3
Editor ’s note
Team
W
ith the first rays of the morning sun some of us are already waiting at train stations and bus stops trying to reach work on time. Those lucky enough to have their own vehicles can sleep just a little bit longer but soon have to get up and be on their way too. Work, work and more work. We have all become so used to this day-in-day-out routine, and for the most part it seems like that we don’t have much of a choice. But we do, there is always a choice. In this hustle and bustle of life, our minds get so occupied with making ends meet, acquiring money, power and getting ahead that we soon forget to appreciate the little things in life. We tend to shove the things that actually matter or make a difference in our lives to the back of the closet. We tend to forget what is most important to us. We are too tired to have a good time with our families, we soon forget our friends. We may not realise it now, and it may not appear to be a significant issue. Yet, if we continue to deny ourselves the pleasure of spending quality time with family and friends, in the end we would have missed out on the best bits of life. So change your routine today itself. It is never too late to amend things for the better. We bring you “Discover Sri Lanka”, a magazine that gives you variety of choices on how you could have a grand old time with your loved ones. In life you have to make a lot of compromises, but don’t let it be the happiness of the people who means so much to you. Bring your close ones even closer. Life’s short, live it to the fullest. Do something exciting every day, Stay somewhere new every time, Dine with someone special and Shop only from the best. Discover yourself, while discovering Sri Lanka !
Yusriyya Naseer Editor
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Discover Sri Lanka
May - June 2011
Editor in Chief Yusriyya Naseer Associate Editor Nasiya Muhamin Managing Director Nisreen Majeed Editorial Contributors Alexander Shambly Freelance Photographer Mushaq Mohamed Graphic Design & Layout Devinda Amarathunga Head of Sales & Marketing Ashad Yasmin Production & Distribution Shiraj Shan Sales & PR Coordinators Himalaka Perera Ajanthan Arumugam Kalpani Michee Printer Karunarathna Printers For Editorial & Advertising Contact Discover Sri Lanka 46, School Avenue, Off School Lane Nawala, Rajagiriya. Tel: +94-011-2888030 sales@colombotown.com www.colombotown.com Publication of New Multimedia Interactive
Content 08
Once Upon A Time In Sri Lanka, The story of the Rodi : The Sri Lankas
“Untouchables”
Exclusive Resorts & Day Spas
The Leading Lifestyle TV program in the world, Exclusive Resorts and Day Spas with Alexander Shambly, which features the most luxurious Resorts, Hotels and Attractions globally.
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10 o stay Where t A slice of Heaven… The Theva Residency, Hantana, Kandy
Refined Skills & Creative Imagination, The Art of Chandana Ranaweera
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Other Features...
16 Letters from my Maldivian friend 30 Give me a Break Movies for the whole family 32 Laugh corner
Destination of the month
Trincomalee
Hosted by Alexander Shambly
Exclusive Resorts & Day Spas
Editorial for Kanbulo Lifestyle Magazine (formerly Colombo Town)
S
ri Lanka most recently played host to the Leading Lifestyle TV program in the world, Exclusive Resorts and Day Spas with Alexander Shambly, which features the most luxurious Resorts, Hotels and Attractions globally. The episode which will commence airing globally early next year features Resorts from the pristine white sandy beaches of the East Coast including Trincomalee down through the lush jungle region of Habarana and highlighting the Golden Belt with its tropical landscape in Bentota Beach.
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Discover Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka also had an opportunity to showcase one of the leading institutions in the world of Fashion based in Sri Lanka, Hameedia, which was Mr. Shambly’s stylist during his filming campaign in Sri Lanka. Alexander Shambly’s career on camera began in the Fashion business as a Top International Model appearing in leading publications such as Vogue, Woman’s Weekly, Woman’s Day and Harper’s Bazaar to name a few. His unique voice recognized the world over can be attributed to his many years of working in radio where he was host of his lifestyle Radio program. Mr. Alexander Shambly the Creator and Executive Producer of “Exclusive Resorts and Day Spas” TV program has showcased some of the most lavish Resorts and Hotels in the world including leading brands such as Kempinski, Raffles, John Keells and Taj Hotels to name a few. His stylish delivery and eloquent presentation contributes to him being considered by movers and shakers in the industry as the best in the business.
