Life style
A synthesis of native craft and European design
Colombo National Museum’s new Furniture Gallery which displays a fine collection from the Kandyan kingdom and the colonial times, is soon to be opened to the public. We had a sneak-peak at the new gallery’s intricately designed ebony almirahs, four-posters, palanquins from the Kandyan times, cradles and Burgomaster chairs from the Dutch times and much more…
BY RANDIMA ATTYGALLE
The first impression of the Colombo National Museum’s new Furniture Gallery is that it’s a synthesis of the indigenous craft and that of the European genus. The 17th century Dutch grandfather clock which stands tall at the entrance to the gallery is juxtaposed with the traditional Kandyan laaksha-embelished centre tables. The richly ornamented Kandyan palanquins and finely crafted chairs inspired by the Dutch tradition, equally speak for the skills of the Lankan artisan who could navigate different schools of art with ease.
A luxury of the nobility
Until the mid-20th century, the use of furniture in Lankan homes was minimal. Except for small three-legged benches, there were hardly any pieces of furniture found in ordinary households. Even guest seating was arranged by laying a mat on the outside verandah. The use of furniture was accepted as a luxury by the royalty, nobility and the priests. Ananda Coomaraswamy in his work Mediaeval Sinhalese Art notes that, ‘none but the king was allowed to sit upon a chair with a back.’ The chairs that we are familiar with today did not exist here at home in the early 16th century. Coomaraswamy further writes of a beautiful chair dedicated by Kirti Sri Raja Sinha preserved in the Asgiriya pohoya-ge which is painted and inlaid with ivory. Paintings at Degaldoruwa also depict a number of types of stools and chairs. ‘Ordinary tables, were not in general use, though mentioned by Knox (Robert Knox) among the King’s private treasures, most of which he had obtained from wrecks or were gifts brought by ambassadors,’ says Coomaraswamy.
Colonial influence
Most of the furniture we are familiar with today such as chairs, tables, bedsteads and wardrobes were first introduced to the island by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The native words putuwa and almariya (derived from the Portuguese word armario) are of Portuguese origin. Later, the Dutch colonization of the coastal areas of the island gave birth to a rich furniture-making legacy.
In the article, ‘Colonial Dutch Furniture’ by E. Reimers published in the Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (RAS) of 1937 (Vol XXXIV), the writer states that the ‘Dutch with their characteristic caution and attention to details should have provided for their domestic needs in their Eastern colonies’ and have probably brought some of their master carpenters to the island. Local carpenters probably became their understudies.
R . L Brohier in his book, Furniture of the Dutch Period in Ceylon documents: ‘Large number of Porto-Sinhalese and others from the Sinhala community whose ancient trade was carpentering found employment in the Dutch winkels or workshops in Ceylon. It was from the Dutch that the ‘Moratuwa Carpenter’ and the Low country Sinhalese generally learnt the art of furniture-making and even up to the British period of occupation in Ceylon duplicated the genuine Dutch models and preserved many of the Dutch patterns.’
Superior Ceylonese furniture
Brohier further notes that, ‘the period which the Dutch were in Ceylon synchronized with this golden age of furniture development in Europe-claimed by authorities to have been a period of artistic activity never equaled before or since in the history of furniture.’ The assortment of chairs, settees, book cases and wardrobes found in the Colombo Museum’s new gallery is a testimony to this legacy the Dutch.
Grandfather Clock believed to be that of the last Dutch Governor in Ceylon
The Burgomaster chair type which was first made in the Netherlands in about 1650 and the subsequent Queen Anne Style type and those of the rococo style (which are found in the Wolvendaal Church in Colombo) are among the interesting chairs found in the gallery. Jan Veenendaal in his book, Furniture from Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India during the Dutch Period, observes the distinction between the chairs from Sri Lanka and Indonesia in the 1740s. ‘The difference between chairs from Sri Lanka and Indonesia is very marked during this period. In Sri Lanka, the Dutch style was followed more assiduously, Chinese and of course Indonesian influences on methods of ornamentation are completely absent.’ Dr. Joseph Pearson in his writing in RAS (Ceylon) Vol XXXI, 1938 makes a distinction between old Javanese and Ceylonese furniture: ‘Generally speaking, the types of old furniture in Java has characters of its own…. The furniture is frequently overloaded with rough carving and as a rule is inferior to Ceylon furniture which is dignified in style and restrained in motif.’
Clock of the last Dutch Governor
The grandfather clock in the gallery is indeed a show-stealer. Brohier in his work provides an extensive account of it. Dating back to 1710, the clock it claimed to have been the property of the last Dutch Governor of Ceylon, John Gerard van Angelbeek. Subsequently, it passed into the possession of Leslie de Saram who was a connoisseur of antiques in 1936. He then gifted it to the University of Ceylon in memory of his mother. Brohier recalls having seen this iconic article on a visit to the university in 1963 when the clock was still intoning ‘tick-tock’. This valuable antique was ‘indecorously destroyed beyond repair together with other articles of furniture in the student riots of December 1965,’ records the historian.
