Sri Lanka - Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot is a podcast that explores Sri Lanka's rich history, diverse cultures, and modern-day issues. It covers everything from ancient kingdoms and colonial rule to post-war society and the global diaspora. The show brings together experts, artists, activists, and everyday voices to discuss politics, ethnic identity, migration, innovation, climate change, and regional dynamics in South Asia. It offers thoughtful conversations for Sri Lankans, the diaspora, and anyone interested in the island's cultural and historical depth.
Episodes
Yoga, Courage and Queerness : Sala's Journey
Yoga teacher, healer, and artist Sala Watura shares how his classes are spaces to “meet yourself". Shaped by growing up queer and creative in a rigid middle-class Colombo family during Sri Lanka’s war, feeling pressured to follow a prescribed life and learning to hide behind a “safe” persona Sala has broken free from all these binds and spends his life helping others to meet themselves. After
Sri Lankan Batik : Arundika on Wax, Cracks, and Turning Craft Into a Global Flex
Arundika Weersekera is a Sri Lankan Architectural Designer and Batik Artist trained in Sri Lanka and the UK, who explains her mission to introduce batik as a contemporary art form to an international audience, expanding from clothing into homeware. She shares her early path from family garment manufacturing to founding Hues of Batik, and how she ultimately came to love architecture, especially the
Island Files: Nicholas Brookes on Cricket, Culture, and Community in Sri Lanka
Island Files: Nicholas Brookes on Cricket, Culture, and Community in Sri LankaIn this episode of 'Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot', we dive into the compelling journey of Nicholas Brookes, a journalist, ghostwriter and the author of the multi-award-winning 'An Island's Eleven: The Story of Sri Lankan Cricket'. He has covered sport, travel and cul
Wildlife, Landscapes & Photography : Journey through Sri Lanka with Renowned Naturalist Gehan De Silva Wijeyeratne
Leopards, birds, whales, and forests — Sri Lanka’s wild heart beats in every corner. Naturalist Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne shares how this tiny island rivals the world’s great biodiversity hotspots. In this episode of “Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot,” I speak with Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, one of Sri Lanka’s leading naturalists and authors. Together, we explore the is
Elephant Stories : Juliet Coombe and Conservation Concepts
In this episode Hotelier, Designer and Podcaster Dee Gibson explores the effects of Sri Lanka’s urbanisation on humans and elephants. Guest Juliet Coombe discusses her passion for Sri Lanka and her project 'Elephant Story Trails’ aimed at resolving human-elephant conflicts through sustainable tourism and conservation efforts. On this island shaped by monsoons and memory, the elephant is more
Nimmi Harasgama: A Sri Lankan Actors Journey From Colombo to the West End & Netflix
Nimmi Harasgama: From Shy Child to Award-Winning Actress and WriterIn this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Nimmi Harasgama, a celebrated Sri Lankan actress, writer, and producer with a diverse career spanning continents. We delve into Harasgama's early years of overcoming extreme shyness, her break into acting, and her impactful roles in productions like TV drama 'Good Ka
Sri Lankan Film Spotlight: Shaun Seneviratne, aka Brown Shaun's new wave of Cinema
Exploring Cultural Displacement and Creative Narratives in Sri Lanka with Filmmaker Shaun Seneviratne. In this episode, we dive deep into the cultural layers of Sri Lanka through the eyes of Shaun Seneviratne, also known as Brown Shaun, an American Sri Lankan filmmaker and educator. Shaun discusses his debut feature film 'Ben and Suzanne: A Reunion in Four Parts,' which explores themes o
Forest Bathing Explained: Benefits & Science Behind Shinrin-Yoku with Susan Joachim
This episode is about Forest Bathing and Indigenous Wisdom with Sri Lankan guest and Forest Bathing expert Susan Joachim. We explore the benefits of forest bathing with Susan who is living in Australia and is the president and founding member of the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance. INFTA). The episode covers the history and science behind forest bathing, its origins in Japan, and
Sri Lanka's Sustainable Fashion Movement
Why Sri Lanka Must Address Textile Waste: Insights from Lonali RodrigoIn this episode of 'Sri Lanka, Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot,' host Dee Gibson interviews fashion entrepreneur Lonali Rodrigo, discussing the pressing need for Sri Lanka to address textile waste. Lonali highlights the country's history in garment production and the growing challenge of pre- and p
Selyn Textiles: Weaving a Future for Sri Lankan Artisans
This episode features Selyna Peiris of Selyn Textiles, a prominent fair trade handloom and social enterprise in Sri Lanka. Founded by Selyna's mother nearly 35 years ago with the aim of providing work for women, Selyna shares her journey from aspiring diplomat and UN-hopeful to taking over the creative legacy business. She discusses the importance of collaboration, fair pay, and sustainable
Rehan Unveiled: A Creative Odyssey from Sri Lanka to LA
In this episode we delve into the fascinating journey of Rehan Mudannayake, a Sri Lankan Actor, Director, and Writer who made his screen debut in the film 'Funny Boy' directed by the acclaimed Deepa Mehta. Rehan recounts his unique path into acting, the influence of his diverse upbringing, and his commitment to changing the narrative around brown people in film. He discusses his creative
Embodying Change: Rangi Fernando on Dance, Therapy, and Cultural Roots
In this episode Dee chats to Rangi Fernando, a Sri Lankan-born dancer and dance movement therapist who has recently returned to Sri Lanka after living in Germany. Rangi shares her journey of transitioning back to her homeland and her passion for Dance Movement Therapy (DMT), which she believes is a powerful tool for self-expression and therapy. She discusses her first major community performance p
Conversations on Indigenous Culture with innovator Revatha Shah
