Sri Lanka - Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot

Dee Gibson
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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

  1. Island Files: Nicholas Brookes on Cricket, Culture, and Community in Sri Lanka

    JAN 28

    Island Files: Nicholas Brookes on Cricket, Culture, and Community in Sri Lanka

    Island Files: Nicholas Brookes on Cricket, Culture, and Community in Sri Lanka In this episode of 'Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot', we dive into the compelling journey of Nicholas Brookes, a journalist, ghostwriter and the author of the multi-award-winning 'An Island's Eleven: The Story of Sri Lankan Cricket'. He has covered sport, travel and culture for publications including The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph and Middle East Eye, and podcasts regularly on Sri Lankan cricket for The Murali End. He is currently working on a biography of Jasprit Bumrah and co-authoring a book with the Sri Lankan chef Rishi Naleendra. Nick discusses how he moved to Sri Lanka as a young man to explore its cricket culture, a project that culminated in his critically acclaimed book, 'An Island's 11'. His conversation covers his unexpected career path, his experiences living and teaching in Sri Lanka, and how cricket became more than just a sport to the nation, especially during tumultuous political times. We also touch upon gender politics, the rise of women's cricket, and the rich, communal culture of the island, from food stalls to vibrant community games. Nick illustrates how cricket transcends boundaries, fostering unity and healing amidst division. 01:09 Guest Introduction: Nicholas Brook 04:22 Nick's Journey to Sri Lanka 09:35 Living and Teaching in Sri Lanka 20:58 Writing the Book: An Island's Eleven 25:41 The Rise of Cricket in Sri Lanka 32:49 Unity in Turbulent Times: Sri Lanka's Cricket Symbolism 34:18 Impact of Cricket Legends on Sri Lankan Cricket 36:32 Rise of Women's Cricket in Sri Lanka 41:37 Volleyball: Sri Lanka's Overlooked National Sport 51:47 Tourism and Cultural Identity in Sri Lanka 55:48 Closing Thoughts and Future Projects Find Out More on Nicholas Brookes An Island's Eleven: The Story of Sri Lankan Cricket is MCC/Cricket Society & Wisden Book of the Year. Now available in the UK and India.  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Islands-Eleven-Story-Lankan-Cricket/dp/0750998814 Podcast - The Murali End  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.

    1h 3m
  2. Wildlife, Landscapes & Photography : Journey through Sri Lanka with Renowned Naturalist Gehan De Silva Wijeyeratne

    11/05/2025

    Wildlife, Landscapes & Photography : Journey through Sri Lanka with Renowned Naturalist Gehan De Silva Wijeyeratne

    Leopards, birds, whales, and forests — Sri Lanka’s wild heart beats in every corner. Naturalist Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne shares how this tiny island rivals the world’s great biodiversity hotspots.  In this episode of “Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot,” I speak with Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, one of Sri Lanka’s leading naturalists and authors. Together, we explore the island’s extraordinary biodiversity — from its ancient forests to its unique evolutionary story. Gehan reflects on his early inspirations, his career fusing business acumen with wildlife tourism, and his deep passion for photography. The discussion offers insight into Sri Lanka’s approach to balancing wildlife tourism, conservation, and sustainable growth, highlighting how the nation can welcome more visitors while preserving its precious natural heritage. 00:00 Introduction to Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives 01:17 Meet Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, Sri Lanka's Foremost Naturalist 03:36 Gehan's Early Inspirations and Journey 13:24 The Rich Biodiversity of Sri Lanka 16:09 The Ancient Origins of Sri Lanka's Wildlife 29:06 Challenges and Solutions in Wildlife Tourism 37:17 Photography and the Esoteric Experience of Sri Lanka's Nature 51:09 Future Projects and Final Thoughts Photo and Soundscape credits Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne 1. Leopard, Wilpattu 2. Shama and Jerdons Nightjar, Sigiriya 3. Koel n Tailorbird, Colombo About Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne Regarded as one of the most high-profile wildlife personalities in Sri Lanka, his work helped raise awareness of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and turned nature-tourism into a more viable proposition in the country.  Gehan has an ability to bridge science, photography, publishing and business (tourism). He has written over 20 books and is credited as being Sri Lanka's foremost naturalist.   Major Publications (Selected) A Photographic Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka | 2019 (First Edition)  | Covers all 468 bird species recorded in Sri Lanka including 34 endemics A Naturalist’s Guide to the Mammals of Sri Lanka | | Field guide for mammals of Sri Lanka; includes checklists & top mammal-watching sites. A Naturalist’s Guide to the Butterflies & Dragonflies of Sri Lanka | Focuses on ~280 species of butterflies & dragonflies, with photographs and field-use info. Wild Sri Lanka | | More general overview of Sri Lanka’s wildlife, biodiversity and nature-tourism. Birds of Sri Lanka | | A photographic guide to Sri Lanka’s avifauna (with co-authors in some editions). Mammals of Sri Lanka | | A photographic guide to mammals of Sri Lanka. 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.

