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
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 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.