Culture & Heritage

Little is it known that the Muslim community of Sri Lanka also have a caste group. This is the Osta caste who have not traditionally intermarried or interdined with the rest of the community. They are very much part of the local Muslim community but also distinct in their own way, and this is what makes them unique. The Osta …

The Arabs and their mixed breed descendants played a very important role in the business life of Sri Lanka in mediaeval times. Maritime trade to do with imports and exports was dominated by them before European colonists made inroads here. However there introduction of exotic species of fauna and flora to our country has largely gone unnoticed. Here are some …

Arabs in Singapore were once one of the wealthiest communities but faced huge losses after WWII. Today, the community is trying to rebuild their legacy Arabs in Singapore are working hard to carve out a new legacy and honour those who came before them (MEE/Illustration)Walking down the streets of Singapore, the global financial hub known for its rich cultural blend …

This video is about the history of the Khan Memorial Clock Tower, in Pettah, Colombo, and about the contributions made by the Parsi ‘Khan’ family to the people of Sri Lanka (formerly, British Ceylon). I have also shared details about the history of Parsis in Sri Lanka.

These priceless photographs show Honourable Abdul Majeed, Turkish Consul General and his wife and two daughters Fathima (Mrs. Mohommed) and Zubaida Sofie (Mrs. M L. Abdul Azeez) Hon. Abdul Majeed’s father, Hassan Lebbe Avdu Candu Lebbe Marikkar was the first Ceylonese Consul for the Imperial Ottoman Empire as may be seen in the plaque in his memory in the third …