Sri Lanka In Style

Just 2 days until the launch of the Colombo Art Biennale.. Come Become!

2012-02-12T22:05:00.000-08:00

In just 2 days time, the Colombo Art Biennale will be inviting the public to become part of the artful transformation of Colombo as the Biennale takes over Park Street Mews, J.D.A. Perera Gallery and National Art Gallery to showcase a variety of contemporary art!

CAB will also host an array of fringe events around Colombo – exhibitions, performances, workshops, screenings, art talks including panel discussions, debates and presentations, artist dinners and the Colombo Art Biennale ‘Becoming One’ party.

Visitors to the first Art Biennale held in 2009 at the Park Street Mews

To be held from February 15 – 19, CAB will see 24 local artists and 17 international artists from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Netherlands, Norway, Australia and the US, presenting their work to the public.

Following on from the first Colombo Art Biennale held in 2009, under the theme ‘Imagining Peace’- this year it is ‘Becoming’, a theme that speaks to all the possibilities of the present in Sri Lanka.

CAB was launched as a response to the lack of recognition received by the country’s wonderfully talented artists. As the country has emerged from the restrictions of its 26-year war, so its artists are free to seek the spotlight on both national and international stages.

Whilst ‘Imagining Peace’ dealt with the immediate aftermath of war, the concept of ‘Becoming’ is intended to highlight the huge potential for positive development and change in Sri Lanka extending well beyond the remit of culture and the arts. This is a process in fact that is already in motion.
Co-Founder Jagath Weerasinghe explains: “The 2012 CAB theme ‘Becoming’ denotes the idea of potentiality of transformation or movement – a transformation that is initiated and in progress. While Becoming translates into an idea of a transitional space, meaning ‘possibility of being in a moment between two decisive ends’, it plays on the uncertainty of certainty, up-rootedness, giving it a sense of akathesia (state of restlessness), criticality and open-endedness eluding logical conclusions or undoubted convictions. Therefore, ‘Becoming’ remains distanced from what it was before, and it is the last space left for pondering before concretizing the trajectory’s end. It’s a space for envisions, doubts, self- reflections, mirroring and intensity of thought.”

The expansive title of ‘Becoming’ thus opens up the opportunity for this to be the most dynamic exhibition yet to be held in Sri Lanka. CAB is funded mainly by the Norwegian Embassy of Sri Lanka (funding the Sri Lankan artists), Mimeta Centre for Cultural Development and Standard Chartered Bank.

Annoushka Hempel and Jagath Weerasinghe, the Colombo Art Biennale Co-Founders, were delighted by the response to ‘Imagining Peace’ and as the excitement builds for ‘Becoming’ this coming February, Colombo can expect an even more vibrant and innovative display of contemporary art.
Curating the upcoming Biennale, are two internationally renowned curators Suresh Jayaram (Founder and Director of 1 Shanthi Road, Bangalore) and Roman Berka (art historian, Director of Museum in Progress, Vienna).

If you are attending the Colombo Art Biennale from 15th- 19th February and want to experience the best the island has to offer, plus travel around ‘In Style’, do get in touch with the Sri Lanka In Style team who are happy to help create a tailor made tour for you before or after the event.

This year for anyone associated with the Colombo Art Biennale, we also have some special extras on offer when you book a trip, to make your visit even more memorable.

And after the Colombo Art Biennale 2012 - If you’d like to gain some insight into the city of Colombo, and all it’s secrets, we have a unique range of day experiences around the capital... http://www.srilankainstyle.com/category/day-experiences/colombo-day-experiences/
For more details please get in touch with Andrea on:
Telephone: +94112396666
Email: andrea@srilankainstyle.com
http://colomboartbiennale.com/

The 2012 Serendib Culinary Tour - with Master Chef Kumar Pereira

2012-02-01T03:34:00.000-08:00

March 24th to April 5th

A Journey Designed by Sri Lanka In Style with

Master Chef KumarPereira

Spending thirteen days with the charismaticKumar Pereira, one of the twelve final contestants in the recent Australian Masterchefseries, on the vibrant tropical island of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean,learning how to cook delicious meals and staying in the most beautiful boutiquehotels doesn’t need to be just a dream. In March 2012, Kumar will re-visit hischildhood home, and take up to twelve lucky people with him on a culinaryjourney around the stunning island, which Marco Polo called the most beautifulin the world.

From the tropical gardens of Negombo whereyou will visit local markets to source ingredients before taking part in amaster-class to learn the secrets of Sri Lankan cooking, you will travel to theheart of the country, where, under the shadow of the 5^th centurySigiriya rock fortress you will walk in herb gardens and learn about theayurvedic properties of local cuisine. Then to Kandy the romantic former hillkingdom where you will visit a spice-roasting house before winding your way bytrain into the emerald tea country, renowned for its cool climate and cosyplanter’s bungalows. From here you will plunge into the verdant, tropical southcoast and experience coastal life, learning how to cook fresh seafood, andvisit a cinnamon plantation and then finally to Colombo, the buzzing capital.Along the way you will take part in classes and demonstrations, as well aslisten to Kumar’s stories of growing up in such an inspirational place:

The clay outdoor fireplaces were lit andcooking began in earnest – two menus for each meal – one more hearty andsubstantial for all the home help and the other for family and extended familywho had to be entertained…Under Arokiam’s supervision the cooks would churn outpans of rich sweet meats in jewel colours. These were sprinkled with sliveredalmonds, cashews or pistachios and cut into squares. Some were glassy andtransparent. Others thick and crusty. (An excerpt from ‘Family Weddings’, one ofKumar’s short stories.)

If this sounds enticing, and you fancyexploring Sri Lanka, indulging your interest in cookery, meeting interestingpeople, and staying in beautiful boutique hotels, then this tour is definitelyfor you.

Check out Kumar online at http://kumarpereira.net.

Click here for the finer details on the 2012 Serendib Culinary tour around Sri Lanka or email maria@srilankainstyle.com

Trip Highlights

Sightseeing

-Climb Sigirya Rock, the 5^th century palace of King Kasyapa

-Visit the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, one of the most sacred spots in the Buddhist world

-Take the train from Kandy to Hatton through spectacular jungle, cloud forest and tea country

-Explore the historic 17^th century Dutch-built citadel of Galle Fort

The Journey

Get ready to be taken on an incredible culinary journey through the heart of Sri Lanka with Australian Master Chef contestant Kumar Pereira. The trip incorporates cooking demonstrations by Kumar and other top Sri Lankan chefs with visiting some of the island’s most spectacular sites, and staying in beautiful, charming hotels. This is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine; learning how kitul treacle is made, cinnamon is grown and harvested and much more.

Trip Duration

12 Nights / 13 Days

Departure Dates

March / April 2012*

Trip Costs

USD 4967 per person, with a single supplement of USD 1569 based on a minimum of six people.

How to book?

Sri Lanka In Style

maria@srilankainstyle.com

Overview

Date Location Accommodation Activities

Arrival

Mar 24 Kotugoda The Wallawwa Arrive and settle in

Mar 25 Kotugoda The Wallawwa Fish market & cooking class

Mar 26 Sigiriya Vil Uyana Climb Sigiriya Rock

Mar 27 Sigiriya Vil Uyana Lunch & tour of Kandalama,

Evening SL New Year banquet

Mar 28 Kandy Earl’s Regency Ena’s lunch & spice garden

Mar 29 Kandy Earl’s Regency Market & spice roasting

house visit, Botanical Gardens

Mar 30 N’ Eliya The Tea Factory Train ride to N’Eliya

Mar 31 N’ Eliya The Tea Factory Tea Factory visit & Kumar’s

tea-inspired dinner

April 1 Galle The Lighthouse To Galle

April 2 Galle The Lighthouse Day at leisure & Galle Fort

April3 Galle The Lighthouse       Cinnamon plantation &
                                                          cooking class with Kumar’s
                                                         seafood cooking demo

April 4 Colombo Galle Face Lunuganga & Galle Face

April 5 Depart

Possible Extensions

- Beach relax – add an extra few days onto the end of your trip and indulge yourself at a beachside villa or hotel

What’s Included

- All internal transport and airport transfers

- Specialty meals apart from five dinners and four lunches

- All entrance fees

- All cooking demonstrations and classes

- Guided visits to key sites, markets and tea factory

What’s Excluded

- Flights to and from Sri Lanka

- The following meals are not included:

- dinner at the Wallawwa on the 24th March, lunch at Vil Uyana on the 26th March, dinner at Vil Uyana on 27th March, dinner at Earl’s Regency on the 28th March, lunch at The Tea Factory on March 30^th, lunch at Nuwara Eliya on 31^st March, dinner in Galle on the 1st April, lunch in Galle on the 2nd April, dinner in Galle on the 3rd April

Golf in Sri Lanka - One of the finest courses in the island opens in Trincomalee!

2012-01-30T05:02:00.000-08:00

Sri Lanka has three spectacular and contrasting golf courses, revered as three of the finest 18 hole golf courses in Asia.

In Kandy, on the banks of the Victoria Lake, lies the Victoria Golf Club a championship golf course designed by Donald Steel, impressive natural outcrops of rocks a distinctive feature. In the heart of Nuwara Eliya town in the tea country, is the Nuwara Eliya Golf club, a challenging hilly course of exceptional beauty, reminisent of the Scottish Highlands. And in Colombo,the Royal Colombo Golf Club provides golf enthusiasts with a facility thatis beaming with historic golf memorabilia and a course of scenic fairways that span over 96 acres, a true oasis from the city.

Adding to these fine courses, is the tremendous news that Sri Lanka’s fourth golf course has just been declared open, and is located near to the marble beach at the China Bay in Trincomalee...

For most travellers Trincomalee on the East Coast conjures up images of pristine beaches, turqoise waters, history, culture...but now it is also home to Sri Lanka's fourth golf course!

Named Eagles' Golf Links, its situation is in the environs of China Bay (also known as Clappenburg) and this expanse of land has been transformed into a sprawling green encompassing a nine hole golf course.

Encompassing an area of 171 acres in total the golf course it is incredibly scenic, lining the periphery of the bay, while intermittent lagoons add to the changing landscape. This location provides breathtaking views from almost all points of the course and he club house also faces the bay (located in close proximity to the first tee)

Eagles' Golf Links will expand further to a full fledged 18 hole golf course in the months ahead. However, this does not detract from the fact that this is one Sri Lanka's finest courses deemed to challenge the most experienced players.

Throughout the course water features, wooden bridges and pathways add to the beauty of the location. After the ninth is conquered, and a game of golf has tired you out a visit to the wooden cabana will treat you to the most glorious view of the Trincomalee bay.

So when you are mulling over your next holiday to Sri Lanka and want to hon your golfing skills throughout your trip, the team at Sri Lanka In Style can help create the perfect tailor made package and itineraries to encompass all the courses on the island. We have have paired this with fantastic bungalows and hotels so that after a hard day on the course, you can relax in ultimate comfort.

For more information on Golf Holidays in Sri Lanka please visit our site

Or contact Gudrun our Golfing Holiday Specialist at: gudrun@srilankainstyle.com

Telephone: +94112396666

Come and play golf in Sri Lanka and you will realize what a well-kept secret it is.

Golf in Sri Lanka

The SriLankaInStyle Photo Competition has now launched!

2012-01-18T03:27:00.000-08:00

Photography enthusiasts out there.... Get your cameras at the ready!
The SriLankaInStyle Photo Competition is now live, just in time to mark the launch of the Galle Literary festival!
You've got 10 weeks to submit the most inspirational photograph you have taken on your travels in Sri Lanka...then the voting begins for the winners of the top prizes!

Contest Instructions

How to take part?

Have you a taken an inspirational travel photograph anywhere in Sri Lanka recently, that you are immensely proud of and would love to share?

• Upload this special photograph taken by yourself (i.e not the property of anyone else).

• Underneath it, tell us the exact location of where and when it was taken in Sri Lanka.

• And then explain briefly what this photograph means to you.

Whether it was meeting a monk at a temple, buying a king coconut by the side of the road or chatting with some pilgrims on the ascent to Adam’s Peak.

It can be a photograph of anything in Sri Lanka that you as an onlooker found inspirational.

Please note you must like the Sri Lanka In Style fan page to be eligible to win – www.facebook.com/srilankainstyle

Submit your special travel photograph by March 31st 2012 at the latest.

All photos will be displayed in the under the ‘SLIS Photo Competition’ tab from 19th January 2012 – 31st March 2012 for voting.

The top TEN entries will be entered into the finals with Sri Lanka In Style choosing the winner.

• Easy as that – you have nothing to lose! And tell your friends to vote for you to increase your chances of winning!

• Additionally you will also be asked to complete a small form with your name, address, email, telephone number and other important details.

