Writings of Life

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

A Children's short story: A change of heart

Sunday, 2 March 2014

by Husna Inayathullah

Ayomi felt embarrassed when she was bullied by her classmates.
"You country devil!, you are a real countryside girl, we hate you to the core", said Anna, the girl who was seated right opposite her." Look at her hair,it is yucky commented Alice"She is not suitable to be with us", said another girl in her class.

The whole class started to yell and laugh at her. I have never felt so embarrassed in my life! thought Ayomi. She started to cry and tears rolled down her cheeks. She closed her eyes and suddenly her thoughts flashed back to the days she spent in her village in Ududumbara.

She recalled the days she played with her friends Sita, Mala, Saduni and Upeksha. The days that they spent together playing hopscotch, four corners, land and water, kabedi and flying kites in the paddyfield.

The times that they watched the farmers singing and ploughing the field. Bathing in rivers and waterfalls, running into jungles and playing hide and seek and pelting stones using catapults at raw mangoes and being blamed by the owner of the mango trees. She just felt how terrific those days were and just felt like going back to those days.

Scholarship

Ayomi regretted for passing her scholarship examinations at her village school and for gaining admission to a leading and privileged school in the city because she could not bear the insults by her friends at school. Her friends were so rude and cruel towards her. They had a stong notion that the children who came from villages were unclean, impolite, foolish and compared them to frogs in wells. They treated Ayomi in such a way that she even felt like quitting school. The whole grade six class were against her. They kept on teasing her and she was a reserved character in her classroom.

The other girls in her class never spoke to her in a friendly manner.They never played with her in the playgrounds during Physical. Training periods. They never shared anything with her and dubbed her being low class. The days which she spent at her new school in the city was like hell to her. She started to hate her school life a lot. She was a very intelligent and a courageous girl but now she started to get low marks in all the subjects. She did not score like she scored during her days at her village school.

As she was in boarding school in the city, she always counted her days to get back to her village where her family, relatives and friends were.She felt that her days in the city were dark and dull and she did not have anyone to share her happiness and sorrows. Though Ayomi's friends were rude to her, she was always kind towards them. She tried the best possible ways to make friends with them. She was always ready to forgive her friends for teasing and mocking at her but her efforts were all in vain.

Embarrassed

Ayomi was always ready to share her things but her friends treated her stuff in a cheap way. They teased the way she ate because she used her fingers to eat but her friends ate with forks and spoons and Ayomi has never used forks and spoons to eat in her life. Whenever Ayomi went to buy something from the canteen, she felt awful and embarrassed because the canteen had many types of food which she has never seen or eaten in her life time. There were pizzas, burgers and french fries but she even did not know what they were by name.So, she was underestimated by her friends in front of everyone.

One day they arranged a field trip from her school to do an assignment on "Srilankan villages" and to Ayomi's surprise the trip was in her own village, Ududumbara for which her friends were always teasing her. Ayomi was so glad when she heard her teacher announcing it. The trip was arranged for the following week and Ayomi was getting ready with excitement because it was after a long time that she was going to her village.

The rest of the students in Ayomi's class were not happy with the trip. "Oh my God!, we do not like to go to that village teacher. It does not suit us.The people living in villages are so awful", said Mellisa. Some made negative comments.

Stories

The students in the class said all sorts of stories which hurt Ayomi a lot. The day of the trip arrived. Ayomi was so happy but her classmates were not so. They joined the excursion because the teacher made it compulsory for all the students. The other students could not avoid going on the trip. All the students got into the bus early at 4.30 a.m. Everyone except Ayomi was unhappy about the trip. The journey started and around 9.30 a.m. they reached Ududumbara.

Ududumbara was a very beautiful place with greenery everywhere. There was a beautiful waterfall surrounded by a thick jungle. There was fresh air everywhere and beautiful paddy fields. Ayomi's classmates were shocked and happy to see them. They have never been to such a clean, quiet and beautiful place in their lifetime. The people in the village were very friendly and they warmly welcomed them. They respected them much.

Ayomi and her classmates went into the thick jungle and they bathed in the river. They ran across the paddy fields and they flew kites and had so much of fun. The students of Ayomi's class were taken to this region to do an assignment, so the students took snapshots of the region and they spoke to the villagers to get some ideas on their lifestyles.

Ayomi's friends were so impressed. They could not believe that the villagers were so good and polite. Though they lacked technical know-how compared to the people in the city but they were far more humane. They had a lot of good qualities. They were so friendly and always ready to help each other. Ayomi's friends were feeling so guilty when they realised how nice the villagers were.

All these days they had a negative attitude about the people in the village but soon after the excursion they realised that people cannot be graded or measured using the place from which they come but it is their attitudes which matters a lot. They realised how selfish the people in the town were and how loving and caring the villagers were.

At the end Ayomi's classmates apologised to her for insulting her and all of them became good friends. Ayomi forgave all her friends and loved her school, studies and friends in the city.

International Youth Day : Building self-concept of youth

Sunday, 10 August 2014

By Husna Inayathullah

“This world demands the qualities of youth: not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the life of ease.” - Robert Kennedy

Youth is the time of life when one is young. Youth is the stage of building the self-concept. The self-concept of youth is influenced by several variables such as peers, lifestyle, gender, and culture. It is the time of a person’s life in which they make choices which will affect their future. This year International Youth Day 2014 will be celebrated under the theme ‘Youth and Mental Health’ and ‘Mental Health Matters’.

On a global level, it is estimated that approximately 20 percent of adolescents and youth experience a mental health condition each year, with 85-90 percent of this group living in low-income countries. The transition to adulthood is an extremely challenging period in which young people mature physically, personally, mentally and socially. It’s a critical time in which any issues can develop. For instance, we need greater knowledge about the reasons why mental health issues arise at this time, and we need to develop more effective services and interventions for young people and families.

