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 undervalued until now and conversations cover what Minnette did for architecture. The episode emphasises the importance of highlighting Sri Lankan stories and talents on international platforms to challenge mainstream narratives and celebrate local heroes.

Summary

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:47 Meet Arushi TennoCon: Animator and Educator

02:44 Arushi's Creative Journey

05:53 The Animator Series: Celebrating Heroines

16:25 The Minette de Silva Project

36:15 The Importance of Diverse Narratives

39:27 Current and Future Projects

Irushi Tenekoon is an award winning animator, illustrator and educator based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. She teaches animation to undergraduates part time at the Academy of Design in Colombo and spends the rest of her time working on illustrating and animating stories from Sri Lanka and South Asia out of her home studio. While starting out as a self taught artist, she recently completed her MA in Animation at the Royal College of Art in London supported by a Chevening Scholarship from the UK’s FCDO. Her notable work includes: 

• 83 A very short film (2016)
• The Animate Her series (2019-2022) 
• Is This an Architectural Documentary? (2023) 

To learn more about her work visit www.irusdedoodles.com

Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse

Podcast Themes:

• Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
• Architecture, art, and design
• Sustainability and heritage
• Diaspora experiences and storytelling

Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.

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's unique approach to architecture, her bold personality, and why she has been largely forgotten despite her groundbreaking work. They highlight the gender and political dynamics that contributed to her erasure from history. The guests emphasise De Silva's innovative participatory design methods, her progressive ideas ahead of her time, and call for the preservation of her remaining works and recognition of her legacy.

Summary

00:00 Welcome to Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives
02:23 Introducing Minette de Silva
03:37 Discovering Minette's Legacy
07:23 Writing 'Plastic Emotions'
10:51 The Significance of Minette's Story
22:04 Challenges and Controversies
32:40 The Legacy of Jeffrey Bawa and Minette de Silva
33:31 Minette's Erasure and Rediscovery
34:09 Gendered Perspectives on Minette's Work
34:41 Minette's Personal and Professional Struggles
39:27 Minette's Approach to Architecture
52:12 Reclaiming Minette's Narrative
56:25 Preserving Minette's Legacy

Shiromi Pinto is a writer, editor, strategist and author and wrote the book Plastic Emotions, a novel based on Minnette de Silva. Born in London and raised in Montreal, Shiromi has written short fiction for BBC Radio 4, the Victoria & Albert Museum and opendemocracy.net. Her first novel, Trussed, was reviewed as ‘audacious’ (Bernardine Evaristo in The Independent), ‘brilliant’ (Diva) and ‘so cool that it hurts’ (The Times). After over a decade working for Amnesty International, she is now a communications consultant at writingeditingwords.com.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/jul/20/plastic-emotions-by-shiromi-pinto-review

Selva Sandrapragas RIBA ARB is an architect practicing in the UK. As an undergraduate he worked with Minnette de Silva on the “12 Villages Exhibition”  shown at the Commonwealth Institute 1987/88 After finishing his post graduate studies at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London he completed his professional practice qualifications ( RIBA Part 3 )  at the Architectural Association school architecture. He was awarded the INTACH ( Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage ) & ICOMOS Scholarship in 1992 to study the wooden Taravad architecture of Kerala. In 1997 he was  awarded the ADB/Japan Scholarship to study urban design at Hong Kong University. 

Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse

Podcast Themes:

• Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
• Architecture, art, and design
• Sustainability and heritage
• Diaspora experiences and storytelling

Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.

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 leadership coaching. The conversation covers how Katie's personal experiences shaped her, provides insights into empathetic leadership, and describes why her upcoming retreat in Sri Lanka focuses on inclusive wellness, cultural exchange, and personal growth.

Dee and Katie also draw distinctions between empathy, kindness, and sympathy, emphasising self-awareness and authenticity in leadership. They explore practical ways to create mental space and connect with one's core essence. The episode underscores the importance of understanding oneself, embracing cultural heritage, and fostering community in both personal and professional realms. The retreat, "Finding Home Within" , highlights how a collaborative and enriching partnership between host and destination is a winning formula for healing.

Summary
Introduction to the Podcast
Meet This Week's Guest: Katie George
Katie's Early Life and University Days
Challenges in Psychology Studies
Corporate Life and Transition to Leadership Coaching
The Importance of Empathy in Leadership
Practical Tips for Self-Connection
Upcoming Retreat and Its Unique Offerings
Cultural Exchange and Community Building
Future Plans and ConclusionLink to Retreat

https://www.beinghumanwell.com/sri-lanka-retreat

Website: https://www.beinghumanwell.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mantwa-george

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beinghumanwell/profilecard/?igsh=M2JoZzJ4N3gzOHpv

Katie Mantwa George is a Leadership Guide and Founder of “Being Human Well”. Her mission is to highlight the importance of cultivating a sense of ease and belonging in ourselves and in our workplaces. She partners with notable brands and workplaces to boost Engagement, Productivity and Creativity using the power of Empathy and works with private individuals to expand Self-Awareness, Authenticity and Clarity using the power of Self-Compassion. She is also an expert on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place Wellness App. She left a demanding corporate career to use her extensive experience and blend of unique professional training to inspire a more Human approach to ourselves and our workplaces.

