Pulse Magazine Issue 03

ISSUE 003 | MARCH/APRIL, 2018 Rs. 400/- UK £6.00 US $15.00

Health Are you an

Emotional Eater?

Travel Your Guide to

Mirissa Passion Roy - Tho:

Cover Story

Pain of Missing Out

Mayor Rosy

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PUBLISHING HOUSE: Mango Publishers (Pvt) Ltd. No. 320, T.B. Jayah Mawatha, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka.

Tel: 00 94 115 882 662

EDITORIAL: Mayanthi Hatharasinghe (Events) Sachitha Kalingamudali (Digital) Aazam Ameen (Content Provider)

GUEST WRITERS: Aanisha Cuttilan Aazam Ameen Ian Mark Subramaniam Kumuditha Kanchana Udugama Malinda Seneviratne Nandula Asel Karunasinghe Nivendra Uduman Saruchi Dissanayake Sharleen Suwaris Shayana Ameresekere Sherwani Synon Vandana Hiranand

LAYOUT: Indika Anuradha (Design Consultant) Ian Mark Subramaniam

SALES & MARKETING: Binoth Geeganage binoth@mangopublishers.lk Thouseef Hashim thouseef@mangopublishers.lk

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Dimitri Crusz

Thank you for picking up this copy of Pulse. Keep turning the pages for lots of glamorous events, insightful interviews, interesting stories, must-try places, and some great advice.

Featured on our cover is the new mayor of Colombo – a woman who is the embodiment of grace and beauty, passionate eloquence, fierce determination and a neversay-die attitude. She speaks of her work in promoting women’s empowerment – and rues the mindset of majority of women in Sri Lanka, who must do more to stand up and

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Aruna Udaya Alwis Kasun Deegodagamage Luxshmanan Nadaraja Ravindra Laksiru Roshan Perett

fight for their rights. We couldn’t agree more.

The first months of the year have been fairly quiet ones after a hectic Christmas season. And then Colombo

SPECIAL THANKS:

exploded in March with the school Big Matches (we carry a

Janeeth Rodrigo Kanishka Senanayake

few stories on the Royal Thomian here) and the 15th edition of Colombo Fashion Week – a celebration of local design

PRINTERS: Printage (Pvt) Ltd.

talent and fashion statements, as our event pictures will

CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS:

show.

Mango Publishing Pvt. Ltd. Sales Office: 45/6, Alwis Place, Colombo 03 Tel: +94 11 588 26 62 sales@mangopublishers.lk

Pulse is now three editions old and we are excited about

No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission of the publisher.

listening to what you like and will use your comments to

the feedback we’ve been getting from our readers. We are ensure that our content stays relevant and meaningful.

We would love to hear from many more of you.

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is around the corner and

Pulse magazine is published in co-operation with Pulse website www.pulse.lk

we wish you every good thing your heart desires! May the festivities be a celebration of family and friendships, and the unity in diversity that makes Sri Lanka truly a paradise.

Enjoy!

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in this edition of Fashion

Personality

142 Page

Fazil Marija Cannot stop making plays

92 Page

Inspiration

14 Page

The One About

Tattoos

Ironman 70.3 Colombo

Lifestyle Arts and Culture

62 Page

The obsession with

Quick Fixes PAGE 12 | www.pulse.lk

156 Page

Sri Lankan Metal Culture

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The Spirit of

#challengeyourlimits AT

IRONMAN 70.3

COLOMBO

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This year, the international triathlon event Ironman was held in our very own sunny Sri Lanka! Ironman 70.3 Colombo had the entire nation buzzing, as spectators and participants descended from all corners of the globe to be a part of this spectacular event.

Beginning in 1978, Ironman quickly became one of the largest participation sports platforms in the world. Ironman 70.3 Colombo began with a 1.9km ocean swim, followed by a 90km bike course, and ending with a 21.1km run!

One of the slogans of this year’s run was #challengeyourlimits, and K.M.Shashi Madushanka, Asanka Dissanayake, and Khalid Oshman are the very embodiment of this fighting spirit. The three visually impaired athletes participated in Ironman 70.3 Colombo, proving to the entire nation that their disabilities certainly can’t prevent them from tackling the challenges head on.

Shashi and Asanka teamed up as partners for the cycling and running portions of the race, while Khalid was supported by Inoj Shaki Edirisinghe, who works as a swimming coach at The Overseas School of Colombo and has a partial hearing impairment. Shashi’s love for water sports began at a very young age, and he eventually went on to secure a job as a lifeguard as well. However, this passion was abruptly cut short when he met with a traumatic trishaw accident, leading to a loss of sight. Eventually, with the support of the Sri Lanka Council for the Blind and his coach Julian Bolling, he was able to begin swimming once more. His partner, Asanka Dissanayake, was involved in an accident which caused loss of eyesight in one eye. The two formed a strong bond and partnership, providing each other with strength and motivation every step of the way.

Khalid Oshman is a vibrant personality, who lost his eyesight after an accident in 2010.

Although the initial years following the event were difficult, he too joined the Sri Lanka Council for the Blind, began swimming, and participated in 2017 Blind T20 World Cup as well! After extreme struggles in securing a job, he now works in marketing at Dennison Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. and Sri Lanka Aviation College. Khalid’s partner Shaki was a source of support the whole way, and together both duos successfully completed the massive triathlon!

As challenging as the few months of training would be, these athletes had the luck of being trained by the French expatriate and incredible athlete, Dennis Crassier, along with Julian Bolling, Head Coach and Director at the Rainbow Swimming Academy and one of the greatest swimmers Sri Lanka has ever seen!

Dennis Crassier was indeed amazed at the fighting spirit of the athletes, “I know a lot of athletes, but for me, this was the first time I saw such motivation. Khalid has a lot of determination and motivation. So we did a lot of assessments, including swim assessments with Julian, and running and biking assessments with myself and the team, to decide whether he would be ready to undertake such a massive feat”.

Indeed, Dennis Crassier himself has faced many challenges to get to where he is today.

After suffering a heart attack at the age of 31, the talented rugby player underwent a slow struggle to rebuild his strength and fitness to get back into the world of sports. Throughout Ironman 70.3, he remained a pillar of motivation for his trainees and had to adapt his coaching techniques in various ways to train the visually impaired participants.

“I found it difficult to visualize blind people having to swim in the middle of the ocean.

In the first training session, Shashi was under panic for the first twenty minutes. I told him to not think too much, but focus on the actual swimming.”

These motivated duos are a beacon of inspiration for us Sri Lankans and those across the world. Indeed, Ironman 70.3 Colombo is an incredible platform to spark change across the world! As described by Julian Bolling “Iron man is a long-distance event and you have to fight, not against the participants or time, but against yourself. You have to push your boundaries and make impossible possible”.

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Ingredients (For 10 cocktails) 250 ml spicy blended scotch whisky 200 ml sweet vermouth 200 ml mixed citrus juice 200 ml sweetsop - black tea - kithul syrup 200 ml full cream fresh milk

To make the mixed citrus juice: Juice 70 ml of Narang, Jamanaran and local orange juice and mix together

To make the sweetsop - black tea kithul syrup Make a cup of strong black tea. It is ok if its a bit ‘kahata’, the milk bath will take away some of those strong flavors.

Put 1 spoon of white sugar in a sauce pan and put on the stove. Add the meat of 1 ripe sweetsop and 200 ml of kithul.

Heat up for 3 minutes and keep stirring. Add the cup of strong tea you have made and leave on the fire until you have a nice syrup like mix Pour through a sieve.

To make the cocktail

Kiri Bath

Our mixologist drew inspiration from the traditional New Year Celebration for the cocktail in this edition, which he has named Kiri Bath. The Kiri Bath is served on top of a betel leaf as sign of respect for your guests. New Year is a time to strengthen relations with family and friends and so Jerome worked on a punch recipe, a drink that is meant to be shared with other. Two other important rituals that Jeroen wanted to incorporate in the recipe were the customary bathing before the new year, and the boiling of the milk on the first day of the new year. As you see in the recipe, he has given the cocktail a ‘milk wash’, which cleans the color of the cocktail and gives a smooth flavor. The name of the cocktail also refers to these two rituals, and obviously the typical Sri Lankan dish. The refreshing flavor of the cocktail, served as cool as possible, is perfect for the hot months that we experience during the New Year celebrations.

Mix all ingredients together, you will see that the cocktail has a brown-red creamy color.

Heat up the milk, but don’t bring it to the boiling point, and add the cocktail slowly to the milk. You will see that the milk will curdle in the cocktail.

Pour this through a cheesecloth and a sieve or through a coffee filter. Pour very carefully not to disturb the curdles. For the best effect pour the cocktail through this twice. You will see that the brown color has turned into a bright and clear golden color.

Put the cocktail in the freezer for a couple of hours to chill it down as much as possible and serve with a slice of lemon

Adventures of a Mixologist A suddha learns about Sri Lankan New Year Very often I get requests to design personalized cocktail recipes. A media company asks a yellow cocktail for their launch event. A couple that looks for a drink reflecting how their lives mix into one. Or a kithul brand that invites me to create an aperitif with their brand.

Designing cocktails is the most fun part in the art of mixology. Working with fresh fruits, fragrant spices and aromatic botanicals.

Making flavors work together to create a balanced mixed drink. But it is also the hardest part of the job. How to get these flavors into the beverage? Which ingredients or type of drink can communicate the correct values and feelings?

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When I got asked to design a Sri Lankan New Year cocktail I was excited. A fun project, but also a big challenge ahead. Although I have been living here for a while, I knew I would need to do some research. I googled for information, enquired with my roomies and asked my favorite radio star.

Bathing on the last day of the year, the offering of betel, the neutral period, the cleansing rituals and boiling of the milk,…

There is a lot to understand but also a lot to work with. It took me a couple of days to design the recipe and incorporate all these elements. The results however excited the testing public.

I have searched my inspiration in the cultural traditions and treated them with the utmost respect. I can only hope I have succeeded in

bringing this forward. I am still a suddha who has much to learn about this amazing island.

Jeroen Misseghers is a mixologist, whose passion is to create distinctive customized cocktails that draw inspiration from an occasion or hosts or guests, weaving a story into the drink served.

Jeroen finds Sri Lanka an amazing place for a mixologist, with its many fascinating spices, teas and tropical fruit. He runs Dash of Lanka www. dashoflanka.com

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HSBC

Colombo

Fashion Week 2018 Colombo’s fashion scene came alive with the Colombo Fashion Week celebrating 15 years this March. The week long lineup of events included industry workshops and collaborations with art, food, film and music.

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Rukshi

Ramani

Theresa and Sabina

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Radika

Ajey

Ruvi and Druvi

Chalinda

Rosy

Yasodhara

Asanka

Sithmi

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Chanel

Yohan

Ramona

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Kavya and Nadeeka

Thiasha

Natharlea

Ayesh

Bjorn

Evelyn

Shane

Thushi

Zoe

Jay

For the holiday that you deserve…

Choose from 13 exquisite properties based in Sri Lanka and Maldives and avail yourself of the best offers this holiday season.

For reservations contact 011 2 161 161 ext: 2 Sri Lanka:

Cinnamon Grand Colombo • Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo • Cinnamon Red Colombo Cinnamon Lodge Habarana • Cinnamon Bey Beruwala • Cinnamon Citadel Kandy • Cinnamon Wild Yala Trinco Blu by Cinnamon • Habarana Village by Cinnamon • Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon

Maldives:

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives • Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives • Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon

www.cinnamonhotels.com

BEAT

THE HEAT Sweltering times are upon us Sri Lankans and the coming weeks are only likely to get hotter and clammier. Coinciding as it is with the traditional new year festivities, all the various holidays and school vacations, the weather is going to be incredibly annoying to deal with.

Stay hydrated The more you sweat, you become dehydrated and in some cases this can even lead to a heat stroke. Keep sipping on water throughout the day, especilly if you’ve been outdoors. Lay off caffeine and alcohol which are both known to cause dehydration,.

Cold water will help you cool down - better yet, restore your electrolytes with a freshly cut thambili (King Coconut)

Eat light Try to cut down on the oils and spices and large holiday meals - you need to generate metabolic heat to process a large meal and that will only make your body warmer. Opt instead to eat smaller, lighter meals more frequently. Add salads and fruit and cold dairy products to your menus. You could also freeze fruit like grapes, Mango and strawberries or make your own fruity popsicles.

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Bring on the cottons Stay cool by wearing loose fitting, cotton clothes in lighter colors. Ditch the synthetics and darker colors. Be weatherconscious when picking your footwear too. Make sure your bed sheets are also made of pure cotton.

Free air conditioning Plan to spend the hottest hours at places like malls, supermarkets, restaurants and movie theatres, enjoying the air conditioned Interiors. Better yet hit a hotel pool or a beach, armed with your sunscreen.

Take it easy Plan your day so you dont exert yourself being careful to avoid the 10-3 period when the sun is at its strongest.

Exercise early or late in the day, and don’t overwork yourself. Its good to take things slow until the weather becomes bearable.

Cool down Its fine to shower multiple times - you’ll cool down pretty quickly and you’ll stay smelling fresh. You could also use your pressure points to cool down faster: rub a towel dipped in cold water on your wrists, your neck, the backs of your knees or your elbows.

Pay attention to children, elders and pets While your body can probably handle the heat well enough, babies and older folk are more susceptible to dehydration so its important that you keep an eye on gather hyrdation levels.

Also make sure that pets have plenty of drinking water and shaded, cool spots to rest in.

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HSBC

Colombo

Over 30 designers showcased their work at this year’s Colombo Fashion Week and we bring you some glimpses of the first three days’ runway shows.

Fashion Week 2018

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Gerard

Lucky

Moniko and Marguerite

Shaestha and Chevonne

Dilrukshi and Ashika

Virangi and Hasanthi

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Shanaz

Ishan

Yolan

Avanthi and Priyanganie

Lara and Kavi

Krishanthi

Treshan

Wimalshana

Felicia and Fang

Bhagya

Chameli

Aruni and Asanka

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Gautham

Fathima and Ayesha

Kumar

Karina, Iroshi and Manjula

Hasitha

Otara

Thanuja

Sabrina and Noah

Heidy and Catherine

Kamil

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Kinita and friends

Rashmeen

Sujeewa

The Party After Sunset at

GFH Tashia

Asanka

Danu

Rukshi

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Lakshi

Keshini and Poornisha

Margarite

Shayana

The Galle Face Hotel recently launched “The Party After Sunset” for Colombo’s party-goers to celebrate in style, enjoying breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean along with the perfect blend of historic elegance and modernity. The Party After Sunset is a weekly event, happening every Thursday at the Galle Face Hotel’s Pool Bar, from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Chandani

Gayathri

Viraj

Udyami

Nelum

Mayanthi

Chamila

NIGHT at Dimo 800 Mercedes-Benz Sri Lanka held a fabulous evening for Ladies at Dimo 800 this January.

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Launch of

Cafe

Bagatalle Colombo’s newest unique health and fitness focused cafe, Cafe Bagatalle by Fouzul Hameed opened its doors to Colombo.

Kishu

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Sangeetha

Kumar

Kishu

Nabeelah

Arshad

Anusha

Lucky

Kumini, Mrs. Fouzal Hameed, Nayana and Nanara

Kumar

Sangeetha

Hisham, Aliesha and Ameena

Suren and Ravi

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Jerome

506, New Galle Road, Weligama T:+94 (41) 225 4422 E: reservations@w15.lk www.w15.lk

Mahavihara Road, Ahangama Kanda, Ahangama T: +94 (91) 228 3672 E: reservations@w15escape.lk www.w15escape.lk

Alexandra Villas No 18, Alexandra Road, Colombo 06 T: +94 76 898 5922 E: reservations@av15.lk www.av15.lk

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& QA

Sitting down

with

Sadhina The elegant Sadhina Abeysuriya is one of the best among a rare breed: Sri Lankan women wildlife photographers. You don’t hear about them very often. Read on for our wide angle coverage on her story.

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01 yourself?

Tell us a little bit about

02

Walk us through how you got into photography

my father and I were both avid nature lovers meant that this combination was meant to be! I would accompany him on every trip to the jungle and with each trip I learned more and

My Name is Sadhina Abeysuriya.

As a young child, I painted whenever

more, I was fascinated by nature and

I am an only child and I am a

I got the chance so I always had an

her beauty. My dad showed me the

product of St. Bridget’s Convent

eye for the details. My first time taking

best things in life and the best places

Colombo. Fueled by my passion

pictures was through a cell phone, I

to be. He always encouraged me to

for painting and abstract art, I

didn’t enjoy it as much as painting

protect it and its ways. So needless to

studied Fabric Design at RMIT in

but soon I became hooked. Later on I

say, when I picked up my first camera,

Australia. Soon after my return to

would meddle with my dad’s camera

a Canon G10, everything clicked for

Sri Lanka, I started working at an

and learn how to use it, inside and

me! (pun intended)

advertising firm in the creative

out. This coupled with the fact that

department. While I do enjoy all kinds of photography, it is no secret that wildlife and nature photography are my favorites out of the lot. Together with my husband Raajiv, I create art out of life with each expedition we go on. So it’s easy to say that these fields of photography are the most interesting and rewarding.

