Tresure island magazine july august 302 by Suranga Cooray

treasureisland.lk

JULY - AUGUST 2014

CONSULTANT EDITOR Renuka Bandaranayake DEPUTY EDITOR Rathindra Kuruwita SUB EDITOR Rikaza Hassan 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 Inoka Palliyaguru – 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

APPLYING BUDDHIST EDUCATION FOR GLOBAL ISSUES - SRI LANKA INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST ACADEMY (SIBA) SRI LANKA INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST ACADEMY (SIBA) IS AN ACCREDITED DEGREE AWARDING INSTITUTE BY THE UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA. SIBA IS A UNIQUE LIBERAL ARTS HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE SET UP WITHIN A MONASTIC AND ECO-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT. DR. UPALI M SEDERE -RECTOR, SRI LANKA INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST ACADEMY (SIBA) KUNADASALE, PALLEKELE REVEALS ITS UNSURPASSED VISION AND MISSION TO PRACTICALLY UTILIZE BUDDHISM FOR GLOBAL ISSUES.

THE ‘KANDY ESALA PERAHERA’ – THE COLOURFULNESS AND EXOTICNESS OF A PAGEANTRY CULTURE THE ‘KANDY ESALA PERAHERA’, HELD ANNUALLY BETWEEN JULY AND AUGUST IS SRI LANKA’S MOST POPULAR PAGEANT AND ATTRACTS THOUSANDS OF VISITORS, BOTH LOCAL AND FOREIGN, DUE TO ITS COLOURFULNESS AND EXOTICNESS. THIS YEAR, ‘KANDY ESALA PEREHERA’ FESTIVAL ORGANIZED BY SRI DALADA MALIGAWA (THE TEMPLE OF THE SACRED TOOTH RELIC) WILL BE HELD FROM THE 27TH JULY TO 11TH AUGUST WHILST THE MAIN PROCESSIONS STARTING ON THE 01ST AUGUST.

DESTINATIONS

AMBULUWAWA MOUNTAIN’S MEDITATIVE VIEWS AMBULUWAWA MOUNTAIN IS A LANDMARK IN GAMPOLA, AND THE AMBULUWAWA MOUNTAIN TOP (THE GOVIJANASEEYA PAGODA) CAN BE SEEN FROM FAR AWAY, EVEN WHEN CLIMBING THE RAMBODA PASS ON THE GAMPOLA-NUWARA ELIYA ROAD. AMBULUWAWA IS A UNIQUE TOURIST SPOT. WITH A 360 DEGREE VIEW OF THE SURROUNDING HIGH MOUNTAIN RANGES SUCH AS BATHALEGALA (BIBLE ROCK) IN THE WEST, SRI PADA MOUNTAIN IN THE SOUTH, KNUCKLES, THE ALAGALLA/KADUGANNAWA RANGE AND THE HUNNASGIRIYA MOUNTAINS IN THE NORTH, AS WELL AS GAMPOLA TOWN AND MAHAWELI RIVER, THE LONGEST RIVER IN SRI LANKA. AMBULUWAWA IS FAMOUS NOT ONLY FOR ITS VIEW, BUT ALSO ITS BIODIVERSITY COMPLEX WITH NATURE TRAILS IN AN UNDISTURBED FOREST ENVIRONMENT..

GRAPHICS

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NATURE

CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND FORESTS OF SRI LANKA – WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW!

TOURISTS ARE DRAWN TO THE SRI LANKA FOR VARIOUS REASONS. THERE ARE PRISTINE BEACHES, THE DIVERSITY OF FOOD AND CULTURE IS INVITING, AND SRI LANKAN PEOPLE ARE EXTREMELY FRIENDLY. AND THEN YOU HAVE NATURAL AREAS WITH ITS DIVERSE FAUNA AND FLORA, A MAGNET THAT CANNOT BE RESISTED.

HERITAGE THE HISTORIC ‘PARAMAKANDA’ TEMPLE AND THE CAVE MONASTERY IS ONE OF THE MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS IN PUTTALAM DISTRICT. IT IS SITUATED ON THE MAJESTIC PARAMAKANDA ROCK IN ANAMADUWA. HERE, WE SEE A LARGE SOLID ROCK BALANCING ON TOP OF ANOTHER ROCK. IT IS SAID THAT ‘PARAMAKANDA’ TEMPLE WAS BUILT BY ‘MAHATHISSATHERO’ DURING THE TIME OF KING ‘WALAGAMBA’(89-77 BC ). THE TEMPLE SURELY LOOKS ANCIENT BUT THERE WERE NEW ADDITIONS INCLUDING A NEW STHUPA.

PARAMAKANDA CAVE TEMPLE – A MUST SEE ATTRACTION

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THE HISTORIC TEMPLE OF THE SACRED TOOTH RELIC BUILT BY KING I WIMALADHARMASOORIYA IN THE CLOSEST PROXIMITY TO HIS PALACE COMPLEX POSSESS A LARGE NUMBER OF ARTIFACTS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL VALUE. MOST OF THESE ITEMS ARE OFFERINGS TO THE SACRED TOOTH RELIC SHRINE BY KINGS, QUEENS, ADIKARAMS, DISAWES, PRIMEMINISTERS, PRESIDENTS, MINISTERS AS WELL AS FOREIGN LEADERS AND DELEGATES AND GENERAL PUBLIC EVER SINCE THE SACRED TOOTH RELIC SHRINE WAS ESTABLISHED IN KANDY. TODAY, ‘SRI DALADA MUSEUM’ HAS FACILITATED TO DISPLAY AND EXHIBIT ALL THESE ARTIFACTS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL VALUE TO EVERYONE WHO VISITS THIS SACRED PLACE.

CULTURE

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KANDYAN HERITAGE ITS CULTURE AND THE ARTS AT SRI DALADA MUSEUM

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ARCHAEOLOGY

EDUCATION TOURISM

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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.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Harsha Udayakantha Peiris

HISTORY

COIN-AGE IN SRI LANKA AFTER THE PORTUGUESE

CURRENCY WAS USED IN SRI LANKA FROM ANCIENT TIMES. THE PORTUGUESE USED COIN CURRENCY TO BUY SPICES, SUCH AS CINNAMON. THEY USED COINS TO BUY GEMS TOO. THE PORTUGUESE RULED SRI LANKAN COASTAL BELT AND THE NEARBY AREA FROM 1505 AD TO 1685 AD. THIS TIME DURATION WAS NAMED AS THE PORTUGUESE PERIOD. AND THE HILL COUNTRY WAS RULED BY THE KANDYAN KINGS. KOTTE WAS RULED BY KING OF KOTTE. THE PORTUGUESE FIRST SIGN A TREATY WITH KOTTE KINGDOM OF CEYLON, AND FOUGHT WITH OTHER SURROUNDING KINGDOMS. AFTER THE PORTUGUESE INVADE SRI LANKAN COASTAL BELT AREA, COIN CURRENCY WAS USED LITTLE MORE THAN BEFORE.

AGRO

CEYLON TEA - SRI LANKA'S GIFT TO THE WORLD CEYLON TEA HAS BEEN PRIZED FOR ITS UNIQUE FLAVOUR, COLOUR & CHARACTER, WHICH CANNOT BE READILY FOUND ELSEWHERE. THE HUMIDITY, COOL TEMPERATURES, SUNSHINE AND RAINFALL (TWO MONSOONS) IN THE COUNTRY'S CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS ARE CONDUCIVE TO THE MANUFACTURE OF UNIQUE QUALITY TEAS. TEA PLANTATIONS ARE SCENIC AND PRISTINE. TEA IS GROWN, HAND PICKED AND PROCESSED IN AN ARTISANAL PROCESS, UNCHANGED FOR OVER A CENTURY. THE RENOWNED TEA RESEARCH INSTITUTE STRICTLY MONITORS USE OF PESTICIDES WHICH ARE NEEDED IN MINIMAL QUANTITIES DUE TO THE HUMID CLIMATE]. CEYLON TEA IS REPUTED AS THE “CLEANEST TEA IN THE WORLD” IN RESPECT OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES DUE TO THESE STRINGENT CONTROLS.

CONTENTS

LUXURY

THEVA – A HEAVEN IN UP-COUNTRY

SURROUNDED BY THE MYSTICAL SLOPES OF HANTANA, THEVA RESIDENCY IS A PRIVATE AND LUXURIOUS HOME AWAY FROM HOME. ON OUR VISIT TO THIS HIGHLY LUXURIOUS BOUTIQUE RESORT, DHEESHANA AMERESEKERE, MANAGING DIRECTRESS OF THE THEVA RESIDENCY EXPRESSED HER VIEWS ABOUT THE MAIN CONCEPTS AND ATTRIBUTES BEHIND THE RESORT.

