Treasure island magazine nov dec

treasureisland.lk

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 EDITOR IN CHIEF Harsha Udayakantha Peiris

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CONSULTANT EDITOR Renuka Bandaranayake SUB EDITOR David Nijal 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 Indaka karunadasa – Journalist Teshani Wanninayake - Freelance writer Kalharie Pitigala - journalist Sri Lanka Tourism National Museums Colombo

BIRDING

Demarcating Sri Lanka a traveler’s destination a timely necessity Chandima Jayaweera – one of the best Bird and Wild - Life Tour Guides in Sri Lanka describes the necessity of postwar developments to elevate Sri Lanka as an effective and sustainable tourist destination.

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ARCHAEOLOGY

Hatthikuchchi Monastery Built nearly thousand and two hundred years ago, the revered place looks like a rock fortress than a monastery. The centre was once a monastery complex for tens and thousands of Arhanths in deep meditation.

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HISTORY

Yatala DAGABA – The first Stupa built in Ruhuna Magama Kingdom The Stupa is also one of the oldest in Tissamaharamaya.

It lies 2km away from Tissamaharamaya, along the Hambantota-Kataragama road, between Akurugoda and Debarawewa junctions.

PHOTOGRAPHY Aloka I de Silva Chandima Jayaweera Maheesha Mindula Warna Liyanawatte Sanju Samarasinghe Suranga Cooray Achintha Dahanayake Rohan karunarathna

GRAPHICS

Brainwave Advertising

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INDIGENOUS

An eco-friendly safari with the Veddahs – The indigenous people of SL Wasantha Sena Welianga – a Doctor of Natural Sciences in an exclusive interview reveals the importance of culture base tourism to bring indigenous people to light.

DISTRIBUTION AND LOGISTICS Global Media Holdings (pvt) Ltd PRINTING Commercial Printing & Packaging (pvt) Ltd Opinions expressed in Sri Lanka The Treasure Island are those of writers, and may not necessarily be the view of Global Media Holdings (pvt) Limited or its employees. Readership is advised to seek advice from specialists before acting on information published in the magazine.

NATURE

Journalists visit Kanneliya with UN REDD + Kanneliya forest which is a part of Kanneliya-DediyagalaNakiyadeniya (KDN) forest complex is located in the South-western part of Sri Lanka. The UN REDD+ programme takes a group of environmental journalists to explore the forest in depth.

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WATERY

The beauty of natural sea cave blow hole – the Hum-Manaya

Sri Lanka the country where all your dreams come true in the background of its scenic beauty possesses an array of tourist attractions peculiar to the island. Known as Hummanaya in native Sinhala, the cave blow hole in the southern coastal city of Dikwella, is one of the world’s higher shoots and bigger compressions to see.

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DEVELOPMENTS

Colombo Port City Development Project – The next mega travel and investor attraction of SL Feasibility studies carried out so far have identified that Colombo city, which is the major economic centre in Sri Lanka should be developed as a modern city with all facilities parallel to the rapid development of the country. The Colombo Port City which will be constructed by reclaiming the sea has been identified a major contributor for not only the ongoing city developments in the city of Colombo.

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MICE The 55th WSM of NPO Heads of the APO Colombo 2014 promises dedicated performance with increased budgets for improving productivity in member economies.

The 55th Workshop Meeting of Heads of National Productivity Organizations (NPOs) of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), commenced on 21st October 2014 at the Hilton Hotel Colombo. Sri Lanka received the unique opportunity of hosting this three day mega MICE event that was immensely important in promoting productivity in Sri Lanka.

Contents

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HERITAGE

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Bogoda Raja Maha Viharaya – Preserving the world’s oldest wooden bridge

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CELEBRATIONS

The ancient Bogoda temple in Badulla District is so popular because of its magnificent wooden bridge complete with a roof, which is said to be the oldest and the only remaining such wooden bridge in the world.

A note on World Tourism Day at the University of Kelaniya WTD is celebrated every year on September 27 and is a global observance to highlight social, cultural, political and economic value of tourism industry. Sri Lanka as a tourist destination, proudly celebrated WTD 2014 where the undergraduates of the University of Kelaniya were a group inseparable with the celebrations.

WTD is celebrated every year on September 27 and is a global observance to highlight social, cultural, political and economic value of tourism industry. Sri Lanka as a tourist destination, proudly celebrated WTD 2014 where the undergraduates of the University of Kelaniya were a group inseparable with the celebrations.

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RELAXATION

EXPERIENCE

A unique cinnamon experience at Villa Mayurana Thomas Stillmann proprietor of Villa Mayurana, hosts the launch of the Cinnamon experience at the premises, introducing his stunning villa and cinnamon estate located in Ahangama –Down South.

Taprospa Spas & Resorts provides relaxed gateways in perfect harmony with nature in idyllic Sri Lankan settings

Set in the lush greenery amidst some of Asia’s most stunning plantations, the resort provides the ideal surroundings to relax and rejuvenate the senses.

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COMFORT

Hotel Priyankara – An oasis in paradise Located in the sacred city ofTissamaharama, Hotel Priyankara is a charming villa enriched with a perfect surrounding that would make your holiday filled with lasting memories. It is a six hour drive from the Colombo city.

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ADVENTURE

Kitulgala – the adventure at hand Being so close to Colombo and if you plan stay a night out there you would be able to do many adventure and leisure activities such as White Water Rafting, Bird Watching Walking in the Jungle, Bathing in the river, Visiting waterfalls, Swimming in natural pools, Mountain biking, bird watching and many more.

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PRECIOUS

Sneak peek to the largest Diamonds in the world Since ancient days Diamonds had been popular amongst mankind and had been used as decorative items. It had been well-known for its legacy, value and prestige.

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DESTINATIONS

Galle – the tourism centre of the South

UDA Director – Southern province Ananda Samarasinghe outlines the government’s vision in developing the southern region of the island as a viable destination for the booming industry of tourism.

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NEWS

Pride of a Ride An elephant ride in the misty and early morning hours around the Kandalama Lake adjoining Heritance Kandalama Hotel in Dambulla. Kandalama is a village situated in Dambulla in Central Sri Lanka. The village is home for Central Sri Lanka's first Five Star hotel, Heritance Kandalama.

Both local and foreign guests at the hotel always prefer an elephant ride around the lake not only for the unique experience but also for the eye catching and picturesque serenity of the natural view that surrounds the lake.

The village is situated within ‘Kaludiya Pokuna’ (Black Pool) Archeological Forest.

Pix. Lakmal Madhuranga

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BIRDING

Interviewed by Harsha Udayakantha Peiris | Pics. Chandima Jayaweera

“Demarcating

Sri Lanka a traveler’s destination has to be identified under several reasons of serious consideration for a sustainable host-guest relationship, “ says Chandima Jayaweera - One of the best Bird and Wild-Life Tour Guides in Sri Lanka. At the 05th Annual Sri Lanka Tourism Awards 2011 conducted by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Jayaweera was recognized as the Most Outstanding Chauffeur Torist Guide (Nature & Wild Life). During the last 25 years he has been in this field extending an unsurpassed service to a number of most popular bird-watchers in the world. ‘Birding Sri Lanka’ is his tour operating company, that specializes in birding and wild life tours in Sri Lanka and India which also conducts wild life and birding photography tours in both countries. “ During the post war-era since 2009, Sri Lanka has acquired a rapid development in many sectors of infrastructure. This includes not only the development of infrastructure such as the road network, water, electricity or sanitary facilities but a complete system that offers comfort and safety for the guest who visits Sri Lanka. The construction of the highway network has maximized the time efficiency between destinations allowing access to a number of places of interest in the island within a minimum period of time,” he says.

Having conducted numerous tours, Jayaweera is proud of being the Naturalist Guide of the American Ambassador in Nepal Scott Delisi, Photographer Dr.Chan Ah Lak and Sharon Ng - the travel writer of News Straits Times based in Malaysia, famous wildlife photographers of the United Kingdom David Hosking and Martin Withers and the widely recognized wildlife photographer in Spain Juan Miguel Rodrigues Zafra to name a few. “ There are several factors to how a traveler identifies a country or a place as the next travel destination. The existence of cultural sites with a glimpse of historic heritage is one such important reason none can deviate. The existence of a clean and a lush coastal beach and the diversity of rich wild life resources are also among the next. Sri Lanka fulfills all such necessities to effortlessly find herself on the top of the list. The ancient irrigation systems that directly connect with the catchment wildlife sanctuaries are one such remarkable segments Sri Lanka has to offer for the guest to quench his thirst of having a firsthand experience of fauna, , flora and natural wild habitats.

The present government has taken all necessary steps to develop and newly construct the coastal belt and beaches with state of the art star class hotels and serene environs with greenery and clean air that offer every comfort a foreign 12 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

traveler can experience in the region. The Southern and Eastern coasts have been identified as two of the most favored beach destinations around the globe. Southern beaches for sun, the Eastern for surfing and diving, Pasikuda and Kalkuda for coral reef observation and the Southern and Eastern, back for whale watching have taken Sri Lanka as a world renowned onestop destination for coastal tourism,” Jayaweera says.

Chandima Jayaweera

‘Birding Sri Lanka’, owned and managed by Chandima Jayaweera, popularly known as 'Jaya' has been serving as a dedicated travel institution that inspires the natural wonders of Sri Lanka for more than 25 years.

Jayaweera keeps on garnering merits for his reliable and commendable expertise towards birding, wildlife tour and photography services in and out of the country through his institution. Having worked with three major tour operators in the country, today Jaya is one of the most proficient in the field of mammals, butterflies and dragonflies to mention his exceptional tour guiding skill. His travel institution stands out for its well tailored itinerary cut to the client’s time, budget and immense interest. “ I do not know if many of us are aware of the fact that Sri Lanka is one of the main Hot Spots in the world’s bio-diversity zone. Within the country’s geo-territory of 65610 square kilometers exists a dense endemic diversity. There are eight world heritage sites in the country.

This includes forest reserves such as Sinharaja, Sri Pada and Knuckles.

Parellel to the African Big Five Safari concept, Sri Lanka is also known accordingly for its featured natural wonders.

In fact, Sri Lanka is the best place to spot the Asian elephant easily and especially, in the months of July, August and September, elephant gathering could be spotted at Minneriya and Kaudulla national forest reserves. Sri Lanka is the only place in the world where nearly 300- 350 elephants in a gathering could be observed at a glance. Mirissa in the down-south is one of the most famous oceanic platforms to watch whales easily within a sea safari of 2 to 3 hours. The Yala national park in Sri Lanka has been identified as one of the best places to watch leopard.

During the months of May, June and July bear watching could be done easily here.

Sri Lanka is also home to more than 490 species of birds. Out of this 490 species about 240 species are residents and 34 species are endemic to Sri Lanka. Within a tour of 8 to 10 days one can see all endemic birds.

There are more than 100 species who are regular migrants and more than 100 species who are vagrants to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka GREEN-bill Coucal

These reasons have strategically diverted SA’s famous Big Five concept to an Asian destination as well. What we should do is to strategically identify the best potentials of how we can effectively promote such innovations and findings for the tomorrow of the international tour and travel industry in Sri Lanka. In my opinion, it’s the prime task of the policy makers to draw and implement a strategic plan to promote this as a national policy for the benefit of a win-win situation for an improved host-guest relationship, that would generate the right revenue through this segment of tourism, “ Jayaweera says.

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(Pics. by Chandima Jayaweera – Birding Sri Lanka)

Blue Whale

Sri Lanka Bush Warbler

Collared Scops Owl Sri Lanka Frogmouth

Purple-faced Leaf Monkey

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Rankoth Vehera - Polonnaruwa Three Buddhist monks returning after seeing the remnants of the palace complex of king I Parakramabahu - Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka Spurfowl

Sambur Deer Vatadage - Polonnaruwa

Sloth Bear

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ARCHAEOLOGY

Text and pics. courtesy of Sri Lanka Tourism

Built

nearly thousand and two hundred years ago Hatthikuchchi or Elephant’s Belly valley looks more a rock fortress than a monastery.

Once the house to tens and thousands of Arhanths in deep meditation the monastery complex lies in ruins today except for few everlasting stone caves and an image house built in the fifth to ninth century BC. Although the playground of a large group of torque monkeys today, Hatthikuchchi once housed a well-known king and an Arhanth of Mahavihara fame. The prodigy monk of Mahavihara Arhanth Buddhagosa made Hatthikuchchi his main aboard at later period of his life to avoid the political disputes surrounding the ever-powerful Mahavihara, the first and the most powerful monastery in the country.

During the dispute between King Mahasen and the residing monks of Mahavihara,many a bikkus at Mahavihara had to move to the monasteries situated far from the capital Anuradhapura to avoid the conflicts between the Mahavihara and the king. The historians records a shift of Arhanth to wild monasteries in search of peace of mind Hatthikuchchi is one such main monasteries based around Anuradhapura.

Yet Hatthikuchchi is more famously connected with the name of a King who sacrificed his head to a poor man to reach his objective, Nibbana.

King Sirisangabo who ruled the country during 247-249 A.D was over thrown by his childhood friend Gotabaya. The King instead of staging a re-coup sought a monastic life away from the kingdom. Although his place of retreat was considered to be Attanagalla Raja Maha Viharaya the modern archeologists had long been questioning the originality of the Attanagalla theory.

It was pointed that according to the legend, King Sirisangabo meditated near a pond, which does not see the light of the sun nor the moon while the meditating king could see the Ruwanwelisaya from his seat of meditation.

Significance: an ancient Buddhist monastery of 5th century AD Activities: archeology, sightseeing, pilgrimage and photography

Armed with new evidence historians are now holding Haththikuchchi as the retreat of King Sirisangabo. They believe that the king who left his kingdom and escaped assassination would have sought relief with the Bikkhus and Arhanths who were living at Haththikuchchi.

Even today the ruins of a chapter house, image house, audience hall and meditation houses could be found scattered among the serene mountains.

However, the most interesting feature is the double platform meditation house built by connecting two stone platforms by a bridge. Although in ruins today, the double platform mediation house situated isolated from the main monastery complex had been used to practice the walking posture of meditation by two.

Another unique characteristic is the image house, which houses a lime based statue of a sleeping Buddha built in a later period than the Anuradhapura era, proving that the monastery Hatthikuchchi had out lived the Anuradhapura kingdom.

Yet the most mysterious is the 18 feet deep natural pond situated in the top of the Hatthikuchchi Mountain.

The village myth says that the pond continues to be cool and filled with water even during the worse drought and the myth was proven to be no myth as the pond is filled with glittering cool waters even today despite the heavy drought in the area, which had dried out the fame of almost all the tanks and ponds in the area.

The pond is also not open to the direct sunlight or moon beams as the legend holds and the seat from the top does provide glimpse of the Ruwanwelisaya in the horizon towards Anuradhapura.

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HISTORY Yatala Dagaba

Yatala Dagaba The first Stupa built in Ruhuna Magama Kingdom Text and pics. by Indaka Karunadasa

Yatala

Stupa is the first Stupa to have built in Ruhuna Magama Kingdom and one of the oldest in Thissamaharamaya. It lies 2 km away from Tissamaharamaya along the Hambantota-Kataragama road, between Akurugoda and Debarawewa junctions.

King Mahanaga who was a brother of King Devanampiyatissa (307-267 BC) who ruled in Anuradhapura in the North Central Region established the Kingdom of Magama in Thissamaharamaya after a personal dispute with his brother. History goes on to say Mahanaga, the sub king to Devanampiyatissa in Anuradhapura had to flee for life after his sister in law attempted to poison him.

He left Anuradhapura with his pregnant wife, several soldiers and servants to Tissamaharamaya.

On the way Mahanaga’s Queen had delivered a son in a village, then called Yatala Village thus the new born was named Yatala Thissa. King Mahanaga built the Yatala dagaba (Yatala Stupa) where his son was born in the 3rd century BC. It was built on a square courtyard above the surrounding ground. The square court yards walls were constructed with bricks with elephant sculptures. The wall was called the elephant wall. There are four entrances to enter to the court yard and the inner floor was tiled with square granite.

Four big moonstones , made up of cut granite stone slabs, can be seen at the entrances to the court yard, And after the flights of steps each entrance has gate houses. These four main entrances to the courtyard of the Stupa are pointed to four cardinal directions.

The umbrella of the Stupa is lying near the Stupa, at the court yard and there are few remnants of ancient buildings, some of which have been used as image houses.

The Yatala temple complex has been divided by the present road. The opposite side to the Yatala is the monks living apartments with a giant altar on one side.This is the largest rock altar in Sri Lanka.

Nearby is the Yatala Archeological Museum, house for many archeological findings excavated at the Yatala Stupa surroundings.

While restoration work of the Stupa and the premises were in progress bricks with early Brahmi characters and 4 gold relic caskets inlaid with semi precious stones were discovered. The discovery of ruins of buildings with stone pillars and walls points to the fact that a huge monastery might have existed in this location in the past.

Yatala Stupa was completely restored and a small opening has been left to observe the different phases of construction. The restoration work of the Yatala Stupa commenced in 1883 AD. It took over a century to complete the restoration.

