Vesak Poya Day falls in May every year, as well as Labour Day. Both these days are celebrated to express the freedom obtained.

It’s the 25th anniversary year of the Business Today Awards. The Business Today TOP 40 companies were recognized for their resilience through challenging times to record growth and contribute to the country’s exchequer. The Awards Ceremony was held at the Presidential Secretariat. President Ranil Wickremesinghe was the Chief Guest. The Award Ceremony brought together politicians, distinguished dignitaries, and business corporates.

“Delightful Colours” was a teacher-student collaborative exhibition of paintings in rich, evocative colors.

Apple BKC, Apple’s first flagship store in India, is now open.

The New Year celebrations falls in April every year. The New Year celebration depends on the sun’s movement according to the lunar calendar. It also signifies the reaping of the First Harvest in the year.

Sanjaya Gunarathna, a talented contemporary artist, conducted his debut solo art exhibition. The exhibition aimed to bring awareness to the need to protect the environment.

Gunadasa Liyanage was a journalist who developed a distinct identity for the Sinhala language in journalism. He was a man of his time.

The five-star boutique hotel Inkaterra La Casona in Peru has received one of the most prestigious awards for luxury hotels around the world: The Editor’s Choice Award from Hideaway Report in the remarkable returns category.
   

Known for being Africa’s biggest contemporary art fair, the tenth edition of Investec Cape Town Art Fair focused on the notion of time, which highlighted its journey over the last decade.

Discipline and the five precepts are beneficial not only to a person’s self-development but also to the whole of society.

The new building – the first educational project by the practice in India – results from close collaboration between Foster + Partners and the University Chancellor, Dr. Vijay Patil.

Through rain and sunshine, the cobblers of Kandy have stitched their way into the denizens’ lives, helping them slip their shoes back on their feet.

The Colombo Cultural Show is a magnificent pronouncement of Sri Lanka’s readiness to welcome visitors to whom the island has myriad surprises waiting to be explored
and discovered.

Writing is a central part of human activities today. The article runs through the origins and importance of writing.

Carnival Magic, the world’s first Thai Carnival theme park, is set to become Phuket’s newest landmark. The 6.6-billion- baht venue aims to serve as a tourist magnet that can help revitalize the island’s tourism market.

The best thing about the Kandy Central Market is that it’s a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.

The release of the much anticipated Ponniyin Selvan 1 has fascinated the South Indian psyche into exploring the Chola world. Its success at the box office has turned the spotlight on the individuals who spun their magic to make a period drama a monumental success.

As it turns 40 years in 2023, Mlesna has explored the uncharted and managed to stand out. Mlesna teas, crafted by its founder Anselm Perera, are products of the heart.

Rumination and emotional processing focus on the emotional surrounding of something or rethinking something.

A special screening of Hollywood's latest release, Avatar-The Way of Water, took place at KCC Multiplex parallel to its global release.

Bearing the administrative responsibilities of running a temple from a young age, Podi Hamuduruwo devoted his life to uplifting the nation. Podi Hamuduruwo epitomizes the teachings of the Buddha. His life is one dedicated to the betterment of others, where the country always comes first.

Gone are the days when the colors of dusk muted the sounds of Kandy and lulled it to silence. The Kandy City Center (KCC) is the colossus that has awakened the inner child in everyone to be completely lost in its universe with friends and family. It’s the place to muse and meander. To wander carefree. At KCC, everyone enjoys an activity they wouldn’t normally do.

It is necessary to have a good night’s sleep every day for a successful life.

Jaffna is a world of its own. A kaleidoscope of history, language, and religion intertwined with an industrious ethic that sets apart this northern jaunt. Among its unique inventions, the Jaffna Nelli Crush, made from the Indian Gooseberry, is a testament to a beginning and a story that didn’t let a wild fruit go to waste.

Vacations on islands - from Tenerife to Juist to the Maldives. The mind immediately conjures images of white sandy beaches, palm trees swaying in the wind, and a turquoise sea.

Kumaradas Maapaana Mudaliyar’s piety, energy, vision, and clear thinking have led to the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple’s accelerated evolution from a structural and functional perspective.

50 Hudson Yards, a 78-story building by Foster + Partners, has officially opened in New York.

The Eastern lifestyle shows the way to social well-being.

Artist Nisansala Karunaratne Rajapaksa’s penchant for playing with colors and mixing the aesthetics of different art forms explores the sumptuous landscape of man, woman, and nature with mastery and completeness.

The Ves Mangalya for women is the Paimpath Mangalya. This ritual graduation ceremony for women is a gift from the teacher to a pupil who has reached a point of maturity in mastering the Ves dance.

Art of Living can be defined as a classical notion in philosophy that refers to a kind of self-direction with a view to the good life.