Over the past decade, a new paradigm has emerged in the mental health field, which recognises the importance of intervening early to maximise recovery. The youth mental health paradigm aims to change the way society thinks about the mental health of young people, and to transform and strengthen the mental health system. Issues International Youth Day (IYD) is an awareness day designated by the United Nations.

The purpose of the Day is to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth. The first IYD was observed on August 12, 2000. It is an annual celebration of the role of young women and men as essential partners in change, as well as an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges and hardships facing the world’s youth. The Day also gives an opportunity for governments and others to draw attention to youth issues worldwide.

During IYD, concerts, workshops, cultural events, and meetings involving national and local government officials and youth organisations take place around the world. The United Nations Information Center (UNIC) Colombo will observe the Day at a Mental Health Institution (Sahanaya Institute of Mental Health at Bolgoda, Panadura) with the participation of residents of the institute. UNIC team will comprise UNIC staff members, counsellors, musicians and students from the School of Social Works for a program with inspirational speeches, music therapy, sports activities and a talent show. A group of dancers too will perform at the event.

UNIC has received the blessings of the President of the National Council for Mental Health, Sri Lanka. National Youth Services Council along with the Ministry of Youth and Skills development has also planned to celebrate the International Youth Day. IYD forms part of the UN’s wider World Program of Action for Youth (WPAY), an initiative that aims to promote the wellbeing and livelihood of young people. Its 15 priority areas include education, employment, poverty and hunger, the environment, drug abuse, juvenile delinquency, leisure-time activities, health, girls and young women, HIV/AIDS, information and communications technology, inter-generational issues, armed conflict, the mixed impact of globalisation, and the full and effective participation of youth in society and in decision-making. Global The global conversation about mental health and its effects on development will take place this year. Awareness on the following will be globally discussed:-

* How we can reduce stigma relating to youth with mental health conditions through education and awareness-raising.
* How to reach young people in their family, school, and work place, to help them cope with their mental health conditions
* What lessons we have learnt from existing programs and how we take those lessons to improve services and programs at different levels of economic development.

Youth with mental health conditions can often experience stigma and discrimination, which in turn can lead to exclusion and discourage people from seeking help for fear of being negatively ‘labelled’.

Efforts are needed to overcome this stigma to ensure that young people with mental health conditions can lead full and healthy lives free of isolation and unnecessary shame, and that they openly seek the services and support they need. UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), through the Focal Point on Youth, and the Inter-Agency Network on Youth Development, promotes a multi-dimensional approach to addressing the challenges faced by young people with mental health issues, including tackling stigma and promoting social inclusion to enable all young people to achieve their aspirations and goals.

Encourage Thematic discussions and information campaigns will take place across the world, to encourage both Member States and the general public to understand the needs of young people, to implement policies to help them overcome the challenges they face, and to help young people into the decision-making process. The World Conference on Youth (WCY), held from May 6-10, 2014 in Sri Lanka, brought together over 1,000 young people from 120 countries, as well as 53 governmental delegations. The conference also had participants and observers from various UN agencies and organisations dealing with youth and concluded with the adoption of the Colombo Declaration on Youth. The Colombo Declaration on Youth serves as a platform for youth on various avenues and solutions.

Que Sera, a film for the whole family

Sunday, 5 October 2014

by Husna Inayathullah

Veteran film-maker Parakrama Jayasinghe who directed the award-winning movie Ekada Wehi 10 years ago has come back with another spectacular creation Que Sera. Que sera is screened at the Regal, Colombo and other Ceylon Entertainment Ltd (CEL) circuit cinemas. It is the third cinematic direction of Jayasinghe. The story is quite different and unique compared to the present Sinhala movies. The film is for the whole family. Jayasinghe has always maintained that cinema is for entertainment. In an interview with Montage Jayasinghe speaks about the film Que sera, his life and achievements. Excerpts:

Question: What kind of exposure did you have for the film industry?

Answer: I studied at S. Thomas' College, Mt. Lavinia. I got selected to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in 1972. The same year my father passed away. I was interested to do medicine but I was selected to follow a science degree. Parakrama Jayasinghe, the director of the film As I was not interested in following a science degree, I did not continue the course. Thereafter I did accountancy and did not follow that as well until the end. My father was a successful businessman. From the 1950s he was an importer of auto parts. I took over my father's business and continued it after his death. If my father were alive, he would have forced me to continue my higher studies.

In school I played rugby. I was the senior Cadet and I was involved in the Sinhala literary society as well. Film buff I was an ardent film buff from early days. Good English films were screened in Colombo. I used to see all the movies that came to the Odeon, Mount Lavinia in the 1960s. I made it a habit of noting down all the details. Usually the films were screened for four days. So I got the opportunity to see English movies during my school days. I used to collect cinema posters, banners and pictures of actors.

My father hated cinema. I had a hard time but I did not neglect my studies. In 1994 I wrote a script for the film Ekada Wahi. I assigned a friend of mine to direct it. I told him specifically that I will give him the funds and the script to direct the film. I wanted to create a simple and entertaining story for the local filmgoers. My friend took over it but finally he said that he could not do it. Then I had to plan everything for the shooting. Then I took the challenge of directing the film though I did not know how to do it. Finally, it became a success. People said it was one of the classiest films that they had ever seen. Message

Q: What is the message that you are trying to give through Que Sera?

A: The story moves around a family of morticians who have been in the undertakers business for a very long time. The business having been in operation for over a hundred years, is on the verge of collapse now. The present owner dies of a sickness leaving the business in the hands of his two unmarried daughters. Que sera is basically a feminine movie looking at the world from their point of view.

It is about how they suffer because of the flawed structure of society. The flaws affect women than men. I have touched on this throughout the story. On the surface level it is full of entertainment and fun. Humans need to look at their own mistakes and laugh at themselves. One can be a better person in this process. If one can look at one's own mistakes and laugh at oneself it is great. Cinema is the most powerful medium of entertainment.

