The treasure island september october 2014 by Suranga Cooray

treasureisland.lk

SLT

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

DESTINATIONS

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

PHOTOGRAPHY Aloka I de Silva Chandima Jayaweera Maheesha Mindula Warna Liyanawatte Sanju Samarasinghe Suranga Cooray Achintha Dahanayake Upul De Zoysa Rohan Karunarathne

MARKETING

Santhush Fernando Head Of Business Promotion

GRAPHICS

Brainwave Advertising

MIRISSA SOUTHERN SRI LANKA’S UNIQUE WATER SPORT AND ECO TOURISM HAVEN

Out of all coasts in Southern Sri Lanka, Mirissa can be said tO have the most stunning sunsets in the evening and sunrises in the breathtaking sandy beaches, transform dreams into real HERITAGE mornings, life. Mirissa lies 150 km south of Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo, and OF DAMBADENIYA A PICTORIAL RECORD 24 km further south of the ancient port city of Galle. The one-time fishing hamlet is famous for ocean–based water activities among Dambadeniya is a ruined ancient city tourists and locals from snorkeling to diving to sailing to rafting. situated in the North Western Province Since of late it has become a world famous site for dolphin and on the Kurunegala -NEGOMBO road of whale watching. Sri Lanka. It served as the capital of Sri Lanka in the mid 13th century. It was also the third capital of ancient Sri Lanka, crowned by four kings. Dambadeniya is a kingdom consisted of the temple and the rock kingdom At the temple one can see the temple of the tooth, ancient frescoes and ruins.When one starts to climb the rock a huge rocky trap that has been made ready to fell on is seen a far.

BIRDING

SRI LANKA A TRUE BIRDERS PARADISE Sri Lanka is a paradise island with remarkable bio-diversity. The island is ranked amongst the world’s twenty fifth bio-diversity hot spot. Sri Lanka has a high density of species of avifauna. More than 453 species have been recorded including the migrants. Around three quarter of these species of birds are endemic to Sri Lanka and simply cannot find anywhere in the world.

ARCHAEOLOGY

PANDUWASNUWARA THE LEGENDARY KINGDOM

The city of Panduwasnuwara is said to have been established by King Pandukabhaya, who was the successor of King Vijaya in the fifth century BC. The historical ruins in the area thus also belong to the 12th century when it was known as Parakramapura. Many legends have been woven around the palace complex here and about the people who are said to have lived there. Some believe that a princess whose name was Unmada CHITHRA who had to be shielded from the eyes of men was imprisoned at the ‘ektem ge’ or the one pillar chamber built closely to the palace.

FOLKLORE

UNAWATUNA WELLE DEVALAYA – Sanctuary by the Seven Seas Unawatuna Welle Devalaya which is located on the world-famous Unawatuna Beach that was considered as one of the twelve best beaches in world, it is the most sacred and most popular place of worship that is closest to the Galle town.

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

Production and Advertising

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General: (+94) 11 2 199 077, (+94) 71 8 688 311 Marketing: (+94) 77 3 688 912, (+94) 77 3 688 911 info@treasureisland.lk |treasureisland.lk

NATURE

A FUTURERISTIC OUTLOOK ON MANGROVE BASED ECO-TOURISM. GALLES PICTURESQE KADURUDUWA BAMBAGALA MANGROVE ON THE BRINK OF DESTRUCTION

Mangroves or Kadolana is a sensitive type of ecosystem growing along tidal mudflats and shallow coastal water areas extending along rivers and streams where water is generally brackish. The mangrove ecosystem is dominated by mangrove plants as the primary producer interacting with associated aquatic fauna, and social and physical factors of the surrounding coastal environment. Conservation of mangroves which safeguarded much of the coastal areas of Sri Lanka during the 2004 Asian Tsunami is very vital not only because these special ecosystems nurture rare species and complex biodiversity but also it has untold potential for ecotourism..

The Multicounty Observational Study Mission (OSM) on Best Practices in Promoting Innovation and Productivity in Agriculture for Mass Media Practitioners, organized by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) reached a successful completion on 14th September 2014 offering a common regional platform to flexibly identify potentials of effectively developing sectors of agriculture in participating countries. The study mission commenced on 08th September 2014 in Tokyo in Japan continued for 07 days in several prefectures where a 17 member media delegation from 13 APO member countries participated for learning, sharing and experiencing modern agricultural technology, practices and traditions in Japan.

8 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

AGRO

APO STUDY TOUR IN JAPAN A LESSON TO LEARN ON POSSIBLE POTENTIALS TO BOOST AGRICULTURE AND AGROTOURISM IN SL

Contents

LUXURY

PROMOTIONS

BOUTIQUE

NATURE TRAILS BOUTIQUE HOTEL CONSERVING OUR NATURAL HABITATS FOR FUTURE GENERATION IS VITAL Featuring an outdoor pool and a garden, the hotel offers elegant, decent and somewhat traditional accommodation in Unawatuna. The six air-conditioned rooms come with free Wi-Fi and pool views. The private bathroom includes a shower and free toiletries. There is a bar and a restaurant on site serving local, Chinese and Western dishes and BBQ facilities.

MISS UNIVERSE CHINA 2014 FINALIST WITH CEYLON TEA

CANTALOUPE LEVELS TRAVERSING TO THE NEXT LEVEL Cantaloupe Levels, an intimate luxury & lifestyle boutique hotel nestled in the picturesque Rumassala Mountain in Unawatuna near Galle, is the second property under its Cantaloupe Villas portfolio. an interview with the Treasure Island, Cantaloupe Group General Manager Imran Naufal spells out the concept behind Cantaloupe Levels.

World RENOWNED MISS Universe China 2014 beauties were in Sri Lanka. These beauties were taken around the country to see the scenic beauty of island by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts the ORGANIZER OF the Pre Pageant Tour. These beauties coming from the country who discovered this miracle beverage experienced world finest Ceylon Tea during their stay in the island.

65 67

BUILDING AVADI 2014 TO ENHANCE YOUTH CAREER OPTIONS More than 4000 youth participated at AVADI 2014 at the MRICC an education and career exhibition fair. The two-day exhibition attracted a mass number of youths and their parents to witness greater potentials of career development

LATEST

CINNAMON RED,SRI LANKA’S FIRST LEAN LUXURYHOTEL, UNVEILS - RS 3.5 BN INVESTMENT UNDER CINNAMON HOTELS & RESORTS September 1st 2014, Colombo: Cinnamon Red, Sri Lanka's first lean luxury hotel was unveiled under the aegis of Minister of Economic Development, Basil Rajapaksa who hoisted the Cinnamon Red flag to mark the ceremonial launch of this Rs. 3.5 Bn investment coming under the banner of the Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts chain.

71 News 70

EDUCATION TOURISM CERTIFICATE COURSE ON AGRI AND ECO TOURISM SCHEDULED TO CONDUCT AT SRI LANKA FOUNDATION The Sri Lanka Foundation in collaboration with Asian Agriculture Consultants has launched a Certificate Course on Agri and Eco Tourism.

TRANQUILITY LADY HILL – BIRD’S EYE VIEW With a rich history spanning over two centuries, Lady Hill Hotel overlooks the ancient port city of Galle, nestled atop the highest point of the capital of Southern Sri Lanka.

A scene of Sunset seen at Ahangama, downsouth of Sri Lanka, during travel from Mathara to Galle along the mains. Photograph by; Rohan karunarathne

10 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

HERITAGE

Of DAMBADENIYA A Pictorial Record By Teshani Wanninayake

ambadeniya is a ruined ancient city situated in the North Western Province on the Kurunegala -Negombo road. It served as the capital of Sri Lanka in the mid 13th century. Of course Dambadeniya was the third capital of ancient Sri Lanka, crowned by four kings. The pioneer King WijayabahuIII, built his royal palace on the rock at Dambadeniya and converted the region the capital of the country. On the summit of the Dambadeniya rock he built fortifications and sturdy walls and gates. The city was made secure by a moat, a marsh and ramparts around the royal palace to prevent enemies encroaching the kingdom. Dambadeniya is a kingdom consisted of the temple and the rock kingdom. At the temple one can see the temple of the tooth, ancient frescoes and ruins. When one starts to climb the rock, a huge rocky trap made ready to fell on a battle of enemies who would try to enter the Kingdom on the rock could be seen. There also exists a narrow point of the stepped path to enable the Royal soldiers to cut the enemies one by one on entrance to the palace premises. On the top of the rock area , one also sees the complex of Royal palace, a temple for the Sacred Tooth Relic, three major ponds and security points. The largest and the deepest out of these three ponds on the rock was called ‘Rathmal Pokuna’ followed by a second named ‘Muguna pokuna’ that was said to be used for agricultural purposes. The third was used as a source of portable water. When one climbs the top of the rock a marvelous view is met. ‘Waduwa Ketu Gala’, is another picturesque rock one can see from here. According to legends, this rock was a prison during Dambadeniya kingdom.

The historic building – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Dambadeniya 12 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

Ancient frescoes inside the image house

The pond used as a source of portable water

The rock where the royal seat was located

Remnants of the royal palace complex

Rock traps to kill enemies

Rathmal Pokuna

Magnificent views from the top of the rock

14 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

Muguna Pokuna

DESTINATIONS

i ir

a s s

ter e wa Out of niqu en u all coasts s ’ hav in Southern Sri ka n m Lanka, Mirissa can a s L be said the most Sri touri stunning sunsetstoinhave the evening and n coadasa sunrises in the mornings, breathtaking er e h t sandy beaches, transform dreams into real life. d un Kar a Sou rt aIn k da Mirissa lies 150 km south of Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo, y n o ix b and 24 km further south of the ancient port city of Galle. The onep P s xt and time fishing hamlet is famous for ocean–based water activities among

Mirissa Point

tourists and locals from snorkeling to diving to sailing to rafting. Since of late it has become a world famous site for dolphin and whale watching.

Mirissa is a fisher-folk village with a modern fisheries harbour in the historic Southern Province District of Matara located along the A-2, Colombo-Matara Highway. Before the dreadful waves of the 2004 Asian Tsunami wrecked havoc, the Mirissa beach, consisted un-spoilt plam-claded beaches and sand dunes. The world-famous Mirissa-Weligama Bay begins from Mirissa point to Weligama point. The bay is a very beautiful, breathtaking coastal gulf in Sri Lanka where the famous and picturesque Mirissa fisheries harbor is located. The fisheries harbor during the wee hours of the early morning transforms itself into one of the busiest fishing hamlets in Sri Lanka. Few meters away from the Mirissa port, in the Indian Ocean is a magnificent coral reef, which gives the hamlet an additional beauty whilst providing an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving as well a stunning view from glass-bottomed boats. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 15

Mirissa is also very famous for its dolphin and whale-watching. Asanga Coorey is a energetic young person who spearheaded the dolphin and whale watching initiative in Mirissa and later it spread like wildfire across the island. Asanga established his own private business- the Mirissa Water Sports (Pvt) Ltd. to conduct dolphin and whale watching excursions. Whale and Dolphin watching season extends from December to April. Seas off Mirissa offers schools of Bottle-nosed, Spinner Dolphins, Stripped Dolphins, Risso’s and Common Dolphins along with pods of toothed cetaceans such as Sperm Whales, Killer whales, Blue Whales and Bryde’s Whales in abundance. Mirissa Water Sports and Mirissa Moorings have modern equipped motor vessels with experienced licensed local guides with fully insured vessels for whale and dolphin watching. Although the whale and dolphin season runs from November to April, December to March is the ‘peak’ season where whales and dolphins can be seen in great numbers. Sailing around the Mirissa Bay and ocean is also very popular among tourists as well as locals. Most tourists like to sail by moorings or by motor boat. Within the Mirissa Bay, there are few small islets located. Among them the Tabrobane Island is the most famous islet. Tabrobane Island is a small rocky island very close to the shore. It’s said that the renowned American author and composer Paul Bowels wrote a part of his novel ‘The Spider’s House’ whilst holidaying at this Island. A number of tourists and a few locals enjoy fishing as a sport at Mirissa area. Sport or recreational fishing is popular from November to April. Reef fishing or coast fishing gives an opportunity to catch numerous fish such as Bone Fish, Snapper Emperor and Grouper Fish whilst in the open sea fishing one can find more exotic fish varieties such as, Tuna, Trevally, Jackfish, Indian Mackeral, Mackeral, Spanish Mackeral, Barracuda etc.

Mirissa is also known as one of the major surf spots in Sri Lanka. Best time for surfing in Mirissa is from October to March. Even during off-season one can see tourists surfing along the Mirissa oceanic waters. The picturesque Polwatta Oya stream flows into the ocean near Mirissa Bay. Along the Polwatta Oya tourists and locals can be seen enjoying mangroves excursions. Colombo-Matara Expressway and Colombo -Matara railway line and the coastal line cross the Polwatta Oya in close proximity to the Mirissa Bay. Another popular activity in Mirissa is turtle watching during the egg laying season . One such ideal spot is near the Coast Guard office along the Matara-Colombo highway. Most tourists use Mirissa as a transit point for other destinations such as Matara, Kirinda, Bundala, Kumana, Udawalawe, Hambantota, Tissamaharamaya, Kataragama, Ella etc. However, very few are aware that Mirissa is a destination in itself and offers many star-class hotels with good accommodation facilities. Special thanks to: Mirissa Water Sports (Pvt) Ltd and Mirissa Moorings (Pvt) Ltd. Phone : +94-77-3597731/ +94-77-3597734. E-mil: mirissawatersports@gmail.com Web: www. mirissawatersports.com

Sail boat - Mirissa Moorings 16 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

Sail boat - Mirissa Moorings

Mirissa fisheries harbor

Vessels belongs to Mirissa Moorings

Whale and dolphin watching

Fishing

Stilt fishing at Mirissa SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 17

The un-spoilt Mirissa beach

Lighthouse at the Sri Lanka Navy-owned Malima Weligama premises

Polwatta river mangroves

Surfing 18 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

Tabrobane Island

BIRDING

Text and Pics by Dhilip De Alwis NATURALIST AT “THE OTHER CORNER” (A TRUE BIRDERS PARADISE – www.tocsrilanka.com) – HABARANA – SRI LANKA.

ri Lanka is a paradise island with remarkable bio-diversity. Sri Lanka though it is a small country the magnitude of bio-diversity is very high. Because of this, the paradise country is ranked 10th highest in the bio-diversification. Also Sri Lanka is a tropical island which is close to the equator and the geographical change is dramatic. This geographical variation is led to many ecological systems which has become the natural habitats of many species. Also Sri Lanka is ranked amongst the world’s twenty fifth bio-diversity hot spot. In comparison with countries of it size, Sri Lanka has a high density of species of avifauna. More than 453 species have been recorded including the migrants. Around three quarter of these species of birds are endemic to Sri Lanka and simply cannot find anywhere in the world. As per the counts there are 237 breading residents, 216 migrants and out of which 33 species and 68 sub species are endemic to this island. When time to come, these numbers may increase with the research work on avifauna. It is afact that Sri Lanka also has been recognized as a birders paradise. Most of the avifauna are found in the wet and hill zones. The rest is found in the dry zones. The winter migrants comes to Sri Lanka with the help of the North East monsoons in October and they reside until the South West monsoons which comes during the month of May where the migrants will travel back to their own destinations. Large number of migrant bird species which annually move from the “Northern Autumn winter” to the tropics along the “Central Asia Flyway”and their Southern journey ends in Sri Lanka. Some of the migrants travel from distant Siberia and Western Europe. In 2010 our Ornithologists have detected more than one million aquatic birds (show birds) at Vidattativu Laggon near Mannar area. Lester Perera, Isuru De Zoysa, and I detected close to four thousand Pallas’s Gulls (Ichthyaetus) the largest member of the Gull family in Mandathive Island – Jaffna in 2013.

