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From Skies to Scripts: A young editor taking Sri Lanka’s stories to the world

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4 months ago

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Playing the role of pilot

At just 26, Avishka Mario Senewiratne has already done what many spend a lifetime trying to achieve. A trained pilot, published author, historian, and now Editor-in-Chief of The Ceylon Journal, Senewiratne is fast emerging as a defining voice in Sri Lanka’s literary and historical landscape. But behind the titles lies a story of deep passion, quiet perseverance, and an unwavering love for history – and the written word.

Speaking to The Sunday Island, Avishka says his fascination with writing began at an unusually early age. “I’ve been into history and writing from the age of around seven and a half,” he says. “To be honest, I wasn’t really interested in the school curriculum. So, my mother brought in a tutor to teach me basic subjects — but in between lessons, he’d tell me stories from Sri Lankan history, from King Pandukabaya to the more recent war.

“That was the moment something clicked. I got curious. I needed to know more.”

That spark, born out of informal storytelling, eventually turned into an intellectual obsession. “At first, I used to just copy what I read. But as I grew older, I wanted to say things in my own way. That’s how writing started taking shape.”

Writing the Unwritten

One of the first major projects he took on was documenting the rich but under-explored history of his alma mater, St. Joseph’s College, Colombo. “It shocked me that a 125-year-old school didn’t have a comprehensive written history,” he says. “So, I began a collaboration with Rev. Fr. Stanley Abeysekera, a former rector and historian.

“Sadly, he passed away before we could finish the book.”

Despite the loss, Avishka remained committed to the project. When wrote that book, Till the Mountains Disappear: The Story of St. Joseph’s College, he was just 22. “In fact, some tried to suppress it. But that made people more curious – they wanted to know what was in it that caused such a fuss.”

The book became an unexpected hit. “The first print sold out in six or seven days. We had to do two more prints within the same year – all sold out.”

Rediscovering Forgotten Reels

In the process of his research, Avishka stumbled upon a long-lost treasure: a 1956 film titled Little Bike Lost, produced by students and clergy at St. Joseph’s. “It was made by a Catholic priest named Noel Cruz. But what is amazing is that this film predates Rekava by Lester James Peries. It’s perhaps the first Sri Lankan film made entirely outside a studio.”

He not only traced the reel but digitised the film through the Tulana Media Unit, preserving it for future generations. “I produced a book detailing the making of that film. It took me about a year. The school history book took me six.”

After strong feedback on the first book, Avishka decided to rewrite certain sections in the second volume. “Not because the facts were wrong – but I wanted to write from a new perspective. The second book, Fruits of Virtue: The Early History of St. Joseph’s College focused more on the political and financial history of the school – how land was acquired, how buildings were funded. That side of institutional history wasn’t covered in the first one. I co-authored this book with Dr. Srilal Fernando.”

Editorial team of the Ceylon Journal

A Journal is Born

These projects eventually inspired something even bigger – the creation of The Ceylon Journal, a space to explore neglected or forgotten aspects of Sri Lankan history, culture, and society. “Is realised there wasn’t a single journal-style publication that was boths scholarly and accessible to general readers. That’s how the idea for The Ceylon Journal came about.”

Now well into its third run, the journal has quickly gained a readership among academics, students, and curious minds both in Sri Lanka and abroad. “We don’t publish just for the sake of being academic. The idea is to make history – and by extension identity – relatable and exciting.”

His writing has since moved from institutional histories to broader Sri Lankan themes, especially focusing on the British colonial and post-independence periods. “But of course, I read and write on ancient and medieval history too. My interest is wide. It’s not bounded by era or discipline.” He has recently finished writing the biography of the late Dr. Neville Fernando, which is expected to be launched in the near future.

Between Clouds and Culture

What makes Avishka’s journey even more unique is that he isn’t a full-time writer – by profession, he’s a qualified commercial pilot who works as an instructor for the Asian Aviation Centre. “Flying is demanding, just like writing. But in different ways. The mental discipline, the exposure to different people, systems and cultures – all of it feeds into my writing. And reading, in turn, is what helps me handle the pressure of flying.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also completed a degree in Global Business. “That was something I wanted to do to broaden my perspective. It also helped me with how I structure and run the journal today.”

The Road Ahead

So what fuels his passion outside of history? “Travelling. I travel a lot within Sri Lanka – mostly with friends or sometimes alone. I have very good friends across the country, except in the Eastern and Uva Provinces, unfortunately. But I’m working on that.”

Books, of course, are never far away. “I collect books. That’s something I’m very passionate about. My collection ranges from rare Sri Lankan titles to global nonfiction. I’ve been reading only nonfiction since I was about 14.”

When asked about favourite authors, he takes a moment. “From Sri Lanka, I really admire Gananath Obeyesekere – a giant of scholarship.

Also, the earlier works of K. M. de Silva, R. L. Brohier, Fr. S. G. Perera, John Penry Lewis, etc. And for Sinhala classics, Martin Wickramasinghe is in a league of his own.”

