Meeting No 17:January 16th 2016 at Ruwan and Lalani's

"How to kill your spouse successfully" , based on the famous Double Murder Case at the Vicarage featuring Father Matthew Pieris

his, our 17th meeting, was a resounding success with just over 70 people attending. Ruwan and Lalani were the perfect hosts. We started with nibbles and drinks and chit chat before the main item in the agenda.

The event was compered by Mahendra. Main points in Mahendra's introduction were, 1) Requested volunteers to host future meetings 2) Invitation for members to come forward with ideas for future presentations and also volunteer to present. 3) To do their best to keep this enjoyable event alive for the benefits are many.4)Thank the hosts and Kanthi for coming all the way.5) Plea for enhanced email behaviour in responding!

Ruwan went on to make his presentation on "How to kill your spouse successfully" , based on the famous Double Murder Case at the Vicarage featuring Father Matthew Pieris who was found guilty of murdering his wife Eunice 0n 19.3 1979 and his lover Delrene's husband, Russel Ingram who was (aged 32) on 10.8.1978. Both victims were found to be in deep stupor when brought to the General Hospital, Colombo and in a serious hypoglycaemic condition for a few weeks and had suffered irreversible brain damage, and notwithstanding the medical treatment they received, died in hospital. They had been given the hypoglycaemic drug, Glibenclamide by Matthew Pieris.

The 3-Judge bench High Court Trial-at-Bar without a jury found both accused (Deleren and Father Matthew) guilty and sentenced them to death on 15.2.84 The death sentences were commuted to life sentences on 28.6.85. The Court of Appeal delivered its 101-page judgement on 12.2.88 after the appeal was argued before a bench of 3-Judges which acquitted Delrene who was on remand since 18.7.79. Finally, the Supreme Court comprising of 3-Judges sealed Mathew’s fate when they dismissed his appeal on 3.2.92. It was a long time indeed since Mathew had been arrested by the CID on 25.5.79 and held in remand custody up to that time, after which he was sent to Welikada jail. He was released from prison on good behaviour in 1997 at the age of 79 after spending 15 years in prison. Ruwan pointed out that it was ironical that Rev. Peiris visited Death Row to convert Prime Minister SWRD Bandaranaike’s assassin, Ven. Talduwe Somarama, then 48, to Christianity and baptised him as Peter before he was judicially hanged on 6.7.62.

Ruwan indicated that the film "According to Matthew" based on the story and produced as a Hollywood film by Producer Chandran Rutnam, is due to be released this year.

It is to Ruwan's credit that he held the audience spell bound with his manner of presentation, only interrupted for 10 mins for what he called a "choo choo" break leading to a PQ at the Loos! We were very fortunate to have Dr Kanthi Jayawardena (nee Pinto) who was one of the doctors working in the hospital ward Eunice Pieris was admitted in her last "illness". She gave her own fascinating experience on how naive keen junior

doctors were able to spot "something amiss" when more senior doctors were blinded by the powerful persona and position of Father Matthew Pieris.

May 9th 2015 at Ruwan and Lalani's

Astrology' by Dr Sarath Perera

We had a great meeting after a long lapse. Sarath gave a thoughtful and well researched presentation on Astrology, followed by a very tasty meal (with dishes by different cooks on the same theme e.g., three types of parippu, 3 types of chicken curry etc). Anura Shantha and Ruwan on Seth kavi etc and Nishanta and Champika on Ruwan's chart and then the Music and sing along till 1.30am!

The Topic as announced earlier was 'Astrology' by Dr Sarath Perera. Sarath took us you through a journey among the planets and scientifically analysed the belief that they influence us. As expected, the topic was rather controversial

Following the talk, we had the usual Sri Lankan meal bash contributed by all attendees with plenty of wine and other delightful drinks and beverages. Lalani worked tirelessly to ensure that all the guests were happy.

Following the meal, there was the usual sing song which went on till the we hours of the next morning , ably led by Niroshini on the Keyboard and a host of musicians on guitar, mouth organ, and drums.

Most people were of the opinion that this was one of our best meetings. Attendees came from as far afield as Scunthorpe, Nottingham and Birmingham. I am personally very pleased as this augurs well for the future.

