“Ahimsa” Celebrating Gandhi with an evening of dance

A Choreographic dance production by Aru Sri Art Theatre with eminent danseuse Rama Vaidyanathan On 22 March 2019 at 7 pm at Bishops college auditorium Celebrating 150 years of Mahatma-“Ahimsa”, a choreographic dance production blended together with thematic concepts using performing arts will be presented by Aru Sri Art Theatre in collaboration with the High Commission of India, Colombo on March 22, 2019 at 7.00 pm at Bishop’s College Auditorium

Thripitakabhivandana Week How Tipitaka has preserved Buddha Sasana

The Pali Tipitaka volumes form the foundation source of the Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition. Tipitaka Dharma constitutes of the Sutra Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka and the Abhidharma Pitaka apart from including the Atthakatha and Teeka. This is the most prominent sacred heritage in the world history which has been brought forward for generations by listening to verbal recitation and memorising. Since the first Dhamma Sangayana to the transcription of th

Kumaratungu Esura, authored by great scholar Arisen Ahubudu

The book titled “ Kumaratungu Esura” authored by great scholar Arisen Ahubudu has been reprinted by M/s M.D. Gunasena & Company after an interval of several years fulfilling a long standing need of readers, stu

Wise Karu pride of all Buddhists

In recognition of the services rendered by Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to the Buddha Sasana and the society in general, the Most Ven. Maha Nayaka Maha Thera and the Sangha Sabha of the Malwatta Chapter of the Siam Sect have decided to felicitate him by conferring him the Honorary title of “Sasana Keerthi Sri Deshabhimani” at a special ceremony held in Kandy. Jayasuriya was born in Siyane Korale; the home town of patriotic leaders who led the freedom

Single mother care: The untold story of single mothers

If we were to tie in intersectional thoughts and take account of this society’s economic, historical, and social differences among genders, we’d be aware of the oppression, diversity, and inequality portrayed among women.

Prolific writer launches five new books

Ms Kanthi Gunathilake is a prolific writer who has written 60 works of fiction. She is unique in that much of her fiction is based in Japan, a country she knows intimately as she has lived there for nearly two decades.

A handy book on Saiva noble thoughts

One of the urgent needs to overhaul the educational system in the country is to make compulsory the study of Moral Science or Ethics in all schools from Grade 1 to Grade 7 so that the young become aware of what is right and wrong to observe and the correct way of living.

Deforestation: The face of devastation

In the attempts made to decelerate its pace, and support the planet, trees have become a major point of focus. The value of forests cannot be undermined. Being the lungs of the Earth....

Bharatanatyam performance by Sri Pavithra Krishna Bhat

Sri Shirdi Sai Trust of Sri Lanka and trustees of Sri Varatharaja Vinayagar - Sai Nathanin Saranalayam in Kotahena have jointly organised a devotional classical Bharatanatyam dance performance by renowned Indian classical dancer Sri Pavithra Krishna Bhat today at 6.30 p.m.at the Bishop’s College Auditorium. The event aims at raising awareness on the magnificent Shirdi Sai consciousness that is happening globally and to seek support for the upcom

Police Hospital rescues retired SSP Noordeen from jaws of death

It was yet another routine Thursday night when I decided to nestle in bed after a long day’s mundane work and running errands and doing the chores, and since my parents had flown to KSA for my elder sister’s confinement and to perform Umrah(pilgrimage), I’d wanted my newly-wedded brother and his wife to rough out at our rather capacious house that would totally fit us youngsters. With all energy drained on the demanding weekday, I’d fallen into d

Ciline: A rose that spread fragrance

Born to righteous parents in the village of Kurukulawa in Ragama was my beloved aunt, Ciline. She grew up with honours and esteem. Aunt Ciline excelled in her studies and graduated from Peradeniya University. Later, she took up to teaching. She served the education sector as a teacher for four decades, finally ending up as the Vice Principal of Gurukula Maha Vidyalaya in Kelaniya. She was a faithful wife to Oliver Samaranayake, a dedicated mot

#MeToo in Sri Lanka: Why it’s needed

Ranbanda Seneviratne will be remembered, more than anything else, as the writer of ‘Landune.’ In the course of that song, Ranbanda compares the titular girl, a prostitute, to Patachara and Kisa Gotami, “without a husband,” “aimlessly wandering,” “sinning in secret,” “with only your breasts, and not soul, to see.”

DINISA: Healthy Diabetic Patients’ Clinic

DINISA is an acronym for Diyavadiya Niroginge Sayanayaor Healthy Diabetic Patients’ Clinic. We like to introduce a new concept which is embedded here. Healthy diabetic patient is an oxymoron and we believe persons with diabetes....