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03

Getting to where you are from where you began couldn’t have been easy, tell us the challenges you had to overcome The biggest hurdle I had to overcome was the loss of my parents to a landmine during the 2006 LTTE troubles in Willpattu. They were on a safari when it happened, but really they were just at the wrong place at the wrong time. My world came to halt and I couldn’t do anything that reminded me of them. I couldn’t help but stop my painting and photography. I no longer found joy in the things that made me the happiest. Six years later, I realized that I had to get back to doing what I really love. I realized that my parents would be proud of me for following my passion. Now, I am a monthly visitor to Wilpattu National Park.

04

What would be your favorite species to capture?

The leopard has stolen my heart. Every time I spot one, my heart really does skip a beat. As they are so elusive, it makes it quite difficult to locate them in the wild, but what’s life without a challenge? It astounds me; they are so diverse with their coat color and rosette patterns. I even named a few leopards I follow!

Sadly though the population of leopards has been decreasing at quite a rapid pace in Sri Lanka mainly due to poaching and habitat destruction. I could go on about the Leopard, but its best I stop now.

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05

What is it about wildlife photography that makes it so challenging?

Becoming a great wildlife photographer is a lifetime

come into the perfect spot after you’ve waited for hours

pursuit. You will spend hours upon hours looking for

only to turn around and walk away. All in all, learning

locations. Sometimes your effort pays off with a prized

to photograph animals in action takes effort, time and

shot, sometimes you’ve sat in the hot sun without a

patience.

single shot. Animals have a mind of their own, they might

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“ Do it with passion or not at all. Period.”

06

Women in Sri Lanka have a hard time going out of the box to follow their passion.

What advice do you have to young, aspiring women that want to chase their goals?

Just do what makes you happy; don’t get tied down and give excuses. Don’t be afraid of the unknown. Too many are not living their dream because they are living someone else’s dream.

07

What plan do you have for the future?

What equipment do you use?

Canon 5D Mark iii

I wish to travel to remote areas

Canon 7D

and capture scenes from unique

400mm f5.6 lens

eco systems around the world. I

500mm f4 lens

hope that one day I will be able to publish my own coffee table book with all the photographs that I have gathered. Another big dream I have is to run my own safari camp here in Sri Lanka or even Africa perhaps. This is so that I can educate the public

Describe your images in a few words Clear and sharp What is your spirit animal?

The cat – I love to explore the unknown.

on wildlife and nature in the most interesting and sustainable manner.

There is a quote I like that most

I want to do the best I can to ensure

women need to follow...

that the future will be green, a far

“ Do it with passion or not at all.

cry from the current situation where

Period.”

much habitat loss threatens so many beautiful species.

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Quick Questions

What does fashion mean to you?

A white shirt and jeans; simple, sexy, and chic.

Book your luxury service for seamless, door-to-door airport transfers across all major destinations worldwide, with our global partner Blacklane. Arranging your airport transfer has never been easier or more convenient.

All-inclusive rates • Complimentary wait time Free cancellation • Cashless payments • Modern fleet qatarairways.com

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Ladies VIP Night at

Shangri-La With the theme of International Women’s Day being Upashana

#PressforProgress, ShangriLa Hotel, Colombo hosted an incredible Ladies VIP Night, filled with panel discussions and an Eco-chic culture show!

Harshini

Jayshree

Ramani

Hans

Carmi

Chandi

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Sarinda

Loshini

Celina

Aritha

Shara

Shanell

Sunil

Nadia

Upashana

Mr and Mrs. Wright

Rucki

Shamila

Lathika

Charini

Shayana

Shanuki

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Shiwantha

Harshani

Bhatiya

Kamil

Shalin

Ruwin

Christina

Brian

Chethiya

Anusha

Dinishka and Manoja

Shenadi

Dush

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Dinesh

Noa, Nitesh and Rebecca

Darshan

Mangala

Ayesh

Ramzi

Sherin

Spa Ceylon Chatham Street

Launch

Spa Ceylon recently unveiled their newest Urban Spa & Boutique, centrallty located at Chatham Street.

Kalum

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Tracy

Shenadi

Suzy

Viraj

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Milanka and Lahari

Shalin

Sara

Sanje and Mario

Antat

Tamsin

Wazim

Kathryn

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Are you an

EATER? EMOTIONAL

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So what are some questions you should be asking yourself to help identify if you are a emotional eater?

1. Do you eat more when you’re feeling stressed?

2. Do you eat when you’re not hungry or when you’re full?

3. Do you eat to feel better for example to calm and soothe yourself when you’re sad, mad, bored, anxious?

4. Do you reward yourself with food?

5. Do you regularly eat until you’ve stuffed yourself?

6. Does food make you feel safe?

7. Do you feel like food is friend?

8. Do you feel powerless or out of control around food?

It’s the reason why so many diets fail: We don’t always eat just to satisfy hunger. Many of us also turn to food to relieve stress or cope with unpleasant emotions such as sadness, loneliness, or boredom. And after eating, we feel even worse. Not only does the original emotional issue remain, but we also feel guilty for overeating. No matter how powerless you feel over food cravings, though, there is an answer. By practicing conscious eating patterns, you can change the emotional habits that have sabotaged your diet in the past, and regain control over both food and your feelings.

Emotional eating also known as stress eating is using food to make yourself feel better— eating to satisfy emotional needs, rather than to satisfy physical hunger. You might reach for a pint of ice cream when you’re feeling down, order a pizza if you’re bored or lonely, or swing past the fast food joint after a stressful day at work.

Occasionally using food as a pick me up, a reward, or to celebrate isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However when eating is your primary emotional coping mechanism—when your first impulse is to open the refrigerator whenever you’re stressed, upset, angry, lonely, exhausted, or bored, its critical a sign that you are possibly getting stuck in an unhealthy cycle where the real feeling or problem is never addressed.

If you have answered yes to more than four of the above questions you may be classified as an emotional eater. After you have characterised if you are a emotional eater or not we then need to identify what your triggers are for emotional eating.

Some common trigger points are;

Stress

Social influences Getting together with other people for a meal is a great way to relieve stress, but it can also lead to overeating. It’s easy to overindulge simply because the food is there or because everyone else is eating or perhaps your family or circle of friends encourages you to overeat.

After you are able to identify the trigger points for emotional eating it is easy to adapt the situation or avoid certain influences which cause the eating reaction. Learn to accept your feelings - even the bad ones and invest your time in other coping mechanisms other than food. Look at becoming a mindful eater, whether this means having a healthy alternative ‘go to’ snack or taking 5 minute to practice some breathing exercises or some quick meditation. For people who prefer to visually see what they are consuming keep a food journal and write down what you have eaten, how much, what time and how you felt before and after eating. This helps us become accountable for what we choose to put in our mouth.

Most importantly understand emotional eating is manageable and should not consume you! Retrain your brain on how it relates to food and focus on self control to help lead a healthier lifestyle.

When stress is chronic, your body produces a stress hormone called cortisol. Cortisol triggers cravings for salty, sweet, and fried foods—foods that give you a burst of energy and pleasure.

Stuffing emotions Eating can be a way to temporarily silence or “stuff down” uncomfortable emotions, including anger, fear, sadness, anxiety, loneliness, resentment, and shame. While you’re numbing yourself with food, you can avoid the difficult emotions you’d rather not feel.

Boredom or feelings of emptiness Do you ever eat simply to give yourself something to do, to relieve boredom, or as a way to fill a void in your life?

By Shayana Ameresekere MHumNutr (Aus) RNutr (Aus) Nutritionist - Nawaloka Premier Wellness Centre. A specialist in obesity management, gastritis, sports and paediatric nutrition, Shayana is a member of the Australian Society for Medical Research, Nutrition Australia and the Nutrition Society of Australia.

Childhood habits and nostalgia Think back to your childhood memories of food. Did your parents reward good behaviour with chocolate, take you out for pizza when you got a good report card, or serve you ice cream when you were feeling sad? These habits can often carry over into adulthood.

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ONE GALLE FACE

MALL LAUNCH

Kinita and friends

One Galle Face recently celebrated a milestone with the launch of The Offices and unveiling of the anchor tenants of The Mall.

Stephanie

Prabha

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Roshi

Lim

Charitha

Lim

Naveed

Ashawni

Ashok

Callie

Gerald

Harpo and friends

Durga

Marcus

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Charini

Asanka

Yamuna

Karen Lim and friend

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Ramona

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Chrishantha

Sujit

Lal

Sudaththa

Jayantha Ruwanthi

BREAKFAST FORUM at Jetwing Colombo Seven Wista Lanka held a Breakfast Forum for a worthy cause; Cyber Crime and IT Security. The forum was held at Jetwing Colombo 07, on the 15th of February.

Swabha

Sujani

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Akila

Shalini

Catriona

Nirmalee

Swabha

Nilu

Dharshi

Chamila

Catriona

Hiranthi

Sri Lankan Society’s Obsession with

Quick Fixes; Doing More Harm Than Good In a time where everyone wants to be faster, smarter and more efficient, our current society in Sri Lanka is obsessed with quick fixes.Whether it’s taking the strongest medicine to cure the common cold or to drink senselessly after a terrible fight with your partner, we are a generation that glorifies quick fixes.

by Sherwani Synon and Nivendra Uduman

Covertly hidden underneath this obsession of quick fixes lies stress and anxiety that many of us are unaware of. We fail to notice that our ambition to keep up with everything that the world throws at us without rest is one of the leading causes of this anxiety. Although it is possible to be at the top of our game at work, home and excel in our personal relationships, the pressure that comes with such high expectations takes a toll on us which we often tend to ignore. Unknown to us, the stress of wanting to excel and the fear of failing to do so, slowly starts to eat us from the inside. Unable to cope with the high standards Sri Lankan society has set on us which varies from having a ‘reputed job and having the latest vehicle’ your cousins and neighbours would want; to balancing the act of being ‘super woman at all frontiers’ these expectations leads to anxiety and discomfort.

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Our confidence tends to shake and we look for ways to pick it up and resort to methods that are easily available whether it is food, alcohol, drugs, or sex. Just a quick fix to pick ourselves up to give us the ego boost we need so that we can take control of the situation that has spun out. We’ve all gone through this at some point in our lives and have had no idea that this could be the start of a vicious cycle.

Anxiety is caused by a combination of neurological, environmental and psychological factors and is experienced by all most everyone in various degrees. While some are able to acknowledge it and deal with it in a healthier manner, many of us are ignorant to what our anxieties can trigger and resort to quick fixes that solves it for a brief moment. However, quick fixes are not always smart solutions. A quick fix like binge

eating or taking a small ‘shot’ could easily be a start of a behavioural pattern that your mind would start to associate with feeling good. As anxiety is known to be linked to substance abuse of different forms any unhealthy quick fix could easily spiral out of control. Although a quick fix may help relieve some stress and make you feel good, its lifespan is short and you end up finding yourself back where you started with the same sense of stress and anxiety.

Here are some variants of quick fixes to give you a clearer idea what kind of role it plays in our day to day lives: • The quick round of drinks after a stressful day at work, which slowly turns into a daily habit because chances are every other day at work is stressful! As alcohol operates as a depressant, when a person consumes over a limit that their body can handle it slows

• Create art or music when you’re feeling stressed, lonely or sad – it could help you deal with pent up frustration and anger creatively and help you relax.

• Keep a journal and write down your daily worries, anxieties and wins – it helps you maintain perspective of your life.

• Talk to someone you trust and who is willing to listen to you – there really is no remedy like a good talk.

• Learn to balance work and rest and prioritise the latter as much as the first.

• Learn to be aware of the workings of your mind and why you do certain things and figure out your quick fixes.

the function of the central nervous system and blocks some of the messages trying to get to the brain, which couldalter a person’s perceptions, emotions, movement, vision and hearing.

• Binge eating when you’re upset, lonely or stressed is also another method we use to hide anxiety.

• Engage in prayer, yoga and meditation – these will not only help you relax but also give you a better understanding of yourself and your body.

Here are some alternatives to quick fixes that you can adopt into your life for a healthier and more mindful lifestyle:

• Treat yourself to a relaxing massage conducted by a professional therapist at a reputed spa.

• Work out regularly – not only is it a great stress buster, it also triggers your body to release chemicals called endorphins, which leaves you feeling good and energized.

• Try out a reiki healing energy session – while it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, a good relaxing reiki healing could really help you.

• Taking strong antibiotics regularly for the common cold which will make you immune to the strongest of medications over the years. As pills are acceptable and promoted by everyone from our family, extended family to our neighbour (who are wellversed in all sorts of medication) it is one of the most common quick fixes people can easily get addicted to.

• Rushing your child to the nearest doctor looking for a diagnosis when parents see a change in their behaviour instead of taking the time to speak to the child and finding out what he or she might be going through.

Maintaining an open relationship with your child at all times will benefit both of you greatly and could help them be calmer and attentive to you.

• Engaging in one night stands and hookups when you’re feeling lonely or not getting enough love and attention from your partner is another quick fix that many resort to.

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“Anxiety is caused by a combination of neurological, environmental and psychological factors and is experienced by all most everyone in various degrees. While some are able to acknowledge it and deal with it in a healthier manner, many of us are ignorant to what our anxieties can trigger and resort to quick fixes that solves it for a brief moment. “

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Anisha

Thajudeen

Nelum

LICC Jeans

Launch

Viraj

Ornella

LICC Jeans recently celebrated their tenth anniversary at the Hilton Colombo with the launch of Jeaneration 2018.

Sangeetha

Kamil

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Imran and Kushil

Kumar

Dilsh

Muditha

Mahela Vidushini

Dusheni

Anuj

Jessica Nishi, Prabuddha and Yuvesha

Chandi and Theja

Amila

Chanuki

Kamal, Chommu, Sonia and Rajiv

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Chinese New Year at

Hilton In celebration of Chinese New Year 2018, the Hilton Colombo showcased their new mouth watering menu.

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& QA

Rosy Senanayake

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Rosy Senanayake needs no introduction. As she prepares to take on the challenges of her newest role as the first female Mayor of Colombo, she sat down with Pulse for a candid chat about her life and what keeps her going.

She draws inspiration from the rich experience of playing multiple roles, personally as a wife and mother, and professionally as a women’s and children’s rights activist; UN Goodwill ambassador; Diplomat; Television Host; Member of Parliament, and politician. The quintessential beauty and grace that first made her a household name endures - magnified now by her passion, eloquence and determination.

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Q. Did the beauty queen of the 1980s ever imagine she would become a politician?

A. Not at all, but one thing led to another. I’ve always had a passion for helping others. For example, when I won Miss Sri Lanka in 1980, I gave my prize money to a charity and in 1981, when I won Miss Asia Pacific, I donated 10% of my money to a spastic center in Malaysia itself.

In 1985, my friend Rosita Wickremesinghe and I organized a Miss Sri Lanka pageant with full proceeds going to the Prithipura Home. contd.

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In many ways I’ve always reached out to the underprivileged and the less fortunate – through my involvement with artistes, Seva Vanitha and even the work I did alongside my husband who as a Rotarian was among those working on the very successful polio eradication campaign.

It was Mrs Hema Premadasa who invited me to join the Seva Vanitha Movement, which was then headed

by First Lady Elina Jayewardene. I became a life member and worked very closely with Mrs Premadasa on health initiatives and womens empowerment programmes.

That was how I became involved in active politics. In 1994, several political parties invited me to join their platforms‌ I remember the first invitation coming from the late Chanaka Amaratunga to contest on the Liberal party ticket. I declined those offers because I have always been a very strong UNPer, from a strong family of UNPers.

I learned the ABCs of politics from President Premadasa himself. I was very fortunate to associate closely with him during the Gam Udawa programmes, where as part of the Seva Vanitha team, I would travel to each area for preparatory work, sometimes even a month before Gam Udawa got underway.

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Q. You had said recently that being a woman, you have to always try harder to exceed expectations in order to prove yourself. Doesn’t this become exhausting?

A. It’s not easy at all - a woman has to fight harder and prove herself so much more just to prove her worth. It’s tough and it’s something most women face.

Q. Don’t you get anxious about this level of performance you have set for yourself?

A. Anxiety is something I’m really fighting with right now; especially when I consider the task before me and when I think about how I’m going to prioritize issues in the Colombo Municipality.

There are many urgent matters – how to curb dengue; how to streamline the municipality; how to improve the underserved settlements; how to make the city a smart city with smart lighting, streets and building. From Day 1, I need to set the set the stage and take on all those challenges.