May - June 2011
“we seem to have quite a steady client base in the Maldives, Singapore, Dubai and our newly found treasure Sri Lanka” Lifestyle TV Productions have become a very competitive business in the last few years. We asked Mr. Shambly who also appears on some of the great Resorts and Hotels in the world websites, what has distinguished “Exclusive Resorts and Day Spas” as one of the leading TV programs globally? “We are committed to giving our clients the best possible production in High Definition, in the most cost effective manner in keeping with the client’s budget. Exclusive Resorts and Day Spas have maintained an 80 percent increase in occupancy to Resorts and Hotels whom have appeared on our program and featured on our website, which has contributed to the repeat business from our clients with newly opened properties”. We asked Alexander, with numerous destinations filmed by” Exclusive Resorts and Day Spas” during the 6 years of being in production, which is his favorite destination. “Its like having children and trying to choose a favorite I love them all, I really appreciate each destination for its location and wealth of knowledge which I have acquired over the last 6 years of being in production, we seem to have quite a steady client base in the Maldives, Singapore, Dubai and our newly found treasure Sri Lanka”. Mr. Shambly has a diverse back ground in the Fashion and Entertainment industry. He spent 2 years at Indiana University where he received a scholarship as a music
major before moving to California, where he recorded with Natalie Cole, on her hit album” Thankful” as a woodwind player. His vast skills in journalism have distinguished him as a freelance journalist for Lifestyle and Travel magazines. Mr. Shambly has written articles in leading publications including Mode Bride, Nosatras Magazine as the (Fashion and Travel editor),Wentworth Courier (Travel article), The Bulletin and other international lifestyle and travel publications to name a few. He’s also written a Book which was accepted for publication by the leading New York publisher Vantage Press “Beauty A Special Message” which focused on Beauty and Lifestyle Enhancement. Mr. Shambly has been a guest speaker for Prime Ministers, Heads of State and Captains of Industries in many corners of the world. “Exclusive Resorts and Day Spas TV program” is also ecologically conscience with highlighting the importance of looking after the environment and often contributing to charities. If you would like more information about “Exclusive Resorts and Day Spas TV program” visit the website www.exclusiveresortsanddayspas.com
ONCE UPON A TIME IN
SRI LANKA
The story of the Rodi : The Sri Lankas “untouchables”
N
o Sinhalese caste has aroused so much wonder and curiosity as the Rodi, once the `untouchables’ of Sri Lanka. Indeed there is something mysterious about this people who claim their descent from Sinhalese royalty but who have for centuries been despised and down trodden by society.
Theirs is a very sad story indeed and their plight a yet sadder one. It is only today that this folk are emerging to take their due place in society after centuries of oppression. Rodi legend holds that they are descended from Ratnavalli (also known as Navaratna Valli) the daughter of King Parakrama Bahu 1 (12th century). About 100 years ago Hugh Nevill, a prominent British civil servant recorded the following tradition current among the Rodi as to their origins:
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Discover Sri Lanka
`At Parakrama Bahu’s court the venison was provided by a certain Veddha archer. Who during a scarcity of game substituted the flesh of a boy he met in the jungle and provided it as venison for the royal household. Navaratna Valli, the beautiful daughter of the king discovered the deception and fascinated by a sudden longing for human flesh ordered the Veddha hunter to bring this flesh. The Veddha accordingly waylaid youths in the woods, and disposed of their flesh to the royal kitchen. The whole country was terrified by the constant disappearance of youths and maidens. It happened that a barber who came to the palace to complain of the disappearance of his only son while waiting was given by the servants of the royal scullery a leaf of rice and venison curry. Just as he was about to eat he noticed on his leaf the deformed knuckle of the little finger of a boy. Recognizing it by the deformity as that of his son he fled from the palace and spread the alarm that the king
May - June 2011
“It’s believed that the Rodi are descended from totemistic eastern Indian aboriginal hunting tribes who came to Sri Lanka along with the sacred Bo-sapling (today the Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura) about 2000 years ago.” was killing and eating the youths of the city. The facts then came to light and the king stripping his daughter of her ornaments and calling out a scavenger then sweeping out a neighbouring yard gave her to him as wife and drove her out to earn her living in her husband’s class.’ Somewhat different is the original legend narrated by Robert Knox in his `Historical Relation of Ceylon’ (1681). Says Knox `The predecessors of these people from whom they sprang were Dodda Veddhas which signifies hunters: to whom it did belong to catch and bring venison for the king’s table. But instead of venison they brought man’s flesh. Unknown; which the king liking so well commanded to bring him more of the same sort of venison. The king’s barber chanced to know what flesh it was and disclosed it to him. At which the king was so enraged that he accounted death too good for them; and to punish only those persons that had so offended not a sufficient recompense for so great an affront and injury as he had sustained by them. Forthwith therefore he established a decree that both great and small that were of that rank or tribe should be expelled
from dwelling among the inhabitants of the land and not to be admitted to use or enjoy the benefit of any means or ways or callings whatsoever to provide themselves sustenance; but what they should beg from generation to generation from door to door, through the kingdom, and to be looked upon and esteemed by all people to be so base and odious as not possibly to be more.’ Many were the restrictions placed on the Rodi during the Kandyan period.