Foster + Partners’ design concept of the golden bowl-shaped Lusail Stadium hosted the Lusail
Super Cup Final, a precursor to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Most Sri Lankans gulp down a morning mug of Kenda, a veritable magic potion that gives the drinker energy to face the day.

Women’s freedom in society includes the right to live free from violence and discrimination, be given equal rights, the freedom to express their voice, be equally educated, and enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

Galle Face Green is one of the most popular, larger open public spaces for families, vendors, teenagers, lovers, kite flyers, merrymakers, and all those who want to indulge in their favorite pastimes next to the sea under the open sky.

When it comes to sustainable food, seasonality, regionality, and reducing animal ingredients are among the important criteria.

Apple Brompton Road, another close collaboration between Apple and Foster + Partners, is now open.

Sight the majestic leopards in the National Parks where they roam freely, rarely afraid.

Mindfulness is the ability to actively focus one’s attention on the present moment, accepting it without any form of judgment.

In most Sri Lankan homes, grams are a popular breakfast. Grams are a healthy option and prepared in various forms, and enjoyed any time of the day, whether from the roadside kiosks or at home.

Summer is the time when even cycling skeptics get their bikes out of the basement and dust off the cobwebs.

Dharshan Munidasa and his team from the Ministry of Crab returned to Singapore for a four-night pop up.



Vas, or the rain retreat, begins on Esala Poya. It is observed with much dedication and spiritual involvement.

According to the Buddhist calendar, Esala is the eighth month that recalls several significant religious and historic events etched in Buddhism. Kandy Esala Perahera and Kataragama Esala Perahera is a celebration of the island’s heritage and traditions.

With Swisstainable, the Swiss tourism industry is bringing into focus what it has been silently practicing promoting for many years: sustainable, mindful and conscious travel.

Harris Wijesinghe is one of the most admired, respected, and loved bridal dressers today. The launch of ‘Harris’ Harris Wijesinghe Divi Siritha is a celebration of the renowned bridal dresser’s career and lifestyle.

On Poson Full Moon Poya Day, large crowds of devotees pay homage to the sacred site of Mihintale, which signifies the arrival of Buddhism in the island.

Poson Poya is the day of establishing the Buddha sanaya in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is a paradise for tropical fruits, and with the beginning of seasonal fruits, the aroma pervades the air. Local fruit stalls and roadside fruit vendors are loaded with a lavish spread of these fruits. Stop by and pick your favorite!

Sustainable cuisine is the strongest foundation for healthy, creative, and high- quality top-class gastronomy. This article presents an insight into the kitchens of more Green Pearls partners.

Barbara Sansoni’s talents and accomplishments are highly developed and widely admired. Her achievement has been to apply her own Asian sensibility and the intimate individual touch inherent in weaving with natural fibres to the creation of wholly contemporary works of fabric art.

The surf capital of Sri Lanka – Arugambay, is an excellent beachside getaway with great waves, salty sea breeze, golden sands, and its wildlife.

The Vesak festival is important for Buddhists as it signifies the momentous events in the life of The Buddha, the Birth, Enlightenment, and the Passing Away.

The Sinhala New Year, known as 'Sinhala Aluth Avurudu' is a national festival, celebrated by Sinhala Buddhists in Sri Lanka and abroad. According to the lunar calendar, it falls in the month of Bak which is April, based on the sun's movement. 

Festivals in Sri Lanka reflect the traditions and cultural norms that have been treasured for years. The beginning of Ramadan fasting, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and Easter carry a remarkable significance. Adding a spark to the festive celebrations, communities embrace unity and diversity, while indulging in the festive spirit of April. 

Vanessa Selvaratnam, Founder of Vanessa's Creations gives bling to an austere hand-woven ensemble that is unique in making a statement in style and sustainable fashion.

Food connoisseur Arjuni Ranatunga launched Puduma Rahak, a brand that recalls her fond childhood memories of the island's culture and heritage that are intertwined with food.

Odiyal, also known as Kotta Kilangu, is the island's much loved and popular delicacy. This fibrous and nutritious tuber grown in the North, East, and South of the tropical island can be enjoyed in various forms.

Lotuses and Water lilies dancing in the island’s water bodies add charming elegance. The subtle shades of these flowers are ornamental beauties and part of the island’s culture and beauty.

Wood apples are loaded with a perfect balance of tanginess, delightful taste, and plenty of nutrients and continue to capture the hearts of those who savor them every time.

The newest NOLIMIT outlet at the Colombo City Center (CCC) understands its customers’ requirements and delivers exceptional in-store experiences.

Lellama in Negombo is a popular spot with many fishermen engaged in the trade for years. During the early morning hours, the place is a hive of activity.

