Thursday 1 JULY 2021

Making Reading Fun for Kids

See on page 4-5

The Story of the Violin

See on page 3

We have to get along

By Aunty D

“The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is a knowledge of our own ignorance” – Benjamin Franklin “To know what you know and to know what you don’t know, that’s real wisdom” – Confucius “The only true wisdom is knowing that you know nothing” – Socrates

Many wise men have said the same thing about being wise; and this has stood to be one of the only sentences that carried its original meaning throughout many years and many translations; to be truly wise is to acknowledge that there is more to know. For a world where all of us seem to be having a degree or some sort of paper that qualifies us as knowledgeable individuals, are we really wise? Education; there is a lot of meaning to this word but at the crux of it, all that matters is the piece of paper that brands you as a graduate right? That’s your entrance to a job or further education or whatever you decide to do with it. The ability to know facts and information or well, an education, is something Filling the Gaps with that anyone can read this without a problem has had. Wisdom; while there are many definitions given to the word, it’s also one of those words that are self-explanatory. However, wisdom can be defined as possessing the ability to take knowledge and apply it in a way that enables you to make your life more meaningful and fulfilling. His Debut Novel There is a difference between a wise person and an educated/ knowledgeable person. To put it lightly, knowledge is knowing that tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing better than to put it in Review: The Birthplace a fruit salad. By Shanuka Kadupitiyage research is still being literary industry in , Ceylon Today Features conducted regarding it. and his experience as a The problem? Needless to say, The debuting novelist. Well, a lot of people that possess knowledge are under the Although science fiction Birthplace is science-fiction, “I believe we have a lot of impression that they are wise. hasn’t been making headlines and the story that takes place writers but only a handful of There has been a massive influx in the rate of ‘panditha’ lately, it is a genre that has is merely fictional, with good ones,” he opined. young children taking over their parents’ businesses and enamoured the dreams and Senanayake taking these “It’s sad because we are a running it the way they see fit because, “Thathi, I have a degree imaginations of many readers scientific facts to create an country which has a high now.” and authors. We are all familiar intriguing narrative. Revealing literacy rate, but we haven’t This is the natural course of events, so all is well and good, of the works by the great late any more would be at the risk produced a lot of authors.” but the problem here is that they often forget to see that their Sir Arthur C. Clarke. of spoiling the story for you. Senanayake attributes to the parents/older associates possess something that they don’t; Unfortunately, Sri Lanka hasn’t slim number of professional wisdom. its fair share of science fiction The Birthplace authors and novelists in the There’s unfortunately no duct tape Masters in Wisdom writers in its world of literature As mentioned before, Sri country, especially those in the Programme offered by any university; so it’s something that’s since then, especially in the Lanka has somewhat of a English language can be passed on from person to person, generation to generation; local English literature scene. deficit in science-fiction attributed to many issues AND WE HAVE TO LISTEN TO THEM! Veteran lawyer Nanda writers, and Senanayake’s prevalent in the literary Senanayake has stepped up to attempt is a valuable addition industry of Sri Lanka, How to deal with it? fill in this deficit with his debut to those who are looking including the marginal income Well, I’ve been trying out this approach. novel The Birthplace, published forward to seeing local authors an author receives from the First things first; make it known that both of you are adults by The Jam Fruit Tree Nanda Senanayake tackling such complicated books he manages to get and should base your relationship based on that rather than Publications. With his debut Early beginnings genres that would appear published and the struggle it is any other ‘childlike’ bond that doesn’t suit the situation. novel, the author aims to tell a intimidating for an author. for new authors to break in to Second; understand that that’s the only thing your education story that spans many Although The Birthplace is Reading through The the literary world because of got you, a fair seat at the big table. Learn everything from that millennia, touching on multiple his debut as a novelist, Birthplace, I was impressed by publishers and bookstores, point onwards. subjects regarding the Senanayake began writing from the fact that Senanayake has who are usually reluctant to Most importantly, know that there’s bound to be clashes in evolution of species and the a young age. managed to maintain a steady entertain a new author who opinion and such clashes need to be handled diligently. I think future of the human race. “I only started publishing my flow throughout the has no proven track record. the key to being a young person working amongst older people I had the pleasure to speak books recently,” he revealed. progression of the narrative. is that you earn their respect, and this is often earned by giving with the author himself to learn “But I’ve been writing stories However, it didn’t stop me from A man who reads value to the experience and wisdom they bring to the table and more about his debut novel and and sharing them with my discovering that The Birthplace He also shared his ensuring that in the event there is a disagreement they are the story behind its creation. friends ever since I was a suffered from some minor flaws sentiments over the current politely dealt with. child.” that gave away the fact that downward trend in the number Yelling at older people during disagreements is never the way Nanda Senanayake this was the case. of people who read actual to go; you’ll just end up being called disrespectful, and that A criminal lawyer by practice The process However, the overall story books, be it fiction or nonfiction nullifies your perfectly good points unnecessarily! - Experience! in Kandy, Senanayake has As we spoke more about The was compelling and kept me – a problem that is now been a fan of science fiction Birthplace, Senanayake intrigued. The language was prevalent even among legal The takeaway? from a very young age. revealed that with his busy simple, enough so that teenage professionals according to Every person’s experience is important; education does give Senanayake grew up in Kegalle, schedule and lifestyle, he was readers who might think that Senanayake. us millennials an edge over the older generation and they are, and attended St. Anthony’s pressed for time, balancing this might be too steep a slope to be fair, ‘blaming us a bit too much considering the mess they College, Kandy before studying both his profession, family life, for them, have nothing to worry For the future have left behind for us’. But either way, they have stories and at Royal College, and passion for writing. about. It’s a fairly accessible “I have a goal to do something wisdom we need to keep going forward, that’s unfortunately where he spent a majority of “I wrote The Birthplace while read. for the authors of Sri Lanka in how the system works. his school years. His passion in between the intervals I honestly expected more the future,” he revealed. So each of us need to work on a system in which we will be for science led him to be between cases at the courts,” from the characters we get to Senanayake revealed that he able to turn the blatant disrespect the older generation