Thomas Mann’s books are often doorstoppers. But fast-forward to the action this evening, with a film adaptation of Death in Venice. Meanwhile the French have apparently replaced replaced sleighs with scooters, in this Christmas movie for the kids. Kids are acting too: Royal College puts on a play, Sleepless Christmas Eve, at the Wendt.
Saturday is literary. The ever versatile Anomaa Rajakaruna is doing a reading of her new poetry book. Meanwhile Lakmahal has not one, but two book clubs. If you're a queer sci-fi nerd, you’re doomed to spend the whole day there. For the kids, Christmas Pig storytelling at the British Council. If, four days later, you’re compelled to explain to your tearful toddler why their favourite character lies dead on the dinner table, do not complain to us.
Give into Christmas consumerism at the island market pop-up. Then proceed to the philosophy club’s workshop to absolve yourself: you can decide all your Xmas extravagances weren’t your own free will.
Sunday is for music. Carols and music at the Dutch Burgher Union’s cyclone relief fundraiser. Or for possibly better music, but almost certainly worse food, Soul Sounds sings at the Cinnamon Grand.
And next week Christmas poetry and folk art from West Bengal. And finally for all who can’t be bothered to cook on Christmas: first read our Examination on recipes of Christmas Past, then pop into the Dutch Burgher Union to pandithafy over their buffet.
What to read
You thought you dodged the law, becoming a lawyer, or even associating with them. You are mistaken. This week brings you a comprehensive legal education. Begin by reading the draft PTA replacement. Follow that up with CPA’s comments on what’s wrong with it. Learn about a Sri Lankan success story, community mediation boards, and finally settle in for a treat(ise) – Dinesha Samararatne’s volume on the attorney general. Rohan Samarajiva dissects the disaster management act.
Rajni Gamage and Harindra Dissanayake review the NPP government for Economic and Political Weekly. Although normally paywalled, they’ve made this link free. Don’t expect the same from us. Dilrukshi Handunetti writes about the whirlwind in your cup of tea, as she uncovers Ditwah’s devastation on the estates. Tharushi Weerasinghe and Sandran Rubatheesan have more to say about the government not speaking in Tamil amid a disaster. And Centre for Smart Future argue that future debt arrangements must allow flexibility during climate disasters.
Meanwhile, Surge and Calcey have merged, for all the glitter and spin, Bhanuka’s interview is not-unthoughtful. Asela Waidyalankara analyses SLASSCOM’s salary survey in this tweet thread.
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