Q. If you weren’t in politics today, what would you have been doing?

A. My greatest source of inspiration is the Downtrodden Woman. There’s so much we need to do to give women basic dignity. I’ve always had this passion to empower women so one way or the other I would have got involved with doing some kind of work with regard to women.

My passion was always to support the underdog and women are very much the underdog in our country; we are still considered second class citizens whether it’s at a professional level or in politics or even at home. Even the laws discriminate against women. So I would have been a voice for women - making a change, enabling women.

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Q. Why do you think women have such an insignificant share of voice?

A. It is about the mindset and attitude of women at large in Sri Lanka. Apart from a handful of women who are very strongly working on the ground, women at large don’t do enough or seem to care at all. Our women don’t fight for women’s rights. I want to see women at every strata, every level standing up.

I don’t really put it down to an ‘Asian’ thing because all the other Asian countries who are not supposed to have women at the forefront, according to religious or cultural backgrounds, are way ahead of us. So what is it that’s stopping us? I’ve often seen that my biggest critics are women to begin with and I’m saddened because I have always been the biggest voice for women. If we don’t stand together and support each other, we will have to keep fighting for decades more.

I believe that a country can only have democracy if the majority of the population is taken into account at every level. In the political realm, when parties make amendments or look at how they can include minorities they look at race, religion, nationality etc, but never consider the majority of the population, which is women. A perfect example is how parties are reluctant to nominate women to local councils after the election, and I don’t see a single woman voicing the matter. Women must start standing up.

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Q. Don’t you think the brighter and more ambitious young women in this country don’t want to get into politics?

than it is for a man, who could just call up and do it. But, at the end, it’s a good fight and I sincerely hope more women will join in.

A. They don’t, because they see politics as a dirty game, not worthy of that good fight. If one would ask me “what’s the one thing you need to sacrifice to be in politics”, I would say my dignity. For example, the things you endure during election campaigns – from the things people say about you to even the dangers it poses for your family - I’ve had letter bombs thrown into my home; had many disturbing phone calls. Even asking for finances for your campaign is much harder for a woman

A. I have 3 kids who had their higher studies overseas but I always wanted them to come back. I owed it to them to create an environment where they can develop themselves and serve the nation. If I didn’t get into the fight and create that environment, who would? As a mother, it is my duty to ensure that they are happy to come back to their roots and that is the fight that I’m in.

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Q. What keeps you going in politics?

One thing I can’t stand is brain drain; but if we haven’t created the platform for the youth to come back, we have only ourselves to blame. If I don’t go out there and make change, I cannot expect somebody else to do it. I want to be out there to make sure that the right change is made and that is why I am in politics.

I am a fighter against all odds - if I have certain goals to champion, I don’t give up. I lost in 2015 but I didn’t give up; at the recent local council elections, I managed to go against the general trend and win very

comfortably. But during that period between, I used my position as deputy chief of staff for the prime minister’s office to push for much needed change. For example I mediated and facilitated drafting the women’s agenda for the new constitution, to eradicate all the discriminatory laws so that a woman in this country can live in dignity with her rights.

It’s a matter of making up your mind and telling yourself “yes women deliver, yes a woman can do it”.

“I am a fighter against all odds - if I have certain goals to champion, I don’t give up.”

- Rosy Senanayake

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Q. You are now the first female Mayor of Colombo. From your unique perspective as a mother, what are the parenting challenges in Colombo today?

need to be very close to their kids, interact well with them, and raise them to be less selfish and self-centered.

A. As parents we must all worry about the education system, which doesn’t cater to the needs of this country.

I am happy that the current prime minister has made it mandatory that a child should be in school from grade 1-13 and is revamping the curriculum to cater to the needs of employment. I’m excited that there will be better opportunities for children whose inherent talent can be used to go in the line the child wants to go – and not the traditional doctor, lawyer, engineer route.

A. I’m glad that I got into direct active politics when the kids were much older. I contested for the first time in 2009 after I had been with the party for almost 30 years.

By that time Kanishka was in University and Thisakya was getting ready to go to University, so I was not really handling babies. Of course Radhya who was still in school, used to try emotional blackmail “You’re talking about the world’s children and Sri Lanka’s children, but what about me?” But one day, she was working on a school project that involved researching about violence against children in Sri Lanka. She was shocked by the numbers and called me up to say “Mum, now I understand why you’re doing what you’re doing”.

In this day and age, children are exposed to the whole world - good or bad - at the flick of a button. Drugs and addiction is one of the major concerns of the Colombo municipal units – parents must always be vigilant because kids could easily go astray in the blink of an eye.

When my kids were young, I had the good fortune of being a goodwill ambassador for the UN and UFPA, which helped me learn so much about the youth and their likes, dislikes, aspirations. I had the privilege of learning how to interact with kids and to become more of a friend.

Most parents detach themselves from their kids because they feel that’s the only way they can gain respect. Parents PAGE 80 | www.pulse.lk

Q. How do you find the balance between politics and your family?

Q. With your schedule, how do you prioritize yourself?

A. I think if you know how to manage your time, it becomes easier. I’ve never had to stress myself out trying to think I need to do this and that; my husband is of course of great help and the kids are now very helpful and understand better about my work. But they do

grumble sometimes, especially when we can’t even take a family holiday without my thinking twice and making extensive arrangements. Other than that, I think I’ve managed my life well to prioritize myself when needed.

Q. Do you try to stay fit?

A. That is something I haven’t been able to manage and my stress levels have really gone up. I wish I had a routine but with politics it’s really tough to have a routine; our days are unpredictable - sometimes you get back home only at 1 or 2 in the morning.

Q. Tell us something about you that only those closest to you would know.

A. When I take on a responsibility I become very serious and my kids know that if I undertake to do something, I’ll give it my 1000%. I’m very goal oriented and driven. I am also a deeply religious person; I believe no matter what religion you belong to, religious values are very important and parents need to guide their kids. When you fear religion, you tend to do less wrong and you always want to do the right thing. My father is a Buddhist and my mother is a Roman Catholic; one thing our parents instilled in us was our religious values, which moulded us into right thinking citizens. I always tell my kids that the purpose of life is to give, reach out and help others.

Q. What do you consider your strongest personal traits?

Q. What are your main weaknesses?

A. I get very emotional sometimes, but in a good way, and another is that I sometimes reach out to help and get carried away, helping the wrong person.

Q. How do you deal with people’s preoccupation with how you look?

A. That is something I’ve always had to live with. It’s sexist.

I have worked so hard to come to where I am today and proved myself to be more serious than that. Even when I go for a meeting, I’m sometimes introduced as the ‘former beauty queen’ and now I’ve just got used to it. It’s difficult to react sometimes because some people bring up the ‘beauty queen’ aspect with great pride.

Q. What do you love about being Sri Lankan?

A. To me, Sri Lanka is truly paradise. I take great pride in being a Sri Lankan and that is why it’s important that I do whatever I can to take my nation to new heights to be competitive. The beauty of Sri Lanka is that it’s a multicultural, multi-religious society where we live in harmony. I’m so saddened when people try to promote racism; especially when politicians try to create division for their own advantage.

Q. What do you want your legacy to be?

A. I would like my legacy to be that I played at least a small part in creating a future where my children can live A. Always stand up for what is right. My ‘Yes’ is a yes and in peace and harmony, in a place where they can proudly my ‘No’ is a no. In my vocabulary, there are no phrases such claim “We are Sri Lankan, and we are one”. as “I can’t do it” or “it’s not possible”: I think anything is possible. My motto is “If there’s a will, there’s a way”. I also have a strength in me where I get everyone to work as one team.

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The Mount Lavinia Hotel came alive with

“The Sound of Music” The cast of the famed theatrical Broadway “The Sound of Music” produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Ian were hosted for brunch at the Mount Lavinia Hotel on the 15th of February. During their visit to the hotel, the cast members enjoyed a historical expedition of sorts. Members of the cast were enthralled by the rich history behind the hotel and were awed by the colonial splendor that the British Governor’s residence still possesses.

Sea, sun and sand proved the perfect setting as they enjoyed a relaxing and refreshing dip in the mighty blue which was followed by a magnificent brunch spread especially crafted for the Sound of Music cast.

81st Two Mile Sea Swim at Mount Lavinia Hotel

Swimmers from around the country took to the waters for the annual Two Mile Sea Swim organized by the Sri Lankan Aquatic Association in partnership with Mount Lavinia hotel. The two day event was held on the 3rd and 4th of March. One of the oldest open water swimming competitions in Asia, the Two Mile Sea Swim has been a platform for swimmers to showcase their grit against the ocean. This competition has produced a number of Sri Lankan greats in the aquatic arena who have gone on to represent their country at a number of international events. This year’s winners were Dilanka Heshan from Nalanda College(Men’s) and L.H. Kaushalya Woshani from Ginthota Maha Vidyalaya(Women’s)

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Makeup,

DON’T

DIE ON ME! Ladies, we can all relate to the sorrow we feel when we mourn the loss of any member of our coveted makeup collection. The pricier, the more it stings. But there are a few ways to avoid acquaintance with the dreaded makeup graveyard and put your makeup on life support, increasing its longevity at least until you can say your final goodbyes.

Heat it up!

Heat will be your best friend! A trick you can use for gel liner is to microwave it for 30 seconds. This makes the product very creamy and allows you to draw a fine line without any tugging. With drying pencil liners it’s better to use an actual flame. Hold the pencil above the flame for no more than a second, and voila! You will have increased pigmentation, giving you a vibrant color. With mascara, putting it in a cup of hot water usually does a good job of making the lashes less clumpy.

Eye drops Calling all contact lens wearers! This hack will be remarkably easy for you. If you ever find your mascara to be quite clumpy or your cream eyeshadow too dry, contact lens solution is the perfect lubricant. Just add 2 drops to your mascara and leave it capped for about 3 minutes. With eyeshadow the process may get messy and is more of a touch and feel process depending on how dry your eyeshadow is. It is important to try and mix your eyeshadow with the liquid and make it a thick paste like consistency. This ensures high pigmentation as well as the longevity of your application.

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Alcohol

Cream it!

Alcohol isn’t just effective in drowning our sorrows, but also in ensuring the binding of powdered makeup products that we may have carelessly dropped or cracked. You will need rubbing alcohol for this or else 70% alcohol. Crush the product up completely to a powder and add at least 10 drops of alcohol to it. Then smooth the mixture with a spatula and leave for a few hours. Thus, you will end up with a product that is as good as new.

How about turning your broken products into all new products? Resuscitate your broken powder compacts by mixing them with your daily moisturizer to make a tinted moisturizer ideal for daily wear. This will work with any powder item and is especially effective with your highlighters which are all the rage this year. The cream-powder mixture gives your face a highlighted look without the additional bucks spent on a cream highlighter.

MASKS

DIY

FACE A honey and yoghurt skin mask is a healthy way of giving your skin the nourishment it needs. These ingredients have their own separate benefit, but together they make an exceptional combination. Did you know that before antibiotics were discovered, honey, with its antibacterial properties, was used topically to treat cuts and burns? The fact that both these ingredients are packed with multi-vitamins make them all the more useful for a face mask. If you’re thinking of DIY facemask, honey and yogurt must be your star ingredients!

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It doesn’t matter what type of skin you have—there’s a DIY recipe out there for you that incorporates both. it’s super easy to make these mixtures and treating yourself to a homemade mask is a great way to unwind after a long day. The benefits of Honey and Yogurt on your skin vary greatly and will give you the gorgeous, glowing skin that you dream of. Make your own DIY face mask today and show your skin the love it deserves!

Calming Mask (for irritated skin) ½ cup of plain yoghurt 2 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel or juice 1 tablespoon honey ½ peeled cucumber A few drops of chamomile oil Mix everything in a blender. Leave on face for 10-15 minutes.

Moisturizing Mask (for dry skin) 2 tablespoons plain yoghurt 1 tablespoon honey 1-2 tablespoons cooked & cooled oatmeal Mix everything together until it forms a smooth paste. Spread over the face and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Wash off with a warm washcloth.

Cleansing Scrub (for dull skin) 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon plain yoghurt 2 tablespoons finely ground almonds ½ teaspoon lemon juice Mix everything together. Rub gently onto face for 1-2 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Mr. Gayan Fonseka

Mr. Rohan Peiris

Mr. Ravindra Premathilaka The Winner Of Maxxis Awrads Night 2017

Mr. Sunil Fonseka

Mr. Lenny H.K. Lee

MAXXIS Mr. Chulanga Lasantha Adikarawattage, The First Runner-Up with Mr. Sunil Fonseka

AWARD 2017 CERMONY

The much anticipated Maxxis Awards Night 2017 was held on the 3rd of March at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. Here are some scenes from the exciting evening.

Mr. Amila Abeynayake The ‘Second Runner-Up’ with Mr. Dilith Jayaweera

Mr Sunil Fonseka With Mr Saranga Goonawardena & Mr. Nishan Wasalathanthri And Mr Kamil Hussain Of SLARDAR

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Mr. Sunil Fonseka

Mr. Lenny H.K. Lee

Mr. Pemmawadu , The Winner Of Maxxis Motor Cycle Tyre Dealers, with Mr. Rohan Peiris

Prof. Harendra De Silva

Mr. Dilith Jayaweera

Mr. Sunil Fonseka

Mr. Tyron Fernando, Motor Cycle Dealers 1st Runnerup with Mr. Rohan Peiris

Mr. Sunil Fonseka

Mr. Lenny H.K. Lee

Mr. Piyal Wasantha Perera , 4th Place Winner with Mr. Rohan Peiris

Mr. Dilith Jayaweera

Mr. Sudath Liyanasuriya

Mr. G.P. Piyasena

Dimuthu Fernando

Gayan Fonseka

Nishantha Fernando

Janitha Kumara Best All –Round Performer of the Year 2017 with Mr. Gayan Fonseka

Mr Ashan Silva, Sharaz Junaid, Akhry Ameer The Brand Ambassadors Of Maxxis Tyres With: Mr. Gayan Fonseka

Ashan Silva with Maxxis Models

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The one about

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Tattoos

The thing about Tattoos is that you either like them or you don’t. And then of those who like them, only some muster up the courage to go get one. Once you do, that’s (reportedly) when the fun starts because getting inked often becomes addictive.

The practice of tattooing goes way back – in fact, decorative skin markings have been found on mummified human remains dated to 3250BC. While in the past, the culture of tattooing was often considered somewhat deviant, the last couple of decades have seen far greater acceptance and a much bigger artistic industry growing around the art of tattooing.

What really happens when you get inked?

You permanently modify the chosen place on your body by having color pigments injected into the two upper layers of your skin (dermis and epidermis). Tattoo artistes use tattoo machines which have tiny needles that inject inks by puncturing the skin repeatedly at speeds ranging from 50 times to 3000 times a minute. The fascinating science behind a tattoo involves your immune system kicking into high gear to fight the ink that just invaded your body. Google it.

especially if you work in a conservative environment. Depending on your career, it may be wiser to get inked in a place you don’t end up displaying too prominently.

must firmly believe that good thing don’t come cheap. Do your research and pay the price you must not just for artistry but for the quality of tools, material and hygiene.

There can be pain: People report varying degrees of pain, much of it dependant on individual pain thresholds.

But the closer your tattoo is to a bone, it’s likely to hurt more than tattoos on fleshy areas of your body.

Health and safety: This is a major consideration – tattooing most often involves some blood and unsafe hygiene can mean the transfer of bloodborne diseases. So insist on sterilized tools, disposable needles, gloves and an ultrahygienic work environment.

Aftercare is essential: Be prepared to take care of your new body art for 1-2 weeks as it heals. Even thereafter, it’s a good idea not to expose it to strong sunlight or submerge it in water – so if you plan to get inked just before a beach holiday, think again.

Don’t go bargain hunting: This is one of those instances where you

Prepare to be judged: Be prepared for people assuming you’re ‘one of those’ and some suspicious looks and annoying comments like “Have you thought about how that’s going to look when you’re 80?” Tell yourself that ultimately, the only thing that counts is what you think about it.

It could get addictive: That tiny coin sized sun you got emblazoned on your shoulder this week could become a tiny element in a tattoo that covers your entire back in a few years. So try to think about how your tattoo can be extended one day.

The decision to get a tattoo is one of those that probably should not be made on a whim, or while under the influence. So if you plan to take the tattoo plunge soon, or know someone who wants to, here are some things to think about:

Things to remember Know what you want: A tattoo is permanent and becomes a part of who you are - so you must be happy with how it look and what it means to you (while laser-removal is available, it’s not a perfect solution). It’s important to do your research, decide on the design or at least have some idea of the style you like before you walk into the parlour. We’ve featured examples of some of the major contemporary tattoo styles here but there are loads more so take your time to scour through the many examples online.

