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.
Episodes
17 episodes
Selyn Textiles: Weaving a Future for Sri Lankan Artisans
This episode features Selyna Peiris of Selyn Textiles, a prominent fair trade handloom and social enterprise in Sri Lanka. Founded by Selyna's mother nearly 35 years ago with the aim of providing work for women, Selyna shares her journey ...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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50:02
Rehan Unveiled: A Creative Odyssey from Sri Lanka to LA
In this episode we delve into the fascinating journey of Rehan Mudannayake, a Sri Lankan Actor, Director, and Writer who made his screen debut in the film 'Funny Boy' directed by the acclaimed Deepa Mehta. Rehan recounts his unique path into ac...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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48:40
Embodying Change: Rangi Fernando on Dance, Therapy, and Cultural Roots
In this episode Dee chats to Rangi Fernando, a Sri Lankan-born dancer and dance movement therapist who has recently returned to Sri Lanka after living in Germany. Rangi shares her journey of transitioning back to her homeland and her passion fo...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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48:55
Conversations on Indigenous Culture with innovator Revatha Shah
In this episode Dee speaks with Revatha Shah, founder of Vedda Teas and co-founder of Sarana, a cultural centre in southern Sri Lanka. Revatha shares his journey from Western upbringing in Colombo and the UK to reconnecting with his Sri Lankan ...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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47:39
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-fai...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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47:28
Season Finale: Exploring an Author's Life with Ashok Ferry
The final episode of Season 1 and Dee talks to acclaimed Sri Lankan author Ashok Ferry about his multifaceted life, including his experiences studying at Oxford University, attending a Benedictine monastery in Sussex, his journey as a property ...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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1:08:45
Audacity, Art & Diaspora: Siobhan D’Almeida's Creative Revolution
The episode features an interview with Siobhan D'Almeida, an artist, designer, and activist who returned to Sri Lanka from Dubai amidst COVID and economic crises. Recorded on a particularly stormy day, resonant of the upheavals that Siobhan wen...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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28:05
Roma Wells: Tales from BBC Travel Presenter and Author
In this episode Dee interviews Roma Wells, the new BBC TV Travel presenter who shares her unique journey and experiences as an Irish Sri Lankan. They discuss Roma's career inspiration, her travels to destinations like the Arctic and Costa Rica,...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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1:03:10
ALKE Design : Sexy, Fierce and Fabulous Jewellery Redefining Fashion and Wellness
Dee interviews Sara Nazoor, founder of the Sri Lankan jewellery brand ALKE. The conversation delves into Sara's journey of creating unique and show stopping pieces using recycled materials and considering emotions of the designer and the user. ...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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30:30
Liberate Your Spirit with Omaya: Yoga and Freedom for Young Women
In this episode Dee welcomes Omaya, a Sri Lankan yoga teacher and philosopher. They delve into how yoga philosophy differs in the West from Sri Lanka, focusing on mind-body connection, menstrual cycle awareness, and the balance of masculine and...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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34:25
Diaspora Diaries : Zaynab Zubair on Identity, Culture, Creativity and Finding Serendipity
In this episode host Dee Gibson welcomes British Sri Lankan writer Zaynab Zubair. Dee and Zaynab explore a myriad of topics surrounding Sri Lankan identities and the diaspora experience and Zaynab reads an excerpt from her upcoming book 'Findin...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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41:15
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 fem...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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41:05
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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1:00:15
Healing in Sri Lanka with Katie Mantwa George, Deepak Chopra & the Dalai Lama
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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41:03
Serena Burgess on Sri Lankan Identity, Activism and Challenging Perceptions
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 L...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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44:00
Mehala Ford's Modern Sari Story : From Concept to Culture
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 t...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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40:17
Megan Dhakshini : Sultry Stories of Love, Loss and Fierce Expression
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 tri...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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32:27