Tribute to Dr. Nilan Kalidasa Rodrigo

To be honest, we hadn’t heard about him until my daughter wanted to consult a gynaecologist after she found out she was pregnant. Incidentally, Dr. Nilan Kalidasa Rodrigo was the only available gynaecologist at the time in a popular private hospital close to our residential area.

Democracy Undermined by Discrimination

March 21 is “The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.” The Election Commission (EC) celebrates such key dates on the international calendar as pertain to elections and the franchise.

Award-winning artiste Malaka Dewapriya decries censorship

Malaka Dewapriya, award winning script writer and director of the controversial radio drama series entitled ‘Kanata Paharak’ was recently recognized as the Best Radio Drama Scriptwriter at the State Radio Awards.

Bugs inconvenience train commuters

Public transportation now in Sri Lanka has developed to the extent that most people use it as a preferred mode of travel. Modes of public transport in Sri Lanka comprise buses, cars, trains, tuk tuks (Three wheelers) and helicopters.

Thai Immigration slaps Sri Lankan peace activist with 100-year-ban

Sydney Marcus Dias, a veteran writer, teacher and peace activist, was arrested on February 15 by the Thai Immigration citing his involvement in the East Timor Freedom Movement. He has been banned from entering Thailand for 100 years and was deported back to Sri Lanka.

Corporal Punishment ‘Life-long lessons or life-long scars?

In 1992 Sri Lanka was one of the first 150 countries which signed up for the zero-tolerance policy implemented by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNRC).

Online sexism perpetuates with impunity

The forward journey of a woman is often hampered by culture, stereotypes and the everyday sexism of men as well as women. The recent celebration of International Women’s Day, which saw our national carrier, Sri Lankan Airlines, fly to Singapore in an all female crew flight, was sadly subjected to sexist remarks by certain men on social media.

Buddhism and Christianity: Triumph and defeat

The Evangelical revival that spread its wings in late 18th century and early 19th century England was initially centred at Cambridge University. The Cambridge group was later to be supplemented by another organisation known as the “Clapham Sect”....

“The Day We Screamed” – thinking outside the box

“The Day We Screamed” is an important multi-media exhibition. Held at the Theertha ‘Red Dot’ Art Gallery, it brought together paintings, sculptures, etchings, collages and images of performance events from the 1990s to the first decade of the new millennium.

‘Little Hearts’ project to be completed in 2 years’ time: How big hearts save lives in peril

Free health care is a service Sri Lanka can pride herself in having delivered; swerving away from the global issue of millions of lives lost over high health care costs. The equal opportunity and financial relief however encapsulates waiting lists, inaccessibility and deaths through incapacity.

Kalapola offered artists a breath of fresh air

Kalapola, the largest open-air art fair and the most anticipated art event in Sri Lanka, was held recently in Colombo. Thousands of people attended the fair which was held for the 26th year.

Kavsilumina or Guttila Kaavya?

Is Kavsilumina the masterpiece of the elite Sinhala literature? Does it surpass Guttila Kaavya acknowledged as the foremost poetic composition for its ornate styles of verse and its dramatic poetic compositions?

Kakiyan by Capt Elmo Jayawardena: a portrayal with thoughtful reflection

The text of Reader’s View Delivered by K. K. S. Perera –at the Launch of the 2nd print held at British Council on March 1, 2019. People write autobiographies and memoirs— is Kakiyan an author’s story?

International Women’s Day: Think equal, build smart, innovate for change give a proper school for g

nternational Women’s Day fell on March 8 with this year’s theme “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change” which focuses on innovative ways in which individuals can advance gender equality and the empowerment of women, particularly in the areas of...

World Rotaract Week -March 11- 17: Your career and Rotaract

Being one of the largest youth organisations in the world, the Rotaract Movement has captured the hearts of many enthusiastic young leaders across the globe. Rotaract was founded forty years ago, with the Rotaract Club....

Ramachandra Sunderalingam Stalwart of Sri Lanka Police

Ramachandra Sunderalingam, a police officer who was highly-respected for his integrity, honesty and impartial execution of law, died in Chennai on December 29, 2018, where he was domiciled with his wife during the past few years.

Daya Karunanayake A true friend and great planter

It gives me both pleasure and grief to pen this short message of condolence on the demise of a good human being; ‘Daya’ whom I have had the pleasure of associating closely with for the last 50 years; pleasant because he was indeed a true friend and associate of mine and sad because of having lost a faithful and loyal companion.