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Explore Sri Lanka

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The very first publication of BT Options, Explore Sri Lanka that began in 1987, celebrates 30 years of offering readers articles on travel destinations, off-the-beaten-track, retreats and getaways, serendipitous discoveries, cultural events, personalities and lifestyle, accompanied by captivating photography. The magazine caters to a broad readership including resident expatriates, local residents

and Sri Lankan missions overseas.Distributed through a large subscriber base, the magazine is available at the Bandaranaike International Airport, hotels and resorts island-wide, onboard the national airline and lifestyle stores
exploresrilanka.lk

05/08/2025

The August edition features articles on: The Timeless Majesty of Kandy’s Esala Festival, Sri Lanka’s Goyambokka Beach lands on the 2025 List of the World’s 50 Best Beaches, Celebrating Life and Legacy through Clarence Rhythm of the Guitar: Sri Lanka’s First Musical Biopic, CMSC presents a concert with Baritone Dhilan Gnanadurai, A Multi-Sensory Experience at Peshawri, ITC Ratnadipa and many more.

Visit: https://exploresrilanka.lk/

Cover: Experience a vibrant blend of history and flavor at Peshawri, ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo.

05/08/2025

The Timeless Majesty of Kandy Esala Perahera

The Esala Dalada Perahera (procession), held by the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, is a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious calendar. Winding through the streets of Kandy’s city center, the procession’s main attraction is the Sacred Relic, enshrined in an ornate casket and carried on the back of a majestic tusker. The event is a dazzling spectacle of the island’s traditional dances and devotional expressions, with the streets lit and adorned in festive splendor.

Integral to the perahera are four devales close to the Tooth Relic Temple—shrines dedicated to the guardian deities Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini. They are prominently featured in the rituals. Beyond its spectacle, the festival holds deep meaning. Held in July–August, it marks gratitude for past harvests and invokes divine blessings for rain. The Tooth Relic is believed to have miraculous powers, including bringing rain. In 1815, when British colonial authorities halted the festival, a drought ensued. Public demand saw the rituals restored, and rains soon followed.

Words Jennifer Paldano Goonewardane.

Photography Sri Dalada Maligawa.

The Unsettling History of the Buddha’s Relic

The Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is Sri Lanka’s most venerated object—an enduring symbol of heritage, sovereignty, and kingship. Its history is steeped in intrigue, wars, and ambition, coveted by local rulers and foreign invaders. The Relic arrived in the fourth century CE from the Kingdom of Kalinga in India, smuggled to safety by Princess Hemamala and Prince Dantha, hidden in her hair, as threats loomed over its survival.

Since its arrival during King Mahasena’s reign, successive monarchs became guardians. The Tooth Relic came to represent the right to rule; protecting it became a sacred duty. Throughout the island’s turbulent history, the Relic was moved from kingdom to kingdom—from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala, Gampola, Kotte, and Sithawaka—often hidden or rescued in times of war, notably during Chola and Pandya invasions.

Read more: https://exploresrilanka.lk/the-timeless-majesty-of-kandy-esala-perahera/

05/08/2025

Sri Lanka’s Goyambokka Beach Lands on the 2025 List of the World’s 50 Best Beaches

Tucked away along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline, far from the usual tourist trails, a hidden gem has quietly claimed global attention. Goyambokka Beach in Tangalle, nestled in the Hambantota District, has earned its place among the World’s 50 Best Beaches for 2025, ranked at forty, and rightly so.

Words Jennifer Paldano Goonewardane.

Photography Sujith Heenatigala and Dinesh Fernando.

It is truly an honor for Sri Lanka’s Goyambokka Beach to be named among the World’s 50 Best Beaches—a coveted recognition for an island embraced by the sea, whose timeless allure has long captivated the world. While the south is famed for its bustling resorts, lively reefs, and long-standing tourist hubs, Goyambokka stands apart, landing on the annual list, described as the ‘perfect Sri Lankan Beach’. This quiet cove of a location stands tall at fortieth place in the world and leading in South Asia, beating competitors like the Maldives. Remote, untouched, and wrapped in a tranquil stillness, it offers a rare solitude. Goyambokka has made it to the list of the World’s 50 Best Beaches for 2025 for its pristine stretch of sand, calmness, unspoiled nature, and peacefulness where time seems to pause.

