Treasure Island August 2013

AUGUST 2013

AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 1

2 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • AUGUST 2013

AUGUST 2013 EDITOR IN CHIEF Harsha Udayakantha Peiris CONSULTANT EDITOR Renuka Bandaranayake DEPUTY EDITOR Rathindra Kuruwita SUB EDITOR Rikaza Hassan CONTRIBUTORS FROM MAIDEN ISSUE Prof. Rohana P. Mahaliyanaarachchi Dept. of Agri Business Management of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka Dr. Iraj Ratnayake Dept. of Tourism Management of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka Dr. Ashoka Dangolla Senior Lecturer of University of Peradeniya Sri Lanka and Veterinary Specialist Anslem de Silva - The President of Amphibia and Reptile Research Organization of Sri Lanka (ARROS) Dr. Ruchira Somaweera – Senior Zoologist, BIOLOGIC Environmental Survey, Australia Vasantha Nugegoda – Zoologist and Animal Habitat Specialist Chamalka Kothalawala – Taxidermist, National Museums, Colombo Sri Lanka Chandima Jayaweera - The Most Outstanding Chauffeur Tourist Guide (Nature & Wildlife) SLTA 2012 Raju Vyas –Gujarat, India Sujitha Miranda - Veteran Journalist Sri Lanka Tourism National Museums Colombo

12 OCEANIC Mirissa in down south has been identified the most popular whale watching destination in Sri Lanka.

32 ARCHAEOLOGY

27 AVIATION

PHOTOGRAPHY Aloka I de Silva Chandima Jayaweera Maheesha Mindula Warna Liyanawatte Sanju Samarasinghe Suranga Cooray K. Herath Achintha Dahanayake

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Built in the second century BC enshrining the remaining of the Arhant Mahanidaand ArhantIttiya Theras, the envoys of Buddhism to Sri Lanka, Rajagala had been a flourishing monastery under the sponsorship of the Royals of East.

There is no point in coming to Arugam Bay if your idea of fun is to hit the beach to relax and bask in the sun.

But if your idea of a goOd time is to hang 10 you should be very interested in this small beach town which is increasingly becoming a popular destination for surfing enthusiasts.

the refurbished Air Force Museum at the Sri Lanka Air Force Base in Ratmalana is the only national museum dedicated to aviation and the related history of SLAF in the island and is the largest Air Force museum in Asia.

36 LEISURE

Contents

44 DESTINATIONS

52 HISTORIC

There is more to Arugam Bay than riding the waves or chilling on the beach so that when the surf is flat or if the weather happens to be gloomy you don’t have to sulk in your hotel room, cursing the weather gods and wishing you were elsewhere.........

58 SPORTING TOURISM The Oman Air Gold Classic 2013 teed off at the Victoria Golf and Country resort Digana in Kandy on Sunday 11th August 2013 under cool country environs of sunshine.

It’s not easy to find Muhudu Maha Viharaya, an archaeological site in the east, lying in between Potuvil and Arugam Bay - the surfer paradise.

South Eastern University of Sri Lanka in Oluvil will soon add a brand new educationally viable programme , on Hospitality Management to meet the travel demand.

49 DEVELOPING STORY 64 EVENTS

55 COMMUNITIES

Jaffna District, in the northernmost of Sri Lanka, is one of the oldest habitation sites in Lower South Asia.

Laksala, the oldest and most well known gift and souvenir boutique Jaffna Challengers, led by for authentic Sri Lankan artifacts Sajith Saranga and coached by opened its landmark store at the Kenyan Mike emerged champions Colombo Museum premises. of Carlton Super sevens 2013 international rugby tournament

61

67 Botique retreats 70 News

S

ri Lanka, is a beautiful, diverse island and amazingly so for its small size. The attractive coastline around Arugam Bay (aru-gam) is no exception, being the southeast’s most traveller- and surferfriendly zone in Sri Lanka. Although many of its original structures were leveled by the 2004 tsunami things have rapidly returned around and Arugam’s long and always user-friendly right points are as good as ever.

OCEANIC

Call of the

Gentle Giants

of the ocean

in down south 12 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • AUGUST 2013

(By Harsha Udayakantha Peiris)

M

irissa in down south has been identified the most popular whale watching destination in Sri Lanka. Blue whales are the main attraction and during the peak season, there exists a higher likelihood of seeing them on a single sailing. The best times to spot whales there, starts in late October but the peak period falls from December to April.

Spinner dolphins could also be seen on a higher percentage in a tour during the season.

" However, still, only few people are aware that Sri Lanka is a great Blue Whale watching destination"

“Whales are conscious air breathers. They breach the surface of the water to breath regularly. In Mirissa, we have caught frequent sights of 7 whale species that include Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Bryde’s Whales and Parpus Whales. Also, there are 17 dolphin species endemic to Mirissa and that could be seen throughout the year. Among them are the Common Dolphin, Bottle Nose Dolphin, Spring Dolphin, Gray Dolphin, Resource Dolphin, Humpback Dolphin and the Stripped Dolphin,”

O.D.T.S.Rupasinghe (Rupa) of the Whale Watching Division of Ceylon Fishery Harbour Corporation says. Rupasinghe is a Whale Watching Researcher who has been in the field for more than 09 years.

The Niagara Fall trail up of a Blue Whale in Mirissa

It was far back in 1979, the International Whaling Commission declared the

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Indian Ocean – North of 55 os a sanctuary for the 80 Cactaceae species identified worldwide in which 26 are found in the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal.

“However, still, only few people are aware that Sri Lanka is a great Blue Whale watching destination.

Researchers and scientists who study the migratory patterns of Blue Whales have discovered that their migration follows ever-changing seasonal currents. And, when they pass Sri Lanka, they are on their migratory route from the Arabian Sea, around the Horn of Africa to the oceanic waters of the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal,” Rupasinghe adds.

Whales mostly feed on krill which are small shrimp – like marine creatures. During certain months, the migrations are triggered by the presence of krill in the top 39-43 metres.

“Blue Whales cannot be spotted anywhere in the world, like here. A Blue Whale weighs around 150 tons. It is also about 150 metres in length. It has a grey skin with white spots on it but when it comes on to the surface water during daylight and in the sun, it is spotted as a blue colour creature. A Blue Whale breads once in 2 to 3 years.

It makes a huge sound to communicate and it could be heard for thousands of kilometers in the ocean. A Blue Whale consumes about

A close up encounter with a Blue Whale in Mirrissa.

The blow hole is clearly visible here

A sprouting Blue whale in Mirissa

A deep sea drive of a Blue Whale off Mirissa

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2000 kilograms of shrimps in one mouthful. It is the largest creature in the whole world,” he comments.

A trail up action - Blue whale in Mirissa

A trail up deep dive of a Blue Whale in Mirissa

An emerging Blue Whale in Mirissa

Blue Whales are basically drawn to areas where the changing monsoon currents produce seasonally changing plankton bloom areas. Whales are also commonly found along the slopes where shallow, inshore waters of the continental shelf drop away steeply to the oceanic depths. Local upwelling typically occurs in these belts, resulting in plankton concentrations in Sri Lankan waters that attract Whales to the shores of Mirissa and Kalpitiya Peninsula where the best sights are recorded.

“Being whale watching operators, our responsibility extends from allowing the guests to have the best opportunity to spot whales to protect and safeguard this precious species for a better and sustainable co-existence.

Therefore, it is compulsory that we should use the right vessel to reach them.

Vessels that do not reach the expected standards for this purpose and vessels with heavy engine roars make frequent disturbance and inconvenience to Whales and Dolphins. This affects their habitat. If this is to run a viable business that brings forex, it is high time that the authorities should take timely measures to introduce standards and impose penalty for violators,”

Rupasinghe denotes.

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This Blue Whale has been identified a PERMANENT resident in Mirissa since 2006. A clear indication that the area is a permenent habitat of Whales and Dolphins

During the latter part of the year 2012, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDC) launched the Project BLUEprint in partnership with Sri Lankan Airlines to encourage community based Whale watching in Sri Lanka. An important aspect of the programme was to build an educational and recreational experience with the involvement of local communities. WDC, having worked with tourism agencies, governments and local Whale watching communities around the globe were in their fullest efforts to establish the same entity in Sri Lanka and assist with protecting the species for the future. The international media bodies such as the BBC, Wild Life, World Media and several other international environmental and marine conservation groups have also actively engaged over the past few years to take the story of these gentle giants in the oceanic waters of down south,

around the world.