FOOD LIFE CONCEPTS

PROMOTING AUTHENTIC SRI LANKAN CUISINE EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT, ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S ICONIC HERITAGE HOTELS- THE MOUNT LAVINIA HOTEL COMES ALIVE WITH AUTHENTIC SRI LANKA-THEME DINNER OFFERING DELICIOUS EGG AND VEGETABLE HOPPERS, MOUTH-WATERING SPICY LOCAL CURRIES, SCRUMPTIOUS PITTU AND MANI PITTU, LIPS-SMACKING KOTTU ROTTI AND ROTTI, DELIGHTFUL KIRI BATH AND STRING HOPPERS, COUNTLESS INDIGENOUS CURRIES SUCH AS KOS, DEL (JACKFRUIT, BREADFRUIT) MANIOC ALONG WITH LOTS OF YUMMY LOCAL SWEET-MEATS FROM KEVUM TO KOKIS TO ASMI TO MUNG KEWUM TO EVERYTHING ELSE YOU CAN DREAM UNDERNEATH THE SWAYING PALMS OF MOUNT LAVINIA’S PRISTINE BEACH

TRANQUILITY

SUWANILA – THE NATURE’S COMFORT IN DAMBULLA

CULINARY

NEIL PRADEEP –AN OUTSTANDING PERSONALITY OF CULINARY ART AT THE 98 ACRES BEING A CHEF IS CERTAINLY REWARDING WHEN YOU HEAR IRRESISTIBLE COMMENTS FOR YOUR GOD GIFTED TALENT OF PRODUCING ABSOLUTELY AMAZING AND MOUTHWATERING DISHES. SATISFYING ONE’S GASTRONOMIC NEED IS INDEED MERITORIOUS. HAVING SUCH PEOPLE WHO COULD DO WONDERS WITH FOOD IS A BLESSING FOR ANY COUNTRY. NEIL PRADEEP FERNANDO WHO IS THE EXECUTIVE CHEF AT THE WELL-KNOWN 98 ACRES EXPRESSES HIMSELF OF AN ART THAT WORKS A MAGNET TO ATTRACT VISITORS TO THIS BEAUTIFUL ISLAND SRI LANKA.

IMAGINE SPENDING A RELAXING WEEKEND IN DAMBULLA, INAMALUWA, SIGIRIYA OR ANY OTHER PLACE CLOSE BY, BEYOND MATALE IN THE CENTRAL PROVINCE. MANY MAY THINK IT IS A DAY EXCURSION DEPENDING ON THE TIME OF TRAVELING AND THINGS OF HISTORY, ART AND ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE TO SEE. AFTER ALL IF ONE VISITS ‘SUWANILA’ FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH OR DINNER ON THE WAY, HIS ONE DAY EXCURSION IN THE AREA WOULD SURELY TURN OUT TO BE A RELAXING NIGHT OUT AMIDST FRESH AIR, GREENERY AND SPACIOUS SERENITY.

COMFORT

CHC LAUNCHES ITS POLONNARUWA RESORT COLLECTION: LAKE HOUSE AND LAKE HOTEL IN 1954 THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND HER ROYAL HIGHNESS ELIZABETH II AND HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE PHILLIP CHOSE THE OLD POLONNARUWA REST HOUSE AS THEIR HOLIDAY DESTINATION. REBRANDED “THE LAKE HOUSE”, THIS DELUXE BOUTIQUE HOTEL IS SURROUNDED BY MANY HISTORICAL SITES FROM THE SECOND GREAT SINHALA KINGDOM POLONNARUWA, AND OVERLOOKS THE MAGNIFICENT SEA OF PARAKRAMA. THE LAKE HOUSE IS MANAGED BY CEYLON HOTELS CORPORATION (CHC) AND WAS RECENTLY RESTORED TO PORTRAY THE INHERENT CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RESORT COLLECTION, A TRIBUTE TO ALL THINGS TRADITIONAL, WITH A MODERN FEEL TO IT.

EVENTS

SANCHARAKA UDAWA-2014

THE ‘SANCHARAKA UDAWA -2014’ THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM RELATED MEGA EXHIBITION WHICH WAS HELD FOR THE FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR , WAS CONCLUDED SUCCESSFULLY AT THE SRI LANKA EXHIBITION CONVENTION CENTRE (SLECC) ON JUNE 27TH AND 28THAND WAS CEREMONIOUSLY INITIATED BY HONOURABLE MINISTER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BASIL RAJAPAKSA.

MILESTONES

SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND A MISSION OF AN YEAR TO PUBLISH SRI LANKA AS THE BEST TOURISM DESTINATION WITH THE LAUNCH OF ITS 12TH ISSUE FOR JULY – AUGUST 2014, SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND (SLTTI) – THE MONTHLY INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL & TOUR MAGAZINE COMPLETES ONE YEAR OF SUCCESS. FIRST LAUNCHED IN FEBRUARY 2013, THE MAGAZINE IN ITS CONTENT HAD A DEFINITE AND A CLEAR VISION THAT WAS BROUGHT THROUGHOUT, BY HIGHLIGHTING THE BEAUTIFUL SRI LANKA AS A DESTINATION SUSTAINABLY FAVORABLE TO BOOST THE INDUSTRY OF HOSPITALITY IN THE ENTIRE REGION.

INDUSTRY

MILRAIN MILK PRODUCTS – RUWANSIRI DAIRIES – THE NATION TOWARDS SELF SUFFICIENCY IN MILK ALL THE MILRAIN PRODUCTS PRODUCED IN A HYGIENIC, AIR CONDITIONED FACTORY WITH A MODERN LABORATORY FOR REGULAR QUALITY CONTROL AND MODERN MICROBIOLOGICAL LAB AS WELL TALKS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF AN AUTHENTIC IDENTITY OF MILK SUFFICIENCY IN PROMOTING THE INDUSTRY OF HOSPITALITY IN SRI LANKA.

NEWS

‘GETA BERAYA’ ‘GETA BERAYA' IS THE MAIN DRUM USED IN THE KANDYAN DANCE. IT IS MADE OF WOOD CHIEFLY, FROM KOHOMBA, EHELA OR KOS (JAK) TREE. THE OPENING IS COVERED MOSTLY FROM MONKEY HIDE WHILE THE OPENING ON THE OTHER SIDE IS COVERED WITH A CATTLE SKIN. TRADITIONALLY, THE TIGHTENING STRINGS ALONGSIDE ARE FROM A DEER SKIN. ‘GETA BERAYA’ IS THE MAIN DRUM USED IN ALL ‘UDA RATA’ (UP COUNTRY) ‘WANNAM’ AND IS ALSO KNOWN AS ‘MAGUL BERAYA’ ( THE DRUM THAT IS PLAYED IN ALL OCCASIONS OF FORTUNE AND GOODWILL). HERE, THE PICTURE SHOWS THE ‘EYE’ CLOSE UP OF TRADIOTIONAL ‘GETA BERAYA’ PLAYED AT HEART BEAT RHYTHM OF ‘WANNAM’ FOR THE RHYTHMIC MOVEMENTS BY UP SPIRIT KANDYNA DANCERS AT KANDY ‘ESALA’ PERAHERA. (PICTURE COURTESY OF MEDIA BUREAU – SRI DALADA MALIGAWA , KANDY)

10 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

EDUCATION TOURISM

Applying

Buddhist Education

for Global Issues

Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy (SIBA) (An interview with Dr. Upali M Sedere -Rector, Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy (SIBA) Kundasale, Pallekele, Sri Lanka) By Harsha Udayakantha Peiris

Administrative Building of SIBA

Dr. Upali M Sedere -Rector, Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy (SIBA) Kunadasale 12 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

ri Lanka International Buddhist Academy (SIBA) is an Accredited Degree Awarding Institute by the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka. SIBA is a unique liberal arts higher educational institute set up within a monastic and eco-friendly environment. It is both national and international in scope, grounded on Buddhist principles and, designed to produce local, national, and international religious, social, and political leaders who are at the same time Dhamma practitioners and disseminators. Today, it plays a major role in promoting Buddhist education tourism in Sri Lanka. In an exclusive interview with Sri Lanka The Treasure Island (SLTTI), Dr. Upali M Sedere – Rector of Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy (SIBA) in Kundasale, Pallekele in the central hill capital of Kandy, talks of SIBA’s vision, mission and many a course of study to enhance practical application of Buddhism to global issues.

What is the Vision and Mission of SIBA?

“SIBA strives to be an innovative Academy in Sri Lanka providing guidance to leadership based on the development of wisdom and inculcation of moral values. To provide and promote education and training to interested laypersons and members of the monastic community in Sri Lanka and abroad by creating opportunities and facilities to learn, teach and apply the knowledge acquired for realizing for oneself the validity and veracity of the teaching of the Buddha to enable them also to create such understanding in others and thereby serve humanity in general. Here, in this context, our goal is to become an International Buddhist Research Institute where Buddhism is researched and taught as a practical application to global issues”.

How did the maiden Convocation and International Conference in 2013 highlighted SIBA’s position in the international arena?