20 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

ASY PRINIA

Prinia socialis

ASIAN OPENBILL

Anastomus oscitans

BAR-WINGED FLYCATCHER-SHRIKE Hempus picatus

BAYA WEAVERS

Pioceus philippinus

BLACK HEADED CUCKOOSHRIKE Coracina melanoptera

BLACK-CAPPED BULBUL - ENDEMIC TO SRI LANKA Pycnonotus melanicterus

CENTRAL ASIAN FLYWAY The Central Asian Flyway (CAF) has also been referred to as the Central Asian-Indian Flyway and the Central Asian-South Asian Flyway. It covers a large continental area of Eurasia between the Arctic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the associated island chains. The CAF comprises several important migration routes of waterbirds, most of which extend from the northernmost breeding grounds in Siberia to the southernmost non-breeding wintering grounds in West Asia, South Asia, the Maldives and the British Indian Ocean Territory The concept of flyway is essentially an operational concept linked to waterfowl whose populations one wishes to manage over their entire migration space. CENTRAL ASIAN, EAST ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN, AND WEST PACIFIC MIGRATORY BIRD FLYWAYS The CAF range is essentially centered on one of the three major wintering areas of waterfowl in the Old World, namely the Indian subcontinent, the other two being Africa, in territory of the African-Eurasian Flyway (AEWA) to the west, and south-east Asia in the East Asian – Australasian Flyway (EAAF) to the east. These wintering areas are geographically separate, and present entirely different ecological, historical and cultural situations.

The flyway covers 30 countries of North, Central and South Asia and Trans-Caucasus. The northern catchment area of CAF inevitably overlaps, and considerably overlaps, with both those of AEWA and EAAF, mostly within a single country, the Russian Federation, though sixteen of the 30 countries encompassed by the CAF are located in the AEWA area. They are: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, China People's Republic of, Georgia, Iran Islamic Republic of, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom Chagos Islands and Uzbekistan.The remaining countries in the Central Asian Flyway are: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iraq, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Qatar and Yemen

ASIAN PARADISE FLYCATCHER Terpsiphone paradise

22 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

The Central Asian Flyway covers at least 279 migratory waterbird populations of 182 species, including 29 globally threatened species and near threatened species that breed, migrate and spend the non-breeding winter period within the region. Species such as the Baer's Pouchard Critically endangered. Northern Bald Ibis, White-bellied Heron, Baer's Pochard and Endangered. Greater Adjutant and vulnerable - Black-necked Crane, Indian Skimmer, Lesser Adjutant, Masked Finfoot, Socotra Cormorant, Wood Snipe and near threatened. Blackheaded Ibis, Lesser Flamingo, Pygmy Cormorant, White-eyed Gull are completely or largely restricted to the Central Asian Flyway range.

BROWN-HEADED BARBET Megalaima zeylanica

BLACK-HEADE IBIS

Threskiornis melanocephatus

FLAME-BACKED GOLDENBACK WOODPECKER – ENDEMIC TO SRI LANKA Chrysocolaptes stricklandi

BLACK - HOODED ORIOLE Oriolus chinensis

BLACK-WINGED STILT

Himantopus himantopus

BRAHMINY KITE Haliastur indus

BROWN CAPPED PYGMY WOODPECKER

Dendrocopos nanus

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 23

WHY SRI LANKA IS IMPORTANT ON ASIAN MIGRATORY BIRD FLYWAY Sri Lanka is the southernmost land mass of the Central Asian Flyway and is the final destination of many migratory birds exiting the eastern and western Indian flyways and the Andamon islands. The Department of Wildlife Conservation in Sri Lanka has declared four Ramsar sites and declared other Protected Areas in Sri Lanka which are wetlands habitats of migratory waterbirds. These include: Anawilundawa Sanctuary, Bellanwilla - Attidiya Sanctuary, Bundala National Park, Gal Oya National Park, Giants' Tank Sanctuary, Kumana National Park, Muthurajawela Sanctuary and Yala National Park Bird distribution in Sri Lanka is largely determined by its climatic zones. The dry zone is largest of the three, covering more than half of the area of the island, with a prolonged dry and hot period and only one monsoon (the northeast monsoon from October to January).

12. Black – Capped Bulbul (Pycnonotus melanicterus)

The wet zone, with two monsoons, is in the southwestern quarter of the island, where the few remaining rain forests are found and humidity is high.

13. Sri Lanka Spot -Winged Thrush (Zoothera spiloptera)

The central hill zone rises to over 2450 m (8-10,000 ft) and has a cool temperate climate. Most of the 26 endemic species are confined to the wet and the hill zones, with only a few extending into the dry zone as well, and below given the list of some of the endemic bird species in Sri Lanka.

15. Sri Lanka Bush Warbler (Bradypterus palliseri)

1. Lanka Spurfowl (Galloperdix bicalcarata) 2. Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl (Gallus lafayettii) – National bird of Sri Lanka 3. Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon (Columba torringtoniae) 4. Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot (Loriculus beryllinus) 5. Layards Parakeet (Psittacula calthropae) 6. Red Faced Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus) 7. Sri Lanka Green Billed Coucal(Centropus chlororhynchos) 8. Serendib Scop Owl (Otus thilohoffmanni) 9. Chestnut Backed Owlet(Glaucidium castanotum) 10. Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros gingalensis) 11. Sri Lanka Yellow Fronted Barbet (Megalaima zeylanica)

14. Sri Lanka Thrush (Zoothera imbricate)

16. Sri Lanka Dull Blue Flycatcher (Eumyias sordidus) 17. Brown Capped Barbbler (Pellorneum fuscocapillus) 18. Sri Lanka Orange Billed Barbbler (Turdoides rufescens) 19. Sri Lanka Scimitar Barbbler (Pomatorhinus melanurus) 20. Ashy Headed Laughingthrush (Garrulax cinereifrons) 21. Sri Lanka White Eye (Zosterops ceylonensis) 22. Sri Lanka Blue Magpie (Urocissa ornata) 23. Sri Lanka White Faced Starling (Sturnornis albofrontatus) 24. Sri Lanka Hill Mynah (Gracula ptilogenys) 25. Black – Throated Munia (Lonchura malacca) 26. Sri Lanka Green Pigeon (Treron pompadora) 27. Sri Lanka Woodshrike (Tephrodornis (pondicerianus) affinis) 28. Crimson – Backed Goldenback Woodpecker (Chrysocolaptes stricklandi)

24 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

CHANGEABLE HAWK EAGLE Spizaetus cirrhatus

CHESTNUT HEADED BEE-EATER

COPPERSMITH BARBET

CRESTED TREASWIFT

GREAT THICK-KNEE

Merops apiaster

Hemiprocne coronate

Megalaima haemacephala

COTTON PYGMY GOOSE

Nettapus coromandelianus

Esacus recurvirostris

LESSER GOLDENBACK WOODPECKER

Dinopium benghalense

LESSER WHISTLING DUCKS

LITTLE EGRET

Dendrocygna javanica

Egretta garzetta

LITTLE GREBE

LOTEN’S SUNBIRD

MALABA PIED HORNBILL

PURPLE SWAMPHEN

Tachybaptus ruficollis

Anthracoceros coronatus

Nectarinia lotenia

Porphyrio porphyria

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 25

The bird watching in Sri Lanka will seduce bird enthusiasts. Kumana, Singharaja, Horton Planes, Udawaththa Keley (Kandy), Bellanwila (heart of the city), Muthurajawela, Minneriya, Kawdulla, Kitulgala, Minipe, Adamspeak, Yala, Udawalawe, Wilpaththu, Kottawa cum Piliyanadala area, Roomassala, Galoya are some of the famous places for Ornithologists to observe and study about the feathered friends. Other than the above mentioned locations generally entire Sri Lanka is a place for bird watching. I have observed many birds (other than the forest birds) from my garden at home (Close to the city) and many local birders also must have experienced the same. There are key things to know before you step out for bird watching program. 1. Bird watching is a group or individual activity. 2. Dress in green, khaki or brown so that you can easily hide from their sight. 3. Silence is golden and it is very important. A “first timer” in to this activity must clearly keep it in mind. Most of the birders mainly concentrate on the call of the species and the observation is done thereafter. Good ornithologist always keep their eyes and ears open to nature. If you disturb him by talking or any other means he may lose the best part of the program. All you can do is to follow him/her and write down notes (if possible do up a small sketch of the specimen) to ask questions at the end of the program to clear your doubts.

4. Patience is important 5. Wellbeing and comfort of the birds are important and also the anticipation too important. 6. Be prepared with relevant information. 7. Start early in the morning. 8. Make notes and location references if you have a GPS it will be an added help to your program 9.Field Guide is always useful. 10.Try to remember the local names too. Sri Lanka a land like no other is a pearl in the Indian Ocean. Blend of beautiful nature creations like sunny beaches, misty hills, rain forests, valleys etc. It is a Paradise for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts because of the rich bio diversity. This splendid country is famous not only because of the cultural triangle but for wildlife too. It is the duty to protect this golden land from pollution,and to avoid taking any environmentally unhealthy materials when you are taking part in these activities. (I must very much thankful to the writers of the Wikipedia web site and Late Mr. G M Henry and other ornithologists who carried their surveys and their hard work in respect of the above subject in Sri Lanka for me to bring this write up to you).

GREY HEADED FISH EAGLE Icthyophaga ichthyaetus

26 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

COMMON Kingfisher

Alcedo atthis

CRESTED SERPENT EAGLE

DRONGO CUCKOO – VERY RARE BIRD

PEA FOWL

JACOBIN CUCKOO

Spilornis cheela

GREY HERON

Ardea cinerea

Pavo cristatus

Surniculus lugubris

Clamator jacobinus

GREEN BEE-EATER

Merops orientalis

JERDON’S LEAFBIRD - FEMALE Chloropsis jerdoni

SHIKRA

Accipiter badius

LESSER ADJUTANT – NEAR THREATNED

Leptoptilos javanicus

PLAIN PRINIA

SMALL MINIVET

Prinia inornata

Pericrocotus cinnamomeus

STORK-BILLED KINGFISHER Pelargopsis capensis

SRI LANKA GREY HORNBILL – ENDEMIC TO SRI LANKA Ocyceros gingalensis

SRI LANKA WOODSHRIKE – ENDEMIC TO SRI LANKA

Tephrodornis (pondicerianus) affinis

TICKELL’S-BLUE FLYCATCHER Cyornis tickelliae

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 27

ORIENTAL WHITE EYE

ORIENTAL DWARF KINGFISHER

Zosterops palpebrosus

Ceyx erithaca

PAINTED STORKS

Mycteria leucocephala

RED-VENTED BULBUL

Pycnonotus cafer

WHITE - BROWED BULBUL– ENDEMIC TO SRI LANKA & SOUTH INDIA Pycnonotus luteolus

PHEASANT TAILED JACANA Hydrophasianus chirurgus

ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET Psittacula krameri

WHITE-BROWED FANTAIL FLYCATCHER Rhipiduraaureola

SPOT - BILLED PELICAN

Pelecanus philippensis

WHITE - RUMPED SHARMA Copsychus malabaricus

SRI LANKA GREEN PIGEON – ENDEMIC TO SRI LANKA Treron pompadora

WHITE-RUMPED MUNIA Lonchura striata

WHITE BELLIED SEA EAGLE Haliaeetus leucogaster

WHITE-BREASTED WATERHEN Amaurornis phoenicurus

28 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER Halcyon smyrnensis

ARCHAEOLOGY

Panduwasnuwara the legendary kingdom

By Teshani Wanninayake

he city of Panduwasnuwara is said to have been established by King Pandukabhaya, who was the successor of King Vijaya in the fifth century BC. The historical ruins in the area also belong to the 12th century when it was known as Parakramapura.

Many legends have been woven around the palace complex here and about the people who are said to have lived there. Some believe that a princess whose name was Unmada Chithra, the daughter of ‘Panduwasudeva’ , who had to be shielded from the eyes of men was imprisoned at the ‘ektem ge’ or the one pillar chamber built closely to the palace. According to the prophesy, the men at the palace believed that a son born to her would kill all his uncles in battle and become the king of the country. This resulted her imprisonment in the high tower called “Ek Tam Ge”, However, she gave birth to a son and finally he survived and fulfilled the prophesy by becoming the King Pandukahabya. Today, Panduwasnuwara is an ancient city in the Kurunegala District of the North - Western Province. The site that spreads over an area of 20 hectares is scattered with ruins of monuments built in the 12th century AD. Panduwasnuwara is located 122 km away from Colombo. Directions: Along Kurunegala – Puttalam road (around 17km) to Wariyapola town and then left from Wariyapola to Chilaw road for about 13km and the site is situated about 01km from the mains.

Remnents of the palace complex

'Ektem Ge' - The one pillar chamber

Ruins of a Stupa and the adjoing buildings

The wide moat and the citadel in ruins

30 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

FOLKLORE

By Santhush Fernando

nawatuna Welle Devalaya which is located on the world-famous Unawatuna Beach that was considered as one of the twelve best beaches in world, is the most sacred and most popular place of worship that is closest to the Galle town.

Unawatuna a sleepy coastal town in Galle district of Sri Lanka, is a major tourist attraction famous for its beautiful beach and corals. This suburb of Galle, about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) southeast to the city center and approximately 108 kilometres (67 mi) south of Colombo, is situated at an elevation of 5 metres (16 ft) above the sea level. With the location of the historic Rumassala Mountain, Unawatuna traces its roots to the great Sanskrit epic – Ramayana. According to Hindu mythologies, Rama waged a war against King Ravana of Lanka for abducting his wife- Seetha. (Rama is considered as an avatar of God Vishnu the maintainer or preserver and the supreme deity of Vaishnavism, one of the three most influential denominations in contemporary Hinduism) Lakshmana or Lakshman who was the brother and close companion of lord Rama was injured during the war and the monkey-warrior Hanuman was sent back to Himalayans in India by Jambavan to fetch four medicinal herbs namely, Mritasanjeevani, Vishalyakarani, Suvarnakarani, and Sandhani. However, according to folklore, the forgetful Hanuman who is now worshipped as a deity failed to identify these herbs, so he lifted the entire mountain and carried it to the battlefield to try to save Lakshman, but in the hullabaloo, a chunk of it fell-down in the location of the present day Unawatuna. Historians say that the name of the village derives from ‘Unna-watuna’ meaning ‘fell down’. Although Hanuman is not considered a ‘Samyak-drushtika dewiyo’ (a deity who has accepted Buddhism) an edifice has being built in honour of on the jungle beach end of Rumassala Hill by Japanese monks of the Mahayana sect near the Peace Pagoda. Rumassala known as Buono Vista Portuguese for ‘pleasant view' (Sudarshana), means ‘Fell from Rama’. Renowned scientist Sir Arthur C. Clerk owned a bungalow in the precincts of Rumassala, as it is said to be the place that has the lowest gravity globally. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 31

Many also believe that the description of the beach paradises in Valmiki's epic Ramayana sounds like Unawatuna.

Deputy Kapurala (Master of Rituals) of Unawatuna Devol Maha Devalaya popularly known as ‘Welle Devalaya’.

Some of the plants which grow at Rumassala are not found anywhere else in Sri Lanka. According to Sir Arthur C. Clerk, Rumassala is an asteroid fallen centuries ago as the constitution of soil is different and plants that grow there are different to that from any other part of Sri Lanka.

Goddess Paththini (the patron goddess of fertility and health) along with deitiesDeva Bandara and Deva Raja had displayed seven walls of fire and asked the brothers to pass through. He was thereafter made a deity and the villagers stated venerating the place where he meditated.

