Life style

Rukmal De Silva’s wondrous book of Porcelain Painting

Published

4 years ago

2020/12/13

Pablo Picasso pronounced: “Painting is just another way of keeping a diary” and Rukmal De Silva’s book seems to be her diary recording places she lived in and beauty that struck her, conveyed to porcelain painting. Within the 54 pages of the large sized edition are exquisitely painted sets of porcelain crockery, jugs and vases, trinket boxes, spatulas and pot holders. On them are delicately coloured sparrows, blue tits and butterflies; roses in their variety, lotus, bougainvillea, autumn leaves; and fruits.

Ducks on the Thames; bright poppies from Windsor Great Park; agapanthus and dragon flies from the De Silva’s Windsor roof garden. Some are commissioned pieces; most painted for the mere joy of it. The pièce de résistance is on page 5: “Painted as a presentation to Princess Caroline of Monaco” – a large plate with children of the school Princess visited (and Rukmal taught) wearing their national dresses; outstandingly unique and apt.

Porcelain painting is far different fro

m painting on clay and needs great care in the firing of the painted product. She uses the best porcelain – Wedgwood, Limoge and Noritake. Using special, quick drying porcelain paints from Switzerland and Britain, she paints and then fires the items at a very high temperature for two hours in a special kiln. Then cooling is effected for at least 15-20 hours in the kiln which has been sealed during firing. If the kiln is opened well before due period of firing, objects would turn to powder; if later but still before the set time, they could crack. Thus a rough gauge of all the effort, care, skill and artistry that goes to painting porcelain.

This fine coffee table edition of very clear pictures, designed and printed by Aitken Spence, carries Rukmal’s choice of title – My Love of Porcelain Painting. Priced at Rs 2,000/- it is available at Barefoot Bookshop, Galle Road, Bambalapitiya.

– N P W

My family and I left Sri Lanka in March 1978 for Switzerland. From that time, until 1990, we lived in a little town outside Geneva – NYON – which had been a traditional place of porcelain painting. Here in this town, I learnt the art of porcelain painting under a few of the many teachers skilled in the craft. Since then, I have been engaged in porcelain painting, whenever time permits. We moved to Windsor in England in 1990, and lived there the next 25 years.

In Nyon and Geneva in Switzerland, and in Windsor, Marlow, High Wycombe and Maidenhead in England, I held exhibitions of my paintings. My porcelain painting was only a pastime, and never a career, as I was involved in many other activities. One of the highlights of my painting was the plate I painted specially for Princess Caroline of Monaco, to be presented to her when she visited the International School at La Gradelle in the early 1980s, where I was a teacher. The plate depicted the national dresses of the many nationalities represented in the school. One of the delights of this aspect of my life was visiting porcelain factories like Wedgwood and many others all over England, to purchase white porcelain.

I must thank Nanda Pethiyagoda for her assistance in compiling this book. I am grateful to my husband, Leelananda for his engagement in the production of this book. Above all, I must thank our daughter, Amalfi, for her continuous encouragement and good advice.

Rukmal De Silva. Colombo October 2020

Rukmal De Silva was born in Panadura. Her parents were Robert and Linda Violet Dias. She had her education at Ladies College, Colombo. She later joined St. Bridget’s Convent, Colombo, where she pursued a course in Montessori education and obtained her diploma. She married Leelananda De Silva and they have one daughter, Amalfi. Rukmal had her own

Montessori School at Green Path, Colombo 7, in the 1970s. She was also actively engaged with the Lanka Mahila Samithi, especially looking after their preeducation activities. From 1978 to 1990, she lived in Nyon, Switzerland, and she learnt the craft of porcelain painting there. While in Geneva, she taught at the International School

of Geneva (primary section) located at La Gradelle. She was also the representative of the British-based Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) to the UN system in Geneva, in an honourary capacity. From 1990 to 2012, she lived in Windsor England, until shereturned to Sri Lanka.

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Life style

Mount Lavinia Hotel unveils spectacular “Avurudu Maha gedara”

Published

3 days ago

2025/04/13

Thilina Walpola

Mount Lavinia Hotel, known as “Galkissa Maha Hotalaya had thier “Avurudu Maha Gedara” celebration for the 2025 Sinhala and Tamil New Year. This year’s festivities were spectacular, with the iconic Chef Publis Silva at the helm of the culinary offerings.

The concept of “Avurudu Maha Gedara” – the grand ancestral home where families gather during New Year – perfectly embodies Mount Lavinia Hotel’s role as a cultural cornerstone in the community. Just as in the traditional village “Maha gedara” welcomes extended families, the historic hotel opens its doors to all Sri Lankans and visitors wishing to experience authentic New Year traditions.

“Avurudu Maha Gedara at Mount Lavinia Hotel is more than just a celebration – it’s our way of preserving and sharing Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage,” says Anura Dewapura, Chief Operating Officer of Mount Lavinia Hotel Group. “We take pride in creating a space where families and friends can come together to experience the joy and traditions of the New Year in an authentic setting that honors our collective past while creating new memories.”