Pulse.lk has done the research for you so check out “Where to get inked in Sri Lanka” for a list of some of the better known tattoo artistes, and the styles they specialize in.

No-regrets placement: Think long and hard before you go for a tattoo on your face, neck, hands and forearms,

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NEGOMBO’S HIDDEN SECRET To the average holiday maker who is browsing through and looking for places to get some rest and relaxation, Amagi Ariya might seem like just another hotel with the usual amenities to keep their guests happy. But that is where they’d be wrong. Embodying the heart and soul of the Negombo surroundings, Amagi Aria is unlike any other four star hotel in Negombo, with a natural beauty framed against the

magnificent lagoon backdrop, Amagi Ariya really is Negombo’s hidden secret.

While the hotel does feature a number of well appointed rooms, if you want to live in the laps of luxury, choose to stay at one of the four suites. Two of these suites face the lagoon and the other two have views of the city. Speaking of views, Amagi Ariya doesn’t let anything get in the way the large floor to ceiling windows will be one of the highlights of your stay. The suites have a very fresh, contemporary design. Think clean lines, simple color schemes, and lots of natural light. However, if you feel like having a snooze during the middle of the day, worry not. The sophisticated dual mod lighting systems will help put you in the mood.

Picture this, you’ve just woken up. You have either a choice of an Italian ILLY espresso,

right from the capsule machine or you can have a cup of single estate Ceylon tea from PMD David Silva and Sons; the same tea that is available in Harrods of London. Amagi Ariya is all about creating these unique choices that leave their guest torn between what to have.

After a day of experiencing Negombo and what it has to offer, whether you’d rather occupy yourself with watersports or a sightseeing tour, one would surely want to wind down. Look no further than the balcony of your suite. Indulge in amenities from Sri Lanka’s premium brands as you soak in your Jacuzzi, watching the sun set over the sparkling Negombo Lagoon. When its time to wash off, head to one of your two rain showers…why two? Why not? Amagi Ariya guests are spoilt for choice.

If you happen to be wondering, “Amagi” translates to a song that never ends, and “Ariya” is the highest note of that song. Sadly however, your stay in the luxurious suites of this hotel will come to an end. But surely the charm of Amagi Ariya will you bring you back soon.

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HSBC

Colombo

Fashion Week 2018

The designer showcase at Colombo Fashion Week impressed with inspired colours, textures and silhouettes making thier mark on the runway.

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Dinesh

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Sabeetha

Danu

Ramani

Ranjith

Nirosha

the place where fashion strides down the catwalk Since its launch, Ramp has created quite the buzz in our Island’s evolving fashion Industry.

Featuring some of Colombo’s top established and breakout fashion designers, Ramp offers a collection of authentic designs, exquisite jewelry, elegant ladies shoes, as well as an exclusive collection of men’s and women’s undergarments. Much to its name, the spacious and minimal interior boasts its own ramp! As Ramp is all about creating unique platforms for homegrown talent to combine their entrepreneurial and creative ambitions, we are going to give you an overview of a few designers that use this space to showcase their talents.

Clearly, there is no place quite like Ramp, for it goes beyond the trend-followers and fashion-imitators, and aims to enrich the fashion industry by becoming the trend-setters and trailblazers. With the designers we have showcased, coupled with the numerous local icons that share the same space, Ramp is well on their way to becoming a gamechanger in the industry.

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Ridz by Ridma Samaranayake Ridma describes herself as a contemporary fashion designer and an artist. Being a first class graduate from the University of Northampton UK and Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology, She has been working in the apparel industry as a fashion designer and lecturer for the last few years.

Her brand mainly focuses on high quality women’s occasional wear thus her collections are contemporary, sophisticated, feminine and chic.

Ridma also works on Diffusion collections of casual wear and resort wear too. Made to measure pieces are another thing that she takes great pride in working on. Currently her work retails at few of the leading designer boutiques in Colombo along with resort wear boutiques down south.

“I get inspired by things I see every day. Apart from that there are fundamentals that designers live by and the first on that list is research. I always check for global trends and fashion circles. Then, I try to fuse both Sri Lankan culture and western influences.”

Her latest collection, “metallurgic delusion” will be revealed soon at Ramp. Inspiration for this has been drawn from the Milky Way Galaxy coupled will illusions and global trends.

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Ediqueen by Eshani Diana Eshani Diana had a childhood interest in fashion and modelling. When she turned 15, her mother, who knew she had talent in this field, encouraged her to take it up as a parttime profession. She also pursued her degree in Business Management at ACBT. Eshani has even won the title of Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Global International.

Recently, she dove head first into her new venture, being her own label, EDIQUEEN Clothing. This is an exclusive line of ladies wear that targets the younger generation bringing in the latest trends. Being more into high street wear, all the fabrics are handpicked to create unique pieces. Every detail is looked into personally. An exclusivity factor is also present as pieces are not produced in large numbers to make sure they are not too common.

EDIQUEEN will soon have an exciting collection of handbags and shoes. Cosmetics, accessories, sports and swimwear will be following suit as well. Eshani aims to become one of the leading female entrepreneurs in the country and a fashion icon for the younger generation to follow.

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Livill by Subodha Subasinghe As Subodha was raised in the Netherlands before coming to Sri Lanka, she has had exposure to two cultures, making her a global fashion citizen. After studying Business Management at Brunel University, London, her dream of starting her own designer shoe store somehow came true, and Livill was born.

She strives to experiment with colors and fabrics to make footwear that complements an entire fashion look. Inspiration is something that she can draw from anywhere and she says that street style has become just as major as the runway shows themselves. In terms of brands, most of Subodha’s inspiration comes from the likes of Aldo, Office, Kurt Geiger, Zara, and Topshop.

This year is sure to be fruitful for her brand as they have just opened a brand new factory in Colombo. With this it will be much easier to set all her plans in motion. Expect to see a few collections coming out this summer and towards the latter part of the year, including a collaboration with a very skilled designer, and personal friend of hers, Indi.

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Sachini

Shanudrie

Nilanthi

SUNSILK

HAIRSTORY

2018 Nilwala

Sajana

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Sunsilk Hairstory in collaboration with Ramani Fernando, was a reveal of the ultimate hair trends for Sri Lankan women.

Senali

Vinu

Sajana Sachini

Jake

Dilsh

Rafella

Neroli

Tatyana

Shalika

Zuzzana

Suraya

Tracy

Christina

Kearah

Nadia

Kathyusha

Lochana

Rashi

Harini

Patsy

Oshadi

Lashni

Shashi

Maheshi

Muthu

Malsha

Chulakshi

Angela

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LOCATION: 5, Rohini Rd, Colombo 06 OPEN FROM: 5.00 p.m. - 11.00 p.m.

CUISINES: ITALIAN PRICE RANGE Rs. 500-1500

ARTISAN NAPOLI PIZZA

What we had APPETIZERS • Deep Sea Dive 550 LKR • The Italian Farm Salad 650 LKR

soups, salads, and mouth-watering woodfired pizzas. They cater to the thin-crust pizza loving market and uses only halal certified ingredients.

• Beef Milano 1550 LKR

The service at Napoli is spot-on; their staff is friendly, accommodating, and makes great recommendations. The food is prepared in an open kitchen and arrives pretty quickly. They also have an upbeat playlist and a very rustic ambience that we thoroughly enjoyed.

Napoli Artisan Pizza is a cozy little pizzeria in Wellawatta that dishes up delicious pastas,

For starters, We wried the Deep Sea Dive – LKR 550 - a creamy soup with morsels of

MAINS • The Hot Chick and Tiger Shrimp’s Leap Half and Half 1450 LKR

RATING Read the full review on pulse.lk

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seafood at the bottom which can be a heavy start to your meal. The Italian Farm Salad – LKR 650 was a large portion of well-made salad tossed in a light but creamy Napolitano dressing.

Napoli offers both pastas and Pizzas for mains but let’s focus on the pizzas, which come in two sizes 9’ or 12’.

We enjoyed the quirkily-named toppings and special mention must be made of the Beef Milano, a top seller which was classic and delicious. They serve all pizzas with a kochchipesto dip that packs a punch.

LOCATION: 65B, Gregory Road, Colombo 07 OPEN FROM: 6.30 p.m. - 11.00 p.m. | Weekends: 11.30 a.m. - 3.00 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. 11.00 p.m.

CUISINES: MULTICUISINE PRICE RANGE Rs. 3,500

EPICURE What we had APPETIZERS • Gambas al Ajillo 1650 LKR

MAINS • Pan Fried Barramundi 2100 LKR • Seared Duck 3000 LKR

DESSERTS • White Chocolate Cheesecake 900 LKR The newly opened Epicure down Gregory’s Road is a beautiful space - a mix of vintage and contemporary with a tropical vibe and lots of greenery. Epicure’s offering of a curated menu and high service levels makes it a great addition to the fine dining scene in Colombo.

As an appetizer, we tried the Gambas al Ajillo – LKR 1650 – fresh succulent prawns on an aioli base served with freshly baked bread.

We ordered the Pan Fried Barramundi, which came recommended. The barramundi was served in a broth together with garoupa and clams and pakchoy. The barramundi was delicious with crisp skin, and the clams and broth helped elevate the flavor.

The outstanding Seared Duck was my favorite dish. The beautifully cooked duck was served over a potato purée with sautéed bakchoy, mushrooms, caramelized pear and radish. The star was a five spice curry that tied the dish together.

The White Chocolate Cheesecake blew our minds. White chocolate, cheesecake, strawberry sorbet: a match made in dessert heaven!

RATING Read the full review on pulse.lk

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LOCATION: Mount Lavinia OPEN FROM: 9 am - 12 midnight CUISINES: MULTICUISINE PRICE RANGE Rs. 1,500 - 2,500

SUGAR BEACH

What we had DRINKS • • • •

Beetroot, Carrot, Celery & Ginger 650 LKR Gotukola & Green Apple 500 LKR Verdita 1400 LKR Spiced Pineapple Bellini 1400 LKR

APPETIZERS • Grilled King Prawns 1000 LKR • Tuna Poke San Choy Bao 900 LKR

MAINS • Breaking Crab 1650 LKR • Dirty Bird 1100 LKR • Fish & Chips 1350 LKR

DESSERTS • Panna Cotta with Lychee Crumble 650 LKR • Housemade Churros with Chocolate Dip 500 LKR Sugar Beach is a lovely beachside restaurant with hanging plants, cozy lounge chairs, couches and tables by the shore. The ambience is amazing, if you’re looking for

RATING Read the full review on pulse.lk

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good food and a casual place to chill out.

The service is exceptional with the staff very friendly and eager to please!

Drinks Of the drinks we tried, the Beetroot, Carrot, Celery & Ginger Drink and The Gotukola & Green Apple leaned more towards the juice cleanse end of the spectrum. We much preferred the cocktails we tried: the Verdita - a tangy and spicy tequila-based drink and the spiced Pineapple Bellini which tasted like achcharu with a bit of bubbly.

Food The food was great - each dish we tried was appetizing, fresh and delectable.

Grilled King Prawns The prawns were massive and well-seasoned; the dish was a great way to work up an appetite.

Tuna Poke San Choy Bao – LKR 900 A generous portion of Tuna Sashimi topped with a great salad – delicious and well worth the price.

Breaking Crab – LKR 1650 A massive burger with a soft shell crab, crispy fries and the best wasabi mayo I’ve tasted in a while! An incredibly good dish with some fantastic textures.

Dirty Bird – LKR 1100 This dish comes highly recommended consisting of a succulent patty, cheese, pickles and coleslaw, paired with crispy fries and a spicy, red, mayo sauce, it was burger heaven.

Fish & Chips – LKR 1350 And if you like to stay safe and get your money’s worth, this dish is perfect – tasty and filling.

Dessert For dessert, we tried the wonderfully smooth Panna Cotta with Lychee Crumble – LKR 650 and the Housemade Churros (LKR 500) which were just amazing.

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LOCATION: No. 20, Park Street, Colombo 2 OPEN FROM: 7 am - 11 am CUISINES: MULTICUISINE PRICE RANGE Rs. 3,500

DINNER AT UGA What we had APPETIZERS • Pan Fried Scallops 2900 LKR • Lobster Bisque 1490 LKR MAINS • Toddy Marinade Barramundi 2100 LKR • Mirissa Yellow Fin Tuna Salt Board 2990 LKR • Rare Rack of Lamb 5400 LKR DESSERTS • Poached Pears 1490 LKR • Chocolate Mousse 790 LKR Rare Restaurant at Uga residencies is one of our go-to places for a stellar dining experience! Rare serves top notch, complex dishes with the quality justifying the price.

For appetizers, we had the beautifully presented Pan Fried Scallops which were served with a delicious ‘Kiri Hodi’ mousse, dried seaweed and barley; and the Lobster

RATING Read the full review on pulse.lk

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Bisque where the poached lobster meat and lobster foam were perfectly balanced and flavourful.

Mains The Toddy Marinade Barramundi comes with a golden coconut crust, and is served over some deliciously moist Kiri Bath Dankuda and a salad of Wilted Spinach and sun dried tomatoes. The textures vary from crispy to soft to moist and you must try a little bit of every component with every bite to fully savor everything that’s going on.

The Mirissa Yellow Fin Tuna Salt Board was the highlight of my experience! This dish is super fresh because the Chef at Rare cooks the Tuna Meat on a heated Salt Board! The Salt Board is extremely hot so do be cautious.

You can see the meat change color while cooking right in front of your eyes.

The Rare Rack of Lamb glazed with Wild Meemure Honey and Vintage Balsamic with Gorgonzola Mashed Potato hits the sot. You can never go wrong with Lamb and mashed potato and Rare takes this to another level!

Dessert The Pears poached in Port Wine infused with Vanilla Pods are served with Salted Caramel Ice cream; for added texture, it comes with a crusty bread crumble.

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St. Bridget’s and

St. Josephs

Reunion Evening St. Bridget’s Convent and St. Joseph’s College held Reunion X on the 20th of December at Water’s Edge! It was an evening full of Nostalgia!

Romantha

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Tharika

Ruwanthi

Ramsey

Baghya

Dushani

Puthula

Shiranthi

Rukshi

Tracy

Nihili

Tehasha

Amesh

Dinu

Sulo

Roshani

Ashika

Hemi

Karl

Stephanie

Arafath

Sharlene

Sheha

Chathuka

Nihili

Roshini

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Tusitha says so!

‘Because I said so!’ is a line almost every child has heard at one point or another in his or her life. In fact if you would close your eyes and let those words swirl in your mind the image of your mother, father, a grandparent or teacher would probably emerge, attended by sternness in facial expression and tone.

It’s one of the many things kids really don’t want to hear, especially kids who have reached the age where they are about to stop or have stopped believing their parents know everything. Indeed, some of them might even feel they have the right and the knowledge necessary to question the wisdom of their elders.

They are apprehensive of pronouncements anyway and cringe at authority, in word, deed, facial expression or even tone.

‘Because I said so’ is a title of a book that would put off the young (and knowing).

Except the ‘name’ of the author. ‘Mama’.

That comes soft enough to push aside all misgivings. A master stroke, certainly.

What does ‘Mama’ have to say to her children or to the children of other parents? Simple things. Like respect, kindness, friendship, love, knowledge, wisdom focus and even Yoga. That’s philosophy. They’re life-lessons.

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These are things we all pick up from multiple sources. These are things that are sometimes found in inspirational books. But these were things that came out when one woman distilled her life experiences or rather the things that life distilled for her. One woman, ‘Mama’.

We spoke with ‘Mama’, who by the way has a name, Tusitha Kumarakulasingam. She spoke about her life, the things she learned, the things that helped her overcome challenges, the things she wished she had known before and the things she wanted to say to whoever is willing to listen so they could navigate their lives with less suffering and anxiety.

Tusitha is by profession a marketer and a wellknown one too. She’s been in the business for 30 years, servicing many multinational companies including Unilever, Nestle, CPC (Best Foods) and GTECH. “I’ve worked in many companies and helped lots of businesses grow, become better and more profitable. My core competency is marketing but over the years I learned that what is most important is peopledevelopment. So it’s essentially institutions and people.”

She opted to work on her own nine years ago because she found she could have more flexibility in balancing her professional work

“People have experiences. They have their own notes in their heads. The way the book is designed, whoever reads it can jot down thoughts that they have on the particular topic.”

Tusitha also mentioned her husband, Kirubha.

“I have had many struggles but have always been able to come on top of things; my source of strength through life is my soul mate and constant companion, my husband, Kirubha. He is always there when I need help, lending a hand to move on. I owe him for my achievements.”

while pampering her ‘kids’ Sajiv who is now 31 and Chalukya, 25 and also two friends of her kids, Anjani and Sajini, for whom she is a ‘Mama’. Then she also has her charitable work through the CCC Foundation, the letters standing for ‘courage, compassion and commitment.’ She helps run a transit home with 196 beds close to the Cancer Hospital for day patients and a counseling hotline with the support of 60 volunteers.