has accepted into the Faculty of he revealed. “Of course, for meet in Senanayake’s novel already spends substantial towards us in our own fields and gain enough respect to work Science at the University of Sri editing and adding the final though. Early-on, their actions sums of his income, donating side by side – necessity. Jayawaredanapura, where he touches, more time was needed and dialogue were not exactly books to libraries in rural We can’t walk around like we know better cause the truth is, was a student whilst attending and I had to set time aside for to my taste. I felt as if there was regions of the country. if we knew better we would know that we don’t. Get it? the . it, but I basically wrote The a missing depth to them that As for his future work as a Senanayake ended up Birthplace while in the should have been there, but writer, Senanayake revealed switching his focus on courthouse.” wasn’t. However, I do agree plans for a possible sequel to pursuing a legal career and Senanayake also revealed the that this is purely subjective. The Birthplace is being became an Attorney-at-Law in inspiration to his novel. That doesn’t mean that The considered. Besides that, he is the year 1988. However, even “When reading about the Birthplace lacks narrative also currently in the middle of after decades in the legal field, history of the Earth, I realised depth. Senanayake has writing a book on legal maxims his passion for science still that there was a big gap incorporated a handful of and phrases. burns strong. in-between the evolutionary interesting themes such as If you are interested in The “Even now, I read a lot jump from single-cell to multi- humanity and evolution among Birthplace, it’s currently regarding the field of science,” cellular beings.” others. All-in-all making The available to be purchased he said. “I’m usually at my What Senanayake was Birthplace an interesting read, through The Jam Fruit Tree office at around 4.50 a.m. and referring to was the appearance albeit a few points that didn’t Publications, who will deliver if I don’t have any work of eukaryotic organisms and quite resonate with my tastes. straight to your doorstep. While pending, I read various articles the subsequent Cambrian not a perfect novel, it is an on the internet from sources Explosion, where a huge boom The plight of authors interesting read and a great such as the Daily Galaxy, or in evolution occurred creating in Sri Lanka debut novel by the author. We Universe Today for about half- many species. Scientists still wish Senanayake much an-hour before I start my daily are unsure of how this process We wanted to know what success on his journey as an legal work.” actually happened, and Senanayake thought about the author. c2 thursday 1 july 2021 Sneak peeks LOOK Zinovieff Passes Away Accused of Plagiarism Olivia Rodrigo has Peter Zinovieff, a hugely influential been accused by figure in British music whose early Courtney Love and synthesisers helped to change the others of plagiarism in sound of pop, has died aged 88. He her artwork and a music had suffered a fall at home earlier video. this month. Love highlighted He was a respected composer of his similarities between the own work, including early album cover to Live experiments with AI composition and Through This by her sampling – he claimed to have band Hole, photographed invented the latter technique. by Ellen von Unwerth, Zinovieff was born in London in and the image used to 1933, the son of Russian aristocrats promote Sour Prom, an who had fled during the country’s Olivia Rodrigo concert permission is rude. comparisons between revolution. He was raised by his film airing on 29 June. There’s no way to be Rodrigo’s artwork and grandparents during the Second Each image features a elegant about it. I’m not video for her No 1 single World War, and then attended the prom queen in a tiara angry. It happens all the Good 4 U and the University of Oxford, studying holding flowers, wearing time to me. But this was aesthetic used by US geology while dabbling in smeared mascara. Love bad form.” indie-rock band Pom experimental music. He gave up his posted the Sour Prom Rodrigo wrote as a Pom Squad. Both burgeoning geology career to pursue artwork to Instagram comment to the original Rodrigo and the band’s his hobby professionally, later calling with the caption, “Spot post, “Love u and live frontwoman Mia Berrin it, “A middle-of-the-night decision … the Difference! through this so much.” are pictured wearing a wild thing to do. At that time, there #twinning”, and later The accusation follows cheerleader outfits with were just a handful of people making wrote on Facebook, another last week, where long latex gloves, among electronic music.” “Stealing an original idea users on TikTok and other similarities. (thenational) and not asking Twitter drew (theguardian) Expecting Baby #01 Supportive Grandson Prince William is supporting his grandmother Queen Elizabeth on a day of outings in Scotland. The prince joined the Queen, 95, who is undertaking a week of royal duties in Scotland for the first time since the death of Prince Philip, her husband of 73 years, in April. William, 39, and the Queen started Monday at an iconic soda maker’s factory in Cumbernauld, near Glasgow. A. G. Barr creates the famous Scottish soda Irn Bru, which is said to contain 32 different of Cambridge travelled on to community, innovation and ingredients in its secret the official royal residence of history,” according to the recipe. Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh palace. The Queen officially opened for the Ceremony of the Keys, While William is with her on the new facility, and she and the traditional welcome Monday (28), her William – who is titled the ceremony at the royal daughter, Princess Anne, will Earl of Strathearn in Scotland residence where she was be by the Queen’s side on – were given a rundown on officially welcomed to the Wednesday (30) and Thursday Shaheer Sheikh has won Shaheer and Ruchikaa tied speculations to an end and the history of the company Scottish capital by the Lord (1), the palace said. the hearts of millions with the knot on 27 November confirmed the good news. and met employees to learn Provost, who offered Her Usually she hosts a garden his charm and commendable 2020 in an intimate wedding We congratulate the about the 140-year-old Majesty the keys of the city. party during Holyrood Week or acting skills. His latest ceremony. In the picture, soon-to-be parents and company’s place in local Afterward, the royals met Royal Week, but that has been Instagram post is making Ruchikaa is seen flaunting wish them all the very best community life. Before jointly local volunteers and first ruled out because of the rounds on the internet for all her baby bump and the as they get ready to start a signing the visitor’s book, responders to thank them for Coronavirus pandemic. In line the right reasons and his comments section is loaded new chapter of life. On the they were shown some of the their efforts during the with Government guidelines, fans are going gaga over with congratulatory work front, Shaheer will company’s other brands, pandemic. the Queen did not travel to it. Shaheer and messages from friends and next be seen in Kuch Rang including Rubicon fruit and During her week in Scotland, Scotland for Royal Week in wife Ruchikaa Kapoor are family Earlier, Pyaar Ke Aise Bhi juice drinks and Strathmore spanning from Edinburgh to 2020 or host large-scale expecting their first child and Shaheer refused to comment 3 opposite Erica Still Spring Water. Glasgow and Stirling this events, such as investitures, his latest Instagram post just on the pregnancy news but Fernandes. After the visit with A. G. Monday through Thursday, the normally hosted at the Palace. confirmed the news! with this post, he put all (missmalini) Barr, the Queen and the Duke Queen is, “Celebrating Scottish (people)