Today, Sri Lanka has become a major hot spot for watching Whales and Dolphins. Dondra Point of down south in close proximity to Mirissa is the main port of whale watching in Sri Lanka. Around eight nautical miles off Dondra, a magical experience awaits all nature lovers, whale and dolphin enthusiasts. Ocean waters off Mirissa is fast becoming the world’s best location to observe Blue Whales.

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of Bottle Nose Dolphins AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 17

A school of Bottle Nose Dolphins

Bottle Nose Dolphins in Dondra off Mirissa

Bottle Nose Dolphins

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Bryde's whales spotted in Mirissa

A school of Common Dolphins with springs

Common Dolphins off Mirissa

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A Grey Dolphin in Mirissa

Four Killer Whales off Mirissa

A killer whale (Orca)

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An emerging grey dolphin in Mirissa

A killer whale (Orca) sighted off Mirissa during a wild life video shoot

Parpus Whale in Mirrissa in action

AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 21

For a safer, and a tailor made tour of Whale Watching in Mirissa that would add to an ever unforgettable and pleasant experience in Sri Lanka, contact O.D.T.S.Rupasinghe (Rupa) – Whale Watching Researcher on +94724166458 /+94770786380 or via email – nikkirrupasinghe@gmail.com

A school of around 100 - 150 Sperm Whales migrating sighted off Dondra

A sperm Whale emerging on the surface off Mirissa

Sperm whales sighted between Galle and Ahangama

A trail up of a Sperm Whale in Mirissa

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A Spring Dolphin off Dondra

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AVIATION

a past heritage of flying excellence

SLAF Museum Text and pics. by Harsha Udayakantha Peiris

‘Hawker Siddeley HF -748’ (Avro) made in the UK for passenger and goods transportation His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa ceremonially re-opened the refurbished Air Force Museum at the Sri Lanka Air Force Base in Ratmalana on 05th November 2009. The President also launched the museum web site.

T

he museum, originally set up as the air craft preservation & storage

unit (AP&SU) in the year 1993 with the intention of preserving the aviation history of Sri Lanka and the history of SLAF was restructured and opened in 2009 by His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, as the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Museum. Today it depicts the 63 years old history of SLAF. It is the only national museum dedicated to aviation and the related history of SLAF in

the island and is the largest Air Force museum in Asia. The museum is situated in a seven acres land inside the Sri Lanka Air Force Base in Ratmalana.

Items and equipment showing the evolution of the industry of aviation since the first aircraft

by Wright Brothers along with the machines by the SL Air Force during its 63 years are kept for exhibition at the museum.

AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 27

According to an innovative concept of the then Air Chief Marshal W.D.M.R.J. Goonetileke, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, the modernization of the Air Force museum was implemented in 2008 and new exhibits and facilities were also added to the museum.

The museum has several hangers consisting photo galleries, mini theatres and air crafts of historical importance as well as equipment and arms used since 1951. Several vintage air crafts, vehicles and

equipment in the museum have been restored to operational conditions by a dedicated team of Air Force engineers and technicians.

The SLAF museum is open to the public on all days except Sunday, Monday, Public Holidays and Poya days from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. Reservations to visit the museum can also be made contacting the Commanding Officer of the SLAF museum on 011 2625111 or in writing, to the Commanding Officer, the Sri Lanka Air Force Museum, Ratmalana.

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‘Beech Craft – E18 F 9700’ made in the USA. Had been use by the Survey Department and handed over to the SLAF in 1986 for preservation

The ‘Chip Munk’ made in the UK. The first air craft purchased by the SLAF. In 1951,SLAF has purchased four of these aircrafts for the training of pilots.

AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 29

‘Bell 206A Jet ranger’ Helicopter made in the USA. First tested in 1966. In 1984, the helicopter has been modernized to be used as an attacker.

‘FM - A - IA 58’ ‘Cucara’ aircraft made in Argentina. Have been used as an attacker.

‘Dauphan’ Helicopter made in France. First flown in 1975. SLAF purchased two of the kind in 1979. Have been used for VIP transportation.

‘UH – 12B’ Helicopter made in the USA at the Hiller Aircraft Company. Had been in use as a surveillance light helicopter. First flown in 1948.

Registered in Sri Lanka under Aviation Authority.

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ARCHAEOLOGY

Raja gala

Maha Viharaya

The resting place of maha arhants

Text and pics. by courtesy of Sri Lanka Tourism www.srilanka.travel

" Hidden away in the thick jungle is a huge block of

stone 16 feet long with a half finished Buddha image carved on it. Above the main structure of the temple lies hundreds of caves carved with the drip ledges and modelled and decorated to house the meditating arhants of the monastery. Untouched by time, many of the walls, doorways and interior structures of these caves are still in place

"

32 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • AUGUST 2013

Built in the second century BC enshrining the remaining of the Arhant Mahanidaand ArhantIttiya Theras, the envoys of Buddhism to Sri Lanka, Rajagala had been a flourishing monastery under the sponsorship of the Royals of East.

B

uilt by the Kings of Anuradhapura and having flourished under the sponsorship of Kings of Digamadulla, the Eastern kingdom of Lanka,Rajagala was known as 'Girikibalawthisa' in the ancient times. Standing 1030 feet tall the Rajagala mount is covered in thick jungle today. Yet the climb upwards, through an elegant rock steps formed in a gentle curve, along what once was a paved roadway, is scattered with the ruins of rock structures and moon stones, silent testimonies of a glorious age gone by.

The Western slope of the mountain holds most of the rains, although the monastic village was scattered all over Rajagala. Two rock pools built in the vicinity of two ruined stupas have now become the watering holes of the elephants while the rock plateau around the pools are scattered with intricately carved rock pillars, parts of a sophisticated structure also complete with urinals and toilets.

A broad path, which would have been an elegant roadway, leads down the plateau passing chaityas, viharas, dwellings, dining halls and ancient sculptures scattered into pieces. Among the ruins are the unique rice and water bowls, which were used to store water for the use of pilgrims and offer the first harvest of the farmers who lived nearby to Lord Buddha. The bowls giant in proportions and beautifully carved lies lost, dislodged but in full form waiting to be established and reformed. The water spouts, which carried water to the water bowls known as 'pinthaliya'toolay scattered broken, while one water bowls had been broken into four by treasure hunters.

Hidden away in the thick jungle is a huge block of stone 16 feet long with a half finished Buddha image carved on it. The line of the statue are straight and are in right angles yet lack the detailed touch of a master, who after the first initiation of his apprentice had failed to finish the sculptor, which was forgotten to the thick jungle.

Above the main structure of the temple lies hundreds of caves carved with the drip ledges and modelled and decorated to house the meditating arhants of the monastery. Each cave carries the inscription detailing the donor, the time and the procedures, witnesses of the compound administration structure, which prevailed in the Kingdom.

Untouched by time, many of the walls, doorways and interior structures of these caves are still in place. Some had been refashioned with brick while others are adorned in stone. The walls inside are covered with plaster and would have been full of murals. Each cave had been built to catch the wind and is cooled by internal draughts.

AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 33

Although they are yet be excavated and examined by archaeologists proper; the cave had stood perfect form for the last two thousand years as if its inhabitants have just left. Yet one or two are still in use, the preserve of the leopards, whose home they have become.

Built in the second century BC enshrining the remaining of the Arhant Mahanida and Arhant Ittiya Theras, the envoys of Buddhism to Sri Lanka, Rajagala had been a flourishing monastery under the sponsorship of the Royals of East.

Built by the Kings of Anuradhapura and having flourished under the sponsorship of Kings of Digamadulla, the Eastern kingdom of Lanka, Rajagala was known as 'Girikibalawthisa' in the ancient times. Standing 1030 feet tall the Rajagala mount is covered in thick jungle today.

The Western slope of the mountain holds most of the ruins. Two rock pools built in the vicinity of two ruined stupas have now become the watering holes of the 34 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • AUGUST 2013

elephants while the rock plateau around the pools are scattered with intricately carved rock pillars, parts of a sophisticated structure also complete with urinals and toilets.

