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It was an evening filled with nostalgia, laughter and timeless melodies as one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated musical bands, Marians led by Nalin Perera, brought their unmistakable, energy to a spectacular “Sing-along’’ an Evening of Timeless Melodies” at the Grand Maitland Hotel recently. This event was to raise funds for DS Sennayake College’s development projects ahead of its 60th anniversary celebrations in 2027.
Music lovers from across generations, many prominent alumni of the 1986 batch of D S Senanayake College, their spouses and families came together to support the school’s development fund, to relive cherished memories, proving once again that great music has the power to unite people.
From the moment the band took the stage, the atmosphere was electric. Their infectious energy, timeless hits and effortless rapport with the audience transformed the evening into a joyous celebration, with every song inspiring the crowd to sing along, clap and relive cherished memories. Every note struck a chord, every chorus became a joyful sing-along and every performance rekindled memories, proving once again why the band continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Sri Lankan music lovers. The venue echoed with applause, dancing and heartfelt moments as familiar lyrics blended seamlessly with the signature showmanship known for their electrifying stage presence and the ability to connect with the audiences of all ages, the Marians once again demonstrated why they remain Sri Lanka’s most loved musical group. Their performances featured a carefully curated selection of evergreen favourites that had the entire audience singing in harmony.
The evening unfolded as a seamless blend of timeless Sinhala melodies and evergreen English classics. Every performances had the audience clapping, swaying and singing in unison, creating an atmosphere filled with nostalgia, joy and enduring musical camaraderie.
The evening was skilfully compered by the master of ceremonies, Joy de Alwis, whose engaging style, humour and warm interaction with the audience kept the programme flowing effortlessly. His lively presentation added charm to the event. Every aspect of the evening reflected careful planning, teamwork and the commitment of the organisers.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the performance by the legendary Marians. Their repertoire of evergreen hits, romantic melodies and energetic dance numbers captivated the audience, from the opening song to the grand finale. The ballroom echoed with applause, laughter and voices united in song,, creating an atmosphere of joy, that perfectly captured the spirit of the occasion. The elegant décor, lighting and sound created a vibrant yet intimate setting making the evening both glamorous and deeply personnel. This event was a tribute to the lasting friendships, shared memories and the enduring spirit of a group of old boys (86 batch) who continue to stand proving together that while the years may pass, the bond formed at school remains as stronger as ever. The venue Grand Maitland provided a sophisticated backdrop for the evening, with its elegant ambience and impeccable hospitality.
The committee members, who were behind this event, were Dhammika Weerakoon, Project Chairman, WA Jayasiri Rohan, Treasurer, Azad Hassen, Committee member, and the event planner, and Committee members Ushan Samraweera, Rumy Fayaz, Nalin Welikada, and Malinda Anthony.
The other committee members included Kalanauriya, Bin Mohamed, Kanishka, Saduruwan and Harshamenu.
ISSO takes its global journey to London
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Long before wildlife videos became a staple of social media, a young zoology student at the University of Peradeniya was invited to help bring Sri Lanka’s natural world into the homes of children across the country.
The invitation came from a scientist he had never met in a classroom. It would introduce him to an audience far beyond the university and leave him with memories that endure decades later.
The scientist was Professor Nimal Gunatilleke, one of Sri Lanka’s leading ecologists. His invitation was simple: he was planning a children’s television series about the country’s plants, animals and ecosystems. Would the student like to present it alongside him?
The student was Dr Ruchira Somaweera. Today, he is an internationally recognised herpetologist and evolutionary biologist whose research has taken him from Sri Lanka’s forests to the crocodile habitats of Australia, the waters of the Indian Ocean and the islands of Southeast Asia.
He has published scientific papers and books, contributed to international conservation initiatives and worked to make wildlife science accessible to a wider public.
But before the international research, the scientific publications and the global collaborations, there was Thuru Mithuro.
“I was a zoology student at Peradeniya, and Professor Nimal Gunatilleke had never taught me. I had not even met him in a classroom. Then, one day, he came to my practical examination and started talking to me,” Somaweera recalls.