“The origins of this temple or devale runs over 800 years. There were seven brothers who had been exiled from North India for punishing wrong-doers. Since their boats wrecked close to the southern end of Sri Lanka, Muhudubada Dewiyanwahanse (Oceanic deity) seeing their merits of their previous births granted them seven stone crafts. Thereafter they had tried to go towards Devundara (Dondra Point) but God Vishnu had not allowed them to disembark. Then they had in vain tried to land in the coasts close to Hambantota, but God Katharagama who is the deity of the area had not allowed them to do so. Then they have sailed to Ahangama, then here and thereafter to Seenigama islet. Likewise they were successful in disembarking at seven points across the coast upto Panadura,” says Chandrasiri Kumarasiri,

Thereafter, the eldest is said to have married from Weragoda area and a son was born unto then. He had miraculous power of converting sand in to rice, sea water into coconut oil and beach-grown shrubs into vegetables. One day his wife wanting to know the secret of how his husband obtained rice, vegetables and oil, sent her son to follow him. The son whilst secretly observing his father was caught by him who killed and sacrificed the former on the spot- thereafter he became known as Devol Dewiyo. To this day majority of worshippers who visit Seenigama Devalaya, go there to invoke the malevolent powers of Devol Dewiyo to cast spells by chanting poems (Waskavi) and bring bad luck and curses (Shapa) on others. However, according to Kumarasiri , two thirds of the pilgrims who visit this Welle

32 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

Devalaya want to invoke benevolent powers of the deity, from finding a job to blessing childless couples. “It is very unfortunate that even Sri Lankans who visit the Unawatuna beach do not know the importance of this devalaya whereas some do not even know that there’s a place of worship here. Lot illegal businessman have encroached this area and offer liquor and other social vices in close proximity to the devalaya.

NATURE

Kayaking in the mangroves in Thailand

By Santhush Fernando

angroves or Kadolana is a sensitive type of ecosystem growing along tidal mudflats and shallow coastal water areas extending along rivers and streams where water is generally brackish. The mangrove ecosystem is dominated by mangrove plants as the primary producer interacting with associated aquatic fauna, and social and physical factors of the surrounding coastal environment.Conservation of mangroves which safeguarded much of the coastal areas of Sri Lanka during the 2004 Asian Tsunami is very vital not only because these special ecosystems nurture rare species and complex biodiversity but also it has an untold potential for ecotourism. The Kaduruduwa- Bambagala Estuary Mangrove is one such biodiversity hotspot located in close proximity to the Galle town which is now famous amongst many tourists. It is indeed a paradise for nature lovers who are eagerly seeking ecotourism sites to explore and observe some little-known eco systems in Sri Lanka. The Estuary is comprised of hundreds and thousands of lush mangrove shrubs and plants, tropical fish, rare birds and butterflies. The swamp is embellished with rocky islands and is ideal for bird-watching and sunset sceneries in the evenings. “This area is known as Kaduruduwa and the small dam is known as ‘Bambagala Wella’ . The mangrove has become very famous now and even teledramas are being filmed here. This belongs to the Akmeemana Pradeshiya Sabha. There’s no village here but some encroachers have built shacks after filling the swamp,” a villager said. However, regrettably the rising importance and popularity created a dangerous risk for this vulnerable ecosystem. Unfettered fishing and poaching, building of houses and other unauthorized construction works, expansion of gravel roads into the swamp and the surrounding areas, disposal of garbage into the estuary and ensuing water pollution has increased dramatically, raising concerns whether this would remain an attractive destination in a few more years time, let alone decades. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 33

A eco-friendly walkway mangrove ecopark in Philippines

A mangrove ecopark in Philippines consider some of the facts that this public servant with his farsighted vision has pointed out.

“This is a protected area under the supervision of the Department of Forests,” Madura de Silva, President, Wildlife Conservation Society – Galle says. “Lots of tourists are very keen to visit this place and we too encourage walks and hikes in that area. However, a lot of guests have told me that they are thoroughly disturbed of the great deal of pollution caused to natural habitats from Adams Peak to the BambagalaKaduruduwa Mangrove in Galle to the socalled world’s best beach- the Unawatuna beach. This is nothing but carnage of nature they say,” laments Nature Trails Managing Director M. H. Liayange. P.U.Ratnayake, of the Sri LankaTourism Development Authority who authored a paper on ‘A collaborative approach between tourism and coastal communities’ notes that the lack of continuous economic benefits to the neighbouring communities is the main cause of this vicious socio-economic cycle, which has challenged the long-term sustainability of mangrove rehabilitation efforts in many areas of Sri Lanka. Although external intervention and resources over a considerable period seems essential to conserve and restore the original flora and fauna, many note that unless a sustainable livelihood options are created for the neighbouring communities , not only would the locals continue or in fact increase the exploitation of the mangroves but also not bother to stop its destruction. Relevant authorities should seriously

“Considering current trends, introduction of tourism with visitor facilities for research, and study, ecotourism activities will be an opportunity to generate additional or alternative income for mangrove stakeholders. When mangroves are used as a resource base to generate substantial economic benefits from activities such as operating eco -lodges, mangrove tours and other mangrove ecotourism activities, the stakeholders will be motivated to protect their resource base while using it sustainably,” According to a study conducted in Kalpitiya, tourism was the primary source of income for 51.8% of the community and a secondary source of income for 28.5% and the tourist activities were mostly associated with mangrove environments. “Mangroves generate many non economic benefits such as providing an environment and nesting sites for birds, enabling the existence and continuity of wetland ecosystems, and protection of rare, site - specific faunal species. Protection against coastal hazards such as erosion and Tsunami and providing a green cover were also noted. Moreover, due to the high tourism demand and visitor interest in nature and related ecosystems, a sustainable independent system capable of generating continuous economic benefits to the community through tourist facilitation could be developed. In turn, the sensitive and important mangrove habitats that are mostly found in lagoons, estuaries and wetlands can be protected sustainably by an independent tourism - centered system and its neighbouring stakeholders.” Distribution of mangroves species varies in countries and regions

34 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

Country/Region

Species found

Australia

Indo-Malaysia

East Africa

West Africa

East America

West America

Sri Lanka

(Source: Alongi (2002) & FD (unknown) Further they possess characteristics that collectively make them structurally and functionally unique.Morphological and eco-physiological characteristics and adaptations of mangrove trees include aerial roots,viviparous embryos, tidal dispersal of propagules,rapid rates of canopy production, frequent absence of anunderstorey (undergrowth/ underbrush), absence of growth rings, wood with narrow, densely distributed vessels, highly efficient nutrient retention mechanisms, and the ability to cope with salt and to maintain water and carbon balance.Being the only woody halophytes living at the confluence of land and sea,mangroves have been heavily used traditionally for food, timber, fuel and medicine, and presently occupy about 181,000 square kilometres of ttropical and sub tropical coast - line. Mangrove plant communities are a comprehensive economic and noneconomic contribution to mankind. Mangroves are a valuable ecological and economic resource, being an important nursery and breeding site for birds, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, reptiles and mammals. Mangroves area renewable source of wood, accumulation sites for sediments, contaminants, carbon

and nutrients,and protect coastal communities against coastal erosion. Natural hazards such as storms,cyclones and most recently the Indian Ocean Tsunami have repeatedly shown the value of mangroves and the need to prevent unregulated, destruction and detraction by man.Among the major reasons for the destruction of mangroves areurban development, aquaculture, mining and the overexploitation of mangroves for timber, fish, crustaceans and shellfish. Over the next 30 years, un-restricted clear felling, further development of aquaculture and the continuing over exploitation of fisheries will be the greatest threats. Lesser threats will include alteration of hydrology, pollution and global warming. Loss of mangrove biodiversity is, and will continue to be, a severe problem as even pristine mangroves are species-poor compared with other tropical ecosystems. Mangrove conservation and restoration are often viewed with suspicion in terms of long-term sustainability,due to a lack of awareness, knowledge and the absence of systemic tangible benefits at community level.The scarcity of land for human needs that continues to exert pressure on mangrove and wet-land is an enormous challenge.There is a pressing need to develop alternative conservation Mangroves possess characteristics that collectively make them structurally and functionally unique. Morphological and eco-physiological characteristics and adaptations of mangrove trees include aerial roots, viviparous embryos, tidal dispersal of propagules, rapid rates of canopy production, frequent absence of an understory (undergrowth/ underbrush), absence of growth rings, wood with narrow, densely distributed vessels, highly efficient nutrient retention mechanisms, and the ability to cope with salt and to maintain water and carbon balance. Being the only woody halophytes living at the confluence of land and sea, mangroves have been heavily used traditionally for food, timber, fuel and medicine, and presently occupy about 181,000km2of tropical and subtropical

coastline. Mangrove plant communities are a comprehensive economic and noneconomic contributor to mankind. Mangroves are a valuable ecological and economic resource, being an important nursery and breeding site for birds, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, reptiles and mammals. Mangroves area renewable source of wood, accumulation sites for sediments, contaminants, carbon and nutrients, and protect coastal communities against coastal erosion). Natural hazards such as storms, cyclones and most recently the Indian Ocean tsunami have repeatedly shown the value of mangroves and the need to prevent unregulated, destruction and extraction by man. Among the major reasons for the destruction of mangroves are urban development, aquaculture, mining and the over-exploitation of mangroves for timber, fish, crustaceans and shellfish. Over the next 30 years, un-restricted clear felling, further development of aquaculture and the continuing overexploitation of fisheries will be the greatest threats. Lesser threats will include alteration of hydrology, pollution and global warming. Loss of mangrove biodiversity is, and will continue to be, a severe problem as even pristine mangroves are species-poor compared with other tropical ecosystems. Mangrove conservation and restoration are often viewed with suspicion in terms of long-term sustainability, due to a lack of awareness, knowledge and the absence of systemic tangible benefits at the community level. The scarcity of land for human needs that continues to exert pressure on mangrove and wetlands is an enormous challenge. There is a pressing need to develop alternative conservation approaches that link mangrove

conservation and restoration with other forms of coastal industry development, especially tourism, as a means to ensure mangrovesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; future sustainability. If mangrove forests continue to be exploited at the current rate without addressing the need to manage these valuable resources on a sustainable basis, by about 2030, the future of mangroves will depend on the development of technological and ecological advances in multi-species genetics and forestry modelling: the greatest hope for the future of mangroves is for a reduction in human population growth! Thus, the mangrove environment provides a comprehensive nature resource base as a foundation to attract tourists. The sustainability concept is widely discussed at present in all tourism initiatives. Coastal tourism resource bases particularly the mangrove ecosystems, a vulnerable and sensitive resource base distributed within limited are as in countries, need special attention for its long-term existence. Using sustainability concept as a tool and vehicle for careful utilization of the coastal ecosystem, tourism has the potential to help conserve mangroves and its interrelated ecosystems by providing economic gains to immediate stakeholders to ensure the wider noneconomic benefits of mangroves.

Ecotourism in Mekong

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ 35

Mangroves’unique biodiversity contribute direct economic benefits and even more non-economic benefits to society. However, academics claim that excepting conservators, others show little regard for this important plant family, to the simple reason that neighbouring communities will fail to see the importance of protecting mangroves or nature in general unless sustainable livelihood options are created for them. That is exactly why, introducing tourism will not only bring tremendous economic benefits to the community but also instill the importance and value of mangroves for their livelihood, and motivate them to protect nature in general and mangroves in particular. Ecological and economic benefits: •Nursery grounds for fish, prawns and crabs •Harvesting grounds for crabs, shrimps and some fish species •Produces leaf litter and detritus matter-valuable food resources for animals in estuaries and coastal waters. •Protects coastal areas and communities from storm surges,

waves, tidal currents, tsunami etc.

•Produces organic biomass and reduce organic pollution in near seashore •Serves as recreational grounds for bird watching and observation of other wildlife •Provides wood and timber for low-cost housing, firewood and charcoal Threats faced by mangroves: •Conversion to fishponds and salt beds •Reclaiming for various developments •Indiscriminate extraction of firewood and wood •Dumping of solid waste •Tsunamis, tidal waves, soil erosion Based on tourism initiatives in mangrove areas and lagoons, there will be farreaching non-economic benefits such as a protected environment for breeding and nesting for birds, enabling the wetland ecosystems existence and continuity and protection of rare site-specific fauna species. Use of mangrove for fire wood adversely affects all non-economic benefits; it can also lead to more serious

36 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

environmental issues in the long run. Most of the community who collect (extract) fire wood from mangroves are not aware of the possible environmental problems. Financial difficulties drive them to use fire wood for cooking. This suggests that alternative sources of income may indirectly protect the mangroves and associated ecosystems. Controlling the number of facility units in a given area, and number of visitors at a given time of the day will increase the financial returns to the community without harming the resource base. Income generation based on mangrove resources will provide the necessary motivation to protect the mangroves with minimal intervention. Linked with effective management methods this will be sustainable in the long run, and ensure the environmental benefits of mangroves without any disruption. References P.U. Ratnayake - A collaborative approach between tourism and coastal communities: a present-day need and opportunity for mangrove management and conservation in Sri Lanka Alongi, D.M.,(1998).Coastal Ecosystem Processes. New York, USA:CRC Press: 419 pp. Alongi, D. M., (2002).Present Status and Future of the World’s Mangrove forests. Foundation for Environmental Conservation29 (3) 331-347, Australia. Melana, D.M., J. Atchue III,C.E. Yoo, R. Edwards, E.E. Melana and H.I. Gonzales,(2000).Mangrove Management Hand Book. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Manila. Philippines through the Coastal Resources Management Project, Cebu City, Philippines, 96p. Liyanage, S., (2010).Pilot Project: Participatory Management of Seguwanthive Habitat in Puttalam District, Sri Lanka. Wetlands International, 180-187

Botanical Names, (English)

Sinhala

Tamil

Toponyms, Trapabicornis = ikiliya, small shrub, related to mangroves.The sap is salty

Acanthus illcifolius (see holly)

KatuIkili

KazhuthaiMulli, Kalutaamul

AegicerasCorriculatum

HeenKadol

Vithilikanna

related to mangroves

Avicennia marina, A. officinalis (grey Mangrove)

Manda

Kanna

Very Common species-

Bruguieracylindrica, B. sexangula (Mangrove)

Mal Kadol

whitish flowers

Bruguieragymnorrhiza (large-leafed Mangrove, black mangrove)

Sirikanda, malkadol

thudduponna, uredi

Very common - redish flowers

Ceriopstagal (mangrove like)

RathuKadol

Chirukandal

Cynometrairipa (wrinkled pot mangrove)

Opulu

Kadumpuli-

This small, slow growing tree only produces seeds in years of abundant rain. It can grow to 5 m tall-

Excoecariaagallocha (Blinding Tree)

Thela

Thillai, Thilla

Very Common species, Tillaiyadi in the Puttalam district. This is a mangrove with a poisonous milk

Heritieralittoralis

Ethuna

related to mangroves. Low abundance

Lumnitzeraracemosa (Mangrove)

Beriya

Tipparethai

Very common species -

Nypafruticans (Mangrove palm)

Ging pol

Pemphisacidula(Bonsai Mangrove)

kerala, flr,

Rhizophoramucronata, R. Apiculata (Mangrove)

MahaKadol

Scyphiphorahydrophyllaceae (Mangrove)

Elapitawakka?

