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 realities. From ancient kingdoms and colonialism to post-war society and global diaspora, we dive deep into the forces shaping this unique island nation.
Join experts, artists, activists, and everyday voices as we unpack timely topics — including Sri Lankan politics, ethnic identity, migration, innovation, climate change, and regional dynamics in South Asia.
Whether you're Sri Lankan, part of the diaspora, or curious about the cultural, political, and historical depth of South Asia, this podcast offers thoughtful conversations and fresh perspectives.
New episodes released regularly. Season 3 starts in September.
👉 Follow now to discover modern stories from one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
Keywords: Sri Lanka podcast, South Asia, Sri Lankan diaspora, Tamil Sinhalese history, modern Sri Lanka, island culture, South Asian politics, global south voices, post-conflict society
Sri Lanka - Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
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'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.