    54 min
  3. Elephant Stories : Juliet Coombe and Conservation Concepts

    10/17/2025

    Elephant Stories : Juliet Coombe and Conservation Concepts

    In this episode Hotelier, Designer and Podcaster Dee Gibson explores the effects of Sri Lanka’s urbanisation on humans and elephants. Guest Juliet Coombe discusses her passion for Sri Lanka and her project 'Elephant Story Trails’ aimed at resolving human-elephant conflicts through sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.  On this island shaped by monsoons and memory, the elephant is more than an animal. It is a living rhythm — a pulse that has echoed through Sri Lanka for centuries. You see them in the ancient chronicles, carved in stone beside kings and monks. In the forests of Minneriya, they move like rivers of memory — wise, deliberate, powerful. The Sri Lankan elephant is the largest of all its kind — darker, quieter, more introspective. Only a few males bear tusks, rare and sacred, like silver crescents beneath the moon. In temples, the elephant carries the Tooth Relic of the Buddha — a bearer of faith. In villages, it ploughs the earth, hauls timber, shares water. And in our stories, it stands for patience, for strength, for grace. Yet today, its journey is uncertain. Forests shrink, fields expand, and where jungle once met paddy, conflict now brews. Still, when you meet an elephant in the wild with quiet eyes you feel the island’s soul looking back at you. A reminder that wisdom is not always human, and that co-existence is an old Sri Lankan art. The conversation sheds light on the challenges and solutions related to urbanization and wildlife preservation in Sri Lanka. Episode Highlights Meet Juliet Coombe: A Prolific British Author Juliet's Life in Sri Lanka During the Civil War The Galle Fort Community and Literary Festival The Elephant Crisis and Conservation Efforts Royal Interest and Charcoal Drawings Elephants' Intelligence and Emotional Depth The Holistic Elephant Conservation Project The Importance of Biodiversity and Local Wildlife About Juliet Coombe Photojournalist & book author, Juliet Coombe is an inspiring storyteller who has written, while based in Asia, numerous books about Sri Lanka, including the first guide to the North and the East Sri Lanka’s Other Half, Around The Galle Fort in 80 Lives, Generation Tea, Colombo City Guide, The Power Of Sri Lankan Art, and a ground breaking environmental guide, Paradise Exorcised, for Premium brand Jetwing Hotels & Travels.  Her work has appeared in Lonely Planet books, Insight Guides, Metro travel sections, Get Lost Travel Magazine in Australia, Connoisseur Magazine and through Getty images who represent her worldwide. Her travel portfolio of images is used in magazines, newspapers and online.  LINKS https://www.instagram.com/elephantstorytrails/ https://www.amazon.co.uk/Around-Fort-80-Lives-Merchant https://www.amazon.co.uk/Donald-Trunk-Crabzilla-Juliet-Coombe 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.

    58 min
  4. Nimmi Harasgama: A Sri Lankan Actors Journey From Colombo to the West End & Netflix

    06/28/2025

    Nimmi Harasgama: A Sri Lankan Actors Journey From Colombo to the West End & Netflix

    Nimmi Harasgama: From Shy Child to Award-Winning Actress and Writer In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Nimmi Harasgama, a celebrated Sri Lankan actress, writer, and producer with a diverse career spanning continents. We delve into Harasgama's early years of overcoming extreme shyness, her break into acting, and her impactful roles in productions like TV drama 'Good Karma Hospital' and the film 'Funny Boy.' The episode covers Harasgama's experiences as an immigrant in the UK, the challenges of navigating cultural identity, and her dramadedy 'Brown Girl Panic.' The episode also discusses significant moments from Harasgama's life, including a deeply personal connection portraying a key moment at the dawn of the Sri Lankan Civil War.   00:39 Meet Nimmi Harasgama 01:37 Nimmi's Early Life and Career Beginnings 04:53 The Impact of Drama on Nimmi's Life 13:00 Cultural Identity and Immigrant Experiences 22:00 Brown Girl Panic and Creative Works 26:45 Serendipitous Friendships and Life Stories 29:25 Experiencing Racism in School 30:34 Landing the Role in Good Karma Hospital 31:40 Developing the Character in Good Karma Hospital 35:19 The Impact of Funny Boy 42:21 Personal Reflections on Sri Lanka's History 51:32 The Importance of Creativity and Representation 53:22 Final Thoughts and Future Plans About Nimmi Harasgama A charming multi award winning actress, writer, and producer. The British National Television Awards nominated her for best "Drama Performance" for her portrayal of a much loved character Nurse Mari in ITV's The Good Karma Hospital.[1] She made her screen-debut through the English movie Mother Teresa in 1997 and Her first appearance in Sri Lankan cinema.[2]was as the lead in the Sinhalese movie Ira Madiyama for which she won Best Performance/Best Actress at  award ceremonies including International Film Festival of Las Palmas in Spain. In 2020 she played the female lead in Oscar nominated director Deepa Mehta's film Funny Boy based on Shyam Selvadurai's book.  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.

