Glossy Ibis: Jewel of Jaffna-By David Jeevathithan Ambalavanar Glossy ibis in Mandaitivu Pix by David Jeevathithan Ambalavanar Image Source:Sundaytimes Source:Sundaytimes Sri Lanka is known for its beautiful diversity of bird life- at least 468 species of birds 34 endemic species and at least 226 migrant species. Within Sri Lanka, Jaffna and the Northern Province are also home to an array of birds, from storks, egrets and herons to kingfishers, kites and eagles and even ducks and grebes. However, while many birds are well documented and widely appreciated such as the migrating Greater flamingos, there is one bird species that does not receive anywhere near the attention it deserves: the Glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus). Ibis are characterised by a small head, a long, curved beak, a long, gracefully curved neck and a rotund body with short tail feathers. They are frequently found in wetland habitats and feed mainly on insects, crustaceans, ...
Author Archives : eLanka admin
Historical Varana Rajamaha Vihara in Siyane Korale-by S.K. Tissera, Chilaw Group corr Image Source:Sundayobserver Source:Sundayobserver The Varana Raja Maha Vihara in Siyane Korale in the Gampaha district is a historically significant cave temple which is in a rocky area close to a vast stretch of paddy field surrounded by a picturesque, tranquil, green environment. This ancient temple with its unusual geographical location can be reached from Yakkala, Nittambuwa and Thihariya on the Colombo- Kandy road. The historical Raja Maha Vihara thought of as the largest forest monastery in the Gampaha district can be seen one and a half miles away from the Nelligahamula junction on the Yakkala – Kirindiwela road. Despite being a less-known Buddhist place of worship, it has in its three terraces so many must-see artefacts and relief features probably marvelled at by whoever gets there. A wonder of nature later turned into an open art gallery ...
Worship once and cleanse yourself-by Mahil Wijesinghe Image Source:Sundayobserver Source:Sundayobserver The high regard for Kelaniya among the Buddhists is demonstrated by a popular anecdote which we have heard as children. Sung as a verse, it reads: Upan da sita karapu pavu netha – Varak vendoth Kelaniye. Though it claims that one’s sins will be washed away once the person worships at Kelaniya, it is a highly exaggerated statement intended to get devotees to go at least once and worship there. The Kelaniya temple is one of the most important places of worship for Buddhists in and around the capital. It nestles in spiritual surroundings on a higher terrace on the banks of the Kelani Ganga outside the highly urbanised Kelaniya city, ten kilometres Northeast of Colombo Fort, a short detour off the Kandy road. I got a chance to visit this temple one sunny day last week, prior to ...
Jan 22, 2024
Posted
Articles
Tagged D.R.Wijewardene, Duruthu Full Moon Poya day, Helena Wijewardene, Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
Celebrating Thai Pongal-by Pradeep Dilrukshana Image Source:Dailymirror Source:Dailymirror Hindus turned up in their numbers to engage in religious observances at the Sivam Kovil Kotahena to celebrate Thai Pongal today. ...
THE PROPRIETARY PLANTER -AN EXTINCT-by Hugh Karunanayake Source:Island The colonial history of Sri Lanka is characterised by the partial control of the country by the Portuguese and the Dutch, and complete control by the British. In the broader context of the colonisation of the South of the globe by the North, Sri Lanka together with British India were “transient” colonies as compared to the “settler” colonies of Africa, Australia, and the Americas. While the Portuguese and the Dutch were interested in the cinnamon that grew naturally in the island, they did not have access or control of the mid or high country of the island which were controlled and came under the suzerainty of the Sinhalese kings. Furthermore, the vast expanse of the country’s hinterland excepting the ‘dry zone’ was under thick forest cover. No attempt was made by either the Portuguese or the Dutch to engage in systematic cultivation ...
Jan 22, 2024
Posted
Articles, Hugh Karunanayake
Tagged Ceylon Estates Proprietary Association, Mr Gordon Bois
MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS. – By Charles Schokman Image Source : commons.wikimedia I came across this song quite by accident and I am glad I did as it brought back pleasant memories of my late mum singing it many, many years ago. It is a tribute to all those beautiful wives gone to be with the Lord. Hope it touches your hearts. CHORUS: If those lips could only speak If those eyes could only see If those beautiful golden tresses Were here in reality Could I only take your hand As I did when you told my name But it’s only a beautiful picture In a beautiful golden frame It stood in a beautiful mansion Surrounded by riches untold And he gazed at the beautiful picture That hung in a frame of gold Was the picture of a lady So beautiful young and fair To this beautiful life-like vision He murmured in ...
