Renowned poet launches two books to mark 85th birthday

BOOK LAUNCH: Two poetry books, 'Conquering Hearts' (English) and 'Manesa' (Sinhala) written by Kala Keerthi Panditha Wimal Abhayasundara, were launched recently to mark the poet's 85th birthday.

'Conquering Hearts' which consists of 38 poems shows the poet's attempt to put his ideas into English verses although he had his education in the oriental tradition. All these poems stand for the poet's philosophy of life which is entirely based on Buddhist philosophy. 'Manesa' (Mind's Eye) comprises Sinhala poems written over the years.

The readers of 'Conquering Hearts' are gifted with a comprehensive survey of the development of the Sinhala poetry. The Foreword of the book signifies the multicultural experiences the poet has nurtured during his career of nearly 65 years as a poet and to a greater extent as a researcher and a critic.

Wimal Abhayasundara's verses dramatise various pre-occupations. He presents his view of life in a tri-partite structure; man, man in society and man in universe. In both books he explores the intense, inner psychological subtleties of life.

One of the most important aspects of his poetry is his talent in dealing with emotional aspects of life. He never allows the emotions to guide or carried away by him. This is one of the rare successes with which he has an edge over most of the other contemporary writers.

Different thematic implications of these books convince the reader the individuality of the poet.

His veneration to his own country, religion, culture and civilisation is the marked feature in his poetry. He is excelled in handling both the traditional and novel themes alike, so, the reader witnesses an unusual combination of traditional and modern thematic approaches in both books.

A large number of his poems show the influence of Buddhism. He experienced the life in India when he visited it for his higher studies. He records his Indian experiences in the poems like 'First visit to Lucknow' and 'The Golden Splendour at Buddhagaya'. So, the reader is given a 'Free Journey to India' with his ideas.

The poem 'Land of Ravana' reveals his critical nature. He explores the legend from a different angle.

Even though English is his second language, the poet is versatile in the languages like Sanskrit, Pali and Sinhala. He uses all the linguistic knowledge he has accumulated in compiling his poems.

The language he has used testifies his knowledge on science, history, religion, nature, politics, economics and many other subject fields. His careful selection and implementation of words and phrases enlighten the readers always. It is better for all the budding poets to study the poet's use of language.

A deeper analysis will indefinitely prove the reader how different insights could be portrayed through the most suitable diction. Wimal Abhayasundara, being a rare and unique scholar, is aware of not only the local poetic traditions but foreign also.

This knowledge can be seen when trying to understand how he has experimented in different metrical feet and stanza forms. His ability in selecting the most effective metrical feet and stanza form has given an added strength to his poetry.

Even at the age of 85 he proves his calibre.

He does not belong to any group, era but an all time poet.

He has blended all his resources for a genuine course, that is to show the role of the poet in the society. His genuine feelings towards the country, religion and the entire humanity are an 'eye-opener' for the other poets to follow.

It is the duty of the readers and the critics alike to make a constructing criticism of the volumes this veteran poet has compiled.

'Young Dreams a Reality!'

COMPETITIONS: Saturday, January 21 will be a memorable day for the Lawrentian family since, 'Young Dreams A Reality' an inter-school talent competition organised by the Prefects Guild '05 of St. Lawrence's School, for the first time in the school's history. It was held at the school main hall at 6 p.m. and the guest of honour was Felician Anil Silva.

The audition of dance and drama was held on January 13 and the audition of vocal and instrumental category was held on January 14. At the finals there was surely a tough competition coming as the 1st runner-up of the senior vocal category was Rashini Wickramasinghe from Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya singing 'Sound of Music' and 'Unchained Melody' and Rozette Fernando from St. Lawrence's School was the winner of this category singing 'I'll be' and 'I will survive'. She had an amazing voice that captured the whole audience.

In the instrumental category Anya de Silva from SLS, Anson Fernando of St. Benedict's College and Dinuka Fernando also of St. Benedict's College won in age groups 8-10, 6-7 and 11-13 respectively.

The winners of the Brass Band category of St. Benedict's College added glamour to the evening with a wonderful performance. The winners of the Band category, 'Thursh' also performed at the finals.

Chrishni Gamage of SLS well deserved the award as the winner of the Individual Dance category, dancing to the tune of 'Mana Ranjana Darshaniya'. In the senior category Imesha Fernando and Lovena Adams, both of SLS was judged as the 1st runner-up and winner respectively.

The 1st runner-up in Group Dance category were twins Tania and Tamara Fernando of SLS, presenting a Bratha dance and the winners of this category were Diendra Sansoni and Nuary Samarasinghe, who well deserved the award they bagged away. 'Member Vannama' presented by the dancers of St. Benedict's College was a performance that really kept the audience going, proving that they were worthy of being awarded the two awards which were titled 'Most Creative Item' and 'Most Entertaining Item'.

The organisers thank the Principal Rev. Sr. Therasa Perera, the guest of honour Felician Silva, the judges, the sponsors for their generosity, members of the staff for their guidance and support, all the participants for their cooperation. The Prefects Guild '05 of SLS have spent a lot of time and effort in organising this day and with all their achievements they have definitely made their Young Dreams a reality.

