The Significance of Bak Full Moon Poya Day in Sri Lanka-by Kalani-eLanka In the heart of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural tapestry lies a day of profound significance – Bak Full Moon Poya Day. Celebrated with deep reverence and spiritual fervor, this sacred day holds a special place in the hearts of Sri Lankans. From its historical roots to its contemporary relevance, the importance of Bak Full Moon Poya Day transcends time, offering invaluable lessons and reflections for all.This year it is on April 23 Rooted in Buddhism, Poya days mark significant milestones in the life of Lord Buddha. Bak Full Moon Poya, occurring in the month of Bak (April-May), commemorates multiple pivotal events in the Buddhist calendar. Chief among them is the second visit of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka, where he intervened in a conflict between two Naga kings, symbolizing peace and reconciliation. This historic event underscores the day’s ...

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Coca-Cola has announced the appointment of Kaushali Kusumapala as the new Country Director for Sri Lanka and Maldives. Making history as the first Sri Lankan woman in this position, Kaushali succeeds former Country Director, Pankaj Sinha, who assumed the role in 2019. In this position, Kaushali will closely collaborate with bottling teams, customers, partners, consumers and external stakeholders in Sri Lanka and Maldives. With a career spanning back to 2009, Kaushali has garnered diverse experience having worked with organisations and brands such as Leo Burnett, Fonterra Dairy and Domino’s Pizza. Notably, her journey to leadership includes significant achievements at Hemas International, where she served as Director of Marketing, contributing to market entry strategies, international market development and pioneering marketing initiatives. Expressing excitement on her appointment, Kaushali said, “I am thrilled to embark on this journey with Coca-Cola and collaborate with our bottling partners, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka and Male’ Aerated ...

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Chamari Athapaththu underlines her superiority as one of the Wrld’s best. Epic 195 sinks South Africa in world record run chase.  – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE.  (eLanka Sports Editor) True grit and a never say die attitude is what champions are made of. Sri Lanka is definitely blessed with one in brilliant Chamari Athapaththu who single-handedly steered her country to a massive victory over South Africa while breaking many world records along the way with it. Chasing what seemed like an improbable target of 301,  Sri Lanka’s skipper waded into a hapless South African attack with the deft and dexterity of the now established world champion, spraying them to all parts as Sri Lanka galloped past the target with 33 balls to spare.  Her 195 not out, the third highest individual score, off only 139 deliveries with 26 fours and 5 sixers will remain in the annals of history ...

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The Moonstone Painting – By George Braine One privilege of teaching at the Chinese University of Hong Kong was the health care provided to staff. On my first visit to the campus Health Center, I was intrigued by the large, colorful paintings that hung on both floors of the Center and on the stairwell as well. They were mainly scenes from around the campus, not accurate depictions, whimsical and somewhat childlike. All eye-catchingly colorful, green and blue abounding. I later learned that Dr. Memie Kwok, a physician at the Center, was the artist. Her intention in displaying her paintings may have been to cheer up visitors. Memie was not my doctor, but she was my wife, Fawzia’s. They soon became friends, and I came to know that Memie also kept a popular blogsite, which was filled with detailed descriptions and photos of her world travels. I became an avid reader ...

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Liyya Water Villas – By Dr Harold Gunatillake Website : www.Doctor harold.com Hello Viewers, I am taking a break from a health topic to a resort in Sri Lanka. I visit frequently when I need a quiet environment away from the hustle and bustle of city life. And the spot is Leafy Liyya Villas in Dambulla, an hour and a half drive from my hometown, Kandy. Liyya Water Villas is not just another resort; it’s an exclusive escape to a serene paradise in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. Here, luxury and nature perfectly harmonise. Tucked away amidst lush greenery and a tranquil lake, this eco-friendly haven offers a unique retreat from the chaos of life.     Click here to receive your free copy of the eLanka Newsletter twice a week delivered directly to your inbox! ...

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Celebrating Ramadan in Sri Lanka-Kalani-eLanka As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Muslims around the world are preparing to embark on a journey of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and communal solidarity. In Sri Lanka, where diversity is deeply ingrained in the fabric of society, Ramadan holds a special significance, fostering unity and understanding among people of different backgrounds. Scheduled to commence on April 11th, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. For the Muslim community in Sri Lanka, Ramadan represents a time of heightened spirituality and devotion, marked by acts of charity, selflessness, and compassion. One of the key pillars of Ramadan is fasting from dawn until sunset, during which Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs as an act of obedience to Allah (God) and as a means of purifying the soul. Through ...

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Is Sri Lanka at the crossroads ….. An economic, social and political perspective of the country – By Aubrey Joachim As the delayed UL309 touched down at Katunayake from Singapore my sense of elation intensified. I was visiting Sri Lanka after nearly 6 years. What was I to expect? My mental images were influenced by the pictures and videos seen on various media platforms during the pandemic, the lead-up to the aragalaya and its aftermath as well as the local and global news and financial press. Over the recent past a number of very enticing video blogs promoting the country’s tourist attractions and mouth-watering street food markets have also surfaced on the web. So too have Lankan lifestyle and reality entertainment shows added to the complexity. One clue to apparent economic conditions was looking out of the window on the landing approach and seeing the bright lights of the city ...

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Authentic Sri Lankan Pittu Recipe: A Culinary Adventure Introduction: Embark on a culinary journey to the exotic island of Sri Lanka with this authentic pittu recipe. Pittu, a traditional Sri Lankan dish, is a steamed cylinder of ground rice and coconut, often served with savory accompaniments like curries, sambols, or even with a touch of sweetness. Its unique texture and flavors make it a staple in Sri Lankan households and a favorite among food enthusiasts worldwide. Follow this step-by-step guide to recreate the taste of Sri Lanka in your own kitchen. Ingredients: 2 cups rice flour 1 cup grated coconut (fresh or desiccated) Water, as needed Salt, to taste Instructions: Prepare the Rice Flour Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice flour and grated coconut. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Gradually add water while mixing until the mixture reaches a crumbly texture. The consistency ...

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Multiculturalism: The People – By Randika Jayakody & Jerome Perera Source : Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – April 2024 We have written extensively on the synergistic nature of Sri Lankan multiculturalism. In this article we wanted to summarise some notable individuals who embody and represent the diverse history of Sri Lanka and whose contributions are immense. Many have heard of Arul Mary as the Queen of the P SaravanamuttuStadium (P Sara) , where she, for decades was the pitch curator of the historic cricket ground. Many historic games have been played under her watchful eyes of the carefully curated pitches. She was one of the few female pitch curators in the world of cricket, and a person ofTamil ancestry. Arun Mary’s legacy lives on in the work of sisters Amravati and Seroja Vellai who continue to curate the pitch for games at the P Sara. Basil Horsfall was a ...

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The Passion of Christ ….. A unique presentation by the Sri Lanka New South Wales Catholic Association – By Aubrey Joachim Christians the world over commenced one of the most important periods in their spiritual calendar last Sunday. Palm Sunday commemorates the day when Jesus Christ triumphantly entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey to the cheers and welcome of palm waving crowds. Jesus had requested his disciples ahead of time to go into the city of Jerusalem and prepare a place for him to celebrate the Jewish Passover. Specific instructions were given to the disciples with regards the room to be selected and the specific arrangements. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was also to set in train a series of events which would lead to his death on the cross which Christians believe was to save mankind from sin. Commemoration of the Passover is on the Thursday preceding Good ...

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