Low abundance, Oldest known fossil with pollen dated 70x106 years (Eocene period) old. Found in south Asian costal islands. Keeri

Kandal

Low abundance to rare Very common species Serugandara,Serukadola (Cherukkandal) Monarakadola (Mannakandal) Naedunkadola (NaddanKandal) Rare species -in Jaffna and Kalpitiya Lagoon

Sonneratiacaseolaris, Sonaratiacaseolaris, S. Alba (mangrove apple)

Kirala, lsr,

ucittakarai

S. caseolaris is very common, but S. Alba is less abundant. The fruit is used to prepare a pleasant drink. Irlaikkulam, KuriKadduvan, Kilali

Xylocarpusgranatum

Mal Kadol, Muttikadol

rare mangrove

(Source: www.dh-web.org) SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ 37

AGRO

Home gardening of vegetables and flowers at a serene farming village, Isehara

Text and pics; by Harsha Udayakantha Peiris

The

Multicounty Observational Study Mission (OSM) on Best Practices in Promoting Innovation and Productivity in Agriculture for Mass Media Practitioners, organized by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) reached a successful completion on 14th September 2014 offering a common regional platform to flexibly identify potentials of effectively developing sectors of agriculture in participating countries. The study mission commenced on 08th September 2014 in Tokyo in Japan continued for 07 days in several prefectures where a 17 member media delegation from 13 APO member countries participated for learning, sharing and experiencing modern agricultural technology, practices and traditions in Japan. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines and Thailand had sent media representatives from both print and electronic media for the programme who would in return publish to acknowledge the masses, authorities and policy makers to revitalize any projected implementations as effective and timely market oriented facilitations for the betterment of the agriculture industry in respective countries. “ An innovation and productivity agriculture programme for member countries is very much essential as it offers a firsthand knowledge for the participants of accurate ways and means to help update and upgrade with the modern farming systems researched and practiced in developed countries like Japan,” Joselito C. Bernado – Director, Agriculture Department of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) in Tokyo, Japan said. “Many National Productivity organizations (NPOs) have requested the APO in recent times to introduce more innovative programmes and the organization would implement accordingly in the near future,” he said. Making further remarks at the end of the programme at the APO Head Quarters in Tokyo, Bernado also said that it was much expected that the participating journalists would accurately and effectively share the lessons learned and experienced during the study mission via published literature in press and electronic media in respective countries. Production of tomatoes at Tsuji Farm at Isehara, Kanagawa by using film agriculture technology

APO in brief Asian Productivity organization (APO) that organized the study mission in collaboration with the respective National Productivity Organizations (NPOs) and Secretariats in member countries was established on 11th May 1961 as a regional intergovernmental organization. Its mission is to contribute to the socio-economic development of Asia and the Pacific through enhancing productivity. The APO membership is open to countries in Asia and the Pacific which are members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. Current membership comprises Bangladesh, Cambodia, People’s Republic of China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. In serving its member countries, the APO also performs five key roles as a think tank, catalyst, regional adviser, institution builder and clearing-house for productivity information. The APO Secretariat, the executive arm of the APO, is headed by the Secretary General and carries out the decisions and policy directives of the governing body. In collaboration with the National Productivity Organizations of member countries, it plans and implements a twoyear plan and annual programmes. APO programmes cover the industry, service and agriculture sectors, with special focus on socio-economic development, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) development, human resources management, productivity measurement and analysis, knowledge management, production and technology management, information technology, development of NPOs, green productivity, integrated community development, agribusiness, agricultural development and policies, resources and technology as well as agricultural marketing and institutions. Its activities include research, forums, conferences and study missions, workshops, training courses, seminars, observational study missions and demonstration projects. The Japanese agriculture technology and its modern practices with the touch of tradition and developing sub sectors within agriculture is of greater importance for other regional countries to upgrade the quality of life of farmers, their families and all related players engaged in agriculture industry. Therefore, the international programmes of this nature organized

A- Factory at Aomori Bay water front area where apple cider processing can be observed.

by the APO is of greater importance in training to think innovative, sharing experience through learning and distribution of knowledge and lessons learned through mass and new media world-wide. Aomori Prefecture’s apple culture and garlic preservation As the old proverb says, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” apples contain a large amount of dietary fiber and potassium that help prevent lifestyle – related diseases such as hardening of the arteries, diabetes, colon cancer and high blood pressure.

40 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

It was also found that a large amount of polyphenol, a substance that has been attracting attention in recent years, is contained in apple. Polyphenol is known to help relieve symptoms of hay fever and eczema, two ailments that have become more frequent in recent years. Polyphenol is also known to keep skin healthy looking. In Aomori prefecture apples taste greater and stay fresh. Aomori prefecture is located in the northernmost part of Honshu Island, with Hokkaido lying to its north beyond the Tsugaru Straits, the Pacific Ocean to its east, the Japan Sea to its west and

Apple toasting at Aomori Prefectural Office – Participating journalists with Vice Governor of Aomori Prefecture Yugi Aoyama. Akita and Iwate Prefectures to the south. It covers a total area of 9,607 square kilo metres and the population numbers about 1.44 million. ‘Aomori is Japan’s number one apple producing prefecture and the birthplace of Fuji Apples, the best apples in the world. Major varieties of Aomori apples include, Sekai Ichi – developed at Aomori Apple Experiment Station, Jonagold – developed at New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Mutsu - developed at Aomori Apple Experiment Station, Orin – developed by late Tadanosuke Otsuki of Kori-machi, Date-gun, Fukushima, Fuji – developed at Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Horticulture Experiment Station, Tohoku Station and Kinsei – developed by Hajime Sato of Hirosaki City of Aomori. The development of apple in the prefecture is not limited to growing apple for consumption as a fruit. It is a mega industry of quality and value added products that aims a larger domestic and international market. Various products made out of the apple fruit include dried apple chips, apple juice, apple jam and vinegar, non-alcoholic apple beer and a number of snacks such as fried apple won-ton, apple Shiruko, foil wrapped apples, pork wrapped apples with sweet sour sauce and apples in sweet and

sour sauce. The A-Factory located on a waterfront in Aomori Prefecture is famous for locally produce apple cider and a variety of local food made out of the apple fruit. Aomori Prefecture is also the largest apple producer in Japan. Each year apples begin to ripen red around mid July and many visitors come to apple orchards to harvest apple in September and October promoting an innovative apple tourism culture in Japan. In Aomori, the picked apples are often preserved very fresh in the cold storages to their best standards up to June-July periods of the following year, for around eight months till the best market prices are achieved. Here, most of the apple farmers bring their apple harvest to cold storage entities and hand over for preservation. Farmers have to pay for the cold storage facilitation till the apples are distributed to the retail market upon the best market price. At the cold storage facilities nearly 360,000 tones of apples can be stored. Local farmers here, do not use post harvest chemicals and therefore, apples in Japan get the highest levels of reliability for their long lasting freshness of green health and long life. Garlic is another signature agricultural

product of the Aomori prefecture. As much as 80% of the total garlic production in Japan is accounted for by Aomori prefecture, its garlic is famous for being large, dense and high quality. At Tsugaru Mirai Agricultural Cooperative, Tokiwa Branch, garlic is preserved using cryotechnology till they reach the end market, upon decisions for the best price. Here, the deal between the farmer and cool storage facilitator has become vital for directly purchasing the fresh produce from the farmer to preserve and ship to the end market. Sorting and packing garlic for the consumption are also done at the cooler storage premises before they are made ready for preservation ensuring the real freshness of garlic with no addition of post harvest chemicals. Paddy Field Art at Aomori Prefecture For rice growing in Japan, farmers have developed cultivation methods that take advantage of Japan’s rich natural conditions. At the same time, by using weather information and technology such as selective breeding, they have also acquired production techniques that are not easily influenced by external factors. Harvested rice is threshed and kept in cold storage warehouses below

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 41

15 degrees of celsius and then it is shipped in small quantities to meet consumers’ needs. Thus people can always expect fresh rice to be available in stores. Japan cultivates an incredible number of rice varieties. National research centres and prefectural experimental stations are producing rice with varying taste by assisting in the development of varieties that suite regional climate, soil and usage. Some varieties are resistant to disease, pests and weather and others differ in taste, fragrance and texture. “Rice is the source of long life and health. The basic Japanese meal consisting of rice combined with vegetables, soybeans and fish makes Japan a world leader in life expectancy,” says Yukio Yamori – Director and Professor of Mukogawa Women’s University Institute for World Health Development and Emeritus Professor of Kyoto University of Japan. Paddy field art at Inakadate of the Aomori Prefecture is another soothing and amazing piece of pictorial agro-literature in Japan. Farmers creating beautiful and large picturesque displays of paddy plants use no ink or paint but different colours of rice plants that are precisely and strategically arranged and grown in the paddy fields. As summer comes and the plants shoot up, the beautiful and amazing artworks of vivid pictorial exposure and details emerge. More than 150,000 visitors arrive at Inakadate, where around 8,700 people live, every summer to see these paddy murals themselves. In 1993, Inakadate mura (village) started this public art event to promote village revitalization. Since then, more than 100 local villages all over Japan have started similar displays. Pictures are created in paddy fields using both regular rice and heirloom varieties (yellow and purple). Themes are set each year, and preparations start in early spring. The themes this year are mount Fuji and Tennyo (angel) or the cartoon Saze-san and family. During the paddy planting for paddy art, hundreds of volunteers, tourists, students and villagers engage in harmonious collaboration in planting four different types of paddy plants across huge paddy fields. This innovative experience has contributed immensely in promoting domestic and international tourism, education of traditions in paddy cultivation, learning and sharing of traditions through experience, encouraging young generation in paddy cultivation and crops whilst making agro-tourism component a booming industry that brings a massive income generation at Aomori Prefecture.

Garlic preservation using cryotechnology at Tsugaru Mirai Agricultural Cooperative, Tokiwa branch

Garlic made ready to preserve till best prices are achieved to be shipped for sale.

Agriculture, Forestry and fishery Industry Offensive in Aomori prefecture “Aomori means ‘Blue Forest.’ The prefecture not only produces apples and garlic successfully but also a variety of seafood. Under the special promotion scheme launched in 2004, to develop the prefecture as an agriculture, forestry and fishery industries initiative, the entire Aomori region is being developed as an environmental – agricultural region,” Vice Governor of the prefecture Yugi Aoyama says. Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery Industry Offensive in the Aomori Prefecture is an economic promotion campaign, which combines sectors from production to

Well packed and displayed fresh vegetables with the best food life standards at a Japanese retail supermarket

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Paddy field art at Inakadate – Tennyo (angel)

01.

Paddy field art at Inakadate – Mt.Fuji

sales in order to produce safe and secure agricultural, forestry, fishery and manufactured prefectural products. The programme is also an economic promotion campaign which focuses on sales, primarily with building new markets. The flagship projects to strengthening sales, production revival, environmental conservation, 6th level industrialization and nurturing talent, going beyond the national market, expanding exports to Asia, expanding ‘ Creating the Healthiest Soil in Japan’ movement, creating resourceful production areas, promoting the ‘Community Environmentalism’ Project, reusing and conserving water circulation systems, strengthening and enriching the Aomori food industry, promoting rural tourism, creating a framework for ‘Regional Administration’ in rural areas and nurturing ‘Top Runner’ efficient young farmers. From Japanese export numbers, Aomori prefecture holds 73% of shares for the production of Japanese long yams and 80% of shares for the production of apples. Furthermore, the prefecture also holds the top places for the production of marine products such as scallops, mackerel and squid. About half of the prefecture’s export amounts come from apples, making Aomori a leader in exports. The ‘Creating the Healthiest Soil in Japan Movement’ was developed in 2007 with the aim of having all procedures within the prefecture partake in making a healthy soil, a fundamental part of agricultural production.

Paddy field art at Inakadate – The cartoon Sazae-san and family

“ In Aomori Prefecture, we have established the ‘Community Environmentalism Project’ which maintains both production fundamentals and living environments of communities. Maintaining production fundamentals keeps the agriculture, forestry and fishery industries running, while maintaining living environments is done in order for community members to live comfortable lives. Maintaining agricultural – use ponds as bio-top with creatures such as loach, dragonfly nymph and pond snail in it have made children become used to nature while conserving aquatic organisms,” says Junichi Aburakawa – Director, Agriculture and Forestry Policy Department of Aomori Prefectural Office. Top Runner programme for young farmers Another innovative farming initiative, the ‘Top Runner’ programme for young farmers in the prefecture supports new project ideas which make use of the region’s top runner students who are bold in leading and have flexible ideas, planning and organizational abilities. “Up to now, 117 groups completed the programme and following the programme some have started up companies in order to increase sales,” Aburakawa says. The programme that offers challenge to improve management, opportunity to increase business prowess with distribution and marketing, creating networking opportunities with participants and new opportunities through networking have offered ample access for the participants through enacting action plans, business management training, commercial fair and multi-industry exchange event participations as well as establishing Aomori Marche Farmers’ Market and Farmers’ market at grocery stores. The innovative approaches have given young

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farmers a greater recognition at the social environs whilst effectively encouraging a number of young people towards agriculture through transparent and government oriented initiatives. “We consider agriculture, forestry and fishery industries as growing industries for business expansion. We will develop measures, which display our prefecture’s massive strengths that we have cultivated until now, while confronting challenges and environmental change,” Aburakawa says. “Our strengths such as bountiful agricultural, marine and forest resources, great production foundations like clean water and healthy soil and the dynamic talent pool of more young people have helped at large to create various business models for industries such as the Aomori food industry, with the aim of acquiring foreign and out of prefecture earnings. This approach also supports the vitality of regions to produce and spread economic effects to the whole region that would equally help to revive profits and working spaces, strengthening production and effectively responding to population decline with strengthening regions. On the other hand we can continue our regional management projects in rural communities with the aim to make regions sustainable and self - sufficient,” he says. The implementation of the programme has also seen fruitful measures such as strengthening sales to create a well-known organization, based on trust of local people, increase of production by producing safe and secure Aomori Prefecture products, merging industries to promote 6th level regional industrialization by cooperating and coordinating, conserving the environment

A modern Japanese city area built to the state of the art township development plans

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and production foundations by reusing and conserving water circulation systems that unite mountains, rivers and oceans as well as cultivating human talent to foster various management frameworks to breakthrough the future. Expanding the End Line of prefectural agricultural products to reclaiming customers have helped sales become earnings for producers by opening new markets and expanding transactions turn into earnings for producers whilst prioritizing the efforts of exporting the produce and products domestically and to East Asia, focusing on China and SE Asia that are expected to grow in future. Regional management in rural communities Creating a well planned structure for regional management in rural communities is another important step implemented via the Japanese government’s agriculture based initiatives in prefectures like Aomori. Regional management is the thinking of running a region as one management framework or society. Taking advantage of regional resources it promotes the creation of a structure that produces sustainable added value and more employment. Hence, the region enhances cooperation in the food production industry and related independent managing bodies, utilization of regional resources in the best practices of agriculture, involvement of national Productivity organizations (NPOs) in respective regions and employing women and elderly in the industry. Corporate management and network building for the 6th industrialization of rural communities have built a better platform in prefectures to serve the community to preserve community functions through creating employment opportunities, promoting employment of youth and spreading education and social welfare. Lessons to learn Most of these modern agricultural and farming practices in Japan with the touch of Japanese tradition have rightly promoted sub sectors of agriculture such as agro-tourism and home-stay programmes for income addition for the prefectural communities via agriculture and farming industry. The initiatives have also promoted learning at site for the young generation to practically identify Japan’s agricultural industry, that would in return encourage them to become young agro-entrepreneurs in future. For an example, the Hirosaki apple park, the largest Japanese apple producer in Aomori is not only a place to grow apples but a veritable apple wonderland. The ‘Play, Learn, Touch, Taste’ concept here has added an apple collection point where a display of apple related goods collected over the years are kept, apple ‘a la carte’ corner for information on apple and health where recipes for apple sweets and other dishes are also available, an apple classroom corner to learn about the history and production of apples, an apple experience corner where kids can learn about apples using a variety of games, an apple merchandise where over 1,200 apple

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Apple toys for sale at the restaurant sales centre at Hirosaki Apple Park Joselito C. Bernado – Director, Agriculture Department of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) in Tokyo, Japan expressing views at the end of the study mission.

related products are on sale and a café of which the menu offers a variety of foods containing apples. The examples are of high importance that should be shared by countries like Sri Lanka where ample potentials are available to promote agriculture and related sub sectors and industries as sustainable ventures to enrich the rural economy. At present, Japan has also presented a home-stay programme at prefectural level, like the model, Happy Longevity

A part of a house made ready for the tourist at an agro-farm stay at an agro-tourism site in Nambucho A happy young Japanese farmer pauses before leaving home after his farm work at Tsuji Farm at Isehara

Village in Nanbu Town at the Aomori Prefecture where the guest can visit, stay, experience the culture and traditions and settle down. “ Aomori Prefecture was searching for local exchange activities to promote tourism and due to the vivid differences in the area, the prefectural government selected the Nanbu town to develop this innovative concept in tourism that goes exactly parallel to the agro – home –stay concept. And that is why we are organizing such events to

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motivate and encourage, and if tourists really like, they can come and think of settling down here. In many parts of rural areas, we have many vacated houses as the proprietors have shifted to city or metro areas and a process is on, to identify such localities to offer such houses for tourists on inexpensive rent to promote home-stay tourism in Japan,” Kosaku Nishimura the section Chief of the Division of Promotion of Agro-tourism at Nanbucho Town office says. “It is a

A clean wash-room made ready for the tourist at an agro –farm stay at an agro-tourism site in Nambucho

immensely helped farmers to rise financially to acquire and have access to a comfortable and stress free life with a happy smile always on their faces. Continued support through governmental institutions to extend education and introduction of new agricultural practices and technology at grass root level has helped farmers to identify new varieties of farming plant and seed and methodologies mixed with traditions for a better harvest of the crop. Therefore, the food production of Japan and technologies utilized and implemented in Japanese agriculture industry to preserve food and make a number of value and quality added products out of fresh produce are of greater importance to a country like Sri Lanka, where the abundance of harvest have always been left to increase the waste of produce and create unbearable price increases of fresh fruit, vegetables and rice in the retail market. Such experiences shared at the 07 day study mission in Japan on Best Practices in Promoting Innovation and Productivity in Agriculture for Mass Media Practitioners also offered a

Overseas journalists participating at the APO study mission working in collaboration to prepare a joint presentation.

