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‘Teardrop Nation’ brings Sri Lanka’s post-independence history to the screen - Island.lk

Lanka Hit News • Oct 18, 2026 · 2w ago • 8 min read
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Teardrop Nation, a four-part documentary series examining Sri Lanka’s post-independence political and conflict history, was formally launched at Scope Cinemas Multiplex at Colombo City Centre recently, with Leader of the House and Minister Bimal Rathnayake attending as Chief Guest. Developed over six years by Project 72, with Sarah Kabir as Project Director, the series brings together historical accounts, expert perspectives and lived experiences to explore the events and decisions that have shaped Sri Lanka since independence.

Sarah Kabir, Project Director of Teardrop Nation, addresses the audience at the premiere in Colombo.

Created for a broad public audience, with a particular focus on younger generations, Teardrop Nation seeks to make Sri Lanka’s recent history more accessible and encourage greater engagement with the factors that contributed to discrimination, violence and conflict. The project was conceived not simply as a record of the past, but as an educational resource that can help audiences better understand how earlier choices and events continue to inform the country today.

Speaking at the launch, Sarah Kabir, Project Director of Teardrop Nation, said her decade of work on reconciliation had shaped the project. “Understanding our past is essential to building positive and lasting peace in Sri Lanka. We created Teardrop Nation to make this history more accessible, especially to younger people, and to encourage them to engage with it thoughtfully and critically. After six years of research and production, we hope the series creates space for informed conversation and a shared understanding of the experiences and decisions that shaped our country,” she said.

The series unfolds chronologically across four episodes: Foundations of Conflict (1930s–1970s), The Trigger (1970s–1980s), Battle for Peace (1980s–late 1990s) and War in Paradise (1990s–2009). Together, the episodes examine political and social developments across different periods and explore tensions linked to ethnicity, religion, class and caste.

The glittering gala in Male was enlivened by the rhythm of music and hospitality

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Taj Samudra Colombo ushered in the festive season with its traditional Christmas cake making ceremony, led by Area Director, Taj Maldives and Sri Lanka and General Manager Samrat Datta of Taj Samudra,the hotel team, and invited guests, for an evening of festive cheer and culinary indulgence.

The evening was a delightful celebration of togetherness, warm hospitality, and the magic of Christmas, leaving guests with beautiful memories as the festive season begins.

Adding a musical touch to the occasion were two violinists enhancing the festive atmosphere with enchanting melodies, creating an elegant backdrop to the celebrations.

The carefully arranged array of food was another highlight showcasing the hotel’s culinary flair and attention to detail. (ZC)

The highlight of Runway of Courage was a special fashion slow organised by Rozanne Diasz, featuring cancer survivors who took to the ramp with confidence, elegance and determination.Dressed in outfits specially created for the occasion by Dilini Seneviratne of Kadapatha fame and Subashini from the Rustic Clothing, the survivors became the stars of the show, demonstrating that courage and beauty go far beyond appearances. The fashion show was a celebration of resilience, self confidence and the strength to embrace life despite adversity. As the survivors walked the ramp, they sent out a powerful message that cancer diagnosis does not define a person or diminish their spirit.

The courage of cancer patients and the importance of early detection, medical advance and emotional support took centre stage at Runway of Courage, a knowledge sharing programme organised by Rotary District 3220 and held recently at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, bringing together local and Singaporean Oncologists, medical professionals and cancer survivors.

The doctors who participated at the knowledge sharing sessions were Dr. Yasantha Ariyaratne, consultant clinical oncologist and Radiation oncologist, Dr. Sabrina Ngaserin, breast cancer surgeon, Dr. Wong Chung, Ing, senior consultant Breast Surgeon, and Dr. Wong Chiung Ing. senior consultant, medical oncologist.

A key message from the medical specialists was that cancer should not be viewed as a death sentences, They said with early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and continued medical care many cancers can be treated successfully by giving patients renewed hope and the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives. The doctors stressed the importance of awareness, regular screening where appropriate and seeking medical advice without delay when symptoms arise.

The voices of cancer patients added a deeply personal dimension to the programme. Speaking about their experiences, they reflected on the fear and uncertainty that often accompany a diagnosis, the physical and emotional demands of treatment and the determination required to face each day. Their stories were a powerful reminder that courage is not the absence to fear but the strength to keep moving forward. Fashion, courage and compassion came together as Runway of Courage, presented by Rotary Pink Pledge and Cup of Courage Season 111, and organised by the National Cancer Society, celebrated breast cancer survivors, caregivers and advocates in an inspiring showcase of resilience and hope

The survivors also highlighted the importance of family support, compassionate healthcare professionals and a positive support of the disease.

Runway of Courage served as a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a person, a family and a story of resilience. By bringing together medical expertise and the lived experiences of survivors, the programme network moved forward throughout the treatment journey.

Oncologists from Sri Lanka and Singapore shared their knowledge and perspectives on cancer, discussing developments in treatment, the value of timely intervention and the need to improve public understanding and sought to replace fear with knowledge and despair with hope, reaffirming that cancer patients deserve not only the best possible treatment but also discussed, understanding and encouragement through their journey.

The title sponsor was Parkway Hospital Singapore, supported by Shuwo Hridesh Country Head Sri lanka

Pathan is an action thriller film directed by Siddarth Anand and produced by Adidiya Chopra under Yash Raj films

The Indian High Commission hosted a special film screening of the Bollywood blockbuster Pathaan for members of the media for an entertaining evening. This invitation offered journalists an opportunity to enjoy the action-packed movie, starring King of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan, while celebrating the enduring popularity of Indian Cinema and its cultural connection with Sri Lanka, also featuring Deepika Padukone and John Abraham.

Directed by Siddhartha Anand, produced by Aditiya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj films, it is a high octane Bollywood spy thriller. The story revolves around Pathaan, an Indian intelligence agent who returns to the field when India faced a major security threat from Jim, a former intelligence operative who has turned rogue. Jim (John Abraham), plans to unleash a dangerous biological weapon, threatening millions of lives. Pathaan joins with Rubai, a mysterious agent played by John Abraham, celebrates courage and the determination of an agent willing to risk everything to protect his country. With Deepika caught up in the dangerous mission, the story unfolds across specatacular internationjal locations, combining explosive action sequences,unexpected twists and moments of humour.

Deepika Padukone, try to stop Jim’s deadly mission. The journey takes them across international locations, involving spectacular action sequence, daring escapes, double crosses and unexpected revelations. Blending patriotism, espionage, romance and explosive action, Pathaan celebrates courageand determination of an agent willing to risk everything to protect his country

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