Through cinema, I have brought out this message. I don't want to force this message into people but I want people to feel it. I wrote a story where I could bring a lot of satire and dark humour. Nita Fernando plays the role of a wise woman with a beautiful and a powerful aura. The depiction of such an aura often connotes a person of particular power or holiness. Yoshini Abeysekara plays the role of a spirit who possesses a lot of anger and wants to take revenge.

At the end of the play she says that no one knows how she came to this world. She is angry because her mother was cheated and deserted by her father. She did not receive the love and affection of a father. She is feeling jealous of her step sisters who were well looked after by her father. The turning point in the story is where she decides to forgive those who annoyed her.

At the end she decides to turn her anger and hatred into love and compassion. This is the philosophy of the movie where I have shown that one should live with anger and burn it away. One should live with hurt, if he is hurt and that is how one can get rid of it. If we care to look at hurt, we come to terms with it rather than running away from it.

Target audience

Q: What is your target audience?

A: My target audience consists of those who are neglected by the Sinhala film industry. Over the past 20 years, they have gradually moved away from from cinema. I am trying to bring them back to the Sinhala cinema. I find that even the new generation has moved away from the Sinhala cinema. Those who are bilingual are also part of my target audience. They consider that the present Sinhala cinema as virtual trash. It is a very difficult task to convince them that we can make decent entertaining films without being stupid. The film with nearly 30 percent of dialogue in English but with Sinhala subtitles targets an audience which had been neglected for a long time. I also think that the film is suitable for everybody.

Q: The music used for the film is quite different and the songs are interesting. The melody is catchy too. Can you say something about it?

A: The most notable feature of the film is its musical score. Veteran musician Somapala Ratnayake composed the score. For the first time I wrote the lyrics for the song. There is a relationship between the song and the movie. One should carefully listen to the lyrics of the song to understand it. Lyrics were a part of the dialogue in the movie.

I used this technique because the songs can be treated as an intrigue part of the story. The first song is really beautiful. It cannot be expressed in words. The song is "I left one world and came to another world looking for happiness but where I came is worse than what it was. So now what am I to do? I know that there is happiness somewhere else beyond the normal norms of happiness and that is what I am looking for." The spirit of Yoshini Abeysekara in the film came from one world to another on her own accord.

She is unhappy and looking for happiness and in the process anger builds in her but she doesn't know that this anger is common to all mankind. She tries to destroy things out of shear anger. Bridge The tittle of the evergreen song written by the Jay Livingston and Ray Evans Que Sera, Sera or Whatever Will Be, Will Be, featured in the Alfred Hitchcock's 1956 film The Man Who Knew Too Much, had made a bridge between Hollywood and Sri Lankan film industry. The five verses in the Thovilaya were written by me. Those verses describe the sad state in the art of the country. Satirically I am bringing out my anger. The rotten state of the cinema is bought out and I am laughing at it.

Q: The actors have done their roles well. What do you think about it?

A: Of course, they have done their best performance. The four main characters were Hans Billimoria, Yoshini Abeysekara, Michelle Herft and Oshini Perera. They all were new to the screen but they performed really well.

Q: Are you directing any other movies?

A: Yes. I am planning to direct a movie and actually it is under process now. I am directing a movie called 'Children's musical' based on one of the legendary Hollywood movies. It will be released next year.

ICT-supported English speaking school opened

Sunday, 9 March 2014

by Husna Inayathullah

The launch of The English Speaking School (TESS), teaching and testing of English with the help of Information and Communication Technologies was held at the BMICH recently, under the patronage of Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena. Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena at the launch of the English Speaking School (TESS) at the BMICH.

The new program aimed at integrating ICT tools into English teaching and testing was planned and coordinated by the Presidential Secretariat, through the Presidential Task Force on English and IT the Special Initiatives Unit (SIU) of the Secretariat, with a group of partners from both the public and private sectors. This new program was hosted by the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS). TESS will be piloted in three schools such as Prince and Princess of Wales Colleges, Moratuwa and Mahinda Rajapaksa College, Pitipana, Homagama.

The Presidential Task Force on English, IT coordinator Dr. Sunimal Fernando said incorporating English the IT would provide the right combination and empowerment for school leavers to be equipped for the demands of higher education on the one hand and for accessing a job market with a high rate of remuneration on the other. He said the government's program to set up 1,000 language laboratories in schools will enable English teachers strengthen their capacity using ICT tools.

He said that such laboratories have already been set up at 100 of the 1,000 schools and Minister Bandula Gunawardena plans to provide teachers an opportunity to make use of language laboratories after school hours and on weekends. "TESS is another milestone in the Governments program-English as a life skill. From today we are developing software which will benefit the students and teacher alike," he said. "What we are launching today is not a project but a process through which the competence in the English language is to be used as a life skill," he said.

Minister Gunawardena said following the Ministry's decision to test English language listening and speaking skills, marks will be allocated for listening and speaking at the GCE (Ordinary Level) examination from 2015. He said the students will be able to speak in English in the future and be confident in their lives without merely getting through examinations. The launch coincided with the 123rd Founder's Day of the Prince and Princess of Wales Colleges, Moratuwa.

Additional Solicitor General Suhada Gamlath and Senior Assistant Secretary to the President Deepa Liyanage delivered speeches commemorating the founder, Sir Charles Henry de Soysa, on behalf of the Past Pupils' Associations of respective schools. Chief Justice Mohan Peiris PC was the Chief Guest and British Council Director Keith Davies represented the United Kingdom at the British High Commission. Deputy Minister Mohan Lal Grero was also present.

State Awards for literary giants

Sunday, 7 September 2014

By Husna Inayathullah

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Pic : Chandana Perera The prestigious Sahithyarathna awards were conferred on Prof. Wimal Dissanayake, Carl Muller and Teliwatte Joseph in recognition of their contribution to literature in Sinhala, English and Tamil Media.

The state literary awards ceremony 2014 was held at the BMICH recently with President Mahinda Rajapaksa gracing the occasion as the chief guest on the invitation of Minister of Culture and Arts T.B. Ekanayake. The State Literary Awards Ceremony - 2014 was held under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the BMICH.

