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Karlsruhe and the properties of Lorenz-By Avishka Mario Senewiratne Modern-day photograph of Karlsruhe Bungalow in Wesley College Premises Source:Island avishkamario@gmail.com The history of this abode is both historic and tragic concerning the life of Lorenz. The origins of this abode are unknown. Its structure is essentially Dutch but its occupants of various eras have made their additions to its architectural setting. Lorenz had been eyeing this property for some time. Previously, it was owned by Governor Charles McCarthy’s brother. Just like Elie House, this property opposite the Welikada Prison was situated at a higher elevation in comparison with its surroundings. Originally this property was in two blocks of land covering 11.5 acres. After purchasing this property from Dr. Dickman and Dr. Wambeek, Charles Lorenz, who was mortally ill arrived here in early 1871. Sadly, this would be his final abode as Lorenz passed away in August 1871. In the maps of Colombo ...

Mar 24, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Karlsruhe Bungalow, Prof. Yasmin Gunaratne, Royal Asiatic Society Library, University of Peradeniya

THE HEALING CUT-by Gamini Goonetilleke Gamini, with over three decades of experience, unveils a compelling new book detailing a diverse range of surgical conditions. The narrative is enriched with vivid photographic records, captivating readers with a visual surgical journey through his experiences and also delves into emotionally stirring cases, providing a poignant touch. While it is essential reading for surgical trainees and surgeons, the book also offers all avid readers a panoramic insight into the challenges faced by a surgeon and the surgical support provided in life-threatening situations. Invigorating and insightful, Gamini’s work brings the intricacies of surgery to life in a must-read format. Professor Channa Ratnatunga, Emeritus Professor of Surgery, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka ...

Feb 4, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Dr Gamini Goonetilleke Tagged Channa Ratnatunga, University of Peradeniya

Researchers rediscover Lagenandra plant- By Dinuli Francisco Source:Sundayobserver In triumph of scientific exploration, a dedicated research team has unearthed a plant species believed to have vanished into the annals of extinction. The Lagenandra plant, locally known as Ketala, once considered extinct in Sri Lanka, has been rediscovered in the lush surroundings of Molkawa in the Palindanuwara Divisional Secretariat Division in the Kalutara District. The remarkable feat was achieved by Peshala Pasan Karunaratne, a student at the University of Vocational Technology and a devoted environmental researcher. His expedition in 2022 at Molkawa bore fruit when he encountered the elusive Lagenandra plant. Groundbreaking discovery Following this groundbreaking discovery, comprehensive research was undertaken by a team of researchers from Northwestern University and the University of Peradeniya. Indrakila Madola, a post-graduate student at Northwestern University and a key member of the team, confirmed the existence of this presumed extinct plant species through meticulous ...

Nov 6, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Indrakila Madola, Northwestern University, University of Peradeniya

My quest for hidden treasures in Sri Lanka’s flora-by Manasee Weerathunga Bhathiya Gopallawa is a PhD candidate in botany at the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka. Credit: Kumudu Wijesooriya for Nature Source:Nature My workspace at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, includes shelves stacked with rare, preserved plant specimens. But I also work in the country’s lush forests, a tropical biodiversity hotspot filled with a trove of indigenous plants. My passion for scouting the forests for herbs escalated in 2016, when I joined the National Herbarium in Kandy, Sri Lanka, as a project assistant for the national botanical survey. I realized that, on my island nation, there are many understudied herb families. I am studying one of these, Piper, for my PhD, collecting samples from the Walankanda forest. In March 2021, a researcher working there sent me photographs of a flower. At first, it seemed to belong to the ...

Oct 15, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Bhathiya Gopallawa, University of Peradeniya

Placing Valentijn’s Book in Its Context-by Michael Roberts Source:Thuppahis Chandra R De Silva We should welcome the efforts of Thiru Arumugam to draw attention to the Description of Ceylon by François Valentijn ………………. (see ……………………. https://thuppahis.com/2023/08/27/francois-valentijns-description-of-ceylon/#more-74805). That work is a valuable source of Sri Lankan history, and as Sinnappah Arasaratnam has pointed out, his work has been used by many subsequent writers. However, Valentijn’s work needs to be used with caution. When Arasaratnam writes that ‘Valentijn’s is one of the most accurate accounts of the pre-European period of Ceylon history up to his time’ (p. 33), he is comparing Valentijn’s work only to those of other Europeans. Despite their defects, Sinhalese and Pali historical works written before Valentijn (from which European writers drew information) were certainly more comprehensive on that subject. As Arasaratnam himself comments, ‘it was noted that Valentijn often had only partially published his source and that he was not always the best judge of what was ...

