Colombo
and Kandy now serve up a variety of nightclubs that range from hip
hop techno music to the older more sedate 1980s music, via D-jays
or live bands. Most hotels have in-house nightclubs while, around
the town, there are a few nightclubs that are privately owned. Though
be warned, Nightclubs in Colombo general liven up only around 11 at
night and are full of life until 3 or 4 in the morning.
Dotted
around Colombo, realizing the lure of karaoke, most hotels have converted
various rooms at hotels to give patrons a chance to croon to their
favourite melodies. One of the most popular Karaoke lounges however
is the independent Showboat, situated in Reid Avenue.
| Bar
and Pubs, Pool Parlours, Cafes, Coffee Shops |
Bars and
Pubs are generally in-house at most hotels. An Irish pub Clancy's
in Colombo 7 has a live band daily and serves up some good Irish grub
for those so inclined. Increasing numbers of pool parlours, cafes
and coffee shops are seen around Colombo, which unfortunately seems
to be the only area in the country that seems to have any nightlife
at all.
Sri Lanka's
movie industry is very old by any standards and has had a few showing
at international film festivals. Most Sinhalese movies though are
overly dramatic and a bit too long, with the proverbial song and dance
act, so popular with the Bollywood syndrome, also taking pride of
place. English language films, including the latest releases from
Hollywood, albeit a couple of months later, do adorn the screens,
though Sri Lankans prefer to rent or buy a video or VCD from the abundance
of rental centers and watch these in the comfort of their homes. Tamil
and Hindi films are also very popular here while a few sordid 'Adults
Only' films are seen touted along the smaller theatres around the
suburban areas.
| Theatres
and Art Galleries |
The Sinhalese
Theatre is most vibrant with many a play going on at any given time,
though the quality of theatre or acting needs to be vetted carefully.
The Lionel Wendt Theatre or Bishop's College Auditorium sometimes
serves up a Broadway Musical or British comedy which, if caught at
the right time, is generally of a very high standard. The Lionel Wendt
Art Gallery and the National Art Gallery most often on weekends, does
have an exhibition of painting or sculpture, while the Sapumal Foundation
or the Havelock Road Gallery too occasionally shows the works of an
artist or two. Most exhibitions are of a very high standard. Permanent
art exhibitions can be viewed at the Colombo Hilton and the Hotel
Lanka Oberoi. Sri Lanka has a Foundation set up for its most celebrated
artist, George Keyt, situated in Green Path, which annually, most
often on one day between the months of October to January, set up
a painter's street or Kalapola, opposite the National Art Gallery,
where a kilometer long stretch of road is transformed into a French
artist's street, with sculptors, sketchers and artists, display their
wares. Some good bargains can be obtained for those willing to walk
the kilometer on both sides and bargain a bit with fledgeling to professional
artists.
Unfortunately,
there is very little showcase for Sri Lanka's cultural dancers for
a visitor, unless around at the right time. The Galadari Hotel has
a daily show in its Coffee Shop area featuring the troupe of one of
Sri Lanka's most famous dancers, Channa Wijewardene, while in Kandy,
the Avanhala too has a daily cultural show. Some hotels, especially
those out of Colombo and resort hotels, generally have a cultural
show for tourists, if the hotel is decently occupied. 
|
|