Says Knox: `And they are to this day so detestable to the people that they are not permitted to fetch water out of their wells; but do take their water out of holes or rivers. Neither will any touch them lest they should be defiled.’ Until fairly recent times till about 100 years ago this was still true of the Rodi in the Kandyan areas. During Kandyan times both Rodi men and women were compelled to go barebodied and forced to reside in separate hamlets known as kuppayam. Their rajakariya (duties to the state) included the supply of rope made of animal hide for trapping wild beasts. During Knox’s time the primary occupation of the Rodi was mendicancy and hardly anyone refused them. In more recent times the folk were given to professional entertainment. The women would sing hymns in praise of their legendary ancestress Ratnavalli and spin brass plates while the men played a onesided drum known as Bum-mendiya.
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Rodi women are renowned for their extreme beauty and this may perhaps be explained by the following statement of Knox: `Many times when the king (i.e. Rajasinghe II) cuts off great and noble men against whom he is highly incensed he will deliver their daughters and wives unto this sort of people reckoning it as they also account it to be far worse a punishment than any kind of death.’ Constant intercourse with the women of the Kandyan nobility may well account for the aristocratic looks and stately carriage of Rodi women to this day though the same cannot be said of their menfolk. This may perhaps also explain the claims of the Rodi to royal status. M.D. Raghavan (Handsome Beggars. The Rodiyas of Ceylon. 1957) believes that the Rodi are descended from totemistic eastern Indian aboriginal hunting tribes who came to Sri Lanka along with the sacred Bo-sapling (today the Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura) about 2000 years ago. Raghavan connects the term Rodi to the Palli rudda (Sanskrit. rudra) meaning hunter. As for their outcaste and untouchable status Raghavan has an explanation that is worthy of consideration. He believes that the ancestors of the Rodi were worshippers of the `Black Goddess’ Kali whose cult of human sacrifice was prevalent in eastern India until fairly recent times. He is of the view that in former times the Rodi too were given to human sacrifice as may be gleaned from the invocatory hymns sung by Rodi women to their legendary ancestress. `The name Ratna-tilaka-valli befits you; with rituals awe-inspiring I propitiate you. And you whose twentieth year has passed you shall not go without the taste of flesh.’ Another verse attributed to Ratnavalli says `prosperity do I bring you with blood flowing like the river waters ‘ while yet another verse refers to Ratnavalli as one `who wears the fearsome strings of coral `which Raghavan says is `the garland of
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Discover Sri Lanka
“Many times when the king (i.e. Rajasinghe II) cuts off great and noble men against whom he is highly incensed he will deliver their daughters and wives unto this sort of people reckoning it as they also account it to be far worse a punishment than any kind of death.” human skulls round the neck of the aweinspiring Kali.’ In India statues of Kali are traditionally depicted with a garland of human skulls.
May - June 2011
Rodi women
Another indication that the Rodi were originally a nation apart from the Sinhalese is their distinct language which savours of a tribal origin. The language which is neither IndoAryan (like Sinhala) nor Dravidian (like Tamil) has been connected to the Austro Asiatic group of languages spoken by the aboriginal Munda tribes of eastern India. Raghavan believes the language to be connected to the Munda language spoken to this day by primitive tribes in Orissa and Bihar. In the olden days, the Rodi chieftain was known as Hula-valiya (lit.torch-bearer) which Raghavan believes is `a traditional institution from the days when the Rodiya was a tribe of hunters.’ Unlike in the olden days, today Rodi have lost their sense of clanishness. In former times, the Rodi in the Vanni regions were divided into 12 exogamous clans (eg: Mahappola Vapolla and Alpaga) while those in other areas also had distinct clan identities. The Rodi are found concentrated in the up-country areas (the former Kandyan kingdom) especially
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Discover Sri Lanka
in the central north western Uva and Sabaragamuwa Provinces. Today they number a few thousands islandwide. The last census which enumerated the Rodi as a separate community was in 1911. It returned a total of 1.572 Rodi. The traditional life-style of the Rodi is fast dwindling though some characteristics peculiar to Rodi culture still live on. Rodi women are said to have enjoyed a high social status in the past. Even to this day these enterprising and progressive minded women are said to dominate domestic life. They commonly arrange the marriages of their children and earn a considerable income from entertainment and agriculture. The allure of the charming Rodi girls have captivated the hearts of many an `upper caste’ youth. A modern day Sinhalese poet thus sings the charms of a Rodi girl ~ Fair of face like the full blown lotus Thy rosy lips match the red lilies Thine eyes blue as the induvara flower With swelling swanlike breasts; Shine resplendent the livelong day, Rodi girl; the full moon over Ratnapura sky
May - June 2011
Letters from my Maldivian friend...