Arangethram on February 25

ARANGETHRAM: Chamalee Eranga Wijethunga who showed her capabilities from her pre school days at C/Sri Sanghamiththa Ladies College before joining Gothami Balika Vidylaya has now shown her prowess at national level. Chandra Rajakarunanayke - the fine arts teacher at Gothami Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo 10 diverted little Chamalee Eranga to Kandyan Dancing which she took up as a curricular subject upto the G.C.E. (Advanced Level). She has won several trophies for her school at inter school dancing contests.

Thereafter she sat for the National Level to beginners, intermediate and final examinations which paved the way for her to enter the University of Visual and Performing Arts as an undergraduate. She is now in her second semester at the University of Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo 7. On completing her G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Chamalee enrolled at the Dehiwala Vimalothaya Classical Institute and started Bharatha Natyam, Indian dancing under Aesthetic lecturer at the Institute Miss. Pathmanathan.

Chamalee Eranga Wijethunga is now organising her 'Arangethram' after studying for five consecutive years at the Dehiwala Vimalothaya Classical Bharatha Natyam Center.

This event will take place on February 25 at 6 p.m. at the New Kathiresn Hall, Bambalapitiya which will be completely devoted to classical events.

She is currently teaching as an upcountry dancing teacher at Lyceum International School where she is bound to gain more experience and pleasure.

Five CDs from Gypsies

CD REALESE: A Gypsies collection of 5 CDs is put out as a limited edition produced by Torana Music Box.

Containing over 60 lilting songs of the band this collection comes in an attractive box form with music digitally mastered by Torana Recording Studio.

The 5 CDs included in this box set are 'Ei', 'Gypsies Gold', 'Signoray', 'Gypsies Platinum' and 'Dance With The Gypsies'.

Romance at Cinnamon Grand

Lakmini Rodrigo

The two lucky couples given ‘star’ treatment

VALENTINE'S DAY: The Cinnamon Grand Hotel Colombo reached the stars again on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14 by organising an extraordinary Valentine's dinner with a Venetian flavour.

The slogan of this dinner was 'How may we indulge you?', and it was based on the theme of indulgence, as was on the opening night of the hotel in November.

Under the dark sky, with a million little stars silently keeping watch romantic music filling the air, a special candle lit dinner was for two love birds...

The zenith of it all was where the tables were set... on the water .. Colombo's first ever floating tables were set in the pool on the water with sparkling waters surrounding, a hundred floating candles, their flames wavered by the cold breeze, as if to match the canopy of stars above.. It sure looked heavenly..

The two couples were chosen by a bid. Bidders were invited to register and give their offer on air, and out of the 65 bidders the two highest bidders were the lucky ones winning this romantic dinner.

It had all been about how far one would go to do something special for their loved one. And so this was called 'How deep is your love?'. Maybe the depth of one's love cannot be measured. But it certainly can be expressed. After all love is all about giving and appreciating.

And it was remarkable that the highest bidder was a woman, whereas the second highest was a man. Those two caring lovers had certainly done something truly amazing and extraordinary for their loved one.

This novel concept had been by General Manager of the hotel Rohan Karr, and the hotel's own engineering team had built the fascinating tables on the water.

The two lovely floating tables amidst the glistening waters were really worth about Rs. 45000.00 with its personal steward in attendance and eight course menus. The sweet aroma of the flowers decorating the tables and roses floating on the glistening water scented the air.. Beautiful melodies of a classical flautist were heard softly in the background.. The soft light of the candles sent romantic vibes around you.

What could have possibly gone through the minds of the two very fortunate people whose partners had tried their best to make the highest bid so that this Valentine's day would be truly exceptional and unforgettable for them. How nice can it be to have someone who would do anything just to see a smile on your face. Who would want you to feel special more than anything else in the world.

After all that is what love is all about, isn't it? These two couples would definitely be glad they have found their soul mates that some people spend a lifetime searching for.

Valentine's day is all about expressing one's love in a special way. It's about reliving happy memories of the past and creating new memories for the future.

What lovely moments had these devoted lovers evoked sitting by themselves in this dreamland? And what lovely memories would they have created?

Years later they could turn back and recall the delight of this day with the same starry eyes. The joy and love of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity would overwhelm them throughout life.

The bidders had not even seen the tables when they started bidding, all they knew was what they had heard on air and they had laid faith on Cinnamon Grand and bidded.

'Cinnamon Grand, a place of colours, sounds and unexpected pleasures, believes in delivering that promise, after all the theme of the dinner being indulgence', said the Public Relations Manager of the hotel Tharika Gunathilake. 'We hope that they will carry back plenty of happy memories of the day,' she added.

Well, they certainly will.. how could they not, after a once in-a-life-time opportunity of a luxurious candle lit dinner, on the sparkling waters of the Cinnamon Grand pool, right in the heart of the city on Valentine's day?

Sometimes, saying 'I love you' doesn't feel enough. Sometimes more than words are needed to show that they are the most important people in your life.

Sometimes the love that you have within and the depth of your feelings are so hard to express. For those who feel that way 'How deep is your love?' is the key to your heart.

Pix Sudath Nishantha