News
Geoffrey Bawa featured at 15th Seoul International Architecture Film Fest.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Seoul, in collaboration with the Korea Institute of Registered Architects (KIRA), organized a special viewing of the film “Bawa’s Garden” on 14th September 2023 at the Embassy premises, as a part of the 15th Seoul International Architecture Film Festival.
The documentary film, directed by Clara Kraft Isono features the work of Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, who was internationally recognized as a pioneer of the tropical modernist style. Mainly focusing on his estate “Lunuganga”, the film reveals the life and work of Bawa through narratives of those who knew him and his work.
The Festival Director of the 15th Seoul International Architecture Film Festival Kim Chang-gil welcomed the invitees to the film screening and highlighted the important role the Seoul International Architecture Film Festival played in the promotion of architecture.
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Savitri Panabokke, speaking of the diverse and prolific work of Bawa, stated that his creations often incorporated elements of traditional Sri Lankan architecture, while harmonizing with nature and elements of sustainability. She also stated that his buildings often generated a sense of calmess and tranquility.
Award winning Sri Lankan architect, writer and Trustee of the Bawa Trust and Lunuganga Trust Channa Daswatte, addressed the viewers virtually on the remarkable work of Bawa from creating the Parliament of Sri Lanka to a number of private and public properties. He highlighted how Bawa’s designs allowed the history and social requirements specific to the place to be reflected in architecture. He added that Bawa encouraged the use of local materials and sought to make his designs suitable for a tropical climate.
The viewing was preceded by a networking reception for the invited guests at the Embassy premises. “Bawa’s Garden” was also screened at the Festival’s main cinema in Seoul on 07 and 08 September 2023.
News
3 dead in Dunhinda bus accident
News
11th International Day of Yoga celebrated in Colombo (Pics)
The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated with great enthusiasm by the High Commission of India in Colombo and its cultural arm, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Sri Lanka at the historic Independence Square in Colombo today (June 21).
This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, highlighted the universal relevance of yoga in fostering harmony between humans and nature.
The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, joined the celebrations along with distinguished guests including Minister of Science and Technology – Dr. Chrishantha Abeysena, Minister of Labour and the Deputy Minister of Economic Development – Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka – Dr. Rizvie Salih, Deputy Minister of Defence – Major General K. P. Aruna Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Gamagedara Dissanayake Deputy Minister of Sports – Sugath Thilakaratna, and other senior dignitaries.
The event began with a spiritual invocation through prayers by Most Ven. Dr. Maitipe Wimalasara Nayaka Thera and the Maha Sangha, who offered blessings for peace and well-being. A dynamic and refreshing yoga and meditation session followed, conducted by experts from renowned yoga institutions in India and Sri Lanka. The event brought together hundreds of yoga enthusiasts, dignitaries, and students in a shared spirit of wellness and unity. As part of the celebrations, a specially curated Yoga Pendrive and a Sinhala translation of the Hatha Yoga Pradeepika were launched, aiming to make authentic yoga knowledge more accessible. Complementing the main event in Colombo, the Consulates in Hambantota and Jaffna, along with the Assistant High Commission in Kandy, also organized special events – reflecting the enthusiastic and widespread participation in the 11th International Day of Yoga across Sri Lanka.
In a significant prelude to the main event, the Department of Ayurveda, Ministry of Health, Government of Sri Lanka and Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre jointly organized a landmark, island-wide celebration of the International Day of Yoga on 19 June 2025, with simultaneous yoga sessions held in 113 Ayurveda hospitals and four universities across all nine provinces – marking the first time such a nationwide initiative has been undertaken in Sri Lanka in a unified fashion.
It may be recalled that the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution piloted by India in 2014, proclaiming June 21 each year as the International Day of Yoga. The resolution was supported by more than 170 countries, with Sri Lanka being one of its proud co-sponsors.
News
Mathews bows out of Test cricket
3 dead in Dunhinda bus accident
11th International Day of Yoga celebrated in Colombo (Pics)