Hi, Sri Lanka, the land of the elephants, the land of the golden sands, and the land of the coconut trees and so on I have read in many books written about Sri Lanka. But being a Maldivian, my description might slightly shock you. I would call it, the land of hospitals, the land of shops with lots of cheap stuff, and the land with affordable accommodation and so on. This little island in the middle of the Indian Ocean has become a second home to a lot of us, the Maldivians. I too visit here as often as I visit my mother, say thrice a month. I just need some excuse to get onto the flight to come back here. Sometimes I blame it on my health, sometimes to meet a family member, or other times for business purposes. My wife even suspected I was having an 16
Discover Sri Lanka
extra- marital affair. So you can imagine the trouble my addiction to Sri Lanka brought me. The solution was, let my wife join me whenever I come here. It’s double the cost now, but totally worth it. Around 15 years back, return tickets between our countries cost less than $200 and we got an onboard satisfying meal. I remember anticipating and waiting for the food, and being extra nice to the cabin crew just so they give me a little bit more. But times have changed, fuel prices have gone up, airlines have got greedier. Now we pay almost $350 and get one piece of bread cut into the shape of 2 triangles, and if we are lucky some cheese or tuna with it. It’s called economizing so I hear. I am proud to inform that we dominate some of the hotels in
May - June 2011
Colombo. I wouldn’t be wrong if I called them Maldivian residencies. For those who come for shopping, it is the Pearl city hotel in kollupitya. It is in very close proximity to Durdans hospital (specially pediatric cases), Majestic city (my
personal favourite timpass), liberty plaza, roma four and other popular shopping destinations. For those who come to lanka hospital or Asiri Hospital Hotel Sansui in is the best choice. For those who come for Ninewells maternity hospital, Asiri surgical hospital, Oasis hospital and for the cheap shopping in Nugegoda , Hotel Sairas in Narahenpitya is the choice . All these are budget hotels but the service they give doesn’t make you realize it. Many of us also prefer Cinnamon Grand Hotel, especially if we are on our honeymoon or in the mood to
spend some more. I believe I have revealed enough Maldivian secrets for now. Let me keep the rest for later, so that I could continue our friendship in the next issue also. Tomorrow
I have a flight back home. My wife is busy packing and all excited to leave. But my heart feels heavy, it’s never been easy to say good bye to this land. But I know, it will be only a matter of days, when I will be on a flight back to Sri Lanka again. So subagman everyone, mama ikmanta gehilla ennam……. yours truely,
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REFINED SKILLs & CrEATIVE IMAGINATION The Art of Chandana Ranaweera By Ashley Halpé Chandana Ranaweera has called several 0f his current series of exhibitions Samadhi Chinthana. One imagines him as seated in Samadhi before his utterly simple materials - a sheet of paper, a pen charged with black ink. An image begins to take shape on the screen of his imagination. He focuses intensely on it.
H
e begins to draw on the paper and our imaginations focus in company with his. Chandana gives us three categories of work’ One is of abstractions from the reality around us - Trees, Bats in Flight, a Boat drawn up on shore, a Flute player. All rendered with scrupulous fineness of line and shade. The shading is achieved by a multitude of fine lines. There are also boldly created shapes. Another category is the depiction of his own imaginings. A third is his adoption of a uniquely distinctive form of collage. He tears shapes from printed newspaper and also takes lengths of discarded ayurvedic prescriptions written on ola leaf and glues them on small pieces of drawing paper -approx, 10 inches by 12 or l4 inches and then draws on the surface: a standing Buddha image, monks in a vihara… There is interplay between the mostly vertical lines of the images and the horizontals of the lines of the newsprint
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Discover Sri Lanka
and the delicate lines of the Sinhala of the prescriptions. The art of Chandana has earned perceptive and enthusiastic critical commentary from Edwin Ariyadasa, Gwen Herath and the present writer. A substantial collection of his work can be viewed at his rural home “Mallika Niwasa” in Alawwa. No believer in ‘Guru Mushtiya,’ he eagerly and generously passes on his skills and knowledge of art history and artistic understanding to generations of young students at his old school, Rathanalankara Viduhala, Alawwa, where he teaches and where I have had the opportunity of admiring what he is doing when I was able to visit an art show at the school. His students have won recognition and several awards at art competitions. Artist Chandana Ranaweera, “Mallika Niwasa”, Naramala Rd, Alawuva. Mobile - 037 5679297
May - June 2011
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A slice of Heaven…
The Theva Residency, Hantana – Kandy
N
estled in the Hantana Hills Theva sits overlooking Kandy town. As you drive through the windy roads up the Hantana hills one can see the ethereal glistening of small city lights filling the night sky. An undoubtedly magical entrance to this boutique hotel. The food is divine and prepared with the utmost devotion and attention to detail. The Chef and his team have really been able to bring world-class food to this remote location. The rooms exude luxury as they use a combination of pure cotton, silk, wood and glass – a heady mix of the traditional and modern, to create an unparalleled in-room experience. Each sensory detail has been carefully refined to ensure every detail
is perfect, such as the precise positioning of your Jacuzzi in relation to the incredible terrain in front of you. Waking up at Theva where one sees mountain peaks and dramatic skies for miles ahead of you from every room can only be something described by the heart. Slipping out of bed and being greeted by an expanse of endless skies before you, while you walk on recovered railway logs beneath you listening to chants from the old world is therapy in itself. In her clean interiors with just enough color to remind you of Sri Lanka’s vibrant palette and the world outside Theva is the perfect weekend getaway from the grind of the mundane. For Reservations and inquiries: The Theva Residency 11/B5/10-1, 6th Lane, Off Upper Tank Road Off Circular Road 2, Hantana, Kandy Tel Fax Email Website
: +94 (81)-7388296-99 : +94 (81)- 2218515 : thevaresidency@gmail.com : www.theva.lk
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“… if you haven’t seen Trincomalee, then you haven’t seen Sri Lanka”
TRINCOMALEE This piece of land in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka has aroused much curiosity among locals and foreigners for years. Be it natural or man made, this magical peninsula has it all, from modern beaches to ancient temples.
