Baddegama Archives

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 ...

The Power of Privilege: Illegitimate Progeny in the Plantations of Ceylon and Beyond – By Michael Roberts An EMAIL MEMO from RICHARD HERMON to His Good Friend ERROL FERNANDO, Circa 9 December 2022*++* Dear Errol, As a Eurasian myself on both sides, since both my Grandfathers were Brits and both my Grandmothers were Sinhalese: one Kandyan from Welimada, and one Low-Country from Baddegama to whom both my grandfathers were married. I also take exception to some “Burghers” looking down upon us with disdain. specially very dark skinned “Burghers” who claim to be of “pure “Dutch extraction when queried as to the reason for their dark skin colour, The explanation is invariably that they have spent a long time in the tropics and have been under the sun!!!.. What a load of codswallop!!!! Now however the Burghers consider Eurasians to also be Burghers!! Actually, many Burghers could more accurately be termed ...