What followed was an invitation that would have been difficult for any young student to forget.
For Somaweera, the significance lay not merely in the prospect of appearing on television but in the fact that a scientist of Gunatilleke’s standing had approached him personally.
“When someone of Professor Gunatilleke’s stature approaches you and invites you to be part of something like that, you feel an enormous sense of happiness and pride. But it is a humble kind of pride, because you realise that someone has recognised your potential and is willing to give you an opportunity,” he says.
The programme took the pair into several of Sri Lanka’s ecosystems. Gunatilleke explained the plants; Somaweera introduced the animals. Their subjects were not confined to textbook illustrations or laboratory specimens. The natural environment itself became their studio.
It was science education with the walls removed.
A television programme with a larger purpose
In those days, before YouTube and Facebook transformed the distribution of wildlife content, television occupied a different place in public life. A well-produced educational programme could introduce an entire generation to subjects that might otherwise remain distant from everyday experience.
Thuru Mithuro, broadcast by Sri Lanka’s National Television, offered precisely that possibility. Children could encounter the natural world through the observations of people who understood it, while the landscapes themselves provided the context.
A plant was no longer simply a specimen to be memorised. It belonged to a habitat, interacted with other organisms and helped sustain an ecological community. An animal was not merely a name in a zoology textbook but a living creature whose survival depended on food, shelter, water and the condition of its surroundings.
For a young zoologist, explaining these relationships was an opportunity to translate academic knowledge into something accessible.
“We filmed in several ecosystems across Sri Lanka. Professor Gunatilleke spoke about the plants, while I talked about the animals. It was a beautiful experience because we were not simply discussing nature; we were taking the audience into the natural world itself,” Somaweera recalls.
There is an important distinction between showing people wildlife and helping them understand it.
A close-up of a snake may inspire fascination or fear. An explanation of its behaviour, habitat and ecological role can replace some of that fear with knowledge. A shot of a forest may be visually impressive; an explanation of the relationships between its plants, insects, birds and mammals reveals why its survival matters.
This is the work of science communication, a discipline that can be as important to conservation as the research itself.
Sri Lanka has no shortage of natural wonders or scientists capable of explaining them. Yet the distance between scientific knowledge and public understanding can remain considerable.
The question is whether broadcasters are prepared to invest in closing that gap.
From an undergraduate project to international science
Somaweera’s own career illustrates what can happen when curiosity about wildlife develops into a sustained scientific pursuit.
He graduated with first-class honours in zoology from the University of Peradeniya in 2006.
His undergraduate research examined communal egg-laying by the endemic Kandyan day-gecko (Cnemaspis kandiana) in rock caves at Gannoruwa Forest Reserve.
The subject was a small lizard, but the questions it raised were much larger: how do animals reproduce, what environmental conditions shape their behaviour, and how can researchers understand the biological processes that allow species to survive?
He subsequently pursued doctoral research at the University of Sydney, completing his PhD in 2012. His research examined the ecology and conservation of Australian freshwater crocodiles at Lake Argyle, in Western Australia.
Later, as a postdoctoral researcher at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia’s national science agency, he investigated the effects of weeds on freshwater crocodiles and the ecosystems along riverbanks.
His research career has since encompassed a broad range of questions concerning reptile ecology, adaptation and conservation in changing environments.
Professional profiles identify him as an ecology leader and senior scientist, an adjunct associate professor at Murdoch University and a National Geographic Explorer.
His work has involved research and environmental projects across Australia, Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific.
These are not simply different geographical settings for the same research. Each presents distinct ecological conditions, conservation pressures and relationships between people and wildlife.
Understanding those differences requires more than recording the presence of a species. Scientists must investigate how animals use their habitats, what threatens their populations and how environmental change affects their ability to survive.
For Somaweera, reptiles provide a particularly revealing lens through which to examine those questions.
The misunderstood lives of reptiles
Snakes, crocodiles and lizards occupy an uneasy place in the human imagination. Some inspire fascination; others provoke fear. Crocodiles are associated with danger, while snakes are often treated as creatures whose only significance lies in their potential to bite.
