Articles

Australia transports pitches for T20 World Cup image source:sundayobserver Source:-sundayobserver The pitches used in the United States at this summer’s men’s T20 World Cup will have had quite the journey when the first ball is bowled at the tournament – being transported over 14,000 miles. They have come in by ship from Adelaide in Australia, via Florida, as organisers run a major global cricket tournament in the USA for the very first time. Matches will be played at bespoke venues in New York, Texas and Florida. The opening game between USA and Canada, and the biggest game of the group stages, India versus Pakistan, will both be played in the States. There are 16 matches being played in the US, with the other 39 being held in the West Indies. And getting the States ready for cricket is quite the undertaking, especially when it comes to preparing cricket pitches. “Our ...

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Ranasinghe Premadasa: As Pragmatic as Visionary in Political Method-by Dr. Mahim Mendis Source:Thuppahis Dr. Mahim Mendis, in Daily FT, 26 April 2024 …. where the title runs thus: “Revivial of Premadasism the Way Forward for Sri Lanka,” Truly cultured men and women have the capacity to be thankful for the progressive measures taken by Ranasinghe Premadasa. He was a true embodiment of Social Democracy, governing the entire social, political, cultural, and moral order. He was not a mere propagator of a Social Market Economy, when he took over leadership from a right wing, J.R. Jayewardene led UNP that tried to dislodge Deputy Leader Premadasa from his well-earned Presidential candidature in 1989. The same right-wing forces in the UNP, tried to impeach him together with Feudalist sympathisers, who lost all their social status due to Premadasaism I was socialised in my childhood, by an ardent Samasamajist, LSSP, father, in Moratuwa. However, I became disillusioned ...

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Artificial Intelligence is threatening to destroy languages 28.04.2024 Hundreds of teachers of community languages in New South Wales have heard at their annual conference at Sydney University that Artificial Intelligence is going to be a major determinant in how they teach their language in the future. They have heard that the proponents of AI want to remove the culture from language teaching and simply make it another way of talking. Joseph Lo Bianco, Emeritus Professor of Language and Literacy Education at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, was a key note speaker at the annual conference of teachers of community languages organised by the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools. Whilst he praised the value of Artificial Intelligence in the classroom, he warned that it would have very negative effects. In his address entitled Rage against the Machine, Professor Lo Bianco said: “It allows more flexibility in a class room ...

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Sri Lanka visitors urged to apply for eVisa ‘at least a few days’ before departure – By Linsey McNeill Source : travelgossip Sri Lanka has introduced a new eVisa scheme, with visitors obliged to apply online before arriving in the country. The new scheme, introduced on 17 April, replaces the visa on arrival. In an update to its travel advice, the Foreign Office said: “You should apply for a Sri Lanka ‘Electronic Travel Authorisation’ (ETA) online, at least a few days before departure.  “You should get your approval notice within 24 hours, and you can use this to enter Sri Lanka.” Visitors must also complete an online arrival form, which can be done up to three days before arriving in Sri Lanka.  The Foreign Office advice adds: “You do not need a visa if you’re travelling through Sri Lanka by air, as long as the connecting flight is within 24 hours of your ...

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Elephant House Sausages Takes Legendary Sri Lankan Taste to Australia Source : bizenglish, adaderana Keells Food Products PLC, is delighted to announce the launch of Elephant House range of Sausages to the vibrant culinary landscape of Australia through an esteemed partnership with Millennium Imports Pty Ltd, a leading importer and distributor of premium food products. This Partnership is a first for both Elephant House, the iconic Sri Lankan household brand renowned for its premium products and unparalleled taste and Millennium Imports Pty Ltd as this range is being fully manufactured in Australia with 95% of the raw materials being sources from the continent itself. Since its establishment in 1966, Elephant House Food has been delighting consumers with its diverse range of meat products, embodying the essence of Sri Lankan culinary heritage. The Legendary Elephant house hot dog along with the succulent mustard sauce have become a mainstay in any Sri Lankan ...

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Bird Park Hambantota-By Kalani-eLanka The heart of the enchanting city of Hambantota, Sri Lanka, lies a sanctuary where nature’s symphony plays out in vibrant hues and melodious tunes – welcome to the Bird Park Hambantota. This verdant oasis, cradled by lush greenery and azure skies, offers visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of avian life that calls this paradise home. Spread across acres of pristine wilderness, Bird Park Hambantota is a testament to Sri Lanka’s commitment to conservation and biodiversity. From the moment visitors step foot into this sanctuary, they are enveloped in a world of wonder and tranquility, where every chirp, flutter, and rustle speaks of the harmony that exists between man and nature. At the heart of Bird Park Hambantota lies its diverse avian population, a kaleidoscope of colors and species that mesmerize and delight. From the majestic peacocks flaunting their iridescent plumage to the graceful swans ...

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Authentic Sri Lankan Delight: Halapa Recipe Ingredients: 500g All-purpose flour 250g Kurakkan flour 500g Sugar 1 medium-sized scraped coconut 1 tsp Salt 25-30 Kenda Leaves 1 cup Water Method: Begin by making the syrup for the pani pol. In a pan, combine sugar, salt, and water over low heat. Simmer until the sugar dissolves, creating a thick syrup. Once the syrup thickens and starts bubbling, add the grated coconut. Stir continuously over low heat until most of the liquid evaporates. Be vigilant to prevent burning. Remove from heat while still moist; avoid overcooking to a sticky consistency. Incorporate Kurakkan flour into the pani pol mixture, ensuring thorough mixing. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until a dough forms. Wash and dry the Kenda leaves. If unavailable, substitute with banana leaves or aluminum foil, though the authentic taste may differ. Take portions of the Halapa mixture and flatten onto one ...

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All for your avurudu table-By Shanali Fernando Source:Sundaytimes And just like the song suggests it’s time to bring in all things sweet, all things soft, and all things crispy to the table for this year’s highly anticipated Sinhala and Tamil New Year. And if you’re not inclined towards the culinary side, here’s a short list of where you can get your Avurudu fix to be shared among family and friends. Wishque This online store has a special Avurudu Shop opened just for the season with a delightful array of offerings for the festive season. From freshly baked cakes to premium Kevili hampers made with authentic ingredients: seasonal cakes starting from Rs. 2,250, 10 pc Rasa Kevili packs starting from Rs. 750 and Kevili hampers- starting from Rs. 5000. Visit their website for more details- www.wishque.com/catelog/Avurudu Shop Kaha Bath Gedara Famous for authentic Sri Lankan comfort food KBG has crafted a ...

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Old rituals; doing it their way-By Yomal Senerath-Yapa and Sajani Ratnayake Boiling milk: One of the nine rituals associated with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.Pic by Indika Handuwala Source:Sundaytimes Avurudu has been celebrated in the island for millennia, an indigenous practice that probably harks back to yaksa and naga times. The Veddahs follow it propitiating their ne yakkas, testimony to its hoary vintage. The harvest festival, brimming with joy as the golden paddy had been reaped brings the nation together, but in recent years many have had to ‘cut corners’ given  the pressures of rising costs and the daily grind. The traditional Avurudu began with house cleaning, whitewashing, then the making of kevili. The first of the rituals was observing the new moon while the last was leaving for work. These two nekath today are mostly disregarded being impractical or –  as in the case of the first – ...

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