6 minute read
TABLING IN SRI LANKA
Visiting the pearl of the indian oCean
TABLING IN SRI LANKA
By ROUND TABLE SRI LANKA
Thambapanni, Taprobane, Ceylon are just some of the names given to the pearl of the Indian ocean known today as Sri Lanka. This small island paradise with 22 million people is one of the best tourist destinations of our time. Sri Lanka has a history dating back over 2000 years. Sri Lanka has it all, from golden sandy beaches to the cool climes of the central highlands. Due to its small size, you can sunbathe on a beach in the morning and be on a safari in one of its many national parks by afternoon. Sri Lanka holds a special place in the hearts of all who have visited and to those who call it home. The 2018 Round Table World Meeting has impacted all those who visited, and now paradise awaits for those yet to visit her beautiful shores.
THINGS TO SEE
THE SOUTH COAST
from galle to tangalle, the south coast of sri lanka is dotted with scenic beach towns coupled with its beautiful shoreline. enjoy a mojito on the golden sands or take part in a surf lesson. if the season is right, one can board a yacht and head out into the open ocean for a chance at observing the largest mammal on the planet, the blue whale. the coast is the place to be.
Activities
> snorkelling > Whale Watching > surfing > amazing seafood
THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
taking a break from the warm shores, you could head to the central highlands of sri lanka to the sleepy town of nuwara eliya, also known as little england, enjoying the cold weather while watching over the green tea covered hills. for a change in scenery, the town of ella awaits, once a small stopover point but now a bustling tourist destination with modern bars and amazing sights such as little adam's peak.
Activities
> hiking > tea plantation visits
> Visit the sacred temple of tooth
THE WILDERNESS
sri lanka boasts over 20 national parks where you can enjoy a safari to observe its inhabitants in their natural habitat. the elusive leopard is king here, and sri lanka is one of the best places in the world to observe this beautiful cat. Wilpattu and Yala national parks have grown in popularity due to the ease of viewing wildlife. heading towards central sri lanka, you may visit minneriya national park to witness the "gathering" when over 300 asian elephants converge on the banks of the minneriya reservoir to feed on the life-giving grass. a wildlife haven.
Activities
> safaris
> bird Watching > trekking
THE CULTURE
a history spanning over 2000 years, sri lanka has a rich culture. the remnants of this can still be seen to this very day, from the magnificent rock fortress known as sigiriya to the immense Jetavanaramaya stupa in the ancient city of anuradhapura, if culture and history is your calling, then this is the place to visit. the cultural triangle holds some of the world's greatest buddhist art and architecture collections.
THE CUISINE
Known for it combinations of fish, herbs, spices, rices and fruits, the cuisine packs a lot of flavours. Coconut, as well as cinnamon, is historically well known for use and export. influences on the cooking culture include south indian, indonesian, dutch with other ties to southeast asian countries. FACTS Capital sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (legislative) and Colombo (executive and judicial) Population 22,156 m Language sinhala, tamil, english (recognized) Currency sri lankan rupee (lKr) National Day 4 february
ROUND TABLE SRI LANKA Chartert 2003 Godparent round table india Members 109 Clubs 10 AGM 2 July, 2022
National IRO Vivek sundaralingam iro@rtsrilanka.org
LEARN MORE Get to know more about Round Table Sri Lanka on @rtsrilanka
hoW to be a good hoUse gUest
Adapted from RT Southern Africa's How To Guides - ALAN MALAN
This quote rings true - especially when it comes to meeting our Brothers and Sisters when travelling both in our own countries and internationally. Like most Members of the Round Table Family, we always insist on receiving our counterparts in our own homes instead of having them stay in accommodation barren of unequalled Table hospitality.
Of course, we know how to show our guests a great time and we know how to create a "fond memory-inducing" environment. Roles reversed, as a truly global network, there will be numerous opportunities where that same hospitality is presented to us. When being home-hosted, certain small gestures will convey our gratitude to our gracious hosts. When being home-hosted, certain small gestures will convey our gratitude to our gracious hosts:
COMMUNICATION
Find out who your hosts are and thank them for hosting you. Let them know when you will be arriving and if you have special dietary requirements. Send your hosts a message when on route and indicate your estimated time of arrival. AT THEIR HOUSE
Never abuse your hosts' hospitality, bar, appliances, or Wi-Fi. Offer to help with the cooking and splitting the ingredients bill. Keep your travel baggage neat and organised. Always clean up after yourself, and make your own bed. If they have a maid or a cleaning service, greet them and offer to help without interfering with their duties.
PLANNING AHEAD
Buy your hosts a thoughtful gift, maybe a special item from your hometown or country. It's always a great call to gift an item that will commemorate your visit. Ensure that you have everything needed for personal hygiene like your toothbrush and paste, shower gel, deodorant, etc. Bring your own towels and offer to bring your own bedding, if required. Ensure you have the right adapters and inputs to charge your mobile devices as not to part your hosts from their in-use fittings. WHEN YOU LEAVE
Thank your hosts sincerely, and let them know when you safely get to your next destination. Highlight a memory of your stay, and gift them your Club's banner with a personalised thank you message and or regalia. Remember to take a photo/selfie with your hosts and tag them on your social media handles. Keep in contact and offer to host them if they visit your area or country. With your final goodbyes, you will always realise that our organisation truly creates lasting friendships and cherished memories.
ARRIVING
When abroad, familiarise yourself with your hosts and their greeting customs - this shows respect and will break the ice if you are on the shy side. Inform your hosts when you intend to leave and discuss your transport arrangements, or request their help should you wish to catch a ride with them. Find out your hosts' routines and schedule for your stay and make sure they know yours.
TABLERS STAND TOGETHER IN SUPPORT OF UKRAINE!
show your support by buying a one-of-a-kind, “stand with Ukraine” limited edition round table hoodie sweater for only 42.95 euro. all proceeds will go directly to the people in Ukraine who urgently need our potentially life-saving assistance. order this original hoodie (multiple colours available) and we will donate the entire proceeds to giro555 - a humanitarian initiative set up by the round table 20 netherlands' service Committee. orders or questions can be emailed directly to rt20@stravers.nl. When ordering, please specify your desired size(s), quantity, and delivery address - we will deliver the hoodies as soon as possible Customized embroidery/alternative sweater colors are also available upon request. to maximize the impact & reach of this great cause, please distribute this promotion to your networks. Yours sincerely, Bosch van Rosenthal (Chairman - rt20 netherlands) Rinus Stravers (treasurer - rt20 netherlands