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A small opening has been left to observe the different phases of construction

An image house A ruined Buddha’s statue

An Image house

A stone carved vessel Elephant wall

Avalokitheshwara statute Stone pinnacle of the Stupa

Moonstone

A stone carving Remnants of a statute

Yatala archeological museum

A stone cut vessel

The biggest stone cut altar in Sri Lanka NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 21

INDIGENOUS

Wasantha

Sena Welianga - a Doctor of Natural Sciences in an exclusive interview with the international travel and tour magazine SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND (SLTTI) reveals the importance of ‘culture based tourism’ bringing ‘Veddah’ culture - the culture of Sri Lanka’s ‘Adivasi’ or indigenous people to light.

Q:

What is the importance of culture based tourism for a country like Sri Lanka?

A: Sri Lanka is an island enriched with bio diversity; apart from this, there exist various cultures which have evolved through centuries. The Veddah culture - the culture of Sri Lanka’s ‘Adivasi’ or indigenous people is a case in point.

But would we be able to give a precise description as to what their culture really contains remains a moot point. Whatever studies that have been conducted so far are confined to anthropological studies in which their culture is compared with ours only in a physical aspect and not in a cultural or ethnographical perspective. We were able to identify their rituals and ceremonies, but could not reveal the way they communicated with nature. They were able to survive in these woods for centuries, but how they managed to do so is yet to be discovered. All these years we were merely scratching the surface, not giving two hoots to dig deeper. These indigenous people have not only a unique culture, but they have a philosophy woven around nature. They are capable of enjoying aesthetic beauty as well.

Everyone knows about the philosophy of the Red Indian Chieftain Seattle, but do we talk about, or even know, how great the philosophy our Veddas is? The chieftain of Veddahs; Uruvarige Vannealeththo told me “The forest is our life”; and on another occasion they told, “Our ‘home’ is (what you call as) the forest”. The depth of these statements still amazes me. When assessing their depth of knowledge in nature, one could not but agree that ‘Veddahs’ are not merely hunters, they are professional – they are professionals in surviving.

What we need now is to expose these intrinsic values to our public; and one of the best ways we can achieve this is through tourism. This is where ‘culturebased tourism’ comes to light.

Tourists have a predilection to experience such cultural diversities, and the important fact is that this could be done without posing a threat to the Veddah lifestyle. Tourists could experience far more, than just watching a traditional indigenous dance. This will breathe new life into a fast-disappearing culture.

There are so many other cultures like Gypsies which have something unique to offer and where tourism could mediate to expose and add value.

Unfortunately, today the ‘Veddah’ culture is threatened with modernization and various law enforcements. The deterioration of this particular society began during colonization who curtailed their right to hunt. The situation has taken a turn to worse at present, where the Department of Wildlife Conservation has further restricted their habitats. What we have forgotten is that indigenous people act a pivotal role maintaining the balance between nature and humans. For instance, the dramatic increase of pest species like wild boar and porcupines were for centuries kept under control by these people, which reduced the damage caused on crops in return.

What needs to be done is to understand their culture and to recognize them as an exclusive local community who are capable of effective communication and interaction with nature. This is why Red Indians became popular; people of those countries conducted studies and analyzed their culture while validating and sharing them with the global community. But we, Sri Lankans, are too preoccupied with finding petty faults with our indigenous people, such as their pungent body odor. Their behavioral patterns are formed on perfectly acceptable ecological grounds.

You cannot expect them to wear perfume while they hunt which is ridiculous and unfruitful by their mission. Veddah exhibits the total camouflage while in hunt but not in other instances such when he is making love to his partner. So, one of our main concerns is to get rid of this mindset and misunderstandings by studying the ecology and culture of Veddahs.

Ulpathwala Bandiyala Eththo who lived for nearly a century was a walking encyclopedia

Findings of our research revealed that ‘Veddahs’ are a civilized community from whom we have a lot to learn. Not stopping at that, we also need to encourage and motivate them to stick with their culture, without letting it laid to waste. They do not know how valuable their knowledge and practices are. With the modern trends, it is highly likely for them to abandon these values if they were not convinced of their worth. Their

experiences and knowledge could be invested on various industries such as pharmaceutical, tourism and research and development and many more. It is a fact that some 50% of modern day medicine was extracted using the knowledge of indigenous groups living in various parts of the world.

We could develop this particular culture as a tourist attraction in which they will be given a precise picture as to whom ‘Veddah’ really is, and thus honouring their capabilities. Culture based tourism is not just there to make a fast buck; its focal concern is to preserve such rare cultures.

Q:

What inspired you to conduct research on such cultures?

As a child, I was inspired by the mythical stories of our ancestors which laid the foundation for my studies at a later stage. My mother and father were behind this inspiration. At the time I was preparing for my Master’s Degree, to which I conducted a research based on Udawalawa, Minneriya, and Victoria tanks, I had the opportunity to associate with villagers of those areas. I learned quite interesting things about their culture. For my Ph.D, for which I researched about rivers, I chose Yaan Oya as my study base. There, apart from my research, I studied the human-elephant conflict about which I even wrote a film script. I found myself enjoying analyzing such wonderful social and cultural phenomena.

After completing my Ph.D I joined The Postgraduate institute of Archaeology (PGIAR) where I was invited to excavate an archaeological site found in Aththanagalla. There, I found something interesting and yet puzzling. A large number of shells of a particular Abacus species of snails with a hole made atop. The hole was man-made, and yet no one was able for the last 60 years to interpret the reason for the hole in the body whorl of the snails.

I later discovered that eating snails without removing nematode roundworms from its digestive system causes Eeosinophilic Meningitis, and this fact correlated with the hole made atop the snail shell. The deadly nematodes pass away with excreta when the snails were kept unfed for about seven days according to the traditional practices of the other countries around the world.

On the other hand pre historic man had no proper means of keeping them from escaping. Therefore, it is possible to assume that a hole they made on their shells and the snails were hung for some days using a creeper to stop them from escaping.

Hanging them in a line made it easier to transport as well for storage. The finding was published by me and the theory was never disagreed by any academic.

I was equally interested in the fish bones discovered from that premises, and wanted to know how they were consumed by the pre historic man. In order to investigate these matters further, I initiated a project to study the ecology of Veddahs, who had similar practices in their environments, which resulted in all these findings I present today.

Our team observe their daily routine, mostly we join them in their roaming sessions through the forest and record and note down whatever said or done by them. Our study base was the ‘Rathugala indigenous village’. But most of the research activities took place in the Nilgala forest where their genuine lifestyle could be perceived. We spent 45 days roaming in the forest sleeping in caves or on rock boulders during the nights and hiking through the tracks during the day.

Another interesting finding was the annual cycle of these indigenous people. They had a set time to hunt which is the dry season; they stock and preserve the meat to be consumed during the wet season where hunting is almost impossible.

Beginning of the wet season is for mushroom gathering and the end of the wet season is for collecting yams. They locate their prey using various signs such as birds and their vocalizations, and have an instinct to name the individual animal that they are going to hunt without even seen it. They can identify the sounds of various animals with the precise location and the shortest track thereto.

What matters most is to showcase these talents and knowledge to the world, which is expected from culture based tourism.

Q:

In a modernized world where anything can be done in a matter of minutes, what is the need for preserving this traditional knowledge?

A: Hereditary knowledge is the base for the present development in various realms. That is what led to the discovery of from penicillin and how medicine was produced using hemp or Cannabis. The technology utilized by indigenous peoples is a result of this knowledge being invented and innovated, tried and tested and used for several millennia and transmitted from generation to another all by word of mouth and through experience, all the while evolving.

As Sri Lankans we need to have a heritage and a history which make us stand out in the global community. Tourists would not bother to travel across the world if what they see here is the same as they could see elsewhere. They want something unique and that is why culture matters to us so much.

If you are searching for the true pleasure in life, you need to isolate your self in the middle of a forest detaching yourself from the hectic world around you. This is the ideal purpose of ‘safaris’, although people tend to misread it nowadays. That’s why people carry mobile phones and tablets while on safari.

The safaris are either observational or feeling excited about what you do in the wild, but Veddah safari is much different. It is a journey to the past, as I always would say.

Q:

Why it is necessary to be with people of the past?

A: To experience how simple life was in the past. Living with indigenous people feels like living in paradise, gradually making you think how complex our lives now are. It is logical and finally we decide that the past is better than the today. When we were living in the forest we felt free and wonderful. It was the ultimate closeness with nature!!! That is what we have to expect from culture based tourism.

Safari with Veddah is a gateway to the intellectual world of Mother Nature

Q:

How foreign countries value their little-known cultures and preserve hereditary knowledge?

They are not trained to deliver answers for questions but experts of interpreting anything and everything that they see or hear by their own simple language

A: In other countries, they have mechanisms in place to preserve and popularize their cultural and hereditary knowledge. There are groups solely dedicated for such purposes. They conduct researches on these subjects and findings of them are never undervalued. It may not be conducted on a large scale, but the outcome could be very effective.

The loin cloth is initially used in covering genital and anal area away from fowl attracted insects in order to get away from the nuisance and secondary infections. The loin cloth makes you get closer to the nature

Being in the forest with Veddahs teaches to the simplicity of life

The case with Sri Lanka is that we hardly have such groups. Even if there were such groups, their voices remain unheard.

Media could play a major role in bringing these cultural values to the limelight, but unfortunately they are not bothered to do so.

Q:

Why Sri Lankans are so obsessed with the western culture?

A: Sri Lankans have always been dancing to the tune of multinational organizations and are adapt at doing so.

The Adivasi legend whose voice is never adhered to: Uruvarige Vannealeththo the most prominent chieftain of the Veddahs of Sri Lanka

For instance, we did not have critical dental diseases, till we started popularizing wheat-flour biscuits and sweets introduced by western countries replacing traditional sweetmeats like kevum. Sri Lankans were presented with many such Trojan horses, and still we can not figure out what is really inside these. The case becomes worse since the decision making bodies of our country lack farsighted intellectuals. Furthermore, we have grown to be very insensitive to our environment and despise our own hereditary knowledge which is the main reason why we still lag behind many socalled developed nations.

(Wasantha Sena Weliange could be contacted at wasantha.weliange@ yahoo.com)

This rocky area from generations belonging to Suda Vannealeththo; the Chief of Rathugala Veddah Village, is well protected from wild boars and porcupines. The chief occupies the most prosperous area, which is always a natural law

Snails with a hole made a top

DR. Wasantha Sena Weliange

26 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

NATURE

Journalists visit Kanneliya with UN REDD +

Kanneliya

forest which is a part of Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya (KDN) forest complex is located in the south-western part of Sri Lanka about 35km northeast of the city of Galle.

The total extent of the KDN is 10,867 hectares and the extent of Kanneliya forest is 6,100 hectares. The history of Kanneliya is a fascinating story of endurance of the nature. It is a forest which was able to resurrect as the most extensive surviving block of low land rainforest next to Sinharaja, after heavy selective logging operations continued nearly for four decades. The Forest department declared Kanneliya Forest as a Forest Reserve in 1934. Later in early 90’s it was designated as a conservation area. Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya forest complex was declared as an International Biosphere Reserve under the Man and Biosphere Program of UNESCO in the year 2004.

Kanneliya is part of the “Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya (KDN) International Biosphere Reserve”, and is a very important bio-diversity reserve as well. The KDN complex is considered as one of the floristically richest areas in South Asia. It is categorized as a lowland wet evergreen forest. There are 301 floral species in Kanneliya. These include trees, shrubs and herbs of which 52% has been identified as endemic to Sri Lanka, 15 species are being globally threatened and 26 species are being nationally threatened. The relatively undisturbed and complex environment of KDN forests provides a home to a richly diversified fauna with a high degree of endemism. One third of the fresh water fish fauna in Sri Lanka is endemic and the tributaries of Gin Ganga which originates from Kanneliya forest harbour most of these fish species. KDN forests are important hydrologically as they protect the headwaters of major rivers in southern Sri Lanka, Gin Ganga and Nilwala Ganga. Kanneliya forest is ranked among the most important natural forest in the southern Sri Lanka as it has a very high number of streams. Two picturesque waterfalls originate from 28 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

Nalin Munasinghe - National Programme Manager of the UN REDD + describing the bio diversity of Kanneliya forest complex to the journalists.

one of the tributaries, Anagi-mala-ella and Naran-Gas-Ella. There are 78 villages surrounding the KDN forests. Of these, 24 villages are immediately adjoining the forest complex. This includes 16 villages adjoining Kanneliya. The rural economy of villages around KDN complex is based primarily on tea and paddy small holdings. There are several nature trials within the forest designated to give first hand experiences to eco tourists who are eager to expedite this treasure trove of nature.

Recently, The UN REDD+ programme convened a team of local journalists to Kanneliya to gather first-hand information and writing material through interviews and photographs to write articles and feature on Kanneliya as a part of their awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of forest conservation in the context of REDD+.

“Despite potential of Sri Lanka’s forest in the context of the UN REDD+ in facilitating Sri Lanka’s national development, there is a lack of understanding on how REDD+ will contribute in achieving national development goals. Also there is a greater need for effective engagement of policymakers and media in achieving objectives of the future REDD+ in Sri Lanka. Hence, the Communications Strategy of the Sri Lanka UN-REDD Programme, proposes to form a small network of key journalists, especially environmental and development journalists, and to link with the Communications Network for awareness raising, and enhancing the understanding of climate change and the role of forests in climate change mitigation. Communications strategy identifies media institutions and journalists as key communication allies. Establishment of small network of journalists and facilitate them to write articles on the importance of Sri Lanka’s forest in the context of REDD+ would eventually strengthen the future-advocacy actions and relationship building with media to support awareness raising and effective engagement of policymakers and media in achieving objectives of the REDD+,” says Nalin Munasinghe – Programme Associate of FAO of the United Nations Sri Lanka-UN REDD Programme.

The United Nations collaborative initiative on reducing emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in developing countries (UN-REDD) is supporting the Government of Sri Lanka to get ready for REDD+. The Sri Lanka UN-REDD Programme will effectively prepare the country to reduce deforestation and forest degradation, gain concrete economic incentives for enhancement and maintenance of forest carbon stocks, and provide multiple benefits for the island's people, environment and economy. Awareness raising is an essential priority to create the framework conditions for a successful REDD+ readiness process. There is a greater need to enhance existing awareness, address major challenges through communication and to facilitate effective and informed stakeholder engagement.

National development priorities and the action plan for “Haritha Lanka” emphasizes bio diversity conservation and protection of fauna and flora and accordingly, Kanneliya Forest Reserve has been identified as a suitable area for conservation of Crop Wild Relative species.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 29

WATERY

Text and Pics. by Indaka Karunadasa

Sri

Lanka, the country where all your dreams come true in the background of its scenic beauty possesses an array of tourist attractions peculiar to the island. Enhanced by lush green mountain hills, gorgeous waterfalls, coastal bays and beautiful sandy beaches that take your breaths away, the blow hole in Kudawella is another sure to visit destination.

Known as Hummanaya in native Sinhala, the cave blow hole in the southern coastal city of Dickwella, is one of the world's higher shoot and bigger compression. Geologically it is a hole in a cliff top leading to a sea cave through which air is forced by the action of the sea which makes the water in the hole compressed and to shoot out of the opening high into the air making a big humming sound. Blow hole is a rare formation of the nature.

Hummanaya is located in Hambantota district, in between Matara and Tangalle. When traveling from Matara after reaching Dickwella, and turning right at Kudawella, and traveling another 1 ½ km towards Kudawella fishing port side, sign boards will direct you to the blow hole. Following a half a kilometer walk from the car park , you will be standing right in front of Hummanaya.

Earlier, it was only known to the local villagers and access to the blow hole was very difficult. It was an unprotected place without basic facilities. But, Tangalle Pradeshiya Sabha( the local council) constructed an access road to Hum-manaya across nearby fishing village and also initiated Hummanaya Information Centre and a ticketing office. Hum-manaya Information Centre consists of a small lecture hall and beautiful photos of the blow hole and few other exhibits of interest.

The opening is at the top of a fissured cliff about 20 or 25 meters above the sea level. At the bottom of this deep fissure is a flat rock covering the narrow channel which forms like a cave. The water, trapped by a surging sea, is forced upwards and shot out through the small hole at the top. The water shoot is perhaps 15 to 25 meters in height depending on the force of the waves, culminates in a mushroom like formation. Every 10 – 15 minutes the water pressure builds up and gives out a stunning water spray. The “Ho -- Ho--Ho” sound can be heard after a water spray and until the next water spray.

The Hum-manaya blow hole – water spray

Path to Hum-manaya under screw pine trees Hum-manaya Information Centre

Hum-manaya Information Centre

Exhibits at the Hum-manaya Information Centre Hum-manaya the protected fence

DEVELOPMENTS

Colombo Port City

Development Project the next MEGA

travel and investor

attraction of SL

All

feasibility studies carried out so far have identified that Colombo city, which is the major economic centre in Sri Lanka should be developed as a modern city with all facilities parallel to the rapid development of the country. However, as there is a congestion related to lands in the Colombo city at present, and as it is difficult to find a huge land area from one place to develop the city and Colombo city dwellers have to undergo various difficulties when providing such space and facilities, it was proposed to add an additional land area to Colombo city by reclaiming the sea as a remedy and develop it as a new city. It was apparent that prominence should be given to the Port City which will be constructed by reclaiming the sea as identified above as a project which extends the contribution of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority for Colombo city development.

