Articles

Exploring the Unparalleled Beauty of Kande Ela Reservoir in Nuwara Eliya: Sri Lanka’s Serene Oasis-by Kalani-eLanka Nuwara Eliya, often dubbed “Little England,” captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscapes and cool, temperate climate. Nestled within this paradise lies the tranquil and mesmerizing Kande Ela Reservoir. It is a hidden gem that exemplifies the region’s natural splendor and serves as a vital source of life and tranquility. The Kande Ela Reservoir, a jewel set amidst the emerald greenery of Nuwara Eliya, is a testament to Sri Lanka’s captivating natural beauty. Constructed with a vision to harness the power of water, the reservoir mirrors the harmonious blend of human endeavor and nature’s magnificence. The reservoir’s significance extends beyond its picturesque vistas. It stands as a source of water for agriculture, providing a lifeline to the surrounding farmlands. The waters not only sustain the region’s agricultural prosperity but also support the mesmerizing tea estates ...

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eLanka Newsletter – 1st November 2023 – 1st Edition Sri Lankans in Australia Click here or on the image below to read this week’s elanka Newsletter Derrick J, our own King of Romance, A Legendary Entertainer Continues to Shine Bollywood music keeping the dressing rooms upbeat in WBBL season 09 Afganistan give Sri Lanka a lesson on pressure and superior strategy. Lankans choked in seven – wicket defeat. – By TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports editor) Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts to host Culinary Extraordinaire & Celebrity Chef Gary Mehigan in Sri Lanka! Health & Views NOVEMBER 1st issue 2023 – By Dr Harold Gunatillake, Undermanned All Blacks undone by ferocious Springboks. One point nail biter makes South Africa the only four time World Cup winner. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports editor) අගමැතිවරුන් හත් දෙනෙකුගේ පෙර ගමන්කරු – බ්‍රෑඩ්මන් වීරකෝන්, 93 වන ජන්ම දින සමරයි . – ...

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Remembering Percy Abeysekera: Lanka’s Cricketing Flagbearer-by Michael Roberts   Source:Thuppahis Percy Abeysekera has passed away recently …. carrying the Sri Lankan flag and reams of cricketing memories with him to an abode in the skies: memories that encompassed at least 70-72 years of cricketing cheer. Yes, that long a span. To me, Percy was first and foremost, an Aloysian. When I joined the St. Aloysius cheering squad as a 14-to-16 year old at the Galle Esplanade during our cricketing matches against Richmond, Mahinda and other schools, Percy was one of our cheerleaders. So, his patriotism and his crazy cricketing virtuosity was nurtured in Galle …. at our school. It is likely that most Sri Lankan cricket-fans will have a mental picture of “Pissu Percy” escorting some of our cricketing heroes to the boundary gates after some on-field cricketing achievement. Yes, I display such moments a few lines hence: but the ...

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Sacred Tradition of Rain Retreat and Katina Robes Source:Dailynews The rain retreat begins in Esala and concludes in Vap, marking the end of a three-month period of intensive meditation and study for Theravada Buddhist monastics. It is a time for Buddhists to celebrate with spiritual grandeur, offering new robes and other necessities to the monks as a token of their gratitude and support. The Pali word Katina means unbreakable, symbolising the strength and resilience of the monastic community. The Katina festival is a joyous occasion that brings together laypeople and monastics to celebrate the Buddha’s teachings and to reaffirm their commitment to the Buddhist path. ...

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Renowned Singer and Tele Drama Director Sunil Siriwardena Passes Away Source : Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – November 2023 Veteran singer, musician, and tele drama director Sunil Siriwardena passed away on 28 October at the age of 81. Siriwardena’s melodious voice and musical contributions have left an indelible mark in the hearts of Sri Lankans. His songs, including “Randu Veve Yalu Veve”, performed alongside his sister Chandrika Siriwardena, as well as “Pahan Tharuva Pravake” and “Dev Duva” were popular songs. The artists final wish was one of generosity and compassion. He requested that his belongings, which his sons do not need, be given to those in need.   ...

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Sangakkara Appointed Chair of MCC World Cricket Committee Source : Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – November 2023 Former Sri Lanka cricketer Kumar Sangakkara has been appointed as the new Chair of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) World Cricket Committee. Sangakkara, who was already a member of the committee, takes over from former England captain Mike Gatting as Chair of the committee. The commmittee also includes Kumar Dharmasena, Soourav ganguly, Jhulan Goswami, Heather Knight, Suzie Bates, Clare Connor, Justin Langer, Eoin Morgan, Ramiz Raja, Graeme Smith and Ricky Skerritt. Courtesy: https://www.dailymirror.lk/ ...

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Sri Lanka’s Famous Cricketing Cheerleader Percy Abeysekera Passes Away Source : Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – November 2023 Sri Lanka’s legendary cheerleader on the cricket field Percy Abeysekera, famously known as ‘Uncle Percy’, has passed away at the age of 87. In September, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had presented Rs. 5 million to Sri Lanka’s legendary cheerleader as medical assistance. Courtesy: https://www.adaderana.lk/ ...

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Veteran Traditional Dancer Rajini Selvanayagam Passes Away Source : Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – November 2023 Veteran Sri Lankan traditional dancer Kalasuri, Vishwakala Keerthi Rajini Selvanayagam passed away on 20 October. She was a renowned professional teacher of dancing who dedicated her life to the propagation and sustenance of unique forms of Sri Lankan dance art. In 1975, Selvanayagam founded her dance academy “Chamara Kala Nikethanaya” which was aimed at building a value-based society promoting culture, tradition and customs through the art of dancing. ...

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Stories Behind Names of Places in Sri Lanka AHANGAMA – By Dr. Nimal Sedera Source : Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – November 2023 Ahangama is a famous place in southern Sri Lanka in Galle on the boundary of Matara District. Habaraduwa, Koggala and Weligama are places around Ahangama. Today, it is a key tourist destination. Ahangama was significantly affected by the Tsunami in 2004. As it is situated by the sea, the naming is linked to an incident faced by travellers who were coming to Sri Lanka by boat in the olden days. For example, Galle and Dondra and many places in the south were natural harbours for arrivals. The story is linked to a certain clan of traders coming from India called “Lamba Karna”. Lamba Karna meant “Long ears”. Even the Lord Buddha is from that clan. So, they were travellers from India and known to have come ...

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Baila: A Sri Lankan Folk Music – By Randika Jayakody & Jerome Perera source : Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – November 2023 Baila was the fortuitous creation bringing together the multicultural communities that existed during the time of Portuguese Ceylon. It famously combined the influences of Afro Rhythms, Portuguese violins and guitars, Malay drums, and the Sinhalese, Tamil, and English languages. Evolving out of Kaffringha, the progenitor of Baila, this musical genre is iconic of Sri Lankan culture. Portuguese arrival in Ceilao (Ceylon) is dated to 1505 and no clear date can be identified when the musical style evolved, but it is safe to say that this means Baila is therefore at least 500 years old.This makes Baila one of the oldest continuous musical styles in Sri Lanka, predating more classical styles of music by centuries. There are several forms of Baila including Papare and Calypso Baila, Waada Baila ...

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