    58 min
  5. Sri Lankan Film Spotlight: Shaun Seneviratne, aka Brown Shaun's new wave of Cinema

    06/21/2025

    Sri Lankan Film Spotlight: Shaun Seneviratne, aka Brown Shaun's new wave of Cinema

    Exploring Cultural Displacement and Creative Narratives in Sri Lanka with Filmmaker Shaun Seneviratne.  In this episode, we dive deep into the cultural layers of Sri Lanka through the eyes of Shaun Seneviratne, also known as Brown Shaun, an American Sri Lankan filmmaker and educator. Shaun discusses his debut feature film 'Ben and Suzanne: A Reunion in Four Parts,' which explores themes of cultural displacement and modern perspectives in Sri Lanka. The conversation covers Shaun's journey from growing up as the only Sri Lankan in a Southeast Asian community to becoming a filmmaker who brilliantly layers media and multiple perspectives. Additionally, Shaun provides insights into the essence of filmmaking, the importance of cultural heritage, and the broader implications of globalised culture on Sri Lanka's identity. A fascinating episode that sheds light on lesser-known Sri Lankan narratives and the importance of celebrating diversity in storytelling. 00:39 Meet Shaun: Filmmaker and Educator 01:14 Discussing 'Ben and Suzanne' 03:20 Shaun's Teaching Journey 04:36 The Art of Filmmaking 08:01 Future of Film and Technology 10:44 Shaun's Background and Inspiration 16:30 Exploring Cultural Displacement 23:00 Perceptions of Sri Lanka 26:08 Exploring Cultural Perspectives in Travel 27:26 The Story of Suzanne and Her Job 31:05 Economic Challenges and Social Issues in Sri Lanka 33:58 Future Projects and Personal Stories 37:17 Identity and Names: A Personal Journey 41:10 Highlighting Sri Lankan Creativity and Culture About Shaun Seneviratne Shaun Seneviratne is a filmmaker and educator based in New York. His first feature Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts premiered at SXSW and will be in theaters and streaming this summer. He’s also the host of RohmerCast, a podcast dedicated to filmmaker Eric Rohmer. 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.

    51 min
  6. Forest Bathing Explained: Benefits & Science Behind Shinrin-Yoku with Susan Joachim

    06/09/2025

    Forest Bathing Explained: Benefits & Science Behind Shinrin-Yoku with Susan Joachim

    This episode is about Forest Bathing and Indigenous Wisdom with Sri Lankan guest and Forest Bathing expert Susan Joachim. We explore the benefits of forest bathing with Susan who is living in Australia and is the president and founding member of the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance. INFTA).  The episode covers the history and science behind forest bathing, its origins in Japan, and its benefits for mental and physical wellbeing. Science has finally caught up with what indigenous people have know for eons. Trees and nature and our planet are healers, and in fact the very act of forest bathing can activate cells in our body whose sole purpose is to kill disease. In some parts of the world, Governments are recognising this simple way of staying healthy  The conversation delves into how urbanisation is leading to biodiversity loss and the necessity for sustainable urban planning in Sri Lanka. Susan envisions a future where forest therapy becomes an integral part of public health and wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. 00:00 Welcome to Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives 00:40 Introduction to Forest Bathing 00:54 Guest Introduction: Susan Yoko 01:05 Indigenous Wisdom and Scientific Research 03:36 The Concept of Six Seasons 06:12 Similarities Between Aboriginal and Sri Lankan Traditions 10:36 The Importance of Biophilia 15:20 The Birth of Forest Bathing in Japan 19:47 The Healing Power of Nature 26:36 Urbanization and Biodiversity in Sri Lanka 31:07 International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance 39:50 Empowering Women Through Education 41:53 Final Thoughts About Susan Joachim Susan V. Joachim is the President and Founding Member of the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA) as well as a Founding Member of INFTA (Germany). The focus of this role is fostering and promoting Nature and Forest Therapy as a preventive and therapeutic public health practice. In this role, Susan draws on over 20 years of professional and international career experience in human resources development, education, women’s empowerment, and lifelong learning. As the President of INFTA, she promotes Forest Therapy as an affordable and accessible practice to address preventable lifestyle diseases and increasing anxiety and mental health illnesses. Susan also advocates for Forest Therapy to be made available in suitable urban parks to alleviate feelings of loneliness, foster community well-being, and encourage pro-environmental behaviours.  Susan is a Chartered Secretary and Associate Member of The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland. She commands extensive work experience in professional roles at international organisations such as USAID and GIZ and can draw on her wide network of key stakeholders and organisations in Australia, as well as stakeholders, researchers, and government representatives abroad, particularly in Germany, the USA, Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Sri Lanka. 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.