Aug 31, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Michael Roberts Tagged François Valentijn’s Description of Ceylon, University of Peradeniya

In Appreciation of Jayantha Dhanapala-by Michael Roberts Source:Thuppahis Prasad Kariyawasam: an article entitled “Remembering Jayantha Dhanapala (1938-2023)” …….. presented in a booklet entitled “Hanthana Night” produced by University of Peradeniya Western Australia Chapter, 2023, pp. 50-52. “For those who had the good fortune of knowing and working with him, Ambassador Jayantha Dhanapla, was the quintessential diplomat, trustworthy colleague, all rounder par excellence and most importantly, a humanitarian to the core. His early life was shaped by two great educational institutions of international repute during his time – Trinity College Kandy and the University of Peradeniya. The Writer standing behind Ambassador Dhanapala at the 40 nation Conference on Disarmament in Geneva in 1984 Born on 30 December 1938, Jayantha Cuda Bandara Dhanapala was a child of pre-independent Ceylon. When he joined the Foreign Service which was called the Overseas Service at the time in 1965, Sri Lanka was still Ceylon. Jayantha, ...

Aug 6, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Michael Roberts Tagged Jayantha Dhanapala, Prasad Kariyawasam, Trinity College Kandy, University of Peradeniya

In Memory Of Mr Shyamon Jayasinghe-By Lionel Bopage Source:Colombotelegraph We are saddened by the passing of Mr Shyamon Jayasinghe, a strong-willed and well-known community activist in Melbourne. Shyamon was much senior to us at the University of Peradeniya. He was multi-talented as a stage artist, senior administrator, writer, author, political analyst and community and social worker. He has held executive positions in many community organisations in Victoria. Everyone knows him as an accomplished person both in Sri Lanka and as an expatriate. From what we have heard from other sources, his talents and interests extend beyond the realms of arts and philosophy. ...

Jun 10, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Mr Shyamon Jayasinghe, United National Party, University of Peradeniya

Peradeniya University Alumni Association Colombo Source:Dailymirror Office Bearers 2023/2024 The 32nd Annual General Meeting of the Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya-Colombo Chapter (AAUPCC) was held on March 31, at the Institute of Engineers Sri Lanka, Colombo 7. Chief Guest was Dr Ranjith Weerasinghe. The following office bearers were elected for 2023/2024. President: Priyath Cabral General Secretary: Palitha Siyamabalapitiya Treasurer: S M Gnanarathna Vice Presidents: Jagath Dahanayake, Jayantha Dolawatta, Indra Jayasekara, Hasantha Palihakkara and K. H. M. S. Premalal Assistant Secretaries: Sriyani Jayasinghe and Kumudini Kulathunga Assistant Treasurer: Ranjith Karunaratne Co-Editors: P Balasingham, Neliya Fernando and Nimal Gunawardena Coordinator: W. M. H. C. Weerasinghe Auditor: S. C. Mayadunne. Another 29 members were also elected as members of the Management Council. ...

Apr 22, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Dr Ranjith Weerasinghe, Jagath Dahanayake, University of Peradeniya

From Rural Poverty to Peradeniya Professorship: Vale for Prof. N. D. Samarawickreme (1943-2022)-by Michael Roberts Source:Thuppahis Sachchitra Samarawickreme, in The Island, 7 January 2023 We owe our existence to a string of unforeseeable events, repeated arbitrary fortune. My father was born in a rural part of the country. He was the eldest of ten siblings, who survived the circumstances and transitioned out of the village. The privileged upbringing and opportunities I had stand in stark contrast to his experience. That I exist is a tribute to his journey. The journey from a spirited child growing up in the shade of the Sinharaja, to an economics professor in lifetime service of the hallowed institution in the Hantane valley, is replete with coincidences. From having a chance to attend school, deciding to compete at the university entrance exam, entering Peradeniya, placing for overseas post-graduate work, and accepting an academic position at Peradeniya – he ...

Jan 15, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Michael Roberts Tagged Dr. CWW Kannangara, SinoPharm COVID-19 vaccine, University of Peradeniya