Articles

“The Choice” by Dr. Edith Eva Eger – By Nimandra Gunasekera Source :  Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – December 2023 At the age of sixteen, Edith Eger was sent to the Nazi death camp Auschwitz along with her parents and one of her sisters. Hours after he ordered her parents’ death, Nazi officer Dr. Josef Mengele, nicknamed the “Angel of Death”, made Edith, a trained ballerina, dance for his amusement and her survival. At Auschwitz, Edith witnesses and experiences the horrors of the dehumanising effects of prejudice. In 1945, Edith was discovered under a pile of dead bodies when Auschwitz was liberated. She had typhoid fever, pneumonia, pleurisy and a broken back. She will never dance again. Edith went on to become a world-renowned clinical psychologist specialising in post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. However, her journey was not a straightforward one. Edith spends decades struggling with nightmares and ...

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Stories Behind Names of Places in Sri Lanka THAMBAVITA – By Dr Nimal Sedara Source :  Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – December 2023 There is a popular saying and a belief in the Sri Lankan community that the country will prosper under noble rulers where justice prevails. There is anothery saying “Rain God will bless the nation with timely rain when dedicated rulers govern”. These beliefs and sayings are based on real life experiences of our people in the olden days. That is how rituals and a culture come to exist. Our history of the nation contributes to establish these beliefs with facts. A glaring example is from the period the great King Dutugemunu ruled the country. This is a period the nation thrived tremendously with economic, social and cultural development. There are reports of finding gold in the country and silver and gems in our soil to ...

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The History of Arrack – By Randika Jayakody & Jerome Perera As lovers of Scotch whiskies, Belgian beers, wines, Mexican Mezcals and other spirits, we have always thought very highly of Ceylon Arrack. Arrack is produced by taking the raw ingredient of coconut palm liquid known as Toddy. Toddy tapping is an exquisite art involving the use of intricate instruments, blades, and ropewalking levels of skill simply to reach the palm. Incidentally, the art and science of toddy tapping is quite developed in South India and it is likely that these arts were transferred to Sri Lanka over millennia of cultural exchange between the regions. Once tapped, the toddy is stored for a brief time before being distilled to produce a high alcohol liquid known as Arrack. The already fermenting toddy is often stored in Teak and Trincomalee Wood (Halmilla) which impart their own unique flavour to this fascinating spirit. ...

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New President of Engineers Australia – Dr Raj Aseervatham Source :  Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – December 2023 Engineers Australia has announced the appointment of Dr Raj Aseervatham, an Australian of Sri Lankan descent, as the new National President and Board Chair. Dr Aseervatham has more than 35 years of professional experience, commencing his career as a civil infrastructure engineer in local and state government. He has worked in two ASX 50 mining companies and one ASX 50 energy company, consulting and audit/assurance firms in Australia and overseas. He is a twice-published author on organisational leadership. “I am excited to lead Engineers Australia as we continue to deliver on our current strategy; one that is designed to take us well into the next decade,” Dr Aseervatham said. Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew AO said that Dr. Aseervatham was well -equipped to lead the organisation. “Raj brings extensive engineering ...

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Christmas – By Persis Ranasinghe Source :  Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – December 2023 Christmas (or Feast of the Nativity) is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. It is also a declared Public Holiday in many parts of the world. This photo represents what Christmas means as a family. Grandmother Persis is explaining to the three year old granddaughter Gabby the significance of the crib. Back then the families had to register a new born baby in their historical tribal town rather than where they lived. This also meant that Joseph and very pregnant Mary had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, as this was the town that Joseph’s family (the royal family of David) originally came from – journey of about 112 kilometres. This journey was ...

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SRI LANKA CRICKET NEWS (NOVEMBER  2023) Compiled by Victor Melder Paceman Pramod Madushan arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday to join the Sri Lanka World Cup squad as a travel reserve. Lahiru Kumara who was the Man of the Match in the last winning game against England in Bangalore but later got injured, is scheduled to depart for home today, as confirmed by the Sri Lanka team Manager, Mahinda Halangoda. Lahiru’s injury has prevented him from making a full recovery, leading the team management to decide to send him back home. This has opened the door for Pramod Madushan who was included as a standby player for the World Cup. Madushan’s ability to bat as a lower-order batsman is a helpful asset for the team. Hailing from Hambantota National School, Madushan can step in to replace any injured player in the squad with approval from the World Cup Technical Committee. Dasun ...

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Siddhalepa Celebrates Togetherness and Team Spirit at their Annual Cricket Tournament! Colombo, November 30th, 2023 – Siddhalepa, the venerable Sri Lankan heritage brand, hosted the annual Sahassrabisheka Waidyashuri Deshabandu Ayur. Dr. Victor Hettigoda (LittD) Memorial Cricket Tournament on November 19, 2023, at S. Thomas’ College Ground in Mt. Lavinia. More than just a cricket tournament, the event aims to foster connections, well-being, and teamwork among employees, celebrating the unique togetherness that defines Siddhalepa. As a brand with roots dating back to 1934, Siddhalepa takes pride in nurturing the health and happiness of its employees. The tournament is a testament to the company’s commitment to going beyond the workplace and building a strong sense of community among its team members. Asoka Hettigoda, Chairman of the Hettigoda Group stated: “We are investing not just in a game, but in the well-being and team spirit of our employees. This event is a testament ...

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RANDOM MUSINGS OF A SENILE MIND- by Rodney Vandergert Photo Source: Island ( https://island.lk/the-great-cinemas-of-colombo/#google_vignette ) “Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive, but to be young was very heaven” Wordsworth: Preludes In the Nineteen Forties and early Fifties, Bambalawatte was the centre of the universe. It was where all the meaningful action took place and where the principal actors were mainly Burghers and a group of expatriates drawn from half a dozen nationalities. This was brought most forcibly to my mind after reading the recent obituaries which appeared in the local press – one to Zoe Jayatilleke by Tita Nathanielsz; the other to David Gladwin Loos , C.C.S.. by Bradman Weerakoon. The two articles made reference to a host of distantly remembered persons who figured prominently in those halcyon days, persons who were just names to me but spoken of quite frequently by, or were known to, my younger aunts like ...

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Shaheen and Warner last encounter was epitome of Spirit of Cricket, Usman Khawaja In a recent interview, Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja shared his thoughts on the last series between Australia and Pakistan, highlighting the excellent spirit of cricket displayed during the Lahore Test encounter between Shaheen Shah Afridi and David Warner. “The last series between Australia and Pakistan was an excellent series. It went very well on and off the field. Shaheen was bowling excellent in Lahore test, and Warner was playing really well. Even when Warner got out, he got pat on the shoulders with a smile on Shaheen’s face. It was an epitome of the spirit of cricket. That’s what Australians want; you play hard, and when the game is over, you are all good and mates off the field,” Khawaja remarked. Expressing his admiration for the Pakistani team, Khawaja praised their batting skills and the strength of ...

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