She Has Arrived Taraji P. Henson rocks black for a post- BET Awards outing

Pink Lady Label Lover Chrissy Teigen wears a pink, Kim Kardashian wears a vintage Pride Around the World Singing in Shades patterned outfit with gold heels Christian Dior dress, YEEZY jacket, H.E.R. performs in her trademark while shopping with her family Hermes handbag and Manolo Blahnik Bella Thorne and fiancé Benjamin Mascolo speaks at round sunnies in New York City in Los Angeles heels in Los Angeles Milan Pride in Italy LOOK music thursday 1 july 2021 c3 The Story of the Violin Nicola Benedetti is on a new mission to celebrate the violin The star, Nicola Benedetti’s concert of masters, including Italian is part of a performance series she is composers Antonio Vivaldi and planning to show the range of the Arcangelo Corelli. instrument through diverse "This music is so deeply compositions invigorating, energy-giving, freeing, Nicola Benedetti is now calling her grounding, and moving," she says. own tunes. "As we hopefully emerge from this With the pandemic halting an dark pandemic period, we want to extensive international touring bring hope and uplift, and baroque schedule, the Scottish violinist has music, especially Italian Baroque, used time away from the stage to with all its song and dance, does refine the next chapter of her career. this to the fullest." She describes it as a future focused on legacy-building projects, one of Calling the shots which will debut as part of the Abu These kinds of thoughtful Dhabi Festival. initiatives, through the artist’s For The Story of the Violin, which Benedetti Foundation that focuses will be streamed on the event's on music education, could only have website, Benedetti teamed up with sprung amid the absence of live esteemed musicians from various music enforced by the pandemic. locations, including celebrated U.S. Benedetti says the period has been jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, for deeply reflective. a pre-recorded concert showcasing pleasing programmes, she realised She first established herself as a the depth and breadth of the how many accomplished violinists young and popular virtuoso with a 500-year-old instrument. are not afforded the time to dig string of high-profile performances. With a programme including works deeper into the instrument’s rich This included her debut appearance by composers Johann Sebastian canon of works. with the Royal Scottish National Bach and Niccolo Paganini, Benedetti "As musicians we are set, and Orchestra as a 13-year-old, says the show is the opening chapter perhaps even stuck, in routines and performing in front of the U.K. makes you more decisive and forces will bounce back. in an evolving performance series, that means presenting works that royalty in 1999, as well as winning out of you the answers to what it is "It has been very tough with a lot spanning compositions ranging from people know and even expect," she British television talent quest you want to do and create," she says. of small concert halls in real danger classical to modern. says. "But I am very much interested Brilliant Prodigy in 2002, aged 15. "The concert touring world, in a and searching for ways to survive. “This will hopefully be the now in exploring new music. That determination and immense way, is much more passive because These are the kinds of stories we beginning of a long journey in “The programme will eventually talent made record labels scramble you are in a continuous circuit and, haven't been hearing enough," she developing this story in lots of develop into something that is more to secure her on their books. while it makes sense and its routine, says. different forms," she says. "While a contemporary and shows music’s The winning bid was a £1 million it is not necessarily creative and "How the whole industry will concert programme is limited in its ability to connect with cultures (US$ 1.39 million) recording proactive. proceed from now is unclear. There nature, we will, over time, tell the around the world.” contract with Deutsche “This new approach is a little will be people and organisations who story of the instrument through The Story of the Violin is one of a Grammophon in 2004 – at the time, scarier but a lot more fun.” will just want everything to get back diverse pieces." number of projects Benedetti is an unheard-of price tag for a teenage to normality and there will be others working on. classical musician. A rocky recovery who may take risks and try Breaking free of routine On 16 July she will release With nearly 15 years of constant As the U.K. gradually eases social something different. These prospects excite Benedetti, Baroque, an album dedicated to the touring under her belt, Benedetti restrictions to allow the safe return “It is a messy and complicated 33. With the relentless pressures of 16th-century classical music form. says she is now content to initiate of concerts and festivals, Benedetti picture at the moment.” touring and presenting crowd- The collection will take on the works her own projects."Doing it this way is unsure how the live-music sector (thenational)

Hot Summer on Let Music Heal Swaggering New Album How music affects mental health and improves wellbeing Review: Planet Her If you’ve ever released stress by dancing around your room to your When the Los Angeles rapper and system. Young Thug fits a raspy cameo favourite tunes or enjoyed a good singer Doja Cat first released Say So to into the pretty dip and sway of Payday, cry with the help of a touching love radio in January 2020, it hardly seemed Ariana Grande's clear soprano rides song, you know how powerful auspicious. The song, a burbling slice of over the feathery, syncopated I Don't Do music can be. It can lift you up disco funk as sticky and effervescent as Drugs, and the Weeknd brings his dark- when you’re low and calm you a mouthful of Pixy Stix, was the fifth lord 3 a.m. energy to the slow-rolling down when you’re anxious. single floated from her second studio infidelity anthem You Right. And then Music is a powerful tool for mood album, 2019's Hot Pink. Boosted by a there's SZA, dropping rap interludes regulation and stress. The best viral TikTok surge and two Nicki Minaj and doubling the chorus on Kiss Me part is it’s always available to remixes, it went on to top the Hot 100 More, the top five hit that comes as anyone who needs it. and became one of the few vestiges of close as anything to replicating the pre-pandemic life to carry over into the honeyed disco glow of Say So. Benefits of music understand and process their they feel like the song won’t be grimmest early days of COVID-19, a That Doja is one of the few mainstream Whether you’re on edge or need a emotions. Like traditional mental 'good'. Remember that when you bittersweet reminder of all the freedoms female artists who continues to work boost, even just one song can bring health counselling, music therapy use music therapeutically, it (clubs, friends, and tigers on the dance with producer Dr. Luke when so many in you back to a more even and is customised to the needs of the doesn’t matter what other people floor) we'd left behind. the industry have spoken out against healthy place. When it comes to client. think of it. They never even have to Whatever lockdown struggles the him is still hard to get comfortable with, your mental health, music can, But you don't necessarily need a hear it. artist born Amala Ratna Zandile but so is presuming we have any say in Help you rest better: A study therapist. You can also use music If you feel stuck, start with a Dlamini might have come through in the choices of a grown woman. The involving students found that on your own to improve your song that you already know. Let the year-plus in between, they haven't outside world never really intrudes on listening to relaxing classical music mental wellbeing. the melody inspire you to write been allowed an entry visa on to Planet the record's candy-gloss empowerment at bedtime improved sleep quality. Listen to relaxing music: The lyrics that express how you feel. Her (out today), a record so fizzy and either way, "I could be the leader, head of This activity was also associated best music for stress reduction is Sing it into your phone and play it golden that its release the same week of all the states/I could smile and jiggle it with decreased signs of depression. the kind that works for you. If back. Hearing your own feelings the summer equinox hardly seems like 'til it's pockets empty/I could be the Lift your mood: Research shows you’re not sure where to start, look reflected back to you is an a coincidence. The album opens with CEO, just like a Robyn Fenty," she raps that listening to happier music can for music that plays at about 60 important part of healing through Woman, an undulating island bop that with sweet rapid-fire swagger on her make you feel happier, especially if beats per minute. Researchers say music. calls back to mid-career Rihanna, and opening salvo - a pop-star boss and you try to lift your mood while that this tempo is best for Create a mood playlist: If you’re the hiccupping handclaps and rubber- player president of the Planet she's listening. There’s also evidence that encouraging the alpha brainwaves feeling down, anxious, or upset, ball bass line of Naked, a breathless ode created, dictating her own laws of formal music therapy can help with that signal a relaxed and conscious find a track that expresses how you to sexual anticipation. gravity. depression when used alongside mind. feel. Feel those emotions and let The guest list, too, is its own solar (ew) other therapies. Most streaming services have the lyrics resonate with you. Then, Reduce stress: If you’re feeling meditation tracks set at this gradually shift your listening anxious or stressed, calming music tempo. Many people also find that choices so that the music takes can help to settle your mind. Celtic, Native American, and Indian you into a happier or calmer place. Several studies have shown that string or flute music tends to have This is a popular technique used when people undergoing surgery a calming effect. by music therapists. hear calming music, they have Express yourself with a beat: You lower blood pressure and need less don’t need to be a trained musician Limits of music as a pain medication than those who to make music. Anyone can grab a mood booster don’t listen to soothing music. rhythm instrument like a drum or You don’t have to be preparing rain stick and create beats that are Matching music to your current for surgery to calm yourself with mournful, angry, joyful, or excited. mood can feel validating, but it can music, though. Simply listening to Try this music therapy also keep you stuck in a negative music can decrease your blood technique: By yourself or with a emotional state — if you let it. pressure, lower your levels of the few friends, get some rhythm You can still listen to a sad song stress hormone cortisol, and instruments and create the sounds when you’re upset or let out your reduce your heart rate. of a storm. Let the storm become anger to some heavy metal. Just be more and less intense, raging for a mindful of where it’s taking you Tips to use music to im- while and then backing down to a and shift into something different if prove your wellbeing calmer state. Create rhythms that you feel yourself getting stuck. express emotions you’ve been It’s also important to consider Music therapists can help you feeling. If you’d like you can talk that while music can be a powerful find ways to use music for your about those feelings after the tool for regulating and shifting your mental health. This type of improvised storm has passed. emotions, it's not a substitute for therapist learns how to use music- Write a song: The concept of song mental health treatment. making and listening to help people writing can scare people away if (webmd) C4 THURSDAY 1 JULY 2021 ENTERTAINMENT LOOK LOOK ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY 1 JULY 2021 C5