During Navam Perahera, the Gangaramaya Temple turns into a picturesque sight decked with glittering lights, and the sounds of the musical instruments resonate in the air. The highlight of the cultural pageant is the spectacular tusker bearing the sacred relic. 

Any time of the year, any time of the day, you are bound to meet the gentle giants scattered along the roadways of the Sella Kataragama-Buttala Road and Lahugala-Arugambay Road. 

Pineapples with a strong fruity fragrance can be enjoyed on their own or prepared in various tempting forms. These juicy succulents are commonly found along the makeshift roadside stalls brimming in shades of orange-yellow.

The Buddhist calendar of events for 2022 begins with the annual street procession of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya on Duruthu Poya day in January. The festival spanning several days is a religious-cultural display from thousands of performers, acrobats, dancers, drummers, and elephants.

“Festival of Harvest” – Thai Pongal takes place on January 14th, by Hindu Tamils across the world, when preparations start a week ahead. ‘Thai’ is the time when farmers pay their gratitude to nature’s gifts – Sun God, Earth, Rain God, cattle, and other natural elements that have helped reaped a bountiful harvest.

Wisdom, hope, and new beginnings flow from the somber flame of the oil lamp. Pahana in Sinhala and Vilakku in Tamil, the oil lamp lighted in homage to great teachers and gods, has also sustained humans for centuries. Sri Lankan oil lamps represent the elements of art, of the meeting of form and functionality.

2022 is a new year for the whole world, in which people hope to begin a new life.

Ven Galboda Gnanissara Thero, fondly known as Podi Hamuduruwo, has, throughout the years, beckoned thousands of devotees and individuals who had sought his guidance at the Gangaramaya Temple.

Kalaya, the lifestyle store, is a design lover’s marketplace for rustic contemporary homeware.

The Mlesna Tea Centre reopened at Crescat Boulevard reflects that contemporary makeover, offering a display of colorful gift teas of assorted flavors packaged as loose-leaf tea and tea bags.

The month of December takes on a tremendous celebratory atmosphere, with many activities planned around Christmas.

The Candle Tree found in Peradeniya Botanical Garden is one-of-a-kind tree that produces an unusual fruit.

Unduwap Season refers to a ‘cool’ and calm period of the year that signifies the arrival of ‘Sanghamitta Theri’, bringing the sapling of Jaya Sri Maha  Bodhi.

Dotting the rustic backgrounds of the island are the Palmyrah palms or locally known as ‘thal’, with a myriad of purposes. It is one of the wonders of the island.

‘Pali’ language had been used mainly in India and some other Buddhist countries as a language of communication, preaching, and studying Buddhism.

Sandalwood has been a much loved aroma. The woods are heavy, yellow, and fine-grained, and unlike many other aromatic kinds of wood, they retain their fragrance for decades.

Celebrating design and creativity in the UAE and beyond through exhibitions, pop-ups, installations, talks, and workshops, accessible for visitors at all levels.

Fusing creativity, culture, and tradition, Sri Lankan masks play an important role in the mask heritage. From earlier times to the modern-day, making masks passed on to generations, creating vivid and intricate designs native to the island.

Deepavali, the ‘Festival of Lights’ illuminates households and surroundings by bringing the joy of the festive mode. It is a time to share the joyous spirit with families while recalling the true essence of the festival.

The Vap Poya is associated with Bhikkhus’ completion of Vas and other momentous events in Buddhism.

A typical Sri Lankan breakfast includes a delicious spread of mouthwatering food from creamy kiribath to crispy hoppers, soft pittu, and pol roti. Each meal is prepared uniquely, fused with flavors of Sri Lankan touch to kick start the day.

On one such Binara Poya, the order of Buddhist nuns (Bhikkuni) was established following the request by Maha Prajapathi Gothami and 500 women.

King Coconut or Thambili and Kurumba are the tropical isle’s abundant and favorite “thirst quenchers”. It’s a best choice to keep yourself hydrated and cool.

Tart & Tang offers a delectable range of sweets and desserts including the all-time classic American dessert pie – Key lime pie, S’mores cheesecake and more.

The Dalada Perahera, as it was originally called, commemorates the time the Buddha’s sacred tooth relic was first brought to Sri Lanka from India.

The Mahotsavam of the resplendent Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is a spiritual convergence of the devout followers of Lord Murugan.

Sri Lankans enjoy these tropical roots as a creamy side dish served with rice, a crispy, piquant snack or a filling breakfast.

Nikini Poya, according to the calendar, August is also very important for all Buddhists all over the world.

Vas or the rain retreat begins on Esala Poya and is observed with much dedication in Sri Lanka and in other Buddhist countries as well.

Sri Lanka is abundant with natural, aromatic herbs, and there is no doubt that
one can seek a quick home remedy when needed.

