Exploring the Irresistible Flavors of Aluthkade Street Food-by Kalani-eLanka The bustling streets of Aluthkade, lies a hidden culinary gem – the vibrant and aromatic world of Aluthkade street food. Each corner of this bustling locale teems with an array of tantalizing aromas, beckoning locals and travelers alike to embark on a gastronomic adventure like no other. From savory snacks to delectable desserts, Aluthkade offers a plethora of culinary delights that reflect the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan cuisine. tep into Aluthkade, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a sensory feast. The air is thick with the scent of spices, the sizzle of frying pans, and the rhythmic clang of utensils. Here, vendors skillfully craft their specialties, drawing inspiration from traditional recipes passed down through generations. ...

Read More →

Rathnapura Town: A Journey from Past to Present-by Kalani-eLanka Source:pixabay The lush greenery of Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa Province lies the charming town of Rathnapura. Steeped in history and adorned with natural beauty, Rathnapura has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, evolving from a quiet agricultural hub to a bustling center of commerce and culture. In the annals of history, Rathnapura has long been renowned as the “City of Gems,” owing to its rich deposits of precious stones such as sapphires, rubies, and cat’s eyes. Dating back centuries, the town was a crucial trading post where merchants from far-flung corners of the world converged to acquire these coveted jewels. The town’s early days were characterized by quaint colonial architecture, winding streets, and a leisurely pace of life. The rhythmic clang of craftsmen shaping gemstones echoed through the streets, while bustling marketplaces bustled with activity as traders bartered their wares. ...

Read More →

Exploring Pettah’s Vibrant Heart: 1st Cross Street-by Kalani-eLanka In the bustling heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, lies Pettah, a vibrant and dynamic marketplace that encapsulates the essence of the island nation’s commercial spirit. Amidst its labyrinthine alleys and bustling thoroughfares, one particular artery stands out: 1st Cross Street. 1st Cross Street is not just a road; it’s a microcosm of Pettah’s diverse tapestry. As you step onto its bustling pavement, you’re immediately engulfed in a whirlwind of activity. The street is flanked by a myriad of shops, each offering a kaleidoscope of goods, from spices and textiles to electronics and jewelry. One of the defining features of 1st Cross Street is its fusion of old-world charm with modern commerce. Here, traditional storefronts adorned with colorful facades jostle for attention with sleek, contemporary boutiques. It’s a testament to Pettah’s ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to its roots. For ...

Read More →

The Unique Connectedness of Sri Lanka – By Randika Jayakody & Jerome Perera Source : Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – July 2023 As Sri Lankans, we often tend to gravitate towards the notion that we are a unique culture. In our opinion, Sri Lanka’s uniqueness lies in the millennia of intimate interconnectedness with other global societies and our shared cultural influences. Travelling helps us notice the similarities like nothing else can. It was on our recent travels to Indonesia that we got an opportunity to experience the cultural similarities with Sri Lanka first hand. Seeing local individuals wearing batik and sarongs was the first sure sign of our shared cultural identities. We also noticed “Vesak” celebrations and spied beautiful shimmering kites being flown in the exact same manner as often seen on Galle Face in our youth. Before we knew it, we were eating Dodol, sambals, particularly coconut sambols, ...

Read More →

Multiculturalism: Why Acknowledgement Matters? – By Randika Jayakody & Jerome Perera Image Source : dailymirror Source : Dæhæna – Monthly e-Newsletter November 2022 – Queensland Sri Lankans The daily routines of Sri Lankans are dependent on the enormous effects of multiculturalism on the island. Not many of us can escape the cravings for a cup of tea with biscuits or refrain from using the many Portuguese, English or Tamil words embedded in the Sinhalese language. Neither can we avoid garbing ourselves in a sarong, eating the many dishes contributed by the communities or avoid taking a step to the beats of Baila. The effects of multiculturalism are all around us, but as a community we are often blinded to them. Many often question the benefit of understanding these concepts, yet others question the agenda behind the dissemination of information about multiculturalism. Our perspective as Third Culture Children is that many of us ...

Read More →

The Dos and Don’ts of Australian etiquette, how to avoid the pitfalls   Source : sbs Etiquette is typically defined as the customary code of what is considered polite behavior and good manners in a particular society, culture, or among members of a certain social or professional circle.    This episode of Settlement Guide looks at The Dos and Don’ts of Australian etiquette, how to avoid the pitfalls ...

Read More →

Culture Shock – by GEORGE BRAINE   Not an experienced traveler at the time, even I could tell that PANAM Airlines was in trouble. The old aircraft shuddered like a dilapidated bus, the seat cushion was lumpy, and a dead fly came with my lunch. The year was 1984, and, Fulbright scholarship in hand, I was on my way to Washington DC to begin graduate studies.   We arrived at what I later learned was Dulles airport. After clearing immigration and customs, I asked a bystander for the bus to the American University, and he pointed to a vehicle idling nearby. Two heavy suitcases in hand, I boarded and inquired from the Black, female driver if the bus was going to the university. Unable to make head or tale of her response, I repeated the question and again did not comprehend her reply. Confused and embarrassed – how could I ...

Read More →