Participating journalists engage in Soba noodle making with Japanese experts at KEYAGU, a practical experience of household culinary culture for the tourist under agro-tourism promotion programmes in Japan.

new tourism project that allows visitors to commune with nature to feel the change of seasons, savor rich agricultural and marine products and leisurely enjoy time with the intention of repeatedly attract outside visitors,” he adds. The recognition and exposure extended to the farmer communities and the continuous government support for the farmers and the industry of agriculture in Japan have appreciatively elevated the quality of life of the farmers and agriculture industrialists. The transparent agricultural policy implementations by the Japanese government through the prefectural, municipal and other governing bodies have SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 47

Tea wall art – what is seen beside the picture, on both sides of the wall is an art done using dried and ground tea-leaves

A plant factory at Chiba University Kashiwa-no-ha Campus, lettuce ready for sale and green room displays. timely opportunity for the countries like Sri Lanka to accurately identify the nation’s resources, based on geography, topography, citizens, traditions and culture where such projects could be implemented as the best measures for youth employment, a system of extending island-wide education to prepare younger generation for various employment opportunities related to the industry of agriculture, to reduce youth unrest and stress and to learn face challenges to build success stories in life as well as to offer the best option to bring about a change of miss-matched food practices amongst the young generation at present, that would in return help to create a stronger and healthier generation in physic and mind. Further, such efforts will also take truly Sri Lankan food – life – concepts across the globe through successful agro-tourism programmes implemented under effective agriculture and farming industrial initiatives by the government. The Japanese experience at the programme also highly showcased the transparent measures and innovative steps implemented by the Japanese Government to elevate the quality of life of the farmers and farming communities in rural areas and agriculture industrialists extending them with a number of possible financial schemes and infrastructure facilities to develop the industry of agriculture as a whole and for the socio-economic prosperity of the community. At the participants’ evaluation of the study mission Sri Lankan delegation also tabled a document of proposal at the APO Secretariat urging to take necessary steps to establish agriculture journalists’ associations in member countries via the National Productivity Organizations

A part of the Hirosaki apple park and various food items made using apple at the A-Factory super sales outlet (NPOs) in the respective countries, coordinated by the APO to create a network of agricultural journalists who can share experiences and best practices of agriculture, to acknowledge of emerging issues pertaining to the industry and resolutions introduced and implemented to resolve such issues. Sri Lanka also requested to start a regular APO press publication through the network of agriculture journalists so that information could be shared in an uniformed and reliable manner by a readership from grass-root level farming communities to the top agriculture industrialists, practitioners, professionals

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and decision makers. ( The writer is part of the two member Sri Lankan delegation participated in the Multicounty Observational Study Mission on Best Practices in Promoting Innovation and Productivity in Agriculture for Mass Media Practitioners, organized by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO)in Tokyo Japan. The other Sri Lankan member was Seetha Sirimalee Alahakoon – the Senior Producer of the Educational Programs Division of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation).

BOUTIQUE

nawatuna which is a world renowned beach has had to face newer challenges with the tourism boom and with more and more hotels not upto the mark coming up, opines M. H. Liyanage, Managing Director of Nature Trails Boutique Hotel located at the foothill of the famous Rumassala Mountain. “There’s a very serious question mark for standards and value for money for properties that have come up in and around Unawatuna. I could have done 20 rooms from the cost I have put into this but I did not do so as I knew I would not be able to give a product that could ensure value for money for my guests.” “So unlike Negombo, Bentota and to some extent Hikkaduwa is better regulated where as Unawatuna is less regulated to a greater extent,” he says. “Initially, the name of my property was Second Home or Deveni Gedera, because we were catering to the middle-class local market catering for small functions. So when I converted this into a boutique hotel I went for rebranding and started offering hiking in this unique nature trail. So the dual advantage for any tourist staying at my property would be changed from beach to nature. If someone wishes to visit the beach from here its just a 20 minute walk by foot via the jungle or a 5 minute ride by car.” Asked whether the shift in beach to nature was well-appreciated by guests, Liyanage had this to say. “I have had words of appreciation from almost all my guests saying that I am doing the right thing.”

Nature Trails Boutique Hotel

Conserving our natural habitats for future GENERATION IS vital Tex by Santhush Fernando | Pix by Sanju Samarasinghe

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Tara and Stephen from Ireland had their wedding in Sri Lanka and was at Nature Trails for Honeymoon

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Featuring an outdoor pool and a garden, the hotel offers elegant, decent and somewhat traditional accommodation in Unawatuna. The six air-conditioned rooms come with free Wi-Fi and pool views. The private bathroom includes a shower and free toiletries. There is a bar and a restaurant on site serving local, Chinese and Western dishes and BBQ. Nature Trails Boutique Hotel is 700 metres from Unawatuna Train Station, while the Galle Fort is 6 km away. Its activities include hiking, bird-watching, butterfly watching, bat-watching as well as diving and other activities upon requests from guests. “I think the butterfly diversity in Rumassala is as unique as that of Sinharaja. Furthermore this location has been identified as a prime location in the whole of Sri Lanka for observing bats. Every evening and morning you can view the flight and perching of virtually tens of thousands of bats, in the tress just behind your rooms. The hotel also offers free Internet whilst WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge. Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed). The property also offers airport shuttle, express check-in/check-out, baggage storage, lockers, laundry upon request and daily housekeeping. “Lots of tourists are very keen to visit this place and we too encourage walks and hikes in that area. However, lots of guests have told me that they are thoroughly disturbed of the great deal of pollution done to natural habitats from Adams Peak to the Bambagala- Kaduruduwa Mangrove in Galle to the so-called world’s best beach- the Unawatuna beach. This is nothing but carnage of nature they say,” Liyanage laments.

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PROMOTIONS

MISS UNIVERSE CHINA

2014 FINALIST

WITH CEYLON TEA World renowned Miss Universe China 2014 beauties were in Sri Lanka. These beauties were taken around the country to see the scenic beauty of island by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts the organizerof the Pre Pageant Tour. These beauties coming from the country who discovered this miracle beverage experienced world finest Ceylon Tea during their stay in Sri Lanka. Ceylon Tea ceremony for Chinese Beauties at Hotel Cinnamon Bay on 30th August The Sri Lanka Tea Board launched a brand new concept, namely, a unique tea ‘ceremony’for Ceylon Tea. While it is true that ancient cultures such as China and Japan have within their traditions a nearsacred ceremonial event with especial manners and customs in brewing and serving tea among distinguished visitors. The Ceylon Tea Ceremony conceptualized the experience as being in the 'Court of the Kandyan Kingdom' of King NarendraSingha of the early 18th century AD. The "King" in costumed regalia, welcomes his noble audience of visitors and summons the ladies of the court to proceed with 'serving the guests the finest refreshments. This event was done in a stylish manner with graceful movement and erythematic emphasis which is called “Prasasthi” The special food service was ceremonially presented at the Ceylon Tea ceremony which consist of traditional Sri Lankan Bibikan, Honey Coconut Stuffed Lavariya, Len til Wade Savory Coconut Chutney, Ceylon Tea bread with smoked Salmon and curry leaves enriched baked Patti filled with Kohilain a simple white platter covering with Banana Leaf. After that, a fine brew of Dimbulla tea poured and served from beautiful porcelain pots into porcelain cups in fresh and hot and exclaiming that they now feeling about the value attributed to Ceylon Tea, “Sri Lanka’s gift to the world”. A specially designed Docket consisting with the leaflet on seven agro climatic growing regions of Ceylon Tea and instructions graphically presented on “How to brew a perfect cup of Ceylon tea”, Health Benefits of Ceylon Tea, Tea Tips and seven regional tea punches in Chinese Language also distributed among guests during the ceremony. Sri Lanka Tea Board’s objective of introducing a Ceylon Tea Ceremony which depicts the Sri Lanka culture is to bring respect, glamour and dignity to the brand and to the practice of tea consumption. Chinese Beauties visited Ceylon Tea Moments on 31st August 2014 Miss China and Media team visited Ceylon Tea Moments, first ever Ceylon Tea House in Sri Lanka at Race Course Building, Colombo 7. Ceylon Tea Moments with their culinary expertise was hosting a special tea cocktail for all Chinese guest and providing photo opportunity in pure tea atmosphere. A specially crafted handmade Tea gift in a presentation Box was presented to all Miss Universe China 2014 beauties. Ceylon Tea ceremony is a regular feature at the Ceylon Tea Moments and tourists will be able to experience this event which will give a unique experience of tea culture in Sri Lanka which will indirectly help uplift the image of Ceylon Tea in the world. 54 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

LUXURY

antaloupe Levels, an intimate luxury & lifestyle boutique hotel nestled in the picturesque Rumassala Mountain in Unawatuna near Galle, is the second property under its Cantaloupe Villas portfolio.

In an interview with the SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND, Cantaloupe Group General Manager Imran Naufal spells out the concept behind Cantaloupe Levels. “This is an old colonial bungalow buour gilt on a rock promenade converted into an upmarket boutique hotel constructed mixing the contemporary with modern design. “During off season our room rates will start from US$ 150 for standard, 200 for deluxe, and 250 plus for a suite. During the season from November to April this will go upto US$ 200, 250 and 300 plus rates. We are mainly targeting the Europeans - British, French, German and Scandinavian markets.” “Located on the ground and second floor respectively, these are our most intimate bedrooms but they’re packed with all the comforts that you can expect from a stylish Cantaloupe bedroom; beautiful beds, lavish linen and chic touches. “Our five deluxe suites are located across all three floors of the hotel. More spacious than our superior rooms, yet every bit as comfortable, the deluxe rooms offer more lounging space and ever more tantalizing glimpses of the stunning aquamarine sea. “On the ground floor, a banquette of fan-cooled day beds brings the concept of ‘bed dining’ to Sri Lanka. By day or night, these oversized snooze stations are the place to relax, as you nibble and imbibe tapas and tropical cocktails. Beyond, a timber deck sprinkled with wave-shaped loungers edges the tri-coloured pool, a statement piece that represents Cantaloupe’s bold design ethos. A spiral staircase curls up to a black-and-white floored bar with gothic chandeliers and an alfresco sea view deck.

Cantaloupe Levels Traversing to the next level Tex by Santhush Fernando | Pix by Sanju Samarasinghe

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“Our other property the Cantaloupe Aqua in Rathgama is more a four star stereotype property where as this is an upmarket boutique hotel. Our theme is based on bright colours and fusion cuisine. To differentiate we have a phenomenal location. Our food is tailormade and we offer private dining options from barbeque for couples to five to seven course beach dining for guests. This is 100% private dining and 100% a la carte. We also target honeymooners and small weddings,” “LEVELS features an eclectic international a la carte menu, which combines signature dishes from Cantaloupe’s partner restaurants, Clique in Colombo and Coconut at Cantaloupe Aqua, in nearby Habaraduwa. Exquisite Japanese cuisine is a hotel speciality along with melt-in-your-mouth sous-vide steaks and fusion paella. The hotel’s air-conditioned restaurant is on the ground floor and spills onto a plant-festooned side terrace for romantic, sliding doors open onto velveteen lawns topped with tables for dining alfresco under a balmy starlit sky.” “Since 2009 when the war ended, a lot of foreign investors wanted to come to Sri Lanka such as Shangri-La, Sheraton, Movenpick, Marriot, ITC, Novotel etc. Every hotel band that is expanding in the world wants to be in Sri Lanka. Exposure is obviously there. But I think the Tourist Board can do a lot more. Sri Lanka had been voted number one tourist destination,” “By promoting our hotel invariably we are promoting our country,” he added. Cantaloupe Hotels was initiated as the parent company of the hotel chain (originally named Cantaloupe Villas) with an initial investment outlay of US$400,000, to launch our first property Cantaloupe Aqua in 2010. Following its success as a sought after leisure destination in Unawatuna, our second property project Cantaloupe Levels in Galle, was initiated last year with an investment of US$600,000, and expected to be launched open on September 2014. Cantaloupe Hotels has specialised in exploiting strong demand on the Southern Coast from high spending tourists from Europe and Asian emerging markets. Cantaloupe Hotels is now expanding its reach with an exciting third property development in Midigama (3 km before Weligama), Cantaloupe Soul Surf, a 30 room beach resort and surf school. The development currently under construction is expected to open in July 2015. The total cost of the project investment is US$ 3.1 Million and is currently at phase 1, funded internally by Cantaloupe Hotels (US$ 1.3 Million dollars) and the rest through private placement of representing a 43% shareholding of Grand Surf Pvt, a fully own subsidiary of Cantaloupe Hotels to be raised to finance the final phase of the project.

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Picturesquely perched on the lush green Rumassala headland, this luxurious design hotel reveals views of a wide turquoise bay that stretches from Jungle Beach to the world famous Dutch Fort of Galle, and is located right in the heart of this cosmopolitan neighbourhood. Sumptuous guestrooms, an eye-catching tri-colour infinity pool and sultry areas for dining and imbibing make this the hottest new address on the southern coast. LEVELS is situated on Rumassala, a verdant headland that punctures Sri Lanka’s low-lying southern coastline, midway between cosmopolitan Galle and playful Unawatuna. Its position captures the stunning westerly views in enthralling detail; the infinite Indian Ocean, an enigmatic palm-fringed coastline and

vistas of the Indian Ocean and abundant, verdant jungle of Rumassala. Whether lying horizontal in bed, lounging by the poolside, dining on fusion cuisine or sipping mojitos on the roof terrace, your eyes are drawn to the deep aquamarine bay that curves gently, westerly, towards the lighthouse-pierced outline of Galle Fort directly ahead. On clear mornings, silver-blue panoramas of the island’s misty mountain ranges come into view further inland. Uber-comfy, well-furnished lounge areas for wining and dining languish across three levels of the hotel, edged by lowing creepers, green grass roofs and tropical plants. Cool and convivial, these sumptuous living and dining areas all centre around a one-of-a-kind tri-coloured mosaic-tiled infinity pool which plays bold and brazen homage to Cantaloupe’s signature hues; lime green, cool white and hot pink.