What prizes are up for grabs!

Grand Prize

A 2 night stay at Ceylon Tea Trails (location the Hill Country)
www.ceylonteatrails.com
Some four thousand feet above the Indian Ocean, in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, lies Bogawantalawa Valley, known as the golden valley of tea. Here lies Ceylon Tea Trails, a collection of four colonial bungalows originally built between 1890 and 1939, to house British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj.

Now restored, these historic houses offer an authentic heritage experience on a working tea estate. Infused with a refreshing and decidedly gourmet atmosphere, each one offers a taste of gracious living complemented by dedicated butler service, and a delightful ambiance enriched by authentic period furnishings and exquisite cuisine.

(Certain restrictions apply, the Prize is for a 2 night stay, all inclusive basis, redeemable during the months May/June or October/November 2012 only and subject to availability).

2nd Prize

A 2 night stay for 2 people at the Kahanda Kanda (location Inland Galle)
www.kahandakanda.com
Kahanda Kanda (KK) one of southern Sri Lanka’s most stylish boutique hotel, offers the indulgent luxuries of a private villa, with five star service. Seven air-conditioned and very individual suites with breathtaking panoramic views of palm fringed jungle and the KK tea estate promise stylish, spacious interiors, ideal in which to unwind.

With views overlooking Koggala Lake and the surrounding lush greenery of a working tea estate, this award winning retreat offers discerning travellers a unique wellness escape with quick access by charming tuk tuk to timeless treasures inside Galle Fort as well as some of the world’s best beaches, for which Sri Lanka is so well known.

(Certain restrictions apply, the Prize is for a 2 night stay on BB Basis, to be used within 12 months of award. It cannot be taken during Festival Seasons, and is only for the prize winner – i.e. Not transferable.)

3rd Prize

Win a 1 night stay for 2 people at the Wallawwa (location near Airport)
www.thewallawwa.com
Nestled amongst acres of beautifully manicured gardens, The Wallawwa provides guests with unrivalled setting and style just 20 minutes from the airport. The Wallawwa is the perfect start, middle or end to any visit to this enchanting island; a luxury private hideaway.

14 exquisite bedrooms | Asian fusion cuisine | Z spa & relaxation |A.R Tampoe library & collection | the Wallawwa’s signature swimming pool …. all set amongst one of the finest private gardens in Sri Lanka.

(Certain restrictions apply, the Prize is for a 1 night stay on complimentary B&B basis, valid until 30th November 2012).

Literary heaven is around the corner! 18 - 22nd January 2012 Galle Literary Festival

2012-01-08T23:30:00.000-08:00

For all Literary Lovers out there, a snapshot of events to whet your appetite!

The Galle Literary Festival, reputed as one of the most anticipated literary events in the international literary circuit, will take place in less than 2 weeks, in and around the historic city of Galle.

The annual Galle Literary Festival is an intimate, relaxed affair set in the atmospheric surroundings of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort.

The festival features novelists, historians, poets, playwrights, philosophers and biographers from around the globe, including acclaimed writers such as Joanna Trollope, Richard Dawkins and Hari Kunzru, who will rub shoulders with emerging talent.

The writers participate in solo and panel discussions, readings and workshops, and the programme also includes concerts, picnics, gourmet lunches and dinners, tours of the Fort and surrounds, cultural activities and late-night revues.

Programme

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 18^th 6:30-8:00. FESTIVAL WELCOME PARTY AND BOOK LAUNCH (Governor‘s Residence).
THURSDAY JANUARY 19^th 9:00-10:30. GALLE LITERARY FESTIVAL PANEL
- Forgiveness, Reconciliation and Responsibility in Literature.Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, Dr. Stewart Motha, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu and Ingo Schulze. (Hall de Galle) FREE.
- 10:00-12:00. WORKSHOP: Katherine Frank on Life Writing. (Amangalla)
- 11:00-12:00. IN CONVERSATION: Simon Sebag Montefiore on Jerusalem: The Biography (Hall de Galle).
- 11:00-12:00. IN CONVERSATION: Romesh Gunesekera on The Prisoner of Paradise (Maritime Museum).
- 11:00-2:00. COOKERY DEMONSTRATION, FOLLOWED BY LUNCH: The Fort Ladies on Galle Cuisine (85 Leyn Baan Street).
- 12:30-2:00. LITERARY LUNCH: Literature in the Paddy fields John Boyne on The Absolutist (Paddy Fields. Meet at Jetwing Lighthouse at 12:15).
- 12:30-2:00. PRIVATE AFFAIR! Joanna Trollope or Simon Sebag Montefiore.
- 12:30-2:00. LUNCHTIME ILLUMINATIONS: Screening of Tropical Amsterdam (Hall de Galle). FREE.
- 2:30-3:30. IN CONVERSATION: Tom Stoppard on his life and art (Hall de Galle).
- 2:30-3:30 GRANTA MAGAZINE LAUNCH: Ellah Allfrey and Susan Minot (Maritime Museum).
- 2:30-4:30. WORKSHOP: Roshi Fernando on The Architectural Plan for your work (Amangalla).
- 3:45-5:00. TEA AND POETRY: Ruth Padel and Rishma Dunlop (Dutch House).
- 4:00-5:00 IN CONVERSATION: Nayantara Sahgal on Prison and Chocolate Cake and Jawaharlal Nehru: Civilizing A Savage World. (Hall de Galle).
- 4:00-5:00: DUET Meira Chand and Juliet Nicolson on The Aftermath of War (Maritime Museum).
- 5:30- 7:00. SUNSET SERIES: Anura Ratnavibhushana on My Approach to Sri Lankan Tropical Architecture, Design and Landscaping (The Sun House).
- 5:30-7:00. SUNSET SERIES: Achinthya Bandara, Sandagomi Coperahewa and Malinda Seneviratne on Martin Wickramasinghe, His Life and Legacy (Maritime Museum). FREE
- 5:30-7:00. SUNSET SERIES Juliet Coombe on Paradise Exorcised (The Heritage Villa). FREE.
- 7:00-8:00. CONCERT: Eshantha Peiris (Dutch Reformed Church).
- 8:00-10:00. LITERARY DINNER: A Stoppardian Revel.Tom Stoppard (The Edens).
- 8:00-10:00. WRITERS‘ DINNER (Mama‘s Rooftop Café)
- 9:30 onwards. MAYHEM PAST MIDNIGHT:Participants to be confirmed (The Sun House).
FRIDAY JANUARY 20th
- 9:00-10:30. BOOKS AND BREAKFAST: John Boyne on Mutiny on the Bounty (Mama‘s Rooftop Cafe).
- 9:30-10:30. GALLE LITERARY FESTIVAL PANEL: Writing Political Realities into Fiction and Journalism. Romesh Gunesekera, Irfan Husain and Susan Minot (Hall de Galle).
- 10:00- 12:00: WORKSHOP:Ruth Padel on Writing about Nature (Fort Printers).
- 10:00-12:15 COOKERY CLASS, FOLLOWED BY LUNCH: Thai Street Food with David Thompson (Heritage Villa).
- 11:00-12:00. IN CONVERSATION: Katherine Frank on Crusoe: Daniel Defoe, Robert Knox and the Creation of a Myth (Hall de Galle).
- 11:00-12:00. IN CONVERSATION:Shashi Tharoor on The Elephant, the Tiger and the Cellphone: Reflections on India in the 21st Century(Maritime Museum).
- 12:30-2:00. LITERARY LUNCH: Joanna Trollope,(Amangalla)
- 12:30-2:00. PRIVATE AFFAIR! DBC Pierre.
- 12:30-2:00. LUNCHTIME ILLUMINATIONS: Jaffna Shorts (Hall de Galle) FREE.
- 2:30-3:30. IN CONVERSATION: Richard Dawkins on his life and work.(Hall de Galle).
- 2:30-3:30. DUET: Githa Hariharan and Irfan Husain on Fundamentalism in Fact and Fiction (Maritime Museum).
- 2:30-4:30. WORKSHOP: Rishma Dunlop on City of Madness and Love: Writing the City, Poetry and Prose ( Fort Printers).
- 3:45-5:00. TEA AND POETRY: Ranjit Hoskote and Priscila Uppal (Amangalla).
- 4:00-5:00. DICKENS BICENTINARY LECTURE: D.J. Taylor on Re-inventing The Victorians and Derby Day (Hall de Galle).
- 4:00-5:00: IN CONVERSATION: Ingo Schulze on Simple Stories and New Lives (Maritime Museum).
- 5:30- 7:00. SUNSET SERIES: Juliet Nicolson on Vita Sackville West and Sissinghurst Castle (Amangalla).
- 5:30-7:00. SUNSET SERIES: Sunetra Rajakarunanayake andBuddhadasa Galappatty on Sinhala Visions, Sinhala Realities ( Maritime Museum) FREE.
- 7:00-8:30. PERFORMANCE:BEYOND BORDERS performing Censored (Hall de Galle) FREE.
- 7:15-8:00. BOOK LAUNCH:Ashok Ferrey on Love in the Tsunami (Closenberg Hotel) FREE.
- 8:00-10:00. LITERARY DINNER: A Taste of India Shashi Tharoor (Aditya)
- 8:00-10:00. LITERARY DINNER: An Atheist’s Feast. Richard Dawkins and Lalla Ward (Why House).
- 8:00-10:00. WRITERS‘ DINNER (Mama‘s Rooftop Café)
- 9:30 onwards. MAYHEM PAST MIDNIGHT: Jason Kouchak (The Sun House).
SATURDAY JANUARY 21^st
- 9:00-10:30. BOOKS AND BREAKFAST: D.J. Taylor on Kept: A Victorian Mystery (Mama‘s Rooftop Café). 9:00-12:00. EXCURSION: Influences on Coastal Architecture. with Channa Daswatte (Amangalla).
- 9:00-10:30 am: GALLE LITERARY FESTIVAL PANEL: Trauma and Literature. Ellah Allfrey, Aminatta Forna, Neluka Silva and Rachel Tribe (Maritime Museum).
- 9:30-10:30. IN CONVERSATION:John Boyne on The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (Hall de Galle).
- 10:00- 12:00. WORKSHOP:Priscila Uppal on The Art of Sports Writing in Fiction and Poetry (Heritage Villa).
- 11:00-2:00 COOKERY DEMONSTRATION, FOLLOWED BY LUNCH: The Fort Ladies on Galle Cuisine (85 Leyn Baan Street).
- 11:00-12:00. IN CONVERSATION: Izzeldin Abuelaish on I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor’s Journey (Hall de Galle).
- 11:00-12:00. DUET: Randy Boyagoda and Roshi Fernando on New Sri Lankan Writing from the Diaspora (Maritime Museum).
- 12:30-2:00. LITERARY LUNCH: A Culinary Voyage Josceline Dimbleby (The Edens).
- 12:30-2:00. LITERARY LUNCH: The Mystery of Writing DBC Pierre (Dutch House).
- 12:30-2:00. LUNCHTIME ILLUMINATIONS: Beat Presser on The Dhow (Hall de Galle) FREE.
- 12:30-2:00. PRIVATE AFFAIR! Aminatta Forna or Nayantara Sahgal
- 2:30-3:30. IN CONVERSATION: Joanna Trollope on The Other Family and Daughters-in-Law (Hall de Galle).
- 2: 30-3:30IN CONVERSATION:Stephen Kelman on Pigeon English (Maritime Museum).
- 2:30-4:30. WORKSHOP: Ellah Allfrey‘s Granta Master Class (Heritage Villa).
- 2:30-4:30. WORKSHOP: Githa Hariharan on Writing Conflict (Orchard House).
- 3:45-5:00. TEA AND POETRY Lemn Sissay, and Sakuntala Sachithanandan (Jetwing Lighthouse).
- 4:00-5:00 IN CONVERSATION: DBC Pierre on his End Times Trilogy (Hall de Galle)
- 4:00-5:00: DUET:Manju Kapur and Priscila Uppal on Contemporary Indians in Transition (Maritime Museum).
- 5:30- 7:00. SUNSET SERIES:Ranjit Hoskote on Modern Indian art (The Sun House)
- 5:30- 7:00. SUNSET SERIES:David Robson on Architectural Pioneers Andrew Boyd and Minnette de Silva (Maritime Museum).
- 5:30- 7:00. SUNSET SERIES:My Other History (Heritage Villa). FREE
- 6:00-6:30. SUNSET SERIES: Cocktails with Ingo Schulze (Closenberg Hotel) FREE
- 6:30-8:00. SUNSET SERIES: Stories at Sunset. Ingo Schulze and other writers (Closenberg Hotel). FREE.
- 7:00-8:00. PERFORMANCE:Indian Cultural Troupe (Hall de Galle) FREE.
- 8:00-10:00. LITERARY DINNER: From Mauritius to Marrakesh with Josceline Dimbleby and Romesh Gunesekera (Amangalla).
- 8:00-10:00. LITERARY DINNER: An Evening with Joanna and Jason. Joanna Trollope and Jason Kouchak (Fort Printers).
- 8:00-10:00. LITERARY DINNER: A Taste of Thailand David Thompson (Sun House).
- 8:00-10:00. WRITERS‘ DINNER (Strip)
- 10:00 onwards. MAYHEM PAST MIDNIGHT: Festival Party (Cantaloupe Aqua, Thalpe).
SUNDAY JANUARY 22nd
- 9:00-10:30. BOOKS AND BREAKFAST: Rachel Hore on A Place of Secrets (Jetwing Lighthouse).
- 9.00-11.00. EXCURSION: Memories of the Fort with Mrs Cader (Begins at Amangalla).
- 9:15-10:15. DUET:Josceline Dimbleby and David Thompson on A Taste of Wonderlust (Jetwing Lighthouse).
- 10:45-11:45. IN CONVERSATION: Aminatta Forna on The Memory of Love (Jetwing Lighthouse).
- 12:00- 1:00. DUET:Nayantara Sahgal and Katherine Frank on Indira Gandhi (Jetwing Lighthouse).
- 1:00-2:30. LITERARY LUNCH: Grand Finale (Jetwing Lighthouse).