While the preliminary studies were carried out for the project an unsolicited proposal was forwarded to implement this project as an investment project including reclamation, construction of break water, communication network and other auxiliary services by the C/c China Communications Construction Company – CCCC. As this proposal has been proposed as a foreign

investment, following the government evaluation procedure, this proposal was forwarded to the Standing Cabinet Approval Review Committee (SCARC) through state Finance Department and according to its advice the Sri Lanka Ports Authority entered into a memorandum of understanding with the China Communication Construction Company.

A Technical Evaluation Committee was appointed to evaluate the detailed proposal.

As per the discussions held with the project proponent, technical matters of the project were evaluated by the Technical Evaluation Committee and the technical report was presented to the Cabinet appointed Standing Cabinet Approved Review Committee (SCARC).

Accordingly, subject to the approval of the Department of Attorney General, the approval of the Cabinet was obtained to implement the project having presented the recommendations to the Cabinet appointed Standing Cabinet Approved Review Committee (SCARC) to the Cabinet.

Basic Details of the Project Not less than 233 hectares of the sea bed will be reclaimed by the Colombo Port City Development Project, 170 hectares out of this have been identified as an area that can be developed and the rest of 63 hectares have been allocated for common facilities such as water area, roads and parks. This development

project will be implemented by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka will provide tax relief for the investment. The construction work of this project is to be carried out by the China Harbour Engineering Company. It is expected that about US $ 20 Billion investments will be made in the second stage of the project within a period of 20 years.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 33

Project Implementation Plan The project will be implemented in two phases. The Phase – I includes construction of breakwater, the land reclamation to be fully completed and develop infrastructure facilities in an area of 75 hectares of land from lands which can be developed whilst Phase – II includes developing infrastructure facilities in an area of 95 hectares from the rest of the lands that can be developed.

The entire project implementation period of phases I and II is 8 years from the date of the implementation of the agreement.

Implementation of the Project under the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Even though this project is a city development project, the expertise should be possessed by the project leading company since it will be built in an oceanic environment. Through this project, it is expected to reclaim a large area of the sea and to construct a breakwater and huge side beams to protect the reclaimed land.

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority is the only state institution which possesses technical knowledge, facilities and expertise required to implement such a project. Further, it is important to maintain the breakwater, channel, artificial lagoon and the shore that will be built by the project and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority is also the only institute which possesses required machinery and skilled labour.

34 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

Further, the experience gained by completing the harbour construction work of the Colombo South Harbour on time with minimum environment effects according to the environmental impact evaluation report, will contribute immensely to the success of this project.

Hence, this project is due to be handled under the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and required amendments will be made to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Act accordingly.

Development of Land The reclaimed land will be mainly utilized for hotels, housing complexes, shopping complexes, offices, leisure and entertainment activities with the hope of retaining investors in the country and developing the industry of travel and tourism in mega scale.

The Management Authority of the Port City A separate management unit for the management activities of the Port City is due to be established with the participation of Urban Development Authority and the Board of Investment with the leadership of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. The main functions of this management unit are the maintenance of the basic facilities, breakwater and water area of the port city and enforcing the development regulations imposed by the government.

Commencement of Construction work The project agreement between the government of Sri Lanka and the project company was signed on 16th September 2014 and the construction work of the project was inaugurated on 17th September 2014 with the participation of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Xi Jinping, President of the Republic of China, during the official visit of the Chinese President in Sri Lanka.

The monitoring of project constructions will be conducted by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority for the government of Sri Lanka.

Pictures show the graphic art of the Colombo Port City after completion.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 35

MICE The delegates pause for the group photograph at the end of the inaugural session of the WSM with Secretary General of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Mari Amano. Basheer Segudawood -Minister of Productivity Promotion, Upali Marasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Productivity Promotion, Dr.D.B.T.Wijerathne – Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture W.M.R.Palitha Weerasinghe – Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Productivity Promotion, Joselito Cruz Bernardo the Director Agriculture Department APO, J.M.Tilaka Jayasundara - the Director of Industry Department APO and W.M.D.Suranga Gunarathne – Director National Productivity Secretariat are also in the picture.

The 55th WSM of NPO Heads of the APO Colombo 2014 Promises Dedicated Performance with Increased Budgets for Improving Productivity in Member Economies “SL has a huge potential in sharing productivity lessons with others” APO SG states SLTTI

By Harsha Udayakantha Peiris

The 55th

workshop Meeting of Heads of National Productivity Organizations (NPOs) of the Asian Productivity Association (APO) commenced on 21st October 2014 at the Hilton Hotel Colombo. Sri Lanka received the unique opportunity of hosting this 3 day mega MICE event that was immensely important in promoting productivity in Sri Lanka. More than 60 foreign delegates from APO member economies attended the function. The main objectives of this year’s Work Shop Meeting (WSM) of Heads of National Productivity Organizations (NPOs) and National Productivity Secretariats (NPSs) organized by the APO in Colombo included, discussion of overall strategies of the APO, extending assistance and strengthening NPOs and NPSs and designing and planning of dedicated programmes and projects to improve productivity in the fields of production services and agriculture in member countries. The three day programme also included seminars, plenary sessions, strategic planning sessions, workshops as well as field visits in and around metropolitan Colombo on the final day.

Approximately 36 Heads of NPOs and NPSs, agriculture delegates and 18 advisors representing APO members, attended the meeting alongside a number of observers from the World Bank and Pan African Productivity Association. The opportunity to host this international MICE event of 55th Work Shop Meeting of Heads Of National Productivity Organizations (NPOs) of member countries organized by the APO was also a landmark event Sri Lanka received in promoting Sri Lanka the next tourism hub of the region under ‘Mahinda Chinthana’ visionary development programme of His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Remarks of future prospects Attending as the Chief Guest of the inauguration of the event, Dr.Sarath Amunugama, Deputy Minister of Finance stated that the government of Sri Lanka has taken important policy decisions to enhance the productivity of technical and service sectors in Sri Lanka in increasing the potentials of productivity for a sustainable future. “Modernization of the education sector is in progress. Establishing Colleges of Technology is one such setup.

Although the target in technical aspects are being reached, the productivity in the garment sector has been brought to a very high level and much hope is placed on the minor and middle level industries. Appropriate technology is applied in these sectors and we feel that the environmental damage has been minimized. As you are aware, we are today, in a peaceful country after experiencing 30 years of terrorism, and today, we have followed a 36 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

Part of the delegates attending plenary sessions at the WSM of the NPO Heads of APO 2014 at Hilton, Colombo.

sound economic growth. The government has clearly indicated the importance of productivity enhancement in major sectors such as agriculture , industries and services,” he said.

He also stated that with the existence of sustainable agriculture for thousands of years, the government was deploying modern technological research for enhancing the productivity and at the same time attempting to adopt the ancient systems in environmental agriculture and related segments.

“We all know that productivity is not merely an economic measuring unit of a country. It is associated with the social and cultural values of the country. Our concepts as well as human feelings and attachments are to drive towards to enhance productivity,” the Minister added.

"In the face of strong environmental threats such as the global heat rising, extinction of living beings, diminishing of green canopy, meeting the unlimited needs of the increasing population has become a challenge. The deficiencies in the economic development during the last decade in the matter of enhancing productivity in Sri Lanka are being speedily rectified. A bigger attention of the people have been diverted to waste management, recycling of polythene and sustainable agriculture. At present, the government is conducting awareness programmes by introducing sound examples for the community to get rid of the old procedures and adopt more correct new procedures, the Minister revealed."

Making the opening remarks at the inauguration of the event, the Minister of Productivity Promotion, Basheer Segudawood said.

‘Mahinda Chinthana’, Vision for the Future, the present developmental programme of the government of Sri Lanka clearly states the strategies for improvement of livelihood of Sri Lankans, ensuring that all economic and social benefits should reach every strata of society.

During the years from 2002 – 2010 the National productivity Secretariat functioned under the Ministry of Labour and Labour Relations. Once the government recognized the importance of productivity improvements in the country to broaden the resultant social and economic growth, a decision was taken to form a separate Ministry at the end of 2010. The newly formed Ministry of Productivity Promotion undertakes multiple activities to enhance productivity in the country. These activities cover a large part of the spectrum of public and private sectors as well as schools and community sectors.

Director Agriculture Department APO - Joselito Cruz Bernardo, Dr.D.B.T.Wijerathne and Mr.Muhammad Saeed with the group delegates at the end of Strategic Planning Session 3 - Reconfirmation of the APO Program Plan for the 2015-2016 Biennium - Agro Sector.

“ The micro and SME sectors play a major role in creating employment opportunities on an island-wide basis as well as socio-economic aspect of rural population in the future.

Success for the micro and SME sector development is reflected by the blooming number of new industries spread across the country. In a country like Sri Lanka, micro and SME are the backbone of the industrial sector. Therefore, strengthening of Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs will lead to the expansion of employment and economic phase of the country.

To achieve the goal of 5-6% increase in productivity, we have to focus our attention to the current short comings in the system and find appropriate speedy solutions. Sri Lanka is now moving from a factor driven economy towards an efficiency-driven economy cum innovation driven economy. Improvements in productivity and creativeness will create innovations leading to higher productivity, which will yield, higher per capita income for the country,” Minister Basheer Segudawood said.

Speaking at the inauguration of the event Upali Marasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Productivity Promotion stated that from the year 2002 to date, the National Productivity Secretariat had conducted many programmes in all sectors namely, school, public, private and community in order to promote productivity throughout the country.

The Ministry of Productivity Promotion has initiated several initiatives to formulate, implement and re-orient productivity policies. “ 2014 and 2015 would be another turning point of productivity journey in Sri Lanka. The assistance provided by the APO for various training courses, workshops, conferences, observational study missions, seminars and e-learning programmes have made a significant contribution to achieve expected goals,” Marasinghe said.

The Secretary General of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Mari Amano in his statement at the inauguration of the 55th WSM, stated that the APO would reconfirm the lineup of projects for the 2015-2016 biennium including modifications to the existing projects or any other new projects that delegates might wish to include. “Delegates will also share their countries’ objectives and plans in key economic sectors that will serve to guide the APO in the development of programmes for 2017 and 2018,” he stated.

The preliminary 2015-2016 Programme Plan was approved by the GBM in Hanoi earlier this year. The GBM approved a 5% increase in the budget without increasing total membership contributions and stipulated that the 5% increase in expenditure was to be met through the use of un-appropriated surpluses and other sources of income. The increase of budgets of the APO will also lead to an increase in the number of projects that may be implemented in 2015 and 2016 across member countries. As expected, revised lineups for 2015 and 2016 feature an increase of 10 to 12 more projects, respectively.

Delegates at the WSM Colombo 2014 were also expected to reconfirm their hosting of multicountry projects and propose modifications to projects, if any were necessary. Each mem NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 37

apply to the increase of population as well, but what if that increased human resource is not correctly utilized for a nation’s development, then the social set-up collapses. Therefore, productivity should always be for the socio-economic development, “ he added.

Upali Marasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Productivity promotion addressing the gathering while Dr.Sarath Amunugama, Deputy Minister of Finance, Basheer Segudawood Minister of Productivity Promotion, Mari Amano Secretary General of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), and W.M.R.Palitha Weerasinghe, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Productivity promotion look on.

Secretary General of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Mari Amano expressing views on the 55th workshop Meeting of Heads of National Productivity Organizations, at the media briefing, at the Mass Media and Information Ministry.

within this year barring unforeseen circumstances as well as to undertake five additional projects approved by the Governing Body recently.

Dr.Sarath Amunugama, Deputy Minister of Finance speaking at the occasion

“ For many months, the APO Secretariat has been in discussions with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of the Government of Japan with the objective of securing special cash grants.

I am pleased to inform the WSM that METI has approved an annual cash grant of about US$600,000 for 2015 and 2016.

This is on the top of the special cash grants provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries,” the Secretary General of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), Mari Amano stated.

APO SG talks to SLTTI

Basheer Segudawood, Minister of Productivity Promotion addressing the gathering of international delegates.

ber country should ideally host at least one multicountry project in the spirit of mutual cooperation. This will also help enhance the relevancy and raise awareness and visibility of APO activities in host member countries.

After 2015-2016 Programme Plan is endorsed by this WSM, the Secretariat will modify it after adjusting the US dollar – to – yen exchange rate toward the end of 2014 before presenting the final lineup of projects for the approval of the Governing Body next year.

In summary, during the first three quarters of 2014, the APO has undertaken 118 projects. The number of projects for the full year will exceed the 139 achieved for the whole of last year, with the final number depending largely on the utilization rate of individual – country programmes by member countries. These numbers are expected to rise as the secretariat is committed to implementing all 2014 projects

In an exclusive interview with the international travel and tour magazine SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND, Secretary General Mari Amano of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) stated that Sri Lanka has been a very active member since the country obtained the APO membership in 1966. “ The unemployment rate of Sri Lanka stands as low as 4% and the literacy rate is very high. So the country can play a major role in sharing of its experiences on these acquisitions more effectively with the member economies so that they could identify possible potentials in their capacities. Therefore, Sri Lanka has a huge potential in sharing productivity lessons with others, ” he said.

“Many raise the question, so, as to what productivity actually means. In my opinion, anything to produce more from the same amount is productivity or in other words lesser input for increased output. But again, this has to be in accordance with the socio-economic developmental procedures. This may

38 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

Following the end World War II and during 1950s Japan started the country’s restoration of increasing productivity. Japanese experts visited the United States to be trained on how to improve production and in 1958 the Asian Productivity Conference took place. Japan was initially the donor of technology and the other members were recipients. “Now we share and learn from each other. Things have changed and the APO follows a more advanced way of cooperation,” Amano stated.

On average APO conducts around 50 observational, training and learning courses per year since its inception of more than 53 years. “ Usually around 15 people for a course and multiplied by the number over the years, it’s a huge human resource and they in return conduct the same courses back in their countries creating a high volume of positive impact in national productivity enhancements. And on the other hand, by working through NPOs, we have maximized the effectiveness of our implementations,” he said.

For the APO members, skilled labour resource is a big potential. In comparison to a country’s per capita income and even when one country is ranked number one in the list, sharing to learn from other lesser developed countries still offers a lot for capacity building. “Even the developed economies have things to learn from lesser developed economies and when it goes hand in hand, even the developed nations can help through lessons learnt and it becomes a sort of horizontal development where everyone helps each other to rise, so, it is the merit of learning from each other.

Disparity of membership is another challenging issue to be effectively addressed. In Japan, we started as a country that can donate and transmit assistance and we started as a multinational project. Today, we share more issues in common. The countries with more advantages can help and assist others in need. We are modifying the way we arrange things. And in the near future, we will be bringing more exclusive national projects to suit such demand and these introductions will implement more tailor – made projects that can exactly and effectively address the needs of each other. Therefore, we are

increasing the number of such projects with the increase of our productivity,” he said.

Each year the APO selects a country on volunteer basis to hold its annual WSM that discusses its implementations for the next two years. This time they selected Sri Lanka and the next would be Singapore. “ Actually, this depends on the tendency to sponsor the programme.

This time WSM in Sri Lanka is a very much timely function. It is exciting to see the post conflict developments in many areas of the country as the country’s real state of development is now taking place. The rotation of countries to hold the WSM also allows us to better know each other," he said.

For the last five decades the APO has been implementing more and more pragmatic projects that would help practitioners at large to work with policy oriented projects. “ We need to have the understanding of the political and governmental leaders from the top, in order to carry out our missions successfully. We are increasing our discussions in this regard. And through such implementations we have to advocate how much such programmes could bring towards the socio-economic development of our member economies.

So the APO will further push the governments for implementing more effective and timely projects towards increasing the productivity,” Secretary General Amano said.

The APO Asian Productivity organization (APO) was established in 11th May 1961 as a regional intergovernmental organization. It is an international institution that works with the mission to contribute to the sustainable socioeconomic development of Asia and the Pacific through enhancing productivity with the vision to be the leading international organization on productivity enhancement, enabling APO economies to be more productive and competitive by 2020.The APO membership is open to countries in Asia and the Pacific which are members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. Current membership comprises Bangladesh, Cambodia, People’s Republic of China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Sri Lanka was granted the membership of the APO in 1966 five years after the establishment of the organization.

The APO comprises the Governing Body (GB), the National Productivity Organizations and the Secretariats (NPOs & NPSs) and the Secretariat which is headed by a Secretary General.

At present, Mari Amano serves the Secretary General of the APO. The Governing Body (GB) is the supreme organ of the APO and it is composed of one government-appointed director from each member economy. The GB meets annually to receive the Secretary – General’s annual report and the auditor’s financial report and decide on the budget size, strategic directions and policies.

Each member economy of the APO designates a national body to be its NPO or NPS and they act as the APO’s planning and implementing agencies and coordinate productivity projects hosted by the governments.

Each year, the APO organizes a Workshop Meeting of Heads of NPOs and NPSs to evaluate the previous year’s projects, confirm the programme for the next year and deliberate on productivity issues and emerging needs of members.