A broad path, which would have been an elegant roadway, leads down the plateau passing chaityas, viharas, dwellings, dining halls and ancient sculptures scattered into pieces. Among the ruins are the unique rice and water bowls, which were used to store water for the use of pilgrims and offer the first harvest of the farmers who lived nearby to Lord Buddha.

Hidden away in the thick jungle is a huge block of stone 16 feet long with a half-finished Buddha image carved on it. Above the main structure of the temple lies hundreds of caves carved with the drip ledges and modelled and decorated to house the meditating arhants of the monastery. Untouched by time, many of the walls, doorways and interior structures of these caves are still in place.

AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 35

LEISURE

p u s ' f sur out bring to ay B It’s time at Arugam the boards

Arugam surfing

By Rathindra Kuruwita

T

here is no point in coming to Arugam Bay if your idea of fun is to hit the beach to relax and bask in the sun. But if your idea of a good time is to hang 10 you should be very interested in this small beach town which is increasingly becoming a popular destination for surfing enthusiasts.

There are many reasons to be here, let me start giving you a list and you can stop me anytime you want. Because Arugam Bay offers real value for money; because the vibe is friendly and relaxed; because there is a lot to do - trips to wildlife parks, snorkeling, etc if the surf sucks; because it’s one of the last really exotic surfing beaches; because the surf is reliable, consistent, and fun; because it’s an awesome place for longboarders, fishraiders; because of the small, rippable rights and the lefts in the vicinity… I can go on, but you get the point.

During surf season, the surfing crowd in Arugam Bay is pretty eclectic. When I visited Arugam Bay early August I came across a truly

36 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • AUGUST 2013

Pics. by Suranga Cooray

global community of surfers, from badass looking Israeli surf posses to Austrian students and honeymooners to Brits learning to surf.

Speaking to this eclectic mix what comes through is that what attracts many to Arugam Bay is that it’s a place where surfers of all proficiencies can have a good time. Really good surfers can come to Arugam Bay with their buddies who have just picked up the board.

In our visit we met groups of surfers comprising of members with different skill levels enjoying the place together.

Twenty-five year old Pete from Austria was at Arugam Bay with his experienced buddy who was riding strong waves a few hundred metres from where Pete, who considers himself an intermediate, was enjoying more predictable waves. Talking to Treasure Island he said that the predictability of the waves was what really attracts him.

“The waves here are the same all the time, which is different from the Atlantic where waves change direction all the time. I would consider myself an intermediate and this is the best kind of waves for me.

However what’s awesome about this place is that there are places where everyone can surf, from the very beginner to the professional surfer,” Pete

said, pointing at a few surfers who were riding a big wave.

“In addition this is a good place for all levels of

surfers. There are places where beginners can ease into the scene while there are other places which are really tough, very good for advanced surfers,” he said.

Compared to other good surfing spots where there is nothing more to enjoy other than surfing, water sports and partying, Arugam Bay offers diverse cultural and environmental experiences.

There are several national parks, renowned for elephants, leopards and bears but a few hours drive away. There are also several ancient monuments in and around Arugam Bay, including the scenic Muhudu Maha Viharaya (which literally means temple by the sea.)

Pete too was in agreement.

“This is a very relaxed place; other good surf spots in the world are very busy and commercialised, but not here. I have surfed in California and although the waves were good it’s very crowded but here its chilled and you get to meet people and there are other attractions, wildlife or cultural, rather close by.”

Talking about his seven day visit, Pete said that he definitely would visit Arugam Bay again.

He added that he plans to spend more time in the country to explore cultural sites and wildlife parks. “I saw a film about Sri Lanka and in it there was a section on Arugam Bay and me and my friend came to check it out.

So if I get a chance I will definitely come back.”

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" its been a bonding experience " Eviatel and his son

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" better than California" Pete, 25, Australia

Arugam Bay is not only for young surfers in their 20s, a large number of surfing enthusiasts in their late 30s to mid 50s arrive here often with their families. Eviatel who is 49 is a doctor from Israel surfs with his son. Unlike Pete who is here because of a chance view of a movie, Arugam Bay has been recommended to Eviatel by a colleague at his hospital.

“It’s my first time here and I’ll be here for a week.

A friend of mine in Israel recommended Arugam Bay; he said it’s a very good point,” Eviatel said.

Echoing the sentiments of other surfers Eviatel said that what has impressed him the most is that Arugam Bay is a place that any surfing enthusiast will enjoy.

AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 39

”I am an advanced surfer.

But my son is a beginner.

But what’s good is that there are places where both of us can surf here, which is not common.”

Meanwhile Drake, 26, from Sweden is what you might call a veteran of the Arugam Bay surfing scene. He has been coming here regularly since 2007 and has a load of information to offer to those who want to check the place out. “You can come here anytime between May and October, but July and August are the peak surf-tourist months.

The southwest monsoon is Arugam’s primary swell-maker along with clean, distant southern groundswells that originate in the Roaring Forties. This is also the season that the prevailing west and southwest winds are fairly offshore for part of the day,” he goes on.

What really makes a trip to Arugam Bay worthwhile is that there are loads of other things to do if the surf sucks. Arugam Bay is on the edge of Yala East National Park, one of the best places in the world to check out elephants, wild boar, water buffaloes, crocodiles, and exotic birds. Lahugala National Park, famous for elephants is even closer. There are also some good snorkelling and diving areas. Bronzing on the beach with a cold beer is a good option, as well as just doing nothing at all.

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A

T

AY B rugam

he Arugam Bay Surf Club and Surf school is synonymous with the surfing scene in Arugam Bay and plays an important role in maintaining the vibrancy of the place. Made up by an assortment of local surfing enthusiasts from various backgrounds, the Surf Club and School attempts to promote surfing by teaching both locals and foreigners how to surf and building a positive image of surfers in the local community.

Twenty year old Kanil who

l b u C sur f

is the manager of the Surf Club said of its history rise to prominence since 2004: “The

club is rather old but it only began to attract attention after the tsunami. There are about 50 members in the club and about 15-20 in the surfing school. There are many members of the club who own surf shops or do business or even run rival surf schools,” he said.

Teaching beginners is the main source of income of both the Club and the School. It is

42 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • AUGUST 2013

through funds gathered such that activities like educating beachgoers on how to behave in particular areas as well as acting as beach marshals during tournaments and lifeguards are funded.

“In the school we get a lot of customers from the hotels as the Club is the only place with ISA certified instructors. An Australian taught us for two months and no one else in the country has that training.

Because of our reputation even parents send their children to train with us.

Unfortunately there are some places which try to fool foreigners but that is not good because that can be dangerous.”

We have special boards for lessons; they are spongy inside and out so that there are no injuries when the board hits a beginner. Even if people can’t swim we put a lot of people into the water and train them. We charge about Rs3000 during the high season and Rs2500 during the low season, per lesson. However we always give discounts to volunteers, students and people who are here to do some service to the community. We train people at Elephant Rock.

But then again there are others who make significant donations because of what we do,” he said.

The goal of the Club is to build a positive image of surfing in the local community which at times looks at surfers with suspicion.

“Sometimes people have a very negative image of us.

What we want is to change this through our actions. A lot of the surfers are open minded decent people; we want everyone to see that,”

Kanil

Kanil said.

AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 43

DESTINATIONS

For a boat ride

from heaven Pottuvil lagoon

By Rathindra Kuruwita

T

here is more to Arugam Bay than riding the waves or chilling on the beach so that when the surf is flat or if the weather happens to be gloomy you don’t have to sulk in your hotel room, cursing the weather gods and wishing you were elsewhere … you can just catch a ride and check out one of the many surrounding attractions.

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pics. by K Herath

One of the most popular spots is the Pottuvil lagoon, just north of Arugam Bay. The lagoon is not only serene and scenic but is home to many exotic species of birds - sea eagles, kingfishers, pelicans, herons, darters, grebes and long-legged stilts, Sri Lankan macaque monkeys, lurking lizards and reptiles including crocodiles, water monitor lizards, freshwater snakes, a large number of exotic fish and plant life. If you are lucky you might even stumble upon elephants. The best times to visit the lagoon is around 6-7 am and after 5 pm when the sun has not yet set and the heat is a whole lot more bearable.

Not to mention ideal lighting for those awesome photo opportunities. It is also a place that you discover something new each time you visit -- even after my umpteenth boat ride, as my day job often takes me here and several of my conservationist friends live and work around Panama, I discover new things about the lagoon that I had not spotted before.

