Hiriketiya’s Pehembiya beach, you get the delightful aroma of local flavours and spices mixed with the salty air that engulfs the borders of Smoke & Bitters. The popular restaurant that has the distinction of being the only Sri Lankan [...]
A mature, sensitive rendering of experience
With the publication in mid-2023 of her well-crafted stories, my friend and one-time colleague at the University of Peradeniya, Sumangalika Dharmadasa, has joined the small but notable group of Sri Lankan creative writers in English. As Professor Ranjini Obeyesekere correctly notes in the blurb on the back cover of the book, these stories evoke ‘the [...]
Galkadawala Forest Lodge among Eco Top 12
The Standard newspaper in the UK last week named eco property Galkadawala Forest Lodge in its list of the 12 best sustainable places to visit in 2024. https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/sustainable-travel-2024-eco-tourism-ideas-destinations-b1131237.html The list titled ‘The Eco Top 12: Your year of sustainable travel’ was written by 12 top travel experts. The Standard says: Shivya Nath, travel blogger and [...]
Await a fun-filled evening with Baila Night ’24
The Rotaract Clubs of Cinnamon Gardens and the University of Colombo are gearing up to host Baila Night ’24 and celebrate one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved music genres, Baila, on January 26 at King George Hall, University of Colombo. The event is also a fundraiser for the numerous community service projects of both clubs, [...]