LEVELS guestrooms are chic and luxurious. Invoking Cantaloupe’s signature contemporary baroque aesthetic, eye-catching designer touches include patent snakeskin leather bedheads, smooth timber flooring, snoozefriendly sofas and cutting edge mod cons. Pale gold and silver hues complement the light background whilst contrasting black accents and bright colour pop art complete the look. LEVELS’ two design-orientated suites indulge guests with an exceptional 60 square metres of decadent space filled with playful luxuries. Adding to this fabulous spacious¬ness, are infinite ocean views and unrivalled 200-degree coastal panoramas. As you lie back in bed, or on one of the loungers, views of the enigmatic sand-swathed coastline, the lush hillside of Rumassala, the island’s misty interior and the lighthousespiked silhouette of Galle Fort; brashly reveal themselves.

Opening of Cantaloupe Levels announced

Cantaloupe Group General Manager - Imran Naufal Galle’s illustrious 17th century Dutch Fort. This privileged locale also affords easy access to the region’s increasingly diverse collection of restaurants, attractions, activities and nightlife. Rumassala is a biodiversity hotspot and home to many species of wildlife including rare, yet easy-to-spot, purplefaced leaf monkeys. The hill harbors many engaging cultural sites such as the Vivekarama Temple and the Japanese Peace Pagoda (where stands a life-sized statue of the monkey god Hanuman) as well as idyllic Jungle Beach, which lies at the foot of the headland directly accessible from the hotel. The world famous jungle beach’s twin secluded bays are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, and the pale sandy beaches are washed by a sparkling Coral Sea rich in marine life. LEVELS is a private 9-room boutique hotel designed and inspired by the unique topography, of this enviable ocean facing hillside locale. The hotel expands on Cantaloupe’s design philosophy of fusing the contemporary with classical Baroque elements, and each of the hotel’s unique features has been tailored to specific requirements to invoke an atmosphere of sophistication, seduction and calm. Each of the rooms at LEVELS frames

“T

oday we are pleased to announce Cantaloupe Levels; a nine room boutique type hill top property located near the peak of the mythical Rumassala hill. Levels is our second property under the Cantaloupe Hotels portfolio. As a concept, Levels will be a sub brand for hill top properties we are looking to conceptualise and develop in the medium to long term. With Levels our intention is to take all the core values that are represented in the Cantaloupe group to create and evolve the following elements; Innovation, Creativity, and Excellence and fusing them seamlessly with the unique art of hospitality. Rumassala provides the perfect setting to display and constantly develop this mantra. Designed in house, Levels combines signature Cantaloupe elements such as outdoor wicker furniture, Baroque chandeliers, Mood lighting, chequer board floors and a new signature three colour mosaic tiled pool. The hotel will also in essence be a walk through gallery representing all things Sri Lankan ranging from wild life, heritage, design and culture all presented in a pop art format. We have fused the old with the new and continued to evolve our design language; which we have referred to previously as Techy Baroque which we have subtly used to evolve the Cantaloupe AQUA design mantra of contemporary minimalism. Service at Levels will literally be taken to another Level with unique and creative personal services comparable to those provided to you by world renowned concierge services. From bike rides around the locale, customisable picnics on Jungle Beach or even taking you on a bar crawl in Unawatuna bay we hope to provide it all! To summarise we are hoping to redefine world famous Sri Lankan hospitality and culture by creating a singular combination of consideration, authenticity and warmth,” said Dmitri Jayasuriya, CEO of Cantaloupe & CO.

Cantaloupe & CO are proud to launch their new Cantaloupe hotels corporate logo and identity. The logo combines the fundamental Cantaloupe signatures such as the Crowns, the Colours of Cantaloupe, and subtle representation of different divisions of the group; also incorporating the colours of the Sri Lankan flag into the Cantaloupe crown. The intention with incorporating the colours of Sri Lanka, is for Cantaloupe to pay homage to its identity and most importantly promote national equality and unity. Cantaloupe Hotels now owns and manages two properties; Cantaloupe AQUA and Cantaloupe Levels, with Cantaloupe Soul Surf approximately 8 months away from completion.

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TRANQUILITY

Bird’s eye view Tex by Santhush Fernando | Pix by Sanju Samarasinghe

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ith a rich history spanning over two centuries, Lady Hill Hotel overlooks the ancient port city of Galle, nestled atop the highest point of the capital of Southern Sri Lanka. “This mansion was originally owned by a Dutch nobleman and later on when the British took over this became the vicarage of the Incumbent of the All Saints’ Anglican Church located within the Galle Fort. After the independence it was sold out to a doctor who then transferred this property to a relative of the current owners- Mrs. de Silva,” says the its dynamic Manager Diresh Phillip. “During the late 1990s understanding the aesthetic value of the property, the owners wanted to convert this into a heritage hotel in a bid to preserve its historic value. After adding modern amenities this was opened for business

exactly on the 1 January 2000. So this property has been operating for the last 14 years.” Due to its historic value and the restored Dutch architecture, the property was popular among locals and foreign tourists alike. “We are having lot of French, Chinese, and Japanese. Plus a lot of Netherlanders who visit Galle love to stay at our property due to the Dutch connection. But it’s a mix. Lot of boutique hotelsdon’tpromote their properties to the locals. We strive to operate on a more family-oriented, personalized service. That’s what I love about this property. You get talk and mingle with your guests, a luxury you don’t get in a five-star property. “ He also emphasized the importance of quality of service.

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Ocean and the fruits and vegetables, organically grown by the local community. Harbour bar The rooftop Harbour Bar commands the best view of Galle and is the ideal place to unwind of an evening, sipping your favorite beverage or just enjoying the sunset over the horizon and watching the stars make an appearance as twilight turns to dusk. The soft music and incandescent lighting also creates a special ambience and atmosphere that is both relaxing and serene. Pool Laze away your mornings or afternoons in the swimming pool whilst taking in the vista of the view spread around below you and saturate in the feeling of being at the pinnacle of your surroundings. Ayurvedic Spa

Chairperson Mrs. De Silva “From the point you check in we don’t make them fill in papers standing at the reception. Our staff is trained to serve the guests from the bottom of their hearts so much so that our guests even do not know where the reception is. We have always stressed that guests do not have to come to the reception but we should go over to the guests and see to their needs.” “Price-wise too we are very competitive. None of the hotels in the same class as ours can match our prices.” “Talent shortage is also an issue no doubt. But the main drawback as I see it is brain drain and lack of experts. You see during the thirty years of civil war lot of tourism and hospitality industry experts left Sri Lanka for greener pastures overseas. We have lots of Sri Lankan experts working in the hotels and travel sectors of Fiji to Seychelles to Maldives to the Middle East. They are not going to come back just because tourism is picking up in Sri Lanka as they are getting thundering salaries.” Entering the portals of the Lady Hill, one is treated to an architectural edifice, echoing the legacy of the ancient Colonial Dutch period, from the imposing entrance archway, down to the natural cobblestone

floor. However, as you progress through the lobby, where you will be greeted with the ringing of a bell and the traditional Sri Lankan welcome of ‘Ayubowan’ by its highly cordial and friendly staff, which in Sinhala translates as ‘May you live long’, you notice a subtle but appreciative change in the conceptual idea. You will be ushered to your room via a rustic granite stone stairway, flanked by a strip of fresh water fish ponds and upon entering your room, will be amazed to find that you have been transported from the past into the future within the space of a few short ticks of the clock. The rooms are furnished with ultra modern futuristic style décor and posses state of the art facilities and amenities which are all that you, as an honored guest, could possibly hope for. Restaurant The Lady Hill offers a gastronomic delight with a variety of Eastern, Western and Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, which will titillate your taste buds and leave you sated beyond all imagination. The health conscious can rest assured that all dishes are prepared using fresh ingredients. The seafood served is straight off the boats from the Indian

Experience authentic ayurvedic healing with natural medicine administered according to traditional methods. Soothe your mind, body and soul with traditional native accutherapy, yoga therapy, reflexology, shirodara and swedana (steam bath). Undergo the ultimate ‘Triple R’ sensations of Relaxation, Revitalization and Rejuvenation at the Ayurvedic Therapy Room. Small and Middle size of hotels are very famous among tourists those who coming to Sri Lanka since long time. Some of tourists like to luxury small hotels rather than staying conventional big hotels. To fulfill this demand, many of small and middle size hotels in Sri Lanka have been converted as luxury hotels with high quality facilities. Lady Hill Hotel is one of luxury hotel located at highest point of the Galle city. This hotel is very good for the tourists those who expecting relaxation and peace of mind stay which they are not able to get by other conventional hotels. As a Sales and Marketing Manager of Lady Hill Hotel, my expectation is promote this hotel for the high end tourists segments and local clients, those are really like such relaxation. Susantha Ranaweera Manager Sales and Marketing PMLH Holdings Management and Marketing consultants for Priyankara Hotel, Lady Hill hotel and Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge.

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 63

LATEST

eptember 1st 2014, Colombo - Cinnamon Red, Sri Lanka's first lean luxury hotel was unveiled under the aegis of Minister of Economic Development, Basil Rajapaksa who hoisted the Cinnamon Red flag to mark the ceremonial launch of this Rs. 3.5 Bn investment coming under the banner of the Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts chain. Prior to the hoisting, the Cinnamon Red flag was ceremonially handed over to Cinnamon Red General Manager, Terrence Fernando by Deputy Chairman of John Keells Holdings PLC, Ajit Gunewardene. Gathered at the launch was Chairman of John Keells Holdings PLC, Susantha Ratnayake; Deputy Chairman of John Keells Holdings, Ajit Gunewardene; Chairman of Sancity Hotels and Properties Limited, Mahen Weerasekera; Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Sector Head – City Hotels, Rohan Karr and General Manager of Cinnamon Red, Terrence Fernando in the presence of the media who were invited to cover the event. Located in the hub of Colombo at Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 3, which was formerly Green Path, Cinnamon Red, which has its pulse firmly on the buzzing metropolis

of Colombo city, is billed to pioneer a completely new lifestyle experience. Being the newest addition to Colombo's transforming cityscape, Cinnamon Red's lean luxury concept is collated within 243 rooms, a distinctively designed eighth floor restaurant and a reception cum tea and coffee bar on the seventh floor. A striking focal point is the infinity pool, rooftop bar and fitness centre located on the 26th floor, giving guests a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of Colombo and the seascape of the Indian Ocean. Introducing some firsts into the city hotel blueprint, Cinnamon Red's unique features include ultra modern amenities such as self-check in and check out kiosks, e-concierge services, vending machines and rooms equipped with Wi-Fi and IPTV systems. Cinnamon Red embraces the demands of the new age traveller who is in constant pursuit of unique experiences, combining innovation and affordability for a relaxed uncomplicated stay. The launch also gave those gathered a prelude to the hotel’s offerings, where guests walked through the entirety of the hotel to gain a look and feel of this new concept of lean luxury and the offerings that Cinnamon Red will give to its clientele. One of the distinctive features of Cinnamon Red is the collection of contemporary artworks adorning the wall spaces including the graffiti wall which incidentally was the culmination of an art competition conducted earlier this year by Cinnamon Red to showcase local talent.

Facade of Cinnamon Red Colombo

Cinnamon Red,

Sri Lanka’s First Lean Luxury Hotel, UNVEILS -

Rs 3.5 Bn investment under Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

According to Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Sector Head – City Hotels, Rohan Karr, “The new, emerging breed of discerning travellers seek the assurance of a hotel that understands and anticipates their needs, while providing the right amalgamation of comfort, efficiency and convenience. This is the concept of lean luxury which Cinnamon Red is pioneering. By adapting to the growing needs of this segment of travellers, Cinnamon Red promises an ambience and environment for the modern traveller to simultaneously thrive and feel at ease, while being immersed in the city life that surrounds them.” Well aligned to Sri Lanka's national narrative for the tourism industry and the perceptible changes being

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is a part of Sri Lankan blue chip conglomerate John Keells Holdings PLC comprising a portfolio of thirteen hotels including two Colombo city hotels, eight resorts in Sri Lanka and three island resorts in the Maldives. Being Sri Lanka’s first lean luxury hotel, Cinnamon Red heralds a new benchmark both for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and the lean luxury category in the country, being poised to become a game-changer in Sri Lanka’s evolving tourism industry.

Cloud red, exterior bar, rooftop

For more information, please visit: www.cinnamonhotels.com For more property specific information, please visit: www.cinnamonredcolombo.com

Rooftop infinity pool - nighttime Stirred, tea and coffee bar - 7th floor

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Ajit and Terrence experienced, Deputy Chairman of John Keells Holdings, Ajit Gunewardene said, “As much as Cinnamon Red signifies the creation of a new tier within the Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Brand, it has also created an impetus for a brand new tier in Sri Lanka's hospitality industry. Thus far, city properties in Sri Lanka have been positioned within the traditional framework of a star rating or as budget hotels, competing on price. The concept of ‘lean luxury’ being introduced by Cinnamon Red echoes the global hospitality curve and will fill a much needed void between these two broad niches that the current hospitality industry subscribes to. It boldly breaks traditional norms, offering guests a uniquely different experience with affordability, efficient service and comfort. This will not just help Cinnamon Hotels compete better within the market, but will add value to Sri Lanka in terms of tourism.” 66 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

bedroom - double standard king size

BUILDING

"It

is time we made use of the opportunities open for the youth in Hambantota created with the vast development projects in the area and make Hambantota the door to the path way for making Sri Lanka the miracle of Asia" said Hambantota District Parliamentarian and the Chairman of the Tharunyata Hetak Organization , Namal Rajapaksa at the Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Centre (MRICC) in HAMBANTOTA. "Our organisations Tharunyata Hetak and Blue Brigade have created many opportunities and has conducted many programs to uplift the lives of the rural people regardless of their background, so is the AVADI 2014 where we request the youth in Hambantota to make use of the opportunity to be knowledgeable on deciding their future targets" he added. Addressing a gathering of more than 4000 youth at the MRICC on the opening day of the AVADI 2014, an education and career exhibition fair, parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa also said that youth in the country were not fully aware of the resources, institutions and opportunities towards furthering their education after the two hurdles, OL and AL. AVADI 2014 will make aware the youth in Hambantota on a vast array of openings in the private and commercial sector. So that youth in rural areas will no longer will be condensed to and by their immediate peripheries, restricting them to a limited choice. "Everybody has a choice of furthering their education and career options.

AVADI 2014 to enhance youth

career options 'AVADI'. empowers such students with the ability to dream bigger, better and brighter while ensuring those dreams are realized in each of their lives" he added. The two-day exhibition where a mass number of youths and their parents witnessed with greater enthusiasm was open for public on Friday and Saturday. The mega event had been organized by the Tharunyayata Hetak Organization. The first day was dedicated to the youth in the area while the second day had been allocated for parents, adults and teachers in the area. The education and career exhibition featured a combination of over sixty exhibitors from educational and private sectors, in an attempt to expand the participants's mindset by exposing them to educational and commercial opportunities available. Sessions on both days featured keynote speeches by renowned motivational speakers and also programmes on career advice and workshops. Imran Vilcasim, Country Manager Microsoft Sri Lanka (pvt) ltd handed over 100 scholarships to the youth in Hambantota and Savithri Panditharatne, Head of Education Services, Tharunyata Hetak Organisation received the

documentation on the first day. Twenty scholarships to learn Korean language were also awarded to the youth in the area by G20 a private higher education institute on the occasion. AVADI 2015 will be held in Kurunegala, next year. "Let us make use of the opportunities open for the youth in Hambantota created with the vast development projects in the area and make Hambantota the door to the path way for making Sri Lanka the miracle of Asia", attempt to expand the participant’s mindset by exposing them to educational and commercial opportunities available. yesterday sessions featured keynote speeches by renowned motivational speakers also with career advice and workshops. ‘AVADI 2014, A DREAM, A REALITY’ is made possible by Microsoft Sri Lanka, National Savings Bank, Nestle, Elephant House, Human Capital Solutions, Skills College of Technology and MAS Holdings. CSN, Rupavahini, ITN Sri Lanka, Neth FM, Lakhanda and ANCL will be associated as media partners of this event. ‘AVADI 2014, a dream, a reality’ is organized by ‘Tharunayata Hetak’.