By Shafiya Nawzer How do you think the children’s Ceylon Today Features books publishing industry here differs from the rest of the region? How a Street Cat The past year has been quite challenging for One major issue we have noted is that there everyone; with schools and educational institutes are no industry standards. Anyone can write a switching to online education due to the COVID- story and put it out, except few well-known 19 pandemic. Most parents can relate to the authors, we do not know most of them. There are Inspired a Book struggle of getting their kids to study virtually no established local brands for children’s and keeping them focused on education because storybooks either. Every story is not good for a Bashayer Arif had a serious fear of up until for kids, having no school is a ‘wohoo’ moment. child. You must only give a story that is a few years ago. The Emirati author, whose In this light wooks.lk – Sri Lanka’s first online appropriate for their age, if you give something children’s book The Secret Life of Dubai’s Street book library platform exclusively for children – that is not age-appropriate, you can hinder their Cats was published in February, would refuse to was launched recently, making it easier for development. You can cross-compare a Sinhala pet them and would even change her path if she parent to get kids interested in virtual learning. Book against an English Book and identify these spotted one on the street. She found their Founder Boopathy Kahathuduwa is a Lawyer differences. At wooks.lk all stories are reviewed movements shadowy and their eyes menacing. by profession and has been a CIMA lecturer for by a teacher who has studied early childhood But one night in 2015, an Arabian mau tottered over a decade. With a sound background in the Making Reading development and every book comes with a Billboard Top 10 into the garden of Arif’s family house in Jumeirah. education, he recognised a lack of a platform for recommended age category so that parents know “He looked so fragile and innocent,” she tells The storytelling, which helps children develop their what is appropriate for their child. Butter National. “He looked like he needed some care and imagination and creativity. To address this What was your biggest roadblock looking after, so I left him saucers of food and problem, wooks.lk was born to promote reading 1 BTS water, but from a safe distance.” and make it fun. when launching this platform and The frail mau returned night after night and Arif The books are available in Sinhala and English how did you overcome it? left food and water, hurrying back inside the language. They have created storybooks that are The biggest hurdle up to date is that we are a house to watch the cat through the window as it only available on the website in the forms of Fun for Kids fully virtual company. None of our staff 2 Good 4 U lapped up the contents of each saucer. ebooks and audiobooks. There are colouring Wooks.lk: Sri Lanka’s first online library platform for children members have met each other. Coordinating She named the cat Salem, after the talking Bashayer Arif books as well, which can be ideas from teachers to the designers, the 2 Olivia Rodrigo in the 1996 sitcom Sabrina used using fingers or the engineering team in a fully online environment the Teenage Witch. . All books on wooks.lk What kinds of books are was a big challenge. However, we adopted After a few nights of leaving it saucers of food breeds. But they fail to see how kind these are checked by qualified available on the digital various tools to track our progress and manage and water, Arif came upon the cat in daylight. He Arabian maus are. I got to know so many and they Montessori teachers and library platform? our teams online and today it is running Levitating was, she discovered, badly wounded and in need are so dynamic, so fun. They’re great with adults language teachers. Here are smoothly. of medical attention. A few hours later, Arif and and children, and would make for great pets.” the excerpts from the interview We have storybooks, 3 Dua Lipa Featuring DoBaby her sister managed to put the cat into a Published by The Dreamwork Collective, The Ceylon Today had with colouring books, interactive What are your plans for wooks.lk in neighbour’s pet carrier and take it to a veterinary Secret Life of Dubai’s Street Cats revolves around Kahathuduwa. books, and educational books the near future? clinic. “My heart just went out to him,” Arif says. an Arabian mau named Sharpclaw, a feisty in Sinhala and English Our immediate next plan is to add more “The whole time in the car he just kept yelling and natural-born leader who spends her days with her What is wooks.lk, how languages. All wooks.lk books educational books and interactive books. We Kiss Me More yelling. When we got to the clinic and released him best friends Twitch and Blacktail, napping in the did it get started, and have an in-built read aloud are also working on getting Wooks books Doja Cat Featuring SZA from the carrier, I remember the look of fear in his sun and meowing at people who feed her. The where did the idea system where our storytellers available in the Tamil language. 4 eyes, pure fear and it shook me.” trio’s peace in the neighbourhood comes under come from? read out the story. Interactive We have received offers from Sri Lankan The veterinarian found Salem was suffering threat when a new domestic cat, Killtooth, moves and educational books have publishers in Australia and the U.K. to promote from myriad health issues, the most serious of in. The neighbourhood is never explicitly named During last year’s lockdown, been designed in a way that the Wooks Books to Sri Lankans living in those Peaches which was an old injury to his tongue that had in the book, but between Arif’s writing and Eilis we were brainstorming ways child can interact with the countries; we are working on this expansion rendered the cat unable to groom himself or eat Boyle’s illustrations, the setting in the first portion how we can improve the characters in the book so it is a Many parents are finding it project. 