The APO Secretariat is the Executive arm of the organization and is headed by the Secretary-General.

It carries out the decisions of the Governing Body (GB) and in close cooperation and consultation with NPOs undertakes planning, preparation, coordination and implementation of projects. It also collaborates with other international organizations, governments and private institutions for the benefit of its members. The Secretariat has four departments namely, the Administration and Finance Department, Industry Department, Research and Planning Department and Agriculture Department.

APO projects cover the industry, service and agriculture sectors. They provide practical training through a combination of lectures of experts, field visits for observation of actual applications and

country reports by participants for sharing of experiences. Participants represent diverse groups of productivity stakeholders who create multiplier effects by disseminating newly acquired knowledge to the others in member countries. Multicountry Projects designed to address the common needs of the members include training courses, research, study missions, conferences, observational study missions, workshops and e-learning courses whilst the Individual – Country Projects that are customized to the specific requirements of an individual member include observational study missions, technical expert services, development of demonstration companies and organizations, bilateral cooperation Secretary General of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Mari Amano in an exclusive interview with international travel and tour magazine SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND

between NPOs and NPss as well as institutional strengthening of NPOs and NPss. Upali Marasinghe – Secretary of the Ministry of Productivity Promotion, Dr.D.B.T.Wijerathne – Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, W.M.R.Palitha Weerasinghe – Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Productivity Promotion and W.M.D.Suranga Gunarathne – Director National Productivity Secretariat of the Ministry of Productivity promotion represented Sri Lanka at the 55th WSM of Heads of NPOs of the APO in Colombo.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 39

CELEBRATIONS

A note on World

Distinguished guests and invitees at the occasion

Tourism Day at the

University of

Kelaniya

WTD

is celebrated every year on September 27 and is a global observance to highlight social, cultural, political and economic value of tourism industry. This year WTD drew special attention to the role of tourism in contributing to Community Development - focusing on the ability of tourism to empower people and provide them with skills to achieve change in their local communities. The official celebrations took place in Guadalajara, Mexico.

With the dawn of peace after three decades, the serene prestigious island, Sri Lanka is attracting a huge number of tourists. With the tagline ‘Wonder of Asia’ this peaceful isle has become a paradise again and opened for a golden era for the booming tourism industry. Sri Lanka has been positioned as one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world.

Unique blend of cultures, eye catching nature, history and breathtaking landscape along with compactness, diversity and authenticity have acquired extreme attention of the foreigners in vast numbers. Thus, the tourism industry would be the pioneer in the economic growth within next few years. With that cherished hope, Sri Lanka as a tourist destination proudly celebrated World Tourism Day (WTD) on September 27 and undergraduates of University of Kelaniya, were group inseparable with the celebrations.

Undergrads of University of Kelaniya organized a range of tourism related events to celebrate this remarkable day as responsible academic participants.

A conference under the theme of ‘Community Development through Nature Tourism’, a guest lecture conducted

by Dr. Pabilis Silva, the Master Chef at Mount Lavinia Hotel and an educational

exhibition on the theme of ‘Golden Foot Print of Tourism’ were among the many events worked off.

University of Kelaniya premises was the venue for the celebrations within two weeks while SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND, an international travel and tour magazine was the official media journal of the events.

It is noteworthy that the undergraduates of the Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya which offers Tourism and Cultural Resource Management (TCRM) Degree since 2007 where hundreds of graduates passed out to the tourism field with wide knowledge and strong competencies, for the first time organized a series of events to celebrate the WTD. Tourism Club is the pioneer to launch these events under the guidance and supervision provided by the seniors in Department of Archaeology. Especially TCRM Special first year and second year students took much effort until the last minute to conduct and coordinate the grand celebrations to meet the expectations. Here Prof. Malinga Amarasinghe, Head of the Department of Archaeology and Dr. Chandima Bogahawatte, Senior Lecturer of the Department extended an energetic encouragement and positive motivation to successfully conduct the events.

The foremost event was on October 9 at the Faculty of Social Sciences when Dr. Pabilis Silva conducted a lecture on the theme of ‘HelaRasakaraka’ -Sri Lankan Food Spices. Prof A.A.B. Abeyratne, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Malinga Amarasinghe, Prof. A.A.D. Amarasekara, Prof. Anura Manatunga and Dr. Chandima Bogahawatte were among the distinguished guests on the occasion.

All the academic staff, non acadamic staff, TCRM students, other students

42 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

and outside participants gathered on the occasion to grasp the valuable discussion carried out by Dr. Pabilis Silva who is known an icon of Sri Lankan space (hospitality industry).

During the discussion Dr. Pabilis Silva highlighted the unique value of traditional spices and the importance of consuming those natural spices and food favours in order to preserve the physical and mental wellbeing. The occasion was enthusiastically colored with the vegetable and ice carving demonstrations presented by one of the talented chefs from Mount Lavinia Hotel.

The audience was extremely satisfied on experiencing that type of discussion, directly related to the hospitality industry and even with the day to day life.

TCRM Special First year students held a conference as the next event to celebrate WTD, based on the theme ‘Community Development through Nature Tourism’ which took place on October 13 at Dharmaloka Hall. The conference was co-chaired by Mr. Hiran Coorey, Chairman of Jetwing Group and Dr. Wasanta Sena Weliange, Senior Lecturer in University of Llorin, Nigeria. This event was an academic concept generated by Mr. Manoj Samarathunga, visiting lecturer of University Kelaniya. The admirable supervision and guidance given by Mr. Manoj paved the way for the students to organize a fruitful program.

Addressing the gathering Mr. Hiran Coorey highly admired the efforts taken by the students for organizing this kind of a timely valued event. Representatives from Jetwing Hotels presented a valuable presentation based on the

Angampora an authentic Marshal art show

Nishan Sanjeewa addressing the gathering

Angampora

undergraduates.

outside parties.

Enhancement of team spirit, leadership qualities and DR.Weliange taking the unity among the discussion ahead undergraduates were among other objectives of this conference. Many companies and institutions supported the conference with valuable sponsorships proving their cooperative social responsibility.

SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND marking presence at the event

and gratitude for organizing such a conference, specially as

An educational exhibition ‘Golden Foot Print of Tourism’ was launched on October 30 to coincide with the WTD. The exhibition stalls were established at the Faculty of Social Sciences and were opened to the public and university community from 10.00 am onwards.

The educational stalls were from various private and state sectors representing their companies, organizations and institutes with exhibits. sustainable approaches practiced by Jetwing Hotel properties, island wide.

Community development achieved along the practices of hospitality industry was highlighted during the presentation.

The conference was enriched with a valuable discussion carried out by Dr. Weliange whose keynote was based on Sustainable Tourism Approaches in Indigenous Tourism: special reference with Wedda community in Sri Lanka highlighting on the sustainable tourism that should be associated with Wedda community ensuring their natural habitats, natural resources and authenticity. The participants from the community expressed their comments

Jetwing Travels, Lanka Sport Rizen (LSR), Hotel Galadari, Hilton Hotel, Central Cultural Fund (CCF), Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (SLITHM), National Zoological Garden, Ape Gama, Sri Lanka Institute of National Tour Guides Lecturers (SLINTGL) were among the participated companies and institutes. A large number of school children participated in the exhibition.

Moreover, ‘Angampora, an impassioned show was presented by an invited group who were inherited the ‘Angampora’ marshal art.

The major objective of organizing a range of events was to enhance the awareness about the contemporary tourism industry among the university community and

As TCRM undergraduates who wish to involve in Sri Lankan tourism industry as active role players in near future, were able to acquire ample knowledge about the tourism sector and its new trends after the events. To cope with that context, TCRM undergraduates were highly motivated and encouraged by the supervision and guidance given by the Department of Archeology, University of Kelaniya to make a range of celebrative events a success as it had been expected.

Tourism industry, being one of the fastest growing and leading service based industries in the country has opened new doors for the graduates to deal with the sector in a professional way. Hence, both travel and hospitality sectors in the country are having much potential for job generating specially for the graduates who are qualified and specialized in the field of tourism. Up to now the Tourism subject is academically limited mostly for the graduates in Commerce and Management at Government Universities. University of Kelaniya, under the Department of Archaeology has taken a timely approach to generate graduates who are specialized in both tourism and cultural resource management as the Cultural Resources base of the island who would be vehemently promoting Sri Lankan tourism industry in future.

(The writer G.B. Indrachapa Weerasingha is the Assistant Lecturer (Tourism & Cultural Resource Management) Department of Archaeology of the University of Kelaniya).

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 43

HERITAGE

Bogoda wooden bridge

Bogoda

Raja Maha Viharaya

lies in the breathtaking Badulla District, in the Hali-Ela Divisional Secatariat Division, in the sleepy hamlet of JangullaBogoda. The ancient Bogoda Temple is so popular because its magnificent wooden bridge complete with a roof, which is said to be the oldest and the only remaining such wooden bridge in the world.

It was believes that this temple was built

by King Walagamba (89 – 76 BC). In the Kandyan Era, the Nayakkar monarchs -

King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha (1747 – 1782 AD), Sri Rajadhi Rajasingha (1782 – 1798 AD) and Sri Wickrama Rajasingha ( 1798 – 1815 AD) have taken steps to renovate this temple.

lore the Panapitiya Ambalama (Way side rest) was been built by a nobleman whilst the Bogoda wooden bridge was built by his son.

One end of the Bogoda wooden bridge stands on a stone outcrop and the other end on a mountain side. Below the wooden bridge is the breathtaking Gallanda Oya stream. The bridge is 50 feet and 10 inches in length, 6 feet and 6 According to the local legends it believed inches in breath and 6 feet and 6 inches that the Bogoda wooden bridge was in height. In addition to wooden railings, constructed during the Dambadeniya the bridge is roofed with flat clay tiles. period. The name of the builder is The historic building Temple to of the the bridge Tooth Relic One side of the – entrance hitherto unknown but, according to folk in Dambadeniya Bogoda Raja Maha Viharaya lies on the banks of Gallanda Oya stream which is a major tributary of Uma Oya starting from the Narangala mountain range.

44 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

Bogada Raja Maha Viharaya Preserving the world’s oldest

wooden bridge Text and pix by Indaka Karunadasa

has been hallowed into the rock outcrop for easy access without having the need to climb the rock outcrop.

In front of the wooden bridge is the image house of Bogoda Raja Maha Viharaya.

The image house is housed inside a cave with a dripped edge (Kataran). The image house is divided into two sections separated by a wall. The smaller section is a shrine house for deities whilst the other houses images of Lord Buddha. In 1929 a front hall was erected and this was roofed with clay tiles. This was built to protect inner wall and the shrine room from moisture or heat .

Inside the image house is a recumbent (reclining) Buddha statue said to be 19 feet and 7 inches long whilst the sedant Buddha statue is 3 feet and 5 inches in height. Above the sedant Buddha’s statue is a dragon arch (Makara Thorana). Whilst there are other upright Buddha’s statue s, all images have a halo or nimbus upon their heads.

The dragon arch above the sedent Buddha statue is a unique one and is said to have been constructed by King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha (1747 – 1782 AD) in the Kandyan Era. In this shrine room near the foot of the

reclining Buddha statue is a unique rockcarved statue painted in blue depicting God Vishnu. The walls and the rock hood of is intricately painted with Jataka stories, flowers, etc.

At the entrance to the rock shrine room there is also a dragon arch above the door frame constructed during recent times (circa 1929). Near this dragon arch, the statues of the last monarch of Kandy- King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe and his queen Rangamma can be seen.

Below the doorway is a unique moon stone (Sandakadapahana) centred on a lotus flower with two elephants beside it.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 45

Karanduwa

Reclining Buddha statue Samadhi Buddha statue

An oil lamp

God Vishnu’s statue

An ancient grain grinder Dragon arch at the main entrance

Tunnel 46 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

Inner courtyard at the Awasage

Above this cave shrine house is a brahmi inscription.

According to folk lore, below the shrine house is a rock tunnel said to extend to Narangala mountain and the Dowa Raja Maha Viharaya, 6 km away from Bandarawela along the Bandarawela-Badulla Road. Local legends say that King Walagamba had taken refuge in this cave during the invasions of Cholas.

Image house at Bogoda Raja Maha Viharaya

Few meters above the cave shrine house is the benefice (Awasageya) of the monks an inner court yard (Meda midula).

Main entrance to the is with a door frame with Kandyan Era wood carvings on it. The Awasa Ge was named as a protected archeological monument by the Department of the Archeology.

Route: From Hali-ela town (Hali-ela town lies at the crossroads of the Bandrawela-Badulla highway, and the WelimadaBadulla Highways – 6 km from Badulla) Kandegedara road up to Ketawela Junction. Then proceed up to Jangulla junction along the Gala-uda Road, from the Jangulla junction along the Bogoda road, 12 km from Hali-ela town.

Rev. Etampitiye Rahula Thero

The moonstone

Contact number of the Bogoda Raja Maha Viharaya is 055 2294614. Rev. Etampitiye Rahula Thero is the incumbent of the Temple.

An ancient inscription NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 47

EXPERIENCE

A UNIQUE CINNAMON

EXPERIENCE

AT VILLA MAYURANA

Thomas

Stillmann, proprietor of Villa Mayurana, hosted the launch of The Cinnamon Experience recently at its premises located in Ahangama Down South. Officially presenting this experience to the national and international media, tour operators and an array of private guests, Thomas introduced his stunning villa and Cinnamon estate in Ahangama, Galle. A novel event operator group had organized to take the media delegation to Villa Mayurana at the launch.

Guests at Villa Mayurana enjoy more than the Cinnamon, as breath-taking views are magnificent backdrop to this unique Cinnamon experience. Surrounded by a Cinnamon plantation, this elevated oasis is the perfect setting to discover one of Sri Lanka's most prized exports and assets - True Cinnamon.

The Portuguese first discovered Cinnamon in Sri Lanka. They identified it as a wild tree, researching its benefits and designing a method to cultivate and harvest it. In time, Cinnamon cultivation and export became one of our prime assets as Sri Lanka produces 90% of the world's supply of True Cinnamon.

“While both Sri Lankans as well as visitors to Sri Lanka may enjoy the experience quickly, what few are aware of is that Sri Lanka is the only place in the world where True Cinnamon can be found. And while prices of Cinnamon rocket internationally, we in Sri Lanka have always appreciated Cinnamon, as our curries and sweetmeats often include the use of Cinnamon as an aromatic ingredient,” Thomas Stillmann says.

This spice is used in both sweet and savoury foods, has a highly fragrant aroma and is incredibly beneficial for health; used frequently in traditional ayurvedic remedies.

48 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

delicious cuisines The pool side at mid-day.

A unique cinnamon experience at the hotel.

Villa Mayurana during early night hours Cinnamon isn't as well known as its tea export counterpart. Many that live and visit Sri Lanka are sure to visit tea plantations and see tea pluckers’, but Cinnamon cultivation is a very unique process, and also a scarcely known operation. It is truly a one of a kind experience that is both interesting and different.

“Sri Lanka is a unique country for its vivid diversities. We actually preserve the Cinnamon cultivation here at Villa Mayurana. A guest at the hotel can exclusively visit the Cinnamon factory nearby and learn more about this signature product that takes Sri Lanka to the rest of the world,” Thomas says.

The Cinnamon Experience isn’t just informative; it is also a hands-on experience, encouraging guests to get their hands a little Cinnamon-y and strip down some Cinnamon sticks for themselves. It is paired with delicious Cinnamon teas –iced or hot, and Villa Mayurana’s delicious homemade Cinnamon biscuits. Guests booked in for a lunchtime experience, complete their day with a carefully curated, 4-course Cinnamon infused lunch.

During the morning hours Villa Mayurana is a paradise to especially watch peacocks in their identical ball-room performance in the natural habitats surrounded by an array of traditional paddy-fields in the back-drop of misty terrains. In the sunset the place is the best spot that brings the guest the bliss of solitude especially by the pool side. Villa Mayurana also has a state of the art gymnasium, a restaurant that brings comfort of lush greenery in the surrounding vicinity in front of the guest who is ready to enjoy the most delicious authentic cuisines at this uniquely constructed facility of comfort.

For reservations, Villa Mayurana could be easily reached via +94 91 739 0080 or +94 77 735 3585.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 49

RELAXATION

TAPROSPA SPAS & RESORTS PROVIDES RELAXED GETAWAYS IN

PERFECT HARMONY WITH NATURE IN IDYLLIC SRI LANKAN SETTINGS Text by Kalhari Pitigala | Picx by Rohan Karunarathna

Set

in the lush greenery amidst some of Asia’s most stunning plantations, Taprospa Spas & Resorts in Sri Lanka provides the ideal surroundings to relax and rejuvenate the senses. Its luxurious boutique hotels and villas are spread out across idyllic tea, rubber, and oil palm plantations, providing the possibility of a charming holiday in the country’s rolling hills or on its beautiful tropical coastline.

The CEO of Taprospa Spas & Resorts, Mr.Senarath Devendra was ever so grateful in sharing some significant information of this exclusive hotel chain in the country.

Following is a Q & A he had with the international travel and tour magazine SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND.

50 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

Q

. What is special about Taprospa villas?