The civil war and the tsunami brought the development of this city to a premature halt. But now slowly, after years of patience and a lot of fighting, the city has got back onto its own feet.
Distance from Colombo : 264 km Colombo – Trincomalee duration : ???????? You can choose to drive, but if you want your journey to be more adventurous, taking a train would be a great idea.
One-Way Adult Fares
3rd class reserved seat
2nd class reserved seat
1st class sleeper berth
Colombo-Trincomalee Rs.205 (£1/$2) Rs.370 (£2/$3) Rs. 750 (£5/ $7)
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Discover Sri Lanka
May - June 2011
Destination
of the
Month
2
Koneswaram Temple (Temple of a Thousand Pillars)
visit places in &
Must lee around Trincoma
1
The 7 Hot Water Springs
On the way to Trincomalee, about half a mile from the Anuradhapura Road is the 7 hot water springs of Kannya. The water in
At the Southern extremity of the peninsula, stands the Swami rock ( God’s rock) which is about 400 ft above the sea. This is where the Koneswaram temple proudly stands now, re-built after being destroyed by the Portuguese in 1622. According to history, a Hindu Prince, having learned from the Puranas that the
Cooling down at the Springs
these wells are warm, but the temperature slightyly differs in each. These springs are also popular for their therapeutic affect on arthritis and rheumatism. History has it that when Ravana was the Lord of Lanka, Vishnu wished to prevent Ravana from setting forth on some undertaking, and he appeared to Ravana as an old man bearing the false news that Kannya (his mother) was dead. Thereupon Ravana determined to put off his project and, perform the rites for the dead, asked where he could find water for the ablutions. Vishnu disappeared and the hot springs burst forth where he had stood.
Koneswaram Temple
rock now known as Swami Rock was a fragment of the holy Mount Meru hurled into the present site during a conflict of the gods, came over to Lanka and erected upon it a temple to Shiva.
3
Lovers Leap
Next to the Koneswaram temple is the so called lover’s leap which has become a favorite suicide spot for the locals after a lost love. This place is 350ft from the sea and is worth a visit just for the view of the ocean
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a classically e l e gant resor t
BERUWALA
THE PALMS - BERUWELA "The Palms" is situated in the South West Coast in Moragalla - Beruwela on the famous Beruwela Golden Mile stretch. The hotel opens up to the magificent Golden sandy beaches engulfed by the reef and surrounded by a canopy of greenery, thus creating an ambience of experiencing picture perfect sun sets, An ideal family weekend outing indeed !!
FOR RESERVATIONS PLEASE CONTACT
+94 (11) 4334834 - 7 / 4722682 / 2381644 Email: sandy@forthotels.lk Web: www.forthotels.lk 53 1/1, Sir Baron Jayatilleke Mawatha, Colombo 1
118, Galle Road, Wellawatte
and the passing fish boats. From inscriptions found on the Swami rock, the daughter of an Old Dutch General was engaged to a young Dutch officer. He broke off the engagement when the period of his foreign service was over, and he embarked for Holland. The forsaken girl watched the vessel from the promontory of Swami Rock, and as the ship was sailing away with her faithless love, she flung herself from the precipice into the sea - a sheer drop of 400 feet.
visit their relatives while others to pay their tribute for their country’s heroes.