Scientific research tells a more complicated story.
Reptiles have evolved a remarkable range of adaptations to different environments. Their behaviour, reproduction and survival strategies can reveal much about the pressures operating within ecosystems.
Somaweera’s research has examined freshwater crocodiles, sea snakes, marine turtles and other reptiles, including how they respond to habitat modification, invasive species and environmental change.
His work on crocodiles has explored aspects of their ecology and conservation, while his research on sea snakes has contributed to investigations into population decline and the factors that may drive local disappearances.
Such studies are important because changes in wildlife populations do not always have a single cause. Habitat alteration, introduced predators, environmental conditions and human activities may interact in ways that are difficult to understand without long-term observations and carefully designed research.
The implications extend beyond reptiles.
A decline in one species can signal a wider disturbance in its environment.
Understanding the mechanisms behind that decline may help scientists identify threats to other animals sharing the same habitat.
This is why detailed ecological research matters even when its immediate subject is an animal that many people rarely see.
The challenge is to ensure that the resulting knowledge reaches the people who can use it.
Bringing Sri Lankan reptiles into focus
Somaweera has also contributed to the documentation and communication of Sri Lanka’s reptile diversity.
His books include Snakes of Sri Lanka and Lizards of Sri Lanka: A Colour Guide with Field Keys. These works provide resources for identifying species and understanding the country’s reptile fauna.
Field guides occupy an important position between specialist research and public education. They help students, naturalists and researchers distinguish species, record observations and recognise the importance of accurate identification.
In the case of snakes, reliable information can also have direct public-health implications. Misidentification can influence how people respond to encounters and how clinicians assess suspected snakebites.
Somaweera has contributed to research addressing the identification of medically important snakes in Sri Lanka, illustrating how zoological expertise can intersect with human health.
His scientific interests extend beyond the island. His publications and research collaborations encompass reptiles in Australia and other parts of Asia, including crocodiles, sea snakes and the reptiles of island ecosystems.
He has also authored books for younger audiences, including The Ultimate Book of Reptiles, published by National Geographic Kids and Disney Books.
His contribution is therefore not limited to adding scientific papers to the literature. It includes creating resources through which people can discover, identify and better understand animals that are frequently overlooked or misunderstood.
The distinction matters. A species that is poorly understood is harder to protect, particularly when public attitudes are shaped more by fear or folklore than by evidence.
Modern conservation increasingly demands that scientific findings inform decisions made outside universities.
Governments need evidence when designing conservation policies. Developers need to understand the ecological consequences of proposed projects. Communities need reliable information when wildlife shares their surroundings.
Conservation organisations need to know which interventions are likely to work.
Somaweera’s professional work brings research into this practical arena.
His experience in ecological consultancy has involved projects for government agencies, industry, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders. The emphasis is on understanding how species and their habitats respond to environmental change, then applying that knowledge to management and conservation.
This approach is particularly relevant in landscapes where economic development and biodiversity protection must be considered together.
A river, for example, is not simply a channel carrying water. It is also a habitat, a breeding environment and a corridor connecting ecological communities. Altering its banks or vegetation can affect wildlife in ways that may not be immediately apparent.
Likewise, the introduction of a non-native species can have consequences that extend well beyond the organism itself, changing relationships between predators, prey and competing species.
Research helps identify these connections. Good environmental management depends on acting on that knowledge.
Somaweera’s international experience also highlights the value of collaboration. Wildlife does not recognise national borders, and many conservation questions require researchers to combine field observations, ecological modelling, population studies and other scientific approaches.
His involvement in international specialist networks, including groups associated with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, places his expertise within wider efforts to assess and conserve reptile populations.
The value of such participation lies in the exchange of knowledge and the development of evidence-based approaches that can be adapted to different environments.
For Sri Lanka, maintaining strong links between local researchers and international scientific networks is particularly important. The country’s biodiversity is distinctive, but understanding and protecting it can benefit from research conducted elsewhere.
There is, however, another thread running through Somaweera’s career: the effort to communicate science beyond specialist audiences.