SIBA Shrine Room and Meditation Centre

Thai MCU Team’s Visit to SIBA for Academic Review in 2014

“On the 23rd of July 2013 SIBA had its maiden convocation at the SIBA Auditorium and Hon. Minster of Higher Education S. B. Dissanayake was the Guest of Honour. The Chairman of the SIBA Board of Directors Dr. Pradeep Nilanga Dela, the Vice Rector of the Mahachulonkong University of Thailand and Maha Sanga of 25 different countries attended the convocation

JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 13

and the International Conference. The International Conference was well attended by over 250 international delegates, mostly the Maha Sanga to mark the 260th Anniversary Celebration of Establishment of the Siyam Maha Nikaya in Sri Lanka. SIBA at the 2013 Convocation awarded degrees to 12 Foreign Monks, amongst them were three Masters Degrees and 09 Bachelor’s Degrees. Out of the three foreign students who received the Masters degree one was a Bhikkhu from Vietnam. Amongst the 09 who were awarded BA degree, there was 01 Bhikkuni and 03 Bhikkhus from Nepal. Also there were one Bhkkhu from Assam, India, 02 Bhikkuhs from Myanmar, and 01 from Japan”.

What are the other countries who follow courses of higher study at SIBA at present? “Amongst the current students there is one Bhikku from Vietnam following the PhD program at SIBA. There are 02 Bhikkhus to earn Master’s Degree this year (2014) and one of them from Bangladesh and the other is from Vietnam. There are 09 foreign Bhikkhu’s who would earn BA degree this year at the 2014 Convocation on August 09th, and amongst them 03 from Nepal, 01 from India, 02 from Mongolia and 01 from China. Amongst the current students there is 01 Bhikkhu from Uganda, 12 from Myanmar, 01 from India, 05 from Nepal, 01 from China, 01 from Mongolia, and 01 from Japan. We have now submitted 24 new courses for the accreditation to the Ministry of Higher Education of Sri Lanka.”.

Shrine Room of SIBA Campus Students selecting books in the SIBA Library

Science Unit’ at SIBA in collaboration with Sri Jayawardanepura University.

very rich and unique in Emotional Development.

What Service Projects have been introduced as an innovative initiatives to develop soft skills of the students at SIBA?

At present, during this post conflict era of the country, trauma issue is another path we are focusing. We are ready to launch a new fully on-line course on ‘Buddhist Ecology’. We already offer Diplomas and Higher Diplomas in Buddhist Counseling. Moreover, SIBA offers a fully-on-line Diploma on Buddhist Counseling. SIBA advocacy for our PhD and Masters students is to undertake research studies on the application of Buddhism for day to day life and global issues such as human rights, Global Warming, Trauma, Equity Concerns etc.

“It is unique at SIBA and it is mandatory that BA, MA and PhD students have to earn substantial amount of credit for Meditation for their graduation. Besides, SIBA Meditation centre activities, SIBA students also attend Meditation retreats at other meditation centres in the country. SIBA is now initiating research activities on ‘Mind and Science’ and ‘Meditation and Neuroscience’ and these new initiatives will broaden the scope of Buddhist studies and participation of foreign students”. We are actively seeking foreign assistance to set up a ‘Mind

“All undergraduate students of SIBA also take part in Service Projects to enhance their soft skills. Today, the lack of soft skills is a serious problem for employers recruiting new employees. The service projects at Pallekele prison have been a unique experience for the students and a valuable service for the prison. The service project at Pallekele Ayurvedic Hospital also provides a qualitative improvement in their lives. Children’s orphanage project is another of this kind. Many Buddhist monks also provide counseling to the needy. The Digana Rehabilitation Centre is the new addition to SIBA service projects. These service projects make SIBA experience

It is quite interesting to know that meditation is mandatory for each and every student at SIBA. Why has meditation been made a mandatory initiative at the institute?

SIBA Summer Program for Foreign Students of Viginia Tech University 2014

14 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

In which way has SIBA implemented English as a Medium of Learning and Preaching Dhamma? “SIBA offers a Diploma in Dhamma Preaching in English. This alone is an

Convocation 2013: Awarding of Degrees (In Picture Most Ven. Swai Vice Rector of MCU, Hon. S. B. Dissanayake, the Chief Guest and the Minister of Higher Education, Degree Recipient and Iromi Ariyaratne, Head of Buddhist Studies Department of SIBA

Annual Meeting between SIBA and Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) in 2014 (In Picture Dr. Upali M. Sedere Rector of SIBA, Most Venerable Swai, Vice Rector of MCU and Lalith Weeradhana, the Registrar of SIBA.

Lighting of the Traditional Oil Lamp before the Convocation 2013

A Russian Candidate Receiving Master Degree Award from the Minister of Higher Education

SIBA IT Lab 1 in Session with the Diploma Students

important mission for the Buddhist world to meet the growing demand for Buddhism in the Western World. We want to make a student who can preach and teach Dhamma in English. WE enroll students who have never studied in English Medium and in the first year itself we turn them around to speak, read and write English and then get to their main study programs in English medium. During the first year of enrollment all students have to learn English and IT. What we want to have in this regard is global Buddhist advocacy in English. By now we have completed building the second state of the art IT laboratory at SIBA and it will soon be declared open in August this year, parallel to the next convocation and the international conference on Global Exchange of Buddhism”.

How is SIBA’s Actual Contribution as a Regional Centre elaborated in the global context?

SIBA Auditorium in Conference

“SIBA provides Diplomas, Undergraduate studies leading to a BA Special Degree, Masters and PhD degrees in Buddhist Leadership. This has served the region well. We are very much flexible in our programmes. Even an individual can have an individually offered programme according to his or her needs. Our mediatation and Yogi programmes, ‘Pali’ education provided here have been highly recognized throughout the world. “We have both male and female monastic and lay students learning Buddhism at this centre. We provide hostel facilities for all foreign students and local female students. Each and every student has to undergo English and IT Diploma and Higher Diploma. It is mandatory. It is how our structure is made. Here each student has a counselor and they meet once a month for one hour to discuss their problems and difficulties. Among the other

Diplomas we have offered, there are many courses namely, the Diploma and Higher Diploma in Buddhist Counseling, Diploma and Higher Diploma in Pali, Diploma in Sanskrit, and Diploma in Yoga. From academic year 2014/15 we will offer BA General Degree in Pali and Buddhist Studies as well”. There are many such cases to illustrate how SIBA has become a Regional Centre for the training of the Bhikkus. The Vision and Mission of setting up of SIBA five years ago as a Project of Sri Dalada Maligawa by ‘Diyawadana Nilame’ Dr.Pradeep Nilanga Dela with the blessings of the Maha Sanga NayakeTheros of Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters is a story of success in achieving its perspective of English Medium Buddhist Education for the Maha Sanga of the Asian Region. (Picture courtesy of Media Bureau – Sri Dalada Maligawa , Kandy)

JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 15

ARCHAEOLOGY

Kandyan

Heritage its culture

and the arts at SRI DALADA

MUSEUM Pics by Sanju Samarasinghe

he historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic built by King I Wimaladharmasooriya in the closest proximity to his palace complex possess a large number of artifacts of archaeological value. Most of these items are offerings to the Sacred Tooth Relic Shrine by Kings, Queens, Adikarams, Disawes, Primeministers, Presidents, Ministers as well as Foreign Leaders and Delegates and general public ever since the Sacred Tooth Relic Shrine was established in Kandy. These precious gifts had earlier been kept or stored with no display at ‘Maha Aramudala’ (the capital fund) of the Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic. These were preciously protected in specially built store-rooms by the successive line of Diyawadana Nilames. Today, ‘Sri Dalada Museum’ has facilitated to display and exhibit all these artifacts of archaeological value to everyone who visits this sacred place. “Sri Dalada Museum” is the latest institution added to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and is located on the first and the second floors of the new wing namely the ‘Aluth Maligawa’. The display on the first floor mostly consists of historical records from the time when the Tooth Relic was brought to Sri Lanka to the time of the British rule. The murals here, that can be depicted as the most recent discoveries were exposed due to the bomb blast caused by LTTE terrorists in January 1998. A large gallery of pictures on the first floor also depicts the immeasurable damage caused to Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic by this bomb blast. The second floor of the museum mainly displays historical artifacts used in the daily ritual ceremonies of the Sacred Tooth Relic shrine. Among these many items are caskets, typical Kandyan gold and silver jewellery studded with precious gem stones and Buddha statues all donated by the devotees. special exhibits of great historical and religious value are also on view on this floor. A visit to this archaeologically important ‘Sri Dalada Museum’ evidently provides an insight into the splendor that was Kandyan Heritage, its culture and the arts. (Special thanks to Media Bureau – Sri Dalada Maligawa Kandy) JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 17

This large and beautiful array of lamps belongs to the two categories, pedestal lamps and hanging lamps which have been offered to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic by devotees as indicated by the inscriptions on some. Particularly, the pedestal lamps display the great skills attained by the Sri Lanka craftsmen from the past to the present times

18 â&#x20AC;˘ SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ JULY - AUGUST 2014

The door panels fixed on to the entrance door of the ‘Palle Maala Vihara’, belonging to the period of King Kirti Sri Rajasimha

‘Ransivige’ made by King Kirti Sri Rajasimha to carry the Sacred Relic Casket in Sri Dalada Procession

JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 19

Fragment of painted plaster. This exhibit constitutes a unique fragment of painted plaster from the vestibule of Sacred Dalada Shrine (damaged in 1998), showing three layers of murals; Top most layer 1942, middle layer – King Kirti Sri Rajasimha’s period and inner most layer – King Narendrasimha’s period

A brass vessel displayed by the door panels of the ‘Gepalum – Barande’ of the Sacred Tooth Relic Shrine

Casket and Chatra – Glass casket fixed on to a beautifully decorated and gilded pedestal offered by Thailand to the Shrine of the Sacred Tooth Relic, for the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic for public veneration on special occasions in the outer ‘Mandapa’ of the upper floor of Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The ‘Chatra’ in the form of a gilded lotus fixed over the gold casket containing the Sacred Tooth Relic, offered by Ven.Kadiragama Thero and Ven.Boravave Thero and executed by Kadurukote GalLadda in the Saka era 1760 (1838 A.D.) 20 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

CULTURE The main tusker of Sri Dalada Maligawa bearing the Gold Casket of Sacred Relics preceded by ‘Hewisi’ joining Perehera.