Paying tribute to their war heroes
The Sacred tree at Koneswaram Temple
5
Sacred Tree
4
World War II Cemetery
It is listed under the Commonwealth cemeteries and is also one of the biggest British cemetery in Sri Lanka. You can locate it on your way to Nilaweli beach. Be sure to stop by if you are especially interested in history because you will find a lot to keep you occupied. In 1942, the Japanese air raid destroyed a British ship and killed 380 soldiers. It is the bodies of these soldiers that are buried in this cemetery. In past years, many British families have visited these graves, some to
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Discover Sri Lanka
There is a Bo Tree behind the Koneswaram Temple on the cliff face. People tie pieces of cloth on this tree. Some do it as a prayer while others asking for something in return.
6
Fort Frederick (The Dutch Fort)
On the way to Koneswaram temple, you come across Fort Frederick, built by the Portuguese in 1676. There are still colonial style British Army buildings present in the area and it is currently a working military base. Although going inside might not be such a good idea, having a look at the architecture should not be missed.
May - June 2011
7
Buddhist Temple – Velgam Vihara
Built in the 2nd century, 8 miles from Trincomalee is this Buddhist temple which was not destroyed by the invading Cholas that time. Most of its structures are either hidden by grass or tree, but a tall Buddha statue standing in the middle of the ruins brings the temple alive. The Dutch Fort
This deep natural habour is reputed as one of the finest in the world. Many battles have been fought in the past between Dutch, British, French and the Portuguese for this extraordinary piece of nature.
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Pigeon Island
This is a small island near Trincomalee. Hundreds of pigeon gather in the island
8
Beaches
You can reach a beach easily from anywhere in Trincomalee, but Nilaweli and Uppuveli beaches are the most spoken of. Knee deep water spreads out to hundreds of meters and so is considered one of the safest areas in Sri Lanka for a swim. The hotels in and around Trincomalee are geared to extend facilities for snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and whale watching.
9
Habour
British Admiral Horatio Nelson once proclaimed ‘anyone who controls this habour has access to the whole Indian Ocean’.
Visiters at Pigeon Island
and there is a coral reef there which is considered a great place to go snorkeling or diving. For those who have already visited Trincomalee, you know my words are not an exaggeration. For those who haven’t, make it your next holiday destination and you won’t regret it.
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GIVE ME A BREAK !!! With our sedentary lives slowly taking over, our vision of a perfect holiday is one spent watching good movies on our sitting room sofa. So for all of us couch potatoes, here is a collection of movies which you should not miss out on.
The Prestige, 2006
Directed by : Christopher Nolan Cast : Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Micheal Caine and Scarlette Johansson This story is about two magicians whose intense rivalry leads them on a life-long battle for supremacy filled with obsession, deceit and jealousy which ends up in dangerous and deadly consequences.
Despicable me, 2010
Directed by : Pierre Coffin Voiced by : Steve Carell, Jason Segel and Russell Brand No matter how evil a villain may look, this movie is proof that they too have a soft part inside them somewhere. When a criminal mastermind uses a trio of orphan girls as pawns for a grand scheme, he finds himself profoundly changed by the growing love between them.
Megamind, 2010
Directed by : Tom McGrath Voiced by : Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Brad Pitt, David Cross and Jonah Hill The super villain Megamind finally conquers his nemesis, the hero Metro Man, but finds his life pointless without a hero to fight. He then creates a hero himself to fight against him which turns out to be a disaster which helps him discover the good in him. Megamind and Despicable me are the only 2 movies in which you would absolutely fall in love with the villains and not the hero.
The Ultimate Gift, 2006
Directed by : Michael O. Sajbel Cast : Drew Fuller, James Garner and Abigail Breslin The gift of money, the gift of fame and the gift of power is not really as important as the actual gift we often forget to appreciate. When his wealthy grandfather dies, trust fund baby Jason Stevens anticipates a big inheritance. Instead, his grandfather has devised a crash course on life with 12 tasks--or “gifts�--designed to challenge Jason in improbable ways, sending him on a journey of self-discovery and forcing him to determine what is most important in life: money or happiness.
Notebook, 2004
Directed by : Nick Cassavetes Cast : Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands, James Garner and Rachel McAdams An epic love story centered around an older man who reads aloud to an older, invalid woman whom he regularly visits. From a faded notebook, the old man’s words bring to life the story about a couple who is separated by World War II, and is then passionately reunited, seven years later, after they have taken different paths. Though her memory has faded, his words give her the chance to relive her turbulent youth and the unforgettable love they shared
Up, 2009
Directed by: Pete Docter Voiced by : Edward Asner, Jordan Nagai and John Ratzenberger This is one movie that will burst your heart out with emotions. It’s amazing that love like the one in this movie exists anymore. The ones we love may die, but the love in our hearts for them never does. It’s about an old man who makes a journey to make his late wife’s dream a reality.