A spectacle not to miss in Colombo this weekend - the Kelani Perahera!

2012-01-05T23:51:00.000-08:00

The annual Duruthu Perahera, at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara temple, is scheduled to take place this weekend 7- 8th January. It is held on the pre - full moon day of the month of January every year, and on this occasion hundreds and thousands of people from all parts of the country, as well as hundreds of foreign tourists make their way to the temple to witness this spectacular pageant; with the event evolving over the years to become one of the country’s most elaborate and grandest.

The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara temple is one of the most sacred in Sri Lanka since Lord Buddha’s sojourn here during his 3rd historic visit to Sri Lanka. It celebrates this event annually in the "Duruthu Poya" day during January by conducting a historic, traditional and cultural pageant - the "Kelani Perahera" (Kelani procession).

The procession displays the ancient traditions and cultural heritage of the country, demonstrating to the world the age - old traditional folklore, folk music and the rhythmic dance forms and drum beats which have developed throughout the ages around Buddhism and Buddhist practices in the island.

Whilst this Perahera commemorates the religious significance of Lord Buddha’s visit, it also supports and revives Sri Lanka’s cultural traditions of drummers, dancers, singers, elaborately decorated elephants and colourful parades.

The perahera will commence at 8.00 pm and there will be a special enclosure for tourists to view the procession.

It is undoubtedly not a spectacle to miss, so get your camera at the ready...

See the Kelaniya temple web site for further information.

http://www.kelaniyatemple.com/perahera/

Location is 6 miles from Colombo in the Gampaha district.

Explore Galle Fort 'In Style' with Daisy Perry over the festive season

2011-12-21T19:33:00.000-08:00

Rampart Romp Walk – Hosted by Daisy Perry.
Every afternoon in Galle Fort over the Christmas and New Year Period.

Take a walk into living history on this exciting tour around Galle Fort; built from 1640 by the Dutch rulers of the time. Explore the cinnamon warehouses, learn about the pigeon post that used to run from the top of the lighthouse to Colombo, pass the sinister looking Dutch prisons, climb onto the bastions packed with old canon placements, sample some local street food – fresh pineapple, rotti and king coconuts, take a peek inside beautifully restored Dutch villas, and you are sure to be amazed.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort and surrounding area may have been home to the Biblical city of Tarshish from where King Solomon obtained gems, spices and peacocks. It has been visited by great figures: the explorers Ibn Batuta and Cheng Ho, as well as Mahatma Gandhi, Pablo Neruda and more recently famous writers such as Gore Vidal and Vikram Seth who have attended the Galle Literary Festival, held every January. For centuries it has been a hub of trade and culture and this exciting tour will take you through the different periods: Portuguese, Dutch, British, into the present day.

I would like to let you know that I will be running private walking tours of Galle Fort every afternoon from the 26th of December into January. I lived in the Fort for two years and co-wrote the book Around the Fort in 80 Lives, which includes interviews with 80 residents. I would be delighted to show you around, tell you a little about the history and introduce you to some of my friends there.

You can let me know by email or phone (+94 778366496) if you would like to book a tour. The starting point will be your hotel or wherever you would like me to meet you. This is a half day experience lasting approximately 2 hours. The tour will run from 4-6pm in the cooler hours of the day and costs USD $40 per person.

Daisy Perry

'Shop In Style' with Colombo's Shopping Secrets Day Experience

2011-12-13T04:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas is fast approaching and if you need pick up some last minute gifts for loved ones or are simply just a confessed shopaholic, then this trip is definitely for you.

Enjoy being taken around the city by an expert resident shopper, showing you secret boutiques deliciously tucked down narrow side streets selling beautiful leather, cloth, and bejewelled items, delightful pieces to decorate your home, and some of the best of Sri Lankan contemporary art.

Whatever you are looking for: ayurvedic bath products, linen clothes or glamorous pieces of evening wear, you are sure to find it during this connoisseur’s experience.

Along the way enjoy stopping at some of Colombo’s trendiest cafes for refreshment and lunch at the famous Geoffrey Bawa-designed Gallery Café.

The starting point will be your hotel or wherever you would like us to meet you. This is normally a half day experience lasting approximately 4 hours.

Booking a day experience...

These unique tailor-made experiences can be booked separately as stand-alone tours, or incorporated into any Sri Lanka In Style itinerary. They can be done as half day or full day experiences. We have a handful of charismatic, experienced guides, who will ensure that you will have a day that you won't forget.

SLIS services include:

• English-speaking guide / Host

• Private air-conditioned car with driver

• Refreshments and Lunch / High Tea

• Water and refreshing towel

• Entrance fees for the visits

For more information on how to plan your Day Experience - Colombo's Shopping Secrets
Contact holidays@srilankainstyle.com or Call +94112396666

Exquisite grounds of Tientsin bungalow as dawn breaks...at Ceylon Tea Trails

2011-12-13T00:45:00.000-08:00

Step into the world of Tientsin and step back in time...

Named after the Chinese village from which the original tea seedlings came, this very British residence is a historical landmark.

Six glorious rooms and suites open onto magnificent English gardens still standing loyal to the colonial planters' wives who created 'a little bit of home' in a far away land.

Wander the glorious rose terraces and hide away under a leafy arbour to the myriad sounds of the many birds that make their homes there. Each suite too is faithful to the original design with polished wooden floors and high ceilings; some with four-poster beds.

A large swimming pool and the raised garden offer panoramic views of the tea-carpeted mountains that lead towards the World Heritage Horton Plains National park.

Up, Up and Away..Hot Air Balloon season has begun!

2011-12-05T20:59:00.001-08:00

The delights of hot air ballooning have now been experienced by thousands of tourists and many Sri Lankans visiting the Cultural Triangle for nearly 10 years.

It could well be said that commercial balloon flights have now come of age, even the more conservative want to experience this skyward journey now that it’s proven to be a reliable and permanent part of Sri Lanka’s tourism activities.No other excursion can match the bird’s eye view, beauty and splendours of the Sri Lankan landscape as a balloon flight.

So why not treat yourself to a hot air balloon ride over the unique countryside of Sri Lanka?

December heralds the start of our ballooning season, and there are few pleasures as unforgettable as drifting gently over breath taking views. It's an experience you'll never forget!

Greet the rising sun as it paints the landscape with wonderful colours while your balloon inflates majestically. Feel the excitement as you lift off and drift effortlessly over the spectacular scenery.

As the climbing goes on unnoticed, find yourself amidst endless horizons of rugged mountains and green fields with only the burners to disturb the peace.Watch your pilot gradually lower the balloon to inches above the evergreen trees as you pick leaves or touch the tree tops, spot a bird or an animal waking to the daybreak.

Since 2003 flights across the Cultural Triangle in the region of Dambulla, Habarana and Sigiriya have become a frequent sight to tourists and locals amidst the blue skies and historic backdrops of Sigiriya Rock, temples, mountains, lotus ponds and local village life. It has made Kandalama the ballooning capital of the Island and the region voted as the “Top 5” ballooning destinations in the world for “unique ballooning beauty” by visiting pilots that have sailed the skies of the world.

This December offers ideal weather conditions for flights and a chance for families, couples and groups to enjoy the opportunity of a dream ride amidst the middle kingdom of Sri Lanka.

To book your trip contact: holidays@srilankainstyle.com

More about ballooning…and the finer details

Who do we work with?
Sri Lanka In Style works closely with the highly experienced operator, Sun Rise Lanka Ballooning Ltd, in order to organise the perfect ballooning experiences tailored to our customers every need and convenience. Sun Rise in Lanka Ballooning (PVT) Ltd is a licensed Hot Air Balloon company in Sri Lanka under the Civil Aviation Authority and relevant Ministries, that has been operating for many years. Ballooning is a form of aviation, one cannot operate without strict approvals. Their balloon registrations are:• 4R-ISE - 8 passenger• 4R-OSE - 16 passengerBelieving in safety first, their Pilots are hand-picked for the job. Each flight is made memorable for every passenger, be it complementary or paid, the toast of a successful flight is done as an unbroken tradition for every flight and to every passenger at landing.

When do you fly?
Flights typically depart shortly after sunrise as this is when the air is cool and winds are calm. Hot Air Balloon Flights are very weather permitting and require good visibility and low wind speeds. Pre-planning is the key!Since flights average about an hour or so and the whole excursion is up to about 3 ½ hours from the time of pick up to the time you are dropped back at your hotel, pre-planning pays off. There are no bathrooms aboard the balloon!

What is the Hot Air Balloon made of?The main components of a hot air balloon are the envelope (balloon), fuel system, and gondola (basket). Most envelopes are made from ripstop nylon which is similar to the material for parachutes. One difference is that the ripstop is coated inside to contain the hot air. It is open at the bottom to receive the heating flame and have a deflation port, a large opening at the top that allows the hot air to escape during landing.The fuel system is composed of the heater, which burns propane to heat the air in the envelope, fuel tanks, which are carried in the basket; and hoses, which connect the two. The basket is constructed of wickerwork rattan and is connected to the envelope by cables. The flexibility has great absorption level and is comfortable for the guests during landing.

The Treasures of Northern Sri Lanka

2011-11-15T22:39:00.001-08:00

Last weekend I travelled to Jaffna with friends and was swept away by the beauty of the north and the wonderful people I met there. Mannar is stunning in its arid, palmyrah scattered way but it was the drive up the famous A9 through towns such as Kilinochi and the suspense of seeing Jaffna for the first time that I was excited about.Driving into the town at dusk was comforting after some of the deserted villages that we had passed through. People were going about their daily lives, buying provisions at the local shops and bicycling home with bananas and firewood on the back of their bicycles. We passed majestic old houses adorned with carved roundels, grand porches and beautiful doors and windows. Having heard that many of these wooden features had been taken and sold, it was encouraging to see them in place where they belong.Feeling tired and hungry after the long journey, we settled into our hotel and enjoyed our first taste of Jaffna cuisine. We weren’t disappointed – the food is a real highlight of a visit to the region. The crab and prawn curries are fantastic, as is the Indian food such as tandoori chicken and delicious naan bread. Other local treats include fragrant karthacolomban mangoes and the palmyra sweets that come wrapped in woven palm leaf parcels.The next morning we serendipitously reached Nallur Kovil at puja time, and as it was Lord Skander’s birthday, the ceremony was extra special. It was an amazing experience to follow the priests and worshippers around the interiors as they stopped to offer prayers to each God. The drumming and nadaswaram playing made it incredibly atmospheric. Here we met several devotees who explained parts of the ceremony to us, giving us an immediate sense of the warmth of Jaffna’s people.From here we drove to Point Pedro, which is well worth a visit. The sleepy town is still very traditional; narrow streets are full of small individual shops selling spices, chickens, spicy samosas, mangoes and basket-wear. The peninsula reveals a white sandy beach dotted with colourful fishing boats. It is not possible to climb the lighthouse but you can walk to a point amongst the rocks where a flag marks the northern most part of the island.Back in Jaffna town we set about exploring - admiring the old Austen Cambridge taxis and the market place where huge dried kattawa fish hang from the beams of the shops, and white-clad pilgrims from the south buy treats to take home to their families.A walk around Jaffna Fort built by the Dutch offers a different perspective of the town and brilliant views over the lagoon. The causeway that carves through the water has a magical quality, particularly at dawn and dusk when the light is breathtaking and fishermen on their bicycles, buses and tuk tuks bounce along it. The grand whitewashed library has a special feel, and is well used by a conscientious group of students and spotlessly maintained by a friendly group of staff. It is interesting to look through the books and the old newspaper cuttings.As well as the puja ceremony at Nallur, and visits to little village markets where we chatted with wonderful old fish and vegetable sellers, it was the drive to the islands that really struck me. Heading to Mandaitivu island along the causeway from Jaffna town, it feels like you are travelling into a different realm. The landscape is incredibly serene with theglassy lagoon on one side, and the ocean on the other. Resting their bicycles by the side of the causeway, fishermen wade out to their reed traps and some cast nets. These waters are rich in stocks – we see sizeable crabs, prawns and fish being poured into bags. Punkudutivu Island is more exposed to the ocean and as we crossed the causeway we noticed sea eagles flying overhead scanning the choppy waters for fish. On arrival we were greeted by a group of cheeky, enterprising young boys who sell flowers to pilgrims on their way to visit the Nagadeepa temple. We passed a handful of archetypal red and white striped kovils, and caught sight of a pony, (which Delft island is particularly renowned for), before taking the cramped passenger ferry crossing to Nainativu island. Wandering around the Bo tree, and the silver stupa we learnt how in the fifth year after enlightenment, Buddha visited this site to settle a dispute between two Naga kings.Chugging back on the boat across the clear emerald waters, observing other little islands on the horizon, I was struck once again by what an incredible part of the country this is.

