Chronicles of time — In the singular photograph that captures the essence of a spirited friendship, Rajakaruna and I emerge vibrant and undaunted. The image conjures memories of our unconventional lives, etched with tales of late-night escapades and the warmth of shared camaraderie. Rajakaruna, a bold and boisterous companion, would return from the hotel’s…

On a scorching morning, when the sun ruled the sky like a stern supervisor, the world was simpler. You could grab a cup of tea, the daily elixir for a schoolboy, for a mere seven cents. …

A Comedy Show on and off the Field — When the gang decided to turn Cyrus’s attempts at football into a comedy show, they were onto something. With his peculiar physique — short stature, a head the size of a watermelon was a sight to behold on the football field. …

Chuckles in a Tilted Christian Boarding School — Back in Mutwal, I found myself in a Christian Brothers boarding school at the on the cusp of puberty. Honestly, I was disoriented, not having a clue about the happenings around me. The beach adjacent to the school was my refuge, a much-needed spot to unwind. …

A Voyage of Change and Miracles — In the serene village of Mudiyansegewatte, amidst the picturesque landscapes of Ceylon, my mother confronted me one day with a stern expression. “You are getting too wild in this place,” she declared, expressing concern and reproach. In my youthful defensiveness, I replied, “And go where?” Her suggestion was clear, offering…

Gates, Games, and Divine Decibels — In our neighbourhood, Annavi Seeya was the ultimate mystery man. His front gate was perpetually padlocked, and no one witnessed any comings or goings. Trying to enter? Good luck! His fence was a fortress, so tight that not even a chicken could sneak through. …

Damsels in the Devil’s Playground: A Neighbourhood Chronicle from the seventies. — In my neighbourhood, young women seem to be going through some serious struggles, and I reckon it’s a mix of feeling lonely, boyfriendless, and dealing with bullying from their male family members. As you wander through Mudiyansegewatta and the neighbourhood in the evening, you stumble upon gatherings in the homes…

The Veil of Neighbourly Strife — Sebastian, the acolyte at our local church, was quite the character. He wore a smirky smile that seemed permanently etched on his face as if he fancied himself the divine envoy to the good people of Mudiyansegewatta. Yet, beneath that self-assured grin lay a heart brimming with disdain for the…

A Tale of Bitter Medicine, Garden Sprints, and Magic Potions — My mother believed any ailment could be fixed by a strong dose of medicine from her favourite doctor. The only thing that terrified her was worm infections. So, when school holidays rolled around, off I went to Dr. V. T. Perera’s clinic — a pretty dreadful place for a little…