Denzil's Stories

Dawn’s Messenger A Tapestry of Mornings in Dubai Denzil Jayasinghe · As the clock strikes 5.30 a.m., the familiar beep of my Casio alarm pierces the silence, marking the beginning of my day. With only minutes to spare, my morning routine kicks into gear like a well-oiled machine. My attire, a neatly pressed pair of trousers and a shirt stands ready, meticulously prepared the night before to eliminate any unnecessary choices in the early hours. A swift breakfast, and I’m ready to embrace the day. By 6:15 a.m., I’m crossing the threshold of my home, the day’s freshness marred only by the acrid scent that lingers in the elevator as it descends to the ground floor. Stepping out onto the sandy trail leading to Al Arouba Road, I find the world still at rest. The storefronts of radio shops and eateries remain shuttered, and the streets are nearly deserted, save for a few men draped in Dishdasha, their heads wrapped in shawls. Despite the early hour, the air retains the warmth of the tropics, ...

I love my cinema — Movietone The Enchanting Gateway to Worlds Beyond Denzil Jayasinghe · N estled on the edge of our street, facing the bustling Kandy Road, was the Movietone cinema. A mere seven-minute walk from home, it was a haven for moviegoers in my neighbourhood. Compared to the grand cinemas of Colombo or even the Himali cinema at the other end of town, Movietone was a modest venue. It wasn’t part of the country’s elite cinema circuit, which made it magical. Here, a delightful mix of movies played — English, Sinhala, Hindi, and even the occasional gem from China. This was the early 1970s in Sri Lanka, when movies offered a window to a world far beyond our own. English Movies were an adventure:   Unlike the diverse genres available today, English movies back then were Westerns, crime thrillers, horror flicks, and the occasional comedy. These films transported viewers to a different world, filled with action-packed gunfights and a hint of sex, something largely absent from Hin...

  The Abras of Deira Navigating the Waters of Connection Denzil Jayasinghe · T he historic docks bustled with activity in the vibrant heart of Deira under the bright Arabian sun. The traditional abra boats bobbed in the water, their presence as much a part of the landscape as the old stone steps leading down to the creek. In this setting, the boatmen found respite in the shade, their conversation blending seamlessly into the tapestry of sounds that characterised the docks. The abras, with their wooden frames and gentle rocking, were a testament to Dubai’s maritime legacy. Lined up in an orderly fashion, they awaited their next voyage while the boatmen, clad in simple attire like loose pants and sarongs, watched their running motors. The expressions on their faces spoke volumes of the countless journeys they had made across the creek, ferrying passengers between the two pulsating halves of the city. The dock was a vibrant mix of individuals, each eagerly waiting for their turn to tr...

  The Heartbeat of Kiribathgoda: Fabric, Flavours, and Folklore A Narrative from 1975 Denzil Jayasinghe · Where’s the local hangout hotspot?   Nelson’s isn’t just your average fabric emporium. It’s the brainchild of two enterprising brothers, lads from Kiribathgoda, blossoming into a lively social nexus. Here, afternoons are alive with camaraderie as dreamers from all walks of life converge, bound by a shared yearning for leisurely chats, a puff of smoke, and the spirit of collaboration. It’s not just a place, it’s a community where even a newcomer with a flair for the unconventional can immerse in the warm embrace of inclusivity. What’s the fashion statement in Kiribathgoda?   When the sun reigns supreme, the attire in Kiribathgoda is all about comfort and breathability. The aspiring youth flaunted bell bottoms, while the elders stuck to sarongs and trousers. Women grace the streets in sarees and wraps. Footwear is mostly casual, with slippers being the norm, though some...