By Daisy Perry

Adam's Peak season begins in December...

2011-11-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

Adam's Peak season begins..Sri Pada Hiking Season 2011This year's pilgrim season begins December 10th, 2011 on the Unduwap Full Moon Poya Day and continues till 28th April 2012 Vesak Full Moon Poya Day; it is the only pilgrim season in the country that lasts six months. It is a period of fine weather and during the long week-ends and full moon Poya days the trail is densely crowded.The route is illuminated in the season by a string of lights that snake up all way up to the summit to making the celebrated night ascent all the more attractive. All pilgrims trek up wishing to be at the summit at the crack of dawn to witness the magnificent spectacle of sunrise and the shadow of the mountain. Many pilgrims prefer to make the longer, much more tiring– but equally well-marked and well illuminated – seven- hour climb from Ratnapura via the Carney Estate, because of the greater merit thus gained.Off-seasonTrekking to the summit of Adam’s peak (2250 m) in the off-season too is possible. An off-season climb would prove to be novel experience since the mountain is deserted. Seasonal boutiques on the trail being closed and no pilgrims are seen trekking, off-season climb is a lonely affair until the peak is reached. Since the trail can be extremely hazardous during monsoon months (getting drenched in the rain and then getting caught in the wind chill would give you a testing time), it would do a world of good to yourself to select a dry month, July or August. LocationThe mountain is located in the southern reaches of the Central Highlands, in the Ratnapura district of the Sabaragamuwa Province - lying about 40 km northeast of the city of Ratnapura. The surrounding region is largely forested hills, with no mountain of comparable size nearby. The region along the mountain is a wildlife reserve housing many species varying from elephants to leopards, and including many endemic species.Significance of the Adam's PeakAdams Peak is Sri Lanka's Holiest Mountain and each year Pilgrims flock to climb its 5200 steps. Located in a beautiful and fascinating area of the southern edge of the Central highlands of Sri Lanka, the Mount Matterhorn shaped peak has sparked the imagination for centuries. The most adored mountain of Sri Lanka has been known in several names: Adam’s Peak (the place where Adam first set foot on earth after being cast out of heaven), Sri Pada (Sacred Footprint, left by the Buddha) or Samanala Kande (Butterfly Mountain, where butterflies go to die). While some Christians believe the huge ‘footprint’ on the top of the 2250 m peak is that of St Thomas, the early apostle of India, Hindus believe it is of Lord Shiva.

Arugam Bay – Set to be Sri Lanka’s First Plastic Free Town?

2011-10-06T04:39:00.000-07:00

Arugam Bay, one of the most beautiful areas of the country, renowned for its wide, golden beaches, national parks, lagoons fringed by paddy fields and ancient temples, could soon be one of the most enterprising. Around the world there are an increasing number of plastic free towns. Coles Bay in Australia was one of the first, when it went plastic free in 2003. In the first twelve months this stopped the use of 350,000 bags. Local residents were provided with cloth bags to use. Other alternatives include heavy-duty paper or corn starch bags that naturally decompose. One of the main reasons that the local community came to this decision was because they were worried that the pollution to the sea could affect the whales that migrate past along the eastern seaboard. Next came the city of San Francisco, which passed a resolution in 2005 detailing that plastic bags create pollution from production and disposal, use scarce energy resources, cause litter problems, are difficult to recycle and compost, as well as being detrimental to the marine environment. Many people will be shocked to know that 100,000 marine animals die every year from plastic entanglement. This is what inspired the wildlife camerawoman, Rebecca Hoskins, to push for her hometown of Modbury in south England to become plastic free in 2007. She was sent on a BBC assignment to the Pacific and was shocked at what she saw: “It broke my heart to see animals entangled in plastic, albatrosses dying in plastic, dolphins trailing plastic and seals with their noses trapped in parcel tape roll. The sea is now like a trash can and the plastic is there forever. All this damage is simply caused by our throwaway living”.Now there is a push in Arugam Bay amongst some hoteliers and the owners of the Surf Club to make this the first plastic free town in Sri Lanka. Hideaway guesthouse owner, Sharon Tissera, as well as Arugam Bay Beachwear director Ajaiy Virr Singh have come together to form a committee. Singh explains, ‘”we want to created a general awareness about the clean beach concept”. Many of the members were distraught to see a place that they had known for several decades becoming polluted with plastic rubbish. Now each weekend the conscientious Samsudeen is employed to walk the beach in the morning or afternoon, collecting the rubbish. Although each hotelier cleans the strip in front of his/her property, the strip from the Buddha statue, to the world-famous main surfing point, the calmest place for swimming in the turquoise waters, is the worst affected, as tourists leave picnic waste here. The other main waste contributor is the fishing industry. The fishermen and their colourful boats are very much part of the bay’s charm, and its friendly atmosphere. However, nylon rope, old rubber slippers and plastic bottles used for diesel and kerosene oil are often discarded on the sand.Each month the whole community come together and have a huge clean up, and Hideaway provide water and breakfast for the participants. As in other towns, Arugam Bay is sure to find that this initiative is great for business because international tourists will be impressed; it will have a huge impact on the environment, which this area of Sri Lanka is so famous for, in terms of natural beauty, abundant bird and animal life as well as being a great ingredient for community spirit.If you happen to be going to Arugam Bay this season and are interested in becoming involved, check the Hideaway facebook page for the dates of the next beach clean.By Daisy Perry

Deepavali celebrated on 26th October in Sri Lanka

2011-10-02T07:15:00.000-07:00

Deepavali

The Hindu festival of Diwali, also known as Deepavali, signifying the triumph of good over evil will be celebrated on 26th October in 2011 in Sri Lanka.

Deepavali is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji. Together with these countries, Singapore and Nepal too celebrate Diwali with great fervor, pomp and enthusiasm.

The origin of the festival begins with the Hindu epic of Ramayana in which Lord Rama of India defeat Demon King, Ravana of Sri Lanka. The great Hindu epic based on mythology interpreted as the victory of good over evil.

According to another Hindu mythological story, the festival is a commemoration of the killing of Narakasura, a notorious demon, by Lord Krishna. The celebration of Deepavali with decorative lamps and earthen lamps is symbolic of good over evil; light over darkness. The fire crackers that are burst during Deepavali symbolize the use of fiery weapons used by Lord Krishna against the demon Narakasura.

Deepavali is also a day of feasting. Narakasura, because of his previous store of virtue, had been granted a boon at the moment of his death. He asked that his death might ever be, commemorated as a day of feasting.

Moreover, Deepavali Festival is also made use of, as an occasion to propitiate the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi by illuminating homes through lighting earthen oil lamps and offering sweets and savories to friends and relations invoking her blessings that would bring about wealth and prosperity.

Hindu Tamils dressed in new clothes throng to the kovils for special offerings; enjoy their festival meals; exchange pleasantries and gifts with friends and relatives.

Galle Children's Festival 22-23rd October 2011

2011-09-22T05:26:00.000-07:00

Not sure what to do with yours kids over the half term break… well here is the answer:

Galle Children's Festival Programme

Events happening on both Saturday October 22nd and Sunday October 23rd:

Around the Country in 30 minutes by tuk tuk
British Council
Lesley Dick; Cherie Umagiliya; Jill Teasdale; Norma Swyngedauw; Christine Nowak; Moira Harkness; Cathy Glover; Anabella Brochard; Caroline Mutch; Anju Moses; Liz Evans; Karina Kassim; Amali de Silva; Emily Marshall; Amina Ruwanpathirana
8-16 years
English
This full day series of workshops involves 10 groups of students who, through painting, song and dance, drama and mask making, prepare and deliver a 30 minute performance entitled “Around the country in 30 minutes by tuk tuk”

Kids. Camera. Action!
Galle Youth Film Camps Screening
All ages
English, Tamil and Sinhala
Sit back and enjoy a special screening of 12 short films made by young participants of the 2010 & 2011 Film Camps held in Galle, Bandaragama and Jaffna. Presented y the US Embassy, Colombo and the Galle Film Festival, these camps brought students from around the country together to take part in drama and film workshops before shooting their own films!

Snap Lanka Children’s Photography Exhibition
AdoptSriLanka
Earlier in 2011 students from schools in the southern and eastern provinces of Sri Lanka took part in a series of photographic workshops. Their photos which will be on display throughout the Galle Children’s Festival celebrate and share their lives and communities with each other.

Keerthihan’s Kite
Trilingual Story Telling
Michael Meyler, Thilini Ranasinghe & Niruba Pushparaj
5-10 years
English, Tamil and Sinhala
A trilingual reading of the children’s book Keerthihan’s Kite, followed by an activity making/decorating a kite of your own.

Kite Making & Flying on the Ramparts
5-10 years
English, Tamil and Sinhala
Following Michael Meyler’s trilingual reading of Keerthihan’s Kite, young participants will enjoy making or decorating their own kits before flying them on the ramparts of the historic Galle Fort.

Origami and Craft
Shiroma Benaragama & Dilrukshi Gunaseela
British Council
8-11 years and 12-15 years
Have fun trying out the ancient Japanese art form of origami as well as other craft activities!

Interactive Story Time
British Council
Shiroma Benaragama & Shashila Alahakoon
English & Sinhala
5-8 years
Come along to a series of interactive story telling sessions including the traditional stories Little Red Riding Hood, Harry’s Hazlenut, Can’t You Sleep Little Bear? and The Rescue Party.

Poetry Writing
Vivimarie VanderPoorten
British Council
8-11 years and 12-15 years
English.
Join Gratiaen Prize Winning Sri Lankan Poet Vivimarie Vanderpoorten in these exciting poetry workshops! Vivimarie currently lectures in English language, literature and linguistics at the Open University of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan Sign Language
Hannah Sheppard, Subodha Vihanga Liyanage & Kanchana Priyadarshani - Children’s Hope
7+ years
Come along and enjoy learning how to use Sri Lankan Sign Language to greet people and sing well known Sri Lankan songs. This workshop aims to create awareness of Deafness and sign language and allow those participants to acquire basic signs to converse with those who communicate in this medium.

Visual Art Competitions
Shiroma Benaragama
British Council
8-11 years & 12-15 years
English
Students will have the chance to create their own individual art work using mediums of their choice such as pastels, watercolours or collage before it is judged by a local artist.

Creative Book Makers Inc
Mika Tennekoon & Will Henley
11-14 years
Ever wanted to start your own children’s book or graphic novel? Mika and Will can show you how from start to finish. Write, illustrate, and bind!

Wheel Chair Treasure Hunt
ECSAT Community Support Centre
Nilanga Roshan Samarawickrama, Asha M. Jeewanthi & W.H. Samantha
10-16 years
English & Sinhala
Young participants will take part in this unique challenge, working in pairs to explore the historic Galle fort in wheelchairs. This exciting workshop will enable them to truly experience what it can be like to have a disability while working in teams and getting support and guidance from children with disabilities.

Events happening on only Saturday October 22nd:

Festival Opening School Band Parade
The festival will kick off with a parade of school bands winding through the Galle Fort, ending at the Law Court Square where the official opening ceremony will take place.

