Stealing a line out of a Coldplay single feels like a petty crime pitted against the millions of hearts they've stolen through their music. Paradise- is neither an island tucked under the Sun, nor a shady grove of palm trees overlooking the horizon. Paradise is, and has always been, an emotion. A beautiful emotion that spurs out of the realization that you have finally found what you have long been looking for. I have finally found my way to Paradise, and nothing has ever been more realistic in beauty.
Paradise, is when she smiles at me, happiness seething through the wrinkles by her lips. Paradise is when she speaks to me of all the things that has been going on in her life, every intonation striking a heart-string. Paradise is when she holds my hand, ebbing gently at my knuckles. Paradise is bliss.
She's different. She's unique. You'd tell me that everyone's different, and everyone's invariably unique. The thing with her, is that she doesn't fit in to the same plate as 'everyone'. She's a class apart. May it be the need for finding a grander purpose in spending the given eight thousand seconds a day, may it be her quest in reaching out to souls needy of revival, may it be her self-confidence and the knack for dishing out the wiser opinion, or may it simply be her playful Sinhala accent - she's all the good I see in this world.
Paradise is the state of being happy, without reason for doubt or concern. It really is a beautiful emotion, worthy only to the one's who have chosen to wait for joy to slowly permeate in to their lives. For anything that's worth the wait, is worthy of Paradise.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Losing control
The smoke was fuming in the gaze of the headlamps, the musk of burnt rubber and metal hung pungent over the air, as my brain regained awareness of the situation. Reality seemed like a dream that I needed to wake up from, as the policemen came running towards the crash. My thoughts were transfixed on what was to happen, and not what happened, for what happened was well and truly beyond my 'control'
I lost control...
Just 5 minutes earlier, I was tailing behind Danusha's car on the way back from Senanayake Junction. It was 4.00 in the morning, and dawn was still waking up, as a light drizzle wet the road. No cars on the road meant that my speed was a fraction above the absolute necessary. I could see the turn off a few metres away as Danusha slowed down to let me turn... And that was when the sands sifting through the hourglass stood still. I blacked out for a second, and the car skidded off the turn, the front left tire immediately blew up as my car nosed down tilting to the left. The steering wheel was shaking wildly at my hands as I tried to steady it. The car spun around a few times, crashed into several light poles, lifted itself off the curb and hit the fencing next to McDonalds. Stillness overwhelmed for a second, and reality gushed back in. Lord Buddha's spirit, the Dhamma, my father's love, luck and the seat-belt was what saved me. For I was now looking at our Corona that sat on the curb, a good 20 meters away, turned in the exact opposite direction to which I was driving.
The policemen said I was lucky to have survived without a scratch, and so I was.
Nothing objectifies the need to regain control of my life, than physically losing control, and dealing with the emotions that follow.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Seeking the sub-atomic, Forgetting the massive
I won't deny it. Hearing the news about the discovery of the 'Higgs Boson' was a refreshing spark, to end the monotonous string of news about murders, rapes and pillaging. This tiny particle held it's edge over the usual culprits in news worldwide on the day it heralded it's arrival. Many depict it as the opening of a portal to the unknown mysteries of the Earth, a revolution in the field of science and a victory to mankind. But if you ask me what I really think, I'd put it this way - A bunch of well-funded cranky old scientists have spent almost 50 years in search of a tiny blip on the radar that lasted for a zeptosecond (a thousandth of a billionth of a billionth of a second), and now that they've found it, the old hoots can die happy, while millions of human lives around the world, 1/10th their age die unhappy.
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| "Nothing" has never been more glorified in the history of mankind! |
Thursday, July 5, 2012
When the finest willow meets the leather
"We're all artists and we all have our critics. Luck, chance and destiny is all in your hands. No one else's"
- Kumar Sangakkara
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Friday, June 29, 2012
Inspiration
When you set out on a journey, with little knowledge of the destination, let alone the dangers that lie ahead, you seek for a source of inspiration to keep you surging forward through the quicksands of time. The biggest motivation undoubtedly comes from parents, specially from my father in my case, but many a times, these sources of motivation have different faces, each with a story to tell, a story so powerful that it transcends time and makes your heart gallop in spirit. A story so divine that you stop and ponder how you can absolve your unworthy deeds and polish your soul, striving to take the path of success they once tread on. The path of bravery, hard-work, honesty and humanity.
