Pledge to herald work of Sri Lanka women media professionals reiterated

“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” ~ Maya Angelou (b: 1928-) American poet, memoirist, actress and an important figure in the American Civil Rights Movement.

A meeting of SAWM (South Asian Women in Media) Sri Lanka Chapter was held at Hotel Renuka on September 29th 2009. [click to see & read more]

Navarathri finale marked with gaiety and fervour at New Kathiresan Temple, Bambalapitty

At the end of Navarathri festival, Maanam Poo or Vazhai Vettu (destruction of Aanavam and killing of the Mahisasuran) is celebrated today-September 28th 2009. [Read and see more]

Vazhai Vettu: Marking the end of Navarathri Festival

Navarathri festival ended with Maanam Poo or Vazhai Vettu (destruction of Aanavam and killing of the Mahisasuran) at the Hindu temples on September 28th 2009.[Click here to see and read more]

Tots initiating to the world of learning: “Vithyaarambam”

“Vijayathasami” is celebrated today-September 28th 2009, the last day of Navarathri or nine nights. The Navarathri festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswathy. [See & Read more]

Saraswathy pooja: Celebrating the Goddess of wisdom

Saraswathy Pooja was celebrated on September 27th 2009. Saraswathy is the Goddess of wisdom. Today is the ninth night of Navarathri festival. [See & read more]

“Sani Peyarchchi”, transit of saturn to virgo

The Saturn (Saneeswaran) moves his house every thirty months. He moved from Simma Rasi (Leo) to Kanni Rasi (Virgo) on September 26th 2009 at 12.03 AM according to Vaakkiya Panchaangam (Almanac). Transition of Saturn took place on September 9th 2009 according to Thirukanitha Panchchaangam (Almanac)[See & Read more]

Recapturing the Fort

"Theth Arasan Koottai Pidiththal"- recapturing the Fort.

Performers began their journey from Sri Veerapththirakaali Amman temple. Newly made two wooden horses and four men (Two Kings and two Horsemen) were dressed up, and started to entertain the devotees at dusk. [See & Read more]

Singing fishermen of Kaluwankerny, Batticaloa

Fisher folk of Kaluwankerny, in Batticaloa district sing a fisherman’s song, while pulling the fishing net from the sea to the shore at mid day.They keep pulling the fishing net until the end of it reaches the shore with the fish caught. [click here to see and read more]

Batti @ dusk: When I saw you……

Indigo splattered evening sky in Batticaloa. The lighthouse was refurbished recently with USAID assistance. [See and Read more]

Sounds of Udappu festival

Hear the enchanting toll of the bell, vedic chants, drums, thavil, the wind and fire pit at Udappu ~ Aug 4-5, 2009:[Click for more] Drums Aug 4 ~ [Click for more]

Gala of the Udappu guarding deities

"Whatever I am offered in devotion with a pure heart-a leaf, a flower, fruit or water- I accept with joy" ~Bhagavath Gita

As the Sun began to spread its rays towards Udappu, people of this small hamlet began to bustle, devotees thronged the temple. The roosters were still crowing while mild breeze blows, trees dance for the mild breeze. It was 4th of August 2009-Tuesday, a day before the fire walking. Certain rituals take place on this day. [See & Read more]

Perusing peacebuilding: From conflict to recovery

“When you wish someone joy, you wish them peace, love, prosperity, happiness…..all the good things” ~Maya Angelou-Poet, dancer, film producer, television producer, playwright, film director, author, actress and autobiographer. (b: April 4th 1928-)

Peacebuilding and Development Institute in Sri Lanka (PDISL) successfully conducted its second year training session on Integrating Conflict, Gender and Development and another parallel course Frameworks and Skills in Peace building. The core courses were held at Blue Oceanic Hotel in Negombo from 24th of August 2009- 28th of August 2009. Both courses comprised participants from Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Nepal and United States of America. [Click here to read & see more]

Training in ethics for working journalists

As per Joseph Joubert-French Moralist and Essayist’s quote “To teach is to learn twice”, it was another new and energising experience for me to train [click to Read in full]

Tradition bound Udappu, the charm of a Tamil village

“Udappu” is situated between the Dutch Canal in the East, Indian Ocean in the West, Poonaipitty village in the North and Pinkatti village in the South. According to some reports, that there was a flood in this area earlier, and it was called “Udaippu” afterwards. Another report says that people were looking for pure water and sea side, while searching for such place they found “Udaippankarai”. Later, the name derived from “Udaippu” to “Udaippankarai” to “Udappu”, which is currently being called. [Click to See and read more]