That seems like a lot of work, especially since her company, Z Consultancy, of which she is the Chairperson, Managing Director and everything else, has lots of clients to handle.

How then did she find the time to write a book?

“Well, it is my first book. It’s not as though I sat down and told myself, ‘ok, you need to write a book.’ I’ve had a tough life and there have been many moments when I had to step back and reflect. I have over the years jotted things down, things which looking back I wish I had known before. I just wanted to put it all together for my kids. I had to learn a lot of things the hard way, and I don’t think others should too.”

Tusitha is the first to admit that all the thoughts she has put together in this book were wrought as much from life as from all that she has read and heard.

“These are all things you know, things most people know or have heard of,” she said.

Known things are not always practiced.

On the other hand, whereas we all learn from experiences, only a few among us would share those experience with the sole intention of flagging pitfalls for those who would walk down similar paths.

It’s a collective effort then, this little book of wisdom that this ‘Mama’ has put together.

Her children are in it, as is her husband.

The friends of her children who she has ‘mothered’ over the years have no doubt helped formulate these thoughts in her mind.

“This is what I’ve practiced. Everything here I learnt from my life. Everything here has helped me become a better person. I believe that my kids could learn something from this book.”

It is not a book for a one-sitting reading. That’s not how it works. It is, however, an easy read.

The wisdom-drops are easily understood.

Simply put, but nevertheless profound, one might conclude.

It is a book which in design matches the elegance of the thoughts on the pages.

Tusitha admits that she had nothing to do with it.

“My daughter Chalu has a friend who undertook the designing part of it. She doesn’t want her name mentioned, but she did it exactly as I had pictured in my mind. It’s as though she and I are on the same wavelength.”

‘Because I said so!’ is not a book with some wise reflections on every page. It is designed in such a way that a reader can make his or her own notes.

And of course all the people present and absent in the critical moments of her life; they too have contributed.

And it is now yours. To keep, cherish and gift.

Because Tusitha Kumarakulasingam said so!

No, she won’t use that tone. It’s a soft exercise, this. She’s done her bit and it’s a lot more than what most people do.

For more information tusithakum@gmail.com 0777915293

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The

of

MISSING OUT

by Kumuditha Kanchana Udugama

FOMO as it is widely known in the age of social media and mobile applications Fear Of Missing Out is the anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, it is the despair of not being able to be there, and not being able to experience the unfolding of that event first hand. Now within the course of this issue of “Pulse” magazine, and elsewhere on social media, you will gaze your eyes upon articles and posts about how much fun it is

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to be at the Royal Thomian. How exciting, euphoric and nostalgic it feels to be at the SSC grounds, when the boys in whites stride on to the grounds with their blue and gold or blue and black banded baggy caps. How your heart races to the beat of the papare, how your throat bellows for every cheer upon the fall of an opposition wicket, and how you embrace the true meaning of pride when the Prefects gather around the main pavilion and sing the college songs.

You won’t hear any of that from me. I am part of a very unfortunate sub-group of people within a very exclusive yet extensive group.

Royalists and Thomians grow up and grow in to the culture of the Big Match. We are humbled at a very young age by traditions and rivalry that are associated with this encounter, which has spanned three centuries since 1879. Out of 8 billion people in the world, you truly must feel lucky to be a part of this very exclusive culture. Yet, to have been

included in this very fortunate group, and to be missing the three best days of the year, is a tragedy beyond any tale that Shakespeare could ever have come up with. I do not experience the “Fear” of missing out. But not being at the big match, has taught me that there exists a phenomena that I would like to call the “Pain of Missing Out”.

From 1997, when I was just a toddler in grade 1 through 2011, when I had the luxury and privilege of donning the cane hat as a College Prefect, I witnessed 15 successive big matches. Bar one, in 2008 which was the year after my O/Levels, I watched all the other 14 games from the Royal College Boy’s tent. Royal lost the big match 4 times during this period; in 1997,1999,2005 and 2007, and won only once; in 2006. For the vast majority of the time, my experience of the big match was basically watching the Thomians grittily batting out for a draw. If other times Royal being in a commanding position and completely botching the declaration and not having enough time to bowl the opposition out. In the worst of cases, it was having our behinds being handed to us by some talented and crafty Thomian bowler or a gritty yet flamboyant Thomian batsman.

Tharindu Fernando, Milan Fernando, Vidyesh Balasubramanium, Ashan Peiris, Kaushal Silva, Nizam Mazhahir and Faheem Saleem are just a few Thomian names that I’ve associated with bitter memories at the Big Match. Come to think of it, having followed the Roy-Tho in this period very closely, I really must say I have more appreciation towards Thomian cricket than that of Royal.

Royalist supporter, deprived of a win for 14 years, thirsty for a victory. In a way it was ironic that Dimitri Siriwardane; a batsman with all the talent and potential in the world, glorious when in full-flow but a perennial under-performer at the big match, and also the losing captain of the previous year, got to hit the winning runs. So many highly rated Royal sides had come in to the big match as favorites in the previous years running to 2006, but had failed at the helm.

Choked, even. Dhanushka Perera, Ganganath Rathnayake, Tharaka Kottehewa, all captained star-studded line-ups that could have brought the shield back to Reid Avenue, but had failed to do so. Yet, against all odds, a young side led by Nadun Punchihewa pulled the rug under the Thomians who were a very formidable side that year, to win an extraordinary game of cricket.

Royal came inches close again in 2009, led

by Yasitha Abeykoon; a side which in my

opinion was the best Royal side ever fielded at the big match in the years I witnessed it from 1997 to 2011. A calm and wise captain in Abeykoon, a fifth year coloursman and ex-captain in Haroon Mowjood, four current or future national U19 players in Kusal Perera, Kithruwan Vithanage, Ramith Rambukwella and Bhanuka Rajapakse, and a spin bowler who would become the highest wicket taker for Royal in a 1st XI season in Maneesha Thanthrigoda, this Royal side boasted of all the weapons and all the armour needed to take to battle. Yet, due to an amazing 2nd innings stonewalling lead by Fahim Saleem and Ravinthiraja Nirrushan and avidly supported by a young Sachin Pieris at the end, S. Thomas’ managed to keep Royal from breaching their defenses, and retained the shield. Out of all of my painful experiences at the big match, including the innings defeat before the morning drinks break on day 3 in 2007; 2009 was the most painful. To this day, the memories of 2009 haunt me from time to time. To think that I was only a mere spectator, and how painful it must have been for the players who were involved, is beyond my imagination.

Yet, to witness Royal finding a way to draw a big match they should have won, or to see them losing with sessions to spare is no pain compared to the pain of not being able to be there at all. Not having the opportunity to once experience the big match as an old boy. For once for it to be legal to have a drink at the big match, to cheer along with the passing prefects of my school, to stumble and fall on the SSC grass while trying to invade the pitch, to once have the joy of watching a big match as a mature and responsible adult with one of my Thomian friends as brothersin-arms. Not being able to experience such exclusivities; having been lucky enough to

Now that is not to say Royal hasn’t given me anything to cheer about, or to overwhelm me in pride and joy. The historic and recordbreaking win in 2006 was the oasis for the

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be a part of this culture, is a crime beyond my expressions. It is a tragic state of affairs that I have had to resort to a laptop screen to watch a stream of what should be the three best days of my life. It is a punishment I would now wish upon any rival, any foe, nor any human being for that matter.

The Royal Thomian bares no resemblance to any other sporting encounter in the world, or any other school event in the world.

It is so unique and so rich in culture and tradition and that even if it wasn’t the longest uninterrupted cricket series in the world, it would still be the most glamourous and most glorious. To fill the SSC full-house for three days is impossible for even the most highprofile international event. To gather so many past pupils of one educational institution at one given time to one given place, is beyond the abilities of the most prestigious and prolific of universities and colleges in the world. Royal College and S. Thomas’ College have built a tradition and culture that is beyond the capabilities of most nations, let alone schools. And to miss it, for as long as I have, is torture and suffering that I am yet to learn how to endure.

So, for the lucky few who have now managed to reserve your vacation, pre-book your air tickets, or for those in the country; who will take an early leave from work on Thursday and not show up at all on Friday, consider yourselves extremely fortunate.

For it is a luxury not many have deserved to experience. Specially for those like me, who would give an arm and a leg to be at the SSC for three days and not miss a single delivery, and yet are bound by geographical and professional ties. Imagine having to miss your best friend’s wedding, or the birth of your first child, or your own graduation day.

Now multiply that by 3 times for the number of days and then by 7 times for the number of years. Now you know what my Pain of Missing Out feels like.

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A

Testament Camaraderie to

The Battle of the Blues: Royal-Thomian Cricket Encounter

The zest of youth is still the same, The will to win; but be it told, Above the victory counts the game When Blue and Black meets Blue and Gold; Now is it, as of old.

by Nandula Asel Karunasingha

‘Cricket’ is very evidently an indivisible part of our nation’s bloodstream. While the honour of inventing ‘the gentleman’s game’ falls on another, we Sri Lankans have, without a doubt, added our very own flavours and colours. Throughout history, school cricket encounters around the world such as the famed ‘Eton-Harrow’ have played a pivotal role in the development of the sport and some of its most noteworthy stars.

‘The Great Inter-Collegiate Match’, first played in the year 1879 between the Colombo Academy and S. Thomas’ College Mutwal and at present referred to as the ‘Battle of the Blues’, is the second longest-running cricket encounter in the world, played even amid the threat posed by two World Wars and a Civil War that spanned three decades. The encounter has seen many prominent individuals in their vigorous youth don colours of either institution which includes four former Heads of State (The Senenayake father-son duo for S. Thomas’ and Prime Minister Kotelawala and President Jayawardena for Royal). Though the event has evolved in a timely fashion the spirit at its core and values embodied have, for the most part, remained unchanged.

The encounter is played for the coveted ‘Senenayake Challenge Shield’ which currently lies at Reid Avenue after being claimed by Royal in the year 2016 under skipper Geeshath Panditharatne. The tally stands at 35 to Royal, 34 to S. Thomas’, 69 drawn and interestingly one match of which the result is unclear (the ‘nine-run match’ of 1885).

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-Major Harry Leslie Reed-

Setting the stage for the mother of all ‘big matches’ begin months before where, while the joint committee of ‘old boys’ is hard at work sorting out the logistics for the threeday event, the present boys set the tone at their respective institutions. Of all such prematch preparations and events, the schools’ Cycle Parades take centre stage in the public eye. Traditionally held on the day preceding the match, the Cycle Parade is reminiscent of the days of yore when the schoolboys used to cycle together to the venue.

The three-day spectacle is a remarkable sight and while the game is indeed the highlight it is far from being the only thing that defines it. Entering the arena that is the Sinhalese Sports Club one sees the array of vibrant tents that surrounds the pitch each with its own arrangement of décor, food, beverage and music. A huge number of these are either of alumni groups of the two colleges or public pavilions. Of these tents, there are few that are worthy of special note.

The ‘Mustangs Tent Club’, is an exclusive, invite-only enclosure which features some of the more senior and eminent figures of the Roy-Tho community. Those who frequent at the Mustangs include the Current Prime Minister and many other statesmen who leave politics beyond the Bar of the House to share a drink, a song and a good time. Back in the day, it was a custom to even invite the Governor on the second day of the match to spectate among its members. The Tent Club this year will celebrate its centenary. Its most notable contribution to the series is the initiation of the Limited-Overs encounter in the year 1979 played for the aptly named ‘Mustangs Trophy’.

Two of the grandest, loudest and indeed the envy of all, would be the Royal and Thomian Boys’ Tents placed right opposite the team dressing rooms. Here youngsters from the age of 6 to 19 often numbering in the thousands echo a barrage of cheer for their respective teams led by the College Stewards and, at its vanguard, the Senior Prefects in their iconic straw hats, banners at hand. The players often mention it themselves that their respective Boys’ Tents serve as their main source of moral support and encouragement; the voices of those who they have come to represent in the field, those who stand by them till triumph or defeat. From the unfurling of mammoth flags paraded around and held high above the heads of the players that enter the grounds to the occasional runs in to the pitch, often to the dismay of the on-duty security detail, to celebrate a half-ton,

a century or a wicket scored by their fellow student these two groups offer many sights that are nothing but ecstatic.

The atmosphere in all these enclosures resembles a full-blown fiesta with loud voices mixing in perfectly with the papare music that no Sri Lankan cricket match would be complete without. It is probably one of the few places where one can witness opposing sides throw the most impertinent of insults at each other whether it be through song or the spoken word (and occasionally a few letters disappearing from the scoreboard), yet at the end of the day walk out as the strongest of friends and allies (save for a few ‘bad apples’).

The Royal-Thomian relationship is indeed one like no other which, to the untrained eye, might even seem highly peculiar.

To many a Royalist and Thomian, especially those who have flown afar in search of pastures new, the ‘Big Match’ serves as a notto-be-missed opportunity to reunite with faces they have known and grown up with in their youth and to rekindle the inner child that lies within. The passing years see friends within and across both institutions grow from youngsters at the Boys’ Tent into family men from all walks of life who now, in turn, see their own children embark on that very same journey in the schools they loved and cherished.

Speaking of families, the Royal-Thomian has had several represented across generations on the pitch. From the de Sarams, the Liverszs and the Heyns of Royal to the Goonesekeras, the Bulankulames and the Saravanamuththus of St. Thomas’ many have followed in the footsteps of their forebears to bring glory to their respective alma maters, interestingly in several rare occasions even representing the opposing sides.

When one thinks of such statistics there is a group of people that cannot be forgotten: the young men in uniform, carefully striking at their prey with a cry of “Sir!” or “Ma’am!”. With the amount of running about they do in the blazing sun with a heap of weighty tomes, one may argue that these gentlemen receive a more intensive workout than the teams themselves on the day. The two ‘Souvenir Committees’ have served a very important purpose throughout the years taking the effort to edit, publish, distribute and sell the official souvenirs of either institution, each containing a treasure trove of facts, figures and tales rooted in the encounter’s rich history. The effort and hard work put in by these young ‘minstrels’ is certainly worthy of recognition.

Throughout the years the Battle of the Blues has gained ever-increasing recognition and coverage (even featuring stories by international media outlets such as National Geographic and the Wall Street Journal). The game too has evolved each year to be on par with international cricketing standards. The ‘big match’ is what it is today thanks to the tireless efforts of many great individuals who have kept the ball constantly rolling for over a century and will continue to do so with no boundary in sight.

While I have done my level best, no amount of words could possibly do justice in giving the reader a taste of what it is like to be in the midst of this one of a kind spectacle, in the midst of history and legend, in the midst of the ultimate testament to camaraderie.

The only way one can truly be a part of this exciting experience is to be there in person.

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Mr. and Mrs.Rangana Herath

Mr. and Mrs.Aravinda De Silva

Mr. and Mrs.Hashan Thilakaratne

Mr. and Mrs.Isuru Udana

Missaka

Sajith

Iroshinie

Maharoof

Romesh

Mr. and Mrs. Roshan Biyanwila

Team India

Members of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board

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Mr. and Mrs. Thilan Samaraweera

Dilani

Michelle

Rohantha

Amali

Kanchana

Team Bangaladesh

ITW Officials

Ramani

Ranjith

Mr. and Mrs. Thilanga Sumathipala Hon. Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara

Roshan

Mr. and Mrs. Angelo Matthews with Shikhar Dhawan

Mr. and Mrs. Thisara Perera

Celebrating

70 years of Sri Lankan

Cricket

In celebration of 70 years of championship cricket in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Cricket recently held a gala dinner at Shangri-La to commemorate this day.

Mr. and Mrs. Asanga Gurusinghe

Mr. and Mrs. Jeevan Mendis

Lahiru

Berney

Russell

Chaminda

Mr. and Mrs. Dinesh Chandimal

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Mr. and Mrs. Samantha Dodanwala

Major Shiran Abeysekara

Percy

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Suren

Mr. and Mrs. Dave Whatmore with Alex Kountouris

Team Sri Lanka

Mr. and Mrs. Jha

Niroshan

Mr. and Mrs. Bandula Dissanayaka

Asantha

Mayantha

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Your Guide to

Mirissa

Our little island is home to some of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in the world. Of all these, the small town of Mirissa certainly stands out. A holiday on the beaches of Mirissa brings you the full package – sun, sand, relaxation, great food, and buzzing nightlife! Here’s all you need to know before making your way down south to Mirissa!

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Be adventurous and try out their delicious Chocolate and Pineapple roti – we absolutely loved it!