Here the President with the Literati who were conferred with the prestigious Sahithyarathna title - namely Prof. Wimal Dissanayake, Carl Muller and Teliwatte Joseph. Culture and the Arts Minister T. B. Ekanayake and State Literature Sub-Committee Chairman Prof. Samantha Herath were also present. Awards were also given to categories such as children’s literature, drama, prose, non-fiction, poetry, translations and novels in all three languages.

Only the books deposited at the National Archives were selected for awards by an eminent panel. The first round of the survey was carried out by an external board, the second round by the panel on literature, the third round by an apex body of scholars.

Literary works selected by the third round of the survey were given awards at the awards festival. “Benefiting from the fruits of economic development depends largely on the members of any society being enriched in literature and culture,” President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in his message. “Our society now shows much progress in the production and appreciation of quality works in language, literature, music, drama and other artistic forms. The government stands committed to provide the necessary support and facilities for the betterment of arts in the country. The literati of a country make a great contribution towards its progress,” he said.

Chairman, sub-committee judging literary works for the 2014 Literary Awards, Senior Lecturer of Colombo University, Prof Samantha Herath said over 1,600 books were referred to the panel of judges. Minister of Culture and the Arts T.B. Ekanayake said, “The annual event to honour the distinguished literati and recognise their outstanding creations during the previous year had come to a successful conclusion with the awards ceremony.

The literati are noble figures who nourish the masses. The government at all times work to assist them and develop the sector. Writers, readers, schoolchildren and almost everyone enjoy the pleasure of literature in this month of literature. However, this should not be restricted to a single month.”

Cultural items, dancing items and Anklet (a dance drama) created by veteran dancers such as Ravibandu Vidyapathi, Channa Wijewardena, Kulasiri Budawatta and Vasuki Jegadeeswaran were staged during the festival. The event was organised by the Ministry of Culture and Arts, Department of Cultural Affairs, Arts Council of Sri Lanka and the State Literary Panel.

'English for Lawyers' program launched

Sunday, 8 June 2014

by Husna Inayathullah

The Faiszer Musthapha Foundation, set up by Deputy Investment Promotion Minister Faiszer Musthapha to uplift the living conditions of the underprivileged people, launched a special program to teach English to young lawyers Thursday.

The launching ceremony was held at the BOI Auditorium, World Trade Centre under the patronage of Attorney General Sarath Palitha Fernando PC. The guest of Honour was Justice Shiranee Tilakawardena. It was also attended by renowned legal professionals and young lawyers.

The deputy minister said the Foundation decided to empower young lawyers by teaching them spoken English as he has seen many young professionals frustrated by their inability to express themselves. "Being a lawyer myself and having practised for over 20 years, I have come across many brilliant lawyers. However, they do not get cases simply because they are not conversant in English language," he said.

He said lawyers cannot succeed without a knowledge of English. His foundation would help them succeed in their profession and personal life through the program."My aim is to eliminate the gap between English and non-English speaking classes by improving the language proficiency of the latter," he said. The program will benefit young lawyers and will be held twice a week in the Western Province. Shiranee Tilakawardena said, "English is one of the easiest language to learn."

During her speech she made a presentation showing the importance of English. Sarath Palitha Fernando said that most of the books related to law are written in English. If a law student wants to enrich his knowledge, English should be learnt well. The Faiszer Musthapha foundation is a non-profit organisation formed to uplift the living standard of people across the island and its focus is on promoting peace, unity, prosperity and success.

Arun’s debut film shows promise

Sunday, 14 September 2014

by Husna Inayathullah

Avinash Arun’s Killa (The Fort) was screened at the International Film Festival Colombo 2014 at the Regal Cinema. Killa was a remarkable film that focuses on a young boy Chinu, and the year he spends in a village in Maharashtra, making new friends, while also caring for his single mother. Chinu is having a hard time settling into his new home in the countyside.

He and his mother relocated there from the big city following his father’s death. The move is supposed to help Chinu get over his loss. He watches a group of boys playing games in the woods with an older boy Yuvraj. There doesn’t seem to be any room for him in their gang. Moreover, at school his cleverness makes the others brand him a swot.

Only after he gets the notoriously underachieving Yuvraj out of a jam by helping him solve a maths’ problem does Chinu gain admittance to the clique. But can a genuine friendship develop so quickly? Told in atmospherically charged images in which the weather and landscape also play an important role, the film portrays a difficult period in a boy’s life.

Chinu is called upon to find his feet. In doing so he distances himself from his mother who is also struggling to cope with the situation. Both make a terrible mistake and are forced to realise that they are alone. Perhaps what they need is another beginning. The story opens with natural and realistic sounds.

The natural sounds made me feel as if I am in the movie as one of the characters. The sound effects were really awesome. The film had wonderful pace and rhythm. Never reverting to clichés, the fresh performances left me feeling that I was right there with the characters. The movie is not only suitable for children but also for adults. It shows as to how an adult can cope and face challenging situations in life.

The innocence of life is portrayed by the two main characters. The film deals with the universal conflict of migration and how it impacts the lives of the people. In an interview with Montage Avinash Arun speaks about his debut movie Killa, his life story and achievements. Excerpts:

Question: Tell me something about yourself?

Answer: I was born in the southern part of Maharashtra, Solapur, India on November 20, 1985 to a small family. My father was a government servant. He was a school teacher and my mother a housewife. I am the eldest in my family with two sisters. My sisters are still studying. Actually my mother still doesn’t know what I do. I studied camera at the Film and Television Institute of India in Maharashtra, graduating in 2011. I got my degree in English Literature and I graduated from the University of Pune, Maharashtra. I have a Diploma in Cinematography from the Film and Television Institute of India. At present I am working as a cinematographer in Mumbai.

Q: What made you direct a film?