Lord Buddha, is my ultimate inspiration, not merely because I'm a Buddhist, but because I believe in the power of the human mind. Gautama Buddha traversed a million eternities in search of freedom from bodily attachment, crossing hurdles goliath in nature. It is but a foolish act to pray and ask for forgiveness or for blessings from the Buddha, for he was only a human who achieved the greatest heights possible, but his body has long since been decomposed, enriching the soil of this Earth. Yet, it is divine to hold faith in the spirit that lingers by understanding and following the "dhamma". I draw "Inspiration" from the feats of the Buddha, the supreme power of understanding and righteousness.
General Sarath Fonseka, the man who personified the final frontier of victory. The man who achieved a feat that was dubbed impossible by many, and the man who took not a bullet, but a bomb in the name of the motherland. General Fonseka is symbollic of the Lankan Lion who refuses to heed to totalitarian beliefs, accepting even the dirty chambers of the prison grounds, against the odds. General teaches me that you can break a man in physique but you can never break his spirit. "Inspiration", the ability to carry out any task you set your mind to. Braving the tyrants who dare to disbelieve.
My perception of Jayasuriya is completely based on the boots he fills once he crosses the boundary rope and steps into the playing field. Pure, unadulterated power crafted with a passion for excellence. My life is forever entwined with beautiful, beautiful cricket, and the hero in my match will always be Jayasuriya. "Inspiration" lies in the ability to single-handedly take on a challenge and succeed in style. Someday, my life will leave the same mark that a Sanath-slash-over-point leaves in the hearts of us Sri Lankans.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, born to a poor family in the village of Gamsar in the impoverished Aradan district of Iran, Ahmadinejad rose a simple man in the village school, to a simple man in the premier position of the country. I like to sum up Ahmadinejad's truly remarkable personality in two words, "Bravery" and "Simplicity". One of the few men left who can defy the bloody American dominance, with a tool that the Americans have no knowledge or experience of - Simplicity. "Inspiration" is drawn from his ability to stand tall amongst brute forces, unfaltering, and abiding by personal policies at all times. Silently, far unknown to the Americans, Ahmadinejad, as depicted in the photograph, conducts the orchestra of the world.
She will be Mrs. Kumudini Hettiarachchi to the world, but to me and all who work at the Sunday Times, she will always be beloved Ms. Kumi. The pen is indeed mightier than the sword, and there is no better personification of that phrase than Ms. Kumi herself. Being a journalist for over decades, she has always given justice it's rightful place in society. A powerful woman, who balances life with the beauty of her humbleness, loving care and genuine nature. Miss. Kumi is my first inspiration in the professional world, and I draw "Inspiration" from the ability to find your way towards the answer you seek for in life, overcoming the many sticks that are thrown at the bountiful fruit garden of a righteous life.
Professor Seneka Bibile's story does not come from the life of an impoverished family, rather from an aristocratic family. Obtaining his medical degree from the prestigious Colombo Medical College in 1945, Professor Seneka Bibile distinguished himself as a pharmocologist, a world-class medical scientist, a truthful politician and a social visionary. Professor Bibile is in fact everything that I want to be - A graduate of the Colombo Medical School, and a Politician who would eventually strive for change. Professor Bibile is widely known as 'the greatest medical benefactor of humanity that Sri Lanka has hitherto produced', and this is because of the revolutionary National Drugs Policy, aiming to ease the burden of the ailing poor man and woman. Prof. Bibile would ultimately face a mysterious death at the hands of Multinational powers whom he bravely stood against. He may have lost his life, but not his cause. "Inspiration" standing up for what is right, even when the odds are heavily against you, and fearlessly treading the long road ahead.