THE CONVERTIBLE CRAZE OF THE 1950s – By HUGH KARUNANAYAKE The Korean boom of 1950/51 which created record disposable incomes within the country, ,elevated standards of living among those who already enjoyed a reasonably comfortable life, but sadly did not have the “trickle down” effect which most Keynesian economists of the day desired. As we all know; the much vaunted “welfare state’ of Ceylon soon began to creak under the weight of welfare costs, and by mid 1953 the government took away one of the keystones of its welfare arch, by withdrawing the free rice rations made available in better times. The Hartal organised by the LSSP on 12 August 1953 led to police action resulting in 9 deaths. It was to be the first significant anti government protest since independence was granted in 1948. The early nineteen fifties was an era yet to be influenced by overseas air travel. ...
Jan 22, 2024
Posted
Articles, Hugh Karunanayake
Tagged CADDILAC ELDORADO, Caddillac, glitzy motor cars, trickle down, welfare state
NETANYAHU TEETERS ON SHIFTING SANDS – by Joe Van Langenberg *Pledge to destroy Hamas ‘Unrealistic’…. Since Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to stage a ground offensive against the Palestinian Sunni Islamist group Hamas, in quick retaliation for the brutal, unexpected strikes against his country on October 07.2023, the situation has seemingly reached an apocalyptic point of no return. As stated earlier, Hamas’ initial onslaught left 1,200 people dead; not to mention 240 persons been taken as hostages. Releasing the hostages figured prominently in the short-lived cessation of hostilities, which in fact was observed from November 24 to December 01 2023, but failed to lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities, notwithstanding Qatar-sponsored mediation efforts. And now, it has been brimstone and fire emanating from every nook & cranny, on account of Netanyahu’s recalcitrance, unwillingness to seek a middle ground and determination to carry on, come what may. Hitherto, tens ...
Jan 22, 2024
Posted
Articles, Joe Van Langenberg
Tagged Benjamin Netanyahu, Gaza, Palestinian Sunni Islamist group, Van Langenberg
“Why do I think that beer is beneficial for health?” – By Dr Harold Gunatillake Website: www.Doctorharold.com Although it is commonly believed that alcohol consumption should be avoided for health reasons, data shows that there is not a significant difference in life expectancy between countries with high alcohol intake and those with low consumption. The Czech Republic remains the leader in per capita beer drinking for the 29th year. In 2021, the average Czech drank more than 184 litres of beer. The life expectancy for Czechia in 2023 was 79.85 years, a 0.18% increase from 2022. If your family doctor is a teetotaler, he will advise you to stay away from alcohol entirely. However, if your doctor enjoys a drink, he may suggest you consume it in moderation. This story is about the conflicting reports that arise in the media from time to time about whether alcoholic beverages are beneficial ...
Jan 22, 2024
Posted
Articles, Dr harold Gunatillake
Tagged alcoholic drinks, Beer, cholesterol levels, Health Risks, Heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, Sri Lankan population., Stroke, Vitamin B12
CDS AWARDS RS. 700,000.00 TO SBS PERSONS WOUNDED IN ACTION Source : ocds The Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral RC Wijegunaratne authored a book titled \”Read Between the Lines\” compiling the essays written by him with true stories in his 38 years of military career. A fund is being raised with the income generated by selling the book among military personnel to look after the welfare of the personnel and families of Sri Lanka Navy Special Boat Squadron (SBS) who were wounded and killed in action. As the first step of this noble initiative, seven (07) SBS personnel who were wounded in action were awarded with Rs. 100,000.00 each today (30th April) evening at the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff (OCDS). Mrs.Yamuna Wijegunarante, Mr. Satyajith Wijegunaratne, the Commanding officer of Special Boats Squadron and several senior officers at OCDS were present on this special occasion. ...
Jan 22, 2024
Posted
Articles
Tagged Satyajith Wijegunaratne, Special Boat Squadron, Yamuna Wijegunarante