A: From Solapur which is in the southern part of Maharashtra, my childhood was spent in the Konkan region, which is in the western part of Maharashtra, and then in Pune. As my father was a government servant, very often he got transfers so we had to move along with him. Every time I used to change schools. Each time I had to make new friends and there would be a different culture. With all these changes, I developed a unique sort of understanding.

These were the experiences that I wanted to depict in my film. I have experienced almost all the incidents in the film. Of course, I fictionalised a little bit and added some drama to the script. One day I narrated my story to my friends, Ajay G. Rai and Alan McAlex. They gave me the idea to direct a film. I never thought that it would happen so fast. The film was produced by Jar Pictures founded by Ajay G. Rai and Alan McAlex. The third month after narrating the story to them and after getting their ideas, I started shooting the film.

Q: What kind of exposure did you have for the film industry?

A: I did not have an exposure for the film industry. My mother is not at all interested in films. My father was a teacher but he loves watching films. Whenever a film is screened he watches it so I too used to watch films with my father. This inspired me. I loved watching films. I always wanted to make a film. I thought one day I will make a film and I made it. I started assisting in FTII Diploma films at 16.

Q: Tell me something about your film Killa?

A: Killa is about a child who is coping with the death of his father. An 11-year-old boy finds it difficult to adapt to a new place he has migrated to. He experiences some life changing events which a new place, people and destiny offer. It is a film about those experiences which shape up your life and make you the person you are today. A scene from the film It is a Marathi film. The film is named as Killa which means the fort and it symbolises the barriers and challenges in life. It is a regional based film and it is different from typical bollywood films. The cinematography of this film is also done by me.

Q: What is the message that you are trying to give through the film?

A: The message that we can take from the film is that life has to go on and we have to experience everything in life. Each and everything which happens in our childhood is really very interesting. Those are nice memories and it affects us when we grow up.

Q: What are your achievements?

A: I worked as a cinematographer for the film Vees Manjay Vees (Twenty means twenty) which was produced by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). I won the Maharashtra State Award for the best Cinematographer in 2014. Killa was selected in the Generation Kplus competitive category and has won a Crystal Bear from the Children’s Jury and a Special Mention from the International Jury at the Berlin International Film Festival, Germany this year.

In 2010, my school project “The Light and Her Shadows” won me the cinematography award in Kodak film school Competition. My diploma film Allah is Great was the official entry from India for Student Oscars. It also won several awards including the National award in 2012. I have worked on Kai Po Che! (Berlinale Panorama section 2012), Deool (National Award winner 2011).

Q: How did you feel when you won a Crystal Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in Germany?

A: It was a fantastic experience for me. I felt so happy and great as it was my first feature film. It gave me the courage and interest to do more films. The people and culture in Berlin was so very different. They were so nice. I got the confidence that I can do more films. I want money to make more films so I am waiting until I make some money.

As long as people are there I will always be with them. I will direct more films in the future. I have two new concepts such as fantasy and bollywood. My fantasy film is going to be all about children in association with the nature. I have selected the Sahyadri mountain to shoot the film. Nowadays children are stuck in the towns with the new technology. So it is all about how important it is for children to spend time with the nature.

Q: What do you think about the International Film Festival Colombo 2014?

A: The International Film Festival Colombo 2014 was well organised. This is the first time my film Killa was screened in Sri Lanka. The people in Sri Lanka are lovely and friendly. I like to work with them. I would like to shoot one of my films in Sri Lanka as well. At present I am so eager to show my film Killa in India which I dedicated to my parents.
Q: What are your leisure time activities?

A: I like to sing, play music, dance, travel, meet strangers and different people and talk a lot to older people.

Q: Why do you like to talk a lot to older people?

A: Old people are like small children in a way. They have so many experiences in life and they have a lot to share. I learn a lot through them. There is innocence in them. I love people transform experiences. I believe that life is simple and philosophy comes from life. I believe in ancestors and microbiology too.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Haj the festival of sacrifice

Sunday, 5 October 2014

By Husna Inayathullah

“May Allah’s blessing light your way, strengthen your faith and bring joy to your heart as you praise and serve Him today, tomorrow and always.” Eid Mubarak!

Muslims all over the world anticipate the annual three-day celebration of a historical event that took place thousands of years ago during the time of Prophet Ibrahim. This occasion is known as Eid-ul-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice.

It is a representation of two significant Islamic events such as the culmination of the Haj pilgrimage to Mecca and the sacrifice that Allah commanded to Prophet Ibrahim of his beloved son, Ismail. Eid-ul-Adha is observed on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. While Muslims around the world celebrate this day, it has particular significance for the pilgrims performing haj.

In Sri Lanka it is celebrated tomorrow according to the sighting of the moon. Eid-ul-Adha is associated with Haj. Allah had made the Haj mandatory upon mankind initially during the time of Prophet Ibrahim. “And make a proclamation of Haj to mankind; they will come to you on foot and on lean camels from every distant quarter.” (Quran: Chapter: 22, Verse: 27).

The spread of idolatry across Arabia caused the rituals of Haj to become extremely distorted. With the advent of Islam and Prophet Muhammad, Allah restored Haj as the fifth pillar of Islam. Allah described the correct manner in which it was to be performed in the Holy Quran. Allah has ordained that every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it must perform the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. Several main rituals constitute the framework of this experience.

Tawaf which means circulating the Kabah seven times, Sa’i which means walking between the mounds of Safa and Marwah seven times, supplicating to Allah at Arafat, the place where Prophet Muhammad gave his farewell speech, proclaiming the final seal of Islam, and where Muslims believe they will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment and stoning the pillars that symbolise Satan at Mina, the place where Satan repeatedly challenged Ibrahim to disobey Allah’s command to sacrifice his son.

Each of these prescribed acts is a step in the pilgrim’s difficult journey towards spiritual cleansing. When the pilgrim successfully executes these acts in the prescribed manner with utmost sincerity and humility, all his prior sins are forgiven.