The

‘Kandy Esala

Perahera’ the colourfulness and exoticness of a pageantry culture

he ‘Kandy Esala Perahera’, held annually between July and August is Sri Lanka’s most popular pageant and attracts thousands of visitors, both local and foreign, due to its colourfulness and exoticness. The Perehera is held on days fixed by the Diyawadana Nilame (Chief Lay Head or Trustee) of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. According to the Mahavamsa, the Sacred Tooth Relic was brought to Ceylon in the reign of King Kirthisiri Meghawanna who ruled in Anuradhapura from 303 - 331 A.D. It was placed in a casket made of Soapstone and was placed in a special building, Dharma-Chakra built by King Devanampiyatissa in the third century B.C. It was the King Kirthisiri Meghawanna who decided that the Relic should be taken round the city of Anuradhapura once a year so that people can observe the relic. His decree was faithfully carried out by the kings who followed him. Accordingly, the procession called, ‘Sri Dalada Perehera (the procession of the Sacred Tooth Relic) was begun in the 10th century AD by King Kithsiri Mewan to honour the Sacred Tooth relic of the Lord Buddha. Today, the main objective of this procession better known as ‘Kandy Esala Perehera’ is to make it a devout offering to the Sacred Tooth relic of the Lord Buddha. Another reason is to urge timely rain from the God Indra for successful paddy cultivation. It is a proven belief that the seasonal rains always occur in time, with the making of offerings to the sacred Tooth Relic. The Kandy Esala Procession is therefore, a festival of both religious and cultural importance. This Year, the Specially Dedicated Economic Centre in Dambulla fully sponsors the complete evening meal requirements of all participants in Kandy Esala Perahera.

JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 21

The Gold Casket of sacred Relics being carried from the inner temple where the Relics are deposited, by Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada MaligawaPradeep Nilanga Dela. The Gold Casket of Sacred Relics on the hands of Diyawadana Nilame is deposited inside another open display Casket on the main tusker of the temple of the sacred Tooth Relic who makes the most revered religious display at the Perehera.

Whip crackers the first to be met at Kandy Esala Perehera. A group of upcountry dancers performing

This year, ‘Kandy Esala Perehera’ festival organized by Sri Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) will be held from the 27th July to 11th August whilst the main processions starting on the 01st August. Following is the scheduled timetable of this year’s Kandy Esala Procession. KUMBAL PERAHERA • 2014-08-01 - 1st Kumbal Perahera (Starting time From Sri Dalada Maligawa 07.50 p.m.) Dalada VeediyaD.S.Senanayake Veediya - Pansal Para- -Deva Veediya - Srimath Bennet Soysa Veediya - Yatinuwara Veediya Raja Veediya and return to Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurasraya. • 2014-08-02 - 2nd Kumbal Perahera (Starting time From Sri Dalada Maligawa 07.32 p.m.) Dalada VeediyaD.S.Senanayake Veediya - Raja Veediya and return to Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurasraya. • 2014-08-03 - 3rd Kumbal Perahera (Starting time From Sri Dalada Maligawa 06.50 p.m.) Dalada VeediyaD.S.Senanayake Veediya - Srimath Bennet Soysa Veediya - E.L.Senanayake Veediya - Raja Veediya and return to Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurasraya. • 2014-08-04 - 4th Kumbal Perahera (Starting time From Sri Dalada Maligawa 07.15 p.m.) Dalada VeediyaE.L.Senanayake Veediya - Raja Veediya and return to Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurasraya. • 2014-08-05 - 5th Kumbal Perahera (Starting time From Sri Dalada Maligawa 07.48 p.m.) Dalada Veediya- Yatinuwara Veediya - Raja Veediya and return to

Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurasraya. RANDOLI PERAHERA

Veediya - Raja Veediya and return to Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurasraya.

• 2014-08-06 - 1st Randoli Perahera (Starting time From Sri Dalada Maligawa 07.10 p.m.) Dalada VeediyaD.S.Senanayake Veediya - Pansal Para-Deva Veediya - Srimath Bennet Soysa Veediya - E.L.Senanayake Veediya – Cross Street – D.S.Senanayake Veediya - Raja Veediya and return to Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurasraya.

• 2014-08-08 - 3rd Randoli Perahera (Starting time From Sri Dalada Maligawa 07.50 p.m.) Dalada Veediya-E.L.Senanayake Veediya - Srimath Bennet Soysa Veediya - Yatinuwara Veediya – Kumara Veediya – E.L.Senanayake Veediya - Cross Street – D.S.Senanayake Veediya - Raja Veediya and return to Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurasraya.

• 2014-08-07 - 2nd Randoli Perahera (Starting time From Sri Dalada Maligawa 06.56 p.m.) Dalada VeediyaD.S.Senanayake Veediya - Srimath Bennet Soysa Veediya - Yatinuwara

• 2014-08-09 - 4th Randoli Perahera (Starting time From Sri Dalada Maligawa 06.54 p.m.) Dalada VeediyaYatinuwara Veediya –Cross Street – E.L..Senanayake Veediya – Kande

22 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

A traditional up country pipe player

A senior upcountry dancer performing at Kandy Esala Perehera A senior ‘Hewisi’ drummer

Veediya – D.S.Senanayake Veediya - Raja Veediya and return to Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurasraya. • 2014-08-10 - 5th Randoli Perahera (Starting time From Sri Dalada Maligawa 08.19 p.m.) Dalada Veediya- Yatinuwara Veediya – Kande Veediya (Hill Street) – D.S.Senanayake Veediya - Raja Veediya and return to Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurasraya. The same night Devala Perahera will join the Dalada Maligawa Perahera at 01.07 a.m.(Monday 11th August 2014) and will proceed along Dalada Veediya – D.S.Senanayake Veediya – Gedige Viharaya (at Asgiriya Adahana Maluwa) and after depositing the Sacred Relic Casket there will return to Devales. Devala Perahera again before dawn on 11th August 2014 proceed along Peradeniya Road to the ‘Gaetambe Thota’ for the water cutting ceremony. Thereafter, Devala Perahera will return along the same route to Ganadevi Kovil at Katukele for customary ceremonies. • 2014-08-11 - Day Perahera (Water Cutting Ceremony "Diya Kepeema") (Starting time of Devala Perahera From Ganadevi Kovil at Katukele 12.54 p.m.) Peradeniya Road - Dalada Veediya-E.l.Senanayake Veediya – Kande Veediya – D.S.Senanayake Veeiya –(joins Sri Dalada Maligawa Perahera at 03.15 p.m. from Gedige Viharaya (at Asgiriya Adahana Maluwa) – D.S.Senanayake Veediya – Pansala Para – Deva Veediya - Raja Veediya –circle three times around Maligawa Chathurasraya – return to respective Devalayas. (Information and pictures by courtesy of Media and Special Projects Bureau of Sri Dalada Maligawa) A group of senior ‘Tammettam’ players performing

Several moments of the elephants and tuskers being dressed to make them ready to take part in Kandy Esala Procession

JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 23

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DESTINATIONS

ambuluwawa MOUNTAIN’S MEDITATIVE VIEWS Text and Pics by Indaka Karunadasa

JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 25

mbuluwawa mountain is a landmark in Gampola, and the Ambuluwawa mountain top (the Govijana Seaya Pagoda) can be seen from far away, even when climbing the Ramboda Pass on the Gampola-Nuwara Eliya road. Ambuluwawa is a unique tourist spot. With a 360 degree view of the surrounding high mountain ranges such as Bathalegala (Bible rock) in the west, Sri Pada mountain in the south, Knuckles, the Alagalla/Kadugannawa range and the Hunnasgiriya mountains in the north, as well as Gampola town and Mahaweli River, the longest river in Sri lanka.

