|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Monday, 13 December 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Features | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Christmas with Peradeniya Singers In Dulci Jubilo Christmas with the Peradeniya Singers December 18 at the Lionel Wendt 7.00 p.m. The Peradeniya Singers will spread the joy of Christmas and help the Rainbow Children Programme for vocational training of slum children of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Hatton with a Christmas program that will include the title work In Dulci Jubilo works by Benjamin Britten, Sinhala and Tamil Carols, a Basque Carol new arrangements of Jingle Bells and Silent Night and a few Christmas pieces by the pop stars of today. There will be popular carols for audience participation as well.
Mayhead was committed to acapella performance, a skill he nurtured in us painlessly rehearsing just an hour twice weekly in the Arts Faculty's Room B. Fascinated by the music of the early Renaissance he gave us an enduring taste for the polyphony of Palestrina, Vittoria, Manduit, Byrd et al, aking us into musical experiences ranging from the plangent solemnity of Vittoria's O Vos Omnes to the lighthearted El Grillo in praise of the chirping of the cricket. The original group faded out after the departure of Robin Mayhead in 1958, though the impetus was carried to the SCM choir and the Newman Society choir, the latter directed by Frederic Ludowyk and then by Ray Forbes. The present Director Bridget Halpe was a member of the Newman Society choir from 1956. She returned in 1962 from a two-year stint in Bristol studying music at the university. Drawing on her training and experience in Bristol's Department of Music and as a member of the University of Bristol Choir, the select thirty-two Choir and the Paragon Singers, she took over the Newman Society choir and revived the University Singers. Besides its own annual concerts, Peradeniya Singers has presented or participated in several special programmes notably the concert in celebration of the Bach/Handel tricentennial (1985), the bicentennial of the French Republic (1989), the fiftieth anniversaries of university education in Sri Lanka (1992) and of the move of the University to Peradeniya (2002), the ceremonial opening of the rebuilt Central Bank building (2001) etc. It participated on invitation in several Christmas and Easter concerts of the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka under conductors Earle de Fonseka and Lalanath de Silva and in the recordings of three important and innovative Sri Lankan works: Devar Suriya Sena's Sri Lankan setting of the Anglican Eucharistic Celebration, Lalanath de Silva's Requiem Orbis Terrarum and Pradeep Ratnayake's Indrakeelaya. Peradeniya Singers were All Island winners (choral) at the festivals in Sri Lanka of the British Federation of Festivals of Music, speech and drama in the first three years - 1998, 1999 and 2000 - winning the Richard Graves Award. - A.H. A powerful challenge through Ravindra's creations by Sarath Gunasiri Perera, Head of Department (Fine Arts) University of Kelaniya On a recent visit to Jagath Ravindra's studio, I witnessed the glowing figure of a man in a rising posture being painted in yellow on a large canvas. The nude figure was neither sensual nor lusty but it was large. To me, the figure appeared to be of a man, tempered by some pain, trying to get up triumphantly. This man provides an energy with fresh hopes to a decadent social mentality which has taken root in our society which is ailing as a result of the confusion created by the cultural, political and economic process prevailing in Sri Lanka for the last several decades. Jagath Ravindra has named it 'Born Through the Earth'.
The same theme surfaced even more powerfully at the exhibition named 'Hope' held by Jagath Ravindra at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery some time back. From an examination of his recent works, it appears that he is engaged in an exercise of constructing a long term story about a certain man. His exhibition named 'Isolated Man' held at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery in 1999, 'Silent Figures' held in 2000 at 'Paradise Road Galleries', 'Broken Dialogue' held in 2001 and 'Reconstructing of a man' held in 2003 provide testimony to this assertion. Throughout this series of exhibitions, we could discern a powerless man cut off from human relations. However in his statement issued on the occasion of his exhibition named 'The Hope', he stated as follows, "War is purely a political gimmick. In as much as war is a political gimmick, peace is also a gimmick. Therefore the re-creation of the remains produced by war amounts to further emersion of society in the same stinking pit. Therefore the task before citizens responsible to society is to contribute to the construction of the social mentality broken down over a long period. The painter also should assume the position of social scientists and contribute to this task. A frustrated society needs some hope. Hope strengthens self-confidence. Instead of fugitives and failures, men who are rising should be painted." Jagath Ravindra who now engaged in his creative work with more self-assurance, is in the process of seeking answers to this powerful challenge through his creations. He believes that it is his duty to present this reality. His recent works have been painted on larger canvases and are more advanced than his earlier works. Jagath Ravindra who entered the field of art in the early part of the 1990s, has earned a significant place in the contemporary Sri Lankan field of art through national and international experience, overcoming numerous obstacles. Jagath who is a visiting lecturer at the Institute of Aesthetic Studies of the Kelaniya University, is also a member of the Painting and Sculpture Board of the Sri Lankan Art Council. The exhibition of his latest work is on at Paradise Road Galleries, 2, Alfred House Road, Colombo 3 till January 8, 2005. 