Among international writers, he lists Shakespeare, Dickens, and Dan Brown. “I never read Harry Potter,” he laughs. “That whole wave missed me. I was more into Dan Brown and the philosophical works of people like Stephen Hawking. They make you think in a different way.”

Till the Mountains Disappear: The story of St. Joseph’s College launch. Author with all former living Rectors of St. Joseph’s College in 2021.

More Than Just Ink on Paper

But for all the accolades and accomplishments, what matters to Avishka the most are the relationships he’s built along the way. “Writing and reading are tools. But the real reward is the human connection – whether it’s with an author, a reader, or a forgotten voice from 150 years ago.”

“There are so many stories in Sri Lanka that are yet to be told. My hope is to create a space – through The Ceylon Journal and my books – where more people feel inspired to dig, write, and preserve.”

As for what’s next, Avishka smiles, “There are always more stories.

Some sit in dusty archives, others in living memory. I just want to keep uncovering them – and give them the stage they deserve.”

In a world overwhelmed by noise, Avishka Mario Senewiratne reminds us that sometimes the most powerful thing is a quiet, carefully crafted story – one that connects the past to the present, and maybe even shows us the way forward.

By Ifham Nizam ✍️


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Life style

Celebration of taste, culture and elegance

Published

2 days ago

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2025/12/7

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Ambassador Damiano, Jagatheeswaran, Barbara Troila and Ambassador of Vietnam, Trinh Thi Tam

Italian Cuisine Week

This year’s edition of Italian Cuisine Week in Sri Lanka unfolded with unmistakable charm, elegance and flavour as the Italian Embassy introduced a theme that captured the very soul of Italian social life ‘Apertivo and’ Stuzzichini’ This year’s celebration brought together diplomats, food lovers, chefs and Colombo’s society crowd for an evening filled with authenticity, refinement and the unmistakable charm of Italian hospitality.

Hosted at the Italian ambassador’s Residence in Colombo, the evening brought Italy’s golden hour ritual to life, embracing the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality and sophistication of Colombo social scene.

The ambience at the residence of the Italian Ambassador, effortlessly refined, evoked the timeless elegance of Milanese evening culture where ‘Apertivo’ is not just a drink , but a moment of pause, connection and pleasure. Guests were greeted with the aromas of apertivo classics and artisanal stuzzichini,curated specially for this edition. From rustic regional flavours to contemporary interpretations the embassy ‘s tables paid homage to Italy’s diverse culinary landscape.

, Italy’s small bites meant to tempt the palate before meal. Visiting Italian chefs worked alongside Colombo’s leading culinary teams to curate a menu that showcased regional authenticity though elegant bite sized creations. The Italian Ambassador of Italy in Sri Damiano Francovigh welcomed guests with heartfelt remarks on the significant of the theme, highlighting how “Apertivo”embodies the essence of Italy’s culinary identity, simple, social and rooted in tradition.

Sri Lanka’s participation in Italian Cuisine Week for ten consecutive years stands as a testament to the friendship between the two countries. This year focus on ‘Apertivo’ and ‘Stuzzichini’ added a fresh, dimension to that relationship, one that emphasised not only flavours, but shaped cultural values of hospitality, family and warmth. This year’s ‘Apertivo’ and “Stuzzichini’ theme brought a refreshing twist to Italian Cuisine Week. It reminded Sri Lankan guests t hat sometimes the most memorable culinary experiences come not from elaborate feasts but from the simplicity of serving small plates with good company.

Italian Cuisine Week 2025 in Sri Lanka may have showcased flavours, but more importantly it showcased connection and in the warm glow of Colombo’s evening Apertivo came alive not just as an Italian tradition.

(Pix by Dharmasena Wellipitiya)

By Zanita Careem

The Week of Italian Cuisine in the World is one of the longest-running thematic reviews promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Founded in 2016 to carry forward the themes of Expo Milano 2015—quality, sustainability, food

safety, territory, biodiversity, identity, and education—the event annually showcases the excellence and global reach of Italy’s food and wine sector.

Since its inauguration, the Week has been celebrated with over 10,000 events in more than 100 countries, ranging from tastings, show cooking and masterclasses to seminars, conferences, exhibitions and business events, with a major inaugural event hosted annually in Rome at the Farnesina, the HQ of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The 10th edition of the Italian Cuisine Week in the World.

In 2025, the Italian Cuisine Week in the World reaches its tenth edition.

The theme chosen for this anniversary is “Italian cuisine between culture, health and innovation.”

This edition highlights Italian cuisine as a mosaic of knowledge and values, where each tile reflects a story about the relationship with food.

The initiatives of the 10th Edition aim to:

promote understanding of Italian cuisine, also in the context of its candidacy for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage;

demonstrate how Italian cuisine represents a healthy, balanced, and sustainable food model, supporting the prevention of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes;

emphasize the innovation and research that characterize every stage of the Italian food chain, from production to processing, packaging, distribution, consumption, reuse, and recycling

The following leading hotels in Colombo Amari Colombo, Cinnamon Life, ITC Ratnadipa and The Kingsbury join in the celebration by hosting Italian chefs throughout the Week.