Read more: https://exploresrilanka.lk/sri-lankas-goyambokka-beach-lands-on-the-2025-list-of-the-worlds-50-best-beaches/

05/08/2025

Celebrating Life and Legacy through Sri Lanka’s First Musical Biopic

Clarence – Rhythm of the Guitar is a captivating musical biopic, the first in Sri Lanka. It shines a light on the timeless appeal of an era’s soundscape. At its heart is Clarence Wijewardena, the trailblazing father of Sinhala pop music, whose visionary genius charted a bold new course for Sri Lankan entertainment. It was as though Clarence was destined to be the pioneer of progressive music, introducing Sri Lankans to a vibrant sound they had never before encountered. His songs radiated cheer and optimism, with lyrics harmonizing seamlessly with his upbeat, infectious melodies.

Read more: https://exploresrilanka.lk/celebrating-life-and-legacy-through-sri-lankas-first-musical-biopic/

05/08/2025

CMSC presents a concert with Baritone Dhilan Gnanadurai

The Chamber Music Society of Colombo presents an evening of exceptional vocal and instrumental artistry. This much-anticipated concert marks the return of Dhilan Gnanadurai, the distinguished British-based Sri Lankan baritone, in collaboration with Johann Peiris, the principal keyboardist of the Chamber Music Society.

A highlight of the evening will be the world premiere of Sigiriya Mirror Wall, a song cycle composed by British conductor and composer Gregory Rose. This work is inspired by the enigmatic eighth-century graffiti found on the walls of the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya. It weaves together translated verses curated by the late Professor Ashley Halpé, offering a powerful meditation on Sri Lankan heritage through a contemporary musical lens.

Read more: https://exploresrilanka.lk/cmsc-presents-a-concert-with-baritone-dhilan-gnanadurai/

05/08/2025

A Multi-Sensory Experience

Experience a culinary legacy shaped by time, terrain, and tradition. Rooted in a rugged region, this cuisine celebrates ingredients and the art of slow cooking. At Peshawri, ITC Ratnadipa, discover a food story steeped in history and flavor.

Words Jennifer Paldano Goonewardane.

Photography ITC Ratnadipa.

Peshawri at ITC Ratnadipa in Colombo is an outpost of the globally acclaimed Bukhara at ITC Maurya, New Delhi—a culinary icon known for preserving the rustic flavors of the North- West Frontier of India. But Peshawri is far from your typical Indian restaurant where biryani dominates the menu. Instead, it offers a distinct experience that redefines Indian cuisine through the lens of frontier gastronomy.

At Peshawri, each dish is a journey into North-West Frontier of Indian cuisine’s lesser-known yet vibrant traditions. It is a grand exposition of India’s diverse culinary landscape, showcasing flavors shaped by history, geography, and culture. This cuisine—often referred to as Pashtun or Peshawari—celebrates the art of slow-cooked meats, such as tender kebabs and richly spiced curries, infused with the aromas, colors, and textures that define the region’s food heritage.

Read more: https://exploresrilanka.lk/a-multi-sensory-experience/

05/08/2025

What is Buddhism?

Buddhism encompasses a religion, a philosophy, a psychology, and a path toward wisdom and mental tranquility. Generally, religion is understood as a belief system that includes rituals practiced by its followers. According to Wikipedia, “Philosophy (‘love of wisdom’ in Ancient Greek) is a systematic study of fundamental questions concerning topics such as existence, reason, knowledge, value, and language. It involves rational and critical inquiry that reflects on its methods and assumptions.”

Pure philosophy seeks an understanding of the world, life, and nature that is free from myth. Consequently, philosophers are individuals who strive to gain knowledge about nature, the world, and the essence of human beings, including the mind, behavior, and their capacities. As such, anyone can become a philosopher by pursuing knowledge of reality with an open mind.

Psychology is deeply rooted in Western philosophy, which laid its foundational principles. The origins of philosophy trace back to Greek society, with Socrates (circa 470-399 BC) recognized as its founder and an early moral philosopher. Socrates’ teachings are primarily known through dialogues written by his students, like Plato and Xenophon, who used a question-and-answer format. This approach gave rise to the Socratic dialogue genre. Reconstructing Socrates’ ideas is challenging due to contradictory accounts of his life, a situation known as the Socratic problem. Importantly, he did not document his teachings, so our understanding relies on his students’ works.