Local timber and art
The laaksha or traditional Sri Lankan lacquer work has a deep-rooted history. Matale is the best-known region in the island for this art. The legend has it that this art was introduced to the island with the arrival of Theri Sangamitta who brought the sapling of the sacred ‘Sri Maha Bodhi’ tree, accompanied by numerous artisans who introduced their respective traditions to the island. Ananda Coomaraswamy describes the Sinhalase lac-work to be of ‘great brilliancy and gaiety of colouring.’ He also notes that most of the work is from a decorative point of view. The laaksha-adorned centre tables found in the gallery mirror this brilliance and add colour to the place.
In the selection of material for their earliest 17th century furniture, the Dutch appear to have shown a marked preference for dark or coloured woods, mainly ebony, records E. Reimers in his contribution to RAS (Ceylon) of 1937 (Vol XXXIV). ‘We may imagine that the Hollander’s imagination ran riot when he first came out to the East and saw rich varieties of woods which the virgin forests of Ceylon and Mauritius afforded.’ Among the other local timbers sought after by the Dutch were Calamander, (which was found in the wet forests of the Southern provinces and in the wilderness of Sri Pada, recklessly felled by the Dutch and the British and is almost extinct today), Nedun, Satinwood, Tamarind, Kumbuk, Jak, Halmilla, Suriya, Kohomba and Mara.
Public participation
The soon to be opened new Furniture Gallery at the Colombo National Museum is a fine representation of the cultural intersection of Sri Lanka, says the Director General of the Department of National Museums, Sanuja Kasthuriarachchi. “The fine collection of furniture we have as exhibits ranging from the Kandyan era to the British period in the island reflects not merely the colonial influence on the furniture-making in the island but also the fact that our traditional carpenters and artisans were naturally endowed with the skill, given their long-standing association with wood crafts.
“The Kandyan Kingdom in particular is associated with an architecture and crafts dominated by wood. This inherent skill would have probably driven our carpenters of the colonial times to ably grasp the European styles,” remarks Kasthuriarachchi who invites history-lovers to enjoy the exhibits and revisit a rich tradition. “We also welcome unique articles of furniture as gifts from the public to the gallery as means of enabling a richer experience to museum visitors,” she added.
(Pic credit: Department of National Museums)
In a grand celebration of unity and tradition, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo hosted an exclusive and elegant Iftar dinner at the prestigious King’s Court. This remarkable evening, hosted by Nazoomi Azhar, General Manager of Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, brought together a distinguished gathering of ambassadors, key figures, top corporate executives, and esteemed members of the media.
The event showcased a spectacular array of culinary delights, with a highlight being the masterpieces crafted by renowned Pakistani Chef Riaz Bhatti. His exquisite creations, alongside an extensive selection of traditional and contemporary delicacies of Pakistani dishes, left guests in awe of the lavish spread and exceptional flavors.
Among the standout dishes of the evening were the rich and aromatic Mutton Raghni Josh, the flavorful Mutton Shahi Qorma, and the perfectly spiced Peshawari Beef Chapli Kabab. Guests also delighted in the Lahori Chicken Tikka Boti and the indulgent Chicken Peshawari Karahi, which added a taste of authenticity to the menu. The Iftar spread was further complemented by traditional desserts such as Gulab Jamun, Shahi Tukda, and Ras Malai, providing a sweet ending to the feast.
The atmosphere was one of warmth and hospitality, reflecting the spirit of Ramadan while offering a truly memorable experience. Guests were highly impressed with the impeccable service and the thoughtfully curated menu, making this Iftar dinner a standout occasion in Colombo’s social calendar.
Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, under the leadership of Nazoomi Azhar, continues to set the benchmark for luxury hospitality, delivering unforgettable experiences through its commitment to excellence.
In the Republic of Turkiye women have been one of the building blocks in shaping Turkiye for centuries. However, especially since the founding of the Republic, Turkiye has been one of the leading countries in the world, especially in terms of the political visibility of women. Women were given the right to vote long before women were given political rights in many democratic and modern countries.
Turkish women are known for their unwavering determination and resilience. They exhibit remarkable dedication and courage in pursuing their goals and challenge injustice. Their hard work and perseverence contribute to their advancement of society. These statements were expressed by the Deputy Chief of Mission of Turkiye M/S Merve Goozde Otlu at the residence of the Turkish Ambassador in Sri Lanka, on the occasion of the International Women’s Day.
This day is also important for Turkish women, who have played a vital role in shaping Turkish society, from the early days of our Republic to the present said the Deputy Chief of Mission. In her speech she also pointed out that the founder of the Republic, Mustafia Kemal Ataturk, has an important place in the hearts of all Turkish people, but his visionary leadership for women’s rights are especially precious for all women of Turkiye.
