Saiva Mangaiyar Kalagam marks 75th anniversary

The Saiva Mangaiyar Kalagam which was established in 1930 by the untiring efforts of the remarkable band of founders namely Rasamuthu Sathasivam, Sornacanthy Nallianathan and Balambigai Namasivayam celebrated its 75th anniversary under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency Nirupama Rao, High Commissioner for India in Sri Lanka on Saturday December 10 at 5.30 p.m. at the Kalagam Hall, Colombo 6.

Prof. Premala Sivasagasam was the guest of honour. Sivanandini Duraisawamy, President of Saiva Mangaiyar Kalagam and Manager of Hindu Ladies College delivered the inaugural speech. The inauguration of the Saiva Mangaiyar Vidyalayam (Hindu Ladies College), the secondary school for girls in 1932 is the most important landmark in the history of the Kalagam.

Further, long before the politicians and policy makers decided that language and religion were vital in the educational programme of children these pioneer Hindu women of the Kalgam realised that instruction should be in the mother tongue and religion should be a compulsory subject in the curriculum.

Thus at a time when English was the medium of instruction these founders wanted that education of Hindu girls should be in the mother tongue to maintain the age old Hindu tradition.

The Saiva Mangaiyar Vidyalayam which was established in 1932, started with seven students and a few honarary teachers.

From small beginnings, the school developed into an 'A Grade' school despite many handicaps. Today, the school has grown majestically and rendering tremendous service in the sphere of eduction fulfilling the dream of the founders who by their sweat and toil nurtured this institution through these seventy five years.

- Kalabhooshanam Chelvatamby Maniccavasagar

A magical Christmas with Anno Domini

"Anno Domini" (A.D.) has plans for you this Christmas. Having brought their fans soothing acoustic tunes throughout the year the band now brings you "A Magical Christmas With Anno Domini" - an evening of music, song and festive cheer. And as always the group has many exciting moments lined up for the occasion.

The event will take place on Saturday December 17, 7 p.m. onwards at the Deli Market, World Trade Centre, where the band has performed since its formation.

The outfit comprising Shehan Perera (Vocals/Guitar), Malith Fernando (Vocal/s Guitar), Adrian De Niese (Guitar) and Suraj Gunawardena (Bass/Vocals) has had a highly successful year performing regularly at some of Colombo's hippest hangouts including the Deli Market, Waters Edge, Zanziba and Molly's Irish Pub.

The group is also scheduled to play both on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve at the Terrace Lounge at Waters edge. Despite their heavy schedule of gigs this season, the group has decided to hold this event above all as a means of spreading the spirit of the season and as tribute to their faithful fans.

The evening is bound to be a star-studded one with many artistes delivering their own renditions of your favourite Christmas tunes. The programme will feature the YAM (Young Adults' Movement) Choir performing much-loved Carols, giving the audience a chance to join in. Among the artistes scheduled to sing for the event are Devashrie de Silva, Surath Punchiheva and Dilan Jayakody.

A.D. will perform some of their fans' favourite hits along with their own versions of Christmas Carols. The evening will end to the tune of Silent Night in candle light with all artistes singing their hearts out along with the audience.

"A Magical Christmas With Anno Domini" will be the ideal family event this season so make sure your're their to enjoy the season's magic to the fullest. In keeping with the season's spirit and in order to make quality music available to all, there will be no cover charge for the evening. Making things even better, the Deli Market has made arrangements to offer its patrons special promotional rates on a variety of food and beverages only for this special evening.

NPAS holds 13th int'l exhibition

The National Photographic Art Society of Sri Lanka (NPAS) which is affiliated to the Federation of International Art Photography (FIAP) will hold its 13th international exhibition of photography in commemoration with the 55th anniversary at the Art Gallery of Colombo from December 16-19.

The Prime Minister will grace the occasion as the chief guest at the opening ceremony on December 16 at 4.30 pm. NPAS established in 1950 with the patronage of late Wilson Hegoda is presently the most premier organisation in Sri Lanka promoting photography as an art and science.

The dissemination of knowledge to the ordinary citizen of Sri Lanka as a whole and encouraging students to take up photography not as a hobby but as a profession is one of their priorities. Normally an exhibition is held by the society every year for promoting educational aspects of photography as well as advancing the standard of photography as an art.

NPAS is the sole representative of the Federation of International art Photography (NPAS), the governing international body of photography. Nearly 25 countries have participated in this exhibition having submitted about 500 photographs and Vietnam has won the highest number of awards for the best artistic creations in their country. The exhibition committee expects to exhibit about 200 photographs at this exhibition.

Sri Lankan designers in Malaysia

'Perma Fashion Fusion' a grand fashion show featuring Chula Nanayakkara Ariyaratne was held recently in Kuala Lumpur at the Ramada Renaissance Hotel witnessed by a large gathering.

 Hair and make-up for the entire show was done by Ramzi Rahaman who also had a special segment featuring models showing off a variety of hair styles.

The models mostly from Malaysia had amongst them Sri Lanka's own Rozanne Diaz who represented her country at the recently concluded Miss World pageant.

Designer Chula's creations which mostly consisted of her embroidery done on the sari draped in many ways besides some up to date outfits were well received.

Jewellery designer Mallika Hemachandra too presented a section combined with Chula's designer clothes.