Taprospa villas were built by British planters as their homes during colonial times. Therefore, invariably, it offers the best views on the estates. ‘What we offer is unique because you can experience and be part of a working plantation,’ explains CEO Senarath Devendra. ‘You can see how the famous Mackwoods Tea is made whilst taking part in tea tasting sessions. You can also be taken on an exotic guided tour, admiring our natural waterfalls and the flora and fauna of our virgin forests’, he added.

Q

. Can you explain the types of villas operated under Taprospa Spas & Resorts, Sri Lanka?

In total, the company’s portfolio comprises four plantation boutique villas, one plush bungalow in the town of Jaffna and two luxury hotels, which include health spas and 15 and 54 rooms, respectively. The planters’ villas benefit from butler service and have the serene atmosphere of an English country home, including billiard rooms, period furniture, cotton and silk furnishings, and marbled bathrooms. They also feature less traditional, but no less welcome Jacuzzis and massage beds.

Q

. What are the Resorts & Boutique Villas operated under Taprospa Spas & Resorts, Sri Lanka?

Q

Taprospa Footprints TaprospaTissa Taprospa Palm LeavesTaprospa Labookellie Villa Taprospa Westward Ho Villa TaprospaTymawr Villa Tapropsa Culloden Villa

. What is special about Taprospa “Footprints”, Beruwala?

Located in close proximity to one of the best beaches of Sri Lanka, Taprospa “Footprints” is approximately 94 km from the airport and 52km from Colombo.

It offers 52 Superior rooms, 02 Suites facing the sea with private balconies, Satellite TV, Piped Music, Hot & Cold water, Shower Cubicles in all rooms, Mini Bar, Wi-Fi Enabled (lobby & suites), Telephone, Tea/Coffee making facilities and many more exquisite features.

Q

. Can you outline the features at TaprospaTissa?

It is located on the edge of the southern tip of Sri Lanka. By road it takes 6 hours and by air it takes 60 minutes where you can land in the adjoining Tissa Lake.The hotel offers 12 standard airconditioned rooms and 3 superior NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 51

rooms with terraces/ balconies, Hot & Cold water, Satellite TV, Telephone, Safety locker, Fan and attached bathrooms.

Superior rooms consist of king size beds, tea making facility and modern bathrooms.

Q

. What are the significant features at Taprospa that makes a holiday ever-lasting?

Chef- A.L Ranjan

The villas offer not only private fine-dining but also fantastic spa treatments and the opportunity to explore the plantations.

In addition, delightful cultural shows and live music by local performers are very much part of the Taprospa experience.

‘While providing such comforts and services, we always place great emphasis on preserving the stunning natural environment of our villas and hotels,’ says Mr.Senarath with an ambitious look.‘We do this, for instance, through our ecologically sound mini hydro-power schemes, which harness the natural streams on the plantations, and our agro forestry reserves, which help us preserve the virgin forest on our estates’, declares the CEO with much enthusiasm.

Continually striving to provide excellent services to discerning and eco-conscious travelers, Taprospa Spas & Resorts provides spectacular settings for a wonderful holiday in one of Asia’s most beautiful countries.

Manager Anuradha Fernando Taprospa Tissa

52 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

COMFORT

an Oasis in

Paradise Text by Kalhari Pitigala | Picx by Karunarathna

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 55

56 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

Located

in the sacred city of Tissamaharama, Hotel Priyankara is a charming villa enriched with a perfect surrounding that would make your holiday filled with lasting memories. It is a six hour drive from the Colombo city. The evergreen paddy fields and the crystal clear blue lotus lake will exemplify the beauty of the ambience while making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers. Tissamaharama in the deep south of Sri Lanka is in the vicinity of Yala National Park and the pilgrim city of Kataragama.

The beautiful architecture is such that the spacious guest rooms consist of a balcony that provides an amazing view of the lush green paddy fields. The rooms are of deluxe and superior types designed to provide maximum comfort with amenities such as air conditioning, Satellite televisions, fans, balconies that overlook the lush paddy fields, mini bars, tea and coffee making facilities along with attached bathrooms with hot and cold water.

In terms of dining, guests at the Hotel Priyankara will be charmed by traditional southern cuisines that serve mouthwatering gastronomical delights. The hotel bar offers a wide selection of wines and spirits, while the bartender can prepare unique cocktails to match your request.

Parking lot, business centre, twin beds, terrace, wheel chair access, doctor on call, family rooms, baby cots, room service, WiFi in lobby and laundry facilities are the exquisite added services offered at Hotel Priyankara.

Elephant safaris are by far the most popular amongst tourists visiting this area. The man-made TissaWewa Lake is another scenic attraction. Several ancient Buddhist temples including the Maha Stupa, Sandagiri Dagoba and monastery complex, Yatala and the Menik Dagobas are all located nearby.

Also, an archaeological museum that provides a glimpse into the ancient Ruhunu kingdom can be experienced in the vicinity.Moreover, some culturally valued sites such as the Kataragama Kovil, Tissamaharamaya Temple, Kirinda Temple and Sithulpawwa Vihara complex are also located in close proximity. All these destinations can be reached within less than 30 minutes from Priyankara Hotel.

Camping, trekking, cycling, river bath and bird watching are few more activities that could keep you entertained during your stay at the hotel.

The super stylish pool is yet another feature to boast about. The guests can look forward to relax by the swimming pool and indulge in your most favourite water sports at your own pace.

Priyankara hotel provides the convenience of online booking in order to give the best rates for your reservations.

Providing guests a spectacular view, Hotel Priyankara is nestled in the lap of luxury that promises you a harmonious vacation, just as you prefer.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 57

ADVENTURE Happy diving to the deep cold waters at Kitulgala

Kitulgala the adventure at hand Text and pics. by Teshani Wanninayake

Water rafting for life

Together they can make it

“If

you are looking at an adventure and leisure base close to Colombo, Kithulgala is the place.”

Being so close to Colombo and if you plan stay a night out there you would be able to do many adventure and leisure activities such as White Water Rafting, Bird Watching, Walking in the Jungle, Bathing in the river, Visiting waterfalls, Swimming in natural pools, Mountain biking, bird watching and many more.

Kitulgala is located just about 80 kilometers from the city of Colombo; this beautiful area runs into the world famous town of Nuwara Eliya. This is one place that you should trip in the night time, to add more excitement to your journey.

And while in the town of Kitulgala, do not forget to visit the locations where the Academy award winning film, ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ was done.

In Kithulgala you can see, a number of

adventure based camps. Here you can do many environmentally adventurous activities. The camps conduct these programmes specially to develop the concept 'Team Building' through adventure activities. It is always possible to assess the development of an organization, identification of new teams, identifying leadership, achieving productivity, effectiveness and cultivating team-feeling among staff in the means of these adventure based training programs which will give confidence to face challenges without fear or uncertainty.

These programs will certainly support the development of the organization and of the country as a whole, as they are aimed at developing the skills and potential of the participants. If you like you can take one day programme, one night & 2 days Programme or two nights & 3 days Programme.

White Water Rafting is very popular at Kitulgala. Waterfall Abseiling, and

Flat Water Rafting in Kelani River, Bird Watching, and Cannoning, confidence Jumps and natural water stream slides are among other things.

Experience White Water Rafting in the Kelani River at Kitulgala, covers 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids. The distance covered is around 5 KMs. The river and its surrounding will make you feel enchanted, with a memorable experience during your White Water Rafting Tour at Kitulagala. The best time to enjoy White Water Rafting at Kitulgala is the period of from May to December. During periods of heavy rain the river could turn out to be angry to bring you a lifetime experience of water rafting.

Waterfall Abseiling is an ideal adventure activity to test your confidence. Water fall height is 105 ft and duration will be 3 hours for 4 people.

A foreign water rafting team getting onboard

Have small children who can't get on the white water? You can take flat water rafting on the Kelani River. There's nothing as refreshing as floating down the river in a raft.

There are 7 natural pools which are extremely beautiful and a gift of nature where you will be able to experience activities such as sliding down an inclined 05 meter water fall with safety gear, in to the rock pool, a confidence jump with safety to beautiful natural rock pool and swimming in the cool and clean waters of the rain forest.

A team getting ready for water rafting Having escape the risk of adventure

Bird watching at Kithulgala is considered as a main interest of a nature lover and can result in you seeing many of the country's endemic bird species.

Visit Kitulgala to add adventures and fun for your life.

T.S.Rupasinghe (Rupa) - an expert explorer, trainer and instructor for Kitulgala expeditions Playing it in a team

60 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

Closely risking the adventure

PRECIOUS

Sneak peek to the

largest Diamonds

Since

in the world

ancient days Diamonds had been popular amongst mankind and had been used as decorative items. It had been well-known for its legacy, value and prestige.

12,000 expert cutters and polishers are at work in the Diamond District, at 380 workshops, serving 1,500 firms and 3,500 brokers and merchants.

The exclusive characteristics such as the hardness of diamond and its high dispersion of light make it desirable as jewelry. Diamond is widely used in engagement rings since it became popular in the early to mid-20th century due to an advertising campaign by the De Beers company.

The Great Star of Africa

The modern era of diamond mining began in the 1860s in Kimberley, South Africa with the opening of the first large-scale diamond mine.There, the first diamond was found in 1866 on the banks of the Orange Riverand became known as the Eureka Diamond.

In 1869, an even larger 83.50 carat (16.7 g) diamond was found on the slopes of Colesberg Kopje on the farm Vooruitzigt belonging to the De Beers brothers. This sparked off the famous "New Rush" and within a month, 800 claims were cut into the hillock which was worked frenetically by two to three thousand men.

The current annual global rough diamond production is estimated to be about 130 million carats (26 tonnes).

Antwerp, Belgium, the diamond center of the world began its association with diamonds in the late 15th century when a new technique to polish and shape the gems evolved in this city.

The diamond cutters of Antwerp are world renowned for their skill. More than

Some of the largest and most famous diamonds in the world 530.20 Carats - the Cullinan I or Star Africa diamond is the largest cut diamond in the world.

Pear shaped, with 74 facets, it is set in the Royal Scepter (kept with the other Crown Jewels in the Tower of London). It was cut from the 3,106-carat Cullian, the largest diamond crystal ever found. The Cullian was discovered in Transvaal, South Africa.

The Orloff It was 300 Carats when found. It is slightly bluish green in colour and exceptionally pure in clarity.

This gem may be found in the Diamond Treasury of Russia in Moscow.

There are so many historical episodes involving the Orloff. First, it may have been set at one time as the diamond

eye of Vishnu's idol (one of the Hindu Gods) in the innermost sanctuary temple in Sriangam, before being stolen in the 1700s by a French deserter. The time passed, the stone arrived at Amsterdam where the Russian count Grigori Orloff, an ex-lover of Empress Catherine the Great was residing. He heard about rumors of the stone, and he bought the diamond for 90,000 pounds and took it back to Russia for Catherine's favor. The stone has been called the Orloff since then. Catherine received his gift and had it mounted in the Imperial Sceptre.

She gave a marble palace to Grigori in exchange for the Orloff. However, Grigori couldn't get Catherine's love.

The Centenary Diamond 273.85 Carats, discovered at the Premier Mine, in July 1986. The 'Centenary' diamond weighed 599.10 carats in the rough. Together with a small select team, master-cutter Gabi Tolkowsky took almost three years to complete its transformation into the world's largest, most modern-cut, topcolour, flawless diamond.

Possessing 247 facets - 164 on the stone and 83 on its girdle - the aptly-named 'Centenary' diamond weighs 273.85 carats, and is only surpassed in size by the 530.20 carat 'Great Star of Africa' and the 317.40 carat 'Lesser Star of

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 61

Africa', both of which are set into the British Crown Jewels. The 'Centenary' diamond was unveiled, appropriately at the Tower of London in May,1991.

The Regent It is 140.50 Carats.

Although it is now surpassed in weight by other famous diamonds, the exceptional limpidity and perfect cut of the Regent give it an uncontestable reputation as the most beautiful diamond in the world.

Discovered in India in 1698, it was acquired by Thomas Pitt, Governor of Madras, who sent it to England where it was cut. In 1717 the Regent purchased it from Pitt for the French Crown. It first adorned the band of Louis XV's silver gilt crown (in the Louvre) at his coronation in 1722, going then to Louis XVI's crown in 1775. Later in 1801 it figured on the hilt of the First Consul's sword (Fontainebleau, MusĂŠe NapolĂŠon 1st), and then on the Emperor's two-edged sword in 1812. It can be seen today at the Louvre in Paris.

presented it to Queen Victoria in 1850.It was first worn by the Queen in a brooch.

It was later set in the State Crown, worn

by Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary, and 1937 was worn for by Queen Elizabeth for her coronation. It is kept in the Tower of London, with the other Crown Jewels.

The Idol's Eye The Idol's Eye is 70.20 Carats.

It is a flattened pear-shaped stone which is the size of a bantam's egg.

It is another famous diamond that was once set in the eye of an idol before it was stolen.

Legends have said that it was given as a ransom for Princess Rasheetah by the Sheik of Kashmir to the Sultan of Turkey who had abducted her.

The Taylor-Burton The TaylorBurton is 69.42 Carats, pearshaped and its birthplace is Premier Mine, Transvaal, South Africa. It was founded in 1966.

Koh-i-Noor (Mountain of Light) Koh-i-Noor is 105.60 Carats, an oval cut gem and is now part of the British Crown Jewels.

The name of this diamond means "Mountain of Light" and its history, dating back to 1304, is the longest of all famous diamonds. It was captured by the Rajahs of Malwa in the sixteenth century by the Mogul, Sultan Babur and remained in the possession of later Mogul emperors. It may have been set in the famous Peacock Throne made for Shah Jehan. After the break-up of the Persian empire the diamond found its way to India. It may have traveled to Afghanistan with a bodyguard of Nadir Shah, who fled with the stone when the Shah was murdered, to be later offered to Ranjit Singh of the Punjab in exchange for military help (which was never delivered). After fighting broke out between the Sikhs and the British, The East India Company claimed the diamond as a partial indemnity, and then

As you might guess from the name, Richard Burton bought and named this stone as a gift for Elizabeth Taylor.

Richard Burton bought it for $1,100,000.

After Burton's death in 1979, Liz Taylor sold the stone for charity and reportedly received $2.8 million. She donated in his memory to a hospital in Biafra. It was last seen in Saudi Arabia.

The Sancy The Sancyis 55 Carats and it was cut in a pear shape. It was first owned by Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, who lost it in battle in 1477. The stone is in fact named after a later owner, Seigneur de Sancy, a French Ambassador to Turkey in the late 16th century. He loaned it to the French king,

Henry III who wore it in the cap with which he concealed his baldness. Henry IV of France also borrowed the stone from Sancy, but it was sold in 1664 to James I of England. In 1688, James II, last of the Stuart kings of England, fled with it to Paris. It disappeared during the French revolution.

The Blue Hope The Blue Hope is 45.52 Carats. It has been ironically named as the Hope diamond (named for its purchaser, Henry Thomas Hope) and may have had a long and illustrious history before it became associated with a run of bad luck for its owners. The Blue was purchased by King Louis XIV who had it cut to 67.50 carats from 112 carats to bring out its brilliance. The diamond was stolen during the French Revolution, and a smaller diamond of similar color was sold in 1830 to Hope, an English banker.

After inheriting the diamond, Hope's son lost his fortune. It was eventually acquired by an American widow, Mrs. Edward McLean, whose family then suffered a series of catastrophes: When Harry Winston, the New York diamond merchant, bought the stone in 1949, many clients refused to touch the stone.

It is now on display at the Smithosonian Institute in Washington.

Hortensia Hortensia is a 20 Carat peach colored stone, named after the Queen of Holland, the stepdaughter of Napoleon Bonaparte.

This gem is part of the French Crown Jewels and may be viewed at the Louvre in Paris.

Chamindri Hemachandra Managing Director ( Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers )

DESTINATIONS

Galle

the tourism centre of the South UDA Director – Southern Province Ananda Samarasinghe, outlines the government’s vision (strap)

By Santhush Fernando

Galle

has a very long history and is even mentioned Ptolemy's world map prepared circa 125 - 150 AD , trading with merchants from as far as Greece, Rome, Arab countries and China. Some historians believe that Galle was the ancient port city of Tarshish mentioned in the Bible. 1 Kings (1Kings 10:22) notes that King Solomon had a fleet of ships of ‘Tarshish’ and that ‘… once every three years the fleet of ships of Tarshish used to come bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.’ (repeated in 2 Chronicles 9:21).

In 1505, it became the first port of call in the island for the Portuguese led by Lorenzo de Almeida. After cunningly befriending King Dharmaparakrama Bahu of Kotte, they were permitted to build a fort and church inside.

The Galle Fortress as it is now was built by the Dutch during their reign of rule between 1656 to 1796. It is the largest and the most secured fortress in Sri Lanka. It was declared an archeological reserve by the UN since 1969 and in December 1988, UNESCO declared Galle Fortress as a World Heritage Site and their 38th Monument. A Parliament Act titled Galle Heritage Foundation Act was passed in 1994 in Sri Lanka in order to protect the Fort.

In an interview with the international travel and tour magazine SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND, Urban Development Authority (UDA) Director Southern Province Ananda Samarasinghe, outlines the government’s vision for the tourism centre of Galle.