Activities in the Square
Nilanga Roshan Samarawickrama , G.G. Gayani Sugandika & U.G.K Menaka Lakmali
ECSAT Community Support Centre
4-14 years
Come along and have fun dancing, singing, acting and creating with the team of ECSAT under marquees in the Law Court Square. These sessions are specially designed for children of all abilities including children with hearing impairments, physical and intellectual disabilities

Cookery for Kids
Rehana Wettasinghe & Akram Alavi
This hands-on activity caters to children who are total beginners to those who have had some experience in cookery. It is designed to stimulate their senses, to gain knowledge about the nutritious value of food whilst they chop, mix, stir, cook and indulge themselves in this finger licking experience. Washing dishes and clearing up will also be a part of the learning curve.

DJ Workshop
Asvajit Boyle & Givanke Goonetilleke
English/Sinhala Medium
15+ years
In this 6-hour workshop participants will get a basic overview of DJing, electronic music performance and production. The workshop will cover and demonstrate the different mediums of DJing used over the years, as well as give an introduction to the possibilities of creating music without traditional musical instruments. Students will each leave with a CD of the music they have all created throughout the day.

See the festival through a Camera Lens!
Ruvin de Silva
13-15
English and Sinhala
Join Ruvin de Silva in this interactive workshop learning the ins and outs of event photography before visiting festival activities in the Galle Fort. A selection of the student’s photos will be displayed on the festival website soon after the event.

Mind Adventures Theatre Company
13-16 years
English and Sinhala
Join some of the team of Mind Adventures Theatre Company to collaboratively build a story and characters through a series of workshops, and improvisation exercises. Participants will work together to build a plot through a stimulus of their choice, which will give birth to the larger story and the characters. A story can come out of almost anything – a word, a picture, a piece of music. This workshop will end in a performance on the festival stage.

Musical Storytelling
Lucy Coote & David O’Rorke
6-9 years
English
Taking the well loved English story ‘We’re Going On A Bear Hunt’ by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, the children will experiment with how to use sound and music to add depth to the story. Bring your own ‘junk’ to create simple percussion and string instruments!

Events happening on only Sunday October 23rd:

Pottery Painting
Rehana Wettasinghe& Akram Alavi
5+ years
English & Sinhala
Children will have a blast using sandpaper and paint and other mixed media to create a personalized piece of pottery with vibrant colours.

A Day Out with Stimulation
ECSAT Community Support Centre Nilanga Roshan Samarawickrama, G.G. Gayani Sugandika & U.G.K Menaka Lakmali
For Parents
Sinhala
ECSAT will be carrying out a range of interactive sessions targeting parents, caregivers and parents. Participants will take part in a range of stimulation and awareness raising activities including challenges where they are blindfolded and in wheel chairs.

OTHERS ACTIVITIES- Times and dates to be confirmed

Samakanda
Eco-Field Trip
Students will go on an eco-adventure and explore the wonders of Samakanda. Set in sixty acres of tea estate and pristine rainforest, a short drive from the Galle coast, Samakanda is an ecological sanctuary and tropical forest garden bursting with fresh, organic produce. Watch the birds swooping through the trees, hike the rainforest trails and learn how you can protect your own patch of planet earth.

Rainforest Rangers
Rainforest Rescue International
11-14 years
Come along and meet the Rainforest Rangers from local Galle Schools. These after school clubs provide fun, practical opportunities for students to learn about the environment. They aim to give children a positive connection to their natural heritage, empower them to make conservation actions and become advocates for environmental conservation in their schools and communities. Participants will learn first-hand how they can set up a Rainforest Rangers Club in their school.

Our Vision for a Green Fort
Rainforest Rescue International
11-14 years
Children who live or study in the Galle Fort will spend time observing and recording the many species of flora and fauna within the Fort walls. They will then create art work and use photos to design their vision for a greener fort in the future and how everyone can help make this dream a reality.

Rock Pooling Field Trip
Anoma Alagiyawadu – Jetwing Naturalist
Come along to the beach front of Dadalla and join local Naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu in the weird and wonderful discoveries that can be found in the rock pools of Galle. Learn all about the different species that live amongst the rocks and what you can do to help preserve and protect them.

The Life of the Sari

2011-07-26T04:14:00.000-07:00

It is 8 o’clock in the morning and the Selyn handloom workshops in the villages in and around Kurunegala are silent. After the mumbling of morning prayers, the crackling sounds of the looms fills the air and the weavers begin their art. Colorful handwoven fabrics galore but todays story is about the Sari, the traditional drape for most South Asian women. To tell you a bit about the Sari, we need to take you back to Indus Valley Civilization around 2800-1800 BC, where the word 'sari' is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word 'sati', which means strip of cloth. The sari is the national costume for women in Sri Lanka and is draped in many styles, the Indian (Nivi) and the Kandyan (Osaria) styles being the most popular. Elegant and respectable, the sari is worn for various occasoins ranging from weddings and work to informal everyday wear.

The life of the sari first begins with the dyeing of 100% cotton yarn into vibrant colors only limited by your imagination. After a 36-hour process of boiling, coloring, washing and drying, the colored yarn is ready for the weaving process.

First, the yarn is thoroughly washed, boiled and rinsed and put into the dying machines...

..then, the color recipe is mixed. All dyes used are AZO free and certified as eco-friendly.

The yarn bundles are spun around in the dye bath in order to get an even coloring and...

...the dyed yarn is then spun in a centrifuge to get rid of moisture and hung in a heat room for approx. 24 hours for complete drying.

The finished yarn is ready to go!!

The journey of the sari takes us next to the handloom workshops where the dyed yarn is woven by our masters artisans into saris.

First the yarn is spun into bobbins...

.....that is then used to create the warp, which dictates the design of the sari.

This warp is transferred to the weaver who threads, looms and then weaves according to the design.

The finished product!

This entire process takes up to 48 hours depending on the design of the sari and on a human side it touches the lives of many. In this respect, The 'Wear Sri Lankan' campaign at Selyn is aimed at promoting the use of Sri Lankan handloom garments; especially saris. Through this campaign we hope to connect the artisan to the consumer and most importantly we wish to pay tribute to the hands behind the loom.

Rahju: A New Wave in Kandyan Art

2011-07-04T05:45:00.000-07:00

“Rahju leads a spare, unmechanized life in a Kandyan village that, with it’s unselfconscious integration of being and doing, recalls the natural, harmonious, down to earth ways of decades or even centuries ago.

Rahju is of mixed Sri Lankan-Norwegian heritage. He spent his first ten years in Kandy, then moved close to Oslo for the next ten years, returning to Sri Lanka in 1982. This migration from East to West and back again has allowed Rahju to acquire a deep-dyed appreciation of traditional Eastern values and life, and a Western knowledge of the practice and problems of contemporary art. Perhaps his seamless integration of life and art stems from his natural familiarity with both Eastern and Western ways.

Like modern Western painters from Monet and Cezanne to Jasper Johns, Rahju has found stimulation in painting the same thing over and over again. This seems less to be in order to document it’s many moods or changing aspects than to know it over and over again, as one repeatedly embraces a beloved.

Despite Rahju’s characteristic precise, pure technique; his close up views of temple walls and doors, the folds of a carved Buddha’s robe or other architectural and sculptural features, confound our usual perspective on these things. At first we may not know what we are supposed to see: an off-center partial view of a Siva Nataraj in silhouette, the curve of part of a dagoba filling one-third of an otherwise “empty” canvas, or a distant wall seen through a doorway are abstract forms before we recognize their referents. Whatever the view, one feels an unmistakable yet indefinable poetic quality that is unlike any other painter’s work in Sri Lanka today. This quality resides in a sort of “presence” that the works both portray and achieve. It is as if they are there, in their being, whether we look and participate with them or not.

Rahju’s residence in a Kandyan village brings to mind his great predecessor, George Keyt. Also of mixed South Asian and European background, Keyt shocked the Colombo society of the 1930’s when he forsook the city’s pleasures in order to live as a villager in the Kandyan countryside. In the intervening half century, however, Sri Lanka has changed enormously. Today, even in remote villages, traditional life is increasingly difficult to find. In contrast to Keyt (who lived in the same area and was a close friend of Rahju’s during his final years), Rahju does not affect to “live like a villager”, but rather, with Rasika and their two children, to create and perfect his life and art in harmony with their surroundings, and to embody Sri Lanka’s most enduring and sustaining contributions to the life of it’s people; embeddedness in nature and adherence to the Buddhist-Hindu worldview."

An Insight into Living within the Galle Fort

2011-06-29T09:21:00.000-07:00

by Daisy Perry

The time I spent in Galle Fort will remain forever etched in my mind: staying in Parrawa Street, a small lane close to the Sri Sudharmalaya Buddhist temple with the sea breeze sweeping up the streets. The Goonawardana family that I stayed with couldn’t have been more hospitable, and I was regularly given kolakanda and kiri bath with spicy sambol in the mornings, and amazing rice and curry spreads for lunch.
Cycling through the streets on my slightly rusty mountain bike, bumping over the odd pot-hole and 17th century Dutch drain cover, I couldn’t have been more content. I had Mr Hanifa, my eighty-year-old friend opposite to keep me amused, who recounted tales of the history of the Fort and was always keen to start writing romances and ghost stories; then the characters who work and come to read the papers in the nearby YMBA, which is used as a secret short-cut between two streets. Another favourite haunt was the Pedlar Street Café, where you can chat to the friendly owner Azeez whilst indulging in fresh juices and home-baked chocolate brownies.
Food and cuisine are an important part of life in the Fort – from the early hours as the sun is rising you hear bicycle sellers flying down the streets with shouts of ‘malu malu’ ‘kesel’ and ‘kola’. Then mid-morning, the sounds of the vegetable cart and thambili sellers fill the streets.
At festival times such as Ramadan, there is a great atmosphere after sunset and the rotti shops on New Lane and Rampart Street go into full swing. During this time I was lucky enough to be brought plates of biryani and sweets, as well as mugs of barley soup, and handfuls of dates by the generous residents.
Another favourite activity was and still is visiting my friends Fazal and Fathima on Leyn Baan Street who run the Old Dutch Café, and enjoying hot coffee or ginger tea with them.
Bicycling into Galle town was another highlight – past the cricket pitch to the fruit market, fish market, the stationers, the old Ariyadasa printers with their 150-year-old presses and exploring the trading area where bullock carts pull up to collect large sacks of rice and vegetables, ayurvedic products and spices. Pedalling further you come to villages set in paddy fields, temples such as the historic Yatagala rock temple and then to the coast and stunning coves like Unawatuna.
Through pouring monsoon rains when the skies are the same iron grey as the Fort walls, to serene days when colourful kites fly in the sky, and people picnic on the ramparts, to starry nights when groups of friends gather to chat, sing and enjoy spicy bites, the citadel is a truly varied and fascinating place to live, where there is very rarely a dull moment.

Written by Daisy Perry: Author of Around the Fort in 80 Lives.

Spotting blue whales in Sri Lanka

2011-06-23T01:28:00.000-07:00

After years of whale-watching, Philip Hoare traveals to Sri Lanka, hoping to spot the biggest and most impressive cetacean of them all.

The southern tip of the island is surprisingly close to the deep waters of the continental shelf, and here swim giants
By Philip Hoare
8:00AM BST 17 Apr 2011

Sri Lanka has been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently, beset with problems from terrorism to flooding. But in the wake of the contentious ending of the war in 2010 with the Tamil Tigers, this verdant island is experiencing a new tourist boom founded largely on its exquisite beaches, where one may spend weeks doing nothing but drinking lime sodas in the sun.
However, I found another prospect more appealing – especially after the frenetic demands of appearing at the island's Galle Literary Festival.
For some years now, I'd heard stories of whales seen off Sri Lanka's coast, not least from my brother-in-law, Sam Goonetillake, founder of the Helplanka charity, which was set up to assist the orphans of the 2004 tsunami.
For a dedicated "whalehead" such as myself, these tales were impossibly alluring. The southern tip of the island is surprisingly close to the deep waters of the continental shelf, and here swim giants: blue whales, the largest animals that ever lived. It is a unique situation: nowhere else do these whales come in so close to land, or are so reliably seen.