The Statue of Lord Buddha built on the site

Ambuluwawa is famous not only for its view, but also its biodiversity complex with nature trails in an undisturbed forest environment as well as the Ambuluwawa religious complex, with a sky high pagoda, a church, a Hindu temple and a mosque. An area of 337 acres of land in the Ambuluwawa biodiversity complex (ABC) was protected by the Environment Act of 5 June 1996. The Ambuluwawa forest has lowland rainforest patches, grasslands with exposed rocks, pine plantations, newly designed gardens and artificial ponds. The Ambuluwawa forest used to contain degraded grasslands due to coffee and tea cultivation by the British. This degraded grassland area was later converted into a biodiversity complex. In it lies the Ambuluwawa religious complex. The terrain has been landscaped and planted with ornamental plants, fruits, herbs, spices and medicinal plants. There is also four hectares of undisturbed natural forest. This is an undisturbed natural area, but this too is a regenerated habitat and has a natural nature trail ½ km long. The main object of this nature trail is to study fauna and flora. There’s a mortorable road up to the top of Ambuluwawa mountain. This road consists of 11 bends. All these bends give a spectacular view of high mountain ranges and Gampola town. When I was in Ambuluwawa, I have noticed that many tourists and locals walk all the way to the top of the mountain. (It’s about 3 km from the main gate of Ambuluwawa). Walking along the road gives more time to take in the surrounding serenity.

A distant view of Mahaweli the longest river in Sri Lanka from the peak

The summit of the Ambuluwawa mountain is 1,070 metres above mean sea level and the main entrance to the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex lies 600 metres above mean sea level. The nature trail to the undisturbed forest starts from the third bend of the main road. It’s on the right hand side and

26 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

A pond built on the site

Road to Ambuluwawa

Remnants of an ancient rock stair way to Ambuluwawa mountain through the forest reserve

A scenic road network to nearby hamlets and estates seen from the top

Rock Cut walk ways at Ambuluwawa JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 27

there is a summer hut at the start of the nature trail. It ends near the ninth bend. The nature trail is an uphill climb. Many endemic trees can be found along the trail. There are also ancient stone steps along some parts of the trail. And a cave with a drip ledge. Many creepers abound on tall trees. Flowering shrubs attracting beautiful butterflies. Bird sound is heard from the beginning and to the end of the trail as there are many bird species in the forest. However the trail is also slippery, covered in fallen leaves as well as leeches!

An entrance to an inner chamber at Ambuluwawa

When walking along the nature trail one can see flowering plants. Among these are a variety of orchids. There is also a wide range of ferns; ferns are home to many insects in the forest. Bryophytes are found covering the moist rock surfaces with lichens. There are also horned lizards to be found among the trees, and snakes (reptiles) hiding under the fallen leaves. Bats, monkeys, samba deer and wild boars are also found in the forest. From the end of the nature trail at the ninth bend one can walk along the road up to Ambuluwawa Govijana seeya. At the top of the Ambuluwawa mountain is the Ambuluwawa Religious Complex with Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim shrines. As well as a spectacular 360 degree view of the surrounding peaks. Even Adam’s peak can be seen from here. As the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex is controlled by the Ambuluwawa Development and Conservation Authority, and with the collaboration of the Gampola Police, one can arrange to traverse a nature trail with a guide by making your request at the main gate, or with Ambuluwawa Development and Conservation Authority. At the top there is a restaurant – Sanora Restaurant – where one can get refreshed and enjoy the panoramic view of lowlands.

Ferns to be seen in the vicinity

HOW TO REACH AMBULUWAWA One can reach Gampola by travelling along the A5 main road starting from Peradeniya junction. Or by train along the Colombo-Badulla main line. And then along the Gampola–Nawalapitiya road and Nidahas Mawatha, and along the Ambuluwawa road. Its 6.5 km from Gampola town to top of Ambuluwawa mountain. There are many tourist hotels and restaurants in Gampola. 28 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

Gampola town seen from the top of Ambuluwawa mountain

Surrounding lowlands seen from the peak

Various creepers in the Ambuluwawa forest reserve

Orchids and wild flowers at Ambuluwawa

JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 29

NATURE

By Thomas Enters

I never saw before so perfect a specimen of forest scenery. Here lie trees of different kinds, sizes and ages: some saplings, some dead and decaying, and some of very great bulk and height towering above the rest in their prime," wrote British administrator John Davy in his nineteenth century volume, An Account of the Interior of Ceylon in 1821.

The Knuckles Range, which he reported about, lies in the central part of Sri Lanka and covers an area of 17,830 hectares, most of which is natural forest. The local name for the Knuckles peaks is Dumbara, which means, "mountains covered with mist." The unique landscape and spectacular scenic beauty are the main features of the Knuckles Range. The highest peak, Gombariya, reaches 1,906 meters and six of the major peaks are covered with montane and submontane forest types. In the montane forests, stunted trees characterize "pygmy forests." Thousands of foreign tourists visit the Knuckles Range every year and the numbers of visitors is bound to go up. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority the numbers of tourists during the first five months of this year have increased in comparison to 2014 by more than 20 percent. As we know tourists are drawn to the Sri Lanka for various reasons. There are pristine beaches, the diversity of food and culture is inviting, and Sri Lankan people are extremely friendly. And then you have natural areas with its diverse fauna and flora, a magnet that cannot be resisted. Unfortunately, some of Sri Lanka’s magnificent forests are threatened by conversion to other land uses (even in the Knuckles Range) and degradation (predominantly due to illegal logging). Throughout tropical countries this is a common trend. A key indirect driver of forest destruction is that most environmental services (such as clean water and fixing carbon) that forests provide do not have a market value. Forests cover approximately 9.4 percent of the Earth’s surface, 30 percent of the total land area. Forests help regulate the world’s climate and weather, are home to nearly 90 percent of the world's terrestrial biodiversity and their resources directly support the livelihoods of 90 percent of the 1.2 billion people living in extreme poverty. Roughly 13 million hectares of forest are converted to other land uses each year and with this deforestation and degradation, high volumes of carbon emissions are released. This places the sector second only to the energy industry for carbon output, accounting for approximately more than 10 percent of global carbon emissions. The main drivers of deforestation and forest degradation are conversion to agricultural land to feed increasing numbers of people and animals, legal and illegal logging, infrastructure development, and the world’s need for energy, i.e. space for producing agro-industrial crops like oil palm, sugar and rubber).

Manigala at the knuckles range

A brook course running through Sinharaja Forest

address the drivers of deforestation relevant to their national circumstances, with a view to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and thus enhancing forest carbon stocks due to sustainable management of forests.” COP16 decided that REDD will be implemented in phases beginning with the development of national strategies or action plans, policies and measures, and capacity-building (Phase 1, also called the REDD Readiness Phase), followed by the implementation of national policies and measures and national strategies or action plans that could involve further capacity-building, technology development and transfer and resultsbased demonstration activities (Phase 2), and evolving into results-based actions that should be fully measured, reported and verified (Phase 3).

Manigala at the knuckles range

If deforestation and degradation of forests can be reduced, and possibly reversed via conservation, better forest management, forest restoration and carbon stock enhancement, it will be possible to reverse the loss of biodiversity, significantly reduce carbon emissions, improve the livelihoods of the people who live and depend on forests, and maintain the flow of tourists, so vital to countries such as Sri Lanka. This is precisely what REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) aims to achieve. REDD (frequently also referred to as REDD+) comprises five activities that developing countries are encouraged to implement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to mitigate climate change. These activities include reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation as well as the conserving, enhancing and sustainably managing forest carbon stocks. In return for the successful implementation of these activities, developing countries will receive positive incentives from developed countries. THE REDD CONCEPT: The concept of REDD was introduced during the UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP 11), held in 2005. It was further elaborated, expanded and officially adopted during COP 13 in Bali, Indonesia in 2007. The Bali Action Plan encouraged Parties “to explore a range of actions, identify options and undertake efforts, including demonstration activities, to