5 Justin Bieber Featuring properly. “I needed to find him a home, but I knew of the book seems to mirror the suburbs of learning of children and one one-of-a-kind experience. can find digitalised Sinhala storybooks. Even the challenging to get their children that it was going to be challenging, as much for Jumeirah. area that teachers were English storybooks are not popular western Anything else that you would like to add? Daniel Caesar & Giveon his health problems as the fact that he’s a black Arif says she was careful not to clearly say struggling to do online was Could you walk us stories; they are all translations of the to study and read with online We believe in helping every child learn the cat. A lot of people don’t like black cats and don’t where in Dubai the events are taking place. teaching small children. through how the Sinhala books. Wooks interactive schooling. How can wooks.lk help habit of reading. In line with that vision, we Leave the Door Open like to keep strays.” “For me personally, I imagine the story takes Children from pre-school to Boopathy Kahathuduwa website works and can storybooks are one of our innovations where to encourage children to have decided to give Wooks Books to all “Somehow this woman from the Netherlands place in Jumeirah before moving towards Satwa primary school were missing be used? the child can follow the instructions of the read more? teachers free of charge. 6 Silk Sonic heard about him and reached out, wanting to and Safa Park,” she says. “But it would be more out a lot and there weren’t storyteller and interact with the characters We have done a pilot project at Thurstan (Bruno Mars &Andersn .Paak) adopt him. She was an lover and had fun for readers to imagine the locations in their enough options even for parents to help their Anyone can go to wooks.lk and try the stories in the story. Well, we do not know how long the present College, Colombo which was successful. several cats already. So I filed the paperwork, got own way. It could be Karama or Mirdif.” children.That is when we decided that we need we are giving for free. To access the entire library pandemic situation will last. If we do not help Teachers at Thurstan College were conducting Salem the animal passport and he went off to the Arif now looks after three cats, one of which is a digitalised books. The concept of digital books for you must subscribe to a membership. We have How do you choose what books children to develop the habit of reading at the weekly story reading sessions for children, we Netherlands.” mixed Arabian mau she mistakenly calls children brewed into a storybook library. three monthly subscriptions. When you go into your website? right age, it may become difficult for them to are glad to be the technological partner for Save Your Tears However, Arif says she often thinks about how Sharpclaw from time to time. Looking back, Wooks.lk is Sri Lanka’s first digital library for subscribe all books in that language will be made Every storybook discussing requests at form this habit later on in their life. We have our them. If any school requests us for our library, 7 Salem affected her life. The two spent more than a she says she often can’t believe how her feelings children. At the moment we have books for available to you. wooks.lk is checked by qualified teachers of educational books series which has fun we will give it to them without any charges. The Weeknd and Ariana Grande year together. She kept Salem at her towards cats transformed, owing to her children aged three to eight. Soon we will be Sinhala and the English language. Voice is activities in addition to just reading. Our We are currently discussing this with the grandparents’ house, visiting daily. She joined relationship with Salem, and how that adding interactive picture books for two-year- What are some of the exclusive added by elocution teachers. We take all the objective is to stop children from simply relevant ministry to discuss this further. You online cat communities to try and find him a good transformation inspired her to write a book. olds. features that wooks.lk provides? steps possible to ensure that the highest- watching videos on YouTube to develop a can visit our Facebook page to get more home and read blogs about cat care and articles “I had a personal experience that just changed Firstly, wooks.lk is the only place where you quality product is given to children. lifelong interest in books. details. Astronaut in the Ocean about the Arabian mau. Arif’s fear of cats everything for me,” she says. “I rescued a street 8 eventually vanished, and in its place grew a cat.” Masked Wolf protective empathy for the . (theguardian) It is this transformative experience that inspired Arif to write The Secret Life of Dubai’s Street Cats. She hopes it will Montero (Call Me by Your Name) trigger an interest in the Arabian mau, 9 Lil Nas X even in her non-cat-loving readers. “After I rescued Salem I learnt a lot about cats and the Arabian mau,” she says. “Before meeting him, I used to call them stray cats. I didn’t know they were Deja Vu native to our land.” 10 Olivia Rodrigo None of the cats in Arif’s children’s book are directly based on Salem, she says. But he was integral in changing her opinion of cats, especially the Arabian mau, the shorthair species native to the . Many around the country encounter the Arabian mau on a daily basis. They can be spotted curled up under parked cars, prancing in or out of rubbish bins or scrutinising passers-by in UAE streets, where grocery stores usually have saucers of food and water set out for them by the door. Arif says she wants Loki is Coming to Fortnite in July readers of her book to see the species for what it is: majestic, misunderstood and In a completely expected turn of sale in the regular item shop, but access to V-bucks and exclusive that if you want to play as Loki, you’ll followed by the Mandalorian and his neglected. events, Loki — star of the latest MCU instead will only be accessible for items, along with the current season’s need to sign up. pal Grogu. More recently, Thanos was “They’re just seen as pests,” she says. show on Disney Plus — is coming subscribers of Fortnite Crew, a battle pass. One of the big hooks is Of course, this is far from the first added as a playable character. “Nobody thinks of them as animals that to Fortnite as a playable character. monthly service. He’ll be available that the items are truly exclusive; time that Marvel or Disney characters Fortnite is currently in the midst belong here and deserve a space here. But there is a twist for those looking starting in July. Epic says that “they will never be sold have appeared in the game. Last of a well-timed alien invasion-themed That made me really sad because a lot of to bring the mischievous god into a Crew launched last year. It costs to non-Crew members or given away summer, Fortnite’s fourth season was season. people are on the lookout for Persians battle royale match. Loki won’t be on US$ 12 per month, getting users to non-Crew members,” which means entirely Marvel-themed, which was (verge) and Scottish folds and all these exotic

