Mannar and a Bridge too far

Do you have a travel bucket list? I’ve travelled extensively around my adopted home land of Sri Lanka for more than twenty years, but the town of Mannar some how had escaped me. Six hours from Colombo we are in the vicinity of Manner and we have our first of many road checks. Security staff want to see who we are, where we are going and why. They can’t seem to read the letter we give them detailing who is traveling in the van, our foreign passpor

A Cheese Affair at Shangri-La Colombo

Meet Olivier Poulard as he delves deep into his plans for Colombo’s cheese connoisseurs and culinary enthusiasts during the much-anticipated French Cheese Week, hosted exclusively by Shangri-La Colombo from May 13th to 19th. Prepare to be enchanted by the grandeur of the largest cheese display ever assembled on Sri Lankan soil, boasting more than 60 tantalizing varieties, including rare artisanal selections never before seen in the country. Guidi

Fatty Liver

Fatty Liver, having extra fat in your liver, most times doesn’t show symptoms. With diet and exercise, fatty liver disease can be reversed. We had a chat with Dr. Uditha Dassanayake, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist on Fatty Liver.

The Ceylon Riding Club Dr Ineke Ann Pitts venture enhances equestrianism in Sri Lanka

Dr. Inneke Pitts, an International Management Consultant, Business Owner & Entrepreneur has a deep-rooted passion for both horses and Sri Lanka. Her decision to move to Sri Lanka after falling in love with the country during a holiday in 1996 speaks volumes about her adventurous spirit and determination to seek new opportunities. Opening the Ceylon Riding Club in 2017 was not only a business venture but also a way for her to reconnect with her c

Secret UK women’s codecracking army during WWII

During World War II, dozens of women Cambridge University students worked around the clock in complete secrecy to crack Nazi codes, but only now are the unsung heroes getting recognition. At least 77 women from the women-only Newnham College were drafed to Bletchley Park, the code-breaking centre north of London, during the conflict. It was there that mathematician Alan Turing decoded messages encrypted by the Nazis’ Enigma machine, in particula

Basil Horsfall A British Ceylonese Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

Basil Horsfall’s body is assumed to lie in a cemetery in Arras, France. His name appears on a memorial there. He was a Ceylon engineer/rubber planter educated at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia. When he read how Germany troops were killing young British soldiers he decided to do his bit. He volunteered to fight and joined a Lancashire regiment and later a famous battalion called “The Accrington Pals”, in 1917. Whilst wounded and under fire h

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic or long-lasting health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. It is a common ailment among many today. Your body breaks down most of the food you eat into sugar (glucose) and releases it into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. We had a chat with Dr Shehan Silva, Consultant Physician with a special interest in Geriatrics and Senior Lecturer in

Beverley Pinder

Beverley Pinder was born in Sri Lanka and later moved to Australia. An alumni of St Lawrence’s School Wellawatte, Beverley has forged a distinguished career in public relations. As a former Miss Universe Australia 1978 and seasoned PR professional, she excels in strategic communication and relationship building. With a background in Political Communication and Campaign Management, Beverley navigates the media landscape adeptly, shaping public per

Ramani Fernando Honouring a Master Stylist’s 50-Year Milestone

Ramani Fernando is a household name in the field of hair and beauty. She is on the cusp of celebrating her 50th anniversary in the industry. During this time she has not only established herself as a household name but also as a testament to the transformative power of hairstyling. Her initial inspiration, rooted in creativity and the desire to uplift others, has propelled her forward and fuelled her dedication to her craft. Throughout her career

A Dream Come True Sri Lankan Jockey Ravi Kumar wins the RTC Governor’s Cup

As the trusty steed Here and Now crossed the finishing line at the recently concluded prestigious Royal Turf Club Governor’s Cup Race powered by HPSL, Sri Lankan jockey Ravi Kumar punched the air in elation as he had achieved a dream he had harboured since he was a young child. This win is all the more poignant for Ravi Kumar as many of the jockeys that ride in the races are flown in from India and Ravi Kumar is part of a small number of Sri La

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), is a group of symptoms that occurs together, including repeated pain in your abdomen and changes in your bowel movements , which maybe diarrhea, constipation, or both. We had a chat with Dr Uditha Dassanayake, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist on IBS.

