Ceylon Archives

Home ⁄ Tag Archives: Ceylon (page 2)

“OLD HENRY POLE WHO GOT THE WORK IN THE MATARA COURTS IN A MESS ‘ – By HUGH KARUNANAYAKE The words above were expressed by Mr Edward Elliott Government Agent of the Southern Province in 1860. Henry Pole was in the Ceylon Civil Service for 26 years.It was an age where Civil Servants (mainly British)were appointed to Judicial positions. He was Police Magistrate Mulaitivu in 1845, then at Galle for a couple of years each in different judicial capacities then as District Judge Matara, and finally District Judge Batticaloa from where he retired in 1971. Henry Pole who served in the Ceylon Civil Service from 1845 to 1871, married the 18 year old daughter of Joseph Price also of the Ceylon Civil Service on 2 February 1853. Pole was himself in his fifties when he married his eighteen year old bride. Henry Pole was Police Magistrate Mulaitivu when he married. ...

Feb 4, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Hugh Karunanayake Tagged Ceylon, Ceylon Civil Service, Civil Servants, Henry Pole

76 years since Sri Lanka gained its independence from the British – by: Upali Obeyesekere – Editor, Times of Sri Lanka Source : TIMES OF SRI LANKA INTERNATIONAL 365 HAPPY 76TH ANNIVERSARY – SRI LANKA! SRI LANKA CELEBRATES ITS 76TH ANNIVERSARY ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH (2024). IT WAS ON FEBRUARY 4, 1948 THAT CEYLON WAS GRANTED ITS INDEPENDENCE AS THE DOMINION OF CEYLON. DOMINION STATUS (WITHIN THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH) WAS RETAINED FOR THE NEXT 24 YEARS UNTIL MAY 22, 1972, WHEN IT BECAME A REPUBLIC AND WAS NAMED THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA. On 4 February 1948, Ceylon was granted independence as the Dominion of Ceylon. Dominion status within the British Commonwealth was retained for the next 24 years until 22 May 1972 when it became a republic and was renamed the Republic of Sri Lanka. Unlike in India, there was no struggle for freedom, no blood shed to ...

Feb 4, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Upali Obeyesekere Tagged 4 February, Ceylon, HAPPY 76TH ANNIVERSARY, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Independence Day

All PRIME MINISRTERS SOUGHT THEM ACCORDING TO THEIR OWN PRINCIPLES – By Dr. Tilak S. Fernando Since Independence was sought on 4th February 1948, without shedding a single blood drop, the first Prime Minister was chosen by the Colonials as the as Right Honorable D.S. Senanayake. He was the Prime Minster from 24 September 1947 till 22 of March 1952 when he had an accident and died immediately (after falling from horse riding in the morning). After his death there was a battle with Sir John Kotelawala to be the Prime Minister of Ceylon. As a result, according to the wishes of Rt.Hon. D.S. Senananayake, his son, became (Dudley Senananayake ) became the Prime Minister of Ceylon from 02 December to July in 1947. Solomon West Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike became the Prime Minister from 26 September 1959, known by the Sri Lankan people as “The Silver Bell of Asia”, the fourth Prime ...

Feb 3, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Tilak S Fernando Tagged 4th February, Ceylon, Christ Church, Hon. D.S. Senananayake, Sir John Kotelawala, Solomon West Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike, Sri Lanka, Tilak S.Fernando

THE PRINCE OF WALES ‘ SLAUGHTER DRIVEN VISIT TO CEYLON IN 1870 – By HUGH KARUNANAYAKE Queen Victoria’ s eldest son the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales made a much publicised visit to Ceylon in 1870. John Capper then Editor of the Times of Ceylon, even authored a book titled “ The Duke of Edinburgh in Ceylon, a book of elephant and elk hunting”to cover the visit. . The Duke was 29 years of age and reputed to be have had a great expertise in foreign affairs. His visit to Ceylon was part of a tour which included India. The tour took place in an age when the hunting of wild animals including birds was considered a” Gentleman’s sport” The Duke undoubtedly lived up to the expected standards of the day. He arrived in Colombo in the ship “Serapis” to a ceremonial welcome led by the Governor WH ...

Jan 29, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Hugh Karunanayake Tagged Ceylon, Dalada Maligawa, Governor WH Gregory, Queen Victoria

Horton and Arunachalam: a Distinct Disparity in Significance – By KKS Perera The British takeover of Ceylon brought with it many changes Source : dailymirror The Article titled ‘Choosing between Robert Wilmot Horton and Ponnambalam Arunachalam’ regarding the change of street name from Horton Place to Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam Mawatha,’ which appeared on January 23rd, implies that both figures are equally important to Sri Lankans. The writer says, ‘…the change cannot take place without an acknowledgement of the contribution of Sir Robert Wilmot Horton to Ceylon. Both Horton and Arunachalam contributed to Ceylon’s all-round development each in his own way and as per the opportunities available in their time. Sir Robert Wilmot Horton was Governor of Ceylon between 1831 and 1837, and Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam, was a polymath, lawyer, educationist, public intellectual and political leader in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century…’ Under British rule, Ceylon, acknowledged as “the premier colony,” ...