Some of the guests
She explained “Ataturk strongly believed in women’s equality and emphasized that a modern and progressive society could only be achieved if women had equal opportunities as men’’
“Women were encouraged to participate in all areas of life, including education, work life and politics. One of the most remarkable steps Ataturk took was granting women the right to vote and as early as 1930, women were able to run for office at the local elections and in 1934 women were granted this right long before many other countries (One year after that, there were already 18 women MPs). When we look at Turkish history, we see countless inspiring women who have shaped our country, playing crucial roles achieving many milestones. These women have proved that Turkish women could achieve greatness in any field from science to business, from arts to sports, if given the opportunity, she remarked.
Turkish women have also made a significant contribution to diplomacy, a field often seen as male-dominated, she remarked.
Kanchana Rajapakse from embassy
For decades, Turkish women have been representing our country with strength and determination on the global stage. The first woman diplomat Mrs. Adile Ayda was recruited in 1932, while Ambassador Filiz Dinemen is the first woman Ambassador of Turkiye, assigned to the Hague in 1982.
Women representation has been increasing in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, constituting almost 40% of the Ministry.
It is a personal honour for me to serve in a country like Sri Lanka, which gave the world the first female Prime Minister in history, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, she said with pride.
Her leadership showed that women can take on the highest responsibility and be a driving force not just for women but for the whole society.
The contribution of women in Turkiye in the field of Science and Technology is far reaching. She said in Turkiye, a prominent scientist who worked for NASA, whose research was instrumental in the legendary 1962 Apollo mission. She is Dihlhan Eryunt, was the recipient of the NASA Appolo Achievement Awards she said with pride.
The First Secretary, Imren Kaygisiz said Turkish women who have contributed to the development of the country and thier enduring impact on society who are still continuing to inspire strength,resilience and success of women
The Commercial Counsellor M/s Gamze Erc an also paid tribute to the founder of Modern Republic of Turkiye, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who gave importance to education of Turkish women and leader believed that development of a nation depends on a strong education foundation.
The evening had all the trappings of glamour followed by high tea.
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in sri Lanka hosted the International Women’s Day ceremony at thier residence.
Ambassador of Indonesia Dwi Gustina Tobing invited a large gathering of invitees including the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj who was the Chief Guest. CBL Group Managing Director Sheamalee Wickramasighe, popular musician Umaria Sinhawansa and Stephanie Siriwardena also addressed the gathering. The ambassador looking elegant was busy welcoming the guests at her residence.
An evening of camaraderie, glitz and glamour. The event featured an insightful session aimed to empower women, and served as a tribute to the commitment of women who has contributed immensely. The ambassador in her speech said by celebrating the achievements of women and amplifying their voices, we pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society, where gender does not hinder opportunity but enriches collective experiences. Here is an excerpt from the ambassador’s speech.
A warm welcome to all of you. It is an honour to host this reception in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2025.
She said ” This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action”, is a powerful call to all of us. It underscores that equality cannot wait, and that all sectors of society must work together to speed up progress in women’s rights and empowerment.”
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- CBL group managing director Sheamalee addressing the gathering
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- Stephani and Umaria
Around the world, we have seen tremendous strides toward gender equality in politics, economics, and social spheres. Women are increasingly taking up leadership roles, contributing to economic growth, and shaping the future of our societies.
In Indonesia, we are proud of the progress we have made in advancing women’s participation. She said
She reiterated that 127 women were elected to parliament, making up 22.1% of the seats—the highest in our post-reform history. However, this is still below our target of 30%, which means there is room for improvement.
Our new cabinet includes 14 women, both as ministers and deputy ministers, demonstrating our commitment to gender-inclusive governance.
Ambassador welcoming Chief Guest Minister of Women and Child Affairs
Beyond politics, women are the backbone of Indonesia’s economy. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contribute over 60% to the national GDP, and 64.5% of these businesses are managed by women.
Additionally, Indonesia ranks among the top four countries globally for female business leaders
She pointed out Sri Lanka, too, has made significant strides in women’s empowerment. When I met with Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj last week, we discussed the progress Sri Lanka has made in increasing women’s representation in politics and the economy. From women entrepreneurs driving economic growth to initiatives supporting women in leadership, Sri Lanka is showing a strong commitment to gender equality.
Many countries have made progress in advancing women’s empowerment, yet, despite this progress, we must recognize that challenges remain. Women still face barriers to equal pay, leadership opportunities, financial inclusion, and social mobility. Gender-based violence, discrimination, and unequal access to resources continue to hinder the advancement of women in many parts of the world.
This is why collaboration is crucial. By sharing experiences, policies, and best practices, we can accelerate meaningful action to bridge the gender gap.
We must continue working together, fostering partnerships that empower women economically and socially. Indonesia is committed to strengthening collaboration with Sri Lanka and other nations to create more opportunities for women, recognizing their immense importance. Invitees were able to enjoy authentic Indonesian delicacies specially curated by the Ambassador herself.
By Zanita Careem
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