Q: Can you explain plans for the development of Galle?

A: As the Urban Development Authority (UDA), we have introduced a development masterplan

for the Galle city and in this development plan we identified the main vision and mission of the city. We proposed to develop Galle as a tourism hub. Galle city center has already developed as a commercial center and a tourism hub as well. Areas such as the Galle Fort, Unawatuna, Mirissa, Hikkaduwa can be considered part and parcel of this tourism hub. According to our development plan Galle city will be developed as a centre for tourism. We have studied the potential for development from nice beaches to natural habitats like Roomassala.

The Galle Fortress was constructed during the Portuguese period, and was developed much during the Dutch period and ended up in the British hands later on. As such it has a good combination of the Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture. We have a good set of buildings built during the colonial period. From heritage hotels to warehouses, colonial residences to street villas and bungalow type houses which have become attractions for tourists.

Q: During the last few decades after independence, Sri Lanka did not have a proper plan for restoring old buildings, why is it important to restore these ‘heritage’ buildings?

A: After gaining independence in 1948, these building have been used for different activities and during this period unfortunately the authorities have not given much attention to preserve those buildings and conserve its colonial architecture. Throughout last few decades those buildings were altered a lot in order to suit its usage, for instance, government offices. Those buildings have been changed and converted into different types of buildings disturbing its original architecture.

At the moment we have taken over some of these buildings and have taken much pain to establish their original architecture. As such, we can consider this initiative as a restoration program. We can’t restore a buildings and keep it as it is; we need to introduce another function in order to maintain these buildings as they are. We have allocated those spaces to several shops and restaurants. We have conserved buildings properly and we have given a set of guidelines to the owners. They will be conducting and operating those shops and restaurants according to the guidelines given by the UDA. There won’t be any damage to the buildings as we ensure that buildings will be restored in a proper way. We have identified a number of streets where you can retain that old character.

The ‘Galle Heritage Foundation’ too is discharging a good role. If an owner needs to make any addition or any alteration in any building within the Galle Fort first, they have to submit their development applications to that ‘Galle Heritage Foundation’ and get it cleared according to the set of guidelines established by the Urban Development Authority, Municipal Council, the Galle Heritage Foundation etc. We have made sure that if somebody wants to do any development they need to go through this process.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 63

Q: Some old houses and buildings within the Galle Fort are owned by the individuals and private parties. How important is to make them aware of preserving that ancient outlook in order to preserve our heritage for future generations?

in the Bible a name? in ’s t ish’ referred to acocks and a sh h ar ‘T W e th e as ll Ga ant Galle w r elephants, pe r areas in Emerson Tenn obtained thei he

Soloman well as ot Sir James According to re ships trading with King e Galle Fort now stands as ch held a colony of hi th he (w w re s rt long a Garden place whe as the po even the Chin t certainly the which go back uth d os ns an M . tio la es el ec w on nn lu st co Ka , ic So gem le or lf, al st hi ag Gu M e ith from th watuna, areas w ipps Galle like Una several years ago) were all ers, Persians, Moor traders in Galle. The Cr ish s ad er ed tr l ad ad tr na tr e io d at es an rn rit ed te Chin B In liv s rly a. ie Er ea lit nationa . Even in rtuguese was host of other before the Po acter of Galle Malays and a lyglot and poly-ethnic char ple the first Consul from USA s, er ad tr an Indi po am e ex th r s Fo . al n reve in Galle Road inscriptio t Embassies were situated es rli chicken. ea e th es tim s’ which means eans the lu al ‘G . d lle or w Ga in Dutch ala m resident . Gaala in Sinh rived from the ord Galle is de ry large ‘Gaala’ of cattle here velopment from ‘Gaala’. It w at th ve lie as a ve lle is a de Some be a. Their ve that there w ed in Sri Lank they believe Ga But some belie le are herded together. So renzo de Almeida first arriv here as there ship tt e Lo ance they cam place where ca or that Portuguese led by rb was by mere ch ship to Galle. ha It lle e.

Ga on d om fr ne is r an r , was not a pl at brought thei , that Fort late arrival however storm and it is the winds th an irony of fate a by in ut ht B ug e. ca es al s. as w Sinh ador security of the posed the colonial conquist meant for the op as ho w w rt e Fo es al e Th nh ison to keep Si became the pr

A: If you have an old house it is not a big issue to keep that as it is but if you want to do some additions and alterations only the real issue arises. You need to get the help of a chartered architect. Then you can do the restorations and the conservations in respect to their guidelines. If it is an old building which is constructed before 1815 (when the Kandyan kingdom was ceded to the British under Kandyan Convention) that building comes under purview of the Antiquities Ordinance no 9 of 1940, and so the owner can’t conduct any demolition or alteration without the permission of the Director-General of Archaeology. Galle Fort is different from that because it is a living monument. Therefore, it is not just one building, but a complex of buildings.

If there are vacant lands and if anyone wants to do a development and there is a possibility of building but only under the guidelines introduced by the UDA. Q: What are the major developments with regards to other areas of Galle?

A: We have introduced a thorough development plan and have considered the Galle Fort area as one unique zone. In our development plan we have identified seperate commercial zones, industrial zones, residential areas and there is a comprehensive vision for that development. We have prepared a comprehensive proposal to conduct the infrastructure development of Galle town not only including the Galle Fort, but the whole town city center. We have given a clear-cut zoning plan and urban development proposal to this Galle town center which comes under the purview of the Urban Development Authority.

One of our main concerns is tourism and we have identified Roomassala area of Unawatuna. The UDA has now identified another two far-fetched nature-related projects; one is closer to the Pinnadoowa Exit of the Southern Expressway, because there is a good mangrove habitat. We are going to preserve that area and introduce eco-tourism based initiatives which will also help to develop commercial activities in the community and we also get an

income to maintain our initiative. There is another project close to the Dadalla- the Mahamodara Lake project, where we will clean and restore the reservoir and introduce a new comprehensive plan to develop that area as well.

In the Galle city area town center was developed in a very haphazard manner during the last few decades. Through our development plan we are going to relocate most of the small shops built in a haphazard manner and introduce a good public space similar to ‘Diyatha Uyana’ in Battarmulla which will become a decent public place in order to attract both local and foreign tourists.

There is an urban design project which is done to restore the buildings facing the Galle Bus Terminal, and unfortunately most of these historic buildings are been covered with aluminum and glass makeshift boutiques and shops. We want to remove these eye-sore structures and introduce a pedestrian arcade in front of it so that not only commuters who use the bus stand but also shoppers patronizing these shopping areas will be benefited. In addition to the main city centre we have identified sub centers right around the Galle city, like Karapitiya and Kalegana which will be connected to the city centre through an arterial road network.

Q: Although the government removed unauthorized structures in the Unawatuna beach area some people have encroached again, disturbing peace and tranquility in the area and also causing a lot of problems for the historic Welle Devalaya. What is your comment?

A: It is a different scenario because it is an informal tourism area which cannot be easily tackled like regulating

64 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

formal tourism. There is a market for that but we are not going to formalize that because we need to do it in a proper way.

However, we can’t allow and the UDA will not allow encroachers to go ahead with constructions right at the top of the beach.

There will be restrictions and we have to regularize any such activity.

Q: What are the activities initiated by the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, to give a boost to the tourism industry of the South?

A: As the Urban Development Authority we have done a lot to help promote tourism in an ancillary manner. We are developing each and every town centre starting from Aluthgama to Katharagama. we are touching all these town centers, which have been developed unsystematically.

We will improve the facilities of the town centers, in order to attract local and foreign tourists by building environmentalfriendly cityscapes.

Earlier when developing our roads, we carried development focusing only on vehicles, but we have broadened our point of view and redefined road development focusing not only on vehicles, but also the public- commuters as well as pedestrians.

We have concentrated now on good pedestrian paths including access for the disabled, now even the blind can walk without any hazard.

In Galle City, we are going to introduce a good pedestrian path which we will call as the ‘Beach path’ starting from the Dakshina Navy Base up to the Fort and then from Fort up to the Light House Hotel. We are introducing livable urban environment. We have livable environments, and it is our duty to convert these into a livable urban environments.

In Galle we have given good attention to develop public places, leisure parks, beach parks and related activities. In Matara we have already done the beach path as well. In Hambantota we have introduced beach paths and special tourist areas. As the UDA we have done much to create a livable urban environment. The Ministry along with Sri Lanka Tourism board have given much attention to attract the maximum number of tourists by providing the necessary infrastructure facilities.

Q: How do you hope to find the investment in order to carryout urban development for the Southern Province?

A: We have given a lot of attention to develop Hambantota as a major smart city of Sri Lanka in future. Now we have done all the

infrastructure developments including the ports, airports, convention centers and facilitated many hotels. This has to be done in cooperation with all relevant ministries. Sometimes we have initiatives which are implemented with self-generated funds.

e Antiquities Ordinanc

(no 9 of 1940)

nka being found in Sri La of Section 48nt lying or being or y da me d nu 2n mo y the an to s or an pri me d " ancient monument" sonably be believed to date from a perio rea which dates or may ludesinc d an , monument by an 15 18 , March red to be an ancient cla de en be s ha ment which (a) any other monu Gazette under section 16, and the in ed published in the sh bli Order pu section 17 has been r de un r de Or an ct of which (b) any tree in respe ; Gazette " antiquity " meansment, or ich date (a) any ancient monu nd in Sri Lanka, wh or being or being fou to the 2nd day of March, ng lyi ts jec ob ing (b) any of the follow believed to date from a period prior gravings, be of all descriptions, en pear, all es rbl ma d an or may reasonably ne sto ap me tured or dressed terial whereon the sa als, jewels, 1815:- statues, sculp , se s, writings, and the ma ms ing ge int , pa ins s, co on , pti art cri tile carvings, ins perty; gical and tex ic, glyptic, metallur er objects of art which are movable pro specimens of ceram oth all d an ts, en ornam nkind in jeweler, arms, tools, ial heritage of ma t part of the mater ormation and includes all tha s an me e" ag rit provide primary inf "archaeological he tivity, haeological methods tations of human ac respect of which arc ence and places relating to all manifes ater rw de rranean and un ist vestiges of human ex and remains of all kinds (including subte with them. es ted abandoned structur ral material associa all the portable cultu th wi er eth any tomb, tumulus tog ), es sit ture or erection, or uc str er or any oth or , ing any build rty of a like nature "monument" means er immovable prope historic oth of y s an ain or t, rem en ial erm ter or other place of int same or any other site where the ma e of any the ; and includes the sit part or remains of activity may be found y be required for fencing or or t en em ttl se n or prehistoric huma rtion of land adjoining such site as ma po nument; monument and such ise preserving any mo erw oth or in g rin cove the or upon any land in Section 2being discovered in ided its ov of Pr : ly n on n rso so pe rea ch su by , of (1) No antiquity shall n, be or be deemed to be the property e with rso tiquity in accordanc ownership of any pe be deemed to be interested in such an all that such person sh o s Ordinance.

Ordinance comes int the provisions of thi date on which this rson the pe y on an ich in d wh ste nt ve me t nu no (2) Every ancient mo by any person or the control of which is solute property of the d ab operation is not owne or manager, shall be deemed to be the nt be um inc e, ste as tru or ), whether lying on State. n ancient monuments within the territorial tha r he (ot ies uit tiq or an e (3) All undiscovered rface of the ground or in any river or lak ct to the su rty of the State, subje pe pro e lut so ab hidden beneath the the be to ed em de all be sea of Sri Lanka, sh t 24 of 1998] dinance. [Amendmen provisions of this Or

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 65

NEWS

SLT RAINBOW PAGES STEPS INTO DIGITAL MEDIA of people and organizations. These cutting-edge digital media products comprise of the Web Portal, Mobile App, Directory CD and e-Book.

The web portal www.rainbowpages.lk is the premier digital version and the boundless global access point of the directory. The web portal was recently revamped and upgraded to best cater to evolving needs of its users and now it features supplier profiles, logos, products & services, digital maps, image & video galleries and so on in addition to all-island directory information.

The

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that plays an enormous role in the digital era and is growing at an unprecedented pace has led people to access digital and social media as easy as never before through multitasking digital devices such as smartphones and tabs in addition to laptops and desktops. Among these devices, smartphones and tabs or tablet computers have become closer to people than any other device as a result of their exclusive features like portability, userfriendliness, multitasking capability, etc. Hence, information, entertainment, shopping, banking and many more things have become just a touch-away at one’s fingertips.

Leading the sector of directory information, Sri Lanka Telecom is synonymous with directories since it is the only publisher of directories in Sri Lanka since 1939.

Its flagship directory branded as SLT RAINBOW PAGES holds the unique position as the only National Business Directory in Sri Lanka. SLT RAINBOW PAGES, the National Business Directory, comes with loads of directory information including contactable information of Sri Lanka’s all leading business organizations (over 20,000 business listings), all government organizations, religious places and the classified business section with over 1300 product & service classifications.

In the world that has evolved into a digital era with the rapid growth of ICT, Sri Lanka Telecom Rainbow Pages has been prudent to move into digital media too while continuing with the print medium, enabling people throughout the island as well as across frontiers to access directory information in an innovative and convenient manner.

Stepping into digital media is followed by a range of digital directory products developed to address the evolving needs

products like mobile apps would make people smarter and more productive as they are helpful in arriving at effective and efficient decisions amidst the present day busy lifestyle of people. He also said that at present, people have the opportunity to make their lifestyle more convenient by finding whatever directory information at their fingertips and this could be done by downloading the Rainbow Pages Mobile App -Android/Apple, to any smartphone or tab.

The latest addition to this digital directory product range is the Mobile App with which access to the directory has been simplified unprecedentedly. Through this mobile app, directory information can now be accessed at one’s fingertips regardless of when and where. The App that can be downloaded to smartphones, tabs etc., (Android or Apple) free of charge, has a host of features such as digital maps, logos for easy search, detail pages, image galleries, etc.

The directory CD is yet another digital directory product that contains all-island directory information in digital format and this can be installed in a computer to find directory information. The CD also contains the SLT Rainbow Pages e-Directory and the Wedding Directory.

The e-Directory is the digital replacement of the printed directory which can be read on a computer by turning pages.

The e-Directory is available for download on Rainbow Pages web portal as well as on the Directory CD. Whatever directory information one may need can quickly be searched on the e-Directory.

At a recent media briefing held at Ramada Colombo to raise public awareness of the Rainbow Pages Digital Directory product range, CEO, SLT Rainbow Pages, Mr Malraj Balapitiya asserted that turning into digital media was a timely move and this product range had enabled millions of people to access directory information in the easiest possible way. He went on to say that “we have a comprehensive database that includes almost all the public and private organizations in the island”. He further said that SLT Rainbow Pages would continue to publish the print version of its directory as there is a growing market for the print directory.

General Manager, SLT Rainbow Pages, Mr Ruwan Wijetunga demonstrated the web and mobile apps highlighting their exclusive features and benefits.

He further said that cutting-edge digital

66 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

Mr.Malraj Balapitiya CEO-SLT Rainbow Pages

Mr.Ruwan Wijetunga General Manager-Sales & Marketing-SLT Rainbow Pages

Tony Udagedara wins 5th Oman Air Golf Classic 2014

B A

C

D

The

fifth consecutive Oman Air Golf Classic 2014 was worked off recently in October at the Victoria Golf and Country Resort in Digana, Kandy with Tony Udagedara emerging as the overall winner of the Oman Air Trophy and Vidush Rajendran emerging as the runner-up of the tournament.

Following a thrilling tournament Udagedara clinched the trophy by making a final combined two round score of 80with a handicap of 13.Rajendran secured second place with a handicap of 26 and a total score of 77 Udagedara walked away with the coveted title of Overall Nett Winner and a grand prize of Rs. 100,000 from Oman Air. Conducted over the course of two days, the Oman Air Golf Classic 2014 saw the participation of over 100 golfers from Sri Lanka, Australia and the Middle East.

Oman Air Golf Classic 2013 - Winners CATEGORY

WINNER

Longest drive – Ladies

Sumithra Ukwatta

Longest drive – Gents

Srimath Dias Perera

Nearest to the Pin – Ladies

Luies Parson

Nearest to the Pin – Gents

Noel Joseph

Ladies Gross Winner

Niloo Jayatilake

Gents Gross Winner

Joeff Campbell

Oman Air Trophy Nett Runner-Up

Vidush Rajendran

Oman Air Trophy Winner

Tony Udagedara

A – Tony Udagedara, Oman Air Trophy Winner receiving his trophy and prize from Gihan Karunaratne, Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Oman Air. B – Vidush Rajendran, Nett RunnerUp receiving his trophy and prize from GihanKarunaratne, Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Oman Air. C – Joeff Campbell, Gents Gross Winner receiving his trophy from GihanKarunaratne, Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Oman Air. D – Niloo Jayatilake, Ladies Gross Winner receiving her trophy and prize from Gihan Karunaratne, Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Oman Air.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 67

Singer Lifestyle Exhibition-Promises Yet Another Fun Filted Family Experience.

