Vil Uyana

The Sigiriya Rock, a World Heritage site, is rich in history. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle, the Cùavamsa, this area was a large forest. This site was selected by King Kashyapa (AD 477–495) for his new capital. He built his palace on top of the rock in the area and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of the rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of t

Sri Lankan Malay Food Festival

Malay Jiving, the recent hawker style street food festival held at The Courtyard in Cinnamon Grand, Colombo, provided a unique opportunity for food enthusiasts to delve into the vibrant world of Sri Lankan Malay cuisine. With its impressive array of unique dishes and collaboration with veteran Sri Lankan Malay home cook Raleena Veero, the festival truly delivered an unforgettable culinary experience.

Sri Lanka’s Finest Hotels to Participate in Upcoming Bocuse d’Or 2023 Competition

In a dazzling display of culinary expertise and gastronomic excellence, Sri Lanka’s finest chefs will take center stage at the Bocuse d’Or 2023 competition, often hailed as the “Olympics of Cooking.” This highly anticipated international culinary event will showcase the exceptional skills of Sri Lanka’s finest chefs, who will compete on the world stage in Lyon, France.

‘Fort WindShire’ Living in a ‘Medieval Fortress’

Nuwara Eliya is experiencing a much needed cooler season amidst a heavy warm atmosphere in Colombo, despite a heavy downpour. In beautiful Nuwara Eliya rains bring not only the true colours of Little England, but the large number of guests too who love to enjoy a taste of an European climate.

Exploring Spain The Great Mosque in Cordoba

About an hour’s train ride away from Seville lies Cordoba which is famous for its Great Mosque. Having heard fascinating tales about the Great Mosque it was only natural that I took a day trip to Cordoba to see the Great Mosque for myself. The train journey from Seville to Cordoba was quick and comfortable and inexpensive.

Triumph at Winning Images 2023 Contest

Renowned photographer Andy Samarasena, hailing from the USA but with deep ties to Sri Lanka, secured the prestigious 1st prize in the Travel Category at the Winning Images 2023 photo contest. His captivating photograph of the Gal Viharaya in Polonnaruwa impressed the judges, earning him both the top spot and the cover feature.

Uncovering the Historical Charms of The Grand Walawwa

Nestled amidst the scenic region of Kegalle, Sri Lanka, The Grand Walawwa, a new venture by Shri Nadika Gem & Jewellery, offers a retreat that combines history with luxury

Ripping off the foreigners… A Sri Lankan skin clinic experience...

I recently booked to see a skin specialist and paid the rate in advance to an online doctor booking site. They asked me for a passport copy. Why? I sent a copy anyway.

Ty Nitti The Trailblazing Sri Lankan Cowboy...

Meet Ty Nitti, a remarkable individual who stands as the only Sri Lankan cowboy and quite possibly the only Asian cowboy in existence. With his iconic hat and a heart filled with passion, Ty runs a horse ranch in the picturesque Apple Valley. The Double 6 Ranch, a cherished family- owned establishment, offers a wide range of professional equine services to individuals, horse owners, businesses, and even Hollywood actors. Ty is renowned worldwide

Lusterless

Remember the films, especially the black and whites, based on the Cold War and countries behind the Iron Curtain, where the cities were drab while its inhabitants seemed desperate. The city of Colombo, in the evenings and at night, will take your mind back to such movies. It has lost all its luster.

Mongolian Street Opens Its Biggest Outlet Yet!

Few restaurants in and around Colombo can claim to have experienced rapid organic growth in just two to three years of operation, but Mongolian Street most certainly can. They’ve just opened their biggest outlet yet at No. 318, Torrington Avenue, Colombo 05, and the new outlet is an absolute treat.

Shani Diluka performs the Emperor

Shani is no stranger to Sri Lankan audiences, having performed concerts in Sri Lanka on multiple occasions in the past. This July, be sure to catch her performance of Beethoven’s Emperor concerto with the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka at the Lionel Wendt Theatre.

French Film Festival 2023

The French Film Festival organized on the occasion of French Spring Festival 2023 will be held from the 6 th of July to the 9th of July 2023 at the National Film Corporation (Tharangani Theatre, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7). All movies will be subtitled in English and entrance will be free. The Film Festival will be inaugurated on the 6th of July at 6PM with Cédric Klapish’s new movie En Corps / Rise, released in March 2022.

Kishani Sings For Lrh

Soprano opera singer Kishani Jayasinghe drew a full house on a Monday night at her concert, ‘Kishani Sings for LRH’, a charity show in aid of the leading pediatric hospital in Sri Lanka, the Lady Ridgeway Hospital. She was accompanied on stage by composer and concertmaster Lakshman Joseph de Saram and several principals of the Chamber Music Society of Colombo on violin, viola, cello, double bass, and piano. The show, which took place at the Lion

An Exhibition with a Difference

“ Euphoria” an exhibition by Shari Jayawardhana in collaboration with 20 disabled child artists will be held at the Gallery FourLife, Colombo 5, from July 8-9 with the opening reception being held on July 8.