68 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 69

EDUCATION TOURISM

he Sri Lanka Foundation in collaboration with Asian Agriculture Consultants has launched a Certificate Course on Agri and Eco Tourism which was planned and designed by Prof Rohana P Mahaliyanaarachchi, Senior Professor of Agri Business Management of Sabaragamuwa University, who is an expert in Agri and Eco tourism. The whole course will be conducted under the direct guidance of Prof Mahaliyanaarachchi. This certificate course has been designed to give substantial theoretical and practical knowledge and experience on both agri and eco tourism subsectors of tourism. However, in addition to agri and eco tourism, planning and operating of Home-Stays are also included into this course enabling participants to get broader knowledge on new concepts of alternative tourism. This course is aimed at current entrepreneurs in tourism, entrepreneurs expecting to join nature or rural tourism sectors, provincial and regional level tourism planners, and any other person who is interested on agri and eco tourism as well as Home-Stays.

Certificate Course on Agri and Eco Tourism

Scheduled to Conduct at Sri Lanka Foundation Tea-Tourism a segment of the agritourism sector successfully carried out in Japan. An exemplary learning component to develop parallel segments in SL (Pics. by Harsha Peiris taken at Moriuchi Tea Farm during APO study mission in Japan)

“Both Agri tourism and Eco tourism are in the category of alternative tourism. There are similarities and as well as differences between the two types. Both are nature types of rural tourism and are operated in rural environment. Nevertheless, conceptually and operationally agri and eco tourism are different. However, there are a number of examples in the world and local experiences on agro–eco tourism enterprises. Tourists who love agri tourism have attraction to eco tourism and vice versa because both are targeted for nature loving people. An entrepreneur who plans to operate one of these tourism enterprises can mix the flavor of other to attract more visitors,” Prof Rohana P Mahaliyanaarachchi says. Through this certificate course participants can obtain basic knowledge on tourism , agri tourism and eco tourism, knowledge on types of agri tourism and activities of agri tourism, knowledge and skills in development of agri tourism products, knowledge in business planning in agri tourism products, knowledge and skills in promotion and marketing of agri tourism products, knowledge on concept of eco tourism, eco tourism management planning, knowledge in planning and management of eco tourism, knowledge in promotion and marketing of eco tourism and knowledge in planning and operating Home-Stays.

Prof Rohana P Mahaliyanaarachchi, Senior Professor of Agri Business Management of Sabaragamuwa University, who is an expert in Agri and Eco tourism.

The course will be commenced on early October 2014 at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo. It will be a weekend course preferably conducted on Sundays. For further information interested persons can contact Mr Dharmaratne, Programme Officer of Sri Lanka Foundation on 071 4539 482. 70 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

NEWS

Galle Face Hotel Management Group partners with Luxe Asia and Khiri Travel to create Khiri Travel Sri Lanka

olombo, August 29th 2014: The Galle Face Hotel Management Group announced today that it will partner with Luxe Asia and Khiri Travel to create the latest destination From left - Mr. Sanjeev Gardiner, management Mr. Willem Neimeijer company in Sri Lanka. The joint venture named Khiri Travel Sri Lanka will be a member of The Galle Face Hotel Management group which owns and operates the Galle Face Hotel, Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHC) and Kandy Hotels (Queen’s Hotel and Hotel Suisse). The official announcement of the partnership was made at a press conference held at the newly opened Galle Face Hotel meeting and conference facility. Commenting on this historic partnership, Chairman Galle Face Hotel Group/Luxe Asia Sanjeev Gardiner noted, “With the Khiri Group’s presence and excellent customer service and our unparalleled knowledge of the Sri Lankan inbound tourism market, I am convinced that Khiri Travel Sri Lanka will become the market leader in the luxury tourism segment in a relatively short period of time. The refurbishment of our CHC properties and the Galle Face Hotel in particular will complement the needs of Khiri Travel Sri Lanka.” Luxe Asia is a regional destination management company (DMC) handling inbound tourists from globally generating markets in to Sri Lanka. Established in August 2009, Luxe Asia is one of the leading companies in the inbound travel market in Sri Lanka. The intimate local market knowledge and commitment to world class services which is the ethos of Luxe Asia will be complimented by the global standing of the Khiri Group within the travel industry. The Khiri Travel Group is a regional leader in the sustainable hospitality and travel business. Founded in Bangkok in 1993 by CEO Willem Niemeijer, Khiri has DMC offices in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Indonesia and has a proven track record of success in all of these countries and are confident of replicating this success in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile Founder CEO of the Khiri Travel Willem Niemeijer who is in the island for the launch said “There are clear cultural and historical ties between Sri Lanka and many of the other Khiri destinations in Southeast Asia. The rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka, its varied and beautiful scenery, many nature-based responsible travel options, and the amazing Maldives, all make Khiri Travel Sri Lanka a very exciting proposition. Khiri Travel is about offering authentic travel experiences in a responsible, sustainable way for all stakeholders. Luxe Asia’s commitment to the delivery of the highest quality of services and the Galle Face Hotel Management Group’s love for preserving the country’s

Ceylon Hotels Corporation warmly welcomes Miss. Universe China finalists to “The Lake Hotel Polonnaruwa”

olombo, August 26th 2014: Twenty-three beautiful young finalists of the Miss Universe China pageant have been touring Sri Lanka since the beginning of August 2014, and made a stopover at the historic Lake Hotel in Polonnaruwa recently. The participants have chosen Sri Lanka as their destination getaway, following regional selections that will culminate in the Grand Finale of the Miss Universe China pageant, scheduled to be heldin September in Shanghai. Accompanying the contingent isYue-Sai Khan, the Chinese American Emmy-winning television host and producer, successful entrepreneur, fashion icon, bestselling author and humanitarian who has a mammoth following in China. The Miss Universe China is organized by Yue-Sai Khan Productions, and is one of the most glamorous events in China gathering business leaders, celebrities, international VIPs and media. “The Sri Lanka tour is the first overseas trip Miss Universe China has embarked on with all of the final contestants. We look at it not only as a holiday but as a great experience for the girls to get a glimpse of what Miss China's role entails as a cultural ambassador who represents their own country as well as in learning and embracing all new cultures” stated Yue. The sheer scale and the significant growth of Chinese tourist arrivals to Sri Lankawithin the last two yearshas made China the second largestsource marketfor the country. From 55,000 arrivals recorded last year, the number has already exceeded 100,000to date this year, and is expected to grow further by end 2014.In addition to the increase in tourist traffic, it has also been noted that the Chinese are now trending towardsselectingpopular and fashionable destinations for their holidays,and rely on celebrity experiences and endorsements when doing so. Commenting on the Ceylon Hotels Corporation’s involvement in the tour itinerary Omer Idroos, Assistant Director Sales, Ceylon Hotels Corporation notes, “It is this insight that made us partner with this initiative by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and Sri Lankan Airlinesso that we together can enhance presence for both the destination and brands in this market effectively”. The ladies were treated to a signature “Rice and Curry Luncheon” prepared with fresh local ingredients by master chef Thusitha, and was complimented by inherent Sri Lankan hospitality and an exceptional level of service that is synonymous with the Ceylon Hotel’s Corporation properties.

Backed by the illustrious expertise of the Galle Face Hotel group, a particular emphasis of Khiri Travel Sri Lanka will be the development of the luxury travel segment to Sri Lanka and the Maldives and leveraging on the strength of the Khiri Group in markets such as the USA, Netherlands, Germany and the UK. Both the global and local parties involved in the partnership were keen to emphasise the importance of top level personalised service, which they feel will drive the new venture. “We have employed agents who have both experience and fluency in handling this segment of tourism. They have a better idea than anyone else of what our clients will expect from a trip to Sri Lanka and the Maldives and our aim is to make this trip as memorable and hassle free as possible”, concluded Chaminda Dias, Managing Director of Luxe Asia. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 71

SLT Rewards FIFA Campaign Winners

ri Lanka Telecom, the national ICT Solutions Provider awarded 2014 Brazuca Official Match Balls to the winners of the FIFA World Cup Facebook Promotion at a ceremony held at the SLT Head Office on Friday, 8th August 2014.

The SLT FIFA World Cup Facebook promotion was part of the organisation’s initiative to constantly engage with their followers and fans online. Participants of the contest were asked to take part in a month-long, football-based quiz on Facebook where the top three scorers were automatically named winners. “SLT has always been geared towards staying relevant with the changing times, and social media has provided us the platform to listen to and connect with our valued customers,” Chief Marketing Officer Roshan Kaluarachchi said. “This campaign champions our commitment to continue to engage and reward our customers online”. Mr. Kaluarachchi handed over the prizes to the winners: Shaffek Mohamed, Uthyendra Selvarajah and Nipuna Viduranga. Deputy Chief Officer/Brand Marketing Mrs. Vijitha Ratnayake was also present at the event.

People’s Bank presents ‘Relax Savings Planner’ to popular Young Icon Saranga Disasekara

Peoples’ Bank Relax savings planner was presented to popular young actor Saranga Disasekara by the Chief Executive Officer / General Manager of the Peoples’ Bank N Vasantha Kumar at the People’s Bank head office recently. The occasion which was graced by popular actress Umali Thilakaratne along with Head of Marketing and Public affairs Mr. Deepal Abeysekera, Deputy General Manager - Retail Banking Mrs. Renuka Jayasinghe, Assistant General Manager - Marketing and Public Affairs Ms. Yugani Mendis and many other officials of People’s Bank to witness the event. Chief Executive Officer / General Manager of the Peoples’ Bank Mr. N. Vasantha Kumar commenting at the occasion stated, “Peoples Bank has brought banking and financial facilities closer to Sri Lankan’s for more than five decades and the ‘People’s Relax Savings Planner’ has been introduced at the right time with the view to encourage the youth to save for a brighter future. The savings planner could be used as a pension fund to build up savings so that once you retire at the age you desire you’re able to enjoy a lump sum of cash with additional retirement benefits.”

Chief Executive Officer/ General Manager of the Peoples’ Bank N. Vasantha Kumar presenting a People’s Relax Savings Plan to Actor Saranga Disasekera. Head of Marketing and Public Affairs, Deepal Abeysekera, Deputy General Manager (Retail Banking), Mrs. Renuka Jayasinghe and popular actress Umali Thilakaratne are seen in the picture.

“Any person from the of 18 to 65 will be eligible to open a People’s Bank Relax Account and could reap the benefits of the retirement plan at the age of 50, 55, 60 or 65. Customers could open a People’s Relax Account and also deposit funds at any of the 735 branches of the People’s Bank, island wide. I take this opportunity to thank Saranga and Umali for joining us on this special day to receive People’s Relax Savings planner and becoming a good example towards the youth and the general public. Also, I thank them for being a part of all our advertising collateral. By taking part in this project of immense social importance l, the role they played is invaluable’’ He concluded. Expressing his views popular actor Saranga Disasekera commented, “Along with my wife umali, I wish to sincerely thank People’s Bank for the opportunity given to Umali and myself to be a part of the commercial as well as the land mark event of introducing People’s relax Saving Plan to the public. It is most certainly a privilege to be associated with a reputed bank such as People’s Bank and our confidence have been with People’s Bank over the years as a financial institution that serves the best of products and services to the country. It is pivotal to plan our retirement and secure our financial stability to enjoy a relaxed and stress free life as we grow old. As public figures, I find it our duty to inculcate good habits such as these and stand as role models to our fans.” 72 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

SLTI represents Sri Lanka at the Multicounty Observational Study Mission (OSM) on Best Practices in Promoting Innovation and Productivity in Agriculture for Mass Media Practitioners, organized by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) commences in Tokyo Japan. than ever before, with climate change, lack of land for agriculture and related issues. Building a framework therefore, for cooperation among journalists for easy and better networking has become vital to promote and safeguard this industry of global importance,” he said. The APO and its activities

The 17 member media delegation at with Mari Amano – the Secretary General of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) and Joselito C. Bernado – Director Agriculture Department Asian Productivity Organization (APO) in Japan. The Editor in Chief of the international travel and tour magazine Harsha Udayakantha Peiris and Seetha Sirimalee Alahakoon – Senior Producer of the Educational Programs Division of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation who made the Sri Lankan media representation are also in the picture.

ri Lanka’s participation vital to offer a wider publicity through media to share knowledge, competencies, present and future development drives in regional agriculture industry and developments in agro-tourism to the masses engaged in the industry of agriculture in SL.

Sri Lanka The Treasure Island – the monthly international travel and tour magazine represented Sri Lanka at the Multicounty Observational Study Mission (OSM) on Best Practices in Promoting Innovation and Productivity in Agriculture for Mass Media Practitioners, organized by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) commenced on 08th September 2014 in Tokyo in Japan. A total number of APO sponsored 17 participants especially from print and electronic media of APO member countries including, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines and Thailand arrived at Niwa Tokyo hotel in Suidobashi Tokyo on 07th September to participate in the study mission. The 07 day Multicounty Observational Study Mission (OSM) included the first day presentations namely, ‘Promotion of Entry into the Sixth-Order Industry and Promotion of Agriculture-CommerceIndustry Collaboration’, ‘The Sixth Sector Innovations to Revitalize Rural Communities, Innovative Film Agriculture Using cutting Edge Membrane Technology’ and ‘Overview of Agricultural Journalism in Japan’ as well as observational tours, field visits, discussions and video screenings of agriculture related commerce and industry collaborations. Making the Opening remarks at the

initiation of the programme on 08th September 2014 at Leaf square building in Tokyo in Japan, Mari Amano – the Secretary General of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) stated that Apo started a mission to mutually understand the productivity missions and a successful platform has now been facilitated through the APO to share knowledge and experience on Agriculture and related faculties among member countries via effective learning through each other. “Today, it is pleasant to note that almost every country in the region has taken steps to promote agriculture as an industry that uses the cutting-edge technology for its efficient promotion and effective marketing of the produce,” he added. The first day of the study mission also included a welcome lunch for all participants at Restaurant Rilassa at Tokyo Dome Hotelhosted by APO Secretary General Mari Amano. Director – Industrial Department of the APO in Japan – J.M.Thilaka Jayasundara also attended the occasion. Mrs.Jayasundara is the first Sri Lankan and the first ever non Japanese citizen to be a Director of the APO during its history of nearly 53 years of implementation. In a brief overview of the APO activities, Joselito C. Bernado – Director Agriculture Department Asian Productivity Organization in Japan said that all participants at this study mission would be effectively exposed to the modern agricultural technology and its practices performed in collaboration with the private sector and the local government to share and learn through experience. “ Growing food and related industries are a major requirement of the growing population and it has become more of a challenge