December 28th 2013 at Moseley Hill Athletic Club, Liverpool.

"The life and music of Clarence Wijewardene" featuring Dr Lanka Alwis and his Band.

This was the first occasion when a session was held at an outside venue and was necessitated by the larger numbers wanting to attend.

The presentation was on "The life and music of Clarence Wijewardene" featuring Dr Lanka Alwis and his Band. (5 piece Band with keyboard, lead, rhythm, base guitars and drums).Lanka and his group took us us through the life history of Clarence while singing several of his songs. This was followed by dinner provided for purchase at a very reasonable price by our Sri Lankan cook Jayasena. We concluded with a general singing and dancing session. The Band allowed local volunteers from the audience to sing on stage.

September 28th 2013 at the Nirmalan residence

Mahendra on "Why do we laugh and musical connections of laughter".

The main presentation was by Mahendra on

"Why do we laugh and musical connections of laughter". Main points included:-

• Why do we laugh?

• Do other animals laugh?

• Are there evolutionary implications of laughter?

• Are there medical conditions causing laughter?

• Are there cultural differences?

• What music has been composed around laughter?

Parts of the presentation was interactive with the audience joined in singing some of the songs with lyrics displayed on the screen. Dinner was a contributory effort as usual and was followed by the traditional "Sing-Song" session led by Ruwan and Niro.

August 31 2013.at Supul's.

Sinhala poetry with guest speakers Daya Ananda Ranasinghe and Anura Hegoda.

A first for our Club, a meeting devoted to Sinhala poetry with guest speakers Daya Ananda Ranasinghe and Anura Hegoda. Our guests were introduced in impecable style by Anura Arachchige. The presentations ('Poetry by Gajaman Nona and Ranchagoda"-'The tragic love story of Daskon and Queen Pramila'.) by the main speakers were authoritative, entertaining and humorous.

A poetic dialogue between Ruwan, Sarath Yapa, Anura Hegoda and Anura Arachchige executed with great skill and humour, had the audience in stitches. This was followed by a poetry reading session by two delightful sri lankan ladies. The day ended with the traditional "sing-song".

February 16th 2013. At Ruwan and Lalani's.

The Main presentation was by Mr Anura Shantha on "The origins of 'Sinhala Kavi' and its influence on contemporary music"

This included recitation of some common and uncommon kavi. Anura will took us you back in time to the origins of this unique form of music in Sri Lanka. The menu included 'pel kavi', 'goyam kavi', 'paru kavi', 'pathal kavi', 'nelum kavi', 'karaththa kavi' and several other forms of kavi. Members were invited to bring along any media collections on this theme.

The following notice was pre circulated on meal arrangements. -"As usual, everybody will bring a dish to share. Ruwan will send menu or please contact him directly. Please choose an item from the menu and let him know asap. If there are several takers for the same item, he may have to allocate you a different one". The usual sing-song session will followed around 22.00hrs. For the first time in the history of the SLLC,a member was able to participate while in another country; Mahendra joined by Skype from Australia!

November 12th 2012. At Niro's.

A masterly presentation on "The Modern Art Movement in Sri lanka" by Dr Thushara Rodrigo.

His presentation was passionate , absorbing and interesting. He traced the origins of the " '43 Group" which was an Art movement in Ceylon with a creative pictorial tradition and a Ceylonese identity. The first exhibition group were Harry Pieris, J.F. Pieris Daraniyagala, George Keyt, Ivan Peries, W. J. G. Beling, Manjusri Thero (later L.T.P. Manjusri), A.C. Collette, R.D. Gabriel, Walter Witharne, Y.J. Thuring, George and R.D. Claessen. His presentation was generously illustrated with photographs of significant paintings. He kept his audience of well over 45 people, young and old, absolutely enthralled. This was followed by a sumptuous meal and the usual "sing-song" which went on till 1.30am! Thanks to all those who contributed in various ways, to Thushara for his accomplished presentation, to his young son who prepared the PPT and to the Nirmalans who hosted it. Watch out for the next meeting and please keep in touch via this Group and enlist your friends who attend these meetings but are yet to join the group

November 6th 2012 at Supul and Dayamalie's -

(1) Some aspects of the history of Baila by Ruwan and (2) Magic show by Terry Fernando from Sydney.