Wanted, 2008
Directed by : Timur Bekmambetov Cast : Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy and Morgan Freeman If you are an action fan, then “Wanted” is a must watch. It’s not all about firing bullets but bending them too. A frustrated office worker learns that he is the son of a professional assassin, and that he shares his father’s superhuman killing abilities. The twists and turns in this movie will keep you all guessing and excited till the end of the movie.
The Uninvited, 2009
Directed by : Charles Guard Cast : Emily Browning, Arielle Kebbel and Elizabeth Banks If you are into thrillers, then “The Uninvited” is the movie for you. Anna Rydell returns home to her sister (and best friend) Alex after a stint in a mental hospital, though her recovery is jeopardized thanks to her cruel stepmother, aloof father, and the presence of a ghost in their home.
31
At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities. ~Jean Houston A mother mouse and a baby mouse are walking along, when all of a sudden, a cat attacks them. The mother mouse goes, “BARK!” and the cat runs away. “See?” says the mother mouse to her baby. “Now do you see why it’s important to learn a foreign language?”
The Sunday School Teacher asks, “Now, Johnny, tell me frankly do you say prayers before eating?” “No sir,” Little Johnny replies, “I don’t have to, my mom is a good cook!” The young man entered the Ice Cream Palace and asked, “What kinds of ice cream do you have?” “Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry,” the girl wheezed as she spoke, patted her chest and seemed unable to continue. “Do you have laryngitis?” the young man asked sympathetically. “Nope,” she whispered, “just vanilla, chocolate and strawberry.” A man walks pass a beggar on the corner of the street where he works. The beggar holds out his one hand and the man drops a coin into his hand. One day the man walks pass the beggar again and notices the beggar is holding hold out both his hands. He asks: “Why are you holding out both of your hands?” The beggar replied, “You see sir, business is going so well I decided to open another branch”.
32
Discover Sri Lanka
A friend of mine was a frequent user of a pay telephone at a popular truck stop, and was greatly inconvenienced when the phone went out of commission. Repeated requests for repair brought only promises. After several days, the phone company was again contacted and told that there was no longer a rush. The phone was now working fine--except that all money was being returned upon completion of each call. A repairman arrived within the hour! When a man with nine children was asked how he handled illness among his children, he said, “When the first born coughed or sneezed, I called the ambulance. When the last one swallowed a quarter, I told him that it was coming out of his allowance!”
May - June 2011
He said, “I heard the nurse say, ‘It’s a very simple operation, don’t worry, I’m sure it will be all right.’” “She was just trying to comfort you, what’s so frightening about that?” “She wasn’t talking to me. She was talking to the doctor!”
Two old men in a retirement village were sitting in the reading room and one said to the other, ‘’How do you really feel? I mean, you’re 75 years old, how do you honestly feel?’’ ‘’Honestly, I feel like a new born baby. I’ve got no hair, no teeth, and I just peed myself.’’ When his teenage son asked to borrow twenty dollar, the man said, “Son, don’t you realize that there are more important things in life than money?” “Yes, sir,” the youth replied, “I do. But you need money to take them to the movies.” Joan and her neighbor are talking about their daughters, Joan says, my daughter is at the university. She’s very bright, you know. Every time we get a letter from her we have to go to the dictionary. Her neighbor says you are lucky every time we hear from our daughter we have to go to the bank. A mother says to her small son who is being mean as usual, “How do you expect to ever get into Heaven?” To this her son replies” I figure I’ll just run in and out the pearly gates until St. Peter says either stay in or out”!
The boss was complaining in our staff meeting the other day that he wasn’t getting any respect. The next day, he brought a small sign that read: “I’m the Boss!” He then taped it to his office door. Later that day when he returned from lunch, he found that someone had taped a note to the sign that said: “Your wife called, she wants her sign back!” My best friend ran away with my wife. It’s only been three days and I really miss him. “Do you believe in life after death?” the boss asked one of his employees. “Yes, sir,” the clerk replied. “That’s good,” the boss said. “After you left early yesterday to go to your grandmother’s funeral, she stopped in to see you.” The economy is so bad that:If the bank returns your check marked “Insufficient Funds,” you call them and ask if they meant you or them.
A man was wheeling himself frantically down the hall of the hospital in his wheelchair, just before his operation. A nurse stopped him and asked, “What’s the matter?”