Jan 29, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged "SRI-LANKANS", British, Ceylon, Evolution of Social Policy in Sri Lanka, Governor of Ceylon, Horton and Arunachalam, Ponnambalam Arunachalam, Robert Wilmot Horton, Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam

“Nil Ahase Hiru Nagila (Colorized)” Below video ( reproduced with colour) where Yamuna Priyanthi Wijegunaratne ( née De Saram), daughter of Mr Basil De Saram (Mr Sri Lanka in 1970s / Sri Lanka Athlete- represented them Ceylon in Putt Shot and Discus / tallest Actor in Ceylon/ Sri Lanka Cinema – 6’5”) and famous Actress in 70s – Thalatha Gunasekara ( née Abekoon) – mother of famous Actress Nadeeka Gunasekara ) old girl of Hillwood College , Kandy) acting on famous film “ Me Dasa Kumatada” as a child actress 50 years ago…..,,please enjoy the song and her quiet acting. THOSE WERE THE DAYS ! In 1962 ….. Mr Basil De Saram and Mrs Thalatha Gunasekara ( on extreme Right) with famous film producer Chandra Rathnum ( in the centre ) and famous actress Sandhya Kumari in 1962 Yamuna today with Ravindra Chandrasiri Wijegunaratne and 30 son ...

Jan 22, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Basil De Saram, Ceylon, Hillwood College Kandy, Nadeeka Gunasekara, Nil Ahase Hiru Nagila, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Athlete, Sri Lanka cinema

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 ...

Dec 18, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Hugh Karunanayake Tagged A nation’s history, Baddegama, Ceylon, Gintota, Mill House

AVIATION CENTENARY SRI LANKA Photo credit: Mr Hiran Fernando Narration: Capt Ashi Fernando First Flight Stewardess at Air Ceylon She was Cynthia to some and Jayatri to others. Not many are aware that this beauty was the first formally hired flight stewardess of Ceylon. If so, why was she eliminated from history as the first Flight Stewardess of the national carrier Air Ceylon? The answer lies in the cliché that she was not ‘in the right place at the right time’; due to a severe bout of flu on the day of the first Air Ceylon flight. Unable to roster Jayatri for the flight, Air Ceylon managed to dress-up one of the office secretary ladies in cabin crew attire and dispatch the flight. Born in India to Francis and Beatrice Tampoe Philips, Jayatri is the younger sister of the famed lawyer and trade Unionist Bala Tampoe. Jayatri attended school in ...

Dec 14, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged AVIATION CENTENARY SRI LANKA, Capt Peter Fernando, Ceylon, Hiran Fernando, National Badminton Champion, war

Migration out of Ceylon & Sri Lanka – by Michael Roberts in ADELAIDE To those CEYLONESE – term used advisedly to mark time-emphasis – who migrated from the island in the period 1948 to 1970 ….and even in the next two decades … do take the trouble to respond to these questions at whatever length you consider suitable. DEAR I am now 85 years old. I left Sri Lanka with my family in 1977 and was therefore aware of the socio-political currents that prevailed from the 1950s onwards. Some of these developments and currents motivated several Western-educated personnel of middle-class status to migrate. Some of my relatives were among those who moved out to UK, Canada and Australia. That was THEN. But these personnel are presently in the Now …unless they have departed from life on earth. All the survivors will have grey hair …. or none at all. These features ...

Nov 25, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Michael Roberts Tagged Australia, Canada, Ceylon, Michael Roberts, Migration out of Ceylon, Sri Lanka, UK

Good News From Jayam November 15, 2023 Pls Scroll Down 35 items Aruni Boteju’s Ceylon International Film Festival Was a Tremendous Success – Nandasiri Jasentuliyana Nandi and Shanthi Jasentuliya, Aruni Boteju and SLAASC President Niroshan Kahawatte. “An unexpected journey and such a beautiful and wonderful experience. It was an great honor to receive both California State Legislature Certificate of recognition from State Assembly Greg Hart and Senator Monique Limone recognition and proclamation from Mayor Randy Rowse, City of Santa Barbara. Our humble gratitude for giving us this honor the strength and courage to be part of this wonderful community. We are proud to announce all winners and performers of the festival received the certifications from California State Legislature as well.” Aruni Boteju-Chairman, Ceylon International Film Festival The final night of the second annual Ceylon International Film Festival in Santa Barbara, California on October 28th, 2023. The historic Lobero Theater was the venue ...

Nov 11, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Jayam Rutnam Tagged ARUNI BOTEJU, Ceylon, CEYLON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, Shanthi Jasentuliya, SLAASC, Suzette Herft