    42 min
  7. Sri Lanka's Sustainable Fashion Movement

    05/28/2025

    Sri Lanka's Sustainable Fashion Movement

    Why Sri Lanka Must Address Textile Waste: Insights from Lonali Rodrigo In this episode of 'Sri Lanka, Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot,' host Dee Gibson interviews fashion entrepreneur Lonali Rodrigo, discussing the pressing need for Sri Lanka to address textile waste. Lonali highlights the country's history in garment production and the growing challenge of pre- and post-consumer waste. Through her brand, House of Lonali, she exemplifies sustainable practices by up-cycling textile waste into new products, collaborating with local artisans, and engaging in educational initiatives. The episode provides a comprehensive look at the environmental and economic reasons driving Sri Lanka to tackle textile waste head-on. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:00 Meet Lonali Rodrigo: Fashion Entrepreneur 02:52 House of Lonali: Sustainable Fashion 04:45 Sri Lanka's Textile Industry 08:19 Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainable Fashion 17:45 The Upcycling Process at House of Lonali 21:44 Collaborations and Projects 36:31 Educational Initiatives and Oxford Fellowship 43:22 Future Outlook About Lonali Rodrigo Founder & Lead Designer, House of Lonali Lonali Rodrigo is a designer, changemaker, and the visionary behind House of Lonali, a conscious designer brand and social enterprise rooted in ethical fashion. With a deep commitment to people and planet, Lonali creates uncompromisingly stylish designs that champion circularity, creativity, and entrepreneurship, all aligned with her mission to Design a Better Future. She holds a First Class Honours degree in Fashion Design from Northumbria University and a Master’s in Sustainable Management from the University of Bedfordshire. Lonali’s work and values are further shaped by her experience as a Chevening CRISP Fellow (Research, Science, and Innovation Leadership Programme) at the University of Oxford. Through House of Lonali, she continues to inspire a new generation of conscious consumers and creators by proving that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible. https://www.lonali.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.

    47 min
  8. Selyn Textiles: Weaving a Future for Sri Lankan Artisans

    04/27/2025

    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 from aspiring diplomat and UN-hopeful to taking over the creative legacy business. She discusses the importance of collaboration, fair pay, and sustainable business practices. Additionally, Selyna talks about launching Femcare, a project to produce reusable sanitary pads and its potential global impact. This conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of running a Sri Lankan social enterprise and the vital role of community and collaboration. 00:38 Meet Selena Paris: The Story Behind Sailing Textiles 01:06 A Personal Journey: From Politics to Creative Legacy 01:30 Inside the Factory: Craftsmanship and Quality 02:12 Balancing Roles: Entrepreneur, Activist, and Mother 04:17 The Origins of Sailing Textiles 06:25 Challenges and Triumphs: Building a Fair Trade Enterprise 10:28 Selena's Early Life and Career Aspirations 13:27 Returning to Sri Lanka: A Shift in Focus 20:05 Collaboration and Competition: A New Business Model 30:52 Blockchain and Transparency in Supply Chains 40:47 The Pad Project: Empowering Women Through Innovation 47:56 Conclusion: The Future of Social Enterprise in Sri Lanka About Selyna  Peiris Selyna Peiris (Attorney-at-Law) is a social entrepreneur and development practitioner driving several women-led social enterprises in Sri Lanka. She is the Director - Business Development at Selyn, the country’s only Fair Trade guaranteed textile craft company, and the Founder CEO of FemmeCare, a leading provider of sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions. As Director of the Selyn Foundation, she also co-leads the #BleedGood Movement, a multi-stakeholder platform dedicated to ending period poverty in Sri Lanka. Selyna serves on multiple national and international boards and committees, including the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the World Fair Trade Organization. With a background in law, government, and grassroots advocacy, she is a passionate champion for equitable development and women’s empowerment across South Asia. Links Websites: www.selyn.lk,  www.selynfoundation.org, www.femme-care.com,   Facebook & IG: @selynfairtrade; @selynfoundation; @femmecareglobal; @selpeiris Twitter: https://twitter.com/SelynaPeiris LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/selynapeiris    TEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9ZKUw46PJ8 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.

    50 min
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About

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

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