Journey through the less traveled roads of Sri Lanka’s interior. Find it sheltering rich habitat of wild fruits that are numerous, extravagant in taste and loaded with health benefits.

Power Station, an extension of the Dogpatch neighborhood will create thousands of new homes, while reconnecting the community with the San Francisco Bay waterfront.

Situated on Via del Corso, one of the most vibrant streets in Italy’s capital, Apple Via Del Corso brings the historic Palazzo Marignoli back to life.

On the Full Moon Poson Poya day over two millennia ago, Arahat Mahinda and his disciplines arrived in Mihintale, bringing the word of the Buddha to the nation of Sri Lanka.

Bael fruit from which the Beli Mal beverage is prepared is said to be indigenous to Sri Lanka and it has plenty of nutrients.

Experience the wondrous waves, salty sea breeze, golden sands and its wild life. Pottuvil is the place to be.

Anarkalee Kodagoda, a specialist in Hatha Yoga, combines yoga postures (asana), breathing techniques (pranayamas), energy locks (bandhana), hand gestures (mudra), mantra and cleansing activities in her yoga program.

Vesak Poya is an important festival to Buddhists and non-Buddhists around the world. It signifies three important events in the life of the Buddha.

The lush greenery enhances the beauty and welcoming ambiance as you step into the DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort.

Hambantota District is only a two- and-a-half-hour drive from Colombo via the Southern Expressway.

Growing up in a culture where the jackfruit was eaten as a sweet juicy fruit and cooked as a vegetable, one certainly knows that with a jackfruit tree you can live a food-filled life of one flake at a time.

April heralds the Sinhala and Hindu New Year in Sri Lanka, an annual event of great festivities, whose origins are little known in the course of history.

Acres of land are planted with peanuts on the Eastern Coast. The crunchy peanuts provide a favorite snack for all Sri Lankans.

Mike Winkelmann is the digital artist Beeple. His visionary, and often irrelevant digital pictures have propelled him to the top of the digital art world.

Sri Lanka had two distinctly different kinds of economic arrangements in the predominantly Sinhala areas, which resulted in two caste orders fundamentally different from one another along the coast and in the interior of the country, respectively.

The recital of Pirith is known as a form of blessing and protection. By listening to Pirith, inner peace and well-being are inculcated as it can be a form of meditation as well.

The Church of Our Lady of Good Voyage in Duwa, Negombo is famed for the yearly ‘Pasku’ or Passion Play on Good Friday, which displays this magnificent statue of Jesus Christ.

Mlesna Tea Center and Tea Kiosk at Liberty Plaza offer a range of premium Ceylon Tea and exquisite gift items.

International supermodel Jessica Minh Anh explores Asia’s high society before returning to the West.

Kalaya offers Sri Lankan traditional art and crafts as interior décor with a contemporary spin.

Sri Lankan born, Grammy award winning musician Hussain Jiffry considers himself as an abstract artist.

Spread across 50 acres, the Nagananda International Institute for Buddhist Studies, and the Manelwatta Temple in Bollagala, Kelaniya are a mesmerizing sight.

The latest urban oasis, Galle Face Urban Forest Park and Beira Lake Open Air Restaurant provide recreational spaces for people to relax and unwind.

Lords reopens its doors with colorful lights, toe-tapping music, delicious cuisine, and exotic beverages.

Whisky Point in Arugambay is a peaceful stretch of beach that is far away from the daily routine of life.

Turmeric is a wonder herb for good health. By 2023, Sri Lanka hopes to be self-sufficient in turmeric.

For decades Ven Galboda Gnanissara Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple has been the inspiration that has brought all communities together.

Sri Lanka has the opportunity to provide our world-class surfing destination, Arugambay for the Olympics in the future especially with India being a serious contender for the 2032 Olympic Games.

Work out any time, anywhere, with the fitness experience built around Apple Watch. It brings inclusive and welcoming studio-style workouts to iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV so users can work out anytime, anywhere.

Riff Hikkaduwa in the southern coast is an idyllic holiday retreat. With sharp and crisp lines, it is its simplicity and unfazed demeanor that gives Riff Hikkaduwa personality and sophistication.

Banyan by Heritance Negombo is an idyllic space to unwind. It encompasses three diverse spaces – Mad Dogs and Bodega, Rouge Bar and Lounge, and Swiss Bakery and Café.

Apple Marina Bay Sands, the new gemstone on the Singapore waterfront
is a celebration of light.

The wonderful Moringa tree also known as Murunga in Sinhala, has many benefits. Its flowers, leaves and pods can all be cooked to prepare
delicious dishes that are full of nutrition.



May 2023

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January 2023

December 2022

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April 2022

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February 2022

The very first publication of BT Options, Explore Sri Lanka that began in 1987, celebrates 35 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

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Explore Sri Lanka - May 2023

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