A Link Between East and West

Last month I was interviewed by Kavinu Cooray, Head of Content and Art Curation at ARTRA magazine.

The latest (October 2025) edition of the magazine has some great articles – well written and with beautiful artwork – including the interview entitled Between East and West – in conversation with Dr Sanjiva Wijesinha

Just to provide an idea of the comprehensive and insightful interview, I have provided the opening paragraphs to whet your appetite. Click on the link to read the full article

To understand globalisation beyond the narratives of empire, one must look to Sri Lanka, a
forgotten hub of the Silk Road.

ARTRA had the opportunity to speak with Dr Sanjiva Wijesinha, acclaimed surgeon, author, and academic, whose new book Sri Lanka,Serendib and The Silk Road of the Sea explores the island’s pivotal role in the global exchanges of the ancient maritime Silk Routes.

Drawing from his experience as one of Sri Lanka’s representatives on UNESCO’s 1990 Silk Road expedition and decades of research, Dr Wijesinha sheds light on the overlooked narratives of Sri Lanka’s nautical heritage and its position as a crossroads of culture, trade, and ideas.

In this interview, he reflects on the inspirations behind his book, the importance of reclaiming histories beyond Eurocentric narratives, and how the movement of music, food, and religion across the seas continues to resonate with contemporary questions of identity and heritage.

Click this link to read more