WHERE TO EAT If there’s one thing you don’t have to worry about in Mirissa, it’s the food. From seafood to Indian to awesome rotis, the range of cuisine is as surprising as it is delicious!

Hangover Café From their food to their music, Hangover Café embodies every bit of the chilled out vibes that Mirissa is known for. Try out their Surfer Burger – you won’t regret it!

Tandoori Hut A change from the plethora of seafood restaurants Mirissa has to offer, Tandoori Hut serves up the most scrumptious Indian dishes.

Papa Mango

Kama Mirissa Kama Mirissa is the most popular spot to experience the best of Mirissa’s nightlife and seafood in one place, with an inviting ambience and funky bar!

Zephyr Restaurant & Bar One of the most well-known spots in Mirissa, the food at Zephyr is absolutely scrumptious and they are buzzing on the weekends. Their Chili Martini is spot on!

No. 1 Dewmini Roti Shop

Papa Mango hosts wedding parties and cocktails, along with Sri Lankan cuisine cooking classes. The food at their restaurant is delicious and absolutely worth the prices!

Mirissa Eye For a casual lunch right by the beach, Mirissa Eye is the perfect stop. Pair their seafood with a chilled beer, and you’re good to go!

The Original Rocket Burger, Mirissa Rocket Burger has taken Galle by storm, and their Mirissa branch is just as good! Their burgers are ideal for a quick bite by the beach.

What’s a trip to Mirissa without a stop at Dewmini Roti Shop? Now a legendary little restaurant, they offer the best roti in town.

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WHERE TO STAY Along the stretch of Mirissa, there are a number of delightful places to stay. We’ve rounded up some of the best ones just for you!

Ocean Villa

A newly refurbished villa, Ocean Villa is a great place for a relaxing holiday, situated just outside the confines of the city. Their beach view is unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Hangover Hostels

Adjoining their restaurant, the Hangover Hostels in Mirissa is perfect if you’re vacationing with a bunch of friends. They’ve got both dorm rooms and private rooms, and the most chill vibes in town!

Paradise Beach Club

If you’re looking for a more traditional hotel stay, check out Paradise Beach Club. Their incredible pool, poolside bar, and luxurious rooms are more than you need!

Sira’s Chalets

Rustic and homely, the atmosphere at Sira’s Chalets is heavenly, situated right near the beach and close to the best eateries in town.

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WHAT TO DO Climb Parrot Rock

One of the most scenic destinations in Mirissa, climbing atop Parrot Rock is a must-do in Mirissa! If you’re feeling adventurous and the waves don’t seem too strong, you can even traipse down the path to the rocky shores and make your way around the rock back to the beach!

Take some yoga classes

Morning and evening yoga sessions are an extremely popular activity in Mirissa! The perfect setting for peaceful yoga, you can find a number of hotels and places that offer classes along the roads of Mirissa.

Spa Treatments

Relax and unwind in style! Mirissa has some of the best spas, including Badora Spa, Secret Root, and Kinduri, a traditional Sri Lankan spa alongside Papa Mango, built entirely from clay.

The soothing ambience at these spas is the best way to enjoy a truly relaxing holiday on the shores of Mirissa!

Try out Surfing

The blue beaches of Mirissa are ideal for surfing the waves early morning and in the evenings. Along the beach stretch, you can come across a number of places offering surfing lessons and equipment.

Go Whale Watching

Get up close and personal with the beautiful sea creatures in Sri Lankan waters! Whale watching season starts in November and ends in April, although they can be spotted off-season too.

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Derana

Miss Sri Lanka Earth 2018

Since its debut in 2011, the Miss Sri Lanka Earth Pageant, hosted by TV Derana Production, has been a smashing success. Winners of the competition go on to compete on an international level at the Miss Earth pageant and certainly do their best to make Sri Lanka proud!

The Derana Miss Sri Lanka Earth competition revolutionized the pageant industry in Sri Lanka. Indeed, it changed the very nature of beauty competitions, with regards to the selection process, contestants, competition process, outcomes, and main focus of the pageant.

This year, the pageant will include exclusive footage of the competition and all contestants in the format of a reality TV show which will span three months. The show will lead up to a grand event in which the winners will be chosen by an elite group of judges, a glamorous event surpassing all previous competitions! The contestants will have the opportunity of taking part in a number of training programs and will spend time having their skills and talents as well.

Entries for the pageant are now being accepted, with an age requirement of 17 – 25 years, sufficient education background, and minimum height of 5’5�. Entries can be emailed to msl2018@derana.lk, along with a complete CV and recent photos of the aspiring contestant.

Derana Miss Sri Lanka Earth is much more than a beauty pageant, it is a prestigious title which provides the winner with an important platform to voice their opinions and grow as an individual. The winner will be an ambassador for environmental change in Sri Lanka and the world, and will receive the opportunity to impact change where it is needed the most.

The ability to campaign for this worthy cause, represent Sri Lanka at an international level, and receive tremendous opportunities for growth is certainly invaluable! It is indeed a unique and life-changing opportunity for all aspiring women who wish to make their mark upon the world.

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Fazil Marija

CANNOT STOP MAKING PLAYS When someone’s name becomes synonymous with a particular sport you really don’t have to talk about the legacy he leaves behind when he retires. We don’t have to tell rugby players or rugby enthusiasts who Fazil Marija is. They know.

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The statistically inclined would know the records; the number of tries in each season, the number of wins and losses, the titles won, how many times he donned the Sri Lankan jersey etc. They would know the relevant percentages and of course how he compares with his contemporaries and the greatest who played the game for Sri Lanka.

There’s also a Marija who lives, eats, breathes, cares and loves outside the field. To be sure a lot of that stuff is directly or indirectly associated with the sport. He can’t help it. He grew up in a family that almost thought rugby was oxygen.

multiple trophies in an unbeaten season. That year was of course special, but he remembers the previous season as well when Kingswood having won the B Division won the right to play in the knockout tournament which they went on to win.

“I still remember vividly the quarterfinal game against Isipathana. The game was tied at the long-whistle. It was still tied when extra time ended. Then it came down to drop goals. That

Tuan Mohamed Fazil Marija was born in Mulgampola, Kandy on December 4, 1985. He was born into a clan, essentially, with 20-30 members of his extended family being among his neighbors.

“My father, who was in the Police, passed away when I was six. My mother, who worked at Sarvodaya, had a tough time taking care of my brother Faizal and me. The family was there, always. My uncles and cousins were ruggerites.

“All my cousins played in that position. I grew up watching them play. I learned a lot this way.”

Fazil made it to the Kingswood First XI in 2002 and in 2004 would lead the team to secure

That snub had motivated him, but the greater motivation lay outside the rugby field.

“My mother had to struggle very hard when we were small. She suffered a lot. This I never forgot. I always wanted to give her a good life

“In 2002 I was dropped from the Sri Lanka Under 19 team. I was devastated.

There were coaches who said I couldn’t kick or pass. That was a turning point.

I wanted to get back. I decided to fight. So I worked hard.” one day. This desire was my greatest motivation. This is what made me focus. This is the secret of my commitment and work ethic.”

“Almost all of them played for Kingswood College, while some went on to play club rugby for Kandy Sports Club, Police, Navy and CR. And my mother was also a rugby fan. She made sure we never missed a game.” He would go with the entire clan to watch his cousins and uncles play school and club matches. “Niloufer was of course the main inspiration.

He was 7-8 years old and played about 10-12 years for Kandy. I watched all his games. Well, the entire family did.”

Fazil grew up playing tap rugger with his older cousins, Niloufer Ibrahim and Amjaad Baksh. He moved to the real deal when he was just 11 years old, playing under Amjaad who was the Under 13 captain of Kingswood. At the time he played as Scrum Half and Fly Half, but it was playing in the latter position that he would make his mark.

was a turning point. I wanted to get back. I decided to fight. So I worked hard.”

Fazil has a wonderful and disarming smile and his fans must have seen it a thousand times. He smiled when he talked about a break he got.

didn’t produce a winner either. Finally, the winner was decided on a coin-toss. We won.

We were lucky.”

Looking back at Fazil Marija’s career, one might think it was a breeze, a smooth ride without bumps. This is not true.

“In 2002 I was dropped from the Sri Lanka Under 19 team. I was devastated. There were coaches who said I couldn’t kick or pass. That

“The national coach, George Simpkin, spoke to me one day. He talked about playing. I didn’t know much English at the time. I thought he wanted the Under 19 team to give the national side some practice by playing against them. I told the rest of the boys and they were all enthusiastic. It turned out that the coach wanted me to play in the national team! I practiced with the team. My cousin Niloufer was also in the team. I remember scoring two tries. My opportunity came when the regular Fly Half was injured. That’s how I first came to play for Sri Lanka.”

After leaving school, Fazil played for Kandy SC for 14 seasons, captaining in 2010 and 2015. During this time Kandy won the league title on no less than 12 occasions and the knockouts 13 times. It was all about rugby for Fazil also donned the national jersey until 2017, captaining in 2015. www.pulse.lk | PAGE 143

and run and jump with hurdles and rings. It’s like obstacle races but with a rugby ball. It’s more fun and they do learn basic skills like ball handling, how to pick a ball and pass, how to kick and how to score a try. Most importantly by the time they play rugby in their particular school it would be a game that they love.”

There are 30 students enrolled in this school as of now. The kids as well as their parents have shown a lot of enthusiasm according to Fazil.

“The highlight was when we won the Asian A Division title in 2013 under Yoshitha Rajapaksa. I believe my best ever performance was in the last game against Kazakhstan. I scored two tries in that game.”

Rugger is a hard game. Players get injured all the time. Indeed a considerable number hang their boots due to injury. Fazil tore three ligaments and had to have ankle surgery in 2010 and in 2015 had to deal with a disc bulge.

“I always trained hard, be it in the gym or on the ground. I think I owe a lot to Mothilal Jayatilleka for my training ethic. He became our trainer at Kingswood in 2003 at the time my cousin Ronnie Ibrahim was the coach. He really made a difference. I had never done weights before. All of us became fitter. Our strength and speed improved.

“And that ethic stayed with me. A player has to watch his weight as the years go by. I was 85kg six years ago, but now I am around 81 or 82. I always trained hard. I was quick always.

I was skinny, around 70-75 kgs and between 2007 and 2009 I was the league’s highest try scorer.”

Fazil also credits Ronnie for honing his skills. Apparently he had given the players the freedom to play. He think this is why Kingswood had such a successful run in the early years of the millennium. And then of course there was George Simpkin, the nation coach who first recognized Fazil’s potential.

He remembers and acknowledges the lessons he learned.

Well, now it is time to retire. Or is it?

For years, while playing rugby, Fazil Marija spent hardly any time in offices. He worked for Seylan Bank for three years and then was at MJ International (Pvt) Ltd and since 2010 at Mas Holdings as a Planning Executive. He is

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grateful for the opportunities, understanding and the time given by these organizations to enable him to focus on the game he loved and continues to love.

Fazil Marija will not be playing for Kandy or Sri Lanka anymore. He figures that having played for 14-15 years and having achieved all the goals he had set himself, he should now move on to other things.

Like family. Fazil has always been a family man. He remains devoted to his mother, who now lives with him in Polgolla. He got married in December 2015 and now spends a lot of time with his wife Yasara and their seven month old baby girl, Liyara.

“Life has changed after I became a father. A bit busier, but more interesting. I love being home with my wife and our little girl.”

It is probably hard for rugby fans to imagine a season without the scintillating moves of Fazil Marija. It’s easy for him, though. He leaves the field but rugby doesn’t leave him. Maybe it can’t. Fazil set up an academy of rugby in September 2017, anticipating his imminent retirement.

“I set up the School of Rugby in an indoor stadium in Kollupitiya. It was one my coaches, Johann Taylor, who suggested that I should start something like this. In fact Johann has helped me a lot, even coming down to handle some sessions in January. He has given me a lot of ideas.”

It’s a first of its kind in Sri Lanka, run by Fazil and three coaches, Nigel Ratwatte, Hasitha Perera and Sharya Guruge. It is in fact a rugby pre-school with kids as young as three years enrolled.

“Yes, 3-8 years of age. The philosophy is simple. We want the kids to learn to love the sport. We teach the basics but in a way that is fun for them. We play games. The kids catch

What will the future hold for this rugby legend? Well, Fazil Marija has always focused on what had to be done in the here and now.

For almost two decades it was about what he had to do to help his teams win matches.

It was also about his mother and his family.

Through it all, there was rugby. Right now there’s still rugby.

The fans won’t see Fazil Marija making plays on the rugby field. In time to come, perhaps, there will be young men who in their work ethic, moves, innovation, love for the game and commitment will carry something of the Fazil Marija signature. He’s already planting seeds. This much is clear.

The man won’t fade away. He’s been shining too brightly for that.

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Mainland China

Launch

Mainland China, Asia’s favorite fine dining restaurant recently opened its doors in Colombo. The launch was held at the restaurant premises amid much fanfare.

Nilmini

Fazal, Kisho, Sadikeen, Zakee and Raazy

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Ramani

Ranjith

Shani and Yoshi

Kishor and Fazal Lakmini

Danu

Mahen

Sadikeen

Felicia

Ruvini

Mangala

Gayathri

Staying In tune with

Noises

the

Attic

from the

Consisting of the three founding members, Natasha, Chandeep & Dylan, the story of Attic Noise is one that is humble and driven by passion as they leave their mark on the Sri Lankan music scene.

Long before Attic Noise, both Chandeep and Dylan had a musical history spanning back to their high school days. Jamming in rock bands and the odd garage jam sessions with their classmates at inter-school events was how it all began. However to secure their future they had to go their own separate ways to complete their degrees. Old habits die hard, after a four period of studying abroad the two got back to their regular jam sessions, attempting to write instrumentals and exploring different genres. Soon Natasha and her vocals was introduced to their jam sessions. Dylan had shared a stage with her in a “Battle of the Bands” competition while studying in university.

At first, there wasn’t much of a synergy among the three as Natasha’s talents were leaning more towards mellow acoustic music.

With some experimentation the trio started covering some pop tracks with Dylan picking up an acoustic guitar and Chandeep taking a step back to move from the drum set to a Cajon. They then began to meet more regularly to belt out some tunes right after a long day of work. A little way down the road, this led into performances at open mic nights

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at local bars and pubs just to enjoy jamming with other musicians. After a few sessions, they were approached to have their own gig.

Within a week they scraped together around 25 tracks and nervously played the first gig as Attic Noise. They knew then and there that this would be the start of something great.

By now you might be wondering, “what a peculiar name?” The band was pondering on what to call themselves; they wanted it to be something quirky but yet meaningful to all of them. Little did they know it would take just one practice session to come with this name.

Natasha has an attic atop her bed room where they often ended up practicing in and whenever they did, the entire household could hear it. So it was quite clear that the attic was rather noisy, making the three of them, Attic Noise!

However, nothing comes easy; they have had a number of challenges along the way, “We’ve had to work hard, amongst conflicts and drawbacks, always believing in the music we play. Our journey has had its ups and downs, and experiencing both has matured the three of us in this short period. We’ve come further

than we’ve expected since we started out last year both as a band, and as individuals since we had to explore and expand our style in a setting we were initially unfamiliar with.

To Attic Noise, private functions are always more vibrant. One stand-out performance for them was when they had the opportunity to perform a couple of tracks at a wedding while the main band for the night took their break. This was a gig just two months from the inception of the band. It was surreal as for the first time, they experienced the crowd dancing and singing along. This was followed by their very first encore! Another gig that they say will not be forgotten was the Pulse Magazine launch party!, “we had to physically move our sound set up with the help of the Pulse.lk staff, to another room entirely so we could continue playing in to the night. The audience stuck by us and took the party on till the wee hours of the next morning. Although the next day at work was a challenge to get through, the memories were worth every bit.”

In the future, Attic Noise wishes to explore writing original music. They recently finished an original called “Listen Close” which was performed live at “Stripped Down II”, an-all acoustic gig, and they eagerly look forward to exploring their sound and writing more tracks, ultimately recording an EP when the time is right.

For any of you looking to start your own musical careers, Chandeep, Dylan, and Natasha had this to say, “It’s all about staying grounded and having fun with music, play what you are passionate about and the opportunity you want will be around the corner! Watching how other bands show originality in their music and performances are a great way to discover what resonates with you. As always, search for your musical and creative strengths and make them stronger!”

Musical Inspirations Chandeep Breaking Benjamin, Blink -182, Linkin Park and Avenged Seven Fold and classic outfits such as ToTo, Bon Jovi, Santana and Police.

Dylan BB King, Eric Clapton, Brian May (Queen), Jimmy Hendrix and other classic rock acts.

Natasha Ed Sheeran, Bowling and Linkin Park.