Asian Productivity organization (APO) that organized the study mission in collaboration with the respective national productivity organizations and secretariats in member countries was established in 11th May 1961 as a regional intergovernmental organization. APO programmes cover the industry, service and agriculture sectors, with special focus on socio-economic development, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) development, human resources management, productivity measurement and analysis, knowledge management, production and technology management, information technology, development of NPOs, green productivity, integrated community development, agribusiness, agricultural development and policies, resources and technology as well as agricultural marketing and institutions. Its activities include research, forums, conferences and study missions, workshops, training courses, seminars, observational study missions and demonstration projects. The APO OSM on Best Practices in Promoting Innovation and Productivity in Agriculture for Mass Media Practitioners this year included an array of vivid programmes such as special observational tours and field visits for activities such as observing apple cider processing, briefing on development of agriculture in Aomori prefecture focusing on innovative approaches in agriculture and agro tourism activities, visiting Taisei Industrial Corporation and Tsugaru Mirai Agricultural Cooperative, Tokiwa branch to observe garlic preservation using cryotechnology at Aomori prefecture, visits to observe and understand paddy-field art at Inakadate, visits to Hirosaki Apple Park and Happy Longevity Village – farm direct shop and Cherry Center at Nambucho, attending Summer Fiesta of Nambucho, briefing on agro tourism activities in the area, its history, present status and future prospects, observing agro-tourism sites in Nambucho, visits to farm house holds for interview, experiencing SOBA making, fruits picking, a visit to the Plant Factory at Chiba University, a visit to Tsuji Farm to observe harvesting of tomatoes by using

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 73

film agriculture at Isehara, Kamikasuya, a visit to Moriuchi Tea Farm and tea wholesaler as well as tea processing factory Maeda Kinzaburo Shop. The end presentations of the study mission include presentations on ‘Women’s Power to Revitalize Rural Agriculture and Promotion of Sixth Industry’ by Kazue Sato – Director of the Women and Elder Affairs Office – Agriculture Human Resource Development Division Management Improvement Bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Fisheries, ‘Women’s Participation in Agriculture and Sustainable Rural Enterprise Development’ by Eri Ohtsu, 02 Farm of the Kumamoto prefecture and a presentation on ‘Design and production on Television Programme for Farmers by Kenichi Kodama – Freelance Director of Hamura TV. Sri Lanka’s participation at the programme Sri Lankan delegation at this study mission was marked by two representatives from the island that included Harsha Udayakantha

Peiris – Editor in Chief of Sri Lanka The Treasure Island - the monthly international travel and tour magazine and Seetha Sirimalee Alahakoon – Senior Producer of the Educational Programmes Division of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation. Sri Lanka’s participation at this Multicounty Observational Study Mission (OSM) in Japan on Best Practices in Promoting Innovation and Productivity in Agriculture for Mass Media Practitioners is considered a much valued opportunity extended to Sri Lanka by the APO through the National Productivity Secretariat of Sri Lanka under the Ministry of Productivity and Promotion, to offer a wider publicity through print and electronic media to share knowledge, competencies and present and future development drives in the industry to the masses, engaged in agriculture in Sri Lanka. It also offers a prime opportunity to highlight and showcase the traditions, developments and market oriented agricultural produce, productions and related productivity

initiatives implemented in Sri Lanka by the agro-educationists, professionals and farming industrialists in Sri Lanka to the international community, through electronic and print media presentations at the programme. Following the event the Sri Lankan participants at the programme are expected to take part in a number of publicity promotions and awareness programmes with National Productivity Secretariat of Sri Lanka to acknowledge the masses around the country on the latest developments of the industry and industry related productivity standards in the region which are also widely facilitated and guided through the APO activities. Sri Lanka’s participation at the ongoing APO study mission in Japan for mass media practitioners was equally important in promoting bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Japan at a time a high profile delegation with the initiative of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visits President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Sri Lanka elevating greater ties of diplomatic relations between the two friendly nations.

Mallika Hemachandra, the ‘Mantra’ for Jewellery

allika Hemachandra Jewellers, Sri Lanka’s eminent producer of designer jewellery for almost fifty years, is enhancing their range of exclusive masterpieces for discerning clients to possess designer jewellery crafted with precious metal and gems.

The range presented by Mallika Hemachandra to jewellery lovers extend from Gold of 22 to 14 carat and gems Peridot & Diamond Pendent With White Gold & Diamond Ring Cleopatra Collection ranges from precious gems such as Matching Eardrops Tri Color Pendent Diamonds, Emeralds, Blue Sapphires, Rubys to Semi precious of Garnets, Amethysts etc. Prudent clients also purchase Gold sovereigns of 22 carat for investment purposes too. In addition,Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers has a range of Westar watches too. Corporate branding that Mallika Hemachandra represents has always been aligned with the modern trends offering designer jewellery to their precious customers. The unique feature is that since the beginning of the nation’s jewellers almost five decades ago, the clients of Mallika Hemachandra jewellers have always attached themselves to their exclusive brand Mallika Hemachandra, immensely satisfied with their precious purchases. Customer satisfaction and loyalty speak volumes for the master jeweller maintaining the values and commitment towards the clients, who have never wavered from the trust and confidence they have placed on Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers. The powerful brand image of the Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers has been developing over the years, since 1968 to be exact, resulting in getting more and more repeat customers for generations. The customers have been totally satisfied with their purchases in customized jewellery from Mallika Hemachandra. Those interested in purchasing jewellery in Gold and precious gems have always been concerned on the product quality of each and every item. Not only they yearn for unique pieces of jewellery, they also want to assure themselves that the Gold they wear is of the highest quality. In this regard, Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers has always maintained the trust of their customers. The trust built and maintained over the years is a solid assurance to the customers that the gold they buy are of the right quality and they can take the word of Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers as the ultimate certificate. At Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers, designs of any era, type and tradition is available and customers could even come up with their own ideas in designing unique jewellery of their own. This unique feature makes such jewellery the ‘one and only’ in the land and they stand on their own with no similar designs. And today’s women are more interested in such type of jewellery and fashion wear. The staff at Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers is totally equipped to meet all customer requirements. The skilled craftsmen are fully conversant with all traditions and cultures to bring out jewellery items to meet each and every need the customers longs for. The unmatchable reputation achieved by Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers has today made the institution the ‘mantra’ for all fashionloving jewellery seekers and the ultimate destination to make one’s jewellery dreams come true! 74 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

M Mount Lavinia Hotel Team L-R Harinda Weerasinghe - Resident Manager, Gamith Dilantha - IT Administrator, Dulani Rupasinghe - Manager Social media, Channa Kaweeshvara - IT Executive

Mount Lavinia Hotel clinch Two Gold Awards at BestWeb.lk competition ount Lavinia Hotel, Sri Lanka’s most celebrated colonial mansion with a history spanning over 200 years was the recent recipient of multiple awards from the prestigious national BestWeb.lk 2014 Competition.

The Mount Lavinia Hotel site (www.mountlaviniahotel.lk) was adjudged the ‘BestWeb.lk 2014 Overall Gold Winner’ and also received the Gold award for the ‘Best Travel and Tourism Website’. “We are honoured to be recognized once again by the BestWeb.lk Competition.” said Chinthaka Daluwatte - Director Sales and Marketing, commenting on this achievement. “Mount Lavinia Hotel continues to win awards because of our commitment towards embracing overall customer experience, which goes beyond website design. The website provides the perfect window fronting our digital marketing and social media engagement services. Our social customer care is a hallmark of the online reputation we continue to build upon.” “Winning the Overall Best Website at the BestWeb.lk 2014 competition affirms Mount Lavinia Hotel as one of the leading hospitality partners in the country.” he added.

Resident Manager Harinda Weerasinghe receiving the Gold award for the Best Travel and Tourism Website at BestWeb.lk 2014

This year’s BestWeb.lk Awards contributed to the Hotel’s continued winning spree in the Competition. Previously, Mount Lavinia Hotel secured Gold for Overall Best Web in 2012 and also Gold for Best Corporate Website. In 2010 the Hotel received the Gold award for Best Web and the Best Tourism Website of the Year. Conducted by LK Domain Registry, an independent non-profit organization helping to promote unique Sri Lankan identity online, the Bestweb.lk competition is now an annual calendar event to choose the finest Sri Lanka websites. Judging the competition was an imminent Panel, comprising experts with broad web proficiency capable of discerning innovative and extraordinary creative brilliance in website design. Criteria including aspects of design, technology, content and quality of interaction were evaluated.

The MLH Team receiving the Overall Gold Award at BestWeb.lk 2014

Website traffic and public voting for their favourite websites attracted interest in this novel Competition as the online community too participated. BestWeb.lk positively provides a unique platform and rewards individuals and organisations responsible for developing some of the most effective and best websites in Sri Lanka.

Miss China finalists for Miss Universe at Laksala

he finalists of the Miss China for Miss Universe visited Laksala on the invitation of Chairman Anil Koswatte as part of their weeklong tour to Sri Lanka recently.

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 75

HNB Assurance launches my pension Life time guaranteed monthly pension for everyone over 55 years

Picture shows Dr Ranee Jayamaha, Chairperson, HNB/HNB Assurance. Presenting the first policy to Deshamanya S. Dayalan, Chairman, Naveen Ceramics

(From left) Mr Prashantha Fernando, General Manager – Life, HNB Assurance, Ms U K Silva, Assistant Financial Services Manager, HNB Assurance, Mr Manjula de Silva, Managing Director/CEO,HNB Assurance , Mr Jonathan Alles, Managing Director/CEO, HNB, Mr Kalum Wijesooriya, Assistant General Manager – Remittances & Foreign Currency Deposits, HNB and Mr Hemantha Liyanage, Regional Manager – Colombo North, HNB Assurance are also in the picture.

NB Assurance has identified a primary need of the elderly citizens of our country and has introduced a Guaranteed Monthly Pension Plan named ‘my pension’ for those who seek a peaceful and contented retirement, becoming the first insurance company in the country to do so. This unique product is being offered in collaboration with its parent company, Hatton National Bank, which will market this product island-wide through its branch network. ‘my pension’ was launched at a media conference recently by the Chairperson of HNB & HNB Assurance Dr. Ranee Jayamaha along with HNB Managing Director Jonathan Alles and HNB Assurance Managing Director Manjula de Silva. At the media conference it was highlighted that, having the financial strength to support your retirement is a blessing to look back and enjoy a lifetime of achievements, and be proud of your financial independence. The product was presented as the ideal solution to the need of retirees who are looking to secure a fixed monthly income for life in exchange for a lump sum investment, without being affected by interest rate fluctuations. As its main feature my pension gives you a guaranteed monthly pension for life. In addition, a life cover will be in effect in the event of demise of the policyholder within the first 10 years. At the point of entry the Company commits a monthly pension value for you which you will continue to receive throughout your life irrespective of interest rate fluctuations. my pension is a single premium policy where you can pay the premium at once and enjoy monthly pensions for the rest of your life, regardless of how long you will live. In order to obtain a my pension retirement plan you need to be within the entry age 55 to 80 & pay an initial investment for the single premium in the value range of Rs. 1 Million to 25 Million. For instance if you are 55 years of age and have invested 5 million rupees you will receive a monthly pension of Rs. 41,750 (Annual pension will be Rs. 501,000) plus a life cover of Rs. 5,500,000 less total monthly pensions paid up to death. This monthly pension will be paid for as long as you live. The monthly pension will vary on the one time initial investment that you have paid. The other remarkable feature of this pension plan is that if you buy it at an older age, the pension you will receive will be more. For instance, a person aged 65 investing Rs. 5 Million will receive a monthly pension of Rs. 43,750 (Annual Pension of Rs. 525,000) with the same life cover for 10 years. ‘My pension’ can easily be obtained from any of the 51 HNB Assurance branches that are located Island wide or from any of the 175 HNB branches where bancassurance counters of HNB Assurance are located. Customers can also call the dedicated 24 hour hotline on 0114 883 883 to get more details or visit the Customer Service Center located at 51A, Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 3.

76 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

Amãna Takaful Offers a Special 25% Off for ‘My Home’ Insurance

mãna Takaful, the only fully-fledged Takaful operator in the country and the flag bearer of the Takaful way of insurance in Sri Lanka, offers a 25% off on its ‘My Home’ insurance policy for homeowners. The special discount on the policy is available for all homeowners until the 31st of October 2014. Amãna Takaful believes that homes are havens of love, happiness and fulfilment. The company understands that it is difficult for homeowners to have peace of mind when they are continuously concerned about the safety of their homes and whether all their belongings are protected. Taking this into account, Amãna Takaful now offers a discount on their ‘My Home’ insurance cover, which is designed to protect homeowners from the losses caused by multiple risks and problems that can affect a home. Commenting on the ‘My Home’ insurance cover promotion, Adel Hashim, General Manager Sales and Marketing, stated, “Our homes are an extremely important part of our lives. Most of us spend our life’s earnings to build one. People spend year’s savings to build a house. They then go through the hassle of finding the right plot of land, building it, some re-paying loans over 30 years, but don’t wont to spend little bit of money to protecting it. But we don’t forget to protect our vehicle, business etc. This is the same with Medical Insurance. We feel it is very important that these are adequately addressed and families have some sort of financial security plans in place”. He further addressed,” At Amãna Takaful we strive to provide our customers with a range of services and products to mitigate their financial risk and therefore, we are pleased to offer this discount of 25 percent on our ‘My Home’ insurance cover to encourage home owners to secure their homes. Protecting clients and their homes is important to us and is a commitment which remains a top priority to us at Amãna Takaful.” ‘My Home’ ensures that your home is insured in the event of a burglary covering damaged property and stolen goods. All belongings in the home including jewellery, valuables, interior and exterior decorations are protected by the cover. The cover also provides protection against damage caused by fires, falling trees and branches, explosions, Natural disasters such as earthquakes, lightning, thunderstorms etc. Additionally it offers a host of free benefits such as, Personal accident cover for family, protection against loss of rent, loss of cash, fire brigade charges, replacement of ATM/credit cards, alternative accommodation requirements, deterioration of food in the refrigerator and much more. Amãna Takaful has been recognized for its innovation and quality of service for over 15 years. The company has been acknowledged as the fastest growing composite insurer in the country and caters to a vast variety of customers. Recognized recently at the SLIBFI awards, the company received two gold awards for the ‘Best Islamic Finance Entity of the Year’ and for the ‘Product of the Year’ for KruthaGuna, the company’s unique hospitalization insurance policy for senior citizens over 55 years of age.

HUMAN CAPITAL SOLUTIONS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH THOMAS ASSESSMENTS INDIAINREVOLUTIONIZING THE HR INDUSTRY

LT Human Capital Solutions (Pvt) Ltd - ‘Total HR Solution Provider’, ventures into revolutionizing in the Human Resources industry in Sri Lanka by joining hands with Thomas Assessments, India to launch the first Assessments and People Profiling service in Sri Lanka. The inaugural event of the launch was held on 25th August 2014 at OZO Colombo with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer of Human Capital Solutions (HCS) - Mr. Ranjith G. Rubasinghe and the Management team and the Director of Thomas Assessments Pvt. Ltd. India, Mr. Prahlad Rao -together with representatives from Thomas Assessments. There was also a commendable participation of distinguished guests from various corporate verticals and sectors representing HR departments of their companies who were seen at this event. Mr. Rubasinghe in his welcome address stated, “We are excited to partner with Thomas Assessments as they are undoubtedly the best partner to provide our valued customers the service of Assessments and People Profiling”. He further stated that this partnership reflects the desire of HCS to collaborate with companies specialized in their areas of expertise in HR, endorsing the motto of HCS – ‘Achieving together’. Thomas Assessments is the Indian arm of ‘Thomas International – U.K.’- a company which has been at the forefront of assessment innovation for over 30 years and provides people assessment tools which empower business leaders to transform the performance of individuals and teams. Mr. Prahlad Rao, of Thomas Assessments India, addressed the audience by describing what assessments are and how they help organizations to examine key competencies of candidates and employers when taking key decisions in Recruiting, Retaining, Developing and Managing them. All guests who were present at the event were given the opportunity to take part in a free behavioral profiling named “Thomas Personal Profiling Analysis (PPA)”. Being in the Human Resource service industry for over half a decade, HCS’ main focus is to offer innovative and new methods of HR Solutions to their customers and to improve and expand their service offerings to cater across vertical corporate customers. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 77

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