Pottering about in Prague

Prague or Praha, the capital of Czech Republic is a perfect destination for a romantic getaway or those wishing to immerse themselves in culture and architecture. Armed with a list of places to visit in Prague, I braved the bitterly cold winds and set out. Ten minutes into my walk I checked the price of a taxi and to my surprise realised that Uber rides were super cheap. Given the cold weather it seemed better to flit from site to site in a taxi

Help Lanka Contributing to Sri Lanka from afar

British Sri Lankan, Sam Goonetillake is a firm believer in giving back to the community. Although he has lived in the UK since 1967, his affinity to Sri Lanka remains strong. Working as a volunteer during the tsunami, Sam was struck by how much more he could do for Sri Lanka. With that in mind he set up Helplanka a UK registered charity in 2005. During the ensuing years, Sam and his helpers have done yeoman service to Sri Lanka by conducting vari

Gossip & Conclusions

Gossiping in Colombo could be compared to a common cold. Gossip, as one knows, is generally casual or unconstrained conversations or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true. As long as it is in great humour, gossiping is quite entertaining, especially if it stops there and is not conveyed with additions to the original story just to spice it up. People absolutely love to cause mischief, specif

Kuuraku Colombo 7th Anniversary Fair

If you happen to visit during lunchtime, make sure not to miss out on the thrilling Chopsticks game. The objective is simple: seize 5 beans using chopsticks within a 10-second window and secure a fabulous prize! Remember, this game is open for a single attempt per group, so showcase your chopstick skills to claim your victory. As the evening sets in, get ready for the enjoyable Chin Chiro Rin Challenge. During dinner hours, you can engage in this

Aruni Ganewatte

Today on the Buzz, I speak to Aruni who was born in Sri Lanka and immigrated to the United States with her family when she was 10 years old. Aruni obtained her M.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences from California State University, Northridge. She is currently working as a Behaviour Analyst/ Parent Educator for children with Autism. As a child, Aruni was introduced to the world of beauty pageants by her mother. In 2000 Aruni won 2nd runner up for

Muslim Ladies Study Circle celebrates its Golden Jubilee....

Nationally esteemed social service organization the Muslim Ladies Study Circle (MLSC) is gearing up to mark its Golden Jubilee on 26th August at Hotel Ramada Colombo.Speaking to Life during an interview at their Head Office in Colombo, President of the MLSC- Sikhamani Ameena Faisz Musthapha stated that the ceremony aims to highlight the key achievements as an all-women’s organization in “rendering their service to all communities irrespective of

An Eye For Design Dee Gibson talks about her love for interior design, life as a hotelier and a mentor

Brit Lankan Dee Gibson is unashamedly a Lankophile ( to coin a phrase). When it comes to Sri Lanka she wears her heart on her sleeve and promotes anything and everything associated with Sri Lanka, especially if it is connected to the creative arts. Juggling life as a mother and an entrepreneur while running businesses in Sri Lanka and the UK is no mean feat, but Dee does it with panache and make it seem so effortless. Currently in Sri Lanka, De

Leopards our adaptable neighbours

The story of Leopards and Humans is one of two highly adaptable species increasingly having to share the same space. How do we ensure we minimize conflict between the two? Leopards inhabit all climate zones of Sri Lanka, from the highlands to the coast; wherever there is sufficient habitat for them to live in, and prey animals on which to feed. Sadly, however, as unplanned development and illegal encroachment diminish these areas of their existen

Of Charities & Foundations

A visit to Trixie’s when one is feeling in the blues is akin to having a good tonic. Walking into her very comfortable home, I found her with a couple of printouts in hand. I knew instantly that I was in for a treat as she seemed irritated. After our formal greetings, then organising some eats and beverages, she pointed to the printouts, questioning what one earth goes on in people’s minds when they decide to launch a foundation in memory of a de

Shangri-La Colombo to host Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Cheung

This August, Shangri-La Colombo welcomes internationally acclaimed Chef Daniel Cheung, Executive Chinese Chef at Shangri-La Singapore to host four exclusive dining events where guests can experience the age old traditions of authentic Chinese cuisine. Chef Daniel brings 38 illustrious years in top-level traditional Cantonese cuisine, with the most recent being one-Michelin starred Shang Palace (2022) at Shangri-La Singapore and one-Michelin star

Frangipani Tree Living with traditions of the South

Scenic Thalpe beach is the home to a number of up market luxury villas and bungalows. Passing the world famous Unawatuna beach, the Goldie Sands beach stretch in the Thalpe area is one of the most tranquil beach fronts in the Galle district. ‘Frangipani Tree’ is an elegant and intimate Bawa influenced nine–suite boutique property that includes four villas by a secluded beach in Thalpe. Designed by Channa Daswatta, a protégé of legendary Geoffre

Enhancing Wealth Aspirations

This tradition, called Feng Shui, is both, an art and a science that aims to ensure that all things are in harmony with their surroundings. Its application ranges from planning entire cities and empires to placing a guest at the dinner table; from the orientation of high-rise office buildings, to the interior decoration and furnishing of a house or a room. Based on influencing the flow of Chi or energy through your home and other aspects of your

Imparting teaching skills Pasan Fernando explains his free teaching programmes

Working currently as the Head of Department for Economics at the University College School (UCS) in the UK, Pasan Fernando is all set to move into his new role as the Assistant Principal Notting Hill and Ealing High School, London when the academic year begins in September. Having had his education at Wycherley International School, Colombo Pasan went on to obtain a BA Hons from the University of Nottingham, PGCE Institute of Education, and a M

Award winning French Lankan Artisan Boulanger Tharshan Selvarajah

A few weeks ago the French media was saturated with a story about Sri Lankan Tharshan Selvarajah winning the top title of the Meilleure Baguette de Tradition Française de la Ville de Paris (the best traditional French baguette of Paris). Not only Sri Lankans in France but those around the world were filled with pride that a fellow Lankan had to bear the French at their own skill of making baguette. In an exclusive interview with Life Tharshan spe

Of Sub-Standard Products and Establishments

Of late, various establishments, groceries, food, medical or wellness, have sprung up all over the city and the entire country. The latter three have very posh appearances and are on fabulous looking premises, making you suspicious as to where the money came from.

