Survivors’ Narratives: The Missing L/Ink in Our Literature Classroom

A few months ago, I saw an advertisement in a local newspaper regarding a motor championship which fascinated me: Eliyakandha Hill Climb.

Children walk 16 kms all the way to school

At a time when city dwellers, while enjoying the perks they are blessed with and sending their children to popular schools in their own luxury vehicles, private vans or by public transport, it is too remorseful and disheartening to note that some children domiciled in tea estates trek 16 kilometres through rugged terrain braving inclement weather to attend school daily.

A life sacrificed for others

Oranee was my friend for 50 years. For 20 years we were at the Sri Jayawardenepura University. She was a Chemistry honours graduate and her husband was a Professor of Chemistry and Dean of the Faculty of the same university.

Tribute to a legendary teacher

Today, on his 100th birthday, I pay my deep respects to this unforgettable teacher, Mr P. Subramaniam. A devoted family man and a faithful friend, he was an inspiring teacher to hundreds of students who had the privilege of being taught by this master of the language; at Trinity College Kandy, Teacher Training college or at the Shakespeare Institute.

174 Indian Nationals repatriated from SL on a special flight

174 Indian nationals including an infant were repatriated from Sri Lanka on a special Air India flight AI 1284 from Colombo to Mumbai and Delhi on 24 September, 2020.

What went wrong in Kandy?

Tragedy struck when a five-storey building caved in and collapsed, killing a young family of three in Kandy last week. The construction in the steep slopes of Sanghamitta Mawatha, Buwelikada collapsed during the early hours of Sunday.

SJC marks 125 years of excellence

In the 19th century, when colonialism shaped Sri Lanka’s education sector, the then Archbishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Dr. Christopher Bonjean developed the idea of establishing a Catholic educational institution in Colombo.

Public transport 'side-laned'?

“Miss, mantheeru neethiya nisa api bus passen yanna one. Ithin drop eka parakku wei,” (Miss, because of the lane law we have to follow the buses. So I will not be able to drop you on time), warned a tuk tuk driver. The newly introduced and much-spoken of traffic lane law has therefore been subject to appraisal as well as criticism over the past few days. While many believe it to be a way t

Mushrooming boutiques invade residents’ privacy

Despite city beautification projects that have been taking place, several areas in Colombo are still awaiting a facelift. One of these areas is a section of Malalasekara Mawatha, opposite Arcade Independence Square. Residen

Early political attempts by Lankan Muslims to voice their concerns

Over the years, Muslim politics in Sri Lanka has been undergoing changes in terms of issues/concerns, organization, alliances, and of course, relations with other communities. There have been periods of consonance as well as disso

Underground Windows reviewed: Rutnam to launch collection of poems

Filmmaker Chandran Rutnam has shown so many life skills and what stands out most among all that is his ability to tell stories.

Remembering Rajani: Framing Democracy for our times

On September 21, 1989, Rajani Thiranagama, a mother of two children, a medical doctor and lecturer at the Jaffna University, a Marxist Feminist and a Human Rights activist, who co-founded the University Teachers for Human Rights....

A MAN OF PRINCIPLES

Godwin Jayasuriya, known to his close friend as “GODI”, was person who was always concerned about honesty and integrity. He had very good principles which he tried to adhere to the very letter. And when he observed others not adhering to them it would certainly annoy him. But he was a man with a large heart and was compassionate towards those who were not financially successful. I recall one instance when he gifted a fridge to a domestic and s

Alumni Association of University going strong

The 38th Annual General Meeting of the Alumni Association of the University of Colombo was held at the Senate Hall of the University of Colombo with the participation of the Vice-Chancellor, Senior Professor Chandrika N. Wijeyaratne, who is also the Ex-officio Vice President of the Association and other Office Bearers and Members.

Madapatha has hardly changed

Every morning at 5.20, I wake up to the sound of distant drums followed by the chanting of pirith. I literally begin my day with a reminder of the impermanence of life. But then dawn breaks 10 minutes later, and by 5.45, what with the tooting of horns and the chirping of birds heralding the coming day, I can no longer hear the pirith as clearly.

The democratic undoing of democracy

An all-powerful presidency is set to be established with the proposed 20th Amendment (20A) to the Constitution according to political experts. The amendment not only weakens Independent Commissions but also subordinates....