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My initial understanding of music came from learning the piano. I picked up the guitar only at the age of 13. Developing techniques and learning my favorite songs was such an enjoyable experience for me. Until Attic Noise, I generally favored the heavy driven tones of an electric guitar. However I’m now able to slowly explore the dynamic nature of the acoustic guitar.

“Growing up in a household where good music was appreciated, you would always hear the radio or music on the televisions.

My father who was also a drummer always had a drum set in the house but it was not until the age of 12 that I decided to learn how to play drums. Percussion however, was something completely foreign to me until the inception of Attic Noise”

Much like Dylan, my musical skills started with the piano as well. For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to learn to play the guitar and sing. So I pretended to play with a tennis racket and sing to a broom stick. I was the happiest when I was finally learned to play one song on guitar. I’ve always been the shy kind, hence stuck to playing guitar for other vocalists until Attic Noise started off last year.

That’s when I began to focus on my singing.

- Natasha

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- Dylan

- Chandeep

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Iresha

Shehani

Amanda

Talia and Navinka

Kamil Mitchelle

Ornella

Nilmini

Kuluni Nilanthi

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Vinu

Ruvi

Megan and Sesha

Lux Perfume

Launch

Experience the art of fragrance with the all new range of Lux Perfumes; enter the house of Lux. This glamourous event unfolded at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo.

Malmi and Denushika

Kamil

Jerome

Ajay

Anna, Anastasia and Svetlana

Rachna and Simmet

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METAL CULTURE O F S R I LANKA

Sri Lanka is a land of many talented musicians and bands, from the great H R Jothipala to the dearly beloved Gypsies. However much of the public is unaware of the Metal Music scene in Sri Lanka, which has in fact been around for more than a decade. To shed some light on this genre and the culture associated with it, we had a rather enlightening conversation with the up and coming band, ABYSS. Comprised of Chethiya Weeratne, Arun Jilukshan, Avishka Senaratne, and Rusiru Uyanahewa, they have lately been rocking both local and international stages.

To people who wouldn’t know otherwise, tell them about metal culture.

Going back to the textbook, culture is a collection of ideas and behaviors that a

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What is the public opinion like on metal bands like yourself?

group of people practice. Metal on the contrary, is a way of life. The metal culture and the community has its own beliefs, interests and identities. The perception of the majority about metal is just loud noise, dark clothes and dark thoughts.

I won’t disagree but it is just the tip of the iceberg. Talking about loud noise, our music is generally louder than the regular genres but this “loud noise” contains lyrics with deep meaning; unlike the modern day sugar coated words. The most important fact is that this is pure MAN-MADE music with great effort and it will remain like that.

First, if we actually cared or took the public opinion about our music in to account; metal wouldn’t have come this far in a land where precious gems like Sir Amaradewa, Sir Gunadasa Kapuge and Rukmani Devi were gifted with music.

However, some of the common things we hear are, “Oh my god, this music is Satanic, these boys and girls are against Christ”. To clear all doubts; the ones we ridicule are exactly the people that follow these set rules.

Some think that “our worlds” are very dark; we would say that the metal community has some crazy creative souls within. We hear things from musicians outside of metal too; “I don’t understand your music”,“your music is to too loud”,“why are you screaming?”,“why are you guys so aggressive?”. Whatever said and done, we do have massive respect for individuals who are actually straightforward with their doubts.

Has the image of the Sri Lankan metal band changed in any way over the years?

A confusing question to answer. However, according to the guys that have been in the scene, there has been a significant increase in the crowd, that attend local shows. We’re guessing the metal concept is a bit more accepted now than it was. We could be wrong though, for we are just judging by the numbers.

As Abyss, what is the general message that you convey to your audience through your music?

It comes down to basic ideals. Never bow down to what is wrong. Never fall in line with these followers of the masses. Do not be blind in front of political propaganda.

Just take a good look at Sri Lanka, starting from the 1980s there has never been a single thing to be proud of except for our boys winning the World Cup in 1996 and our war heroes clinching victory. We could go on and on about this but you see, it’s time we open our eyes and see through all the fairy tales spat through microphones and displayed mainstream. Change for the better coupled with the right actions would help our generation and the generations to come. If not, you can forget Ceylon, you can forget Sri Lanka. The system is a lie and its dead.

Why do you feel that metal bands are stereotyped in such a negative manner?

“The perception of the majority about metal is just loud noise, dark clothes and dark thoughts. I won’t disagree but it is just the tip of the iceberg.Talking about loud noise, our music is generally louder than the regular genres but this “loud noise” contains lyrics with deep meaning; unlike the modern day sugar coated words. The most important fact is that this is pure MAN-MADE music with great effort and it will remain like that. ”

Because of all this negativity, it must be difficult to young people to venture out into this genre, what message do you have for them?

ABYSS is still a young band in the scene but we play good “loud” music. We started by putting together five members, practicing hard and having a vision of coming out hard and strong through self-organized gig called ShellShock. Basically, we decided to carry our own burden. So my message is, get your guys, have a vision and carry your own burden.

Trust the process and things will work. Always talk to people.

Like I told before, “I don’t understand your music”,“why are you screaming?”,“you guys are scary”. These judgements are the main reasons for stereotyping. The metal community never cared, doesn’t care and never will care about the judgements made.

Support if you want, be indifferent if you may.

Do you have a plan of action to change that and if so what is it?

We cannot change how people think, but if people looked at us objectively rather than subjectively, we might have bigger audiences to entertain and many talented musicians will have the needed exposure through what they like.

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The Reading List In this edition of the reading list, we’re going back in time – by a year. We didn’t really have the opportunity to highlight some essential reads of 2017, so here we’ve recommended five vastly different books to suit your every taste. These books either brought us face to face with reality, helped us explore the world and human nature in all its complexity, or just simply entertained and amused. We’re not focusing on the obvious – some of our picks for the year may have been a little under the radar – but are ones you definitely shouldn’t miss.

Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow - Yuval Noah Harari Humans have always battled against the odds, and come up mostly victorious. We now have the means of managing the impact of famine, disease and war – more people are dying of obesity, old age and suicide – yet we still want more. As we steer our future, Harari explores key achievements in our history, bringing expert insight into the trends that could shape the world. It’s a thoughtful, compelling treatise on humanity, and also serves as a warning: is this where we really want to go?

Magpie Murders: A Novel – Anthony Horowitz Anthony Horowitz has always been an expert in the mystery genre, and in recreating worlds: he’s tried his hand at Sherlock Holmes and James Bond, and this time he delves into the world of Agatha Christie – a quaint and quiet English town, in which there is murder most foul. Except, there’s more. This is a murder mystery within a murder mystery – with multiple layers, clues, red herrings, and a highly entertaining double plotline, it’s a riveting, enjoyable read which keeps you guessing at every turn.

Lincoln in the Bardo – George Saunders Narrated by a host of spirits from beyond the grave, and backed by historical accounts, this tale is based on the untimely death of Abraham Lincoln’s 11 year-old son Willie. Inspired by the story of Lincoln visiting his son’s crypt to hold the body, this ambitious and daring novel deals with death, loss, grief, and the concept of life beyond the grave. It’s probably not to everyone’s taste – but it’s undeniably original, and is a fascinating and moving narrative.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine – Gail Honeyman Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine – or so she thinks. She needs nothing and no one, and her life is complete. But when she sets eyes on the man of her dreams, her whole life begins to change. It does seem like a generic chick-lit plot, but the underlying theme is much deeper – loneliness, and the impact of a damaged childhood. The author masterfully weaves a memorable tale that is simultaneously warm, funny and sad. It’s a breath of fresh air – and will open your mind to see the world a little differently.

The Book of Dust Volume 1: La Belle Sauvage – Phillip Pullman From the writer of the ‘His Dark Materials’ trilogy comes a muchanticipated installment to the critically acclaimed franchise. Also a trilogy, the first volume returns to the awe-inducing parallel universe Pullman created, retaining much of the magic and wonder of the first series, drawing you into its spell. Whether or not you’re a fan of fantasy, much like Pullman’s other books, it’s undeniable that La Belle Sauvage will take you on a journey that will stay with you forever.

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Dunkirk Won: Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing Additional Nominations: Best Original Score, Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design Although not bagging wins in the significant categories, this movie is undoubtedly a masterpiece, crafted with precision. Every element is artfully placed to converge into one sweeping storyline – a tale that takes place from three perspectives: air, sea and land. A bold, fascinating account of the historic Dunkirk evacuation, the film alternates between timelines, creating in the viewer some of the complexity and confusion that the soldiers may have experienced. A vastly different take on a war movie, it’s a testament to the art of storytelling with very little dialogue.

Blade Runner 2049 Won: Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects Additional Nominations: Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Production Design You’d have to watch the first movie to make sense of this – but it’s well worth the effort.

While the original Blade Runner was far ahead of its time, the sequel expands more on the theme of its predecessor – what it truly means to be human. Set 30 years later, it doesn’t fail to retain the initial film’s wonder and mystery, and with striking visuals and a soundtrack so powerfully realistic, you don’t just watch this movie – you’re surrounded by it, and left questioning its premise long after the credits have rolled.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Won: Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor Additional Nominations: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Score, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing This is not your normal crime movie – while it does deal with the usual themes of prejudice and racism, in essence, it is about the immense power of maternal grief and a quest for revenge.

The three billboards in question have been erected by a mother in a small Southern town, hell-bent on searching for answers about her daughter’s murder. The winning roles were in fact written with the specific actors in mind – two performances that make the movie both moving and memorable.

Pure human emotion from start to finish, this movie inspires both laughter and sadness at the strangest of times.

The Darkest Hour Won: Best Actor, Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Undergoing a complete transformation, his portrayal of Winston Churchill is gripping in its intensity and authenticity – in fact you might even feel like you’re watching actual footage unfold. It’s a riveting account of the early days of Churchill’s tenure as prime minister, at a time when doubt, uncertainty and confusion were the order of the day – paying tribute to the power of inspiring words in trying times.

The Big Sick Nominated: Best Original Screenplay Romantic comedies are meant to be fictitious and unrealistic – right?

Well, not in this case. This film revisits the real life of Pakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani. Kumail portrays himself, with Zoe Kazana giving a winning performance as Emily, his girlfriend, who ends up in a medically induced coma, leaving him to confront his feelings. It’s funny, quirky and yet serious, with more depth than your standard fare of rom-coms. A lovable film with an engaging cast, you’re guaranteed to love it.

Baby Driver Nominations: Best Film Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing Edgar Wright does it yet again – taking a common concept and putting a fresh spin on it. This is essentially a heist movie, but it’s also the heartwarming tale of a boy who ended up on the wrong side of the tracks, and is trying to his hardest to make it back. Baby is a snazzy young getaway driver who lives to his own beat – the beats playing from his iPod. With a killer soundtrack, many memorable characters, perfectly executed scenes and epic car-chases, this is undoubtedly one of the year’s best movies.

Additional Nominations: Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design While Gary Oldman is definitely one of the most versatile actors of all time, this is his crowning achievement – a performance that far surpasses the rest.

The Watchlist Oscars Edition

Every year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes achievements in film making – and while we wish we could acknowledge all the winners and nominees, in this edition we have handpicked a few Oscar mentions we feel you shouldn’t miss out on. As you might notice, we haven’t addressed some of the big winners – The Shape of Water, Get Out, and Call Me by Your Name to name a few, but never fear, we promise to honour them in greater depth in our future issues!

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The

Adult’s Guide Gaming PC to a

“Ammi, Thatthi, can we go get a new computer?”

As a parent, you’re pretty certain to be asked that question at some point in your life. And why not. Knowing how to use a computer is like knowing good manners these days. Not knowing is just wrong. And if your child is into computer games (it’s likely that most of them would be), you will be asked for computers that can run new games on big displays at the best settings. Yes, you will naturally have an argument about their life, their future and how games don’t help the quality of either, but eventually you’ll give in. After all, you don’t want your kid to think that you are not cool.

Buying a computer at any given time has been a costly decision. But in the last few years, PC prices have soared owing to the fact that prices for certain components have been skyrocketing because of low supply and high demand. The fast growing mobile phone industry has taken a bigger share of the memory chip market creating a shortage of RAMs for computers, while cryptocurrency miners’ over demand for graphics cards for mining, has driven the prices of these components up twice or even more than their MSRP (some graphics cards are priced at over Rs. 100,000 in the market). So don’t be surprised if your child wants a budget of Rs. 400,000 to buy his or her computer.

So how can you buy that PC without breaking the bank? Here are few things that you can look for on a component list and replace with less expensive alternatives while getting the same performance (almost) and becoming the hero of the day.

What you need vs. What you want Kids like to brag about their computers so there’s a good chance that the PC configuration requested will have the fastest (and the most expensive) components in the market. But the PC market has something for everyone and chances are that these highend components are not what you will always ‘need’ although your child will say it’s what they ‘want’. So get them to be clear about exactly what they want.

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Locked vs unlocked Computer processors come in two variants: locked and unlocked. What this means is that the performance of an unlocked processor can be manually boosted so the processor will work faster, which is also known as overclocking. The letter k is added to the end of the processor’s name to identify these (Eg: i7-8700k) and these are more expensive than the locked processors. PC enthusiasts and hardcore gamers use overclocking to get better performance, but for others a locked processor will be more than enough.

So you can spend less and still get good performance.

Gaming vs non-gaming Products like graphic cards and rams have gaming versions of the same product. They look better than the non-gaming ones (looks matter to gamers) and might perform a bit better but are definitely more expensive. But the reality is that both types are based on the same technology so you won’t be getting a significant performance increase. So nongaming variants are not a bad choice to save a little bit of money. Sure it might look bad but it’ll still work great.

RGB lighting and Tempered glass Gamers love to show off. And RGB lighting and cases with tempered glass side panels are just what the doctor ordered. Components from ram cards, graphics cards all the way to case fans comes with LED lights in them that light up and colors can be adjusted to your heart’s content.

The RGB madness has gripped the PC world so tightly that many PC components have an RGB variant which the manufacturers sell as a premium version of the same product.

But keep in mind ‘those pretty little

lights don’t make the PC run faster’. So before spending an extra ten, twenty thousand for a light show, think whether you really need it.

Also cases with glass side panels are a new trend, allowing users to show off the components and all the pretty little lights inside. The lights give your PC lots of personality but nobody is going to notice any of that if your PC is going to sit under your table. Even if that’s not the case, you can still give some nice looks to a PC with much cheaper options like LED strips and modifying the components in various ways like vinyl wrapping (Google that).

RGB components are easy to identify in a parts list because they usually have ‘RGB’ mentioned somewhere in the name. So if you see one, just check whether it is something the PC really needs.

Gaming Accessories Vs Accessories Keyboards, mouses and headsets have their ‘gaming’ versions. Filled with customization, looks and of course RGB lighting, these can go up to Rs.30,000+ in the Sri Lankan market.

Unless your child is planning on making a living as a ‘competitive gamer’ (yes, gaming can make money, and even win them medals), there is no point in spending Rs. 50,000 on a ‘gaming’ keyboard and mouse when you can buy both for Rs. 5,000 and still get the job done. These components will have the word ‘gaming’ on the name, so you can identify them easily as well.

Those are a few things that you can be on the lookout for when you see a desired parts list from your offspring. Don’t expect a hugely dramatic difference in price with these options but at least you will have enough money left over for next month’s electricity bill after all the hours of gaming your child will be putting in on the new PC.

TRY OUT OUR NEW MENU

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Fidelia De Silva

and service that never ends

Places have names. Places make memories for those who inhabit them. Places change. We walk along roads that were part of our daily routines or drive around familiar environs and wonder at how little things have changed or how unrecognizable things have become.

Places are remembered by people; men, women and children who have at one time or another found the relevant addresses special.

Such places become memory-flags that take people to a different time, experiences, conversations and unforgettable moments.

Places are also made by makers whose names fade with time, as per timeless inevitabilities, the truth of birth, decay and death. Their names and faces are remembered beyond their passing but not forever. Their images may adorn walls, but time will replace both photograph and wall as determined by the architects of reason and convenience.

Some names outlast others, but the historical record is never perfect and its reading often flawed. Who was Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Khurram, do people who visit the Taj Mahal know? They would have heard of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, but do these names tell us the full tales of their joys and sorrow, their anxieties and the burdens of memory they carried?

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posterity but the celebration of people who made places that would become memorable for many, many others.

The place is actually one of many she has made, but let’s start with the YMCA hostel down Rotunda Gardens, Kollupitiya. You may have seen it, you may have lived there or you may have known someone who did. If you’ve only heard of it, the chances are that what you’ve heard was all good. And among those who toiled with utmost love and dedication, there’s one who will not be easily forgotten: Fidelia De Silva.

She’s a lady and I say that in the best sense of the word. I met her at her house down Bagatalle Road. She was dressed for the interview. She wore a kind, knowing, compassionate and utterly friendly expression. She was smiling throughout.