Many developing countries are currently getting ready for REDD and that’s were Sri Lanka currently stands. Their efforts are supported by numerous bilateral and multilateral initiatives. One such initiative is the UN-REDD Programme, the United Nations collaborative initiative on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation in developing countries. The Programme was launched in 2008 and builds on the convening role and technical expertise of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The UN-REDD Programme supports nationally-led REDD processes and promotes the informed and meaningful involvement of all stakeholders, including Indigenous Peoples and other forest-dependent communities, in the development and implementation of REDD strategies in more than 51 countries, spanning Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. THE UN-REDD PROGRAMME IN SRI LANKA The UN-REDD Programme has been supporting Sri Lanka since 2013 to get ready for REDD. Implementing partners are the Forest Department and the Climate Change Secretariat of the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energy and the Department of Wildlife Conservation. The partners including the FAO, UNDP and UNEP are convinced of the benefits REDD can bring to Sri Lanka, its rich biodiversity, its economy and its people. In many countries, representatives of government agencies, the private sector and non-government organizations have

expressed concerns. They foresee serious consequences for many forest users (e.g. local communities and indigenous peoples, logging concessionaires and/or the wood processing industries). Under REDD, they argue non-timber forest product collection would have to stop, logging operations would cease and land-use change would become history. Some have even argued that access to various sites by tourists would have to be restricted. But this does not have to happen at all. As the potential impacts of REDD on local people is a critical issue, the UN-REDD Programme in Sri Lanka has established a Platform for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), as one of its first activities. The CSO Platform gives these organizations a means to develop and deliver focused and coordinated inputs to forest policy and decision-making processes at the national level. Also, the UN-REDD Programme in Sri Lanka has established the Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) Forum, which will enable the 'Veddha' community to discuss their concerns, share their knowledge and play an active role in the protection of forests. Indigenous people such as the 'Veddha' community retain a wealth of knowledge and wisdom on the important products and services that these unique ecosystems provide. It is therefore very important to integrate indigenous peoples in REDD processes. From a tourism perspective, conserving carbon stocks in natural forests is probably of most interest, so that Sri Lanka’s natural beauty (and not only its beaches and marine wildlife) continues to act as a magnet to people from all over the world. We hope you enjoy the natural heritage of the country, with an ecological footprint as small as possible. And please help to encourage Sri Lanka to conserve its natural spectacular natural beauty, which should be conserved with or without REDD. Don’t you think so (after you have completed your trip)? If you are interested in REDD, the UN-REDD Programme in Sri Lanka or the CSO Platform and IP Forum, please contact the Sri Lanka UN-REDD Programme. 419/1, Pannipitiya Road, Pelawatta, Battaramulla (Tel: 011-2787532, 011-278-6077, Fax: 011-2786255, web: www.un-redd.org) (The writer is the UN-REDD Regional Coordinator for United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific) Pics: Malinda Ekanayake & Dammithra Samarasinghe

JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 31

HERITAGE The Sthupa that stands on the backdrop of the giant rock

Paramakanda Cave Temple A must see attraction

Text and pics. by Teshani Wanninayake

34 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

he historic ‘Paramakanda’ Temple and the cave monastery is one of the must see attractions in Puttalam District. It is situated on the majestic Paramakanda Rock in Anamaduwa. Here, we see a large solid rock balancing on top of another rock. It is said that ‘Paramakanda’ temple was built by ‘MahathissaThero’ during the time of King ‘Walagamba’(89-77 BC ). The temple surely looks ancient but there were new additions including a new Sthupa. Currently, there is a shrine room or an image house builton one side of the upper rock. This has been renovated recently. There is a large Reclining Buddha statue inside the image house. The painting style resemblances those of the era. A stone stair-way,of about 150 steps, leads to the top of the rock. As mentioned initially what one finds on the top is another rock balancing on the main rock. The view from the top of ‘Paramakanda’is spectacular. You are able to see paddy fields, lakes and mountain ranges in a distance. There are many caves on the top of the mountain as well as several others at the base of the giant rock mountain. These caves were supposed to be used by meditating monks in pre historical era.

Driving directions to Paramakanda Cave Temple From Colombo, via Chilaw. Distance :140 km. From Kandy,via Kurunegala. Distance :105 km

Near ‘Paramakanda’cave temple there lies the‘Thonigala’ rock.‘Thonigala’has the largest rock inscription in Sri Lanka and Thonigala is also a unique rock formation. The two inscriptions on the rock are about 100 feet long and each letter is about 1 feet in height and carved 1 inch deep in to the rock. The inscriptions speak of grants made to a Buddhist Monastery and formation of letters isconsideredan important instance of the origin of Sinhala letters.

Inside views of the House of Images JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 35

Inside views of the House of Images A pond on the top of the rock

Thonigala Rock Incriptions the largest rock inscription in Sri Lanka near Paramakanda Cave Temple

An unfinished piece of historic art in the temple

A carving of Buddha's foot imprint Sri Pada

JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 37

HISTORY

COINS IN

SRI LANKA AFTER THE

PORTUGUESE By IndakaKarunadasa

Currency has been used in Sri Lanka from ancient times.However after the arrival of first European arrivals to Sri Lanka, the Portuguese, the use of coins increased. The Portuguese used coins to buy spices, such as cinnamon, gems and ivory. They ruled most of Sri Lankan coastal belt and the nearby areas from 1505 AD to 1685 AD. After the Portuguese the Dutch invaded the Sri Lankan coastal belt. The Dutch ruled Sri Lanka from 1640 AD to 1796 AD. After the Dutch, Sri Lanka was invaded by the British. The British ruled Sri Lanka from 1796 AD to 1948 AD. After February 4th, 1948 Ceylon was independent from the British Crown, and renamed the Republic of Sri Lanka on May 22nd, 1972. JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 39

PORTUGUESE COINS Portuguese mainly used two kinds of coins, the Tanga coins and Silver Larins. However that also used a coin named as “Ginimassea”. This coin was used only in Colombo for their trade transactions. On one side of the coin, letters CL – for Colombo and GA – for Goa, were inscribed depending on where it was minted. On the other side was the year of issue and Ginimaessa inscription. DUTCH COINS

Dutch used two main types of coins in Sri Lanka. They are Duits and Dumps. However they also used Rix Dollar, Zeelandia, Holandia Utrecht, West Freaseland, Guilderland, and Stuivers as coin currency. The Dutch coins have VOC (Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie – monogram of the Dutch East India Company) inscribed on them. Usually they are thick copper Dump coins and minted locally. In 1781 the Dutch established the first coin minting factory in Colombo, at Kayman’s Gate.Later they established coin minting factories in Trincomale, Galle and Jaffna. If the coin was minted in Colombo, the letter ‘C’ can be found in the coin, if it was minted in Trincomalee one could find the letter ‘T’ and letter ‘I’ if a coin was minted in Jaffna. In addition coins minted in Jaffna will have Tamil text as well. The Dutchalso introduced paper currency as well. The paper currency was known as Kredit Brieven (Kansnooten). Duits: Dutch Duit one dated 1746, with Dutch East India Company’s VOC logo on it and the court of arms of the Kngdom of Frisia on the other side. UtrechDuit: This is another Duit in 1790 with VOC on it. On the other side of the coin is the arms of the city of Utrecht. THE BRITISH COINS

At the beginning of the British period Farthing, British Stuiver, Rix Dollar (silver coins), Fanamas, Rupee (Indian Rupee), Half Rupee (Indian), Quarter Rupee (Indian) were used. All the British coins used in Sri Lanka from 1820 had an image of a Talipot Palm tree on one side until 1942 and the ruling Monarch on the other side. The value of the coin was indicated on the Talipot Palm tree side of the coin in Sinhala, Tamil, and in English. It also had the word “Ceylon” and the year of issue. In 1872 the British introduced decimal coins, such as ¼ cent, ½ cent, one cent, two cents, five cents, ten cents, twenty five cents, fifty cents etc. Earlier British coins in Sri Lanka had an image of a standing elephant facing left and with letters Ceylon Government on it. After 1827 British introduced currency notes to Sri Lanka. The British coins which used in Sri Lanka can be divided as Victoria coins, Edward VII coins, George V coins, George VI coins, King George coins, and Elizabeth II coins. VICTORIA COINS

Victoria coins were issued between 1869 and 1901. These coins have the image of Queen Victoria. On the other side the word “Ceylon” is engraved in English and the value of the coin in indicated in Sinhala, and English with numerical value. It also has the minted year as well as Talipot Palm tree. 40 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

EDWARD VII COINS Edward coins come to public between 1910 to 1920 period. GEORGE V COINS

George coins were issued from 1911 to 1929. On the coin crowned head of King George V the King of England and Emperor of India was embossed. The words “George V king and emperor of India” are also embossed on the same side. The word “Ceylon”, the year minted as well as the value of the coin in Sinhala and Tamil is embossed on the other side. George V coins are ½ cents, 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, and 50 cents valued coins. ½ cents and 1 cent coins are minted in copper and 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, and 50 cents coins are minted in silver. GEORGE VI COINS

George VI coins were issued from 1937 to 1945. On the coin crowned head of King George the VI can be found on one side. The word “Ceylon”, the year minted as well as the value of the coin in Sinhala and Tamil is embossed on the other side. George VI coins came in ½ cents, 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents and 50 cents. 10 cents, and 25 cents were minted in silver, ½ cents and 1 cent coins were minted in copper. 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents coins were also minted in nickel brass. KING GEORGE COINS

King George coins were issued from 1951 with the image of King George on them. ELIZABETH II COINS

Elizabeth II coins were issued from 1955 - 1957 with the image of Queen Elizabeth II on them. Elizabeth II coins came in ½ cent, 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents and 50 cents. JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 41

AFTER THE INDEPENDENCE

After the Central Bank of Sri Lanka was established in 1950, all Sri Lankan currency was issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The British period currency notes were used until 1951 and currency coins were used until 1963. Coins issued from 1963 to 1972 came with the word Lanka written in English, Sinhala and Tamil. The Queen Elizabeth 11 portrait was replaced with Lankan Armorial ensign. From 1972 the word Lanka was replaced by Sri Lanka,written in English, Sinhala and Tamil. COMMEMORATION COINS AFTER 1957