SOSAA’s International Conference to attract young scholars

The University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) will be hosting the 7th International conference of the Society of South Asian Archaeology (SOSAA) from September 18-19.

Pretty Boys: Redefining Masculinity

If you do not know who BTS is, then you were probably living under a rock for the past few years. BTS, also known as the ‘Bangtan Boys’ is a Korean Pop (K-pop) group consisting of seven members; Kim Namjoon (RM), Kim Seokjin (Jin), Min Yoongi (Suga), Jung Hoseok (J-Hope), Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung (V) and Jeon Jungkook. K-pop is a genre of popular music originating in South Korea and it has succeeded in making its mark around the globe.

Land acquisitions in Hanthana and Knuckles Mountain ranges

Sri Lankans will soon lose their opportunity to boast about the rich biodiversity the land once had. Ad hoc practices such as clearing protected areas....

WHAT IS LUXURY?

Most often, luxury is considered as an indulgence in and enjoyment of rich, comfortable and sumptuous living. It is an inordinate craving for something pleasurably satisfying.

Offer a lifeline to Bandula Jayasekara

Bandula Jayasekara, former Sri Lankan diplomat and senior journalist has been suffering from blood cancer for the past 14 months.

World Reflexology Week online international presentation

Members of the International Council of Reflexologists (ICR) are bringing the community together through healthy soles. The ICR is working together with its members and other reflexology organizations to coordinate events worldwide to

To Prevent an Exile: Conserving Lakdas Wikkramasinha

In my early-20s, two poets I had to read as a university student went on to leave a lasting impression: one was T.S. Elliot and the other – Lakdas Wikkramasinha (1941-1978). The work of both poets was taught to us by Nihal Fernando, which is another experience.

‘MEMORABLE STEPS 2020’ For Dementia-Friendly, Physically-Fit Nation

‘Memorable Steps 2020’ is a virtual walk challenge that will take place from 1- 21 September 2020. This is organized by the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation (LAF) in collaboration with ‘Ayubo. life health app.’

What was Buvanekabahu’s role in Lankan history?

Buvanekabahu 11, is a Lankan king, hardly known till he suddenly made headlines for the wrong reasons. Today, tears are shed, vigorous debates conducted and a ringing call for justice made against those who levelled his “Royal Magul Maduwa” in Kurunegala to the ground.

Tribute to a gentleman cricketer: Tall Handsome Gentleman Cricketer “Bandu” Deva Bandula de Silva

The month of September was a very significant one to Bandu our classmate. He stepped into his world on the 20th as a bundle of joy to his parents and the significance added on with bliss when he knotted......

Sampath Agalawatta

August 29th signified the 2nd death anniversary of Sampath “Agale” Agalawatta, our captain, teammate, friend, and colleague. He would have celebrated his 55th b’day on September 7th. Sampath was a very helpful person to everyone who knew him and he went to extraordinary lengths to help out anyone in need. I know how much he did for his parents, lovingly looking after them when the

Kamini Vitarana environmentalist, gender advocate, water warrior and friend

Much is already written about the late Kamini Meedeniya Vitarana , (09.11.28 - 28.07.20) leading scientist and activist on environmental , water management and women’s issues - and many more accolades will be written. I never knew her in her earlier days as a student ,scientist or politician. But long before I ever met her , I had been reading about the work of Ruk Rekaganno, the organis

Aalul Mahfil Union elects Muzeena Ousmand as new President

The 88th Annual General Meeting of ‘Aalul Mahfil Union’ (AMU) was held on Sunday 30th August 2020 at the Padang Auditorium, Colombo Malay Cricket Club, Colombo 2. Sdri Muzeena Ousmand became the second lady to be elected President of AMU, the first lady President being Sdri Shirley Amit, wife of Sdr Sagara Amit. Muzeena is the daughter late Sdr Nazeem Thunku

21st Death Anniversary In Rememberance of the late Dr.A.C.S. Hameed

Desegurunansela Gedera Dr.A.C.S. Hameed’ passed away on September 3,1999. He was a Member of Parliament from 1960 to 1999 representing the Akurana Electorate, which was changed to Harispattuwa in 1965 a multimember constituency in the Kandy District. The Harispattuwa ele