She spoke softly, but to the point. She was humble. It was easy, then, to understand how she had accomplished so much and touched so many lives in all the years, well decades, of unstinted service.

Fidelia was born in Galle on the 10th of April, 1921. She was the eldest in her family. She studied at Southlands and later at Methodist

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intent, heart and eyes, she continues to do whatever she can for her fellow creatures, especially those mostly in need of support.

College, Colombo. Although she sat for the London Matriculation Examination, like most girls of that era, Fidelia didn’t go to university.

Upon finishing school, she chose to teach.

Recently, Fidelia had met the present Principal of Royal College Colombo, B.A. Abeyratne, who had told her ‘Madam, you taught me English in Grade 5 at Richmond College!’

Around seven years ago she started a new project, Cavels, along with Roheen Jayawardena who used to be her Secretary at the WYCA. Roheen is the Director of the programme and runs it, with Fidelia watching from a distance: ‘I go for Christmas and they visit me off and on.’ Cavels was an effort to help orphans. It’s located in Pepiliyana and has a boys’ version in Hokandara.

She smiled when she recounted this encounter. He must have been one of hundreds who had over the years come up to her to remind her of what she’d given and express gratitude. Fidelia taught for about ten years. “It was mostly English as a second language, first at Southlands, then Methodist College and in various other places, including Richmond and St John’s College, Nugegoda.”

The lady doesn’t seem to have retired and this makes sense. Certain kinds of services do not have retirement ages. The one she’s chosen is such a vocation. It is about doing what one can to the best of one’s ability.

Her passion, however, was the YWCA. It had all begun when she was a school girl. “I was a member in the YWCAs of both Southlands and Methodist. It caught my interest. I loved the camps. I even attended events in Bangkok and India. So after leaving school it was natural that I remained involved in the national body of the YMCA. We had an active YWCA in the Fort. It was a nice building.

I was the Chairperson of the ‘Family Life Education Committee’ where we educated young people and sometimes your couples on various things such as cooking and even children’s education.”

Fidelia got married at the age of 26 to Douglas De Silva, the owner of Unical Ceylon Ltd., and helped her husband build the place up. Today, as she approaches her 98th year, she is part owner of the company along with her son Dilhan. Her other son, Harindra, is domiciled in the USA. Marriage and motherhood did not take her away from what has clearly been her lifelong passion, the YWCA. She began working at the YWCA when she was about 20, as a volunteer. She has worked for 10 years as a staff member, Secretary and President of the Colombo YWCA. During her time she has attended several international YWCA conferences in Japan, the USA and UK. I tried to detect a trace of pride in her voice and expression when she spoke about the Rotunda Gardens Hostel. Instead I found humility and honesty. She gave me the facts.

She was the Chairperson when the YWCA was constructed, as a hostel and a vocational training facility, housing also the Family Life Education Centre which was set up in 1972.

Today, as has always been the case, the facility provides safe accommodation for students and young working women. It houses the offices of the National YWCA and has a cafeteria that can serve up to 100 people.

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“I read a fair bit, especially newspapers. I say my prayers. I go to church. I have a problem with my knees and I hate to use this walker,” she says with a slight laugh. She walks, nevertheless, along pathways where the heart is all the feet one needs. She moves with love.

There are places that have meaning for some but do not hold memories for others. There are places made of walls and rooms, cafeterias and offices, places where things are planned and where things happen, places that are homes and places that are addresses for unforgettable moments.

Fidelia De Silva has seen barren land and she’s built homes. She’s seen the hungry and she’s fed them. She has noticed the vulnerable and protected them with her embrace. She’s

It was not an easy task. As always, beginnings were tough: funds had to be found, the day to day ‘necessities’ had to be attended to. “We even launched a ‘Feed a Child’ programme for preschool children. People donated money each month and we were able to feed about 100 children in various preschools across the country.”

Fidelia was part of all that. She’s seen it grow.

And her work is not over.

“I still help in whatever way possible. I am invited to attend special programmes, I chair the occasional meeting, and sometimes am able to do something special, especially when it comes to fund-raising ventures. I am generally happy about how things have turned out and how everything has been happening. The hostel is getting on well. It has been expanded.”

Fidelia is not only about the YWCA, though.

She raised a family, supported her late husband in his business and even now when the vibrancy of youth remains mostly in

“She walks along pathways where the heart is all the feet one needs. She moves with love.” a human being who has painted places with the incomparable hues of humanity.

She still paints. Maybe it’s not that she is painting or ‘doing’. Maybe just she’s praying.

May she be blessed just as she has been a blessing to so many in this island.

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I aspire to lose weight one day. It’s been a 20 year aspiration. I don’t like people who stay slim but keep flooding social media with the amazing food they eat. But much like my food addiction, I am also addicted to stalking such instagram feeds that seem to boast #Ieatanythingandgainnothing.

Instagram’s been throwing a brand of amazing looking ice cream at me – fabulous sounding flavours, pretty packaging, and just 70 calories per half a cup? That’s better than one of those small cups of yogurt in our supermarkets. Importantly everyone’s raving about how amazing the #guiltfreeicecream tastes. For someone who has a stash of #fullofguilticecream in her freezer, this is the stuff of dreams. So I did my research.

The too good to be true ice cream is a brand called HaloTop that’s winning the American freezer wars over established brands like Haagen Dasz and Ben & Jerry’s. In fact, HaloTop made it to Time Magazine’s list of the 25 Best Inventions of 2017 (food hardly ever makes the cut).

HaloTop is sweetened with organic Stevia and also uses the sugar alcohol Erythritol which doesn’t impact blood sugar levels.

The ‘healthy’ ice cream has milk and cream but also plenty of air whipped in to it.

The company website has an ‘Us vs Them’ comparison which compares a half cup serving of their Vanilla Bean ice cream (70 calories, 5g protein, 2g fat, 6g net carbs) to a

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GUILT FREE

Ice Cream

similar Serving of Haagen Dasz Vanilla (250 calories, 4g protein, 17g fat, 21g carbs) and Ben & Jerry’s vanilla (250 calories, 4g protein, 16g fat, 21g carbs).

While the product itself obviously works, it’s also a social media success story – other than spending on attractive branding and packaging (that screams out the calories), and shooting awesome ice cream pictures to post, the company has spent little else on advertising and marketing. It has a huge following on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, with the feeds managed by in-house staff.

HaloTop was founded by Justin Woolverton, a lawyer who suffers from hypoglycaemia and first experimented with healthy ice creams for himself using a cheap ice cream maker he found on amazon. He still runs the company as a private enterprise and while he has plenty of food scientists on his payroll, tries out all the flavours himself. Flavors now include Birthday Cake, Red Velvet, Sea Salt Caramel, Peanut Butter Cup, Candy Bar, Caramel Macchiato, Cinnamon Roll and Pancakes & Waffles.

Ahem … local ice cream makers. I love your ice cream and patronize you very very often so please do consider this a loud hint from a girl who really wants some guilt-free ice cream.

Potato Toffee You will need: • Potatoes 500g • Sugar 750g • Condensed Milk 1 small tin • Vanilla 1 tsp • Cardamom powder 1 tsp • Butter 1 tbsp How to: 1. In a non-stick pan, mash the potatoes together with the sugar. Turn on the heat, and cook on a low fire until mixture becomes smooth.

2. Add condensed milk, stirring continuously until the mixture begins to bubble.

3. Add vanilla, cardamom and butter and stir a few more minutes.

4. Remove from heat and spread the mixture evenly on a greased board.

5. Cut into squares while still warm, and let it cool until set.

Rulang Toffee Coconut Toffee You will need: • Desiccated coconut • Sugar • Water • Salt • Vanilla • Food Coloring • Butter

250 g 250 g 1 cup 1/4 tsp 1 tsp a few drops 50 g

Method: 1. In a pan, heat sugar and water until sugar is full dissolved.

2. Add salt, vanilla and food colouring; stir well.

3. Add desiccated coconut and butter and keep stirring until mixture begins to bubble and thicken.

4. Pour evenly onto a tin lined with greaseproof paper.

5. Let the mixture cool for 15-20 minutes before cutting into desired shape.

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is just weeks away and it’s time to prepare your mind and body for the overwhelming intake of fabulous traditional sweetmeats. To experience the real excitement of the traditional new year, try your hand at making some goodies for your Avurudu spread. We’ve put together a few simple recipes for some

You will need: • Semolina • Grated Coconut • Treacle • Sugar • Vanilla essence • Salt • Butter

500g 1 nut 1 cup 1 cup 2 tbsp ½ tsp 1 tsp

How to: 1. Place semolina and butter in a saucepan over a medium flame, and stir until it becomes lightly toasted and turns slightly golden in colour.

2. To make the ‘pani pol’ (caramelized coconut) mixture, place grated coconut, treacle and sugar in a second saucepan and heat the mixture up over a low fire.

Stir slowly; add salt and vanilla essence to the coconut mixture. (it’s optional that you add a drop of vanilla essence if preferred).

3. When the coconut mixture begins to thicken and become darker, add the semolina and mix well. (You may also add some chopped cashew if you like) 4. Pour the mixture into a pan lined with greaseproof paper; pat the pan down to smoothen out the mixture.

5. Cut into pieces, lift from lining and cool before serving/storing.

favourites that even the most inexperienced cook can follow.

Milk Toffee You will need: • Condensed milk • Sugar • Butter

1 can (510g) 250g 50g

Water 1/2 can Vanilla essence 2tsp Chopped Cashew 100g

How to: 1. Place a heavy bottomed pan or a nonstick pan on a low heat, and pour in condensed milk, water and sugar. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until mixture heats up.

2. Add your vanilla and keep stirring.

3. When the mixture becomes thick and feels resistant against your spoon, add the butter and cashew.

4. Remove from the heat, pour the contents on to a greased tray and cut into squares.

5. Let the toffee cool to room temperature before serving/storing.

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Seed Banks

Sustainability

for

Be it to buy a new phone or to save up for a wedding somewhere in the distant future, we all know the importance and value of putting away a little money from our monthly income and preparing for things that are yet to come.

Now let’s implement that idea to things that are more essential to our future like, oh I don’t know, oxygen and food?

With eco-systems fast deteriorating, climates fast changing and Asia fast smogging, the future of organic fruits and clean air looks bleak, at best. But luckily for us, Sri Lanka is full of bright and innovative minds that are forever trying to change the world for the better. Enter Jayantha Wijesingha and the concept of a Seed Bank!

The Seed Bank stems from the idea of initiating Fruit Villages, where each garden or household in a village or other small community will receive 5 varieties of fruit plants to cultivate on their own. 5 years down the line, the village will be self-sustained, completely free of chemicals and eating much healthier than they do now, and will be beneficial not only for its people but for the animals, the eco-systems and everything surrounding it. Unfortunately, the number of plants needed for a project of that scale would cost quite a bit.

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Why you should help • If you’re buying a plant or two to grow at home, regular flower shops are great to hunt for something pretty. But should you want to initiate a large-scale tree-plating project, seeds and saplings available in Sri Lanka are very limited and very expensive.

For example, an Anodha plant will set you back Rs. 200 and if you’re purchasing 200 plants, that’s a pretty absurd price to pay for a good deed.

• Purchasing imported apples or grapes often enough to get our much needed nutrition is pretty impractical when you look at its market price and compare it to the income of a regular Sri Lankan.

• It is a fact that imported fruits are often stored away for months on end before it reaches the mouths of their end consumer and are pumped full of chemicals. Growing your own fruits and vegetables will not only be healthier but will also give you a good excuse to jump on the Organic Bandwagon and start posting about your healthier lifestyle on Instagram!

• Collecting your seeds and preserving them for a better cause is much better than dumping them in an abandoned garbage

pile somewhere where it won’t have the sunlight or water to grow. Its better for the environment, better for your waste disposal methods and beneficial to everyone coming into contact with the process • Be it at your school, university, work place or village, a Seed Drive is a great way to bring together people to do something good, and is a great idea for your next CSR project!

Jayantha and his growing community have given us ways in which we can all contribute towards the cause and essentially just be better humans who care about the future of this planet. You can plant them yourself by tossing them into fertile lands like unused properties, irrigation lands or even government lands and letting nature take its course. Or hand them over to Jayantha and the team by contacting him on 077 7771348 or dropping him an email atsajwijesingha@ gmail.com so that they can work their magic on our sunny little island!

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The Realist’s Guide to the

BIG MATCH

Here’s a confession. I made it all the way to my teens without having heard a single significant word about the ‘big match’. Was I living underground and eating beans out of a tin for 13 years? Surprisingly no, I was out and about in the world like any normal, albeit slightly eccentric and introverted, young person.

What might add even more incredulity to all this, is the fact that my father was himself an alumni of one of the big match’s biggest players. Still, while he may have been all ‘esto perpetua’ about the school itself, he had never been a sportsman. His prize books for drama and debating were proudly displayed on a shelf, but his interest in the month of March was purely along the lines of the ‘Ides of’ rather than the traditional three days of play.

Thus, his only child slid merrily through life with nary a clue about the importance of these matches.

It was only when a friend asked me if I would like to accompany her to the encounter, and I confessed that I hadn’t the foggiest clue what she was on about, that I received my education on this bastion of boy and

manhood. My father agreed to the excursion on the score that her parents would be with us to watch over me, and I entered into the spirit of the thing with great excitement.

fights. By the end of the day everything smelled of regurgitated cream soda and overused bathrooms. In short, I just didn’t get it.

Of course before the day of the match dawned I was also introduced (logistics at our school being such that younger girls weren’t exposed to this phenomena) to the perpetual boys jumping over the school wall and running around cheering loudly and holding out their hats. Novice that I was I peered into the proffered hear gear with some misgivings, it seemed rather sweaty and grubby so I said “No thank you” as politely as possible. One of my friend hissed “He wants money! Give him your tuck shop cash.” I was indignant – why on earth should I sacrifice my hot dog money for this boy? “Nangiiii” he said “Don’t be so hard hearted”. Oh dear. Bye bye hot dog.

Of course as time went on, like most teenage girls, the big match became a spot where one could rendezvous with a person of interest, or at the very least spot a person of interest in the hope of a future rendezvous. I went to a few more big matches on this basis.

However, I discovered that it was a truth universally acknowledged that young men at big matches do not want to stare into your eyes as much as they want to stare into the bottom of a bottle.

I went off to the match with the highest expectations, and returned several hours later feeling perfectly bewildered. First of all it was beastly hot, secondly, I couldn’t actually follow the game (the fact that I knew nothing about cricket didn’t help), the music was very loud, lots of boys drank too much, sweated profusely and sang off key. Several got into

For many years I gave the matches a wide berth.

It is ironic therefore, that I eventually married a man who considers the big match to be a matter of grave importance. In fact we timed our wedding day around it. He also had one rule ‘You can’t come to the match because I don’t want to have to worry about you”. You can imagine my delight.

Years of enjoying three days of peace and quiet later, we had our son and I realized that my days of avoiding the match completely were now numbered. This, in fact, is my last year of freedom. Next year, I will have to accompany a small, flag waving little boy to the battle of the blues. I suggested to my husband that maybe he could take the child along, father son bonding and all that. No dice.

Still, I have to admit that I am rather looking forward to it, at least my son is 100% guaranteed to stare into my eyes, especially when he gets tired of pretending to watch the match and wants to play Lego Batman games on the tab. Yup, it’s going to be the best big match date I’ve ever had.

PAGE 174 | www.pulse.lk

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experience in similar capacity Excellent communication skills, strong leadership skills and self-motivated team player.

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Brand Manager Should possess a bachelor degree in marketing management or CIM/SLIM. Minimum 2 years in management position. Should possess strong interpersonal skills and have an analytical mindset.

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Social Media Executive

Minimum 2 years’ experience with a digital media agency in the capacity of an English Creative / Copy writer. Must have an interest in fashion and up to date with current trends.

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A person who can work on customer focused culture and exceed customer expectation. Should have excellent communication skills in English. working hours.

PAGE 176 | www.pulse.lk

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Customer Service Representative equivalent. (Medical students are encouraged to apply). Minimum one year work experience in a customer service environment, preferably in call center. Need an outstanding customer service etiquette.

Accounts Assistant

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Revenue Manager

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www.pulse.lk | PAGE 177

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Key responsibilities include understanding the insurance industry in Sri Lanka by selecting the best policy options and understanding the claims process, and driving sales, both on an individual as well as corporate level. The ideal candidate would have.

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Key responsibilities will include API design and development, the ability to write “clean,” well-designed code, and contribute in all phases of the development cycle. The ideal candidate would have -Proven software development experience in PHP (Laravel, Codeigniter).

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Liaising and building relationships with insurance companies is what ensures that Save Your Monkey is able to provide their customers with the best insurance covers for the best prices.

The ideal candidate would have -Minimum 2 years’ experience in operations, preferably in the insurance industry.

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