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| Sunday, 4 December 2005 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Arts South Asian and migrant writers' contribution appreciated by Ranga Chandrarathne
"Bobby decided to take a stroll on the Hone Bureau looking at the glass windows in European shops. He slides down the street feeling with some trepidation that he looks a thousand times better than all the swatting English and stocking Indians he rubs shoulders with on the busy Hull faire. He is looking at a display of portable typewriter, light and sturdy enough for travel and camping. when a shop door opened, a healthy white man in the uniform of an infantry officer steps out carrying a wrapped parcel. "Good morning" he said. "Good morning" replied Bobby surprised to be addressed. "Hell of a day" said the officer. "You surely shouldn't be out without a hat "terribly piercing sun". "Ways to be careful". Bobby is about to speak when the man started off to walk down the road .............the man talking was English. Two Englishmen talking about the weather, and ... Bob goes into Lady Lorson and buys an enormous curson trophy which sits on the head like a minor classical monument" reads Rohan Ponniah, a selected paragraph from Hari Kunzru's "Impressionist" at the book buzz, an important literary event held at the British Council Colombo. This time, the book buzz featured important works of Asian and migrant writers in English. Specially selected extracts from Hari Kunzru's "Impressionist", Kamila Shamzie's "Salt & Safforn" and selected poems from Moniza Alvi and excerpts from Nadeem Aslam's "Map for lost lovers" were read out to highlight the contemporary literary trend and different flavours in works by migrant writers. Dr. Neluka Silva introducing the authors and their work which were featured in the event said that British Asian writers in UK have made a name for themselves in the literary arena, and brought out many of the issues that people in Britain experience as minority community. This wonderful work by British Asian writers have been recognized as British writing. Hari Kunzru, Kamila Shamzie, Moniza Alvi and Nadeem Aslam reflect these new trajectories within Britain. These works predominantly address the issues of identity and questions such as "Who am I? Where do I come from?, These questions underpin their work. The significant factor is that while they were trying to answer these questions, their work invokes a range of different cultural, social and religious contexts. These issues are very relevant to changes that are taking place in South Asian countries. It is not coincidental that you find an element of South Asian culture, which could be termed as "continuing love affair with every thing South Asian"; stage musicals such as "Bombay Dream", films like "My beautiful Laundrette" and "My Son, the fanatic" and TV series such as "The Kumars at 42" and "Life is not all ha ha hee hee" have continued to focus on Asian life. Hari Kunzru whose work was featured in the event is a contemporary British writer. He is known for his intricate writing style and also brings out a range of issues such as identity. He is of mixed parentage and his father is Asian and mother is British. The novel is set at the turn of the 20th century and the protagonist called Pran Nath whose mother is Indian and Father British. He has to endure a haphazard journey through the dark side of the British Empire as he travels from Bombay to London, each time carving out a new identity on him. South Asian writers and third world novels, the issues of identity, politics and culture are recurrent themes. Dr.Neluka Silva is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English of the University of Colombo, presently on sabbatical leave. She has lived in Leeds and Oxford. Suggestions for national peace, happiness, prosperity by Aditha Dissanayake Title: 'A Call for National Reawakening Author: C. G. Weeramantry Through his latest publication titled 'A Call for National Reawakening", C. G. Weeramantry aims to arrest the current decline in Sri Lankan affairs with the hope of setting the country once more on an upward course of peace, happiness and prosperity.
The five chapters in "A Call for National Reawakening", based on the authors experiences gained from his work in the legal sphere as well as from his travels in over seventy countries giving him the opportunity to exchange views with informed people in those countries offer perspectives which would help stop the marked decline in the standards of many areas of life in Sri Lanka; in the political scene, the administrative sector, the educational system and even in judicial activities which have registered a serious decline in recent decades. Thus, after giving a candid scrutiny of many areas which are not commonly discussed, but could profit from closer examination, the book provides suggestions that could improve the administration, the economy and the cohesion of Sri Lankan society. For example, focusing on the need for reconstructuring the administrative sphere, the writer highlights the importance of reverting to the old Civil Service which had an independence of its own and which if restored, would allow a senior official to stand up to his Minister and argue a point of view in the public interest, without fear or favour. Setting down seventeen points as national weaknesses, ranging from the inability to run our institutions without factionalism to waste of resources on political tamashas to a lack of concern for the environment, the book however, provides a spirit of optimism and hope that the spirit of despondency can be stifled and that Sri Lankans have the ability to make the country a shinning model of peace and unity. Galle Fort - The Heritage City History evokes a lot of interest in a lot of people. Such wide appeal was quite apparent at the recent launch of the book titled 'Galle Fort - The Heritage City' where a large and visibly intent gathering was present.
