Preserving the Rich Tapestry of Gokkola Patterns: Unveiling the Heritage of Local Art-by Kalani-eLanka Gokkola patterns, woven into the very fabric of Sri Lankan culture, stand as a testament to the rich heritage and artistic prowess of its people. These intricate designs, crafted with meticulous detail and passed down through generations, encapsulate stories of tradition, spirituality, and the vibrant tapestry of local life. In this article, we delve into the mesmerizing world of Gokkola patterns, exploring their history, significance, and enduring legacy in Sri Lankan artistry. The origins of Gokkola patterns can be traced back centuries, deeply rooted in Sri Lanka’s cultural and artistic traditions. Gokkola, or coconut palm leaf, serves as the canvas for these intricate designs, with artisans skillfully weaving together strands to form elaborate patterns. Historically, Gokkola weaving has been a revered craft, practiced by skilled craftsmen who learned the art from their forebears. Initially, these patterns ...

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Sri Lankan Festival at Queen Victoria Market: A Cultural Feast in Melbourne – By Geeta Pillai Source : bnnbreaking Join the celebration of Sri Lankan culture at Queen Victoria Market on April 28, featuring traditional cuisine, performances, and more. Sri Lankan Festival at Queen Victoria Market: A Cultural Feast in Melbourne Melbourne’s iconic Queen Victoria Market is set to host a vibrant showcase of Sri Lankan culture, cuisine, and entertainment on Sunday, April 28, from 10 am until 4 pm. This eagerly anticipated event promises a day filled with the rich traditions of Sinhala and Tamil heritage, offering something for everyone in the heart of Melbourne. Immerse in Authentic Sri Lankan Cuisine Food enthusiasts are in for a treat with an array of traditional Sri Lankan delicacies such as kottu roti, deviled chicken, and hoppers. Notable vendors, including the much-loved Taku Taku and Drums Cafe, will serve up these and other mouthwatering dishes. ...

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Baila: A Sri Lankan Folk Music – By Randika Jayakody & Jerome Perera source : Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – November 2023 Baila was the fortuitous creation bringing together the multicultural communities that existed during the time of Portuguese Ceylon. It famously combined the influences of Afro Rhythms, Portuguese violins and guitars, Malay drums, and the Sinhalese, Tamil, and English languages. Evolving out of Kaffringha, the progenitor of Baila, this musical genre is iconic of Sri Lankan culture. Portuguese arrival in Ceilao (Ceylon) is dated to 1505 and no clear date can be identified when the musical style evolved, but it is safe to say that this means Baila is therefore at least 500 years old.This makes Baila one of the oldest continuous musical styles in Sri Lanka, predating more classical styles of music by centuries. There are several forms of Baila including Papare and Calypso Baila, Waada Baila ...

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A town located in the Galle District of the Southern Province in Sri Lanka ‘ Ambalangoda ‘ – By Malsha – eLanka Ambalangoda Beach Ambalangoda is a town located in the Galle District of the Southern Province in Sri Lanka. It is situated along the southwestern coast of the country, approximately 90 kilometers south of the capital city, Colombo. Ambalangoda is known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional mask-making, and vibrant performing arts. The town is famous for its traditional Sri Lankan wooden masks, which are intricately carved and painted by skilled artisans. These masks play a significant role in traditional rituals, ceremonies, and folk dances. Visitors to Ambalangoda can explore workshops and galleries where they can witness the creation process and even purchase masks as souvenirs. In addition to mask-making, Ambalangoda is also known for its traditional puppetry, known as “Raksha Keliya” or “Yak Keliya.” Puppet shows are performed ...

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most popular traditional drums in Sri Lanka – By Malsha – eLanka Sri Lanka has a rich cultural heritage when it comes to traditional music and dance, and the use of drums plays a vital role in many of these art forms. Here are some of the most popular traditional drums in Sri Lanka: Geta Beraya: The Geta Beraya is a traditional drum that is often used in Kandyan dance performances. It is made of wood and has a cylindrical shape. The drum is played with two sticks, and its distinctive sound is said to mimic the sound of thunder. Yak Beraya: The Yak Beraya is another drum that is commonly used in Kandyan dance performances. It is also made of wood and has a cylindrical shape, but it is larger than the Geta Beraya. It is played with a single stick and produces a deep, resonant sound. Udakki: The ...

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An a island country located in the Indian Ocean ” Sri lanka” – By Malsha – eLanka Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country located in the Indian Ocean, off the southern coast of India. The country has a rich cultural heritage and a history that spans over 3,000 years. The capital and largest city of Sri Lanka is Colombo, which is located on the west coast of the island. The country has a population of approximately 21 million people, with Sinhalese being the largest ethnic group, followed by Tamil and Muslim communities. Sri Lanka is known for its beautiful beaches, lush tropical forests, and ancient Buddhist temples. It has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient city of Anuradhapura and the Sigiriya rock fortress. The economy of Sri Lanka is primarily based on agriculture, with tea, rubber, and coconut being some ...

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Saralanga 2022 – By Wipula Dharmasooriya Source : Dæhæna – Monthly e-Newsletter November 2022 – Queensland Sri Lankans Saralanga, the annual cultural festival of the Sinhala Association of Qld (SAQ) was held last month at St. John’s Anglican College Auditorium on October 1, 2022. Its primary objective is the preservation and promotion of the Sinhala language and Sri Lankan culture within the Sri Lankan community in Queensland. The Saralanga concert is held every year with two objectives, the first is to promote Sri Lankan traditional arts and culture among new generations of Australians having Sri Lankan heritage and share with the Australian multicultural community, and the other is to showcase the creativity of the Sri Lankan community in Queensland. It has continued for 28 years except in 2020 and 2021 when Covid intervened. The Saralanga 2022 cultural festival included wonderful performances by Sri Lankan sons and daughters, their creative skills developed ...

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Sri Lankan drums: Pulsating Beat of Centuries-by Dishan Joseph Source:Dailynews Sri Lankan culture is beautifully bestowed with art, music, literature and religious heritage. Music is a universal language that has the mesmerising power to connect people. Sri Lanka has its distinct musical melodies and beats. It is interesting to note that most of the instruments, especially the drums are strongly affiliated with religious ceremonies and rituals, found within Buddhism and Hinduism. The great chronicle Mahavamsa classifies the traditional musical instruments of the island under a system recognised as pancaturya nada (panca means fivefold). I have been told the first two refer to drums: atata (single-headed drums) and vitata (double-headed drums). The connection between the musician and their instrument still remains individualised and pervasively strong, perhaps influenced by decades of drum performing. ...

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