You should be able to find fishermen, either using low power motorboats or the manually navigated more traditional variety - wooden pallet tied to two skinny canoes - who would be willing to take you AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 45

on a tour of the lagoon with prices depending on the length of the tour.

Each method has its distinct advantages: while the motorboats will help you cover more distance the wooden once can be stealthy enough for you to get closer to the animals and a whole lot friendlier to the unique ecosystem.

Arriving around 6 am at Panama, the Treasure Island team hired two wooden boats and glided silently out into the water, with the rising sun slowly bringing colour to the sleepy scene in front of us. Thick layers of mangroves line either side of the lagoon like silent guardians. The mangrove ecosystem is indeed the guardian of this delicate environment not only do the mangroves prevent erosion, but their roots provide shelter and breeding grounds for fish while birds find havens from predators in their branches.

However mangroves have been depleting for a few decades, under constant threat from ‘development’ activities. However in recent times, especially after the 2004 tsunami where the thick mangrove cover saved Panama and Pottuvil from the devastation experience in surrounding areas, the local communities have come to understand their importance.

“Mangroves are not only important ecologically, they have a great economic importance to the local communities,” said

conservationist Samitha Harishchandra, who has been working in the area for over a decade. “It is in the mangrove ecosystem that fish lay their eggs. They are also areas where prawns and lagoon aquatic species grow. If the mangroves are destroyed thousands of locals would suffer.”

All guides, unless you have been tremendously unlucky, know the lagoon like the back of their hands.

The dexterity of the boatman navigating through the lagoon, between pushing and rowing alternately depending on the depth of the water too is an awe inspiring sight.

46 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • AUGUST 2013

It does not take long for you to come across a large number of exotic birds, giving you the ‘what are you doing here’ look. Our guide points at birds, telling us their names, whether they are indigenous or migratory, and their habits.

Water buffaloes are also to be found aplenty. So are other fisher folk, returning home after a long night of work.

AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 47

Cutting silently and swiftly across the lagoon surface they wave at us instead of speaking so as not to disturb the birds.

Crocodiles, basking on the shore gives us the once over.

A particular large specimen enters the water, giving the photographer a minor panic attack, but the big reptile is not interested in him and glides past us. Around 7.15am we turn back, as other appointments await us and limiting the time we have for exploring. Once again we come across birds giving us the look, monkeys gibbering at us, fish we cannot distinguish and water buffaloes munching on water grass. We don’t see any elephants though, sorely disappointing some team members. However no one complains, entranced as they are by the magnificence of the Pottuvil lagoon.

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DEVELOPING STORY

South Eastern University in a mission to support the booming economies in the region

By Harsha Udayakantha Peiris

South Eastern University of Sri Lanka in Oluvil will soon add a brand new educationally viable programme namely, the Toursm Hospitality Management programme to boost the travel, tourism and hotel trade in the entire region. The prgramme to be started early next academic year currently awaits the approval of the University Grant Commission.

“The programme will initially start as a three year general degree course and especially meant for the university students who enter to the Faculty of arts following the Advance Level examination. Our aim is to develop it into a four year special degree course. Therefore, on the other hand, the programme also becomes an employment oriented course of study that would include IT, English Language skill development as well as training on tourism and hospitality.

To be started initially as a general degree programme it will also cater several unemployed categories by offering employement within the university,” says Prof.S.M.Mohamed Ismail – Vice AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 49

Chancellor of the South eastern University of Sri Lanka.

According to directives given in ‘Mahinda Chinthana Vision for the Future’ the inspiring blueprint for Sri Lanka designed by His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to transform Sri Lanka into a hub for sea transport, aviation, business, energy and Knowledge, the new programme will greatly help and assist to practically strengthen the objectives in the policy document in building the country a commercial hub.

“The programme is also conducted in collaboration with the hotel and travel industry. It receives financial assistance from QUAET Fund for Arab Economic Development. The funds come as a soft loan and via a bilateral agreement between the two

Governments. Hence, a grant of Rs.1200 million will be received whilst assistance would also be extended for infrastructure development.

The loan component includes building of an international conference hall, a teaching hotel with 30 rooms, hostels for students and staff and internal infrastructure such as roads, water supply, electricity and a cafeteria for students.

At present in Sri Lanka we have a limited human resource to recruit as qualified trainers in this category and therefore, for the first two years of the course the university will have the service of qualified University lecturers from China, Italy, Malaysia and Germany to

50 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • AUGUST 2013

work hand in hand with the local trainers and lecturers following MOUs with the respective overseas universities.

During the interim period of this undergraduate programme the students will be employed in the industry.

A This type of training will continue at least for two years and following graduation the university will also help them to find employment in the sector,” Prof.

Ismail says.

The new programme to be started by the university will also support the local tourism at large.

It will extend with new ideas and concepts to develop communities with uniquely collaborative and authentic cultural aspects.

“prior to our proposal in this regard we conducted a thorough feasibility study and especially in the eastern region of Sri Lanka. The study included food, accommodation, hotels and related industries as well. At present, we see a large number of middle eastern tourists arriving in Sri Lanka and therefore, in view of this, we will also start an Arabic language special degree programme along with this course and through the Faculty of Islamic Studies in this university . It will also become a value addition to this new programme,” he says.

The South eastern University of

Sri Lanka in Oluvil is also about to start an innovative and 21 century study programme within the university that will make it an out-bound training centre. The programme with the assistance of the Ministry of Higher Education would be funded by the World Bank with a grant of Rs.1.7 million. “ We have received a number of responses from China, Turky and several central Asian countries to start a programme like this so that overseas students from such countries would arrive in Sri Lanka to study. Currently a two plus two plus degree programme has also been designed and called upon be-

tween our university and the Shengyan Aero Space University in China.

Our eastern boundary is the Indian Ocean and Kaliodai river forms the northern boundary. On the west, we have the A4 road and on the South we have coconut estates. If we utilize our resources in the correct way our efforts will always be fruitful to support to make a great vision a success,” adds

Prof.S.M.Mohamed Ismail – Vice Chancellor of the South eastern University of Sri Lanka In the past 60-odd years since the end of World War II, the Asian people, wise and hard working, have explored ways for advancement. Starting from poverty and backwardness, Asian people have developed global economies, improved people’s lives, and revitalized cultures which resulted in the recognized A ‘ sian Miracle’.

Today Asia has become an important engine, driving world economic recovery and growth ,and it has contributed over 50 percent of world economic growth in recent years. The rapid development in Asia will not only markedly increase economic strength and competitiveness of the region and greatly improve people's lives, but also make important contribution to world peace and development and human progress. Today, Sri Lanka is proud that it has become a powerful force and an active partner in the global socio-economic drive.

Prof.S.M.Mohamed Ismail

Vice Chancellor of the South eastern University of Sri Lanka AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 51

HISTORIC

Muhudu Maha Viharaya

A revered heritage of a nation Pics. by Suranga Cooray

52 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • AUGUST 2013

towards the beach, a strong recommendation

by Treasure Island, you will see magnificent sand dunes, a unique feature of the Eastern coastline, spread across hundreds of metres and a surprisingly healthy growth of Kohomba (neem) trees, amidst palms and other coastal plants.

There is a belief that the temple was built where Princess Vihara Maha Devi and her entourage were washed ashore after she was sacrificed to the sea to protect the kingdom of her father King Kelanitissa.

However a conflicting view states that she landed in Kirinda.

By Rathindra Kuruwita

I

t’s not easy to find Muhudu Maha Viharaya, an archaeological site in the east, lying in between Potuvil and Arugam Bay - the surfer paradise. A small sign by the Department of Archaeology is the only indication of its location, which lies at the end of a small lane to your left when you drive from Potuvil to Arugam Bay. The temple complex is right at the end of the tiny lane right next to the magnificent beach, sand dunes and palm groves, a scene more resembling an Indiana Jones movie than the Sri Lankan beach. A lonely jaggery seller sits by several stone pillars, which adds to the exotic movie-set feel, excavated up by the Department of Archaeology.

However if you saunter

Although the temple complex was originally spread across an area of 70 acres, what now remain are ruins of Seema Malaka and Avasa Geya, with its statues of Gautama Buddha and two other statues assumed to be his two disciples Sariputta and Mogallana. A closer inspection reveals that the two statues facing the Buddha are not his disciples. According to Udalamatte Rathnapriya thero of the viharaya, there are many interpretations of the two statues, adding that some argue that the statues are of King Kavantissa and his bride.