Final ritual

The final ritual that pilgrims must perform, signifying the completion of these acts is the sacrifice of a domestic animal. In addition to denoting the completion of haj, Eid-ul-Adha honours the monumental sacrifice that was to be made by Prophet Ibrahim. He was ordered by Allah to sacrifice his dearly-beloved son Ismail as a test of obedience.

Ibrahim willingly submitted to Allah’s command, wherein Allah, by His Mercy replaced Ismail at the moment of sacrifice with a lamb. Ibrahim’s selfless act of obedience is commemorated by the sacrifice of a domestic animal such as a lamb, sheep, cow, or goat, the meat of which is then distributed to relatives, neighbours, and the poor.

In parts of the world that preclude Muslims from personally sacrificing an animal, Muslims donate money to charitable organisations, which then sacrifice the animal on their behalf and distribute the meat to the poor. In keeping with the following injunction of the Quran (22:27), “…and pronounce the name of Allah over the cattle which We have provided for them on the appointed days, then eat the meat themselves and feed the indigent and needy.”

Eid-ul-Adha exemplifies the charitable instincts of Muslims in their communal effort to see that no one is left deprived of the sacrificial meat. It embodies the values of discipline and self-denial, and submitting to the will of Allah. Eid-ul-Adha is a joyous occasion marked with family traditions and celebrations.

The festivities begin in the morning after Fajr prayer, where Muslims, dressed in their finest clothes, attend the congregational prayer followed by a sermon. During the festival of Eid al-Adha and the days preceding it, Muslims recite the Takbir. This is particularly the case on the Day of Arafat. The Takbir is the term for the Arabic phrase Allahu Akbar usually translated as “God is the greatest.”

It is a common Islamic Arabic expression, used in various contexts by Muslims in formal prayer as an informal expression of faith in times of distress, to express celebration or victory, or to express resolute determination or defiance. Upon completion of the services, people greet each other with the blessings of Eid: ‘Eid Mubarak’. Thereafter, Muslims often visit the homes of relatives and friends, partaking in delicious feasts customary to their native cultures and often exchanging gifts, and many eagerly anticipate the return of those friends and relatives who have made the journey for Haj.

Roots Christianity, Judaism, and Islam- all trace their roots back to Prophet Ibrahim known as Abraham who is thus known as the father of the three monotheistic religions. Islam relates that Ibrahim had two wives, Sarah and Hajar, each of whom bore a son, Ishaq and Ismail. Although Hajar was initially Sarah’s maid, according to Islam, Hajar later married Prophet Ibrahim and bore him a son, Ismail.

The lineage of Prophet Muhammad is traced to Ismail, whereas Christianity and Judaism trace their roots back to Prophet Ishaq, the son of Sarah. The sacrifice by Ibrahim is of importance in all three monotheistic religions, although it is not commemorated by Jews and Christians in the same manner as in Islam. Christianity and Judaism, however, maintain that Ishaq, rather than Ismail, was the promised son whom Allah had ordered to be sacrificed.

The sacrifice of the son of Prophet Ibrahim has historical significance. Muslims celebrate the event through the festivities of Eid-ul-Adha as customary to their native cultures. Eid-ul-Adha is a time of remembrance of the trials of Prophet Ibrahim, a time to celebrate the end of Haj, and a time that men, women, and children of all ages greatly anticipate.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

In the vicinity of Temple Trees: 'Live and let live'

Sunday, 06th July 2014

By Husna Inayathullah

Peace is an occurrence of harmony characterised by lack of violence, conflict behaviour and the freedom from fear of violence. Commonly understood as the absence of hostility, peace also suggests sincere attempts at reconciliation, the existence of healthy or newly healed interpersonal or international relationships, prosperity in matters of social or economic welfare, the establishment of equality, that serves the true interests of all.

Religious beliefs often seek to identify and address the basic problems of human life, including conflicts among and within persons and societies. Many Christians call Jesus the "Prince of Peace", and see him as a 'Messiah', the "Christ", who manifested as the Son of God on Earth to establish God's Kingdom of Peace, wherein persons, societies, and all of Creation are to be healed of evil. Buddhists believe that peace can be attained once all suffering ends. They regard all suffering as stemming from craving, aversion or delusions.

To eliminate such suffering and achieve personal peace, followers in the path of the Buddha adhere to a set of teachings called the Four Noble Truths - a central tenet in Buddhist philosophy. Islam means submission. The title "Muslim" etymologically directly related to salam and means a person who submits to Allah in salam. The submission to Allah "The God", is based on humility. An attitude of humility within one's own self cannot be accomplished without total rejection of violence, and a personal attitude and alignment toward peace.

Hinduism is also a religion of peace. It is the oldest world religion. In some of its writings ahimsa has been considered the highest duty from the beginning of time. Jainism also grew out of Hinduism. Jainists believe that people should strive to become detached from the distractions of worldly existence and that the practice of ahimsa is an essential step on the way to personal salvation.

The Sunday Observer spoke to religious leaders belonging to different ethnic groups living in Polwatta, Kollupitiya, Colombo 3 and obtained the essence of unity and harmony between the different ethnic groups living together in peace and harmony. Polwatta has a kovil, mosque, church and a temple in the same vicinity. The people here live in unity. This region was really unique because their was perfect harmony between them. The people loved and respected one another.

Walking into the llam thopu sakthi amman kovil and speaking to the priest was a wonderful experience. Srithar said, "All the four major ethnic groups live in this area. We live peacefully and happily. We share and care for each other. If peace and harmony between communities is not strengthened, it could have a negative impact on the economy and hinder the country's forward march." "Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country but all ethnic groups live together. This area is the best example for harmony between the multi-ethnic groups.

Every year we allow all the religious groups to conduct meetings and to hold their celebrations inside our mosque. The commemoration of war heroes takes place each year at our mosque. At times, all of us get together and discuss our common problems and find solutions. We conduct meetings for our betterment and development too. President Mahinda Rajapaksa is of imnense assistance said Shafee Moulana, the manager of the Kollupitiya Jummah mosque.