Read more: https://exploresrilanka.lk/what-is-buddhism/

05/08/2025

The Premiere of Clarence: Rhythm of the Guitar at KCC Multiplex

It was a star-studded affair and a red-carpet event when Sri Lanka’s first musical biopic, Clarence – Rhythm of the Guitar, premiered at the KCC Multiplex in Kandy. Lead actors Damith Wijayathunga, Nihari Perera, Saranga Disasekera, and Dinakshie Priyasad brought in their star power and sparkle to the occasion, as they, accompanied by Producer Thusitha Wijayasena, his wife Swarna, and son Tharindu Wijayasena, and film producer Bandula Gunawardena, entertained crowds who had gathered to get a glimpse of their stars. The event had young girls and boys lining the path to the KCC Multiplex, playing Clarence Wijewardena’s songs on box guitars, an ode to the music maestro himself, who began his outstanding musical journey with a box guitar. The movie’s lead actors entertained fans with impromptu dances and joined the young guitarists inside KCC to sing Clarence’s famous songs. The public had the opportunity to meet the movie’s cast and capture some unforgettable moments from the premiere. Clarence – Rhythm of the Guitar, produced by Thusitha Wijayasena, Founder of Kandy City Centre, and directed by Theja Iddamalgoda, takes audiences through the journey of singer, songwriter, and music composer, Clarence Wijewardena, who is celebrated as the father of Sri Lanka’s Sinhala pop music.

Visit: https://exploresrilanka.lk/the-premiere-of-clarence-rhythm-of-the-guitar-at-kcc-multiplex/

05/08/2025

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka opens

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka has opened to the public. Designed by Foster + Partners and located on the Yumeshima waterfront, the Pavilion creates a spatial experience that echoes the exploration of Saudi Arabian towns and cities, while providing a setting for immersive engagement that connects visitors with the undiscovered wonders of the Kingdom.

The highly sustainable and inclusive Pavilion has been designed with its legacy in mind as the project aims to achieve the Japanese green building rating system’s highest level (CASBEE S) and will be net zero operational carbon.

Read more: https://exploresrilanka.lk/kingdom-of-saudi-arabia-pavilion-at-expo-2025-osaka-opens/

23/07/2025

A Celebration of Thai and Chinese Flavours

Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is set to unite two of Asia’s most iconic culinary traditions at its upcoming Thai-Chinese Food Festival, taking place from July 25 to 27, 2025, from 7pm to 11pm. Hosted across Long Feng, Royal Thai, and the Pool Terrace, the festival will showcase a vibrant buffet curated by Executive Chef Ashan Liyanage and the culinary team, enhanced by live entertainment each evening.

This special event offers guests a unique opportunity to indulge in authentic Thai and Chinese dishes, crafted with traditional techniques and presented with a contemporary flair. The buffet will feature a carefully selected variety of starters, mains, and desserts, along with live stations and a grill bar, ensuring a dynamic and interactive dining experience.

To begin the evening, diners can enjoy a refreshing selection of salads, highlighted by the live papaya and mango salad station, which brings both zest and theatre to the table.

A dedicated dim sum corner will feature a variety of steamed favourites, while the noodle soup bar allows guests to create their own bowls with a choice of broths, proteins, and fresh vegetables offering an engaging and personalized culinary experience.

The main course spread will feature a wide array of regional favourites and timeless classics, ranging from fragrant curries and stir-fries to aromatic rice and noodle dishes. The grill bar will serve an enticing selection of meats and seafood, grilled to order and paired with house-made sauces that elevate the flavours.

To complete the experience, the dessert counter will serve traditional Thai and Chinese sweets, such as mango sticky rice, banana in warm coconut milk, mung bean tarts, and pumpkin custard. A variety of ice creams complemented by regional condiments will provide a cool and indulgent conclusion to the meal.

By blending the rich culinary heritages of Thailand and China, the Thai-Chinese Food Festival promises a lively and flavour-packed dining experience in the heart of Colombo. Set against the backdrop of Cinnamon Lakeside’s relaxed elegance, this three-day event offers guests a perfect combination of atmosphere, variety, and hospitality, creating an evening that’s as memorable as it is delicious.

Visit: https://exploresrilanka.lk/a-celebration-of-thai-and-chinese-flavours-at-cinnamon-lakeside-colombo/

30/06/2025

Explore Sri Lanka July 2025

This edition of Explore Sri Lanka features articles on: The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple Festival; Ishq Colombo; The Esala Month of Blooming Esala Flowers; Kataragama Pada Yatra: A Pilgrimage through Time and Faith; Pekoe Trail Stage 20; Luxury residences overlooking Bangkok's Lumphini Park break ground; and Freedom Search.

Cover: Ishq Colombo is a luxurious haven in the heart of the city, offering guests unmatched comfort and convenience.

Visit: https://exploresrilanka.lk/

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The very first publication of BT Options, Explore Sri Lanka that began in 1987, celebrates 32 years of offering readers articles on travel destinations, off-the-beaten-track, retreats and getaways, serendipitous discoveries, cultural events, personalities and lifestyle, accompanied by captivating photography. The magazine caters to a broad readership including resident expatriates, local residents and Sri Lankan missions overseas.Distributed through a large subscriber base, the magazine is available at the Bandaranaike International Airport, hotels and resorts island-wide, onboard the national airline and lifestyle stores exploresrilanka.lk

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