‘Creating a home, where every room has a story to be told’
Last year’s first edition of the HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival proved an instant hit. Authors ranging from the sassy Shobhaa De to the British national treasure playwright David Hare, held court in the auditorium of the frangipani-fringed Colombo Public Library (while the ceiling fans whirred, and Colombo’s old-fashioned colonial garden city bustled outside) [...]
Going beyond the birds
Sanath Herath is not, by his own admission, a passionate birder. But when this self-taught artist first took to painting five years ago during the long COVID days, it was birds that he painted and so it is perhaps fitting that his second exhibition ‘Theatre of Serendib Birds’ which opens at the Barefoot Gallery this [...]
Tales of the Baobab
Of all the introduced flora to Sri Lanka over centuries, probably the strangest and weirdest tree is the baobab. The baobab comes a close second to the Sacred Bo tree at Anuradhapura, in terms of maintaining records of its growth and status. The baobab and its related eight species have their origins traced to Madagascar. [...]
Letters to the Editor
Recognising Bhikkhuni order essential for preservation of Buddhism in Sri Lanka The dawn of 2025 marks the end of December (Unduwap) which is of great significance to Buddhists of Sri Lanka. It was many centuries ago that Arahath Sangamitta Theri brought the Sacred Bo sapling from India to Sri Lanka. This is now famous as [...]
APPRECIATIONS
A brilliant scientist and noble personality Dr. Anthony Harold Magdon Jayasuriya It was deeply depressing to hear of the demise of Dr. Magdon Jayasuriya. Whoever came into contact with him would have noticed his noble qualities even more than his scientific brilliance. He leaves behind a great legacy of scientific writing, and leadership in innovative [...]
KALA returns to build more ties with South Asian art
KALA returns for its second edition from February 10-28, celebrating South Asian modern and contemporary art in Sri Lanka. Rooted in the country’s vibrant cultural heritage, the platform aims to build strong ties with the broader South Asian region. Championing the sustainable development of art ecosystems, KALA focuses on highlighting Sri Lankan and regional art [...]
Theertha Performance Platform joins hands with Genesis Project
The Theertha Performance Platform, a beacon for Sri Lankan performance art since its inception in 2015, is set to mark another milestone in its journey. This year, the platform returns with an inspiring collaboration between The Genesis Project and the Theertha Performance Platform on January 6, 7 and 8. The three-day event at 52 Maligawatte [...]
A new-look Cheers for the New Year
Cinnamon Grand Colombo, recently unveiled the newly relocated Cheers at its Lobby Level. Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of John Keells Group, was the Chief Guest at the launch. With a vibrant ambiance and seating capacity of 248 making it the ideal destination for casual get-togethers, sports viewings, and lively socializing, the hearty menu features classic British [...]
The beauty of Advent music so aptly manifested by the Colombo Philharmonic Choir
“O Radiant Dawn”, the ancient words of Isaiah’s prophecy familiar in the Advent readings rang out in splendour with the opening anthem as the sun set behind us on Galle Face Green. “O Radiant Dawn, Splendour of eternal Light, Sun of Justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. [...]