This year marked 24 years since the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and fans are nostalgic as ever for the entire Harry Potter series. Avid readers have celebrated by reflecting on what the books meant to them growing up, watching marathons of all eight movies, devouring every bit of news about the actors who play Harry, Hermione, Ron, buying all new Hogwarts swag, and even paying tribute to the “Yer a Wizard Harry” beloved series by sharing the most popular Harry Potter quotes from each book. For the last two decades, Harry Potter has Seven Harry potter quotes deserve to be bookmarked enchanted Muggle readers with stories of not only magic and wonder but of love and friendship, Dumbledore’s notion of death being, “The next great significant than one’s abilities was his way of among Potter enthusiasts. Of course, the “Youth cannot know how age thinks and feels. courage and hope, and the important balance of adventure,” comes amid Harry’s realisation that assuring Harry that he and the boy who would definition of a Muggle had to be explained in But old men are guilty if they forget what it was good and evil. Though J.K. Rowling has also Sorcerer’s Stone inventor Nicolas Flamel was going to later become Voldemort are not alike. greater detail, which Rowling did in Harry to be young...” shared transphobic and extremely controversial die. The Stone held the key to immortality, but Flamel “Non-magic people (more commonly known Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. But just to Dumbledore to figure out how to stop him. However, J.K. Rowling views in recent years, to many Potterheads, decided to sacrifice himself as part of a plot concocted iterate, if you’re reading this and aren’t of the –Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Order of in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, a major plot the passages from her books remain life- with Dumbledore to defeat Lord Voldemort. Life, as Muggles) were particularly afraid of magic witch or wizard variety, chances are you’re a the Phoenix twist is uncovered – Voldemort is afraid of death. Amid changing. (The Harry Potter cast also death, and sacrifice for the sake of others are major in medieval times, but not very good at rec- Muggle. This quote is on the same wavelength as George this revelation, Dumbledore tells Harry that most who reassured fans that it’s still OK to hold the themes in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and ognising it. On the rare occasion that they “Differences of habit and language are noth- Bernard Shaw’s famous, “Youth is wasted on the are fearful of death are scared of the unknown. A books close to your heart despite Rowling’s Dumbledore’s profound quote drives these topics young” sentiment. However, Dumbledore, known for universal trait among Muggles and non-Muggles alike. did catch a real witch or wizard, burning ing at all if our aims are identical and our views.) Surely, as time has passed, people’s home to great effect. having died at the age of 115, takes his thoughts a “Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, choices in favourite Potterverse quotes may had no effect whatsoever. The witch or wiz- hearts are open.” step further in Harry Potter and the Order of the “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly above all, those who live without love.” have changed like the wind. On almost every ard would perform a basic Flame-Freezing –Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Phoenix. Harry’s 15 years old in the book and page of the seven-book series, you can find a are, far more than our abilities.” Goblet of Fire concerned about a number of things, including where –Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Deathly quote that is worth printing on a poster, –Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Chamber Charm and then pretend to shriek with pain This quote was listed as one of TIME he stands with his friends, being a fifth-year student Hallows wearing on a sweatshirt, or getting as a of Secrets while enjoying a gentle, tickling sensation. magazine’s, “Most Magical Harry Potter Quotes at Hogwarts, and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. With Another one of Dumbledore’s thought-provoking tattoo. It’s no secret that Harry’s journey in the Harry Indeed, Wendelin the Weird enjoyed being to Inspire You” in 2017. Who could argue with his young mind occupied with so much, Dumbledore’s quotes comes from the final book of the Harry Potter In honour of over 20 years of priceless life Potter series is earmarked by a number of choices that? Dumbledore’s statement comes after a statement about youth makes all the more sense. series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. At the burnt so much that she allowed herself to lessons, here are the best Harry made by the protagonist. But leave it to Dumbledore tragic end to the Triwizard Tournament and “It is the unknown we feat when we look upon end of his journey, Harry is finally tasked with the Potter quotes from the books. to explain the significance of each one. For example, be caught no fewer than 47 times in various the anticipation of potential future disaster ultimate showdown against Voldemort in a race to death and darkness, nothing more.” “After all, to the well-organised mind, when Harry feared he shared similar traits with the disguises.” courtesy of Lord Voldemort. Dumbledore’s destroy the Dark Lord’s chance at immortality. Even sinister Tom Riddle, Dumbledore told him each words inspired Harry and his fellow students –Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Half- with dark forces at Harry’s heels, he’s reminded that death is but the next great adventure.” decision shows the strength — or lack thereof — of –J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Prisoner and asserted that everyone has shared goals, Blood Prince it’s those who live without love who have the worst lot –Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the someone’s character more than one’s abilities. of Azkaban hopes, and dreams, regardless of perceived As Lord Voldemort wreaks havoc across multiple in life. Sorcerer’s Stone Dumbledore’s stance on choices being more than The term ‘Muggles’ became a well-used term differences. worlds, it’s up to Harry, Harry’s friends, and (bustle) C6 THURSDAY 1 JULY 2021 TECH/PUZZLES A Cure for What Ails Social Media By Rob Enderle highlighted as the increasing source of scams. In the beginning, social media At the heart of this effort should be promised to connect us to existing to restore trust with users, rather friends, help us form new than being a place where users are relationships, and as a result help manipulated against their interests, make us find happier lives. cheated, and abused. Instead, social Facebook, initially, was just a way for media should become a safe place new students to meet new friends, where you can trust the content Quora was a way to get crowdsourced regardless of what that content is. answers, and Twitter sort of a way to One area needs particular focus, alert friends about things they might and that is politics. Just fact checking find interesting. the comments isn't enough because Today Facebook is the home of fake people increasingly think that fact news, with way too many ads for checkers are themselves biased. companies focused on finding new However, because these networks ways to cheat you out of your hard- know so much about you, they could earned money. Twitter is increasingly surface positions that would benefit a place to experience or hand out you and flag those that do not. abuse. Quora, which ironically is a In other words, get under the source for the cause of this problem, rhetoric and focus on the parts that has drifted into providing a forum for impact your life. I can envision three those that like alternative history. alerts, no material impact, positive All are guilty of allowing unhealthy impact, and negative impact, with a manipulation, are increasingly link to explain why that position was viewed as existential risks, and it is taken for transparency and to further increasingly hard to argue against bolster trust in the service. the impression that the brilliant people avoid these platforms. This Wrapping up suggests that, eventually, Netting this out, paid social media governments will grow tired of these would become a place that would help services and either fine them into the problem. When you dissociate discouraged from making your brand, and red-flagging things your career, improve the quality of obsolescence or treat them like users of a product from the revenue substantive changes. Even funding that might hurt it, would be worth your friendships (not just the number utilities with heavy government stream that supports it, the user's an effort to improve the benefits of funding. of fake friends), and help you make oversight – or even government health and wellbeing, let alone their social media from the user's You likely could focus on brand decisions that would improve the control or ownership. satisfaction, becomes unimportant. standpoint is problematic; because it protection, but that kind of sounds quality of your life on your terms. I like to think of solutions to The users aren't paying for the has no connection to revenue, and it like a shakedown program given that I believe most of us would find value problems, not just point out that service, so what you do to them, might possibly cause revenue to social media is the cause of the risk. in a service that would help us make outcomes are dire – so let's do both unless it gets them to stop using the erode. I've certainly seen companies' better buying decisions, improve the this week. Let's talk about what is service, is a far lower priority than When ethics come into conflict with employees get aggressively proactive number of our close friends, enhance likely to happen to social media keeping the advertisers who pay for revenues, ethics tends almost always in generating damage for those that our careers, and improve our brand. companies and how they might work the service happy. to lose. At the heart of the problem is don't pay for services like this, so In short, I'm proposing a social to prevent that outcome. We'll close As long as eyeballs continue to that social media's incentives are protection alone seems to come with media service that would come with a with my product of the week, a grace the service pages, misleading directly opposed to making these too many risks. fee; and that shifted from selling our category-busting new smartwatch people, defrauding them, or allowing platforms safer and more beneficial Things I'd pay for are curated eyeballs to third parties to one that from OnePlus that will ship in a few others to lie to them in attractive for those that use them. connections to people that would help focused on improving our lives days. ways, is simply part of the revenue my career or further efforts, political, according to our unique needs and model. As long as it is profitable to Fixing social media social, environmental, and so on, in personalities. Maybe, the result would The problem: who's the feed these users false news they want Since the core problem resulted which I'm interested. Social media be a better world – not just one that customer? to believe, then the social media from the decoupling of revenue from should already know a ton about my was more lucrative for the existing companies are ok with it; as long as the user, the fix will likely start with interests, close friends, goals, and social media companies. One of the unfortunate things that users continue to fall for scam ads coming up with ways to provide desires. It could also curate the But as long as social media survived when the Internet bubble from advertisers paying for them, benefits that the user might find products it offers to assure that they companies are only compensated for burst a couple of decades ago was this that's cool too. valuable enough to fund. Because are good values and present the ads holding your attention, they are idea that users and customers could In short, other than the reminder social media posts are tied to your in terms of things I might need, and unlikely to make the critical changes be decoupled by providing free that someday, if these services don't brand, perhaps a service that then assure that what was promised needed to turn them from a planet- services to users that advertisers paid improve, they may be shut down or highlighted things that you should in the ad was delivered in the product. scale liability into a personal asset. for. This decoupling is at the heart of taken over, the industry is financially comment on and repost to advance It is never good when your service is (technewsworld) 1786 1785 SOLUTION