'Gloria in Excelsis Deo': Carols by Cantata Singers -December 15 'Gloria in Excelsis Deo' is the theme of the programme of Carols to be sung by the Cantata Singers on Wednesday December 15 in the Kollupitiya Methodist Church at 7.00 p.m. All are invited to join and celebrate joyfully. The seasonal music for the programme is in three groups. The programme begins with a Fanfare by Martin Shaw, proclaiming the promise foretold and the staggering words of Gabriel's message to Mary. In this world we are more concerned by the material miracles wrought by man. Success and ambition have become our major priorities, the miracles achieved by man today overshadow the understanding of the meaning of phenomenal events which have a predestined potential in the life of people and society. This is sublimely expressed in Rutter's Christmas Carol about angels announcing to humble humanity what we are waiting for, the deliverance from violence and hatred. It will make us ponder whether or not we can accept a star as a sign from God that Christ is now here. The jubilation of the people spread across the world is sung in the second part. The shepherds and kings are symbolic representation of the large concourse of people from many lands of different tongues and traditional characteristic ethos, the lowly commoner and the powerful potentate joining together to celebrate the incomprehensible fact of the miracle of God born as man on earth. So it is to the cradle in a manger to which we go seeking, always seeking for God. The choir dramatizes the exaltation of heavenly enchantment in a West Indian calypso spiritual and the perennial favourite of Byrd's Cradle Song, ending with Rutter's Carol of a mother's endearing prayer to God for her child. The final narrative is our response in song to this miraculous event in our soul persuading perspicacity, like a thanksgiving of the heavenly host, in acceptance and final illumination of what this is all about. Beginning with the incarnations of the Prince of peace, the rejection of the King of Glory on a cross and the Resurrection of the Man of Righteousness, the Son of God. Dearana Creations December 16 - 20, 2004 at the Alliance Francaise Auditorium Dearana creations was formed by five young artists: I.G. Ruwan Jayewardene, N.P. Madawa Nawandala, A.C. Nuwan Renu, Mahinda Bandara Dasanayake and Basuru Gamage. "Life and Painting in Kandiyan Era - (18th Century)"
People belonging to that era were considered as important, as it was an interwoven service providing system. If there wasn't a potter or a leather one would never hear the sound of a 'Bummanaya' (a Sinhalese musical instrument). Due to this social linkage, quality of goods being evaluated in public. This economic system suited the traditional industrial set up of that period. Furthermore, in this environment the unity and the sovereignty of the country were protected. Through this network, all the citizens were involved in the national economic process. The Buddhist temple was the centre of this concept of utility art in which people's lifestyles became transparent. There were also others who studied Buddhism to improve their knowledge. It perfectly depicts the artists' spiritual morals and tough discipline which are reflected through their fine lines and colour patches. Those paintings had an extraordinary attraction felt by commoners as well as Rulers without any difference. Kandyan painting tradition is very prominent among the different streams of 'Sinhalese Buddhist Art. Due to foreign invasions the society gradually changed and so did Art. Artists from that era who worked with spiritual discipline are still present in modern times but today's artist lacks knowledge even if he or she is financially sound. As a result today artist's vision of art is in danger as it is not honoured by the popular culture. Even though the masterpieces of the artist were celebrated in the past by many. at present it has almost become a displaying object or a product for sale. Therefore, this exhibition of paintings 'Life and Painting in Kandyan Era' (18th Century) would present you a structural composition of Kandyan epoch. A unique exhibition and sale of paintings
On display are theme studies and compositions of Sri Lankan people, places, foliage etc. that all reflect the rich diversity of our cultural heritage. The exhibition opens on Friday the 17th at 6 p.m. and will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday on December 18 and 19, 2004, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The venue is Devar Suriya Sena Centre, No. 10, Alwis Place, Colombo 3. Tabla recital by Vadya Visharad Chanaka Peiris The Indian Cultural Centre will present an evening of tabla recital by Vadya Visharad Chanaka Peiris, Lecturer, Institute of Aesthetic Studies, Kelaniya university on Friday, December 17 at 6.30 pm at the Indian Cultural Centre, 133, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 4. The event is open to all. New DJ in Colombo Gary Oliver, a popular DJ in the region will be featured at Colombo Plaza Hotel. Gary's biggest aim is to mix the world together through music. And like a chameleon he effortlessly switches through different genres of music - between retro, Rock'n'roll, ballads, funk 'n' blues, soft rock, hip hop, salsa and new age music, Gary Oliver has done it all over Asia. Gary is in Colombo to perform for 15 days, from December 10 to 24. Fingers flying over the fret board, playing intricate pieces, he does some really great lead work. He is presently working on his new album and video which is due for release in February. Book Review: Accounting text of Sri Lankan origin Financial Accounting in Sri Lanka Author: Dr. Hema Wijewardena Distribution: Sarasavi Bookshop (Pvt) Ltd. The non-availability of high quality local textbooks in financial accounting compels students and teachers in universities, technical colleges and other educational and professional institutions in Sri Lanka to use foreign texts in their accounting courses. This has caused considerable difficulty for both students and teachers because all accounting textbooks imported from foreign countries are based on their own currencies, accounting standards, company law and tax regulations which are significantly different from those of Sri Lanka. Therefore, financial accounting texts of foreign origin do not suit the local