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The importance of Trincomalee as a strategic naval base during World War II: – By Nadeeka – eLanka Trincomalee is a coastal town located on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. During World War II, Trincomalee was a strategically important location for both the Allies and the Axis powers due to its natural harbor and its location at the crossroads of major shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean. The town was therefore the site of significant military activity during the war. The British had a naval base in Trincomalee, which they had established in the 19th century, and they continued to use it during the war. The base was one of the largest and most important in the Indian Ocean, and it played a critical role in the Allied war effort in the region. The base was heavily fortified with anti-aircraft guns, coastal defenses, and naval mines to protect it ...

Apr 27, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Nadeeka Kumari Tagged an aircraft carrier, HMAS Vampire, HMS Hermes, Royal Australian Navy

Kaleidoscope with Savitri Rodrigo 155 27 04 2023 Today, we celebrate Earth Day, spotlight 4-legged baby boomers, GAADI star Dinara Punchihewa, Vogue’s stars with disabilities, PING! at the theatre, an industry sinking Gazette & add in economic news. ...

Apr 27, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Savithri Rodrigo Tagged Gaadi, Savitri Rodrigo

“Govinda Hela” – royal fortress of yesteryear – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Home to a diverse range of endemic flora and fauna and located in Siyambalanduwa, on the border of the Ampara District in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, in a thick forest surrounded by rivers and tanks, “Govinda Hela” (known as “Westminster Abbey” by British Colonials during the British Colonial Era due to its resemblance to the landmark in London) had been an inaccessible fortress of King Bhuwanekabahu who reigned in the 6th century. Thereafter, the location had been abandoned. It was rediscovered by British Colonials during the British Colonial Era and renamed as “Westminster Abbey.” Scattered on the summit of Govinda Hela are ruins of a royal palace and a monastery, yet the main attraction of the location is the “Hulan Kapolla” (a space between two rocks, through which strong wind blows). The highest point of the trek ...

Apr 26, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Arugambay, Bo Tree, Hulan Kapolla, Siyambalanduwa, Sri Lanka, Westminster Abbey

AN ODYSSEY – AND A SEARCH FOR HERITAGE. (PART 1) – by Bernard VanCuylenburg. PROLOGUE. Travel is an apt metaphor for life. There is a mystical side to any journey, specially to lesser known archaeological sites which one has never visited before. While travelling we realize that life cannot be wholly planned and controlled however much we prepare in advance for our own futures. Having visited the more famous historical treasures of ancient Ceylon some more than others, many of which are today World Heritage Sites, I surmised long ago from what I had seen, the limited research that I undertook, and the books I read, that Sri Lanka virtually groans under the weight of its cultural cachet, and there is much more to be revealed by the archaeologist’s spade which promises to be a cultural cornucopia. Illustrating this point, let me quote from the book “Essaying into Serendipity” ...

Apr 26, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Bernard VanCuylenburg Tagged ANCIENT TEMPLES, Anuradhapura, BUDUGALA RAJA MAHA VIHARA., Kuragala Budhist Monastery Complex, THE DAMBADENIYA KINGDOM, THE KINGDOM OF YAPAHUWA., VESSAGIRI VIHARA IN ANURADHAPURA

Vision Care’s branch expansion continues with new Gampaha branch 26th April 2023, Colombo: Vision Care, Sri Lanka’s largest vision and eye wear solutions provider, opened its newest branch located at Gampaha recently. To mark the special occasion Vision Care organized a free eye and ENT campaign for residents in the surrounding areas. The new branch was ceremonially opened by Consultant Eye Surgeon, Dr. J. D. Dias, Vision Vision Care’s Chairman Dasantha Fonseka and Managing Director Janaka Fonseka, in the presence of several Vision Care staff members and well-wishers. Located at No. 178, Colombo Road, Gampaha. The branch is the result of Vision Care’s efforts to take its world-class eye care solutions to outstation parts of the country thereby providing convenience to customers in those areas as they do not have to travel far and can save time and money when gaining access to eye care solutions for their entire family. ...

Apr 26, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Dasantha Fonseka, Dr. J. D. Dias, Managing Director Janaka Fonseka, Vision Care

108th anniversary of ANZAC Day held in Colombo Source:Dailymirror The High Commission of New Zealand and the High Commission of Australia celebrated the 108th anniversary of ANZAC Day at a Dawn Service amidst respected formalities today (25 April 2023) at Commonwealth War Graves Section, Jawatta Cemetery, Colombo. ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations and the contribution and suffering of all those who have served. This year, the celebrations were hosted by the High Commission of New Zealand in Sri Lanka whereas the last ANZAC Day was organised in Sri Lanka by the High Commission of Australia. ...

