Articles

From Kataragama to the land of Gods and legends-by MAHIL WIJESINGHE   Source:Sundayobserver In modern Sri Lanka, Tissamaharama and Kirinda carry far less importance to the average person than Kataragama. Author Paul Wirz called this jungle site on the Menik Ganga ‘the holiest place in Ceylon.’ Pilgrims from all religions flock to the shrines – about 21 kilometres from Tissamaharama – to worship and make offerings. The deity most often associated with Kataragama is Skanda, with six faces and 12 hands, known here simply as Kataragama Deviyo. Buddhists travel to Kataragama mainly to visit the Kirivehera, a great Dagaba one kilometre West of the main shrine where the Buddha is said to have sat in meditation on his third and final visit to Sri Lanka. The seven Hills of Kataragama rise four kilometres South of the holy shrines. ...

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Lyceum International School, Nugegoda Senior Choir Enthrals Audience with Inaugural Carol Service at St. Paul’s Church In a harmonious celebration of the festive season, the Lyceum International School, Nugegoda Senior Choir marked a significant milestone with its inaugural Carol service at St. Paul’s Church, Kynsey Road, Colombo 10 recently. The event unfolded under the blessings of Vicar General Revd. Adrian Aaron, graced by the presence of Rev. Brother Neivl Jayasekara, Dr. Mohan Lal Grero, founder of Lyceum International Schools, Dr. (Mrs.) Kumari Grero, Coordinating Principal,  Mr. Rajiv Ekanayake, Principal,  the school’s Management staff, and parents. The event, marked by divine blessings and festive spirit, featured stellar performances by the Intermediate Choirs – Seraphim and Cherubim, in addition to the Staff Choir. The meticulously crafted programme opened with the hauntingly beautiful “Once in Royal David’s City” and gracefully progressed through a chronological portrayal of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. The musical ...

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Noel News A credit card is an anaesthetic which simply delays the pain.  HELEN MASON Welcome to our last newsletter of 2023 It’s been another eventful year with no progress with the war in Ukraine and the unexpected attack by Hamas on Israel. I don’t think either of these battles will end soon. Next year’s presidential election in the United States will further complicate matters. The good news in Australia is that the interest rate cycle is getting very close to the top, with some economists even predicting a drop in rates within 18 months. I doubt that will happen, but I do think we won’t see many more rises. Keep in mind that the Albanese government is about 18 months from an election, so expect the May 2024 budget to have more sweeteners than nasties. The controversial topic is the personal tax cuts that have been legislated to take ...

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National Community Cricket Awards 2023-24 Cricket Australia Community Cricket Awards Now Open! Has your organisation or a member of your organisation gone above and beyond in season 2023/24? Why not nominate them for the Cricket Australia Community Cricket Awards? Help us recognise those that have inspired others to love and play cricket by nominating them today! With two new categories this season, there are fifteen categories an organisation or an individual may be eligible for. ...

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An Inspirational Message for the Month of December 2023 – By Charles Schokman Christmas Image Source : Menyekanaburundi Facebook It was in the night that the Shepard saw the most amazing thing. It was seen first by a few, those who kept watch, but then they awoke the others from their slumber. It made them wonder why the night sky was like this, why a new star, why the heavens shimmered, why the earth glowed, eclipsed the normal constellations. As they gathered around the fires, the heavens were a blaze and burned with brilliance-their wonder turned to fear, for they sensed the magnitude of the night, for the world they knew would never be the same. It seems that we so often meet the divine with fear. Do we fear what we must leave behind, or fear more where we must go? We fear the unfamiliar and find safety in the ...

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CULTURAL VANDALISM SHOULD BE ERADICATED ! – By HUGH KARUNANAYAKE Sri Lanka is a country with a recorded history of over 2500 years. Few countries in the world could match that record. A nation’s  history brings with it a certain accumulation of historical facts, culture, customs and manners which combine to provide contemporary society with a base that  is inspirational and serves also as a platform for a unique understanding of our environment. Unfortunately, over the years there have been many elements from within our own society, who either under estimate the value of a sophisticated culture or allow mercenary instincts to dominate their thinking.  There are many recorded instances of cultural vandalism in Sri Lanka, and I focus on two examples that should serve to highlight the extent of the problem, and the need to take effective action. The unfortunate ending to “Mill House” in Gintota  is the first ...

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Christmas in the Good Old Days In Ceylon – By Noel Crusz Image Source : visitinsrilanka The memories of how Christmas was celebrated in the good old days in Sri Lanka come back to mind. Before the Christmas season the house was painted, the walls white-washed, and with a low black tar edging all-round the rooms. The chairs were re-cushioned. The traveling tailor came to the home, measured the rooms, and made the curtains on our old Singer sewing machine. Red Mansion polish was applied on the red cement floor, which got a shine by rubbing with a heavy handled brush and then mopping with a soft cloth. It was hard work. Cake making was a ritual, where the mother laid the rules and the children offered to help. We ate a good many of the cashew nuts and raisins when no one was looking. Two weeks before Christmas the children ...

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Obesity and potbelly issues – By Dr Harold Gunatillake Website: www.Doctorharold.com Transcript: Inactive lifestyles and over-eating are becoming more prominent worldwide, leading to ill health and chronic diseases. Individuals who suffer from obesity can understand how difficult it is to lose weight through physical activity and diet only. Obesity and pot belly are both common health issues that can lead to serious health consequences. Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing various health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. A pot belly, also known as abdominal obesity, can be particularly dangerous as it is linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. It is important to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle to prevent these health problems and improve overall health and well-being. Obesity and abdominal pot belly are both complex diseases, most people are unaware of, and they feel ...

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Sri Lankan model Christian Derrein De Zilwa makes waves on global runways at just 20 – By Melkishiya Andrew Source : themorning The world of modelling often evokes images of luxury, glamour, and boundless possibilities. However, being a young model entails unique rewards that extend beyond the superficial. Christian Derrein De Zilwa, a 20-year-old model who commenced his career this year, made his mark by participating in the Mister International Pageant in September 2023, representing Sri Lanka as the youngest competitor. His presence was also notable at this year’s Colombo Fashion Week (CFW), where he showcased clothing lines for various designers such as Lovi Collection, Karma Collection, Hameedias, and Kamil’s Collections. Under the guidance of Brian Kerkoven’s model management, Christian, a young model, receives training for runways and photoshoots. Joining the BK agency this year, Christian expresses gratitude for the mentorship of Brian Kerkoven, who has been instrumental in his career’s ...

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