Yesterday’s

Crossword Puzzle 1886 CLUES Across Down 7 Ataraxis (6) 1 Abominable snowman (4) 8 baby bed (6) 2 Religious cult practised chiey in Caribbean countries (6) 9 Embellish (4) 3 Renting (7) 10 Make sanitary by cleaning (8) 4 Flavoured sugar topping used to coat and decorate cakes (5) 11 With the bottom lodged on the ground (7) 5 Commonly repeated word or phrase (6) 13 Forest god (5) 6 Gesundheit (5,3) 15 Empower (5) 12 (genetics) all the genes in a population (4,4) 17 Hydrated (7) 14 Arch of hair above each eye (7) 20 A cut of pork ribs with much of the meat 16 Boisterous (6) trimmed o (8) 18 Riposte (6) 21 Joke (4) 19 Tercet (5) 23 Spore (6) 22 Professor (4) 24 Reverent petition to a deity (6)

SOLUTION C WORD 1885 LOOK events thursday 1 july 2021 c7

Access to safe drinking water is a basic human need and in order to restore this right for communities in Biyagama, Gampaha, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Ltd. (CCBSL) Ensuring Access to partnered with The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS), Gampaha branch, for a flood response initiative to clean contaminated wells as it has been done in similar instances in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Sri Lanka Safe Drinking Water felt the effects of climate change yet again in the month of May this year, as heavy monsoons Coca-Cola and SL Red Cross clean 600 contaminated wells in Biyagama and inconsistent rainfall patterns wreaked havoc. The devastating Biyagama.” the condition of the water for flood contaminated most of the SLRCS and CCBSL identified human consumption was drinking water sources in 600 wells in flood-affected areas certified by the PHIs. Biyagama in the Gampaha with the support of Divisional Commenting on the initiative, District, especially wells, Secretariats, Grama Niladhari Director General of SLRCS Dr. depriving local communities of Officers, Public Health Inspectors Mahesh Gunasekara added, their access to safe water. (PHIs), and Red Cross Divisional “Sri Lanka is placed high in the Climate action is a key pillar in Volunteers working in the field. climate risk index. Climate Coca-Cola’s sustainability SLRCS mobilised experienced change is an everyday reality agenda globally and responding community members from now and is disrupting lives and to climate induced disasters is a within the flood affected areas to negatively affecting communities priority therein. Therefore, as Communication and around to provide relief and while we will also continue support this initiative on a cash in many ways. Disaster response was done in the past, Coca-Cola Sustainability of CCBSL ensuring access to the safe working on more sustainability for work basis, together with is a key priority for SLRCS and took immediate action to respond Lakshan Madurasinghe said, availability of water for initiatives to tackle climate professional well cleaners. The we are thankful to Coca-Cola for once again to the disaster that “Coca-Cola is always there to communities and homes affected change, such as the wells were cleaned and once again for leading the well struck Biyagama, where the support our communities when by the recurring floods. implementation of one of the chlorinated under the guidance cleaning project and partnering CCBSL factory premises is they need us the most. We are Response to climate induced largest single-location rooftop and observation of PHIs and with us to restore critical sources located. grateful to the partnership with disasters will continue being a solar projects in Sri Lanka, in technical experts of the SLRCS of drinking water for local Director – Public Affairs, SLRCS for the fourth time priority for us at Coca-Cola, our factory premises in monitoring team. Prior to use, communities in Biyagama.” The MCB Trains Sponsor a UoC to Victory Child – Safeguard UoC wins big at John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition 2021 Their Tomorrow The Moot Court Bench JHJ amongst 100 of the best UoC team the Award for the LEADS Launches a Child Sponsorship (MCB) team representing the international universities, but Best Memorandum as well as Faculty of Law, University of also triumphed in being the semi-finalist position Programme for Survivors of Child Abuse Colombo (UoC) comprising specially recognised for their which advanced the team to Saheli Wikramanayake, performance in the form of the Global Rounds in Geneva. In response to the escalating Avishka Jayaweera, Adithya several awards for both their The pillar of support for the need for psychosocial care for Ramanitharan, and Sandun written and oratory skills. teams during this journey, survivors of child abuse across Batagoda who were trained The team was awarded the the MCB is Sri Lanka’s first Sri Lanka, LEADS recently by Harish Balakrishnan — Overall Best Written fully integrated training launched its Child Sponsorship Senior Partner at the MCB — Submission on Behalf of the platform for advocacy in Programme through which its and Harrison Mbori, have Respondent, the award for Alternate Dispute Resolution patrons and well-wishers can emerged Champions at the Best Orator in the (ADR) and ITL in partnership now sponsor holistic Global Rounds of the 19th Preliminary Rounds and with the Commercial Law therapeutic care for young John H. Jackson Moot Court Saheli Wikramanayake was Development Programme survivors of child abuse Competition 2021. adjudged the Best Orator in (CLDP) of the United States receiving support through The John H. Jackson Moot the Grand Final. Department of Commerce. LEADS’ centres in the Northern, Court Competition is the The UoC victors The accomplishment at the Western and Uva Provinces of premier International Moot commenced their journey JHJ Moot Court Competition Sri Lanka. Court Competition organised after being selected for the is another highlight of the Media reports in the past year annually by the European MCB’s International Trade continued and unparalleled highlighted rising incidents of Law Students’ Association Law Programme in July 2020 progress of the MCB which child abuse and cruelty, (ELSA) focused on alongside a team from the Sri has displayed consistent bringing to light the plight of International Trade Law (ITL) Lanka Law College, and the success in its endeavors since children who were affected and based on the rules of the latter team was coached by its inception in 2018 following during the initial period of counselling, and therapy, legal Jayasuriya. “Our team works World Trade Organisation Senith Abeynayake — the the Sri Lankan team’s