Ruhuna University Archives

Galle’s Eternal Charm-by Michael Roberts Source:Thuppahis Bandu de Silva, a reprint from The Island, 26 August 2012 … A Review Article on Galle As Quiet as Asleep by Norah Roberts The title Galle as Quiet as Sleep made me reflect for a long time. I asked myself how this title could fit in. Finally, I reconciled myself to it. Yes, Galle’s heritage is a quiet one. The people of Galle as Norah Roberts will tell us made their contributions quietly. Even now, the town after dusk or at early dawn is so calm and placid that one does not get the feeling of being in a big city. Certainly not like Kandy which has lost its old charm. Kaluwella with its old Kittange with the Kovil adjoining it still reminds one of the 19th century or early 20th century. One could still have a glass of plain tea served by ...

Aluth Avurudu The month of April is a much anticipated time of the year in the Sri Lankan calendar with the “Sinhala and Tamil New Year” or “Aluth Avurudu” festive season marking one of the happiest holiday seasons in Sri Lanka. April is known as the month of ‘Bak’ to express “fortunate” from Sanskrit. Sinhala and Tamil New Year signifies the reaping of the harvest and social customs especially of the farming community. Aluth Avurudda dawns with the completion of a twelve-month period when the Sun moves from Meena Rashiya to Mesha Rashiya. This transitional period is called “Sankranthi” and is believed to be a period with no auspicious time. Thus, people engage in religious activities. Avurudu season becomes more important with the traditional rituals connected with the celebration which lasts for weeks. Aluth Avurudda was celebrated in the Kandyan Kingdom as a national festival performing the rituals on the ...