A Lasting Impact

Today on the Buzz I feature a team that is making a lasting Impact. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Chapter in Sri Lanka will be organising an international conference on Architecture in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Italian Embassy of Sri Lanka on the theme: “Architecture: A Lasting Impact.”

A WORLD BRAIN DAY MESSAGE “WHEN IT’S A STROKE, LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND”

Remember, stroke is not the end of life. Urgent medical treatment, good rehabilitation, a positive frame of mind will enable you and your loved ones to live a fulfilled life after stroke.

Short Memories

A year ago, the country was in a sad state with long queues for fuel, Covid yet lurking around, civil unrest and other depressing situations. A year on and we seem to have forgotten all that we went through and are carrying on with our lives the best way possible. The wonder of the human mind. Thinking of the past only sabotages everybody’s time and prevents us from taking advantage of any opportunities that are available to us. Focusing on th

Headquarters By W15

​When you think of Colombo, you often think of the hustle and bustle of the city, the constantly changing skyline, the curbside kades with their street food, and the city that comes alive at night. Step

THE SLOTH BEAR IN SRI LANKA Ecology, Conservation & Human Dimensions

It seems strange that while elephants and leopards gain the major headlines, especially with regard to their desperate struggles for survival, another of Sri Lanka’s iconic big mammals, the Sloth Bear, is hardly ever written about. Probably the most endangered of the top three large terrestrial mammals, it is perhaps its elusiveness, predominantly nocturnal habits, and the relatively few resulting photographic opportunities that keeps it out of m

Soundarie David Rodrigo

Today on the Buzz I speak to Soundarie about a mission to take our Sri Lankan talent to the World Choir Games. Recently the Soul Sounds Academy had a concert to raise funds so that they can participate at the 12th Bali International Choir Festival. If you would like to contribute, you can always reach out to the Academy. Here is my little chat with Soundarie.

Shani Diluka performs with Chamber Music

On Wednesday night (12th) the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka presented a classical music concert featuring internationally renowned piano virtuoso Shani Diluka, performing with two of Sri Lanka’s outstanding musicians, Dushyanthi Perera and Nilupul Silva.

Spreading social messages Through Batik Fusion 14’s towering batik installation captures the imagination of its viewers.

Saarah Dean Ismail, the founder of Fusion 14 is on a mission to use the artisanal craft of batik to spread social messages. Working with a team of artisans Saarah has created what is possibly Sri Lanka’s tallest batik tapestry which could be best described as a pennant sans its customary tapered edge. This creation inspired by Deen’s passion to safeguard the island’s rich cultural heritage and lend support to vital environmental conservation ef

Oppenheimer ‘A total knockout’

Oppenheimer features an all-star cast and is led by Cillian Murphy, who plays the theoretical physicist who helped develop the bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimerreports the Daily Mail. The Christopher Nolan-directed movie also boasts a cast including Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr and Matt Damon. Film critic Robbie Collin from The Telegraph raved on Twitter: ‘Am torn between being all coy and mysterious about Oppenheimer and just coming out and saying

Sake Colombo Japanese restaurant

Sake Colombo by Tsukiji Uoichi is by no means a new entry to the Japanese food scene in Sri Lanka; the restuarant first opened its doors back in 2010 and the ‘Tsukiji Uoichi’ brand is a well-known chain of Japanese restaurants in Tokyo. It has, however, recently come under new management, undergone rebranding and upgrading to operate as the newly reopened ‘Sake Colombo’ today.

‘Sherwood by The Barn’ Lanka’s First Sustainable and Climate-Friendly theme venue

‘The Barnhouse in Kiriberiya, Panadura is the very first hospitality brand in Sri Lanka to conceptualise environmentally-responsible architecture. The concept is exactly based around the idea of an Old English Barnhouse and each element found on the premises is architecturally crafted in synchronisation with the theme.

Hugh Jackman is back as Wolverine! 

Hugh Jackman has been spotted filming his first scenes for his anticipated role in Deadpool 3 alongside Ryan Reynolds reports the Daily Mail.

Miss California Teen USA A beacon of Positivity

Sri Lankan American Taliya Peiris a resident of San Ramon was recently crowned Miss California Teen USA. Beating 40 other contestants for the title Taliya will now go on to represent California in the Miss Teen USA 2023 pageant. Taliya will be an incoming freshman at Santa Clara University where she will be studying Management Information Systems. The 18 year old is passionate about bringing to light the importance of representation in the entert

BIA’s female Air Traffic Controllers

The day in the life of a female Air Traffic Controller (ATC) is filled with the rush of adrenaline at any given minute. Continuous updates from different control towers, aircrafts that arrive and depart, fellow controllers who check weather and other updates keep this operation going. But what is unique about being an Air Traffic Controller is the fact that they not only have to take instantaneous decisions but they have to think and act fast all

Kumkum Fernando at Coachella

This year the world famous Coachella Music Festival which was held in the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, in the Coachella Valley in the Colorado Desert had a Sri Lankan connection in the form of Kumkum Fernando’s installations. Considered one of the largest, most famous and most profitable music festivals in the world which regularly features some of the biggest names in music, Coachella is also known for its large art installations.