Sri Lanka - Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot, a podcast hosted by Dee Gibson, the British Sri Lankan designer and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House on the South Coast. This podcast is raw and real with guests from authors and explorers to designers and wellness gurus, all exploring the contemporary identity of Sri Lankans through rich conversations on creativity, culture and activism.
A rich mix of controversial views, humour, serious reflections and a little dash of the naughty side of this gorgeous island. Join Dee and her guests as they uncover stories and perspectives not typically found in travel guides, showcasing a dynamic society reclaiming its narrative on a global stage.
Sri Lanka - Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
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 challenges and triumphs of her acting career, the impact of her heritage, and her experience on the stage, screen and on the much anticipated 'White Lotus' series. The conversation also explores Sri Lanka's creative industry and its cultural representation on the global stage.
00:00 Introduction to Series 2
00:54 Meet Shalini Peiris
02:20 A Sri Lankan Christmas
03:52 Shalini's Multicultural Upbringing
06:05 From Academia to Acting
13:36 Breaking into British Asian Theatre
19:52 The Grind of an Acting Career
33:58 Landing a Role in White Lotus
41:14 Sri Lanka's Creative Potential
44:56 Final Thoughts
Dee Gibson is the award winning designer and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka, www.kalukandahouse.com ~ Conde Nast Best Places to Visit in Asia 2024 & HIP Hotels Best Hotels 2025. You can follow on
instagram @deegibson2017 or @kalukandahouse
This podcast lifts the veil on what, and more importantly WHO this island is with conversations about all the things you never read about in the travel pages. Dee showcases a fascinating modern society reclaiming their identity and taking ownership of their narratives on the global stage. No subject is taboo so expect guests talking about everything from activism through art and yoga, why sari was modified by British colonisers, a performance on love and lust to episodes on forgotten heroines being narrated back into our history books and much more.