Katie holds a BSc in Psychology, MSc in Occupational Psychology and a Meditation Certification (Deepak Chopra’s Teacher Training). She has also trained with the Dalai Lama in Indi

Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse

Podcast Themes:

• Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
• Architecture, art, and design
• Sustainability and heritage
• Diaspora experiences and storytelling

Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.

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 shares her journey of growing up between Sri Lanka and the UK until settling there with her English husband, why she sees herself as Sri Lankan and the different perceptions that other people have of her.  Serena discusses her philosophy of yoga beyond the mat, activism, and her efforts to decolonize yoga through the creation The Conscious Courage Yoga Collective. The conversation offers wide insights into multi-generational views of identity, and the resulting  parenting choices for her own children successfully challenging accepted norms of perceived best practice. 

Serena also talks about her involvement in the peaceful people's uprising known as ‘Aragalaya’ and how the reality was a beautiful, creative, community experience despite misleading information received in the West, with devastating consequences for Sri Lanka in 2022.

The podcast underscores themes of resilience, interconnectedness, and the potential of creativity in modern Sri Lanka.

Summary

Welcome to Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives
Meet Serena Burgess: Yoga Teacher and Doula
Cultural Identity and Belonging
Conscious Courage: Yoga and Activism
The Role of a Doula in Sri Lanka
Empowering the Next Generation
Reflections on Sri Lanka and the West
Supporting Sri Lankan Female Entrepreneurs
Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse

Podcast Themes:

• Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
• Architecture, art, and design
• Sustainability and heritage
• Diaspora experiences and storytelling

Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.

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, Preen and emerging young designers in the late 90’s.  She teaches and champions modern sari drapes and styling to encourage the continuity of sari wearing. She has founded several creative platforms, notably FSP and she is also the creator of CommonGround&, an arts platform for South Asian creatives and has curated several cultural programmes for Royal Museums Greenwich.

Mehala discusses her transition from UK fashion retail to reconnecting with her heritage through the FSP. The project modernises traditional sari draping to resonate with contemporary fashion audiences and raises cultural awareness. We delve into the sari's historical roots, its adaptability, and the British influence on its styling.

Mehala shares her love affair with Sari draping and South Asian creativity and tradition, ultimately bringing attention to the vibrant artistic and cultural landscape of Sri Lanka.

Summary

Introduction to the Podcast
Meet This Week's Guest: Mehala Ford
Mehala's Background and Fashion Journey
Growing Up Sri Lankan in the UK
Breaking into the Creative Industry
The Influence of Family and the 80s
Discovering the Sari
The Friday Sari Project
The Versatility of Sari Drapes
Global Connections in Draping Styles
Modern Relevance of Draping
Draping Workshops and Cultural Exchange
Heritage and Personal Stories
The Friday Sari Project
Curating South Asian Heritage
Exploring Sri Lankan Creativity
Future Plans and Upcoming Events

https://www.fridaysariproject.co.uk

Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse

Podcast Themes:

• Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
• Architecture, art, and design
• Sustainability and heritage
• Diaspora experiences and storytelling

Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.

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 into themes of love, loss, and longing, and she performs her poems 'Now You See Red' and 'All of the women in me.' The conversation also highlights Megan's shift to spoken word to meet evolving audience preferences.

Megan also shares insights into her new silver jewellery brand 'Raatchasi,' inspired by traditional Tamil and Indian designs and aimed at redefining 'demoness' as a symbol of fierceness.

Join us for an exploration of Megan's artistic vision and the vibrant creative scene in Sri Lanka, reflecting her passion for creativity and self-expression.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:04 Meet Megan Ducheney: Poetess and Performer

02:02 A Poetic Performance: 'Now You See Red'

06:10 Megan's Journey in Poetry

07:40 Exploring Megan's Inspirations and Influences

09:17 The Creative Process Behind Megan's Work

13:32 Live Reading: 'All of the Women in Me'

15:44 Reflections on Womanhood and Creativity

16:50 The Sri Lankan Creative Scene

17:57 The Power of Spoken Word

19:05 Showcasing Jewelry and Fashion

21:02 Introducing Ratchasi

26:57 Creative Residencies Experience

31:10 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More

Follow Megan on instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/megan_dhakshinishatrughan/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/raatchasi_silver/?hl=en

Buy Poison Apple:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Poison-Apple-Megan-Dhakshini/dp/194702129X

Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse

Podcast Themes:

• Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
• Architecture, art, and design
• Sustainability and heritage
• Diaspora experiences and storytelling

Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.