Articles

Exploring the Ancient Marvels of Anuradhapura: Sri Lanka’s Sacred City-by Kalani-eLanka Photo Source:unsplash The heart of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura stands as a testament to the island nation’s rich cultural heritage and storied past. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Anuradhapura holds a special place in the hearts of Sri Lankans and attracts visitors from across the globe eager to explore its ancient marvels and sacred sites. Anuradhapura served as the capital of Sri Lanka for over a millennium, from the 4th century BCE to the 11th century CE, making it one of the most significant political and religious centers in the region during its heyday. The city flourished under the rule of successive Sinhalese kings, who adorned it with magnificent palaces, monasteries, and stupas, many of which still stand today as testament to the city’s former glory. One of the most iconic landmarks in Anuradhapura ...

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Rose Milk – By Malsha – eLanka Ingredients:  500 ml Fresh Milk 3 tablespoons Rose Syrup Small pieces of Jelly 1 teaspoon Poppy Seeds (kasa kasa)  Ice Cream Instructions: Begin by mixing rose syrup and sugar into the fresh milk. Ensure thorough mixing and then refrigerate the mixture. Take a small bowl and soak the poppy seeds (kasa kasa) in enough water for 15-30 minutes. Afterward, strain and set aside. When ready to serve, sprinkle poppy seeds and chopped jelly into glasses. Pour the chilled rose milk mixture over the poppy seeds and jelly. Finish by adding a scoop of ice cream on top of each glass. Tips: Adjust sugar quantity to taste preference. For about 2 tablespoons of soaked poppy seeds, start with a teaspoon of dry poppy seeds.   Click here to receive your free copy of the eLanka Newsletter twice a week delivered directly to your inbox!  ...

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Memories left behind by former Yala National Park Ranger in Charge Travis Meynert – 1930s to 40s Source : photos.google Introduction by daugther Forrest Meynert Woodbury – Travice and Kathleen met when Kathleen was still in school. He was keen to marry her and they became engaged when she was about 16 and married in 1939, when she was 18 and Travice was 29. I think they went to live at Palutupana after the wedding. I was born 5 years later in 1944. At some time they moved to Hambantota because I remember living there when I was 2 years old. I also remember visiting Palutupana when I was 4, but only living there for a short time. We also visited Buttuwa, and Yala at that time. Some time later Dad joined the Forestry Dept and we lived in Elpitiya. Phil, my brother, was born in 1948 while we were still ...

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Felicitas (Girla) Appathurai turns 100 We are delighted to share the remarkable milestone of Felicitas (Girla) Appathurai , who recently celebrated her 100th birthday on March 5th surrounded by loved ones at her home. Her radiant smile and timeless grace captured in the attached photo are a testament to her enduring spirit and zest for life. On March 10th, family and friends gathered for a celebratory luncheon, where laughter, love, and cherished memories filled the air. As the saying goes, “you can take the girl out of Sri Lanka, but you cannot take Sri Lanka from the girl,” and Felicitas (Girla) Appathurai embodies this sentiment perfectly. Her journey to 100 years is a testament to resilience, strength, and the enduring bonds of family and culture. We are immensely proud to share her story and celebrate her remarkable life.   Click here to receive your free copy of the eLanka Newsletter ...

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Cricket Australia Statement Source: Cricket Australia – CA Multicultural Media – eLanka Cricket Australia (CA) has postponed the three-match men’s T20 International series against Afghanistan scheduled for August this year. Following consultation with the Australian Government, CA previously postponed the ODI series against Afghanistan scheduled for March 2023 after a marked deterioration in human rights for women and girls in Afghanistan, stating we would: “Continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country”. Over the past twelve months CA has continued to consult with the Australian Government on the situation in Afghanistan. The government’s advice is that conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are getting worse. For this reason, we have maintained our previous position and will postpone the bilateral series against Afghanistan. CA continues its strong commitment to supporting participation by women and girls in cricket around the world ...