Their presence, confirmed by such naturalists as Gehan de
Silva Wijeyeratne, has encouraged the eco-tour specialists Jetwing to start dedicated whale watching trips, using boats supplied by Mirissa Water Sports, a company set up with European funding in the wake of the tsunami. With the prospect of adding this animal, the holy grail of whale-watchers, to my list, I joined forces with photographer Andrew Sutton in the search for whales.
An hour before sunrise, we left our hotel and hurtled down the road in a tuk-tuk. Passing fishermen balancing huge boxes of fish on their bikes, we pulled up at the harbour, where Rasika, our boatman, was waiting. Our vessel was hardly luxurious: a 19ft fibreglass boat, barely more than a canoe, scruffy with rough repairs. But its 25 horsepower outboard motor was surprising powerful.
We slipped out of the harbour and towards an unseen horizon, studded with the lights of dozens of fishing boats already out there. If we'd carried on, the next land we would have would have been Antarctica, 10,000 miles away.
As the sun rose, I looked down into the deep blue, its swell shadowing whatever might lie below. Lulled by the boat, I fell asleep under the surprisingly comfortable prow, listening to the waves lap at the hull.
Suddenly the mood changed. Five miles away, or maybe more, the horizon had been broken by what looked like a head of steam – as tall as a house. Rasika's English may have been uncertain; what he was saying was not: "Whale!"
I've watched whales around the world, from Cape Cod to the Azores, from the Bay of Biscay to New Zealand. But in a decade of cetacean-spotting, I'd never seen a blue whale. Now I was about to have my first encounter with an animal as big as a jet plane, and just as loud. Fifteen minutes later, the whale broke the surface barely 50 yards from our bow.
I let loose a profanity. It was not a profound response, but how do you react to an animal so huge? The snout, with its massive blowholes, ploughed through the water, followed by the whale's extraordinary bulk.
Slim and enormous at the same time, the blue whale is almost impossible to comprehend. Yet beyond the massive size – these animals can reach up to 100ft or more in length – and the sheer span of time it takes to arch through the water, I was most astounded by its colour. It really was blue – a deep, petrol blue mottled with grey, the same colours as the sea and sky.
That day, we were blessed. Before most people back home had begun their breakfast, we'd seen a dozen or more blue whales, eating their own breakfast of krill. A blue whale will consume six tons of these tiny shrimps daily in order to sustain its great bulk. And that, above all else, is why they were here.
The meeting of the warmer coastal waters with the colder waters of the continental shelf creates a cycle of rising nutrients called upwellings. The rich, rotting matter from the ocean bed feeds the krill, and the krill feed the whales. It's an efficient exchange, a marker of oceanic fertility.

However, it was salutary to see a procession of giant container ships on the horizon, 20 nautical miles from land. That the whales chose to feed between the island and the world's busiest shipping lane seems symbolic of the effects humans have upon them.
For all their size, these animals depend on us, and our actions. In the 20th century, blue whales were nearly driven to extinction by extensive hunting. Around 360,000 blue whales died in those years – many of them taken in these same waters, often by Soviet whaling fleets deliberately under-reporting their catch. As a direct result, now only 15,000 or fewer blue whales remain worldwide.

Sri Lanka's tourist board boasts that only in this country can one see the world's biggest land mammal, the elephant, and its largest marine mammal, the blue whale, in a single day. Jetwing's well-informed naturalist, Anoma Indragith Alagiyawadu, says that as news of the whales spreads, whale-watching – already increasing by 20 per cent each year – will expand at an even greater rate. Even during my stay, a former naval boat, the Jetliner, was pressed into service for whale-watching.

The success of Sri Lanka's whale-watching industry brings problems. Unregulated operators may stress the whales and even drive them away. Asha de Vos, an impassioned young Sri Lankan marine biologist, says that she and other scientists are asking for strict guidelines to be enforced, limiting how many boats can be allowed to approach whales, and how closely. Without such stringent regulations, de Vos fears the whales might simply leave the area.
And that would leave scientists and visitors alike bereft. To say goodbye to these animals so soon after their "discovery" would be a shame indeed – a loss to Sri Lanka, and the rest of the world.
• Philip Hoare is the author of 'Leviathan or, The Whale' (Fourth Estate), winner of the 2009 BBC Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction

Rainforest Rescue International - Natural Wonders

2011-04-25T02:09:00.000-07:00

The organisation Rainforest Rescue International (RRI) has an active branch in Galle, located in close proximity to Sri Lanka’s last remaining virgin rainforest, Sinharaja, home to over 95% of Sri Lanka’s endemic birds as well as over 6% of the world’s amphibians.

The ‘Sinharaja tour’ that RRI offers is a full day trek that takes you deep into the rainforest. You enter this steamy world of streams and towering hard wood trees in a ‘Lord of the Rings’ kind of way by climbing up three waterfall cascades before you reach the path that takes you further into the forest. Here you will have the chance to see purple-faced leaf monkeys, which are one of the top 25 most endangered species in the world, as well as elusive slender lorises, hump nosed lizards and flocks of blue magpies. You will have a rainforest lunch of purple yams, and pithu made from the fruit of a tree which flowers once every seven years.

If you fancy something a little less wild and adventurous then the Mangrove Lagoon boat safari on Koggala Lake is a great option. In the late afternoon you take a wooden canoe or motor boat, depending on which you prefer, and travel to Talatuduwa island where there is a hundred year old temple monastery and also a school for Buddhist monks aged between eight and twenty years old. Enjoy meeting the Buddhist priest and being blessed with a pirith bracelet before visiting the small community nursery run by older ladies who grow medicinal plants, as well as mangroves. The tour revolves around the ‘Sacred Grove concept’. Therefore you will be given a refreshing mangrove juice to sample and a mangrove seedling to plant and learn about the importance of these ancient plants for the ecosystem and the local community.

For more info visit: www.rainforestrescueinternational.org

Ulagalla - A triumph of eco friendly design

2011-02-10T20:26:00.000-08:00

Ulagalla, our newest member of SriLankaInStyle is a triumph of eco friendly design that manages to blend genuine environmental practices with luxurious, fully-facilitated interiors meaning that comfort is not forgotten in the face of an eco-friendly design. Accredited with a silver LEED certification from the US Green Building Council, this brand new resort south of Anuradhapura encompasses 58 acres of working paddy fields, organic vegetable plots and ornamental gardens that play host to 25 chalets, a sensitively-restored ancient wallauwa (manor house), a 30m swimming pool, a gym and a sensual sunken spa. The resort’s generosity of space coupled with its beautiful natural surroundings – not one tree was felled during construction whilst a mere 1,000 were planted - gives it a village atmosphere that along with concerted efforts of the hospitable staff team make you feel at home the moment you arrive.

Sri Lanka gets under my Skin

2011-02-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

Mona Farrugia thought she had become a hardened traveller, not excited or enthralled by much, until she found Sri Lanka creeping softly under her skin. Now she wants to emigrate.

"Kandy was heaving. Not because it was particularly busy, but because it heaves normally. The city, Sri Lanka’s original capital before the British replaced it with Colombo, is loudmouthed with horns – whether it is cars, trucks, buses, an ox-cart or a human being, you want to get out of the way. Cars are loud because they are old. Buses are louder, rickety affairs of nuts and no bolts which carry a crazy amount of human cargo. ..."

Read on... http://www.planetmona.com/travel-on-planetmona/62-country-guides/3211-sri-lanka-gets-under-my-skin

Anoma

2011-02-07T23:27:00.000-08:00

"Human insecurities, greed and conflicts blur the boundaries between reason and passion and explode the tensions that exist within all of us. We create and destroy in our search for immortality, never accepting life’s unalterable fact – impermanence."

Anoma Wijewardene

http://www.anomawijewardene.com/home.html

Rough Guides names Sri Lanka as one of the top destinations for 2011

2010-12-09T20:51:00.000-08:00

The year 2011 is destined to be Sri Lanka's year. Already the season is hotting up as visitor enquiries are at their peak whilst boutique accommodation for Christmas and New Year is already full. It's time to start thinking about your holiday for next year and we recommend that you book well in advance!

In anticipation of Visit Sri Lanka 2011, the Tourist Board's drive to attract attention back to the country, publications are already touting this emerald isle as the place to go in 2011. The most recent is Rough Guides who name Sri Lanka, and specifically the cosmopolitan city of Galle on the island's sensational south coast, in their top ten places to visit in 2011. The soon-to-be-completed construction of a second international airport in Hambantota, the region's recovery after the devastating tsunami in 2004 and of course, the country's return to peace are all cited as reasons why Galle is in vogue now.

Certainly Galle's excellent selection of boutique rooms and villas, growing by the day, its many exciting attractions, its sensational beaches and the cosmopolitan vibe of its historic Galle Fort all prove how the region is advancing. Tangalle, the resort most likely to benefit from the new airport given its location, is set to blossom, though for now it remains one of the best places to enjoy true tranquility in spaciousness, comfort and style.

http://www.roughguides.com/website/Travel/SpotLight/ViewSpotLight.aspx?spotLightID=538

New Sri Lanka In Style properties!

2010-10-28T17:10:00.000-07:00

Our fabulous Sri Lanka In Style property portfolio is expanding all the time and we are very pleased to welcome two very different new properties onboard; Mas Villa, a historic boutique hotel in the glorious green hills near Kandy and Teak House, an intimate two-bedroom timber chalet on the island's dramatic southern coast.

Mas Villa is a beautifully proportioned hotel between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya that enjoys stunning views over the Kothmale Reservoir and the dramatic verdant mountain scenery beyond. It has just five guestrooms including a fabulous first floor suite that bursts with character and comes with lots of space, not to mention spectacular views. The house itself is incredibly historic and is more than 300 years old. It was once the ancestral home of Gamini Dissanayake, one of Sri Lanka's most prominent politicians; its impressive size and stature certainly account for this. Now a refuge for those looking for peace and privacy in the hills, this exciting new property comes with lounge areas, a pool table, a spa and a gorgeous garden ripe for exploration. It is perfect for lovers of the Great Outdoors as there are numerous walking maps and mountain bicycles that take you picturesquely into the verdant scenery beyond.

Petit Teak House is situated close to Tangalle on a palm-shaded hillside above the spectacular Seenimodera Beach. Home to just two bedrooms, an open-sided lounge and a fully-equipped kitchen this gorgeous property is immersed in a beautiful tropical garden alive with birdcall and plentiful wildlife. Beautifully atmospheric, the timber walls of this airy property provide plenty of character and make it one of Sri Lanka's most unique accommodations. Presided over by a wonderful houseboy and cook, this is a property for those looking to completely relax and unwind. Hammocks in the garden swing under a tropical sky which at night is alive with fireflies and the melodic sound of crickets. Just a two minute walk to the beach, Teak House is as excellent for families as it is romantic for couples.

www.srilankainstyle.com

Sri Lanka: best value for money long-haul destination

2010-10-02T23:23:00.000-07:00

It's official; there's never been a better time to visit Sri Lanka! The Long Haul Holiday Report has recently judged Sri Lanka to be the best value long haul destination for travellers from the UK. This annual report produced by the Post Office informs British citizens of where their pound could stretch furthest when picking a winter destination abroad. Through averaging the combined cost of ten holiday essentials such as evening meals, various beverages and the price of staples such as suncream and postcards, Sri Lanka came out top - just above Mexico and Kenya - with a shopping basket cost of GBP 46.85 compared to Australia's GBP 155.58.

Thailand, the former holders of the top spot slipped to sixth place as a result of the strengthening of the Thai Baht resulting in a difference of 11 percent between itself and Sri Lanka. Bali and Malaysia also slipped from the top of the leaderboard. Presently UK arrivals in Sri Lanka are up by a staggering 51 percent on last year with the country set to see these figures increase over the next few years as tourist arrivals boom and the island reaps the rewards of peace after 30 years of civil war.

Sri Lanka is a country of such variety - where else can you savour the beauty of spectacular beaches, the culture of tea high up in the hills and the exclusivity of seeing leopards and whales in the wild all within a seven day journey? Views changes constantly, climates provide surprising variety and the people are always welcoming and warm. Add to that the island's most recent nomination of being superb value for money and you have an amazing destination that's accessible, affordable and just waiting to be explored!

Sri Lanka by tuk tuk!

2010-09-22T01:26:00.000-07:00

Where's Ali, The Jar of Vegemite and Tuk-ish Delight were just three of the 28 comical team names of the September 2010 Lanka Challenge. Comprising a team a tuk tuk, competitors travelled the island extensively in colourful convoy to reach some of the country's most treasured cultural attractions plus some of its more remote delights - Trincomalee, Arugum Bay and the Veddah-heartlands of Dambana. Covering a distance of 1,500km in just 12 days, these adventurous tourists embarked on a true test of character, endurance and resourcefulness which paid huge dividends as their mad-ventures succeeded in them raising a whopping US $14,000 for charities such as SOS, Save The Children Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Red Cross.

The Lanka Challenge was established by experience-based travel company Large Minority in 2009, in order to promote meaningful tourism. Through the annual Lanka and Cambo (Cambodia) challenges, Large Minority aim to unite multi-cultural travel aficionados in search of unique life-changing experiences. Travelling with an aim to respect the local people as much as the environment in which they travel, these adventures are not only about experiencing new destinations but about giving back to the local communities therein.