Apr 26, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged 108th anniversary of ANZAC Day, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva

Sinhala Village Roots and Jungle Lore at Discerning Depth-by Michael Roberts Source:Thuppahis Sugath Kulatunga, responding to an Invitation from The Editor, Thuppahi after the latter had seen an extract of this detailed and invaluable autobiography in Facebook in 2023 ** 1/10/2014: Written for the reading pleasure of my grandchildren. As a child and in school: I am very fortunate to have been brought up as a small child in a rural village in the Kalutara District of Sri Lanka, in a setting under relatively comfortable and caring conditions. I was the number two of three brothers and two younger sisters. Two more brothers were added to the family later on. We were the masters of our time and life was totally carefree. Our parents had an abundance of time for us. In addition, most of the time during the early childhood we had my mother’s sisters, who adored us, staying with ...

Apr 26, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Michael Roberts Tagged Pahala Hewessa Government School, Rubber Control Department, Vajira Chitrasena

Good News From Jayam May 1, 2023 Pls Scroll Down 30 items – By Jayam Rutnam Niroshan Kahawatte Elected President of Sri Lanka America Association of Southern California (Founded in 1973) Niroshan Kahawatte has been elected President of the SLAASC. The oldest organization of its kind in the USA. The SLAASC celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2023. The swearing in ceremony will be held on Sunday April 30th at 2 pm. Everybody is invited. See Invitation below: Sri Lanka Association in Los Angeles Celebrated Aluth Avurudha-Puthandu in Woodley Park, Van Nuys, Ca. Jayam’s Choice Céline Dion – My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme from ‘Titanic’) (Please click on arrow) Aitken Spence Travels welcomes 4,000 cruise passengers for April 2023 Aitken Spence Travels welcomed 4,000 cruise tourists to Sri Lanka on the eve of Sinhala and Tamil New Year. The luxurious cruise ships, MSC Poesia and MSC Magnifica docked into ...

Apr 26, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Jayam Rutnam Tagged Aitken Spence Travels, Awrudu, Good News From Jayam, Janaka Palapathwala, Niroshan Kahawatte, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka America Association, Sri Lanka v Ireland

Sri Lanka’s Recovery – By Tilak S Fernando Sri Lanka was in a severe economic catastrophe before the IMF came to a rescue with $2.5 billion in four stages. Unfortunately, the opposition parties did not assist the Ranil Wickremasinghe government. The President endeavoured to clear the fuel station queues and people lining up at gas stations for petrol & kerosine. However, credit should go to President Ranil Wickremasinghe for evading a complete collapse of the economy. IMF loan is not a happy occasion to celebrate with a “kiri bath” and crackers. At least, Sri Lankans should treat this as a life-saving move for the country as it serves as a breathing space for Sri Lanka. Bankruptcy. Sri Lanka failed to pay the overseas commitments in April 2023, and the nation was declared bankrupt. This was significantly due to expatriate income, the reduction from $437 million to $ 259 in the ...

Apr 26, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Tilak S Fernando Tagged airports, Dr Harsha de Silva, Duty-free outlets, IMF, IMF loan, Ranil Wickremasinghe, The Immigration & Emigration Department, Tourism

PRESS RELEASE – British Sri Lankan Association seeks Award nominations to recognise future leaders in society THE BRITISH SRI LANKAN Association (BRISLA) will hold their annual BRISLA Awards Ceremony on 20th October 2023 at the Caledonian Club in London. These awards were established seven years ago by Chair, Dr Zimar Sivardeen and are now recognised as the highlight of the year. A not-for-profit organisation, BRISLA brings together the diverse community of Sri Lankans from across the UK and provides a forum that facilitates co-operation between the two countries at an economic, educational, health and environmental level. In addition, this partnership works towards developing stronger links relating to trade and commerce, all within the framework of a creating a cohesive, fair and prosperous society for all. The BRISLA Awards recognise the achievements, hard work and the professionalism of individuals and organisations who are seen to embody BRISLA’s mission. This year there ...

Apr 26, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Ajantha Tennakoon, Ambassador Philip T. Reeker, British Sri Lankan Association seeks Award, Dr Zimar Sivardeen, HE Saroja Sirisena, Sujith Weerasinghe., the Sri Lankan High Commission and Foreign, UK