33
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36
Discover Sri Lanka
May - June 2011
Te l e p h o n e D i r e c t o r y RESTAURANTS Seafood Lagoon
2497371
Lavinia Breeze
4205183
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2508555
Flag & Whistle Fusion Food 2485500 The Sizzle
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2380972
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5747788
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5364362
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2769433
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2580301 2689102
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2500014
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LOUNGES, CAFES, COFFEE HOUSES
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7219169
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2300133
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37
CLOTHING BOUTIQUES Aashkii
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2446622
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5844111
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2596355
Colombo-4
Spell Bound 2809797
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Highlevel Road
5650563
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2592471
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Pagoda Road Summer 69
Colombo-4
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2382676
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DRY CLEANERS
Hyde park corner
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38
Majestic City
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0727225902 4003895
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GIFT AND HOME DÉCOR
Triumph Liberty plaza
2301845
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2434113
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5833335
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5364364
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5511140
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2502467
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2595669
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5555549
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2565999
May - June 2011
Te l e p h o n e D i r e c t o r y De Silva Antiques
2812025
Treasure Trove
2717253
A & A International Opticians 2595414
Fine Things
2492492
Uthum Pathum
2580819
Albert Edirisinghe Opticians 2583536
Gandhara
2596329
Villa Saffron
5531651
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2854826
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2582991
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2368958
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2301221
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2502196
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2440521
Hermitage Gallery
2553429
Colpetty Ray Bans
2574118
Indeera Creations
2769063
D.S.Jayasinghe Opticians
2541289
K & A Antiques
2825075
Body By Kris
Kalaya
2786886
Cinnamon Grand Recreation
Dr Colvin R A De Silva Mw 2675609
2437437
Galle Road, Col -3
2575121
2421221
Liberty Plaza
2575833
Galle Road. Col -4
2599990
Galle Road. Col -6
2362971
Kent
GYMS 2825749
Eric Rajapakse Opticians
Liberty Plaza
2576864
Continental Gym
Majestic City
2508533
Fitness Centre
Dharmapala Mawatha
2447727
Lotus Road
2544544
Lakmathaka
4574582
Hilton Residency
2300613
Eye Site Optics
Lakpahana
2692554
Fitness Edge
5566566
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Lanka Hands
4512311
Fitness First
4702655
Leather Collection
Fitness Kingdom
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2592710
Sir Ernest De Silva
2375189
Majestic City
4514881
Hotel Ramada
587534
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4505580
Global Towers
2591000
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Bookers Building
4621800
Rajagriya
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2586770
Kotte
Dehiwala
2730530
Mt Lavinia
Odel Colombo-7
2682712
Odel Warehouse
0773-587534 2730787
5672020
George Gooneratne Optians 2392844 060-2087213
Hi Tech Opticians
2813717
H.M.S. Sririwardhana Opticians
Fingara Town & Country Club 2509676
2565889
Global Fitness Centre
2505462
J.A. Jayasinghe Opticians
2688211
Glory Health & Fitness
0717-307788
J.M.Wickramarachchi Opticians
Dickmons Road
2590435
Hilton Colombo Sports And Fitness Club
2824646
High Level-Colombo-6
4209140
2492492
Kanchana Opticians
5857483
Olu
2885600
Ladies Only
4203614
M.A.Jayasinghe Opticians
2883879
Paradise Road
2686043
Lifestyle Fitness Lanka
4723300
Optics Options
2507778
Paradise Road Gallery
2582162
Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC)
Samarasinghe Opticians
2338732
Paradise Road Studio
2506844
2695293
Techno Optics
2303919
P.D.G. Antiques
2810723
Power Drome
2491000
Technovision
5668561
Raux Brothers
2583813
Power World
The 500 Boutique
5543501
Stone ‘N’ String
2301555
Malalasekara Mw
5644619
Suriya
4736459
Ward Place
4614248
Colombo-7
4734300
Lesley Tanagala Mw
2669047
Colombo-5
4542524
The House Of Gifts
The Eye Emporium
Dharmapala Mawatha
5012677
Hospital Road Dehiwala
4203815
V & Eye Opticians
2721969
Galle Road, Col-3
5558977
Hill Street Dehiwela
4203615
Vision 20-20 Opticians
2669172
R.A.De Mel Mw
2365314
Nugegoda
2769567
Vision Care Optical Services 5334931
S.De.S Jayasinghe Mw
5548622
Pulse Beat Gyms
Mt Lavinia
5554410
Havelock Road
2595932
Galle Road, Col -3
2564533
Mt Lavinia
2737439
Crescat Boulevard
5557133
2768166
Dharmapala Mw Co l-7
2438946
The Lover
Wickramarachchi Opticians
Nugegoda
5557543
Sanhinda Leisure Centre
Pita Kotte
5521908
Singhalese Sports Club (SSC)2695362
Titus Stores
Taj Samudra Fitness & Sports Centre
Staples Road
5748903
Crescat Boulevard
5510965
Liberty Plaza
5748902
Main Street
2439422
2446622
OPTICIANS
39