Singer's

immensely popular Lifestyle exhibition is once again around the corner; due to be held for the 04th consecutive year on 14th, 15th and 16thh November 2014, The Singer Lifestyle exhibition promises yet another fun filled occasion for the whole family. The exhibition carries a truly impressive portfolio of assorted merchandise, representing the leading brands of electronics and kitchen appliances, furniture, mobile phones and computers and almost everything else homeowners can wish for.

Widely accepted as one of Sri Lanka's and the world's biggest household names, Singer yet again proudly showcases The Singer Lifestyle exhibition which brings together every brand under the Singer umbrella. The event as always, gives consumers the opportunity to experience world class brands under one roof. Over 50 such brands with over 1,000 products are brought together in a unique experience for the consumers. There will be exciting offers on selected products with incredible discounts of up to 5O0/o; the sales due to be held at the event will no doubt be of much interest to shoppers.

Mr Kumar Samarasinghe Director - Sales & Sewing Marketing at Singer who is credited with launching this novel concept, says that Singer is happy to bring the entire family together for the ultimate shopping experience. " As always, our objective in this is to give our customers a family- first experience - there are many items at the venue for the entire family, as an enjoyable day out.

Outstanding entertainment, fashion shows, musical shows and activities for kids along with food stalls , are planned together with memorable product launches and displays, promising an exceptional experience for all."

In addition to showcasing some of the most advanced technologically superior products, the Singer Lifestyle Fair also ensures that the small time vendors and entrepreneurs are empowered through the event. Singer Lifestyle Fair always attracts such vendors, giving them the opportunity to display their products and services , having rented the stalls to them at a nominal amount. Mr Samarasinghe says that the company provides these vendors stalls as CSR activity and the vendors are happy to return to the event every year.

68 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

a

Mou On Friendly Cooperation Between Sri Lanka Tourism And Zhongshan Municipal Tourism Bureau – China

Sri

Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Zhongshan Municipal Tourism Bureau of China recognizing the importance of further tourism promotion on friendly exchanges and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Zhongshan City in China recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the tourism promotional initiatives between the two countries.

of Chinese travellers to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Tourism during the recent past carried out several major promotional campaigns in China by identifying it as a major emerging market. The strategic promotional campaigns of Sri Lanka Tourism were designed on the instruction and direct guidance of the Minister of Economic Development, Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, using innovative tools and methods which were far away with

conducted with the branding of 300 buses among the Chinese public living and visiting cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chendu and Guangzhou. The campaign was further extended to year 2014 as well.

Sri Lanka Tourism also launched a major promotional campaign in Shanghai in 2014 and an advertising campaign in Shanghai city covering outdoor hoardings, Radio, print media, websites which is on going in the Shanghai city currently,

Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Mr. Bashwara Gunarathna and Vice Mayor of the Zhongshan Municipal People’s Government of China Feng Yurong with the representatives from Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Zhongshan Municipal Tourism Bureau of China and Sri Lanka – China Friendship Association pausing for a group photograph following the signing of the MOU.

The Parties agree to enhance mutual understanding and friendship through strengthening regular information exchanges, support each other’s tourism promotion events to increase popularity of tourism destinations, promote and organize local tourists to visit each other cities, commence regular / charter flights to Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake and Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport at Mattala and to enhance mutual understanding and friendship through strengthening regular information exchanges, holding meetings and publishing tourism information through each other’s websites and magazines.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Mr. Bashwara Gunarathna and the Deputy Director General of Zhongshan Municipal Tourism Mr. Dong Zuwen during a function held at Taj Samudra Hotel , Colombo . The ChinaSri Lanka Friendship Association has coordinated the event between the two countries in order to make it a success.

Following the MOU the two parties expressed their views highlighting that the newly signed agreement had put the foundation to a greater travel and tourism development between China and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has already become a popular travel destination among Chinese travellers. The new agreement will further enhance the travel and tourism opportunities and increasing the number

traditional promotional methods The exchange of MOU between the Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau Mr. Bashwara Gunarathna and the Deputy Director executed previously. Accordingly, Promotion General of Zhongshan Municipal Tourism Mr. Dong Zuwen.

Sri Lanka Tourism carried out multiplying the effect generated by Beijing aggressive mega promotional campaigns campaign. in many emerging markets including China in year 2013 and 2014 in order to increase Some of the policy decisions made with awareness and product knowledge on the the support of Chinese government such destination. as removing exist permit, agreement to During the mega tourism promotional campaigns in China, Sri Lanka Tourism launched a Bill Board Advertising Campaign in the city of Beijing, going parallel to a series of other promotional activities such as promoting Sri Lanka through Light box advertising, print media advertisements , Radio jingles ,Web sites and PR campaigns to create awareness.

The BillBoard campaign is the first ever promotion of its kind ever to be executed in Chinese market at this scale. The LED backlit hoarding screens are displayed in over 21 strategic locations in Beijing , showcasing major tourism attractions in Sri Lanka including history and culture, beaches, wildlife, festivals, Ayurveda and spa, gem & jewellery that are of interest to the Chinese travellers. Meanwhile Prominent places in 18 subway railway stations in Beijing have been identified to promote high spots of tourism attractions in Sri Lanka through this campaign.

A major Bus branding Campaign has also been launched parallel to the advertising promotions for a 06 months period which is active in china at present. The Bus Advertising Campaign which was

promote 100,000 tourists to Sri Lanka etc. have contributed to increase the travellers from China. Further the two governments signed agreements to promote Sri Lanka through major Chinese Travel Media , as a result some of the leading Chinese TV channels such as China Travel Channel , Outlook Traveller China, CCTV 6 and Print media visited Sri Lanka totaling up to 56 media personalities. Sri Lanka Tourism also brought down many Chinese Travel Agents and tour operators from various cities to create awareness on the destination aimed at attracting prospective travellers.

Chinese tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka is on a steady rise at the moment and has recorded a significant growth in year 2014 reflecting the effectiveness of the promotional campaigns executed in year 2013 onwards . During October 2014 Sri Lanka Tourism received their 100,000th Chinese tourist with a growth rate above 150% compared to last year.The latest jump of shows encouraging signs as the Government of Sri Lanka is campaigning vigorously to capture a slice out of the growing Chinese outbound tourism market.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 69

Ape Kema with KosalaDullewa at Mount Lavinia Hotel

Mount

Lavinia Hotel opens doors to its guests to witness the alluring performance of wellknown dancer KosalaDullewa, who is a testament that talent has no limitations, as he joins to entertain at the Sunday Dinner Buffet - Ape Kema at the Governor’s Restaurant.

Global Shipping Careers to Bridge the Gap in Global Shipping Recruitment Industry

Ape Kemais the trademark dinner buffet of the hotel with an extensive spread of authentic Sri Lankan food. Chef Publis, known for his distinct Sri Lankan culinary creations brings you cuisine which has a unique cultural twist, including dishes like Beef Dummassa, Kompittu, Pork Ambula, PolosKadalaCurry, Mutton Chatti Roast, Bath Rasa Gulawa, HabalapethiPudding,WarakaGiniSisila (Flambe) and much more.

“The Theme Nights at Mount Lavinia Hotel are made to offer our guests a variety of cuisine from across the world. Ape Kema is the dedicated buffet for everything Sri Lankan your taste palate desires.

We are pleased to have KosalaDullewa, an individual with special talent who has brought much fame and prestige to Sri Lanka,” stated BazeerCassim, Group General Manager for Mount Lavinia Hotel Group.

KosalaDullewa is an epitome of achievement. Born with Down syndrome, Kosala took into dancing and captured public attention in 2004 at his solo performance named ‘DiriyaNarthana’ at the age of 15. Excelling under the tutelage of VisharadaDimuthuWijayarathne and Visharada Sakura Senevirathne, Kosala has performed at local and international gatherings including the International VSA Festival held in Washington DC, USA in 2010. Kosala has won awards and recognition at many levels such as Outstanding Performance at the National Dirijaya Awards in 2005 and 2012, and the Personal Improvement Award at The Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) of Sri Lanka in 2007. He has been featured in many television programmes and has acted in the stage dramas ‘Memories of a Monkey Boy’ and ‘Sihina Mal Dangakarai’. He also won the Best Performance Award for his short film ‘Dreams’. Kosala is the founder of the KosalaDullewa Foundation for Children with Special Needs through which he helps children and parents overcome limitations and achieve their dreams. A percentage of proceedings from Ape Kema will be donated to KosalaDullewa Foundation.

Irrespective

being a USD 400 billion industry which move 90% of the global trade volumes & technology has evolved to mega ships with state of the art equipment when it comes to recruitment it is all about friendships. Beauty of the industry is people have so much cohesion and whether its sailing or shore based it is truly global profession.

Paradigms of shipping are shifting. New shipping hubs in Asia stealing the glory from traditional shipping capitals London, Amsterdam & Oslo. As the biggest exporter in the world China is Catch Kosala in action every Sunday from 7 pm to 10.30 emerging as the biggest ship builder & owner and influence of oil pm at the Governor’s Restaurant, Mount Lavinia Hotel. rich Gulf countries is substantial as well.

Apekema is priced at LKR 2,600/= nett.

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Singapore has emerged as the most vibrant shipping hub in the world & home for www.globalshippingcareers.com which is the best online portal which lists hundreds of shipping jobs around the globe including but not limited to Singapore, London, Dubai, Australia & Netherland; allowing companies and professionals to connect. Job listing includes from major shipping companies, recruitment agencies and crewing companies.

Seafarers and shore based professionals can now visit the web site and start searching for suitable jobs and apply. There is an easy to use self-intuitive interface which helps to search jobs based on country, industry/ profession or keywords and it is totally FREE for job seekers.

As the global demand for master marines and engineers with sailing experience for onshore jobs with various organizations including classification societies, shipyards has risen higher, Global Shipping Careers has become the best gateway to Shipping Marine Maritime and Offshore industry job opportunities.

70 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

Amãna Takaful expands its network to serve the people of Muthur

Amãna

Takaful PLC, the only fully-fledged Takaful operator in the country and the flag bearer of the Takaful way of insurance in Sri Lanka, recently opened its 27th branch, in Muthur which is located in the Eastern Province. The new branch is located at No. 115, Main Street, Muthurand offers a variety of high quality insurance services. The Muthur branch was ceremoniously declared open by Chief GuestJainudeen Mohomed Laheer, Eastern Provincial Council Member and Attorney-at-Law, and Guest of honour A. M.Hariz, Chairman, PradeshiyaSabha,Muthur. Also present was Fazal Ghaffoor, CEO, Amana Takaful PLC, members of the local business community, the financial services fraternity as well as religious dignitaries.

Commenting on the opening of the new branch, Sadik Niyas, Senior Regional Manager-East, Amãna Takaful PLC, stated, “At Amãna Takaful, we strive to serve Sri Lankans from different communities across the island. Muthur has been through some troublesome times in the past but is now experiencing positive growth. We hope to further contribute to the development of this area and protect the people living here. It is a great honourfor us to introduce Amãna Takaful to the people of Muthur and we hope that our new branch will continue to fulfill the diverse insurance needs of this community.”

Amãna Takaful expands to Anuradhapura Amãna Takaful PLC, the only fully-fledged Takaful operator in the country and the flag bearer of the Takaful way of insurance in Sri Lanka, recently opened its 26thbranch in Anuradhapura. The new branch is located at No. 81, Bank Site, Anuradhapura and offers the full range of insurance services to the general public. Chief Guest at this auspicious occasion was the Mayor of Anuradhapura, his worship, H.P. Somadasa along with other distinguished guests, Mohamed Ansar, Municipal Councillor of Anuradhapura, Fazal Ghaffoor, CEO, Amãna Takaful, S.N.M Irshad, the Executive in charge of Amãna Takaful in Anuradhapura and the company’s senior management and staff.

Commenting on the opening of the new branch, Mr Irshad of Amana Takaful stated, “Our success so far can be attributed to the wide ranging solutions Takaful offers to Sri Lankans and the superior service we provide to our patrons. The impression that we are catering to a niche market is inaccurate. It gives us great honour to introduce Amãna Takaful to the people of Anuradhapura and we hope that our new branch will continue to fulfil the diverse insurance needs of this community.

The Mayor stated, “I am pleased to welcome Amãna Takaful to the ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Surely, Anuradhapura - a multi-ethic society will embrace this concept of mutuality and go on to reap the benefits the company has to offer.”

Amãna Takaful Matara Branch Relocated to a New Strategic Location Amãna Takaful PLC (ATPLC), the only fully-fledged Takaful operator and the flag bearer of the Takaful way of insurance in Sri Lanka recently relocated its Matara branch to a new strategic location. The new branch located at No. 36/1 St. Thomas Mawatha, Matara was ceremoniously inaugurated by Mr. RanjithYasarathna,Deputy Mayor, Matara along with Mr. Fazal Ghaffoor, Chief Executive Officer, Amãna Takaful in the presence of members of the local business community, customers, staff and well wishes.

Amãna Takaful has served the people of Matara for the past six years, offering both Life and General insurance solutions. In the Southern Region the company has branches in Galle and Hambantota. The company branches is located in almost all key towns of the country.

Speaking on this occasion, Fazal Ghaffoor, CEO, Amãna Takaful stated, “We are proud to have developed our presence in Matara where we have gained the trust and acceptance of the People. Our success in this multi-ethnic society highlights the fact that the Takaful way of insurance is not a community based solution;instead it is a solution that suits all Sri Lankans devoid of any bias. Today we have succeeded in gaining great acceptance in Matara and our reach extends to not only businesses but many households and institutions as well. We would like to thank the peopleof the region for embracing our concept of insurance.We hope that our new branch will continue to fulfill the diverse insurance needs of this community.”

Amãna Takaful recently kept to its promise of ‘redefining insurance’, by announcing a 15 percent payment of SURPLUS to its nonclaimant policyholders. Amãna Takaful is the only insurer in Sri Lanka who shares a part of the SURPLUSfrom its risk fund at the end of a defined period. Surplus is commonly referred to as underwriting profit by insurance companies and usually forms part of a company’s retained profits. This signifies the company’s commitment to sharing and also makes the net cost of insurance cheaper for non-claimant Takaful policyholders.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 71

Bentota Beruwela Hoteliers Association “Big Bash 2014” - Cricket Carnival

Bentota

Beruwela Hoteliers Association Executives’ annual cricket tournament “Big Bash 2014” was held at the Gamini National College grounds, Bentota for the 04th consecutive year recently under the distinguished patronage of Sri Lankan National Cricketer, Mr. Rangana Herath.

Twelve leading hotel teams battled for the trophy on knock out basis and after a full day of fun filled exciting cricket; Eden Resort & SPA emerged as the Champions defeating Hotel Club Bentota at the finals.

Bentota-Beruwela Hoteliers’ Association (BBHA) was established in year 2001, with the intention to re-group all Bentota-Beruwela hotels as one entity and is currently reckoned as the largest hoteliers’ association registered in Sri Lanka.

BBHA is the voice for Sixteen (16) star class hotels in the region from Beruwala to Ahungalla speaks of a volume of more than thousand five hundred (1500), 3-5 star class hotel rooms.

Addressing the gathering Mr. Sanjeeva Perera – President BBHA stated that organizing such team events annually will assist hoteliers to improve their talents & camaraderie which is a vital element of success in the tourism industry.

Cycle enthusiasts take safe cycling to Waskaduwa with Tour De Citrus

Citrus

Leisure PLC’s iconic five-star property Citrus Waskaduwa together with Wroom Sri Lanka recently concluded a successful CSR programme which also marked the launch of the resort’s weekend brunch.

Cyclists with the Citrus Team

Situated just 37km from Colombo, the resort is just a short cycle ride away, and the event was held recently. Commencing from Liberty Arcade in Colpetty at 6:30am, 52 cyclists made their way to Citrus Waskaduwa via the Galle Road with a refreshments stopover at Panadura. The purpose of the ride was to raise awareness on the importance of safe cycling and to donate safety bicycle reflectors to cyclists in Waskaduwa as the area is prone to cycling related road accidents.

The event was in partnership with “Wroom” cycling forum and its founder Yasas Hewage was instrumental in providing 60 sets of bicycle reflectors from his CSR initiative "Wroom Blinking Lights" to be donated to villages of Kuda Waskaduwa. Other prominent personalities who took part included Dilith Jayaweera, Varuni Fernando, the Union Assurance Cycling society team members, and veteran riders from the national cycling forum.

A special awareness programme was also held for all after reaching the hotel and was attended opened by Ravi Fernando, General Manager Citrus Waskaduwa. This was followed by a speech from OIC Goonetilleke on behalf of the Kalutara North Police station and concluded by the awareness booklet and reflector distribution.

After the awareness session the riders were ushered to the Pamelo Hi bar where refreshments were served and thereafter treated to a scrumptious brunch buffet prepared by Chef Buddhika and the team at the Mandarin Shore Ballroom. The grand brunch buffet spread with oysters, jumbo prawns, scallops, lamb, roast carvery corner, chocolate fountain and homemade ice cream was a crowd pleaser.

The event was sponsored by Dialog, Lanka Hospitals, Scienter Technologies, Raja Bojun, Wroom and ATOM. 72 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

Lanka Hospitals awarded the prestigious JCI Accreditation

Lanka

Hospitals today announced that it has received the highly prestigious JCI accreditation and its gold seal of approval after a rigorous onsite evaluation by an international surveyor team of most experienced and skilled healthcare experts, elevating the hospital to an exclusive group of healthcare organizations worldwide that have met every stringent clinical quality standard set by Joint Commission International (JCI) , the recognized leader in international health care accreditation.