“The left statue from the Buddha looks masculine, but the one on the right hand is vaguely feminine.

However like many other theories associated with the viharaya nothing is

AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 53

concrete. This is a place where history, folklore and mythology interweave,”

Rathnapriya thero said.

Rev. Udamalatte Rathnapriya thero added that according to the Mahavamsa the viharaya was built by King Maha Dhataka Maha Naga, around 8th Century AD. “Maha Dhataka was one of the ruling kings of Rohana, and it is said that this monument was built in memory of the great King Kavantissa and his queen Vihara Maha Devi.

We know that he also built four other temples close by: the Chula Naga Vihara, Mani Naga Vihara, Kalanda Vihara and Gal Divaina Vihara. We don’t know where these are, however we are now uncovering monuments buried in the sand -- you can see them before you enter the temple,” Udalamatte Rathnapriya thero said.

Rathnapriya thero said further that after hearing that princess Vihara Maha Devi had landed in his territory, King Kavantissa set off to greet his royal visitor from his capital in the deep south, a journey which took him along the eastern coast.

As he got close to where he had heard the princess was located, the king is said to have stopped at a small hamlet and inquired ‘Ko kumari?’ (where is the princess?). The village, now called Komari, is said to have got its name from this exchange

(ko kumara = komari).

The temple complex is but a shell of its former self.

Although it is evident that in its glory days the temple complex would have been massive, as shown by the continuous discoveries found buried in the sand, due to

aggressive encroachment of the villagers nearby, at present the temple area is miniscule.

The few remaining monuments feel like a teaser of what lie beneath the sand dunes and most probably under the new human settlements. One gets the impression that the

54 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • AUGUST 2013

complex is frozen in time and that time is chipping away at this monument which is fated to disappear.

However on a Saturday afternoon, with a few devotees trickling into see this historic temple and as the dying suns rays hits the stone monuments

and the old bo tree which has survived the sandy soil, suddenly none of these melancholic feelings seem to matter. This place with its strange mix of history and folklore is well worth taking an afternoon off from the sun, sand and surf.

COMMUNITIES

District, situated in Joneaffna the north of Sri Lanka, is of the oldest inhabited sites in Lower South Asia.

The district is situated within ten degrees of latitude to the north of the equator, in close proximity to the subcontinent of India and separated from it by the Palk Strait and the Bay of Bengal.

Historically, Jaffna has been a contested city that was made into a colonial port town during the Portuguese period in 1619.

Then it changed hands to the Dutch colonials, who lost it to the British in 1796.

Jaffna the northern fort

By Harsha Udayakantha Peiris

The Jaffna peninsula is connected to the rest of the island by a narrow causeway known as Elephant Pass, for elephants waded across the shallow lagoon in the past. The flat land consists of limestone making it quite unlike most other parts of Sri Lanka. The porous stone absorbs the rain quickly and conveys it to the water table. This makes a specifically lighter layer, "swimming," as it were, on the salt water of the Indian Ocean AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 55

that permeates the rock on all sides up to sea level. Open tanks are not practicable here.

Therefore, fresh water has to be obtained from wells.

As Jaffna is low lying and much of it is covered by shallow lagoons, a number of tiny islands can be found offshore. In all it covers 2,560 square kilometres (999 square miles). The district, prior to the conflict, was one of the most densely populated areas in Sri Lanka. It is currently being reconstructed and developed and fast emerging as one of the best socioeconomic regions in the country.

Today, all the popular attractions in Jaffna can be visited with ease due to the infrastructure network that has been put in place.

Nagadeepa viharaya (Nagadeepa Buddhist temple) in Jaffna Nagadeepa island in Jaffna is one of the three places in Sri Lanka where Lord Buddha has visited making Nagadeepa viharaya a revered destination for Buddhist pilgrims. A popular Hindu kovil is also situated on the island. Boats are the available mode of transport for both resident and visitors.

Jaffna Nallur Kovil (Nallur Shrine) A popular destination for Hindus, the kovil is about a kilometre away from the town of Jaffna. A number of paintings and statues are to be found within the kovil premises, and on top of the entrance one can see beautifully carved statues.

The famous ice cream shop nearby, always frequented by many a visitor to Jaffna and the Kovil.

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Pics. by Maheesha Mindula

Jaffna Library The Jaffna library was one of the best in Asia before being burned down by the LTTE terrorist organisation during the civil war. Restoration continues and only a section is open for public viewing.

Jaffna Fort Originally built by the Portuguese; remnants of the fort still exists.

Keerimalai spring Keerimalai in Jaffna is renowned for its natural water spring where sickness is said to be washed away in its waters.

A stone wall separates the freshwater pool from the ocean.

Casuarina beach Casuarina beach is one of the best beaches in the Jaffna peninsula. With its shallow waters and very gentle waves, one can walk a long way into the ocean through the clear blue waters.

Point Pedro at the furthest corner of Sri Lanka and Dambakola Patuna the ancient port in Sri Lanka, where Sangamiththa theraniya landed saplings of the sacred Sri Maha Bo tree, the most ancient tree in the whole world, now in Anuradhapura of the North Central Province, are two spots to be at in Jaffna to during early sunrise hours and dusk.

Most of the area is dry and sandy, and the most common tree is the palmyrah palm with its elegant fan-like fronds.

People here tap it for toddy, the sap from its cut flowers; like the sap of the coconut or kitul palms, the liquid can be distilled to make arrack or processed into juggery or palm sugar. The leaves of the fan palm may be folded with skill to make a beaker for toddy but you more often find them serving as decorative fences around the settlements of locals.

Jaffna has it all - friendly people, a rich culture, salubrious climate and a picturesque environment to make it a veritable traveller's paradise.

Now that the guns have fallen silent and peace is in sight, domestic tourism in this long forgotten northern retreat is gradually catching on. After almost 20 years, travellers now can reach Jaffna either by land or air. The flight, from Colombo to Jaffna, is just under one hour and is quite enjoyable as the plane does not travel at too high an altitude.

AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 57

SPORTING TOURISM

r i A

e h T

n 3 1 a 0 O m ic 2

d l o G

s s a Cl

e go

so

ir a n

tha kan

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ya Uda a h ars

By H

The

Oman Air Gold Classic 2013 kicked off at the Victoria Golf and Country resort Digana in Kandy on Sunday 11th August 2013 under cool country environs of sunshine.

“This is our fourth tournament in Kandy. When we started the tournament one of our objectives was to raise awareness among the top business community in Sri Lanka and even the international destinations. This helps to promote Sri Lanka as a tourist destination in the Middle east region. Happily, last year we had 25 players from Oman and Dubai for the tournament and this year we have 6 players; 2 from India and 4 from Doha,” says Gihan Karunaratne – Country Manager of Oman Air for Sri Lanka and Maldives.

The tournament has further strengthen up business opportunities, between the countries, companies and organizations. The top global business communities in Sri Lanka have found collab58 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • AUGUST 2013

oration with the European and other international communities with the commencement of the tournament.

“Golf is one of the most fast catching up sports in Sri Lanka. We have opened an avenue , a richer one, Where by giving people in Sri Lanka to have an exposure in Golf. Majority of the golfers in Sri Lanka faithfully rate Victoria Golf and Country resort in Kandy as the best course in Sri Lanka. We should bring this into the forefront of the international arena,” Gihan says.

e aratn an Air for n u r a m K Gihan Manager of Os e y v Countr ka and Maldi n a L Sri

73 golfers at the Oman Air Gold Classic 2013 at the Victoria Golf and Country resort competed over 36 holes for two days. They enjoyed an exclusive get-together on Saturday at the venue. Prizes worth Rs.100,000.00 air tickets, Rs.75,000.00 for the runners up, prizes worth Rs.50,000.00 each for the best Gross score for ladies and gents as well as a number of consolation prizes also awaits the winners.

“We have also brought our staff here on a beautiful Sunday to enjoy and to meet the people. This also makes a part of our PR, marketing and promotions programme. We are confident of our a brand image. The winners will travel with us and the wordof mouth will travel a long way,” says Gihan.

AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 59

Winners receiving awards from Gihan Karunaratne Country Manager of Oman Air for Sri Lanka and Maldives.

