Category Archives: patriotism

September 12, 2024 · 8:01 pm

The Roberts Oral History Project, 1964-1969: Its Conception, Inception & Outcomes

Michael Roberts

In re-establishing communication with two old Mertonians of the early 1960s generation at my College in Oxford, viz, Tony Roberton and Keith Shuttleworth, I have been induced to reflect upon my unusual circumstances as a postgraduate at Merton and Oxford. Apart from being one of the few Sri Lankans in that University,[i] I happened to be (A) engaged in postgraduate work which demanded research at the Public Record Office in Chancery Lane in London, and (B) a colonial visitor with the asset of two sisters domiciled in London.[ii]

 Tony is kneeling on the left upfront; while Keith is on my rght– Merton rugger team c. 1964/65

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September 12, 2024 · 12:19 am

Professor EOE Pereira’s Central Role in Fostering Engineering Education

Dr. Damayanthi Herath, in DailyFT, …. https://www.ft.lk/news/In-retrospect-Pera-EFac-pays-tribute-to-Prof-E-O-E-Pereira-celebrating-legacy-of-75-years/56-766595 …. with highlighting imposed by The Editor, Thuppahi

As the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Peradeniya (affectionately known as Pera EFac) proudly celebrates its Diamond Jubilee, a series of events is being organised to mark this milestone, culminating in 2025 with emphasis on its rich history and its vision for the future. Among the planned events, a significant one was the commemoration of its founder, Vidya Jyothi Eng. Prof. E.O.E. Pereira (13 September 1907–22 May 1988), a visionary leader who not only established the faculty, but also laid the foundation for engineering education in Sri Lanka. This commemorative event took place on 21 August 2024 at the faculty premises.

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September 11, 2024 · 10:35 pm

Gamini Goonetilleke’s Wide-ranging Medical Work in Lanka

“In the Line of Duty: The Life and Times of a Surgeon in War and Peace” a memoir published in 2008. …………………. now sold out.

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September 8, 2024 · 10:34 pm

Face-to-Face in Admonishment: Drama at the Adelaide Oval, 23rd January 1998

Michael Roberts

Ashan de Alwis’s article in The Ceylon Journal Volume 1/1 published in mid-2024 is as readable and excellent an essay as anyone can wish for.[i] It focuses on the 50-over one-day cricket match between Australia and Sri Lanka played at Adelaide Oval on the 23rd January 1999 and specifically on the no-balling of Muralitharan for throwing by umpire Ross Emerson and captain Arjuna Ranatunga’s unprecedented actions in challenging the umpire.[1] This account is supported by a graphic picture – as iconic as world-famous unusual. It does not fail to note that the Sri Lankan batsmen, batting second, did not let Murali or the fans down: led by a Mahela Jayawardene century, they reached the massive England total of 303 in the last over with the last man Murali at the crease.

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September 8, 2024 · 2:31 am

Geeth’s ENCORE for the Adelaide Sri Lanka Association’s  50th Year Tamasha

Dear Nishani, Manoj & ASLA Committee,***

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for organising the ASLA, 50th Golden Jubilee dinner dance on August 31st. The event was a truly memorable night filled with music, friendship, and celebration.

The performance by Corinne and the Ashra band was absolutely exceptional. Corrine’s talent and experience are legendary, and her contribution to the evening made it truly special.

 

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September 5, 2024 · 7:54 pm

A History of the Middle Finger Phallic Insult

Daniel Nasaw, BBC News Magazine, Washington, on  the 6th February 2012 with this title “When did the middle finger become offensive? …. an item which quickly generated 138 comments [thus ‘gestures’ of sorts]

“Up Yours”– gestures MIA

Whether or not M.I.A. was aware, the gesture originally referred to a phallus ….. [is in question]

An American television network has apologised after pop star M.I.A. extended her middle finger during Sunday night’s Super Bowl halftime show. What does the gesture mean, and when did it become offensive?

A public intellectual, expressing his contempt for a gas-bag politician, reaches for a familiar gesture. He extends his middle finger and declares: “This is the great demagogue.”

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September 4, 2024 · 1:14 am

Bangladesh Bury Pakistan: Two-Nil Win in Tests

Michael Roberts

In what is a RED-LETTER DAY in the history of cricket Bangladesh beat Pakistan twice in Test Matches played away. In the Second Test held at Rawalpindi in Pakistan, they secured a convincing win by six wickets.

What is more, they unveiled a new speedster, Rana -who claimed   in the second innings and …. in the first innings of the second Test match. Rana’s bowling carries extra punch because he is tall—looming over his team-mates when they cluster.

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August 30, 2024 · 7:52 pm

“Footprints in the Sands” – A Poetic Lament for Sri Lanka’s Politics

Revd Derrick Mendis, S.J.**

Politics in Lanka is a dirty game

Sans sense of honesty, honour or shame.

On election-campaigns that squander millions,

When in power, make illicit billions.

Copyright @CharithMania

Jayatilleka Hall, Peradeniya University … where Derrick & Groucho led the way

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August 17, 2024 · 12:43 am

Peradeniya University …. emerged 75 Years Back

Nissanka Warakaulle, in The Island, 12 & ….. July 2024…. with highlightsing imposed by The Editor, Thuppahi

It was sixty five years ago, and that is very long time ago, on 29 June 1959 that a batch of 378 students from all parts of Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) entered the portals of the most beautiful university at that time, the University of Ceylon, situated in the salubrious surroundings in Peradeniya, just four miles from the historic city of Kandy, after having successfully passed the then University Entrance examination conducted by the university itself, to read for our varied degrees in Arts, Oriental Languages, Law, etc.

Hilda Obeysekara Hall

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August 14, 2024 · 4:55 pm

Helping Disabled Children in Sri Lanka: VACD’s Philanthropic Outreach from Australia

An Item circulated by Felix Stephen of Melbourne, with the heading “Their Future in Our Hands” …. being the VACD Australia & Sri Lanka July & August 2024 Newsletter …… “When we give alms with our hearts, we give well”

Dear friends, colleagues, supporters, and collaborative partners,

Greetings to you, your families, loved ones, and colleagues from all of us at VACD……Annual Report: My Annual Report for FY 2023/24 to the VACD Australia Board and Fellows can be found on the following hyperlink: https://www.vacd.org.au/2024/08/14/vacd-australia-chairmanss-fy-2023-2024-annual-report-to-the-vacd-australia-board-fellows/

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