Vesak is a significant and revered occasion celebrated by Buddhists worldwide. It commemorates the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing away (mahā parinibbāna) of Lord Buddha. Although these three days were traditionally celebrated together on Vesak day, they occurred on three different occasions at three distinct locations: The Birth at Lumbini, The Attainment of Nibbāna (Enlightenment) at Buddhagaya, and The Passing Away at Kushinagar in India. As the saying goes, “Sukhō Buddhānang Uppādō,” which means ‘It is happy the Birth of a Buddha.’We are indeed fortunate to be born in a Buddha ..read more

The watch. Nelun Harasgama titled her latest exhibition of paintings at the Barefoot Gallery ‘is waiting for part of the journey?’, a theoretical question like her conjectures on canvas, leaving interpretational liberty to the viewer, to be viewed as joy or sadness, oscillating between nothing important to crippling anguish. In leaving her canvas to subjective conclusions and story-weaving, Nelun paints her personal and renders it the character of being able to evoke many emotions. She makes it personal for everyone. Words Jennifer Paldano Goonewardane. Placid figures with blurred countenan ..read more

It is a much-needed art renaissance for our times. And the month-long line-up of programs isn’t disappointing. KALĀ embarks on its inaugural journey as an ambitious collaborative project with the Lionel Wendt Art Center. A project with a long-term vision, KALĀ is the newest educational and artistic platform for showcasing modern and contemporary art of South Asia and is looking to grow into an annual festival of art-centered events and exhibitions where collaborations with practitioners, representatives, and institutions in the region will establish it as a relevant and enduring initiative tha ..read more

November 27, 2023 Stealing soaps or pens seems harmless for many hotel guests, however, some are so bold that they carry TVs, pianos, mattresses or even stuffed animals out of the hotel. Wellness Heaven has asked 1,376 hotel managers which items are most commonly stolen. In particular, we observe a striking difference in the theft behavior between guests in 4-star and 5-star hotels.  The main result of the study: towels and bathrobes are stolen the most – perhaps as a goodie for the next spa break? These two objects of desire are closely followed by hangers, pens and cosmetics. In additi ..read more

Fascinating and majestic best describes the Colombo National Museum. It stands in a dignified demeanor. Sublime and noble. It is a timeless beauty surrounded by fauna, flora, and a conspicuous banyan tree that is as old as the building. The Colombo Museum is a historical edifice of more than a century that has lorded over a changing landscape just like its creators envisioned, to be a living and breathing space where beauty and nature comingle. The Colombo Museum is the quintessential embodiment of timelessness. Words Jennifer Paldano Goonewardane. Photography Sujith Heenatigala and Dinesh Fer ..read more

Venerable Galboda Gnanissara Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple, has been the guiding light that has exemplified the true teachings of Buddhism of equality and compassion. The Venerable Thero through strength and perseverance has made a difference in the lives of many regardless of religion, race or creed. Born on December 13, 1943, just after midnight, Ven Galboda Gnanissara Thero’s birthday was registered as December 14 according to the Western method. However, Podi Hamuduruwo, affectionately known by those close to him, says that if it had been according to the Sinhala method ..read more

Paradise Road The Gallery Café is a landmark that reflects the identity of Sri Lanka. Paradise Road The Gallery Café completes 25 years this month (November 2023). It’s a celebration of a consistent journey of taste, a culture, of bringing people together, creating moments and occasions with its food and location, a place that reshaped the food landscape of Colombo, transformational in every sense, where passion and abandon dedication have bestowed it an iconic identity. Paradise Road Gallery Café is where art and people meet over rustic ambiance and good food. Words Jennifer Paldano Goonewar ..read more

Lellama in Negombo is a popular spot, with swarms of fishermen engaged in the fishing trade for years. The area is usually overwhelmed with fishermen unloading their catch in the early morning hours. The views of the lagoon reflect painting-like scenes; coming to life in the morning hours as the bustling Lellama is visited by buyers and sellers. In the morning hours, Lellama reflects a painting-like scene. Movements of quick and vivid acts of unloading and hauling of the fresh catch will leave one awe-struck with the amount of briskness in the early morning hours. Piles and piles of freshly c ..read more

Chandramani Thenuwara’s enduring attire of ease and comfort – Sari on safari.  The span of Sri Lanka’s six yards of handloom in cotton threads unfolds a beautiful story of dedication and the creative genius of native pioneers who pushed design boundaries and pursued new frontiers. The six yards of handloom heritage has come of age from routine designs, shifting and blending colors to create distinctive shades and dazzling effects along its length and breadth. Such a remarkable journey doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It is down to dedication and hard work of designers like Chandramani Thenuwa ..read more

War has not been strange to this world since the beginning of human history, from ancient times up to now. War is a part of human nature as humans engage in many battles. Among them, the most disastrous is the arms war. Therefore, we can divide the war into two – physical and mental wars. For example, if one gets anxious, sometimes it is a war for the relevant person. According to world history, there were small armed struggle groups and vast world wars, like World War I and World War II. Wikipedia explains it: “There have been two World Wars so far, World War I (1914–1918) and World War II ..read more