(Pics. by Suranga Cooray)

60 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • AUGUST 2013

Jaffna Challengers

emerge Carlton Sevens champs

J

affna Challengers, led by Sajith Saranga and coached

by Kenyan Mike emerged champions of Carlton Super Sevens 2013 international rugby tournament.

The Challengers showed consistent form through both legs of the tournament, winning the first leg by beating North Western Blacks by 22 points (one goal and three tries) to 17 points (one goal and two tries) on July 28 and by becoming the runner up of the second leg. Sabaragamuwa stallions beat the Challengers in the final of the second leg.

The Carlton Sevens is the brain child of MP Namal Rajapaksa, in a bid to take rugby, a game predominantly played in Colombo and Galle to outstations.

Jaffna Challengers, North Western Blacks, North Central Typhoons, Northern Gladiators, Western Warriors, Uva Vipers, Southern Sharks, Sabaragamuwa Stallions, Central Kings and Eastern Eagles were the teams that participated in the tournament.

AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 61

62 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • AUGUST 2013

AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 63

EVENTS

‘Laksala Museum Gallery Café’

to promote national heritage and culture, globally

64 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • AUGUST 2013

2

nd August 2013, Colombo: Laksala, the oldest and most well known gift and souvenir boutique for authentic Sri Lankan artifacts opened its landmark store at the Colombo Museum premises. Positioned as the “Laksala Museum Gallery Café” the state-of-the-art outlet was declared open by the Chief Guest Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development.

Hon. Jagath Balasuriya, Minister of National Heritage and Hon. Jayarathne Herath, Minister of Botanical Gardens and Public Recreation accompanied Hon. Basil Rajapaksa during the inauguration ceremony.

In keeping with the classic architecture and the plain white museum walls, the plush outlet built on one and a half acres of land is also similarly designed and painted in full white. The state run store which falls under the Divi Neguma social development scheme, is designed in a manner that preserves the outlook and national heritage depicted through the National Museum. Complementing the rich heritage of Sri Lanka, Laksala proudly carries over 30,000 products and items.

The milestone construction which is surrounded by a well manicured lawn, has a lifestyle approach, with a coffee shop, lounge and restaurant for the discerning visitor.

Issuing a statement on the opening, Anil Koswatte, Chairman & CEO of Laksala, mentioned, “One feature the Museum and Laksala have in

common is the portrayal of Sri Lankan heritage. Therefore, my team and I saw this as the perfect opportunity to combine both places to project the rich culture and heritage of Sri Lanka. Although this is a commercial enterprise, certain items will only be on display as they are of cultural and historic value”.

In keeping with its mission of being a socially responsible marketing organization which creates opportunities for rural products to enter mega-markets, Laksala will continue to enhance the livelihoods of many rural craftsmen with its expansion. While in 2012, Laksala had 193 employees and 6,000 handicraft suppliers, the fore-casted numbers for 2016 is 250 employees and 15,000 handicraft suppliers.

Laksala has also taken upon itself to educate and guide these suppliers on new product development. The team has undertaken to familiarize them with emerging international standards, trends and designs for gifts and souvenirs. This will result in highly competitive and economically viable entrepreneurs who will be able to compete globally.

Laksala, the state owned gift and souvenir shop has a gamut of Sri Lankan products, ranging from wood craft, brassware, leather, ceramics, batiks and hand-looms. There are cur AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 65

rently 18 Laksala outlets with a store due to open in the Galle Magalla Tourist Center and the store in Kandy scheduled to be revamped by the end of 2013.

About Laksala : Laksala was inaugurated in 1964, by then Prime Minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike. Its vision is to be the leader in the gift & souvenir category in the island. Today Laksala operates through 18 branches located island wide and offers the widest variety of Sri Lankan handicrafts and brands/items synonymous to Sri Lanka, to locals and mainly to tourists.

Laksala has received positive endorsements in the Financial Ministry’s annual report for 2012 on the profitable turnaround. For the year 2013, Laksala has established showrooms down both ways of the Southern Highway, extending the floor area at the Bandaranaike International airport from 80sqft to 960 sqft and opening new showrooms in Pinnawala and the Ja-ela K-Zone.

Pics. by Warna Liyanawatte

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BOUTIQUE RETREATS

Would you

like an earring with your

tea?

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Mlesna Tea Fortress,

Kiribathkumbura, is now a landmark on the Colombo - Kandy road.

Situated a little before Peradeniya, a traveller to the hill country cannot miss this impressive building that is well renowned as ‘the’ spot to stop and refresh oneself before taking on the final stretch to Kandy or further.

AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 67

Treasure Island met with Mr. S. Jeganathan, Director / General Manager of the Tea Fortress, to discuss this unique establishment as well as to learn about their future plans to make the Tea Fortress experience more memorable.

“The whole concept is the brainchild of Mr. Anselm Perera, Founder and Managing Director of Mlesna Tea. He had set up a string of teashops across the country when he had the idea of establishing a mall-like complex focused on tea. And so we established this tea centre in 2005 with a restaurant and jewellery store.

Our other branch, in Kotagala, The Mlesna Tea Castle St. Clair has a tea museum as well,” he

said.

He added that the building has become a landmark in the area owing to the uniqueness of the building. The natural rock formation was preserved during the planning and construction of the building.

for cocktail parties, or any other special event. With our experienced chefs and staff any function at the Tea Fortress can be nothing but a success,” said Mr.Jeganathan.

The Tea Fortress restaurant, situated on the upper floor of the complex, is a popular haunt of many who are on their way to Kandy. Although the two other sections of the building, the Tea Shop and the jewellery store, are mostly frequented by foreign tourists, the restaurant is extremely popular among Sri Lankans.

Stressing on the importance they place on quality and the commitment to serving fresh food, a significant portion of the vegetables used in their cooking are actually from their own vegetable garden - within the premises.

“This is an ideal place for a meal or a special function.

The area above the restaurant opens out to a lawn and we plan to develop this into an extension of the restaurant,

“Mlesna is popular for its value added tea and we sell all our products from black tea to green tea, flavoured teas, specialty teas and any tea related paraphernalia. In

The centerpiece of the Tea Fortress is its teashop filled with all offerings from Mlesna.

68 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • AUGUST 2013

addition we have tea varieties from all parts of the country, from the low country to the high country.

“We are also known for our signature Tea Shake flavoured tea served with crushed ice and vanilla ice cream. This is extremely popular among those who frequent this place. The Tea Shop is mostly visited by foreigners who often look for new varieties of tea and healthy teas,” he said.

Another unique feature of the Tea Fortress is its jewellery store which has a wide selection of silver and gold jewellery.

What is special about the store is that a customer can either choose a design from the display items, from the catalogue

which has currently fashionable designs or design their own piece of jewellery. They can also choose what they want in their items from the array of loose gemstones on display.

Most items can be custom made within 24 hours. That is the advantage the Fortress has to offer, a customer en-route to Kandy can order a piece of jewellery and collect it on their way back to Colombo. In addition the best quality stones and metal is guaranteed,”Mr. Jeganathan said. “In the future we plan to expand our car park so that we can accommodate large tourist buses and to minimize congestion. We also want to serve in the garden area.”

AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 69

NEWS

The new control tower of the Colombo Port expansion Project.

SLPA highlighted at major events of international importance.

T

he Colombo Port Expansion Project (CPEP) with its new breakwater, state of the art control tower and the first terminal namely, the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT) was ceremonially opened recently by His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

With the guidance given by the Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa the Agreement between Government of Sri Lanka and the Asian Development Bank was signed in 2005 eliminating the unfavorable clauses such as all the terminals in the Colombo Port Expansion Project shall be built by Private sector as Public Private Partnership and privatizing SLPA owned JAYA Container Terminal.

The above courageous action of the Excellency President cleared the path to built a state owned

His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa opening the new port facility. Hon.Minister of Port and Highways (Projects) Rohitha Abegunawardhane, Hamnatota District Hon.MP Namal Rajapaksa, Chairman of SLPA Dr.Priyath B.Wickrama also present here.

70 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • AUGUST 2013

terminal by SLPA in the Port of Colombo Expansion Project and ensured to continue SLPA as the major container terminal operator in the Port of Colombo.

Meanwhile Colombo’s new deep draft terminal CICT, constructed under the Colombo Port Expansion Project (CPEP) received its first container carrier, an 11,000 TEU Ultra Large Container Ship (ULCS) “MV CMA CGM PEGASUS” operated by CMA CGM, the world’s third largest container group and number one in France, on the 5th of August, 2013.