The physical plant of the hospital, equipment, as well as outsourced services was subject to evaluation, with a focus on several aspects, such as patient safety, patient care and assessment, patient rights, medication management, bedside policies and procedures of the organization, surgical care, anesthesia procedures, credentialing of medical staff and nurses, leadership & governance of the organization, facility management and many others. Each department of the hospital was individually surveyed while the written policies and documentation of the hospital were also evaluated to ensure that Lanka Hospitals met the required standards. In order to be accredited by the JCI any healthcare organization must meet all the 1300 measurable elements required by the 5th edition of JCI standards and Lanka Hospitals has successfully passed every criterion required.

Speaking about this achievement the CEO of Lanka Hospitals Lakith Peiris said, “This is a very proud day for all of us at Lanka Hospitals as we celebrate this significant milestone in our journey towards being one of the best hospitals in the region. While JCI accreditation is one of the most prestigious accreditations a hospital can receive it is also one of the hardest to achieve due to the exceptionally high standards they set. Receiving this accolade is a testament to the high standards of quality and patient care that we practice at Lanka Hospitals and also to the hard work put in by every employee to maintain these standards.”

Director Medical Services of Lanka Hospitals Dr. Wimal Karandagoda said, “while Lanka Hospitals has always been in the forefront of clinical excellence, thanks to the JCI accreditation patients at Lanka Hospitals can be reassured that they are receiving the highest levels of clinical care, patient safety, adherence to international standards and patient rights. Being evaluated by the most stringent and transparent survey process in order to achieve this award has brought Lanka Hospitals among the best in the healthcare industry in the world.”

JCI (Joint Commission International) is part of a global enterprise of dynamic, nonprofit organizations and is the recognized leader in international health care accreditation. It identifies measures, and shares best practices in quality and patient safety. Joint Commission International (JCI) works to improve patient safety and quality of health care in the international community by offering education, publications, advisory services, and international accreditation and certification. In more than 100 countries, JCI partners with hospitals, clinics, and academic medical centers; health systems and agencies; government ministries; academia; and international advocates to promote rigorous standards of care and to provide solutions for achieving peak performance.

Lanka Hospitals holds a track record of winning many accolades at both national and global level. Most recent being the Global Performance Excellence Award 2013 (GPEA) which is a ‘world class’ recognition awarded to any organization as per the Malcolm Baldrige Quality criteria. In addition, Lanka hospitals was the first hospital to be rated AA by Brand Finance in 2010, the only hospital in Sri Lanka to be awarded with an ISO 22000: 2005 certificate for Food Safety Management Systems, 5 out of 5 Crowns and rated excellent by Indexpo, the only rating agency for food hygiene, for meeting international standards in food quality and hygiene, the only hospital to be awarded the prestigious National Quality Award for the year 2012 after a span of 15 years, first hospital in Sri Lanka to be certified with the ISO: 15189 accreditation for Laboratory services, only hospital to be rated A+/P1 (Stable) by RAM Ratings for three consecutive years for financial stability and future outlook and to be awarded with the ISO 14001:2004 for Environmental Management systems in 2013 among many other achievements.

Lanka Hospitals is a 270-bed multi-specialty tertiary care hospital spread over 350,000 square feet with 7 acres of beautifully landscaped garden. It offers state of the art features that is complemented by cutting edge technology and is staffed by a wellexperienced and trained team. The hospital offers crucial emergency care, laboratory and testing services, pharmacy and other vital services round the clock for patients seeking urgent medical attention. The hospital is also equipped with a special heart centre, fertility clinic, kidney care centre, allergy clinic, nuclear medicine centre, cosmetic clinic, Surgical centre including Neuro, ENT, Eye, Gastrointestinal, Orthopaedic, Urology and Reconstructive surgeries.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 73

GREE the number one air-conditioning systems brand affirms commitment to maintain strong presence in Sri Lanka

GREE

Lanka Private Limited, a fully-owned subsidiary of George Steuart Solutions, has become a formidable contender in the air-conditioning segment. A well-known Chinese brand, GREE is the preferred choice in airconditioning solutions amongst construction professionals globally. In Sri Lanka, GREE Lanka (Pvt) Limited caters to the needs of all residential, commercial and industrial properties.

GREE is the largest manufacturer of air conditioning systems in the world and is fulfilling a long-felt need for professional air-conditioning systems in the local market. GREE’s principal partners - Eric Zhang, Vice General Manager of GREE Overseas Sales Company; Bob Yang, General Manager of Asia Pacific; Phil Lin, Sales Manager; Echo Lin, Sales Manager and Viraj Pathirane, CEO of George Steuart Solutions were present in Colombo recently at a high profile promotional event held in the city.

George Steuart Solutions is a fully owned subsidiary of the George Steuart & Company Ltd, the oldest mercantile establishment in Sri Lanka, dedicated to partner the world’s most sought after agencies in the Industrial, Hospitality, Construction & Engineering and Home Lighting sectors. The company is focused on offering the world's most advanced services at the most affordable prices to the Sri Lankan customers.

Seen from left are GREE Overseas Sales Company Sales Manager Phil Lin, GREE Overseas Sales Company Vice General Manager Eric Zhang, George Steuart Solutions (Pvt) Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Viraj Pathirana and George Steuart Group of Companies Group Chairman Dilith Jayaweera exchanging a token of appreciation at the media briefing.

Commenting on the presence of the GREE brand in Sri Lanka, Eric Zhang, Vice General Manager of GREE Overseas Sales Company, said: “With the progressive growth in Sri Lanka’s economy and the construction boom that’s currently taking place, GREE sees great opportunity and is proud to be a part of Sri Lanka’s progress.

Since 1991, GREE has been developing comfort technology that breathes new life into homes, offices and industries, backed by unlimited capital investment in sustainable technology.

GREE air-conditioning systems combine intelligence and energy conservation and emission reduction features in its product range at all times. For over two decades now, we have served over 100 million customers across 100 countries to stay cool where ever they live, work or play. We are confident that as the leading airconditioning brand in the international market, GREE will continue to have a similar impact in the Sri Lankan market too. China and Sri Lanka have a strong history of commerce and trade and GREE is proud to strengthen these valuable ties further. Sri Lanka is undergoing massive infrastructure development currently and GREE Lanka is ideally poised to play a key role in empowering the new landmarks being constructed around the country with our superior world-class air-conditioning technology.”

Viraj Pathirane, CEO of George Steuart Solutions, added, “Gree Lanka Private Limited is proud to be part of Sri Lanka’s new tomorrow which is fast taking shape. Backed by the sound credentials of the number one air-conditioning Chinese brand, GREE Lanka is making a mark as a professional and advanced technology provider of air conditioning products and solutions. Architects, Interior Designers and other Construction Professionals appreciate the world-class performance that our products offer along with consistent toplevel performance. GREE’s ductless systems and high-tech air filtration features expel energy waste and help eliminate bacteria and viruses – ensuring a comfortable, healthy, and productive environment. Sustainable ecological solutions are a prime concern amongst construction professionals in Sri Lanka, and GREE, with its long history of green innovation, is amongst the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly systems in the world today.

We are confident that the company will rapidly rise to the forefront of the industry as the preferred choice in air-conditioning systems for homes and offices. Constantly vigilant about synergistic partnerships, George Steuart Solutions is privileged to partner a world-renowned brand such as GREE as together we revolutionize new frontiers of expansion and delivery.”

GREE Electric Appliances Inc. of Zhuhai, China is the world’s largest manufacturer of air conditioners. Through its eight production bases in China, Vietnam, Pakistan and Brazil, Gree can produce upto 27 million residential and 2 million commercial air conditioners yearly. The company produces all key component parts internally for consistency and control, and is the only air conditioner brand in China ranked as a ‘World Brand’.

74 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

The senior management team of GREE Lanka Private Limited, a fully-owned subsidiary of George Steuart Solutions, held a media briefing yesterday to discuss Sri Lanka’s massive construction and infrastructure development and the company’s plans to expand its superior world-class airconditioning technology services in the country.

SLT connects “Delft Island” in Jaffna to information super highway

SLT

is proud to announce the company has recently connected Delft Island, located in the East of the Jaffna Peninsula to the country’s National ICT Backbone as one of the major post-war ICT development in the Northern Province. Delft Island has been identified by the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) as one of the key tourist attraction destinations as well as a key location in the country. Through this network expansion carried out under SLT’s “i-Sri Lanka” network modernisation program, citizens living in Delft Island gets access to SLT’s communication services including high speed Broadband facilities which enables them to access e-education, e-health, distance learning, cloud computing, business networking, new opportunities and much more at superior speed, with high quality and reliability. Through this initiative, the company has demonstrated its true commitment to reach the far corners of Sri Lanka, bringing with it speed and clarity to improve and transform lifestyles of the citizens.

The government has given very high priority to rebuilding infrastructure such as access roads, electricity, drinking and irrigation water, market facilities, public parks and waste disposal systems to enhance the investment attraction to the Northern Province. Also to create new opportunities and provide employment to the Northern Province which is home to around 1.8 million people.

“Delft Island” is one of the islands situated 32km away from Jaffna mainland close to the international maritime border of Sri Lanka & India. The total population of Delft island comprises of approximately 5000 people with approximately 1300 Households (Families).

The island constitutes of a land area of around 47.16 Sq. Kms. Currently, the island also houses a number of Government Offices including a Police Station, Divisional Hospital, 8 Government Schools, Post Office, AGA Office, Court, Bank of Ceylon, Samurdhi Bank, Public Library, 12 Community Centers, A Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society as well as a Sri Lanka Navy Base.

Group CEO, Lalith De Silva making his first call from Delft island at the offcial opening ceremony. Chief Regional Officer, Chinthaka Wijesooriya, GM - Region 3, A.Kirupakaranan, Nagendram Navaneethan, DGM Nothern Provice and other SLT regional officials and invitees also looks on.

Group CEO of SLT, Mr. Lalith De Silva commented, “As the national ICT service provider, it is our foremost duty to develop a robust ICT infrastructure that supports the country’s aspiration to achieve its economic goals including boost of tourism to every corner of our nation. As we believe, ICT connects people from every community, culture and from all corners of the island, bringing them together while breaking down all physical barriers. Sri Lanka is now positioned on a platform of fast track development and ICT has emerged as a key driver of development and economic growth. At present, the company is involved in making heavy investments towards future-proof infrastructure development and also improving its services and enhancing product offerings to deliver better value to all citizens in developing Sri Lanka”.

Sri Lanka Telecom successfully holds SME Customer Forum in Uva Province

Sri Lanka

Telecom successfully completed another customer forum under the theme “Beyond Borders” for SME customers in the Uva Province to cater to the customers in the Nuwera Eliya and Hatton areas. The customer forum was held recently at Hotel Alpine, Nuwera Eliya, with the presence of Mr. Mahinda Dodampegamage, Mayor of NuweraEliya and Ms. Bodhimanna, Divisional Secretary of Nuwera Eliya. Mr. Chinthaka Wijesooriya, Chief Regional Officer of SLT and Mr. Roshan Kaluarachchi, Chief Marketing Officer of SLT and other officers also attended the customer forum.

The customer forum was held with the view of sharing ideas on improving the progress of small and medium enterprisessince these companies make a significant contribution towards the development of the country. The forum comprised of a live demonstration of SME products such as SLT Teltab (the new fixed smart phone), PEO TV and surveillance camera system as well as presentations on the latest information technology and communication services provided by the company including Cloud computing. The forum especially focused on the ways in which the daily business activities of such enterprises could be conducted effectively.

This event was part of a series ofSME customer forums conducted by Sri Lanka Telecom throughout the country. One of the key underlying objectives of these forumsis to enhance and strengthen the relationship between Sri Lanka Telecom ,as the national ICT solutions provider and its valued customers. This forum was conducted under the theme "Beyond Borders", in line with the company’scustomer care and customer centric initiatives.

Information on products and services related to small and medium enterprises could be obtained by dialing 1212 or by emailing hssme@slt.com.lk or by visiting the company’s corporate website www.slt.lk.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 75

DFCC Vardhana Bank PLC Breaks the Remittance Barrier

Thursday

23rd October 2014, Colombo: DFCC Vardhana Bank (DVB), Sri Lanka’s fastest growing commercial bank announces the introduction of the ground-breaking Lanka Money Transfer (LMT) service which will be available within the month of November 2014. This new offering is a remittance service which allows customers, both the sender and receiver to transfer money with ease, using the banks that they trust.

Many individuals are uncomfortable with remitting money to banks they are unfamiliar Mr. P. Samarasiri, Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka with and in order to address this concern, DVB has partnered with an extensive network addressing... of leading banks, which customers trust. Partner banks of the Lanka Money Transfer service include the Regional Development Bank, Lanka Orix Finance PLC, HDFC Bank, Sanasa Bank, Amãna Bank and Union Bank PLC. Customers of DVB and any of the LMT partner banks will be able to use the Lanka Money Transfer service to remit funds to their bank accounts. There are approximately 2.2 million migrant workers from Sri Lanka who save their earnings and remit their money to Sri Lanka in order to support their families and improve their quality of life. LMT helps them achieve this objective by directly remitting the money to their family members’ accounts at a lower cost.

Commenting on the new LMT service, Lakshman Silva, CEO, DFCC Vardhana Bank stated, “It is with great pleasure that DFCC Vardhana Bank partners with other leading banks in the country to provide customers with access to a convenient and trusted remittance service.

At DVB, we are committed to providing our customers with the best products and services available in Sri Lanka and our customers’ convenience is extremely important to us. Our extensive partner network provides our joint customers with the opportunity to remit their money with ease to the banks they trust. Transferring money can be a tiresome process but with Lanka Money Transfer, the entire process is seamless and is no longer a burden, as money is directly remitted to the receiver’s bank account.”

DVB is the first Sri Lankan bank and one of the first in the world to partner with other banks to introduce a remittance money transferring mechanism in Sri Lanka. Lanka Money Transfer allows customers to transfer money with ease and enables them to remit money using a trusted bank they already know. Due to the extended partner network of more than 700 outlets, LMT has greater access to a wider customer base. Lanka Money Transfer is a Sri Lankan product and therefore DVB can guarantee that all charges incurred for transferring money will flow back into Sri Lanka. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) is targeting USD 10 billion in migrant worker remittances by 2016 in order to strengthen the country’s Balance of Payments (BOP). Lanka Money Transfer will undoubtedly support the country’s remittance mechanism in order to help achieve the above target which is of national interest.

DFCC Vardhana Bank has an extensive banking network of 137 branches located across Sri Lanka. The bank focuses on going beyond delivering a friendly, quick and efficient service to its diverse customer base. DVB is known for its energy and professionalism and is one of the youngest yet most dynamic commercial banks in the country.

Mr. Lakshman Silva, CEO DVB lighting the official oil lamp

Present at the Head Table – L to R Mr. Mohamed Azmeer, CEO, Amana Bank, Mr. Nimal B Mamaduwa, CEO/GM, HDFC Bank, Mr. T. Ariyapala, GM /CEO, Regional Development Bank, Mr. Lakshman Silva, CEO, DFCC Vardhana Bank, Mr. Cedric Royle Jansz, Chairman, DFCC Vardhana Bank, Mr. P. Samarasiri, Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Mr. Arjun Fernando, CEO, DFCC Bank, Mr. Brindley De Zilva, MD/ CEO, Lanka Orix Finance PLC, Mr. Kumar Mayadunne, COO, Sanasa Bank PLC, Mr. Anil Amarasuriya, Director CEO, Union Bank PLC Mr. Lakshman Silva, CEO DVB signing the agreement

76 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

What’s the buzzz ............,

Mallika

Hemachandra Jewellers was incorporated in 1968 and is a legendary Sri Lankan Jewellery business name that prevails throughout four decades for quality standards and exclusive designs. Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers have become a point of reference for its innovative designs and craftsmanship. The finished products of Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers have attracted wider interest from young and yester year generations who have patronized Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers for decades. Undoubtedly hands on experience of legendary Mallika Hemachandra herself has raised the expectations of the customer to bridge the gap of traditional inequality of human desires. Astonishing technical fiat of some custom made gem and diamond studded jewellery are not second to any competitor/contemporary jewellers elsewhere in the world.

Unlike any other jewellers we do not force the customer to shop and carry whatever we have in store. In addition to our custom made jewellery we help to re-invent the customers’ choice by using our design skills to preserve unique but modern designs to generate eye catching jewellery.

Liyawala

Our Design Facility: Our Creative Design team is constantly fresh with ideas to generate an array of patterns to come out with themes targeting the various seasons of fashion industry.

We have a library of designs varies from 1970’s to the 2000’s with local and international designs. The company has access to all current design magazines and publications to be with the current fashion trends.

Unlike any other jewelers, we do not force the customer to shop and carry whatever we have on store.

In addition to our custom made jewellery, we help reinvent the customer choice and articulate our designer skills to preserve a unique but modern pattern to generate eye caching jewellery.

Few Images of the MHL’s Latest Collections for the Christmas 2014

Behive Collection

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 77

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