Turning the pages with Meghan Dhakshini

Megan Dhakshini is a fascinating individual with a diverse set of talents and interests! From her alternative occupation as a copywriter and co-founder of Next Big Think to her trilingual voiceover skills, she’s clearly a creative powerhouse. Her passion for singing Tamil cover songs adds another layer of depth to her personality. Living in Sri Lanka, she finds inspiration from her surroundings for her artistic pursuits.

Chanaka Fernando Doing Sri Lanka proud in the UK

Chef Chanaka Fernando is one of the driving forces behind the rising popularity of Sri Lankan cuisine in the UK. Trained under acclaimed chefs like Gordon Ramsey, Chanaka has embarked on his culinary journey, now owning the restaurant 3 Flavours in Oxfordshire, along with chefs Vincenzo Restivo and Virglio Mendi. Their establishment offers a fusion of flavours from various cultures. Starting his culinary career at a young age in his family’s cat

Turning the pages with Artika Aurora Bakshi

Originally from neighbouring India, Artika Aurora Bakshi has chosen Sri Lanka as her home. Equipped with an MBA in International Banking and Finance, Artika is a versatile writer, contributing editor, and book reviewer. Renowned for her warm presence in Sri Lanka’s literary scene, Artika is frequently sought after as a respected moderator for various literary events. Among her notable works are “My Little Sikh Handbook,” “My Little Sikh Handbook

April is Autism Awareness Month Challenges faced by families...

Autism is a neurodevelopment condition of variable severity with lifelong effects that can be recognised from early childhood, mainly characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication and by restricted or repetitive patterns of thought and behaviour. We spoke to a few parents and family members about the everyday challenges they face and what more can be done to support families with children on the spectrum.

Dealing with a cancer diagnosis

In a recent public announcement, Katherine, the Princess of Wales, bravely disclosed her ongoing medical treatment via a video recording, putting an end to speculation surrounding her absence from public life. This candid revelation not only shed light on her personal journey on her treatment for cancer, but also served as a beacon of inspiration for countless individuals grappling with health concerns. For many, including myself, the wait for me

Boers…never bored in Sri Lanka

About fifteen years ago a group of us were passing the Diyatalawa Railway Station south of Badulla .Inquisitive experiences in Sri Lanka have always led me to stop the car at old churches, many graveyards, and lots of old railway stations. There  are so many hidden gems in Sri Lanka.So, we pile in to the small station and are met by the station master in his white uniform. Being British I love to see a man in uniform. I hated my school uniform ba

“Sri Lankan food can rival Michelin starred cuisine”

Sri Lankan chef Charith Mallawa, who gained prominence following his impressive performance on MasterChef: The Professionals, where he reached the semi finals, is set to tantalize taste buds with a spectacular Sri Lankan feast at a fine dining supper club hosted at The Bingham Riverside Hotel in Richmond, London. He has joined forces with his friend Andrew Logathasan who is not only a foodie but also on a mission to elevate Sri Lankan cuisine. M

Turning the pages with Roma Wells

Hailing from London, UK, Roma Wells is not your average author. With a background in International Relations from Cambridge University, she brings a unique perspective to her writing and endeavours. But Roma’s talents extend far beyond the realm of academia. She’s a true adventurer at heart, exploring the world and sharing her passion with audiences worldwide. Roma is also the CEO of Curious Fox, a sustainable travel company that gives back to wi

Shanika Talwatte Crafts of Ceylon

Shanika Talwatte, driven by her passion for crafts and creativity, is carving her niche in the world of jewellery design with her brand, Crafts of Ceylon. Inspired by the intricate beauty of jewellery craftsmanship, Shanika embarked on her journey two years ago, blending traditional charm with modern elegance. Despite lacking formal training, Shanika’s self-taught approach infuses her designs with authenticity and innovation. She draws inspiratio

Narthalea Yahampath Appointed co-creative director at Lovi

Fashion Designer Narthalea Yahampath has been appointed as the co-creative director of Lovi. With an impressive portfolio including showcases at Krakow Fashion Week and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka, Narthalea brings her expertise and vision to this venture. Embracing the opportunity, she eagerly anticipates the challenges ahead, poised to contribute her creativity and talent to the brand’s success. Natharlea has firmly established herself

A Good Deed Amadeus Petnehazi

Amadeus Petnehazi, is a young teenage boy, who used his resources for a greater good. Supporting an entire football team, this young gentleman changed lives. We asked him a few questions about his good deed.