Grand Kavili Kade opening and Avurudu market

The celebrations kicked off with the grand opening of the Kavili Kade (sweetmeat shop) on Sunday, April 6th at 4:30 PM. Visitors were treated to a vibrant cultural spectacle featuring traditional dancing, music, games, and dramatic performances. Distinguished guests including corporate partners, business associates, ambassadors, and media representatives attended this colorful inauguration.

The hotel’s courtyard was transformed into an eco-friendly Avurudu Market, showcasing special New Year items, homeware, and decorative pieces. Following the grand opening, the Kavili Kade will welcome guests daily from 10 AM to 8 PM until April 13th.

Exquisite Kavili hampers

For those looking to bring the flavors of Avurudu home, Mount Lavinia Hotel has curated three distinctive kavili hampers named after beloved Sri Lankan flora:

The premium Erabadu Hamper – the most comprehensive sweetmeat collection

The Ehela Hamper – a delightful mid-range offering

The Bakmee Hamper ) – a perfect introduction to traditional treats

Each hamper can be delivered directly to your doorstep, making them ideal both for family celebrations and as meaningful gifts during the New Year season.

“Feast of the Nation” – A Culinary Journey Across Sri Lanka

On Avurudu Day, Mount Lavinia Hotel will host its renowned “Feast of the Nation” lunch buffet, celebrating Sri Lanka’s diverse culinary heritage. At , this extraordinary buffet transcends ethnic boundaries, offering a comprehensive journey through the island’s rich culinary landscape. The feast features authentic dishes from every corner of Sri Lanka, bringing together the distinct flavors and cooking traditions that represent the country’s multicultural identity in one magnificent spread.

“The Avurudu celebration at Mount Lavinia Hotel represents the true spirit of Sri Lankan unity,” Dewapura continued. ” Through our traditional foods, we honor the cultural tapestry that makes our nation so special.”

Mount Lavinia Hotel’s “Avurudu Maha Gedara” welcomes Sri Lankans of all ages and backgrounds to experience the rich traditions of the New Year in the magnificent setting of this historic landmark.

For reservations and inquiries, contact Mount Lavinia Hotel at 0112 711 711.

Life style

Celebrate Avurudu in grand style

Published

3 days ago

2025/04/13

Thilina Walpola

This April, Cinnamon Grand Colombo brings the joyous essence of Avurudu alive with a line-up of delightful culinary experiences, cultural festivities, and memorable moments for the whole family. Here’s how you can celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with flavour, tradition, and warmth said the press release.

New Year vibes

The release said experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a truly Sri Lankan New Year from 12–15 April 2025, starting from 5 PM onwards at the Lobby.

Watch live demonstrations of traditional sweetmeats being made, like kawum and kokis, and enjoy the rhythmic beats of raban drums as the hotel lobby transforms into a celebration of Avurudu culture.

Lobby – Cinnamon Grand Colombo

12–15 April, from 5 PM onwards

Call +94 11 247 3494 for details

Celebrate Avurudu Tradition and taste at Nuga Gama

On 14 April 2025, step into a truly authentic village-style Avurudu celebration at Nuga Gama. Starting at 8 AM, guests can enjoy a lavish Kavili Table and Lunch Buffet filled with traditional sweets and festive Sri Lankan dishes.

There’ll also be Avurudu games and vibrant activities to keep the whole family entertained.

Life style

Celebrate Sinhala and Tamil New Year at Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s Festival of the Sun

Published

3 days ago

2025/04/13

Thilina Walpola

This Sinhala and Tamil New Year, step away from the ordinary and embrace the spirit of Avurudu at Sun Siyam Pasikudah with the joyous rhythms of tradition, community, and coastal serenity, under the vibrant theme, Festival of the Sun said a press release

Set along the golden shores of Pasikudah, the luxury five-star beach resort transforms into a festive haven where timeless rituals meet joyful recreation. From traditional ceremonies to fun-filled family games, guests are promised an unforgettable experience that captures the heart of Sri Lankan heritage, celebrating the essence of togetherness, gratitude, and renewal release said.

As the sun rises to mark the dawn of the New Year, guests will witness the symbolic milk boiling ceremony—a sacred ritual signifying prosperity and new beginnings. The preparation of the Kavili Mesaya, or traditional sweet table, will follow—featuring a colourful spread of mouthwatering Avurudu treats like kokis, mung kavum, aluwa, and konda kavum. The celebration continues with a ceremonial oil lamp lighting, setting the tone for a day rooted in cultural elegance and island warmth.

The Kids’ Corner is all set to light up with playful delights such as Breaking Balloons and Placing the Eye on the Elephant, promising giggles and memories for the little ones. Families and groups can bond over light-hearted yet lively games including Fill the Bottle by Hand, Sack Races, and the ever-popular Musical Chairs—guaranteed to spark friendly competition and lots of laughs.

For those seeking a thrill, competitive events like Tug of War (Ladies vs Gents), Pillow Fight, and the classic Blindfolded Pot Breaking are sure to bring out the festive spirit in full force.

While the Avurudu festivities steal the spotlight, Sun Siyam Pasikudah continues to charm guests with its signature blend of tropical luxury and authentic Sri Lankan hospitality.