Ven. Wathurawela Rathanawansa thera, the chief incumbent of the Sri Dharmakeerthi Royal Temple, Polwatta said, "It is 32 years since I am living here. Even though many problems arise in the country, for example like the recent riot in Beruwela, the different ethnic groups in Polwatta live together in peace. We are happy that we do not have misunderstandings or clashes between us. Wherever, whatever happens, we the people of Polwatta will always be united.

If there is a problem in our area, all the religious leaders get together and discuss the problem and find a useful solution." He further said, " I wish that the whole country lived like us. At the same time I also wish that the Polwatta region should be forever united and live in unity. I will never allow outsiders to come and create conflicts. Even during problem times, we went house -to - house and advised the people to live in unity. During Vesak, the activities connected to dansals were done by the Muslims, Tamils and Christians so this shows our unity."

Nelson Nicolas, a Christian resident in Polwatte said, " Each year we participate in all the festivals of the different ethnic groups. It is real fun. We live in harmony together." "We live in unity and happiness. Even during this Ramazan season, we share our food with each other.They are very happy to taste our special conjee which we make for Ramazan," said Fathima Sharafdeen a resident of the area. All major religions in this region therefore stressed the importance of 'live and let live' in peace and harmony.

Polwatta in Kollupitiya bears ample testimony to this fact.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

October, the Reading Month: Fostering a cultivable habit

Sunday, 19 October 2014

By Husna Inayathullah

"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one." - George R. R. Martin

Reading is an important part of a person's learning process. Reading is a way for people to make connections between what they already know and what they read about in books. These connections help people understand the world around them.

Through books we are exposed to characters and cultures that they may not otherwise interact with in real life. If a child likes to read, he is off to a great start in life! When a child is interested in reading and enjoys certain types of books such as mysteries, humour or adventure stories, we should encourage children's natural interests in the genres they like as much as possible.

October is considered as the 'reading month' in Sri Lanka. Many people love reading because it is entertaining. Reading books also teaches us about the world and helps us develop empathy, according to Scholastic. Each time you turn a page, your brain lights up and reading is a workout for the mind, body and soul.

D. C. R. A. Goonetilleke, Emeritus Professor of English, University of Kelaniya in his views sounds an alarm seeing the future of a declining trend in reading. He said, "At the moment reading seems to be fighting a losing battle against the lure of television. There are so many channels and such a variety of fare that is more accessible than reading. Of course today reading books refers not only to reading printed books but also to reading materials available on the Internet. Substitute "One can read poems, plays and fiction not only in printed books but also on the Internet, but the reading month focuses really on fostering the reading habits and at the moment it refers mainly to reading printed books.

There are those who predicted the death of the printed books but this has not happened so far and may never happen. "For several reasons there is no real substitute for the printed books. Yet whatever the medium the printed book or the Internet, the important factor is to cultivate the reading habit. Literacy is important to keep the brain cells functioning and develops one's personality.

A long time ago Francis Bacon said, "Reading maketh a full man" and despite modern developments Bacon's words are still true." Many children are attracted to one genre or type of book. They may have a favourite author that they like to read again and again. Even though children may enjoy reading a single type of literature, you can gently introduce children to other genres.One should never push too hard and run the risk of turning off a child to reading.

There are several benefits that a person can gain from reading books. One should not dedicate only the month of October to read books but the reading habit should be cultivated and books should be read everyday. The exposure to different authors and genres of books can give insight into other cultures, worldwide locations, and new vocabulary. For instance, science fiction books may have different vocabulary and settings than we find in mystery books. Reading books can be more than entertainment.

There is so much of pleasure in curling up with a good book. Enjoying literature helps strengthen mind-reading abilities. The research published in the Science showed that reading literary works cultivates a skill known as "theory of mind," which is the "ability to 'read' the thoughts and feelings of others." Stress Reading can chill a person once he is stressed.

Research conducted in 2009 at Mind lab International at the University of Sussex showed that reading was the most effective way to overcome stress, beating out old favourites such as listening to music, enjoying a cup of tea or coffee and even taking a walk. It really doesn't matter what book you read, by losing yourself in a thoroughly engrossing book you can escape from the worries and stresses of the everyday world and spend a while exploring the domain of the author's imagination.

Reading could help keep your brain sharp. A lifetime of reading might just help keep your brain in shape when you reach old age, according to research. A study which included 294 participants who died at an average age of 89, found that those who engaged in mentally stimulating activities such as reading earlier and later on in life experienced slower memory decline compared to those who didn't.

Menike Sumanasekera, a well known author and public speaker on positive thinking, psychotherapist and a counselor in psychology said, "The month of October is considered important as it is the month of reading. Reading is very important in our society. At present, reading has been forgotten by many due to the busy schedule of adults and children. They should be made aware of the importance of reading this month.

"September is regarded as the literary month and each year the international book fair takes place. There are so many discounts at book stores as well. Many people purchase books during the literary month. People who purchase books during the literary month can read it in this month of October.

"The reading habits, specially in children, youth and women have declined. The younger generation is addicted to the Internet as it is easy to access. At the same time there are youth who are interested in reading printed books.

However, we should accept that reading e-books and books through tablets have lead to the decline of reading printed books today. Students should not only read the school text books, instead they should read all kinds of books and widen their horizon. Students reading a variety of books will lead them to face their exams successfully." Decline In particular, people who exercised their minds later in life had a 32 percent lower rate of mental decline compared to their peers with average mental activity.

The rate of decline amongst those with infrequent mental activity, on the other hand, was 48 percent faster than the average group. A study suggests that exercising your brain by taking part in activities such as these across a person's lifetime, from childhood through old age, is important for brain health in old age. Reading also prevents you from diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Some research proves that adults who engage in hobbies that involve the brain such as reading or puzzles are less likely to have Alzheimer's disease. The brain is an organ just like every other organ in the body. It ages in regard to how it is used. Just as physical activity strengthens the heart, muscles and bones, intellectual activity strengthens the brain against disease. Once you read it helps you to sleep better.

