Unravelling the mysteries of the Mahathupa
It dominates the plains of Anuradhapura, the white bubble and spire you see from Tissa Wewa rising above Rajarata jungle. The Ruwanweli-seya is the most venerated stupa in the land but have we ever pondered what underpins its ‘unique’ status? For architect Shereen Amendra, the fascination of the Mahathupa (the original Pali name which she [...]
Ramadan and the essence of fasting
Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam. It is a duty made obligatory to every Muslim in the month of Ramadan. Muslim fasting is abstaining from any food and drink, and from sensual desires for the sake of Allah – from dawn to dusk. By this exercise a Muslim generates willpower to achieve a higher [...]
Tradition rules at the Eid table
Yet another holy month of Ramadan is past, and Eid-ul-Fitr is upon us again after a month of fasting. The Eid table has all the Muslim community’s traditional delicacies: eagerly looked forward to fare such as the biriyani and the watalappam as well as endless variations on stuffed and coated dates. Aaisha Faheem who has [...]
Appreciations
Eminent scholar and anthropologist who defied boundaries Professor Gananath Obeyesekere Professor Gananath Obeyesekere, the eminent and distinguished anthropologist and Emeritus Professor of Anthropology at Princeton University and former Professor of Sociology at the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya, passed away at his home in Colombo, on March 25, 2025 at the age of 95. Born on February 2, 1930, Gananath completed his B.A. in English [...]
Social critique through art
Mune is a maverick artist in every sense of the word. After 40 years, his work will be on exhibit at the Alliance Francaise de Colombo from April 3-10. I met him in Kurunegala in his new home, where he had moved to after his art sanctuary – the Shrubbery – close to Kurunegala town [...]
Sarath’s latest works on show
Step into an oasis of bright colours, shapes and transcendent depictions at the 2025 exhibition hosted by renowned artist S. H. Sarath. Titled Colour, it will showcase his most recent works. The exhibition will run from April 3- 6 from 10a.m. to 6p.m. at Sarath’s Gallery, 18A Sarasavi Gardens, Nawala Road, Nugegoda. The beauty of [...]
Art auction by Schokman & Samerawickreme
Leading auctioneers Schokman & Samerawickreme, will hold an Art Auction on April 6 at their flagship showroom and sales centre at No. 63, Isipathana Mawatha, Colombo 05. As auctioneers of art, antiques, furniture, motor vehicles, land, buildings, and machinery, the firm has built a reputation for professionalism and reliability over the past 133 years. “In [...]
The return of Ali Kazim
The Founders of the Udayshanth & Angelika Fernando Foundation launched their new Gallery located on the 3rd floor of the Paradise Road building on Galle Road, Colombo 3 this month with a Survey Show of the arresting works of Pakistani artist Ali Kazim. It was the first exhibition to be held in the new venue. [...]
Raising their voices for women
In a world where women’s voices are often diminished, the power of music rings out as a clear tool for change. ‘Her Song’ is not just a concert of beautiful music and powerful voices, but will tell a story of the depth and many facets of what it means to be a woman. Returning to [...]
when memories flood back
The other day I was at the home of an old friend – someone I have known from our teenage years – and we decided to listen to some of the old 45 rpm records that he has in his collection. In these days of digital sound and downloadable music, it might surprise today’s readers [...]
Louis Page: A concert with a personal touch
Talented Sri Lankan-American pianist Louis Page is back in town with an enthralling evening of classical piano music titled ‘From Mozart to Moszkowski’, on Friday, April 4 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. The concert promises to be a captivating exploration of musical contrasts, featuring a blend of solo works, four-hand pieces (with Tuan Anosh Ismail), [...]