There are more than 60 commemoration coins minted in Sri Lanka by the Central bank of Sri Lanka in varying value amounts. (Photographs from the personal coin collections of Tharindu Harshan Ekanayake and S.J.J. Perera - 077 5664596) 42 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

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AGRO

SRI LANKA'S GIFT TO THE WORLD

eylon Tea has been prized for its unique flavour, colour & character, which cannot be readily found elsewhere. The humidity, cool temperatures, sunshine and rainfall (two monsoons) in the country's central and southern highlands are conducive to the manufacture of unique quality teas. Tea plantations are scenic and pristine. Tea is grown, hand picked and processed in an artisanal process, unchanged for over a century. The renowned Tea Research Institute strictly monitors use of pesticides [which are needed in minimal quantities due to the humid climate]. Ceylon Tea is reputed as the “cleanest tea in the world” in respect of pesticide residues due to these stringent controls. Ceylon tea is divided into three groups: High Grown, Mid Grown, and Low Grown tea based on the elevation and geography of the land on which it is grown. This is similar to the terroir concept in wine. Ceylon Tea has unique characteristics and is known for superior flavor for its high grown teas and exquisite leaf appearance for low grown teas, much favoured in the Middle East. GLOBAL POSITIONING With 8% of the global production Sri Lanka is the 4th largest manufacturer of tea in the world after China, India & Kenya. Since China is predominantly a green tea producer while India & Kenya mainly produce CTC teas, Sri Lanka is the leading manufacturer of orthodox black tea to the globe. Sri Lanka is also the second largest tea exporter to the world after Kenya since China & India constitute of a huge domestic consumption. The export share of Sri Lanka in the global tea market is registered at around 18% as against that of Kenya which is about 22%. Since Kenya exports CTC teas in entirety, Sri Lanka is acclaimed as the world’s largest exporter of orthodox black tea. Tradition is probably the most suitable word that can explain tea in the Sri Lankan context. With almost 45% of all exports in value added form, tea trade in Sri Lanka is way ahead of its competitors such as India which exports around 10% of its off-takes in packaged form and Kenya only 7%. Sri Lanka is also the first

tea producing country in the world which introduced nation branding with Ceylon Tea linked to the Lion logo symbol. The industry proudly acknowledges attempts of few dynamic entrepreneurs and visionaries for building globally renowned tea brands which no other tea producing country has achieved so far. The tea industry in Sri Lanka has created many global records in various fields and avenues. The country could boast of a highly transparent Tea Auction system in Colombo rated as the largest in the world for a single origin and always yields the fastest turnaround of tea to cash for the farmers. In respect of agro-chemical pesticide residues, Ceylon Tea has been regularly acclaimed as the cleanest by independent analysts/ research labs around the world. Sri Lanka also received the accolade from Montreal Protocol in Canada as the only “Ozone Friendly Tea” in the world. Several industry players in Sri Lanka have received United Nations Global Compact Awards which other countries are yet to achieve. The contribution for Carbon Credit programs and the commitments for Corporate Social Responsibility are high. While the industry is ILO compatible it is a role model for the United Nations Environmental Program and fulfills most of the millennium goals. DIVERSITY IN SPECIALITY The diversity in specialty of it’s orthodox tea process has been the power and strength of the tea industry in Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya, Uva, Dimbula, Uda Pussellawa, Kandy, Ruhuna and Sabaragamuwa are the prime tea growing regions of Sri Lanka. Over the years, Sri Lanka has earned a reputation as a producer of high quality tea and Ceylon Tea is synonymous with quality and taste. Ceylon Tea and 07 agro climate regional teas have been registered as geographical indications to prevent misuse of Sri Lankan Teas by overseas packers. Sri Lanka exports a large quantity of tea packets and tea bags to add value to its tea than any other tea producing country in the World. The value added tea exports account for nearly 45% of the total export volume. Ceylon Tea is exported in

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a wide range of packets i.e. box board cartons, foil packs, soft wooden boxes, metal cans, ceramic jars, wooden boxes etc. The tea bags component has now reached 22 million kgs per year. Sri Lanka Tea Board, the apex government body responsible for development and promotion of Ceylon Tea, has taken many steps to ensure that all teas produced and exported from Sri Lanka adhere to the minimum quality standards of ISO 3720. The promotion of Ceylon tea is linked to the lion logo the symbol of quality, which is the trademark of the Sri Lanka Tea Board. Ceylon Tea Lion Logo that appears on Ceylon tea packs denotes not only the country of origin but also the quality of Ceylon Tea. (A compilation of Tea Promotion Division SRI LANKA TEA BOARD)

FOOD LIFE CONCEPTS

Ape Kema

PROMOTING AUTHENTIC SRI LANKAN CUISINE

World-renowned Mount Lavinia Hotel’s Chef Dr. Publis Silva emphasizes the importance of true Sri Lankan ‘ingredients’ By Santhush Fernando 46 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

very Sunday night, one of the country’s iconic heritage hotels- the Mount Lavinia Hotel comes alive with authentic Sri Lanka-theme dinner offering delicious egg and vegetable hoppers, mouth-watering spicy local curries, scrumptious pittu and mani pittu, lips-smacking kottu rotti and rotti, delightful Kiri Bath and string hoppers, countless indigenous curries such as Kos Del (Jackfruit, breadfruit) manioc along with lots of yummy local sweet-meats from Kevum to Kokis to Asmi to Mung Kevum to everything else you can dream underneath the swaying palms of Mount Lavinia’s pristine beach. “I have a strong message not only to the Sri Lankan customers but also our global readership. At the moment I am conducting my research work on this,” emphasized Master Chef and Director of Mount Lavinia Hotel Dr. Publis Silva. “80% of the time Sri Lankans prepare food destroying the nutrition of the food we eat, neglecting the very purpose of a healthy and balanced diet. Not only various ingredients and flavours, but also love, kindness, compassion have to be imparted into the food that we prepare. Then only can our cuisine be truly

called ‘Ape Kema’. Food won’t become authentic Sri Lankan food just if you toss some Gotukola (Centella) leaves into the rice and curry along with some other so-called local dishes. If you truly want to taste our cuisine –come to Mount Lavinia Hotel on Sundays,” “In our country we have over 365 edible plants out of which over 200 are not cultivated using chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides and weedcides. However, food items such as jackfruit, breadfruit and a quite number of jungle herbs are chemical-free. For instance, Kehel Muwa (Plantain flower) and Kehel Bada (Pith of the plantain), yams of Wel Habarala (Swamp version of giant alocasia, garnt taro, or kopeh root), tender leaves of Araliya (Frangipani or temple trees) and even the stamen (Renu) of the Jambu flower (Water cherry or watery rose apple) are not only edible but also 100% natural,” Chef Publis says proudly. “In the future we will show the world how you can prepare food using even rocks such as Thiruwana (Quarts). Any curry can be prepared in this manner and we

Sri Lankans have had resorted to this till about 150 years ago. You don’t have to place the dish over fire. Recently I made this ‘rock curry’ as an offering to the Sacred Tooth Relic offered at Dalada Maligawa in Kandy.” “There had been a rich rural tradition related to authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. One such is presenting a ‘Therum Maaluwa’ (Guess the dish or depart) in match-making, where an eligible bachelor would be asked by the family of his would-be in-laws to taste and name the vegetable used to prepare an unusual dish and only if he’s successful, would he be given in marriage to their daughter.” “Even I was asked by a rural woman living in a very remote village called Atanwala in the foothills of Dumbara (Knuckles Range). I didn’t know what the dish was that time. Later on only I was told that it was Wahu Koda- a creeper found in the woods of Knuckles. I’m glad I wasn’t a suitor. Had I been there to pick my future bride, I would have indeed turned out to be a miserable failure,” laughs an indefatigable Chef Publis. However he lamented that this rich gourmet culture has declined steadily. “For instance consuming Nelum Ala or yams of the lotus has become deadly with the use of chemicals in farming which eventually finds its way to the tanks and the reservoirs in which the lotus grows,” he sighed. In 2013 April, a book and documentary film on the life and times of Dr. Publis Silva, was released to the public commemorating 50 years of service to Sri Lanka’s indigenous cuisine and was graced by First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa as the Chief Guest.

JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 47

LUXURY

Text By Inoka Palliyaguru | Pics by Sanju Samarasinghe

urrounded by the mystical slopes of Hantana, Theva Residency is a private and luxurious home away from home. On our visit to this highly luxurious boutique resort, Ms. Dheeshana Ameresekere, Managing Directress of the Theva Residency expressed her views about the main concepts and attributes behind the resort.