The 2010 Lanka Challenge, the second of its kind on the island was an resounding success. Competitors from all over the world dressed in their best fancy dress were given a day's tuk tuk tutoring before they set off to embark on their own teeth-chattering 12-day journey. En-route, they not only had to navigate their way from place to place in a challengingly unfamiliar vehicle, but they also competed in carefully selected adventure, cultural and ecologically themed challenges that involved the local community.

Julian Carnal, co-founder of Large Minority gave his thoughts on why Sri Lanka was chosen to play host to this annual event: "On our previous visits we had an awesome time in Sri Lanka. The beauty of the country and its friendly people make it an excellent tourist destination. Our intention is to demonstrate Sri Lanka's diversity and create a positive impression among the world. Trishaws (tuk tuks) were selected as a mode of transportation because they play a big part in the lifestyle of the average Sri Lankan. We wanted to give visitors that experience too".

For more information and details on the Lankan Challenge 2011, check out http://lanka.largeminority.com/

Uda Walawe National Park

2010-09-01T04:22:00.000-07:00

Visual Responses During the War

2010-08-26T04:16:00.001-07:00

Slim and Slimmer

2010-08-17T23:32:00.000-07:00

Kelany - Ganga, Ceylon

2010-06-28T02:49:00.000-07:00

Minneriya National Park

2010-06-28T02:43:00.000-07:00

Kandy Perahera

2010-06-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

Sinhalese New Year 2010

2010-04-11T23:31:00.000-07:00

As the midpoint of the sun, from Pisces enters Aries, the very first sign of the zodiac, the Sri Lankan New Year dawns at the precise time of 06.58 am on the 14th of April 2010. From this time onwards, all activities that are important for a healthy and prosperous future are conducted to auspicious times determined by the ancient but popular science of astrology. One such significant ritual is the first bath preceded by the anointing of the head with fragrant oils which symbolizes a fresh and pure start with the beginning of the Sri Lankan New Year.

Jewel of Muscat

2010-04-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

The project involves the reconstruction of a 9th-century sailing ship in Oman.The Jewel of Muscat is based on a range of historical sources, including the findings of the Belitung Wreck, which was discovered in 1998. The 18 metre ship has been built without nails. The planks were sewn together with coconut fibre, and had to fit perfectly so as to ensure that the ship is watertight. The wood is protected by a layer of goat fat mixed with lime. The planking on the ship is made from Afzelia africana timber from Ghana. The Jewel of Muscat was built in a specially constructed ship yard at a beach in Qantab, Oman. The ship's voyage begins in Oman, with stops in India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia, before ending in Singapore. The journey retraces part of the historic maritime trade route between Arabia and the Far East. During its voyage, the team will use 9th-century navigation techniques. The voyage began in February 2010, with the Jewel of Muscat reaching Singapore by June 2010.

http://www.jewelofmuscat.tv/

Rumassala

2010-04-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

Rumassala is a massive hill oddly out of place in the landscape just outside the Galle harbour. Legend details that during the Rama – Rawana war Rama's brother Luxhmana, was injured and Hanuman was sent to Himalayas to fetch medicinal herbs. Hanuman forgot the name of the herb but he brought a chunk of the peak containing many herbs. However the mountain fragment slipped and broke into five pieces of which one fell to Rumassala. It should be noted that the renowned scientist Sir Arthur C. Clerk has a bungalow in the precincts of Rumassala, as it is said to be the place that has the highest specific gravity globally.

Virgin White Tea

2010-03-04T22:06:00.000-08:00

Sri Lanka's virgin white tea fetches $1500 per Kilo.

Tea maker Malinga Herman Gunaratne uses an ancient Chinese method of harvesting the tea. The tea is plucked without a human ever touching the leaf. In keeping with the Chinese tradition the tea is cut instead of being plucked using gold plated scissors. The virgins that the Chinese used to pluck/cut the tea are, however, no longer a requirement.

Galle Literary Festival 2010

2010-01-28T02:56:00.000-08:00

"The Festival is now just three weeks away! Our box offices are all open: on this site, at Barefoot in Colombo (706 Galle Road, 10-5 weekdays, 10-2 Saturdays) and at Lollapalooza in Galle (56 Lighthouse St, 10-12, 4-5 weekdays). There has been a great rush on tickets but don’t worry, there are plenty more to be had. Click on Programme above to choose from the 77 events of our long weekend.

After Mohammed Hanif explodes mangoes, hear Wendy Cope’s two cures for love. Listen to Gillian Slovo’s version of growing up in the South Africa of Apartheid or Sybil Wettasinghe’s account of a childhood near Galle. Investigate the history of the conspiracy theory with Antony Beevor and hear the life sentence that Ian Rankin meted out to Inspector Rebus. Go kite flying on the Ramparts or walk up the lighthouses of literature.

The Galle Literary Festival takes place in and around Galle Fort, the site of many landings on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. The Festival is both intimate and international, bringing together writers and audiences from around Sri Lanka and the world. You can walk through the Fort, from a literary conversation to an open air performance; or head from a long gourmet meal to the beach. The Festival includes four full days of events, a special Children’s Festival and this year an extra day dedicated to schoolchildren from Galle."

http://www.galleliteraryfestival.com/

The Indian Core

2009-12-19T02:33:00.000-08:00

The story of Kirchhayn

2009-12-02T21:10:00.000-08:00

The wonderful story of Kirchhayn, a tea planters bungalow...

"The first Bostock arrived in Ceylon in 1884- John Henry Bostock. He arrived to take up the post of a resident engineer at the Colombo Harbour. Norman Bostock, J.H. Bostock’s son was born in England and on leaving Marlborough College in 1910, he travelled to Sri Lanka.

At around the same time, Elizabeth Pyman and her sister Ruth, the two attractive daughters’ of a wealthy ship owner, embarked upon their cruise around the world. As organized by the girl’s grandfather, on arrival in Ceylon, they were met by A.J. and Oswin Wickwar. They escorted the girls on many expeditions and adventures while they holidayed in Ceylon. It so happened that Norman Bostock happened to join them on some of these outings.

In a very short time Norman had decided that Elizabeth was the girl for him. Norman proposed to her in the Churchyard of a little village called Aislaby in Yorkshire. They were later married in Colombo in 1923. The wedding was a grand affair and included several Ceylonese friends in the guest list. During the 20’s Norman Bostock began to buy land 3 miles from Bandarawela with A.J. Wickwar. After convincing the Colombo Commercial Company, which was at the time wholly British owned, to invest the capital so that Aislaby factory could start functioning, Norman Bostock’s planting years began.

Mark Bostock, Norman’s son was born in Ceylon, in September 1926 and spent most of his time here. In 1945, Mark returned to Ceylon when changing aircraft carriers as his ship, ‘The Indefatigable’ was going to Australia and he was destined for the pacific in a frightful American Liberty flat- top which he joined up in Trincomalee. During the short time he spent with his father in Colombo, they purchased Kirchhayn, another small tea estate adjoining Aislaby in Bandarawela.

When demobilized from Trincomalee in 1947, Mark headed straight to Aislaby Estate, where he began to learn the art of tea planting, and tasting. Aislaby become a leading estate in the Uva with probably the most up-to date factory in Sri Lanka.

It was a devastating blow when Aislaby was nationalized in November 1973 and all that was left was “Kirchhayn Bungalow” and the 50 Acres of land that the family were allowed to retain. Mark retired from John Keells in 1986. He sadly passed away in April 2000 and leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth and 2 daughters."

http://www.kirchhaynbungalow.com/history.html

A letter to Bill from Udurawana, Sri Lanka

2009-10-18T21:42:00.000-07:00

"Dear Mr. Bill Gates,

This letter is from the Udurawana from the Kandy Hilly`s. We have bought a Computer with Microsoft for first time to our home and we have big problems, which I want to be bringing to your notices.

After connect to internet we planned to open e-mail account so we filled the form in Hotmail in the password box but something funny happens only ****** appears (stars), but in the rest whatever we typed the letters and numbers appears nicely, but we face this problem only inpassword box.

One friend told that there are bites on his computer but he cant receive them. Can you also include some bites in my computer - I mostly like Cadju and Rata Cadju and Bola Kadala but I like to try anything interesting you also have !

Your esteemed customer,
K.P.G. UDURAWANA. (Kiri Panu Gaya)
The House on the Hilly`s
KingsTown, Kandy"

Sri Lanka: Gateway to Other Worlds?

2009-10-14T21:20:00.000-07:00

"Long before modern scientist ever dreamed of the existence of gateways between parallel universes, the ancient world already regarded Lanka or Serendip as being the Antipodes, a topsy-turvy wonderland inhabited by nagas, yakas and various other-worldly spirits. Oral traditions still current in Lanka tell of hidden gateways situated islandwide through which yogis and siddhas, could travel to distant places or even to other lokas or worlds in the blink of an eye.

Lanka’s longstanding reputation as a mysterious gateway to other worlds has been testified to in modern times also by the great pioneer of dream-related psychology, Dr. Carl G. Jung. In Memories, Dreams and Reflections, Jung recorded his own experience of an intensely vivid post-anesthesia dream in which he suddenly found himself floating in space hundreds of miles above the earth’s surface. He especially recalled seeing the island of Ceylon directly beneath him like a vast emerald in the shimmering blue Indian Ocean"

http://www.kataragama.org/research/gateways.htm

Frangipani Tree

2009-10-06T23:23:00.000-07:00

Crystallized tears of Buddha

2009-10-04T23:24:00.000-07:00

"The interior of this mountain (Adams Peak) produces red rubies, blue sapphires, yellow Oriental topaz, and other gems; they have each and every precious stone. Whenever heavy rain occurs, the water rushes out of the earth and flows down amidst the sand, and the people search in the sand for the stones. There is a saying that the precious stones are the crystallized tears of Buddha"

From The Overall Survey of the Ocean's Shores by Ma Huan, who accompanied Cheng Ho on three of the later expeditions. They remarked on the curious impression in the country's highest mountain, a giant 'footprint' which Buddhists associate with the Buddha, Moslems with Adam, and Hindus with the god Shiva.

Art Biennale arrives in Colombo

2009-09-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

"The world of the Art Biennale is set to arrive in Sri Lanka too. Joining cities such as Dubai, Bangladesh, Singapore, New York, Sydney and of course Venice, Colombo will have its very own “Colombo Art Biennale” in September 2009. The show will encourage displays of contemporary art from artists in Sri Lanka. International artists have also shown interest and there are plans afoot to accommodate artists from the region and the EEC.

Colombo Art Biennale is the brainchild of Annoushka Hempel who has made Sri Lanka her home. Based in Galle and Colombo, Annoushka and her family have been in Sri Lanka for almost seven years. Contemporary art is something of a passion for Annoushka. Her previous background in public relations work for blue chip clients in the UK has seen an energetic drive to promote the Biennale concept to Sri Lanka.

The Biennale world has an international following from lovers of the arts. Annoushka Hempel has chosen her theme in this crucial year for Sri Lanka very appropriately. Its called “Imagining Peace: The Colombo Art Biennale 2009”.

The Biennale will be held at Park Street Mews, where five large warehouses will be converted into distinctive pavillions – each managed by a different strong curator showcasing a different artist collective."

http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090621/lifestyle.HTM

Camera Shy - Photography Exhibition

2009-09-10T08:39:00.000-07:00

CAB Imagining Peace

2009-09-07T00:34:00.000-07:00

Its good for you

2009-09-04T21:38:00.000-07:00

"Dear Cyril Gardiner; Maybe you have changed my life. After living for years in air-conditioned Singapore, used to enter lift cabins pressing the “shut-the-door”-button before anything else, landing at the Galle Face Hotel was a relief from the hectic day-to-day life of the Lion City.“Why don’t you walk up the stairs?” Cyril asked me. “It’s good for your health!” You have made this a principle of this hotel, and wooden boards still display your philosophy on each floor of the hotel, cleverly placed next to the lift doors"

Andreas Augustin (Still taking the stairs)

http://www.famoushotels.org/hotels/270

Doorman Kuttan

2009-09-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

Doorman Kuttan, at the Galle Face Hotel, is among the longest serving employees in the world. He is at the hotel since 1942. He still remembers (and tells the story with great gestures) the day when - during World War II - a Japanese Zero fighter grounded in front of the hotel on the large green field, called the Galle Face.

He can be found charming as ever saluting guests at the lobby of the Galle Face Hotel.

Perahera

2009-08-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

The spell of Sri Lanka

2009-08-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

My friend Jessica just found an old coffee table photo book in their local thrift shop - serendipitous! - an enormous old tome published in the early 70s of photos by Roloff Beny with epilogue by Arthur C Clark.

He writes " ...if you have read this far you may already be doomed - my conscience will not allow me to close without a warning. I came to Ceylon in 1956, intending to stay for six months to write one book about the exploration of the island's coastal waters. Fourteen years and twenty books later, I am still here, and hope to remain for the rest of my life."