A ceremony was held on board the vessel “MV CMA CGM PEGASUS” in commemoration of the service’s maiden call at the CICT of the Port of Colombo, on the 5th of August 2013. To mark

the significance of this move, plaques were exchanged among officials of SLPA, CMA CGM, and CICT. Vision 2020 - the corporate plan of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) was also launched at a recent ceremonial function held at the Hilton Hotel in Colombo. The first copy of the corporate plan was handed over to Hambantota District Hon. Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa by the Chairman of SLPA Dr.Priyath B. Wickrama.

SLPA launches the corporate plan with the theme of 'Logistics Excellence in the Silk Route'. Hon. Minister of Port and Highways Rohitha Abegunawardane, Badulla District Hon.Parliamentarian Udith Sanjaya Lokubandara, Secretary of the Ministry of Port and Highways - Ranjith Pemasiri, Govern of the Central Bank – Mr.Ajith Nivad Cabral, Managing Director of SLPA - Capt.Nihal Keppetipola, Senior Management and staff members of SLPA, A number of distinguished foreign guests and shipping community also participated at the event.

The plaque exchange on board ‘MV CMA CGM PEGASUS.’ Capt.Nihal Keppetipola - Managing Director of SLPA (middle), Capt.Nikola Tabar – Master of CMA CGM PEGASUS, Mr.Tissa Wickramasinghe – General Manager (Commercial and Marketing) CICT, mr.Nelson Liu – Overseas Operations Officer of China Merchants Holdings (International)Co., ltd.

And Chief Executive Officer CICT, Dr.Hu Jianhua – assistant President of China Merchants Group and Managing Director of China Merchants Holdings (International) Co., Ltd; Mr.Farid Salem – CMACGM Group’s Executive Officer and Director of the Board, Mr.Ikram Ghazali – Director CMA CGM Lanka, Milos Mario – Chief Engineer CMA CGM PEGASUS, Mr.Ray Ren – Deputy Chief Operations Officer CICT, Mr.Kalinga Seneviratne – Deputy General Manager Operations and Logistics CMA CGM Lanka and Mehovic Mirza – Chief Officer CMA CGM PEGASUS are also in the picture.

AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 71

YET ANOTHER “FIRST” FROM SEYLAN

M

arching forward with the motto “Beyond just Banking” and continuing its efforts on caring for the nation, Seylan Bank PLC has been able to install the first Automated Teller Machine in Arugambay, recently. Being the most sought after Tourist Destination on the Eastern Coast, Arugambay is now privileged to have the ATM facilities with the help of Seylan - the first commercial bank to install an ATM in the area.

This machine caters to both Local and International Credit/Debit cards, thus allowing customers to withdraw, check balances in their accounts, and multitude of other facilities; in the absence of a bank/branch in close proximity. Before opening the ATM, customers had to travel all the way to Pothuvil for ATM facilities and both locals and foreigners welcomed the convenience brought to them by Seylan Bank. This is a classic example on how Seylan Bank is always focused on their high priorities in providing support to the Tourism & Hospitality Industry, to the rapid economic development of the Eastern & Northern Provinces and their overall high level commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience.

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INDEXPO ‘Crowns’ 22 institutions for food safety, health and hygiene

T

he third consecutive ‘Crowns Awards Ceremony 2013’ organized

by Ind-Expo Certification Limited (INDEXPO) that announced 22 award winning hotels and institutions for maintaining food hygiene took place on 15th August 2013 at 6.00pm at the Winchester hall of the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo with the initiative of the Senior Minister for Food Security – P. Dayarathne.

Ind-Expo Certification Limited (INDEXPO) is a not for profit certification and training organization, established by the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI) and the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE). INDEXPO is supported and funded by the United Nations Industrial Development organization (UNIDO) under the project, ‘Strengthening the International Certification Capacity in Sri Lanka,’ within the Integrated Industrial Development Support Program Phase II of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

Ind-Expo is accredited to award certificates for HACCP, ISO 22000 and ISO 9001 by the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB) which will be to the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and is therefore, internationally recognized.

The ‘Crowns for Food Hygiene Scheme’ was launched by IndExpo Certification Limited as the implementer agency to encourage the continuous improvement of food hygiene standards , in food handling establishments in Sri Lanka. The scheme was developed based on international best practices which are being practiced in many countries including the UK. “As the trade of travel and tourism becomes prime and one of the major foreign exchange earners at present, Ind-Expo has taken this fruitful measure to reach an MOU with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) to promote food safety, environmental friendliness as well as occupational health and safety of hotels. In 2010 we took part in the Pro-Food ProPack Food Exhibition held at the BMICH in Colombo at which our

AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 73

stall won the recognition of Hon. Basil Rjapaksa the Minister of Economic Development who initiated to link our institution with the SLTDA to promote food safety,” says Shantha

Kuruppumullage – Director of the Ind-Expo Certification Limited and the Director General of Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

Following the signing of the MOU with SLTDA, 20 hotels; five each from four outer destinations besides Colombo and that included Kandy, Galle, Kalutara and Negombo were selected by the Ind-Expo Certification Limited as a pilot project . “we

offered training on food safety to selected employees from these hotels . The training was of highly vocational level that satisfied levels 02 and 03 of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health UK(CIEH). We are the only registered training facility for CIEH to deliver internationally recognized training programmes and award certificates in respect of the various levels of training in the fields of Food Safety, Occupational Health

and Safety as well as Environmental Management. IndExpo also trained the SLTDA staff whom were later taken in the assessment panel who assessed the hotels,” Kuruppumullage says.

The assessments for the awards were carried out in two stages that included a primary assessment namely, the walk through assessment followed by a final stage of assessment to grade the selected hotels for their best practices of the applications.

Parallel to criteria stipulated by ‘Crowns for Food Safety,’ a certification committee comprised of members from the Ministry of Health, Ind-Expo, SLTDA and an Independent Food Specialist were appointed to review the assessment reports and finalize the gradings. The certification steering committee comprised of an Independent Food Safety Expert, representative official from the Ministry of Health, representative of SLTDA and two members from the Board of Ind-Expo who have been appointed to take the decision on policy matters.

The 22 award winning hotels and institutions for the ‘Crowns Awards

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Ceremony 2013’ included, Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Cinnamon Lake Side, Malaysian Food Boutique, Jack Tree – Bollywood Leisure (Pvt) Ltd, Dine-More Restaurant (PVT), Ltd, Hotel Janaki, Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC and Nawaloka Hospitals PLC in Colombo, Coral sands Hotel in Hikkaduwa, Randholee Resort (PVT) Ltd, Mahaweli Reach Hotel and Amaya Hills in Kandy, Hunas Falls in Elkaduwa, Golden Star Beach Hotel (PVT) Ltd, and Goldi Sands Hotel (Pvt), Ltd in Negombo, SenSaal Bakers (Pvt) Ltd, in Rajagiriya, Club Hotel Dolphin in Waikkal, , The Palms Beruwala in Beruwala, Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort in Wadduwa, Bentota Beach Hotel in Bentota, The Blue Water in Wadduwa and The Fortress Resort & Spa in Habaraduwa.

‘Sri Lanka The Treasure Island’ special state Kandy issue handed over to DN The third issue of the international travel magazine, ‘Sri Lanka The Treasure Island, exclusively published as the state Kandy issue to mark the ‘Esala Perahera’ (Kandy Esala Procession) of Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) was officially handed over to Diyawadana Nilame (Chief Presiding Officer) of Sri Dalada Maligawa – Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara recently at his official residence in Kandy by the Editor in Chief of the magazine Harsha Udayakantha Peiris. Several representatives of the editorial and marketing divisions of the publication also took part at the event.

The third issue of the magazine was especially published to highlight several landmark, historical and international segments, venues and events in Kandy that included the International Buddhist Museum, Kandy Esala Procession, the Queens Hotel, Udawatta forest and the Kandy City centre commercial complex.

BOC the Choice of the People for a Better Living The Bank of Ceylon (BOC) being a fully state owned financial institution, serves as a unique role in a number of banking and related disciplines to boost the country’s socio-economic development.

Its greatest supply inputs include the boost of financial power that drives the nation’s growth and development to provide the added support to keep Sri Lankans moving smoothly toward their objectives and to help prevent them from falling back again.