The CMSC - Introduces Maestro Leslie Suganandarajah

On the 13th of July at 7:30 pm at the Goethe-Institute Hall, the Chamber Music Society of Colombo (CMSC) will inaugurate its latest venture, ‘In Conversation,’ an informal in-person chat series moderated by the founder of the CMSC, Lakshman Joseph-de Saram, and will feature various personalities in music and allied art forms.

Adventure Golf The Ultimate Golfing Adventure

“Adventure Golf,” Colombo’s newest indoor mini golf course, opened to the public on June 15, 2023, at Arcade Independence Square. The 18 hole course is spread out across 5,000 square feet and features challenging obstacles and interactive elements that cater to both children and adults. Suitable for all ages, Adventure Golf is poised to become a popular destination for families and friends to enjoy together in the heart of Colombo. The venue is o

The Luxury Experience

Looking for a luxury experience in a well-appointed Spa to be pampered in sheer luxury for a full day or the number of hours you have? Organique.lk is the best option.

Hotel Manoli A Levantine Culinary Adventure

When I first heard the name Hotel Manoli, I couldn’t help but imagine a charming little Sri Lankan eatery tucked away in a quaint village. But how wrong I was! Hotel Manoli, located at Food Studio, One Galle Face Mall, is a culinary gem that brings the flavours of Levantine cuisine to Colombo. As someone who is fond of Mediterranean cuisine, I was excited to try it out, and let me tell you - it was a delightful revelation.

Tag me @DANU Theva Residency

If you are hoping to visit the hills, here is a place you must stop and enjoy or make it your place to holiday and relax. We never see how beautiful our country is, until we sit and experience a Lankan sunset with the mountains as the backdrop. When dusk sets in, the view from the poolside lounging area at Theva Residency looks like a painting from heaven.

Festival of Colours

Weekends are all about fun and festivity. After strenuous work schedules during the week, people in the city are on the lookout for opportunities to rejuvenate themselves before another hectic week. Hence an event for everyone to celebrate and have fun with friends and family would be just ideal. The Past Pupils’ Association and the Oriental Dance Society of Bishop’s College took the initiative to organise the event ‘Festival of Colours’.

In Conversation with Shani Diluka

Shani Diluka studied at the CNSMD in Paris, from which she graduated with a First Prize, and joined the highly prestigious Fondation de Piano de Come, chaired by Martha Argerich. Guest soloist with numerous orchestras, she has appeared in recitals in many places including London, Paris , Vienna, Chicago, Amsterdam, Venice and Japan. On July 8th, at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, internationally renowned pianist Shani Diluka will perform Beethoven’s

A Festival of Choirs

It will be the first time after quite awhile that choirs of this nature will participate in one venue and will be a treat for choral music lovers. We met with the team behind the organizing of this event which will take place on Saturday the 24th of June at 6.30pm. Ishan de Lanerolle, the Conductor and Leader of the Cathedral choir said they are very happy to welcome this unprecedented congregation who have already obtained more than 1800 invit

Dual winners for Gratiaen prize 2023

Unpublished manuscripts authored by Rajapakse for her collection of short stories titled “Keeping Time and Other Stories” and Wijeratne’s novel titled “The Wretched and the Damned” were selected as the winning work of the year, out of 4 shortlisted writers. Keeping Time and Other Stories is a series of short stories capturing a glimpse of the richness and depth of everyday life, inviting readers to reflect on the complexity of ordinary experienc

The C Vibes Club Tour is back to rock Colombo!

Two hot international DJs and Colombo’s best will rock 10 venues over 10 days when the C Vibes Club Tour 2023 takes off on the 22nd of June and rocks on until the 2nd of July.

International Music Day French Spring Festival 2023

The 11th edition of the French Spring Festival will be launched with a music live show to celebrate the international music day, with a special guest of honour for the occasion: the French singer Léa Paci.

Harassed elephants budget tourists and vlogs

A clip on social media about an elephant charging some tourists caught my attention the other day. Many elephants roam the main roads of the jungle areas in Sri Lanka as the forests are being cleared and the elephants have nowhere to hang out.

Chef Dominique Schrotter Exploring Culinary Boundaries with Michelin-Starred Artistry

Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, Executive Chef Dominique Schrotter has emerged as a culinary maestro, captivating the palates of discerning diners with his Michelin-starred restaurant,

A Birthday Celebration

Our famous lady jeweller, Mallika Hemacahndra celebrated her birthday quietly with her family but her daughter Chamindri who works closely with her has produced some pieces of jewellery specially designed in her mother’s honour

Good definitions

Some good definitions; SCHOOL- a place where Parents pay and children play. LIFE INSURANCE- A contract that keeps you poor all your life, so that you can die rich. NURSE- a person who wakes you up to give you sleeping pills.