Terry does Magic Shows in Sydney as a pleasant Past time and we were delighted when he accepted our invitation to present his show while he was visiting relatives and friends in the UK.

18th Feb 2012 -At Jino and Sukus's - "Astrology" by Dr Sivakumar

And practical demo of use of Telescope preceded by a visit to Joderell Bank. This was one of our most popular presentations. The visit to Joderell Bank prior to the talk set the scene. Dr Sivakumar brought his telescope along and many of us saw the rings of Saturn for the first time.

21st May 2011 at Ruwan and Lalani's -

Suneetha on "Famous Sri lankan singers of yesterday including detailed account of Sunil Santha"

with video clips which made the presentation so memorable. Sunil Shatha was of course one of the most renowned and influential Sri Lankan composers in the late 1950s.He was also a lyricist and singer and composed many songs for the Sinhalese cinema including Lester James Pieris's Rekava and Sandesaya.

August 2010 at Supul and Dayamalie's.

FROM TAMRAPARNI TO TAPROBANE AND FROM CEYLON TO SRI LANKA…PRE COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE OF SRI LANKA"

The presenter was our very own Prof Dilanthi Amaratunga and her presentation was titled "FROM TAMRAPARNI TO TAPROBANE AND FROM CEYLON TO SRI LANKA…PRE COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE OF SRI LANKA". In her opening slide she said "I've a very strong conviction that it is impossible to explain architecture in words… I have always enjoyed seeing buildings and reading explanations about them… architecture cannot be totally explained but must be experienced…! This presentation does not pretend to go beyond the historical framework of Sri Lankan historical studies in general: rather it is an attempt to present factual and linguistic material by an archaeological approach to the architectural remains of the early periods, i.e. by providing a critical and interpretative analysis of the surviving monuments….”“Nor this is a comprehensive survey of early Sri Lankan architecture…! compensate for the bias towards text. The presentation was beautifully illustrated and much appreciated by the audience.

May 2010. At Niro and Nirmalan's place.

"Bridging the villages" by Bingunath Ingirige.

His talk covered the fascinating array of bridges throughout the World.

14th November 2009 - Udaya and Tamara's place.

Main presentation by Manel Herath on "The origins of Sri lankan Baila".

Manel is a lecturer in linguistics at the Liverpool Hope UniversityGuest speaker, Mr Somaweera Senanayake on "The rise and fall of the Sinhalese Novel".This session was led by Anura Shantha, who has done Media Studies at the Sri Jayawardenepura University. Anura is well-versed in Mr Senanayake's works and explored Mr Senanayake's literary career This was an interactive session where he invited questions from the audience. There was a short debate between the Young Ones and the Adults on " ". We could not contain the wimps as they proved to be WIMPs. (weakly interacting massive particles, an acronym used in astronomy).

5th of Sept 2009 - At Anura and Deepika's .

Mahendra did a multimedia presentation on "Putting the Cart before the horse".

This was based around the wheel, its origins and music based on carts. Songs included Bara bage, Karththa Karaya and Hanika Yamang Pulli gona. It was followed by Part 3 of Ruwan's History of baila. We were honoured by the presence of famous Sri lankan pop idol, Bill Forbes.We sang his songs and he was deeply touched that we remembered his songs after so many years.

13th June 2009 at Niro's.

Pramudi Wijeyasiri presented "history of Jazz" on behalf of the young ones< Nishanta discussed the book "Obama Biography" and Ruwan continued his presentation on "The History of Baila"

which he started at the inaugural meeting in April.Among other things he discussed 'Hai hooi babi achchige bicycle eka', 'Pun sanda paya moratuwa dilenna' and many more. His presentation was projected on a screen so that the audience could see and hear it and join singing when the lyrics were shown. This has become a standard feature of many subsequent presentations.

April 2009 -Inaugural meeting (called Book Club then) at Ruwan De Soysa's.

Ruwan presented on "History of Baila and Kaffringa songs".