This pioneering work of Dr. K. D. Paranavitana represents a wellspring of absorbing history of the Galle Fort - The ancient walled City in southern Sri Lanka which to its pride and renown was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage City. Obviously the result of painstaking scholarship, the published work is a remarkable literary accomplishment. With keen perception and unusual narrative still, he has been able to recapture the splendour of the past as vividly as he expounds on the might and make-up of a city that still compels widespread inspiration. Beginning with a graphic account of the city location, the author cites several names - some unfamiliar - others quaint by which the place was known in earlier times. The most logical conclusion though, drawn by means of exhaustive enquiry and deduction is that the Sinhala word 'Galla' would have been derived from the more conspicuous and rugged characteristics of the southern landscape. The book makes interesting reading. Twenty one well compiled chapters, each devoted to a distinct facet of history unfold the glory and the grandeur of the southern city in explicit written and pictorial detail. On topics that range from an imposing fort, awesome bastions and antiquated buildings to ancient architecture, rare artifacts and fascinating insignia, the reader cannot but feel captivated by the ingenuity and exploits of a people who created what was once the amazing eventful old world. A number of maps, drawings and photographs are reproduced in poignant and apposite format that provide the reader an opportunity to compare and contrast. This is a unique book on the history of an equally unique location and should be of great interest to all reading enthusiasts. Art with gemstones by Aditha Dissanayake
I have seen on the forehead of the white elephant several of these precious stones, each larger than a hen's egg, while a century before him, Marco Polo observed the island produces more beautiful and valuable rubies than are found in any other part of the world. Sapphires, topazes, amethysts, garnets..." Ask any geologist and hear him say, "Nine tenths of our island is underlain by rocks of Precambrian age and, gemstones are a naturally occurring crystalline form of a mineral". But are they really just stones? Apparently not.
The stones are carefully fixed using a cement developed specially for the purpose with the "backing glass" made of metal or plastic. The pictures and portraits however, are not "just pictures and portraits". They are special because, made out of gems, which according to ancient astrological wisdom, possess mystical powers and have a direct relationship with the stars and the planets. They are capable of arresting evil powers and bestowing luck and fortune. The innovative works of art created by Athurupane and his team of skilled artists are therefore, bound to radiate good health and prosperity as well as beauty and glamour, lavishing the beholder with the good influence of the planets. Ibn Batuta, had he been alive today would surely have written "Gems are met within all localities of the island. I have seen them on pictures and portraits hanging on the walls of offices and living rooms, where the radiance of the stones have been converted into creating magnificent forms of art". A stitch in time...Needle craft sale... : Breathtaking 'ready to work kits'
Nirrmala is no stranger in the crafting world. She is well-known for the beautiful "Do It Yourself" (DIY) kits she imports from USA and in no small measure, pioneered the art of ribbon work in Sri Lanka. Nirrmala's mother was her source of inspiration and recognising her inborn talents encouraged her to develop the crafting skills. She learnt the intricacies of the art of embroidery under well-known teacher Mrs. Andrea Boekel, now a resident in Australia. Nirrmala, in turn, whilst developing her own style has taught this craft to many students who attended her classes. The 'ready to work kits' are all produced by fine designers in USA and are absolutely breathtaking. By following simple instructions provided with the kits, an uninitiated crafter can produce beautiful masterpieces. These kits are in many techniques such as cross stitch, needlepoint, crewel embroidery, ribbon embroider, etc. These kits solely imported by her, proved to be a runaway success, a few manufacturers have appointed her as their sole agent in Sri Lanka. This sale promises to be a truly different one for all lovers of crafts and needlework and the range includes table cloths, cushion covers, ladies clothing, bags, hand made greeting cards, tagged at buyer friendly prices. Especially significant will be the beautifully hand embroidered, old fashioned party dresses from the toddler to the teenager. Also on display will be books on crafts and needlework, Brazilian embroidery thread, silk ribbon, and a range of DIY kits at a discounted price. A worthy feature at this sale will be the hand crafted lace and many items produced by the ladies affected by the tsunami. The Book Buzz series presents : 'Radio Plays'
For those of you who may wonder what all these people have in common, they are all members of the website www.writeclique.net set up by the British Council last year. In late October the British Council in Kandy had their first Book Buzz event featuring Ashok Ferrey and Lal Medawattegedera. The most recent event was Neluka Silva showcasing the work of four British Asian authors. After five successful Book Buzz events, we will present a 'Book Buzz' event different in both look and form. On December 5, tomorrow, at 6.30 p.m. our Book Buzz series will stage three free verse narratives written by MASii and directed by Tracy Holsinger.