His early experience with Thuru Mithuro came at a time when television was among the principal ways of taking wildlife education into people’s homes.
The media environment has since changed almost beyond recognition. A wildlife researcher can now share observations, photographs and explanations with international audiences through digital platforms.
Somaweera’s RuGoesWild channel continues that educational tradition, using online media to make wildlife science more accessible.
The technology is different, but the underlying challenge is familiar.
Scientific findings can be complex. Their significance may not be immediately obvious to people who are unfamiliar with the subject. Communicating them effectively requires an understanding of both the science and the audience.
A compelling image may capture attention, but explanation gives it meaning. A photograph of a sea snake can introduce a discussion about marine ecology. An account of crocodile behaviour can lead to questions about habitat conservation.
A video of a reptile in an altered landscape can reveal the effects of human activity.
The best science communication does not simplify the natural world to the point of distortion. It makes complexity understandable without sacrificing accuracy.
That is especially important in conservation, where public debate can become emotional and where poorly understood wildlife may be treated as a threat rather than as part of a functioning ecosystem.
Somaweera’s career offers a useful example of how scientific research and public communication can complement one another.
The scientist studies the animal. The communicator explains why it matters. The conservation practitioner asks what the evidence means for its future.
What Sri Lankan television could learn
The experience of Thuru Mithuro raises a question that remains relevant for broadcasters in Sri Lanka: why should science and wildlife education occupy such a small place in television schedules when the country has so much to explain?
Environmental issues are frequently covered when a disaster occurs, an animal enters a settlement or a conservation controversy attracts public attention. These reports are important, but they cannot replace sustained education about the ecological processes behind the headlines.
A regular programme could take viewers into forests, wetlands, rivers and coastal environments. Scientists could explain what lives there, how those ecosystems function and what happens when they are damaged.
Children could learn to identify common species in their neighbourhoods. School groups could participate in field observations.
Researchers could discuss their discoveries in language that does not require an advanced scientific education.
Such programmes could also explore the relationship between biodiversity and everyday life: the importance of wetlands in managing water, the role of vegetation in supporting wildlife, the effects of pollution on aquatic ecosystems and the consequences of habitat fragmentation.
The aim would not be to turn every viewer into a biologist. It would be to give people enough understanding to ask better questions and make more informed decisions.
Television can help create that foundation, particularly when it combines scientific expertise with compelling storytelling.
Somaweera’s recollections of Thuru Mithuro suggest that the idea is not new. Sri Lanka has already experienced the possibilities of taking scientists into the field and bringing their knowledge to a wider audience.
The challenge is to renew that commitment for a generation growing up amid digital abundance but facing increasingly complex environmental problems.
For Somaweera, the memory of meeting Professor Gunatilleke remains significant because of the unexpected nature of the invitation.
He was an undergraduate student, not yet the internationally active scientist he would become. The professor did not approach him as an established researcher but as a young person who might have something to contribute.
That willingness to recognise potential is an important part of how scientific communities develop.
Research depends on training, opportunity and collaboration, but it also depends on people who encourage others to pursue questions and communicate what they discover.
The journey from Thuru Mithuro to international wildlife research is not simply a story of career progression. It is also a reminder that science has a public purpose.
Knowledge about the natural world matters most when it helps people understand their surroundings, recognise the consequences of environmental change and make decisions informed by evidence.
A television programme filmed in Sri Lanka’s ecosystems decades ago and a modern wildlife channel reaching viewers online may appear to belong to different eras. In purpose, however, they are closely related.
Both seek to bring people closer to animals and habitats they might otherwise overlook.
Sri Lanka has scientists capable of contributing to global research, a natural heritage worth protecting and generations of young people who could be inspired by learning about it. What is needed is a sustained effort to connect those resources through education, journalism and public engagement.
The invitation Professor Gunatilleke extended to a young zoology student was modest in its wording but lasting in its consequences.
It opened a door to television, offered an early lesson in communicating science and became part of the story of a researcher whose work now reaches well beyond the island.
The larger lesson is straightforward: protecting nature requires scientific knowledge, but it also requires people who can make that knowledge matter.