lockdown imposed by State aid, reintegration support and tirelessly to create safer spaces (WTO). The prestigious current head of ITL at the achievements at the Willem authorities to prevent the follow-up services, including a for children through its competition is held in Geneva MCB — assisted by Professor C. Vis International spread of the COVID-19 long-term family strengthening interventions in preventing each year but migrated to a Rajesh Sharma. Commercial Arbitration Moot. pandemic. In a statement by plan that ensures that the child abuse, harassment and neglect virtual platform to The two teams embarked Today, the MCB strives to child rights group ECPAT Sri grows up in an environment of children.” Jayasuriya accommodate travel on an extensive training drive the conversation Lanka, they expressed concerns conducive to their well-being. appealed to the public to join restrictions and attracted regime in preparation over surrounding ADR and ITL in over a 33 per cent increase child The newly-launched hands with LEADS in this over 100 teams from across the course of several months Sri Lanka forward while abuse reported during the sponsorship initiative gives the initiative. “We launch our Child the globe, as well as WTO leading up to the West and expanding its own horizons curfew period in March 2020, as public an opportunity to join Sponsorship initiative with the experts from legal academia South Asian Regional Round and establishing itself as the documented by the National with LEADS in restoring lives of hope that you too will partner and the WTO Secretariat. in May 2020 and exhibited foremost advocate of Child Protection Authority survivors of child abuse. with LEADS and help us reach In the Final Round, the UoC their talent and growth reforming local and (NCPA). A joint statement issued Patrons and well-wishers can the children who most need our team not only prevailed as the through their exceptional international Dispute by UNICEF and the NCPA noted now provide financial support help – in the hope that you will first Sri Lankan team to win performance that secured the Resolution Systems. that the proportion of child towards legal aid, reintegration join with us by sponsoring a cruelty cases, rose from 10 per support, basic and logistical child and safeguarding their cent to 40 per cent during the expenses with Rs 3,750 tomorrow!” three-week period of 16 March – covering the per child cost for a 7 April 2020. period of one month. LEADS’ It is in this context of online platform facilitates With US$ 20 or Rs 3,750 increased concern for the well- donations in US Dollars, Euros, you can sponsor a survivor of being of children that LEADS Sterling Pounds or Sri Lankan child abuse for a month, launches its Child Sponsorship Rupees as either a one-time covering expenses towards initiative with the aim of donation or a recurring legal aid, reintegration providing restorative care for payment. support as well as basic and survivors of child abuse In his statement at the launch logistical expenses. throughout the country. During of the Child Sponsorship Donations can be made as a its service of over 38 years to the Programme, the Chief Executive one-time payment or as a nation, LEADS has been among Officer of LEADS Monroe recurring donation in US the few non-governmental Jayasuriya, expressed LEADS’ Dollars, Euros, Sterling organisations that provide commitment to intervene in Pounds or Sri Lankan Rupees. support for survivors of child situations of despair that have a Donate online: leads.lk/ abuse. Through its team of direct impact on the lives of sponsor mental health experts and legal children. “Safeguarding For more information: info@ practitioners, LEADS ensures Children is at the very heart of leads.lk that the child receives our work here at LEADS” stated c8 thursday 1 jULY 2021 CLICK LOOK

Galle: A Traveller’s Haven

The capital of the Southern have to worry about it keeping track Province of Sri Lanka has been a of time because this white sand tourist hotspot for aeons now. The beach with turquoise waters popularity of Galle lies within the brimming with natural beauty has versatility of the coastal town. Galle the ability to rid you of all your isn’t an acquired taste. It has worries, including your sense of time. something for everybody. Sure, the Galle is not just about natural Galle Fort is arguably the main beauty. If you want your trip to be an tourist attraction of the area but you educational one there are plenty of don’t have to be a history buff or an places in and around Galle you can ancient Dutch architecture pay a visit to, to learn something and enthusiast to enjoy Galle Fort. The one of the best places to do so is the ancient edifices, the clock towers Martin Wickramasinghe Museum. standing tall, the coral-infused Apart from all the books the ramparts, and the overall tranquillity renowned Sri Lankan writer has within the walls of the Fort could be authored, the folk museum which enjoyed by anyone, regardless what offers you glimpses into the rural their travel niche is. past of the country with objects such Galle being a coastal town means it as olden day traditional clay pots and possesses a multitude of beaches you pans, grinding stones, iron smelting can visit to spend a leisurely evening. furnaces that make use of the winds Whatever you are looking for in a of the yearly monsoons, old wooden beach, be it swimming, surfing, bullock carts and elephant carts with snorkelling, scuba diving or just to dry woven palm roofs, horse carriages wet your feet in the foamy waves, and rickshaws, puppets, masks, Galle has just the beach for you. metal craft artefacts, fishing However, if you are looking for a artefacts, traditional musical beach away from the hustle and instruments and dance costumes, bustle of the town the Jungle Beach and much more is fascinating to say of Rumassala might be just the place the least. for you. Getting there means you These are only three of the endless have to embark on a small hike which list of, ‘things to see in Galle’. It is not itself is a pleasant experience. Don’t a destination you can cover within a worry about the hike wearing you single day or in a single trip and it is down because the destination has this versatility what makes Galle an that magical power of rejuvenating irresistible travel destination. you in no time. The only thing you (SH)

Published by Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Limited, 101, Rosmead Place, Colombo 7 and printed at its press at No. 302/1A, Minuwangoda Road, Ja-Ela.