business, economic, and cultural backgrounds. To ease the above situation, Dr. Hema Wijewardena has written and published a high quality accounting text of Sri Lankan origin under the title of Financial Accounting in Sri Lanka. This book is primarily intended for students who study financial accounting at universities, technical colleges, and professional institutions in Sri Lanka. Because of its in-depth coverage of the subject matter at both foundation and intermediate levels students preparing for the GCE examinations can also benefit from the book. The author of this book is a professionally qualified accountant and a very senior academic with extensive experience in teaching accounting at several universities and professional institutions in Sri Lanka, Canada and Australia. He says that his long experience in teaching accounting and producing accounting texts for several international publishers has helped him in developing this book as a purely Sri Lankan text that provides a very effective modern approach to the study of accounting. As the author rightly stated in the preface, accounting and approaches to the teaching of accounting have undergone dramatic changes throughout the world, particularly over the past few decades. In many countries, the accounting profession has been consciously seeking more theoretical foundation to the discipline. Some traditional terms, definitions and practices have been changed to make them more logical and conceptually appropriate. Although accounting is a practical discipline, it is considered essential that those learning it be provided with the reasons for the techniques and procedures they are attempting to master. Accordingly, modern accounting education goes beyond a training in the mechanical aspects of the subject and expects students to understand the rationale or the theoretical justifications for different techniques and procedures. The author has taken the above developments into consideration in developing this book. Being consistent with the widely accepted structure of accounting texts in most developed countries, what is termed the 'balance sheet' approach to accounting instruction has been adopted in this text in presenting the double-entry system of accounting. This is built around the concept of the accounting equation and the effect of transactions on assets, equities and liabilities. This approach, while enabling the student to gain an overall picture of the pattern and basic functions of accounting at an early stage, provides a more logical and meaningful way to begin the study of accounting. Recognising the importance of harmonising Sri Lankan accounting practices with international developments, the text also discusses how some traditional practices need to be refined in accordance with their theoretical foundations. The book provides an in-depth coverage of the basic concepts, techniques, procedures and practical applications of financial accounting with clarity of exposition and academic rigour. It also provides an appropriate balance between the theory and practice of accounting. In doing so, the text focuses on the application of Sri Lanka's accounting standards, company law, and income tax regulations. The chapters in this book have been arranged in a logical progression so that they can be studied in sequence. All the topics usually covered in modern textbooks on financial accounting are discussed in these chapters. Each chapter begins with a set of learning objectives that can be achieved by studying the material covered in that chapter. In addition to providing illustrations of practical examples throughout the text, a review exercise with a complete solution is presented at the end of each chapter as a key revision aid to help students check their progress. The comprehensive set of questions and exercises included at the end of each chapter covers the subject matter fully and can be used by instructors as tutorial assignments for their students. Following the widely used modern approach to the teaching of accounting, the double-entry system is introduced and developed in the early chapters on the basis of transactions that occur in service businesses operating as sole proprietorships. Because accounting for small service businesses is less complex, it is easier for a beginner to understand the initial steps in the accounting process through this approach. Accounting concepts, techniques and procedures applicable to trading and manufacturing businesses are progressively presented in subsequent chapters. The final chapters deal with the more complex aspects of accounting for partnerships and companies. The above features clearly show this book is the first most comprehensive and up-to-date accounting text published in Sri Lanka. The author deserves high commendation for this unique contribution to the country's accounting education. - Dr. M.W. Wickramarachchi, Professor of Accounting, University of Sri Jayewardenepura |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
The Peradeniya Singers began life as the University Singers founded by
Robin Mayhead at the University of Ceylon in 1953. Robin Mayhead came to
the University's Department of English in Peradeniya from Downing College,
Cambridge where he had directed a choral group.
Kandyan Kingdom is one of the most important epochs of our history. We
have observed that people who lived during that period enjoyed art linked
to their day-to-day life. It is an Art developed by people who are ruled
by kings who have understood the harmony between religion and
community" - (Maha Vanshaya).
"The Sigiriya Frescoes, the Gal-Vihara Buddha Statues, the wood
carvings at Embekke - this is our cultural heritage" says Nadine
David to her pupils. She is a teacher and artist, who received an award of
excellence for cultural achievements, from the SAARC Women's Association -
Sri Lanka chapter. Nadine upholds the high ideals of her guru the late
David Paynter, which she in turn passes on to her pupils. Nadine David and
her senior pupils Dillai Rodrigo and Erandathie Kiridena have worked with
the view to bring contemporary paintings that uphold the distinctive
virtues of Sri Lankan culture to the art-loving public.