Sometimes, the process begins with a scientist, a student and a camera pointed towards the living world.
With an innate love for beautiful interiors, a flair for colours and an eye for finer details, Shamila Abusally has been fascinated by the art of creating beautiful surroundings.
Her passion for aesthetics, decorative pieces and all things elegant has now taken an exciting new direction with Glow and Bloom, her creative business venture featuring an enchanting collection of Unicorn candles. Combining her love for beautiful things, with the joy of gifting, Shamila is bringing a touch of colour, charm and individuality to birthdays to baby shows. For her it is all about turning simple movements into beautiful memories, one candle at a time, Glow and Bloom adding sparkle to special moments.
A gift is more than just a present. It is a way of expressing love, happiness and appreciations. This is the inspiration behind Shamila Abusally’s exciting new venture, Glow and Bloom, featuring a colourful and creative range of Unicorn Candles designed to make life’s special occasions even more memorable.
With an eye for creativity and a passion for beautiful things, Shamila is bringing a fresh dimension to the art of gifting.
Her collection of candles comes in different colours, styles and designs, offering something for birthdays, baby showers, anniversaries, and many other celebrations.
“I wanted to introduce something different to the gifting scene, something colourful, attractive and special. I believe that even a small gift can bring a big smile when it is chosen with love, says Shamila.
What makes Glow and Bloom candles interesting is the versatility of the collection.
Form vibrant colours for birthday celebrations to delicate designs for baby showers and elegant styles for anniversaries the candles offer a charming alternative to conventional gifts.
Every occasion has its own personality. A birthday is full of fun and excitement, a baby shower is all about happiness and new beginnings, while an anniversary celebrates love and togetherness. I want my candles to complement all these beautiful moments, she explains.
The Unicorn Candles are designed to appeal to those who appreciate attractive decorative and thoughtful gifts.
Their variety of colours and style allow customers to select something that reflects the occasion and the persons receiving it.
For Shamila, a teacher by profession in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, starting Glow and Bloom is about more than establishing a business. It is about transforming creativity into something meaningful and sharing that creativity with others.
“I love the idea of creating something that people can enjoy and give as a gift; there is so much happiness in knowing that something you have created becomes part of somebody’s else’s special celebrations”. She says, She also believes that presentation and individuality play an import role with gifting.
“I want people to have choices. Different colours, different styles and something suitable for different occasions. My aim is to make every gift feel like a little more personal and memorable.”
As Glow and Bloom candles begins to make its mark, Shamila hopes to build a brand associated with creativity, individuality and the happiness of giving. Her venture reflects the spirit of entrepreneurship, an idea of achieving it and taking the first steps towards making it a reality. Every new business is a journey. There is always something to lean, something to treasure and something new to create. I am excited about what lies ahead for Glow and Bloom ,” she adds.
With its colourful Unicorn Candles which focus on celebrations, Glow and Bloom brings a refreshing touch to the gifting world.
For Shamila Abusally the message is simple: life’s special moments deserve something special and sometimes all it takes is a little glow to make them unforgettable.
Hilton Colombo officially welcomed the festive season with the unveiling of its 2026 Christmas theme, “Home for a Magical Christmas.”
As the first hotel in Colombo to usher in the festive season, Hilton Colombo marked the occasion with festive performances, familiar Christmas traditions and the grand unveiling of its Christmas centrepiece, an intricate golden carousel, at the heart of its lobby.
Framed by elegant white-and-gold decorations and charming Nutcrackers, the carousel transforms the lobby into a haven designed to bring a sense of wonder to guests of all ages. Known for introducing a distinctive Christmas setting each year, Hilton Colombo continues that tradition with a celebration inspired by the warmth of coming home, shared moments and the magic of the season.
“Christmas at Hilton Colombo has always been about the memories people make together,” said Manesh Fernando, Area General Manager for Hilton Sri Lanka and General Manager of Hilton Colombo. “Every year, we look forward to creating something special for the families, friends and guests who celebrate with us. This year’s golden carousel is a joyful reminder of that tradition, and we hope it brings a little magic to everyone who walks through our doors.”
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