The beautiful and mesmerizing queen of modern pop, Katy Perry. The one and only female artist who succeeds in keeping me glued to her music. Although I'm not an avid pop music lover, there's something about Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, that divulges to the deepest corners of my heart and ignites a spark that lights up my playful side. Katy Perry is an absolute natural with the guitar and has been gifted with a voice that's raspy in it's uniqueness. "Inspiration" is drawn from realizing a dream that you've held so close at heart that not a single night passed by without you embracing it in sleep. Her music, and general attitude towards life is one that shows me how it should be done. Live it.
General Sarath Fonseka, the man who personified the final frontier of victory. The man who achieved a feat that was dubbed impossible by many, and the man who took not a bullet, but a bomb in the name of the motherland. General Fonseka is symbollic of the Lankan Lion who refuses to heed to totalitarian beliefs, accepting even the dirty chambers of the prison grounds, against the odds. General teaches me that you can break a man in physique but you can never break his spirit. "Inspiration", the ability to carry out any task you set your mind to. Braving the tyrants who dare to disbelieve.
My perception of Jayasuriya is completely based on the boots he fills once he crosses the boundary rope and steps into the playing field. Pure, unadulterated power crafted with a passion for excellence. My life is forever entwined with beautiful, beautiful cricket, and the hero in my match will always be Jayasuriya. "Inspiration" lies in the ability to single-handedly take on a challenge and succeed in style. Someday, my life will leave the same mark that a Sanath-slash-over-point leaves in the hearts of us Sri Lankans.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, born to a poor family in the village of Gamsar in the impoverished Aradan district of Iran, Ahmadinejad rose a simple man in the village school, to a simple man in the premier position of the country. I like to sum up Ahmadinejad's truly remarkable personality in two words, "Bravery" and "Simplicity". One of the few men left who can defy the bloody American dominance, with a tool that the Americans have no knowledge or experience of - Simplicity. "Inspiration" is drawn from his ability to stand tall amongst brute forces, unfaltering, and abiding by personal policies at all times. Silently, far unknown to the Americans, Ahmadinejad, as depicted in the photograph, conducts the orchestra of the world.
She will be Mrs. Kumudini Hettiarachchi to the world, but to me and all who work at the Sunday Times, she will always be beloved Ms. Kumi. The pen is indeed mightier than the sword, and there is no better personification of that phrase than Ms. Kumi herself. Being a journalist for over decades, she has always given justice it's rightful place in society. A powerful woman, who balances life with the beauty of her humbleness, loving care and genuine nature. Miss. Kumi is my first inspiration in the professional world, and I draw "Inspiration" from the ability to find your way towards the answer you seek for in life, overcoming the many sticks that are thrown at the bountiful fruit garden of a righteous life.
Professor Seneka Bibile's story does not come from the life of an impoverished family, rather from an aristocratic family. Obtaining his medical degree from the prestigious Colombo Medical College in 1945, Professor Seneka Bibile distinguished himself as a pharmocologist, a world-class medical scientist, a truthful politician and a social visionary. Professor Bibile is in fact everything that I want to be - A graduate of the Colombo Medical School, and a Politician who would eventually strive for change. Professor Bibile is widely known as 'the greatest medical benefactor of humanity that Sri Lanka has hitherto produced', and this is because of the revolutionary National Drugs Policy, aiming to ease the burden of the ailing poor man and woman. Prof. Bibile would ultimately face a mysterious death at the hands of Multinational powers whom he bravely stood against. He may have lost his life, but not his cause. "Inspiration" standing up for what is right, even when the odds are heavily against you, and fearlessly treading the long road ahead.
The beautiful and mesmerizing queen of modern pop, Katy Perry. The one and only female artist who succeeds in keeping me glued to her music. Although I'm not an avid pop music lover, there's something about Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, that divulges to the deepest corners of my heart and ignites a spark that lights up my playful side. Katy Perry is an absolute natural with the guitar and has been gifted with a voice that's raspy in it's uniqueness. "Inspiration" is drawn from realizing a dream that you've held so close at heart that not a single night passed by without you embracing it in sleep. Her music, and general attitude towards life is one that shows me how it should be done. Live it.Thursday, June 21, 2012
Keeping the family together
Take the remote, sit back, preferably with a homemade lime juice and turn on the television to a plethora of drama series' and sitcoms, some of which are extremely entertaining, while others fail to combine wit, humour and morality in one capture. I won't deny it, most TV series' have had me hooked, "Friends" being right at the top of it for so long, and then "Lie to Me", "HIMYM", and "Supernatural", but there's two out of the lot that takes the cake, Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan's "Modern Family" and none other than our very own Ranjan Prassana's "Sihina Puraya".