Manampitiya Flag

2009-08-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

"The above photograph shows the Manampitiya Banner from the private collection of Mrs. M. G. Fernando, the author of the book ''Sri Lanka Flags - Unique Memorials of Heraldry", 1980. The banner has been faithfully reproduced from the original found in Manampitiya, by a local artist A. Albert Appuhamy."

"The banner shows a mounted Elephant as the principal device with emblems of the Sun, Moon and Stars, the fish, a monstrance, a Pyx and very specially a crucifix. The flag has belonged to members of the Karava caste, long settled in the area Manampitiya, in the District of Tamankaduwa. The families have fled from the maritime provinces of Negombo, to avoid persecution by the Dutch. The flag itself may have originated in Portuguese times or much earlier. On conversion to Christianity the symbol of the cross and the Pyx have been added. Over a century later the families that settled in Manampitiya adopted the Hindu religion."

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

2009-08-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

Originally created in the reign of the Sinhalese King Wickramabahu III during the 14th century, these gardens were improved by his successors and later by the English after their conquest of Kandy.

Marianne North in 1876 during her visit to the island befriended and wrote about the then director, Dr G. H. K. Thwaites, who with his great acquirements and steady devotion to science, gave a world wide reputation to the Gardens during his tenure of office from 1849 to 1880. “He had planted half the trees himself, and had seldom been out of it for forty years, steadily refusing to cut vistas, or make riband-borders and other inventions of the modern gardener”, she remarked with astonishment. The trees were massed together most picturesquely, with creepers growing over them on a natural and enchanting tangle.

Here is a great gallery by Alex Meeres:
http://www.pbase.com/alexjet/garden

The Kandy Esala Perahera 2009

2009-08-01T10:24:00.000-07:00

Kandy - 26th July to 05th Aug 2009

As the August moon waxes in the Buddhist month of Esala, a ten-day-long pageant takes over Kandy. Men fulfil vows to Hindu god Skanda by walking "in harness" with spikes in their backs, accompanied by a fabulous procession with dancers, tom-toms, whip-cracking acrobats in a frenzy and elephants kitted out in party gear. To top it off, all this has happened every year since about 300 AD.

The action is made even more mesmerising because it happens at night. The old cannon booms after dusk and the Perahera (paraders) take to the streets for ten nights, with the parades growing ever longer each night until the final night of pageantry, when the parade is at its finest.
The festival is a synthesis of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs and is dedicated not just to Skanda but also to Buddha. It is held to invoke the blessings of the gods for rain, fertility, successful crops and good health. Elephants feature heavily as they are symbols of abundance and fertility - the "clouds who walk the Earth", instrumental in attracting the vital rains for harvest time.

The most treasured item in the procession is a copy of a golden reliquary said to hold a tooth of the Buddha. Legend has it that the Buddha's tooth was brought to Sri Lanka in the third century AD, hidden in the tresses of a princess. Pilgrims flock to visit the golden temple, Sri Dalada Maligawa, situated beside a tree-lined lake, every day of the year to catch a glimpse of the golden casket which holds the venerated molar.

Vajira Gunawardena at The Gallery Cafe

2009-06-30T03:28:00.000-07:00

Vajira Gunawardena paints with oil, acrylics and any medium in a predominately neo expressionist style and close to art brut, graffiti images. He has taken part in numerous exhibitions, international camps and commission works in the past ten years. Some of his works are now getting international exposure in USA, Australia, Holland and France and represented several private and public collections in Sri Lanka.

Vajira ivites us to his solo exhibition. 30th June till the 22nd July 2009 at Paradise Road, The Gallery Cafe, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

http://www.artreview.com/photo/album/show?id=1474022%3AAlbum%3A787151

Angus McDonald & Zoe MacDonell - Artist Retreat at KK

2009-06-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

http://www.kahandakanda.com/

Sigiriya

2009-06-08T10:37:00.000-07:00

"Hail! It is certain that those who go to Sihigiri, remembering it, will go there again. Even though other things should be forgotten, wherefore should this not be remembered?"Early engraving in Sinhala verse.

http://www.srilankainstyle.com/sri_lanka_experience_page.php?expid=17

Why I love the Tea Country

2009-05-12T20:42:00.000-07:00

The tea country is wonderful. This is the area of Sri Lanka I know best. I love waking up early in the morning and going on a long 5 or 6 hour walk through an endless maze of trails surrounded by lush fields of tea. I love to cross rivers, climb mountains, reach villages, talk to a planters I meet along the way and then return to the bungalow for a well-earned lunch, a swim in the pool, a massage or a herbal bath. And at the end of the day, I love to sit around the fire in the evening with friends and fellow travelers, playing games, playing the guitar and telling travel stories.

Vesak 2009

2009-05-08T05:15:00.000-07:00

Vesak commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha- which all happens one this same full-moon day in May most conveniently. The atmosphere is Halloween and a far-eastern Kite festival thrown together, since every child partakes in designing intricate paper lanterns which blaze in every street, shop and town. Road-side marquees supply meals and gaudy soft drinks to passers by, all hosted by local benefactors since it is meritorious to give food. The truly devout- sil-takers clad in white, wait at temples to obtain spiritual purity and observe the Buddhist precepts after a fast on Coriander and ginger tea.

Right on cue the violet-pink Vesak Orchid flowers profusely in low-country jungles during the month of May, long after the phantasmagoric white wedding-cake lanterns have been shredded by the breeze - a blazing reminder of the most colourful and exotic festival in the Buddhist calendar.

Poya days and Buddhist holidays are dry days so visitors need to stock up on alcoholic drinks to avoid disappointment in public bars and restaurants.

The dates for Vesak this year are 8th and 9th of May 2009.

Yoga Retreat at KK

2009-05-08T05:05:00.000-07:00

Amangalla Salon: Ismeth Raheem

2009-04-04T01:23:00.000-07:00

"Ismeth will share some of his extraordinary stories about Galle and the families that lived here, the visitors that passed through, followed by a walking tour the following morning.

Ismeth Raheem is an architect, artist and art historian of the colonial period in Sri Lanka. He has published articles for the British Council and the Maritime Museum in Amsterdam and the fascinating book “Images of British Ceylon, History of 19th century photography in Sri Lanka, and has one of the most extensive collections of images of Sri Lanka- maps, prints, photographs- many of which he will be sharing with us at the Salon.

As usual the salon will start at 7.00pm with house cocktails and canapes, with the talk starting at 7.30pm. We end with an open discussion with the audience, the salon is open to all visitors. Chef Cassandra will create a delicious dinner menu for those who care to join us after the salon.
After the success of last months tour of Anjelandran’s buildings with David Robson and the architect himself, we have arranged An early morning tour of the fort with Ismeth to point some of the extraordinary buildings that he has been talking about. There is no fee, but please confirm whether you will be joining us so we can arrange water and cold towels at strategic points! We will leave from Amangalla at 8.00am."

For more information contact: orichli@amanresorts.com

Jack in Sri Lanka

2009-04-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

Great Blog! - http://www.jackinsrilanka.blogspot.com/

"Having lived in Sri Lanka for almost 11 years I am finally keeping a diary. I thought I would make it available to anyone who wants to read it for two simple reasons. 1 - stories that we have shared during the last few years have opened some eyes about life in the tropics. The stories, that are all true and recounted from personal experience have caused a mixed reaction - shock; laughter; sadness; bewilderment; concern or all of the above and as such I thought might have the same effect on a wider audience...and 2 sometimes I do not believe something happended and so I have to share it for my own sanity."

Jack Eden, Galle Sri Lanka

Noel Rodrigo - Sri Lankan Leopard Safaris

2009-03-30T04:05:00.000-07:00

http://www.leopardsafaris.com/home.html - Sri Lanka
An interview with Noel:http://www.srilankainstyle.com/the-magic-of-travel-series-Noel-Rodrigo.php
"Having extensive knowledge of the island’s national parks, jungles and wildlife, Noel Rodrigo has created a unique camping safari adventure which brings not only his expertise but also his passion for leopards and everything in the wild. With enthusiasm, he doesn’t only show guests where the animals are, but he trains them to guess where they could be; watching for tracks, listening out for wildlife calls and patiently waiting for that most elusive of creatures – the leopard – to emerge. His method is successful for his record in just one safari has been a staggering 14 leopards. At night, over a delicious BBQ beside the camp fire guests are treated to exciting tales of close shaves, animal conflicts and exciting adventures in Yala, Uda Walawe and the Knuckles mountains before a final walk of the secure campsite to look out for anything that moves. Guests sleep in the luxury of spacious African safari tents with hygienic chemical toilets and hot water showers under the stars. There is little more romantic than this."

A free lecture by the celebrated British Historian William Dalrymple

2009-03-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

The Galle Literary Festival comes to Colombo! Join us at our opening Colombo lecture at the Park Street Hotel on Sunday 15th March at 7.00pm. A free lecture by the celebrated British Historian William Dalrymple followed by a gourmet dinner with the writer.

The Galle Literary Festival will be holding a series of events in Colombo in 2009 to keep the spirit of the festival alive throughout the year. On the 15th March we will also be launching our Benefactors of the Festival and Friends of the Festival initiatives.

William Dalrymple will be talking about his books, his love of India, and the everyday life of a writer. Dalrymple is one of the leading travel writers and historians of today and is always guaranteed to enthrall, mesmerize and entertain an audience.

Entrance to the talk will be free, the gourmet dinner which follows will cost 5000rs inclusive of wines. Many thanks to the Park Street Hotel for sponsoring the event. Our Festival partner is the Sri Lanka Tourist Promotions Board.

For Dinner Bookings call 091 4380275 or e mail info@thesunhouse.com. A donation from the dinner will be made towards the development of English Activity Rooms for rural inland schools in the Southern Province.

http://www.williamdalrymple.uk.com/

Of Silk Purses and Sows' Ears - the Architecture of C. Anjalendran

2009-03-07T19:30:00.000-08:00

Amangalla Salon
Saturday 7th MARCH 2008
Amangalla, Galle. PROFESSOR DAVID ROBSON WILL BE TALKING ON “"Of Silk Purses and Sows' Ears - the Architecture of C. anjalendran".

David Robson is a British architect who first came to Ceylon in 1969 to teach in the University of Colombo. Anjalendran, only seven years his junior, was one of his first students and they have remained friends ever since. Having spent much of the 1970s working on social housing in the UK, David fled as Thatcher swept into power and spent three years working on Prime Minister Premadasa's '100,000' houses programme. In 1983 he returned to the UK to an academic career in the University of Brighton, just as Anjalendran was opening his own office on his mother's verandah in Gregory's Road. In 1997 David was asked by Geoffrey Bawa to write a monograph on his work and has now completed three books about the great man. Anjalendran meanwhile has gone on to become one of Sri Lanka's most interesting post-Bawa architects.

The talk will be based around David’s new book 'Anjalendran, Architect of Sri Lanka' which will be published by Periplus in Singapore later in the year. Special emphasis will be given to the SOS Village in Galle and Mount Cinnamon, also known as Mirissa Hills, a private home and cinnamon museum overlooking Weligama Bay. Anjalendran will join us at the Salon as part of the audience and hopefully will answer a few questions at the end.

As usual the salon will start at 7.00pm with house cocktails and canapes, WITH the talk starting at 7.30pm. we end with an open discussion with the audience, the salon is open to all visitors, and there is no charge. Chef CASSANDRA will create a delicious dinner menu for those who care to join us after the salon.

For more information, kindly contact:
Olivia Richli
Amangalla
Manager
10, Church Street, Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 912233388 Fax: +94 912233355
email: orichli@amanresorts.com
web: http://www.amanresorts.com/

Exhibition of paintings at The Fort Printers

2009-01-31T00:34:00.000-08:00

The Fort Printers is pleased to present a paintings exhibition by: Anoli Perea, Jagath Weerasinghe, Pala Pothupitiye, Pradeep Chandrasiri, Sarath Kumarasiri, Koralegedara Pushpakumara, Anura Krishantha, Bandu Manamperi, Thisath Thoradeniya

Opening Night: Saturday, 31st JanuaryFrom 6.00pm to 7.30pm
Drinks and Canapes
The Fort Printers39 Pedlar StreetGalle Fort

I'm finally back back into the art world.... Hooray...!! Such a joy!
and am launching this with my first exhibition that I have arranged which now on show at the Fort Printers in Galle Fort.

"9 Sri Lankan artists have put together a very cool collection of work now bedecking the walls of the Printers. Do check it out and of course they are for sale. We re having the opening evening with drinks and canapes this Saturday from 6.00-7.30. See attachment. I know there's lots on this Saturday but would be lovely if you could pop in"

Annoushka Hempel
annoushka.hempel@gmail.com