In this episode Dee speaks with Revatha Shah, founder of Vedda Teas and co-founder of Sarana, a cultural centre in southern Sri Lanka. Revatha shares his journey from Western upbringing in Colombo and the UK to reconnecting with his Sri Lankan roots through promoting indigenous herbs and teas. The episode includes moving accounts on the existential threats to the indigenous Vedda population, the e
White Lotus actress Shalini Peiris' Journey to the Stage
In the second series of 'Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot', host Dee Gibson interviews actress Shalini Peiris, who is set to appear in the third series of 'White Lotus'. They discuss Shalini's upbringing in a multi-faith household in Sri Lanka and beyond, and her journey from academia and human rights activism to acting. Shalini shares the gritty
Season Finale: Exploring an Author's Life with Ashok Ferry
The final episode of Season 1 and Dee talks to acclaimed Sri Lankan author Ashok Ferry about his multifaceted life, including his experiences studying at Oxford University, attending a Benedictine monastery in Sussex, his journey as a property developer in the UK and his role in founding the Galle and Ceylon Literary Festivals. Ashok shares insights into his life and his unique creative process. T
Audacity, Art & Diaspora: Siobhan D’Almeida's Creative Revolution
The episode features an interview with Siobhan D'Almeida, an artist, designer, and activist who returned to Sri Lanka from Dubai amidst COVID and economic crises. Recorded on a particularly stormy day, resonant of the upheavals that Siobhan went through, she shares her experience of cultural shock, her role in the 2022 People's Uprising (Aragalya), and her iconic artwork that became a sy
Roma Wells: Tales from BBC Travel Presenter and Author
In this episode Dee interviews Roma Wells, the new BBC TV Travel presenter who shares her unique journey and experiences as an Irish Sri Lankan. They discuss Roma's career inspiration, her travels to destinations like the Arctic and Costa Rica, and delve into her childhood, highlighting how her heritage and passion for nature have shaped her. Roma talks about her book, 'Seek the Singin
ALKE Design : Sexy, Fierce and Fabulous Jewellery Redefining Fashion and Wellness
Dee interviews Sara Nazoor, founder of the Sri Lankan jewellery brand ALKE. The conversation delves into Sara's journey of creating unique and show stopping pieces using recycled materials and considering emotions of the designer and the user. They discuss ALKE's eco-friendly approach, mental health advocacy, and Sara's 73-day walk around Sri Lanka to raise awareness for mental heal
Liberate Your Spirit with Omaya: Yoga and Freedom for Young Women
In this episode Dee welcomes Omaya, a Sri Lankan yoga teacher and philosopher. They delve into how yoga philosophy differs in the West from Sri Lanka, focusing on mind-body connection, menstrual cycle awareness, and the balance of masculine and feminine energies. This conversation highlights the importance of tuning into our bodies and creating space for introspection, both in life and in spiritua
Diaspora Diaries : Zaynab Zubair on Identity, Culture, Creativity and Finding Serendipity
In this episode host Dee Gibson welcomes British Sri Lankan writer Zaynab Zubair. Dee and Zaynab explore a myriad of topics surrounding Sri Lankan identities and the diaspora experience and Zaynab reads an excerpt from her upcoming book 'Finding Serendipity,' which delves into themes of migration, identity, and the cultural interplay between Sri Lanka and Britain. They reflect on the his
Irushi Tenekoon on animating Minnette de Silva : Is this an Architectural Documentary?
This episode features a conversation with Irushi Tenekoon, an award-winning animator from Sri Lanka. Dee and Irushi discuss her journey into animation, her work on 'The Animate Her Series', and her film about Minnette de Silva, a pioneering female architect in 1950s Sri Lanka. Despite her innovative approach to social housing and significant contributions, Minnette's work has been u
Minnette de Silva : with Shiromi Pinto and Selva Sandrapragas
This episode hosted by Dee Gibson, focuses on the dynamic and under-appreciated life of Minette De Silva, a pioneering Sri Lankan architect. Guests Selva and Shiromi discuss their personal connections to De Silva and the extensive research that led to Shiromi's novel, 'Plastic Emotions,' which explores De Silva's complex life and contributions. The conversation covers De Silva&
Healing in Sri Lanka with Katie Mantwa George, Deepak Chopra & the Dalai Lama
In this episode Dee welcomes Katie Mantwa George, who trained with Deepak Chopra and the Dalai Lama, is an expert on Fearne Cotton's popular 'Happy Place' app and works with global brands and individuals. A highly sought after leadership guide with rich multicultural heritage and extensive training, Katie discusses her professional journey from a high flying corporate career to lead
Serena Burgess on Sri Lankan Identity, Activism and Challenging Perceptions
In this captivating episode Dee talks to Serena Burgess about cultural identity across generations and why the philosophy of yoga is an emotional toolbox for life. The conversation emphasises the importance of correcting narratives around Sri Lankan identity and the dynamic nature of the island. Serena was born in the UK and is a well established yoga teacher and doula living in Sri Lanka. She sha
Mehala Ford's Modern Sari Story : From Concept to Culture
This episode features a joyful chat with Mehala Ford, Fashion PR, Curator and founder of concept store "Friday Sari Project" (FSP), exploring her innovative approaches to modern sari styling. Mehala was born in Sri Lanka and raised in the UK. She is a creative entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry and worked with notable designers like Alexander McQueen, P
Megan Dhakshini : Sultry Stories of Love, Loss and Fierce Expression
Exploring the creative universe of multi-disciplinary creative Megan Dhakshini.In this very first engaging episode of 'Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot,' host Dee Gibson introduces poetess, art director, and trilingual voiceover artist Megan Dhakshini. Megan discusses her poetry collections 'Poison Apple' and 'Softly We Fall,' which delve int
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