Your chance to support a 2024 a film on a great Sri Lankan artist, conservationist and visionary, Nihal Fernando (1927-2015) ...in search of Nihal Fernando A documentary film by Martin Pieris Your opportunity to support the making of a film celebrating the extraordinary life of the Sri Lankan conservationist and artist, Nihal Fernando (1927-2015)      I am seeking funds to complete the final postproduction stages of my documentary film …in search of Nihal Fernando.  Nihal Fernando was a talented and dedicated photographer in Sri Lanka.  However, more than that, he championed the protection of the natural and wild places in Sri Lanka. As one of the interviewees in the film points out “the artistic history of Sri Lanka will always remember Nihal Fernando because of his exquisite photography, but that would be a travesty, if he was only remembered for that, because he was totally committed to conservation, the ...

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The Awe-Inspiring Awkana Buddha: A Timeless Symbol of Devotion and Mastery in Sri Lanka – By Bhanuka – eLanka Tucked away in the lush greenery of the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, near the ancient city of Anuradhapura, stands one of the most remarkable and awe-inspiring monuments of Buddhist art: the Awkana Buddha statue. This colossal statue, carved out of a single granite rock face during the 5th century, is a testament to the artistic mastery and deep spiritual devotion of ancient Sri Lankan craftsmen. The Awkana Buddha is not just a symbol of religious significance; it is a living testament to the island’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring influence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The story of the Awkana Buddha is one of faith, perseverance, and the unyielding human spirit. It is a tale that transcends time, touching the hearts of those who stand before this majestic ...

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Twilight Reminiscences 19- A Summer Holiday-by Sanjiva Wijesinha Source:Sanjivawijesinha We’re all going on a summer holiday No more working for a week or two….” -from a popular song of the sixties by Cliff Richard Isn’t it amazing how hearing a few bars of a song can suddenly trigger the flooding back of a host of memories? I was having dinner at a restaurant with my wife the other day – it was one of those quiet uncrowded restaurants where they have soft music playing in the background. The music is soft enough not to disturb one’s conversation, but just loud enough so that you are aware of the melody being played in the background. We had just given our order and were light-heartedly talking about something totally unrelated when I distinctly heard the strains of the song Summer Holiday – a popular song of the sixties by British singer Cliff ...

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Talaimannar Pier: A Gateway to the Past and Present of Sri Lanka – By Nadeeka – eLanka Nestled at the northernmost tip of Mannar Island, Talaimannar Pier is more than just a historical landmark in Sri Lanka; it’s a symbol of the island’s rich heritage and its strategic importance in the region. This picturesque pier has witnessed centuries of history, from ancient maritime routes to colonial influences, making it a fascinating destination for both history enthusiasts and travelers seeking a unique experience. Historical Significance Talaimannar Pier holds a special place in Sri Lankan history. It was once a vital link in the transportation network between Sri Lanka and India, particularly during the British colonial period. The pier was part of the Indo-Ceylon Railway, connecting the Indian town of Rameswaram with the Sri Lankan rail network. This link facilitated trade, travel, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. The railway service, ...

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Further Donation of Five Eye Corneas from Sri Lanka to Pakistan On the side lines of Foreign Secretary level consultations, Sri Lanka Foreign Secretary Mrs Aruni Yasodha Wijewardana donated five eye corneas gifted by Sri Lankans to Pakistan Foreign Secretary Mr Muhammad Syrus Sajjad  Qazi at Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MOFA) , Islamabad, Pakistan yesterday ( 30th July 2024).  These five eye corneas were transplanted to five gallant Pakistan Military personnel at Pakistan Military Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi yesterday itself.  Sri Lanka has donated more than 36,000 eye cornea to Pakistan from 1965 , noble initiative by late Deshamannya Dr Hudson Silva, the founder of Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society. Transfer of these five eye corneas was possible due to financial support  by Mr Idris Admani, the President of Pakistan-Sri Lanka Friendship Society and coordination  by Pakistan High Commissioner in Colombo Major General (R) Faheem-Ul-Aziz, HI(M).   Click here to ...

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RIP – MAUREEN RAYMOND (1937-2024) – By Upali Obeyesekere – Toronto, Canada A Life Well Lived for Others! The phrase, “She came, she saw, she conquered,” is popularly attributed to Julius Caesar – but the phrase has also been used in poetry and literature to convey the idea of someone’s irresistible power or influence. Such a person was Maureen Raymond who passed away in her sleep at home in Burlington on Saturday, July 20. It was family and core group of old friends and new who bid farewell to 86-year-old Maureen at Smith’s Funeral Homes in Burlington. Here was a lady who went totally out of her way to help many people in many ways lying still at the Funeral Home while eulogies poured out with her kindness, passion for culinary arts, selflessness, and the numerous sacrifices she made for others. Heather Maureen De Alwis married James Raymond (Jimmy) of ...

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The World Choir Games: Soul Sounds secures two Gold medals for Sri Lanka Source : newswire Soul Sounds secured two Gold medals for Sri Lanka in the Gospel and Folklore and Indigenous music categories at the 2024 World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand. The choir is directed by Soundarie David Rodrigo. The World Choir Games, held in Aotearoa this year, is the largest choral competition and festival globally. ...

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Windies lift to seal 2-1series win in a thriller. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE.  (eLanka Sports Editor) As expected, the West Indies acclimatised, albeit a tad late, as they romped to a 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka to level things in the second T20 encounter in Hambantota.  Beaten comprehensively in the one-dayers, then stepping up in defeat in the first T20 game, was a sure indication that they were working out the conditions on a familiar venue and it came as no surprise that the short-sighted planning by the locals was definitely meant to backfire on the home team eventually.  While the venue planning, or a botched one is debatable, there is no doubt that the visitors now feel at home in Hambantota and the fact that Sri Lanka were beaten in the decider was not a huge surprise. The wash up will reveal if the single venue for ...

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Prepare for Your Life in the UK: Join the British Council’s Study UK Pre-Departure Briefing The British Council invites students from Sri Lanka to join the Study UK Pre-Departure Briefing on Wednesday 31 July 2023 from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The briefing is in the form of a virtual session designed exclusively to help students who have received an offer (conditional/confirmed) from a UK institution for autumn/winter of 2024. The briefing is an opportunity for students to gather essential information and guidance, ensuring a smooth transition to life in the UK. It will cover questions about student visa applications, accommodation options, and insights from UK alumni among a number of topics. The key topics that will be covered: 1. Prepare for a move to the UK: Students will get tips on how to prepare for their arrival in the UK, including guidance on travel arrangements, packing essentials, and cultural ...

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Sri Lanka, Pakistan visits confirmed as New Zealand reveal packed summer schedule Source : dailymirror (ICC) – England, Sri Lanka and Pakistan will tour New Zealand this summer, while the Kiwis’ women’s side will take on Australia and Sri Lanka on home soil. New Zealand have confirmed they will host white-ball series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan this summer alongside their previously announced ICC World Test Championship series against England at the end of this year. The Kiwis’ men’s and women’s team revealed their summer schedule on Wednesday, with the sides set to host international matches from the end of November all the way through to the start of April. The three-match World Test Championship series against England commences in Christchurch on November 28, with New Zealand adding white-ball series against Sri Lanka either side of the new year and a further eight white-ball contests against Pakistan from the middle of ...

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