Modern Family, is undoubtedly one of the most talked about shows going around, and has proven a point when Barack Obama pronounced it his favorite TV show. It's flawless to say the least; humour, wit, drama and just the right touch of morality every TV show needs. To pick a favorite character out of the lot would be like asking yourself to choose between chocolate and ice cream. An amalgamation of different lifestyles in the same family tree, coupled with the thirst for love makes it complete, but what really stands out is the fact that we can relate to it in many ways, may it be Phil's forgetfulness and cocky nature, Claire being the bossy mum holding it together, Hayley - college, no college, or college what? The characters live amongst us in every way, making it a series' that goes that one step closer to our hearts. I'd certainly watch that than pretend to be in awe at brothers averting apocalypses or wait for the girl with the yellow umbrella. Modern Family has never had a dip in it's 3 season tenure, it's always a new experience cause after all that's not just what life is about, that's what 'daily' life is all about. The mockumentary style is new to television, and Modern Family have indeed mastered it, with every character speaking out to us in their very own goofball charm.
Sihina Puraya, is a Sri Lankan drama series that breaks free from years and years of soppy, parent denied, villain intervened love stories. It's a refreshing splash of water to all Sri Lankan television viewers, and is one of the few drama's after the likes of Ananda Abeykoon's "Ramya Suramya", that have found the perfect balance between weaving a good story with natural humour. Sihina Puraya too like Modern Family is a tale intertwining different families and their approach to life in general. Living together in one housing scheme, fittingly named 'Sihina Puraya' or the 'Land of Dreams', they all have dreams of fulfilling their lives. The binding factor here is the chase in search of money, every family tries their best to buck up the quick bucks to somehow keep the boat of life sailing, somehow managing to stay happy through victory or indifference. Isn't that always the case, to us Sri Lankans, money is half of everything, the other half being humanity. I can personally relate to this, seeing how our family too goes through the ups and downs of having and losing money. Sihina Puraya brings together an ensemble of young talent who successfully coalesces humour, struggle and a hint of romance which is like the garnish topping of a very fine meal. Personally Nimal, Vinod and Cena are my favorites while Chandani, and Himashi too give out near perfect performances. Maybe it be at Samare's office, or at Cena's palace, life and the beauty of the struggle of life is what wins. It takes a lot to keep a family together and sometimes life is a television series after all.
Modern Family, is undoubtedly one of the most talked about shows going around, and has proven a point when Barack Obama pronounced it his favorite TV show. It's flawless to say the least; humour, wit, drama and just the right touch of morality every TV show needs. To pick a favorite character out of the lot would be like asking yourself to choose between chocolate and ice cream. An amalgamation of different lifestyles in the same family tree, coupled with the thirst for love makes it complete, but what really stands out is the fact that we can relate to it in many ways, may it be Phil's forgetfulness and cocky nature, Claire being the bossy mum holding it together, Hayley - college, no college, or college what? The characters live amongst us in every way, making it a series' that goes that one step closer to our hearts. I'd certainly watch that than pretend to be in awe at brothers averting apocalypses or wait for the girl with the yellow umbrella. Modern Family has never had a dip in it's 3 season tenure, it's always a new experience cause after all that's not just what life is about, that's what 'daily' life is all about. The mockumentary style is new to television, and Modern Family have indeed mastered it, with every character speaking out to us in their very own goofball charm.Sihina Puraya, is a Sri Lankan drama series that breaks free from years and years of soppy, parent denied, villain intervened love stories. It's a refreshing splash of water to all Sri Lankan television viewers, and is one of the few drama's after the likes of Ananda Abeykoon's "Ramya Suramya", that have found the perfect balance between