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Life style

Ethical beauty takes centre stage

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2 days ago

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2025/12/7

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Body Shop team

The Body Shop marked a radiant new chapter in Sri Lanka with the opening of its boutique at One Galle Face Mall, an event that blended conscious beauty, festive sparkle and lifestyle elegance. British born and globally loved beauty brand celebrates ten successful years in Sri lanka with the launch of its new store at the One Galle Face Mall. The event carried an added touch of prestige as the British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick to Sri Lanka attended as the Guest of honour.

His participation elevated the event highlighting the brand’s global influence and underscored the strong UK- Sri Lanka connection behind the Body Shop’s global heritage and ethical values.

Chief guest British Ambassador Andrew Patrick at the Body Shop

Celebrating ten years of the Brand’s presence in the country, the launch became a true milestone in Colombo’s evolving beauty landscape.

Also present were the Body Shop Sri Lanka Director, Kosala Rohana Wickramasinghe, Shriti malhotra, Executive chairperson,Quest Retail.The Body shop South Asia and Vishal Chaturvedi , Chief Revenue Officer-The Body South Asia The boutique showcased the brand’s

complete range from refreshing Tea Tree skin care to the iconic body butters to hair care essentials each product enhancing the Body Shop’s values of cruelty ,fair trade formulation, fair trade ingredients and environmentally mindful packaging.

The store opening also unveiled the much anticipated festive season collection.

With its elegant atmosphere, engaging product experiences and the distinguished present of the British High Commissioner, it was an evening that blended glamour with conscience With its fresh inviting space at Colombo’ premier mall, the Body Shop begins a a new decade of inspiring Sri Lankan consumers to choose greener beauty.

 

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Life style

Ladies’ Night lights up Riyadh

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2 days ago

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2025/12/7

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Queens of grace

The Cultural Forum of Sri Lanka in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia brought back Ladies’ Night 2025 on November 7 at the Holiday Inn Al Qasr Hotel. After a hiatus of thirteen years, Riyadh shimmered once again as Ladies’ Night returned – an elegant celebration revived under the chairperson Manel Gamage and her team. The chief guest for the occasion was Azmiya Ameer Ajwad, spouse of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to K. S. A. There were other dignitaries too.

The show stopper was Lisara Fernando finalist from the voice Sri Lankan Seasons, wowed the crowd with her stunning performances. The excitement continued with a lively beauty pageant, where Ilham Shamara Azhar was crowned the beauty queen of the night. Thanks to a thrilling raffle draw, many lucky guests walked away with fabulous prizes, courtesy of generous sponsors.

The evening unfolded with a sense of renewal, empowerment and refined glamour drawing together the women for a night that was both historic and beautifully intimate. From dazzling couture to modern abayas, from soft light installation to curated entertainment, the night carried the unmistakable energy.

Once a cherished annual tradition, Ladies’ Night had long held a special space in Riyadh’s cultural calendar. But due to Covid this event was not held until this year in November. This year it started with a bang. After years Ladies’ Night returned bringing with a burst of colour, confidence and long-awaited camaraderie.

It became a symbol of renewal. This year began with a vibrant surge of energy. The decor blended soft elegance with modern modernity cascading its warm ambient lighting and shimmering accents that turned the venue into a chic, feminine oasis, curated by Shamila Abusally, Praveen Jayasinghe and Hasani Weerarathne setting the perfect atmosphere while compères Rashmi Fernando and Gayan Wijeratne kept the energy high and kept the guests on their toes making the night feel intimate yet grand.

Conversations flowed as freely as laughter. Women from different backgrounds, nationalities and professions came together united by an unspoken bond of joy and renewal. Ladies’ Night reflected a broader narrative of change. Riyadh today is confidently evolving and culturally dynamic.

The event celebrated was honouring traditions while empowering international flair.

As the night drew to a close, there was a shared sense that this event was only the beginning. The applause, the smiles, the sparkles in the air, all hinted at an event that is set to redeem its annual place with renewed purpose in the future. Manel Gamage and her team’s Ladies’ Night in Riyadh became more than a social occasion. It became an emblem of elegance, and reflected a vibrant new chapter of Saudi Arabia’s capital.

Thanks to Nihal Gamage and Nirone Disanayake, too, Ladies’ night proved to be more than event,it was a triumphant celebration of community, culture and an unstoppable spirit of Sr Lankan women in Riyadh

In every smile shared every dance step taken and every moment owned unapologetically Sr Lankan women in Riyadh continue to show unstoppable. Ladies’ Night is simply the spotlight that will shine forever .This night proved to be more than an event, it was a triumphant celebration of community, culture and the unstoppable spirit of Sri Lankan women in Riyadh.

In every smile shared, every dance steps taken and every moment owned unapologetically Sri Lankan women in Riyadh continue to show that their spirit is unstoppable. Ladies’ Night was simply the spotlight and the night closed on a note of pride!

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