Many sleep experts recommend that establishing a regular de-stressing routine before bed to calm your mind such as reading a book, is a great way to have a good sleep. Bright lights, including those from electronic devices, signal to the brain that it's time to wake up, meaning reading your book under a dim light is a better bedside bet than a laptop. Getting lost in a good book could also make you more empathetic. Putting yourself in a work of fiction might actually increase your empathy.

Researchers in the Netherlands designed two experiments which showed that people who were "emotionally transported" by a work of fiction experienced boosts in empathy. Self-help books can ease depression. Self-help books might actually help you help yourself. A study shows that reading self-help books combined with support sessions was linked with lower levels of depression after a year compared to patients who received typical treatments.

Depression gradually weakens people's motivation and makes it hard to believe change is possible. Self-help books could even work in cases of severe depression. People with severe depression can benefit from "low-intensity interventions," including self-help books and interactive websites, as much or more than those who are less severely depressed. Let's make it a habit to read books and obtain its benefits.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Two children set cycling record

Sri Lanka, Oct. 19-

by Husna Inayathullah

Michael Pollan, a nutritionist, once said, "Don't eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognise as food."

Good nutrition and a balanced diet help children grow healthily. Disara Desandi and Kulunu Gaveshitha Nanayakara have good eating habits.

They are encouraged by their parents to take a balanced diet.

Disara Desandi and Kulunu Gaveshitha Nanayakara aged five of Carlton Preschool, Mount Lavinia cycled 191Km from Mount Lavinia to Tangalle creating a record recently. They started cycling on October 1- Children's Day.

It took six days for them to cycle from Mount Lavinia to Tangalle. Disara and Kulunu told the Junior Observer, "It was a wonderful experience. We never felt tired and cycling was interesting.We are happy that we completed the task."

Disara and Kulunu are active and sporty. Both of them have plenty of determination. They had the appropriate weight and height for their age. They have good posture and bone structure.

The two of them were pleased that they had fulfilled a feat. Disara's father Harsha Hettiarachchi, Director Operations of Kulunu Foundation and Kulunu's father, Nanayakara, founder of the Kulunu Foundation said, "Our children eat nutritious food sans preservatives.

They eat local food such as red rice, green gram, yams and potatoes. They were breastfed."

They said President Mahinda Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Executive Director and Principal of Carlton Preschool helped them in this endeavour.

Namal Rajapaksa MP, a past pupil of Carlton Preschool also extended his support. "We believe that every child has the ability but it is in the hands of the parents to motivate and encourage them. We must feed our children with healthy and nutritious food and should teach them healthy eating habits."

"Children are the future of our country, hence it is our responsibility to produce healthy children. This was a challenge so we motivated our children to take part in this endeavour.

"Today most children in the country suffer from obesity. It can be eradicated if we try," They said.

King Kashyapa

Sunday 23, November 2014

by Husna Inayathullah

King Kashyapa's story is like a Shakespearean tragedy. He built the most spectacular Sigiriya Rock Fortress in Sri Lanka 1,600 years ago. It is a tale of cruelty,intrigue, patricide, vision, grandeur, chivalry, betrayal and abandonment. Kashyapa ruled between 477 and 495 AD. He was the second monarch of the Mauryan Dynasty of the Anuradhapura Kingdom.

He acquired the throne by overthrowing his father, King Dhatusena, and usurping his brother and rightful heir to the throne, Moggallana, in a palace coup. He imprisoned and later executed his father. Kashyapa was also known as Pithru Ghathaka Kashyapa (Kashyapa the Patricide), after this incident. He was later defeated by Moggallana who had fled to South India and returned with an army to regain the throne.

Though Kashyapa was the eldest son of the king, he was not the heir to the throne. Moggallana was the son of the royal consort and the rightful heir to the throne, while Kashyapa was born to a non-royal concubine. However, Kashyapa sought to acquire the throne by ousting Moggallana.

He was assisted by the Commander of the king's army, Migara, who sought vengeance for a disagreement between himself and the king. Assisted and encouraged by Migara, Kashyapa carried out a palace coup and overthrew Dhatusena.

Dhatusena was imprisoned and Kashyapa became the king of the country in 473 as the second king in the Mauryan Dynasty of Sri Lanka. However, Moggallana fled to South India, fearing that his brother would assassinate him.

Migara led Kashyapa to believe that Dhatusena had a treasure hidden away and Kashyapa demanded it from the imprisoned king.

Dhatusena took his captors to the Kalaweva, a large irrigation tank he had constructed, and told him that it was the only treasure he had. Enraged by this, Kasyapa had his father murdered by entombing him in a wall.

Kashyapa incurred the wrath of the public and the Bhikkhus. He earned the name Pithru Ghathaka Kashyapa which means Kashyapa the Patricide. Due to this and fearing an attack from Moggallana, Kashyapa moved his capital and residence from the traditional capital of Anuradhapura to the more secure location of Sigiriya. At Sigiriya, he constructed a large citadel and his palace was built on top of the Sigiriya Rock.

Sigiriya was a large rock rising above the surrounding plain offering an unhindered view in all directions. It was chosen as the capital because of the strategic advantage this would give the defenders during an attack. Large ramparts and moats were built around the city. An elaborate and large garden was built around the rock.

The gardens consisted a number of pools, fountains and other structures. A complex underground irrigation system supplied water to the pools and fountains. The fountains are functional to this day.

The constructions on top of the Sigiriya Rock include the king's palace among several other buildings and pools. The Sigiriya frescoes which depict maidens carrying flowers were also created during Kashyapa's reign at Sigiriya.
Moggallana organised an army in South India and returned to Sri Lanka to claim his right to the throne.

In the battle that ensued in the plains surrounding Sigiriya, Kashyapa's army was defeated. He killed himself with his own sword. Kashyapa's reign as king of Sri Lanka ended with the defeat in 495 and Moggallana became the king as Moggallana I.

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