MASii is closely associated with the Dark Art of Advertising. Orson Welles on the one hand and FTV on the other, are big influences on his writing. The director, Tracy Holsinger is MASii's good friend and is Artistic Director of the Mind Adventures Theatre Company, whose most recent play was 'Fefu and Her Friends'. FTV was filmed by Timothy Seneviratne, whose newfound status as an author of children's books, prevents any further comment on him. The plays broadly deal with consumerism and the influence the mass-media in general and brands in particular have on our lives. Written primarily for radio, two of the plays will be performed live, and the third as an audio visual. (MASii is the pen name of Mike Masilamani, a name closely associated with the Dark Art of Advertising). As always our Book Buzz events are open to all on a first-come-first-served basis, and will take place at the British Council hall, Colombo. |
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| Produced by Lake House |
One time Professor of Law and Justice of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka
and the former Vice President of the International Court of Justice, Judge
Weeramantry, who is a Doctor of Laws and a Doctor of Literature of the
University of London and the author of a numerous books and articles
published throughout the world, on peace, intercultural understanding, human
rights and many other related legal topics, begins the book with two apt
quotes; "The whole of government consists of the art of being honest" Thomas
Jefferson, "Peace consists not merely of the absence of war but the presence
of justice" Martin Luther King. 
History has it that in the 1st Century AD, a dispute between the Naga
king Mahodara and Prince Chulodara over a throne studded with gemstones,
brought the Buddha to Sri Lanka. In 14th Century AD Ibn Batuta, the Arab
traveller from Tangiers wrote "Gems are met within all localities of the
island. 
Not for Gamini Athurupane, who has, for the first time in the history of
Sri Lanka's natural gemstones created portraits and pictures depicting
tranquil scenes of nature and religious figures, called Lakland Gem Crafts.
Using a patented technology, twenty two artists engage in creating pictures
and portraits out of natural gemstones, uncut or cut, polished, whole or
splintered using their natural colours. 
A creative and dedicated craft-woman Nirrmala Gunawardene will hold a
unique sale of needle work and crafts on December 10 at 115, Dutugemunu
Street, Kohuwala, from 9.30 a.m. onwards. 
The Book Buzz series is a British Council initiative to introduce
contemporary UK and Sri Lankan creative writers to our audiences. Our Book
Buzz events so far this year have featured prominent Sri Lankan writers-Ashok
Ferrey and Ameena Hussein, Lal Medawattegedera and Madubashini Ratnayake,
Nihal de Silva and Elmo Jayawardena. 
The three piece are titled 'Looking Through My Earphones: Errol's Story',
'Fashion TV' and 'The Man On The Run'. Written primarily for voice, two of
them will be staged as performance poetry and the third is an experimental
multi media piece. The cast includes Sean Amarasekera, Ryan Holsinger,
Piyumi Samaraweera, Ramanan Sundaralingam, Nimmi Harasgama and a few other
familiar faces. 