weaving a good story with natural humour. Sihina Puraya too like Modern Family is a tale intertwining different families and their approach to life in general. Living together in one housing scheme, fittingly named 'Sihina Puraya' or the 'Land of Dreams', they all have dreams of fulfilling their lives. The binding factor here is the chase in search of money, every family tries their best to buck up the quick bucks to somehow keep the boat of life sailing, somehow managing to stay happy through victory or indifference. Isn't that always the case, to us Sri Lankans, money is half of everything, the other half being humanity. I can personally relate to this, seeing how our family too goes through the ups and downs of having and losing money. Sihina Puraya brings together an ensemble of young talent who successfully coalesces humour, struggle and a hint of romance which is like the garnish topping of a very fine meal. Personally Nimal, Vinod and Cena are my favorites while Chandani, and Himashi too give out near perfect performances. Maybe it be at Samare's office, or at Cena's palace, life and the beauty of the struggle of life is what wins. It takes a lot to keep a family together and sometimes life is a television series after all.Relief wrapped in lyrics
SO it's that time of the year again, when you're faced with a challenging exam and feel like you're on the verge of disintegrating with unnecessary pressure. What better way to ease that pressure than to sink your free time in the ocean of music. Here's a list of my top 10 favorite songs.
No 01 - "Wasanthaye Mal" by Pandith W.D Amaradewa.
My first memory of this song goes back to the year 2001, when my dad bought a special edition audio compilation of Pandith Amaradewa's songs made in honour of the Ramon Magsaysay award. This song stood out from the rest, the simplest of melodies and divine interpretation. A song for a soul soothing revival.
No 02 - "Sulan Kurullo" by Haroon Lanthra and Angeline Goonetillake from the 1966 classic film "Sensuma Kothanda". To say that Haroon Lanthra's voice is magical would be a clear understatement, even magic can't seem to comprehend the grandeur of this song.
No 03 - "Asha Desin" by Devananda Waidyasekara from the 1965 Sinhala film "Sama". I first heard this song in a telecast concert where a university student sang it along with Devananda Waidysekara, and time seemed to freeze over like ice above a pond bustling with life.
No 04 - "Sulanga Obada" by Kasun Kalhara
The one and only Kasun Kalahara; in my opinion the voice of the new generation. I've listened to this song on loop over and over again, yet every time is a new emotion.
No 05 - "Atha Ran Wiman" by Priya Sooriyasena
If you're Sri Lankan, and if you love the guitar, this song would definitely make your top 10. A song that has the power to cross boundaries and bring people of all walks of life to the same arena, woven in harmony. A simple song that can be sung by anyone at any time.
No 06 - "Malak Wune" by Amarasiri Peiris
A song that binds nature to the unwholesome but beautiful emotion of unrequited love. Mesmerizing music combined with a powerful voice gives you a song that will remain in soul whenever you're sulking in thought, of a love that is mischievously playing with your heart.
No 07 - "Suwanda Danee" by Rookantha Goonetillake from the 1993 film "Saptha Kanya". One of the first songs I learnt to play on the guitar, and to this day is the best song I've strummed. Rookantha is a legend in the Sri Lankan music industry and you have to be deaf to argue with that.
No 08 - "Sathuta Vilai" by Devananda Waidyasekara from the 1968 film "Dahasak Sithuvili". If a song could trap the lovely emotion of happiness within it's lyrics, this song would be it.
No - 09 "Unmadini Hanguna" by Bathiya and Santush
Bathiya and Santush were indeed the turning point in the new age Lankan music, although I am not all in favour of their latest songs, this will be one of their evergreen hits. A lovely video to go along with it as well.
Bathiya and Santush were indeed the turning point in the new age Lankan music, although I am not all in favour of their latest songs, this will be one of their evergreen hits. A lovely video to go along with it as well.
No 10 - "Perum Puragena" by Senanayake Weraliyadda
"Diviya mona tharam sundara dho, dukama koi tharam sathutak dho" : "How wonderful is life, so wonderful that even sadness surrenders to happiness" What else can I say about this song.
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