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Marsh Sheffield Shield update Source: Cricket Australia- CA Multicultural Media-eLanka Beau Webster has been named the Marsh Sheffield Shield’s 2023-24 Player of the Season. The Tasmanian allrounder was the competition’s leading run scorer during the home and away season, finishing with 914 runs at an average of 65.28, including three centuries. In addition to his 914 runs, Webster took 26 wickets at an average of 28.46 with a best bowling performance of 4/32 against South Australia. The award is voted on by the on-field umpires, with both umpires giving 3-2-1 votes from each match. Webster finished on 21 votes ahead of Oliver Davies (18) and Joel Paris (17), who finished second and third respectively.   Click here to receive your free copy of the eLanka Newsletter twice a week delivered directly to your inbox!  ...

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Dr. Gregory Camillus Pathinather – OBITUARY A beloved husband father, grandfather, uncle, and friend born 12th March 1931 passed away peacefully on 12th March 2024. There will be a viewing on Thursday 21st March between 5 pm and 8:30 pm at Guardian Funerals I First Avenue, Blacktown The funeral service will be held on Saturday 23rd March at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. 198 Old Prospect Road, Greystanes There will be a short viewing at 9:15 am with the funeral service starting at 9:45 am. The burial will be from 11.45 am at Castlebrook Memorial Park Rouse Hill 712/746 Windsor Rd, Rouse Hill A gathering after the burial will be held at Vinegar Hill Memorial Library: Town Centre 29 Main Street, Rouse Hill If you wish to attend the viewing and funeral virtually, please ask an immediate family member for the streaming link. of this legend -10 We ...

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St. Joseph’s College Colombo turns 128 – By Maruthai Ravindhiran The purpose for which St. Joseph’s was founded was to give Christian  students the best education as per the Motto, “In Scientia et Virtute” Source : dailymirror St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10, was founded on March 2, 1896 College day is celebrated on March 19 Today March 19, St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10 one of Sri Lanka’s leading schools celebrates its 128th anniversary.  Founded on March 2, 1896, the College Day is celebrated on March 19 which is also the feast of the patron saint, St. Joseph. The architect of the renowned institution was Dr. Christophe- Etienne Bonjean, the first Archbishop of Colombo who was also instrumental in fulfilling the need for a Catholic college. He did not live to see his dream realized. However, he had appointed for the project, men who knew his mind and his plan and were capable ...

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Australia Reverses Visa Cancellations for Gaza Refugees – By Alza Kryeziu Source : visaguide.world Palestinians facing visa cancellations amid the Gaza conflict were allowed to resume their journey to Australia, with some visas reinstated after security checks. Advocates demand transparency in visa vetting processes to ensure safety for Palestinians with Australian visas escaping Gaza unrest. Refugee Council of Australia urges government action on visa cancellations and proposes solutions to protect affected individuals.   Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a group of Palestinians faced a tumultuous journey to safety after their visas to Australia were suddenly canceled last week. However, they have now been permitted to continue their trip to Australia. After further security checks, some of the visa cancelations were reversed. However, advocates are pressing the government for more transparency about vetting procedures to secure other Palestinians holding Australian visas who are trying to escape the unrest in Gaza, VisaGuide.World reports. ...

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‘Forgotten’ plea for better life – by Cam Lucadou-Wells Kumaran and Kulali with their toddler Kuyili. 393752_04 Picture: GARY SISSONS Source : dandenong Asylum seekers remain in limbo despite the Federal Government’s ‘fast-tracked’ permanent visa pathway introduced last year. Dandenong-based Tamil couple Kumaran and Kulali fled from civil war in Sri Lanka after Kumaran and his friends were shot by security forces in the island’s north. Bullets remain in Kumaran’s body but he survived. His friends perished. Now with a toddler Kuyili, the couple’s claim for a safe haven in Australia has stalled for 12 years despite their insistence that it’s not safe for them to return. “He thought Australia was a democratic country and would help them,” refugee advocate Wicki Wickiramasingham says. “But it is going very, very badly.” In February 2023, the Federal Government announced fast-tracked Resolution of Status visas for refugees languishing on temporary visas. By January this ...

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