Nayantara aka Taru unveils Nyne Hotels

Nayantara Fonseka, affectionately known as Taru, has unveiled Nyne Hotels, heralding a new era in the realm of hospitality. Far beyond a mere rebranding, this launch signifies a bold commitment to delivering exceptional experiences that resonate with all nine senses: vision, hearing, smell, taste, touch, balance, temperature, proprioception (body awareness), and even pain. This transition marks a pivotal moment in the industry, as Nyne Hotels set

Turning the pages with Marguerite Richards

In the realm of storytelling, where words weave tapestries of human experience, Marguerite Richards stands as an architect of the written word. A writer and independent book editor, her journey spans continents and cultures, shaping her into a steward of memoir and diverse voices. From California, where she honed her craft amidst the pages of literature and the nuances of translation, to  New York City, where the excitement of magazine publishing

Āhuti 2024 Melding dance cultures together

The Chitrasena  Dance Company and  the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble from India will once again join forces to mesmerize Sri Lankan audiences with an exhilarating evening of dance named Āhuti. The show is billed as the coming together of  the sensuousness of Nrityagram’s Odissi and the masculine dynamism of Chitrasena’s  Kandyan dance to exquisite rhythms from Sri Lanka and India. Amidst their hectic schedule former principal dancer of the Chitrasena

Unveiling the potential of horse racing in Sri Lanka

The Royal Turf Club, the custodian of the Nuwara Eliya Race Track and official conductor of the horse races in Sri Lanka has the services of Mr. R Manjunath as Chief Stipendiary Steward and Senior Handicapper. A widely respected personality in the sphere of horse racing in India, Mr Manjunath has been with the RTC for the last eight years ensuring the RTC Nuwara Eliya races are conducted according to the internationally accepted rule book. With t

(UN)THREAD MeshGround Weaves an Intense Performance

From that very first moment, when the darkened hall was filled with a crescendo of trills, ululations, growls, and yips, the performers had the audience completely captivated. Conceived and choreographed by Umeshi Rajeendra, (UN)THREAD premiered on the 16th and 17th of March in the Lotus Room of the BMICH. Artistic Director of MeshGround - Umeshi is well known for creating inspired, original, provocative performances that address social, cultura

Gourmet Galle Peter Kuruvita

A household name both in Sri Lanka and abroad, Peter Kuruvita’s culinary journey began in the traditional kitchen of his ancestral home in Colombo, Sri Lanka. With over 4 decades of experience, he has flourished as an award-winning chef, restaurateur, TV presenter, author and industry speaker and has put Sri Lankan cuisine on the culinary maps of the world. He successfully established Sydney’s iconic Flyish Fish Restaurant

Turning the pages with Ashok Ferrey

Today we welcome you to a new column which will profile authors from around the world. We start with prolific author Ashok Ferry who grew up in Somalia in the 1960s. He says he was very nearly sent to boarding school in Eldoret, in the Kenyan Highlands, where African runners go to train. If he had gone there, he is fairly sure he would have ended up a runner, not a writer. He has a Degree in Pure Mathematics from Christ Church, Oxford Unive

ESHAN PIERIS wins at 12 Hours of Sepang in Malaysia

Sri Lankan racing sensation Eshan Pieris won at 12 Hours of Sepang in Malaysia last weekend, with the Absolute Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R together with Andrew Haryanto and Dorian Boccolacci, finishing first in class and second overall. He is geared up for a remarkable 2024 racing season with the GT World Challenge Asia 2024 set for April.