Being Positive Amidst Stiff Challenge In an exclusive interview of the bank’s current position in the financial arena, both within and outside the country, P.A. Lionel – the Senior Deputy General Manager (International, Treasury & Investment) of BOC states that the bank has emerged to accurately safeguard its position amidst the stiff competition in the market. “At present, the Bank of Ceylon has the largest foreign currency deposits base in Sri Lanka. More than 34% of the foreign currency base in Sri Lanka is with us.

Today, we possess the lion share in Trade Finance with a 58% market share, inward remittances with a 40% market share and treasury operations with over a 50% market share. The bank is very much keen in improving its inward remittances and foreign currency deposits base,” he says.

BOC has over 1,000 customer touch points that cover 607 branches and 483 ATMs and over 860 foreign correspondents. “We have implemented the greatest deal of foreign representation in Middle Eastern countries, especially in Israel, Cyprus, South Korea, Italy, France, Japan, Canada and Australia. Under our globalization programme, in another three years we will strengthen our presence in the whole world,” Senior Deputy

General Manager (International, Treasury & Investment) of BOC states.

Fringe Benefits for NRFC Customers Picture shows the Editor in Chief of SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND – Harsha Udayakantha Peiris handing over the third issue of the travel magazine exclusively published as the state Kandy volume to mark the ‘Esala Perahera’ (Kandy Esala Procession) of Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) to the Diyawadana Nilame (Chief Presiding Officer) of Sri Dalada Maligawa – Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara at his official residence in Kandy.

The bank’s NRFC facilitation is also of unique importance to customers. “We have introduced an attractive loan scheme for our NRFC customers.

These include pre- departure loans for visa and additional expenses and loans to build houses.

Our NRFC customers are covered by an insurance scheme of Sri Lanka Rupees One Million. The bank itself opens an NRFC account of US$5/- on behalf of a customer who leaves the country for foreign employment. They also become qualified AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 75

for several raffle draws that include a monthly mega draw conducted by the bank at home and abroad.

In addition, we also conduct pre-departure awareness campaigns for our customers where they are educated on the accurate means of use of their hard earned money and also make them aware of formal ways of remitting money earned abroad. We have observed that a large portion of inward remittances are channeled through unauthorized agents and our main objective here is to encourage and draw them back to the formal banking system,” he says.

The Bank of Ceylon also works ahead to enhance and improve many projects implemented by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.

The bank extends sponsorships to Sri Lanka Embassies abroad to conduct socio-cultural and recreational events and programmes to boost the spirit of the Sri Lankan masses working abroad. “Recently we deployed five teams under the initiative of the Deputy General Managers from our Head Office to organize New Year Festivals and events for these employees. Besides, we also organize such events

in collaboration with foreign embassies in several countries. We are also in the process of introducing a real time remittance system that will ease a lot of difficulties and inconveniencies faced by our customers working abroad.

Once the system is in operation they will be able to remit money and credit accounts within a few seconds.

It will be in full bloom before 30th June this year.” he states.

“Very soon we will be working in collaboration with exchange and remittance houses abroad.

Such facilities will be offered especially in countries such as Canada, Singapore, India and Italy. At present we operate overseas branches in the Maldivian Republic, India and the UK. Currently, our branch in London functions as a subsidiary of the bank and upon that license we hope to enter Europe to canvas more business,” Senior Deputy General

(lka) stable outlook which is the highest rating awarded to a local commercial bank.

The bank recently introduced night banking facility at its Wellawatte Branch and 365 day banking facility at the Head Office Branch in Colombo.

Weekend banking facilities are also available at several selected branches on Saturdays and Sundays.

The bank has introduced a 24 hour Call Centre to enable customers and prospective customers to obtain any information on products and services of the bank.

“The Bank reached a historical milestone in 2012 by achieving the highest profits among all institutions in Sri Lanka. It became the first bank in Sri Lanka to reach a remarkable milestone by achieving Rs. 1.0 trillion in assets in the year 2012. The bank also successfully completed a US$500 million bond issue for the second time in April this year with no road shows and within a period of one day which was 6 times Manager (International, Treasury & oversubscribed. The bonds were purchased by investors in the UK Investment) of BOC states. and Asia.

Reaching the Apex of Global BOC Capital adequacy ratio Banking is comfortable and at 12.36% Last year, BOC received the global (group) as at December 2012, recognition as one of the top which is well above the CBSL 1,000 banks in the world. The norm of 10%. In addition bank survey was conducted by the has many plans to increase the world’s premier banking and capital adequacy during next finance magazine, “The Banker”.

3 years. BOC has been issuing The Bank also won a Bronze Rupee debentures in order to award for Overall category for its strengthen tier II capital. exceptional performance, a Silver Higher Productivity award for extra large category through professionalism & and a Gold award for Banking and Financial services category at Technological Advance the National Business Excellence "We have a highly capable and Awards 2012. Fitch Rating Lanka professional human resource of Ltd has upgraded the bank’s 9000 employees island-wide as national long-term rating to AA+ well as globally to enhance the

76 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • AUGUST 2013

bank’s performance for greater productivity. Our customer base at home and abroad is more than 10 million. In the near future we will go for mobile banking. Most of our branches are open around the clock whilst many other branches offer 365 days banking facilities. These details clearly

signify the bank’s stability and capability to maintain a higher growth and security for the customer deposits with us,” During the last few years,

the bank has invested nearly 655.3 million to upgrade the bank’s network infrastructure, core banking system and disaster recovery infrastructure

to provide the bank with the required technological platform to expand its operations.

The financial stability of BOC, trust and 74 years of service in the market have made it the number 1 bank in terms of profits, scale and choice of the people in the country.

Today, frequent travel has become such an integral part of the business world we see more and more international travel taking place for very short periods. People move around the globe for various consultative meetings, negotiations, Board Meetings which allows little or no room for error in ones travel schedules. Should there be omissions then the consequences are costly and immeasurable, Amãna Takaful, the pioneer of the Takaful way of insurance in Sri Lanka, has fashioned a perfect solution for highly mobile and busy customers seeking peace of mind greater convenience. Amãna Takaful Travel Pal is a solution that provides both the corporate and leisure traveller needs and more. The policy is also available over the counter and more importantly on- line catering to the ever growing tech savvy customer. Now quotations can be viewed and travel policies bought on-line through www. takaful.lk in ease for any purpose including visa applications.

The ‘Takaful Travel Pal’ policy offers support to customers traveling for leisure, business or family engagements in the instance of any unforeseen inconvenience during the policy holders travel period. The policy is a comprehensive and reliable travel companion, covering the holder in the event of hospitalisation, personal accidents and injuries, permanent or total disabilities, loss of luggage and valuables, re-imbursement of repatriation cost and a comprehensive cover for flight delay/cancelation, missed departure etc. Amãna Takaful Travel Pal also has partnered with a 24 hour global settling agent, ensuring that customer claims are settled at convenience.

“Travel Pal is available in 5 different schemes to best suit your travel requirements and lifestyle. One can select cover for single trip or multiple trips (annual) policies according to individual’s travelling frequency. A highlight of the multi-travel policy is the use of free Executive Lounge facilities at the Bandaranaike International Airport”, said Adel Hashim, General Manager Sales and Marketing, Amãna Takaful PLC. Equipped with premium services tailored specifically to offer maximum comfort, customers can utilize the facilities within the lounge to watch the latest news and programmes, stay updated with a wide selection of newspapers and magazines, catch up on some business or simply unwind.

With branches in a total of 22 locations island-wide, Amãna Takaful has been successful in its journey of more than a decade in stabilising a strong position for the concept of Takaful in the minds of Sri Lankans. The company recently was awarded “The Best Islamic Financial Services Provider in Sri Lanka 2013” by International Finance Magazine, UK , in recognition of its outstanding performance ,significant growth in a challenging market place, commitment to society and successfully pioneering the Takaful way of insurance in Sri Lanka.

AUGUST 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 77

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and Sri Lanka caught, tamed years ago, elephants were Welcome To Treasure Isl with Lankan kings over 2000 reservoirs have been built During the reign of the Sri the elephants. ces, temples and vast had a long association with they initiated. Large pala The Sri Lankan people have sive construction works that for the large scale and mas bers num large in used and the aid of elephants.

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