Daya Mina: birth of a place they can call their own
The enduring image of the birth of Baby Jesus coming down the ages of time is the lowly surroundings of the manger in Bethlehem. A tiny baby wrapped in swaddling clothes laid in a crib between Joseph and Mary, amidst the donkeys, sheep and cattle, as there was ‘simply no room in the inn’ for [...]
Dreaming of a joyous Colombo Chetty Christmas of yesteryear
In the early and mid-1950s, Sri Lanka was a united, harmonious nation. They were Christmases before politicians inflamed nationalist fervour, for political gain and drove a wedge between communities. With Christmas this year coming at a time of political change, we hope it will be a turning point fostering a new era of unity Ours [...]
Humility and faith in the Christmas story
The great demonstration of faith and humility at Christmas is very often the overlooked factor amid the celebration of commercialised Christmas. No doubt the celebration of the birth of Christ is important but Jesus Christ was not born on December 25, and here we delve not into the date but the humility and faith demonstrated [...]
Letters to the Editor
Arahant Mahinda’s words 2,300 years ago and the liberation of animals Sri Lanka can lay claim to being the land where one of the greatest pronouncements of all time, which laid the foundation for the establishment of animal rights as part of State responsibility was made. It marked a glittering milestone in humanity’s march towards [...]
APPRECIATIONS
Always bubbly and with a smile on her face, she was more than a boss to us SUNETHA DE SILVA nee HETTIARATCHI Sunetha De Silva nee Hettiarachchi passed away in her 84th year at Rayners Lane, United Kingdom on November 30. She joined the Bank of Ceylon Legal Department in 1971. After a distinguished career [...]
The foods of Christmas past
With Christmas just a few days away, I have been reminiscing about Christmases past. Now that I am older in years than our current president (although I am pleased to say that I am younger than all five living past presidents!) my memory is not as sharp as it used to be and the details [...]
Bringing her niche clothing brand from New York to Sri Lanka
Self-taught mom-boss and founder of Lois London, Radhika Perera-Hernandez, launched her successful brand in Sri Lanka earlier this month, presenting LucidR 25, a dramatic show at the Cinnamon Life. “It’s predominantly resort wear, but with a twist – our pieces effortlessly transition from day to night, from poolside to dinner party,” she told the Sunday [...]
A journey through South Asian heritage
Stepping into Hermitage’s new Nawala premises feels like embarking on a journey through time and culture. Previously located on Gower Street in Colombo 5, Hermitage transitioned to operating primarily online due to banned imports and rising overheads in recent years. Now, the physical store, with its range of products that blend history, artistry and craftsmanship, [...]
India’s Akram Khan Company focuses on Jaffna’s rich cultural heritage
The Akram Khan Company based in Pune, India, held the third edition of its Classical Intensive in collaboration with the British Council in Sri Lanka at Thinnai Farms in Jaffna. From December 9-13, 30 young dancers enjoyed an immersive and intensive experience in Bharathanatyam. Akram Khan has won international dance awards, including an Olivier Award [...]
2025 Galle Literary Festival: Some early highlights
The Galle Literary Festival has unveiled its literary programme for 2025. With over 100 talks, workshops and events from February 6-9, the festival’s dominating themes will centre around home and identity, legacy and global cultural connections. The Festival presents a strong opening with Shyam Selvadurai, Afua Hirsch and Sathnam Sanghera and closes with an all-Sri [...]
Sajith Bulathsinghala crowned Man of the Globe 2024
“This win isn’t just about me; it’s a proud moment for my country,” said Sajith Bulathsinghala after being crowned Man of the Globe 2024 at the international pageant held on December 14, at Best Western Metro Clark, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines. Sajith also won the several mini titles, including Best National Costume and Best in [...]
The story behind the Nativity traditions
It was during the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine that the celebration of Christmas on December 25th was established in the early 4th Century. This was a strategic move to replace the pagan celebration with a Christian holiday, making it easier for converts to adopt the new faith. The pagan celebrations by the Romans [...]
Wherever I go, Christmas in Sri Lanka dwells in my heart
I spent close to 33 years of my life in Sri Lanka, and now living overseas, I feel Christmas in various other countries is not even near the cheer and warmth I experienced back home. Growing up, I’ve lived in Kandy and Kurunegala. My brother and I travelled from Kurunegala to Kandy to go to [...]