WHAT IS THE CONCEPT BEHIND THEVA RESIDENCY? One of the rituals associated with the Perehera is the Dalada Thewava. The word ‘Theva’ originates from ‘Thewava’ which is a ceremonial offering made with utmost respect and attention to detail. We are providing the same level of attention to detail with regard to hospitality for the guests to luxuriate and relax on serene settings of Kandy City. What makes it different from the other resorts and hotels in Kandy? The Theva Residency promises serenity, romance and rejuvenation. With awe-inspiring views, edgy design and sublime dining options. Theva is ideally located along the slopes of the Hantana range. It offers commanding views over the surrounding mountains and the bustle of the Kandy town located only two kilometers away. The location of The Theva Residency is a treat for nature lovers, who will be able to enjoy the beautiful variety of flora and fauna, the endless views of mountain terrain and fresh air. Theva is a short distance from the lush Hantana Rainforest, with its rivulets, streams and abundance of animal and plant life - an ideal destination for birdwatchers and those interested in trekking. 48 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

Explain more about the dining experience and the comforts of the rooms. The 15 sun-filled residential areas comprise of 1 Penthouse, 3 Suites, 7 Superior balcony rooms and 4 Standard deluxe rooms. The rooms exude luxury as they use a combination of cotton, silk, wood and glass – a heady mix of the traditional and modern, to create an unparalleled in-room experience. For the few who venture out of their room can take the opportunity to a dip in the infinity pool or lounge at the open-air seating outside the dining hall which is an ideal place for an early drink, as the sun disappears over the hills opposite. When it comes to dining, the food at Theva is no ordinary fare and you should expect even the simplest snack to be served with a slight Theva twist to make it special as all our guests are considered VIPs. Feast on gourmet meals throughout the day as the Resident Chef and his teamwork to produce a range of culinary delights bringing a fusion of East and West, new and old. Due to the high demand from outsiders to dine at Theva, the Theva restaurant is now open for the public to have lunch or dinner by reservation only. WHAT ARE THE ADDITIONAL AMENITIES YOU PROVIDE FOR THE GUESTS? For the few who venture out of their rooms, Theva offers these options: choose between sweating it out at the in-house sauna, swimming laps in the infinity pool or sipping a drink at the poolside. In addition the open-air seating outside the dining area is an ideal place for an early drink, as the sun disappears over the hills opposite. The awards that you have won for ThevaResidency The Theva residency has won many awards over the years for their Excellency in hospitality industry. These include Trip advisor service excellence for 2012, 2013 and 2014. Along with Agoda Gold circle award 2012, Sri Lanka tourism Award 2011 and Culinary Art Competition Sri Lanka 2010, 2011, 2013. ‘Our winning formula is based on providing guests with an exceptionally personalized level of service and providing modern luxurious living with exotic 5-Star cuisine, ‘stated the Managing Directress, Dheeshana Ameresekere.

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CULINARY

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Neil Pradeep an outstanding personality of culinary art at the 98 acres By Kalharie Pitigala

eing a chef is certainly rewarding when you hear irresistible comments for your God gifted talent of producing absolutely amazing and mouthwatering dishes. Satisfying one’s gastronomic need is indeed meritorious. Having such people who could do wonders with food is a blessing for any country. I consider myself utterly privileged to have met this bubbly personality. He is full of energy and enthusiasm. He is none other than Mr. Neil Pradeep Fernando who is the executive chef at the well-known 98 acres. Pradeep has a flair for culinary arts, hospitality as well as public relations. His mere appearance simply denotes how friendly and outgoing he is. He is an example for everybody in the hospitality field. This gentleman didn’t hesitate to share his remarkable experiences starting from his very first step towards his much anticipated career. Being a past student of St.Sebastian’s College, becoming a chef has been his dream since childhood. He stepped into this industry as a trainee cook at the Galleface hotel. Starting from Galleface hotel to Tajsamudra to Lanka Oberoi (present cinnamon grand) and Waters edge; heglamours in this industry with a plethora of experience. He also has a total of nine years’ experience in the Thomson Cruises Line –UK, Island Cruise Line-UK and Louise Cruise Line-Cyprus. He is definitely a gift to the hospitality industry. “Satisfying the tastebuds of an awesome gang of guests while building on a respectable clientele is one of the best about being a chef, I’m dedicated to bestow my fullest potential”, says this amazing gentleman with lot of passion. I have no doubt that his dishes are extra delicious because of the extra love and passion that he adds.

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He has been working so hard to achieve the best qualifications in order to glamour in the industry as one of the best chefs. Citi & guild diploma for culinary arts and certificate from the chartered institute-UK for HACCP are proofs of his professional qualifications. He bears a certificate from the Warwick University of the UK for English too. “Working at 98 acres and being the executive chef is a significant endeavour, I enjoy every bit of it”, he spoke of his present employer with much respect and dignity. He, very humbly acknowledged all his teachers with special gratitude to Chef Dadly Nanayakkara, Chef Thilak Senevirathna, Chef Lakal Jayasingha, Chef Hellmute Hubble (Germany) and Chef Ranjith Morugama. He elaborated the fact that hard work and dedication enabled him to become who he is today. “Unlike the present days, there were no artificial food sweeteners, flavours or sauces available in the old days that I started on this career. Therefore, I had to learn from the very basics and sometimes there were times I had to make certain sauces for hundreds of people at a very short notice. This is what helped me to excel in the field. I would say this is one of the best parts of the training I have received. Unfortunately it is not quite apparent now a days”. Neil has travelled across oceans and has been a lucky voyager of Bethleham, Jerusalam, Nile River, Great lakes, Suize Cannal and Vathican church in Rome. Gifted with a talent for culinary arts, his favourite dish is chicken ala spinach. “It is one of my own dishes”, he added with a contented smile. He was very delighted to talk about his wonderful wife Uneeka Fernando, daughters Sheffora, Nemishe and the only son Nerone. He mentioned the support extended by them with much gratitude. Being a member of the Chef Guild of Sri Lanka and Waos-World Association of Chefs Societies, Neil’s dream is to contribute his service for another 5 years as an executive chef. Also he is determined to extend his service as a general manager for one of the Sri Lankan hotels as it is his ultimate career goal. Indeed, he is a valuable asset to any employer.

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COMFORT

CHC launches its

Polonnaruwa Resort Collection

Lake House and Lake Hotel Pics by Sanju Samarasinghe

n 1954 the Queen of England Her Royal Highness Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Phillip chose the Old Polonnaruwa Rest House as their holiday destination. Rebranded “The Lake House”, this deluxe boutique hotel is surrounded by many historical sites from the second great Sinhala kingdom Polonnaruwa, and overlooks the magnificent Sea of Parakrama. The Lake House is managed by Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHC) and was recently restored to portray the inherent characteristics of the Resort Collection, a tribute to all things traditional, with a modern feel to it. CHC operates a collection of resort, deluxe heritage hotels and rest houses in excellent locations throughout the island. Four in the resort collection that are synonymous with nature and twelve heritage rest houses that thrive on a pursuit of happiness offer guests an excellent opportunity to explore, enjoy and discover all that Sri Lanka has to offer. Guests can enjoy a relaxing beach holiday at The Surf Hotel in Bentota, a safari at The Safari Hotel in Tissamaharama, visit the ancient ruins of Sigiriya, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa while staying at The Lake Hotel, Polonnaruwa, or visit Kandy and stay in one of the deluxe heritage properties that epitomizes colonial heritage architecture with the warmth and flavor of modern Sri Lankan hospitality at Hotel Suisse or The Queens Hotel.

JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 55

In 1954 the Queen of England Her Royal Highness Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Phillip chose the Old Polonnaruwa Rest House as their holiday destination. Rebranded “The Lake House”, this deluxe boutique hotel is surrounded by many historical sites from the second great Sinhala kingdom Polonnaruwa, and overlooks the magnificent Sea of Parakrama. The Lake House is managed by Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHC) and was recently restored to portray the inherent characteristics of the Resort Collection, a tribute to all things traditional, with a modern feel to it. CHC operates a collection of resort, deluxe heritage hotels and rest houses in excellent locations throughout the island. Four in the resort collection that are synonymous with nature and twelve heritage rest houses that thrive on a pursuit of happiness offer guests an excellent opportunity to explore, enjoy and discover all that Sri Lanka has to offer. Guests can enjoy a relaxing beach holiday at The Surf Hotel in Bentota, Collection, the Lake Hotel overlooking the scenic beauty of the Sea of Parakrama and is built on three acres of landscaped garden. The 40 air-conditioned deluxe rooms with all modern amenities have just completed an extensive renovation that respects both the unique location and historical significance in elegant simplicity, style and comfort. CHC now welcomes you back to Polonnaruwa! ABOUT THE GALLE FACE HOTEL

a safari at The Safari Hotel in Tissamaharama, visit the ancient ruins of Sigiriya, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa while staying at The Lake Hotel, Polonnaruwa, or visit Kandy and stay in one of the deluxe heritage properties that epitomizes colonial heritage architecture with the warmth and flavor of modern Sri Lankan hospitality at Hotel Suisse or The Queens Hotel. The Lake House Polonnaruwa is a charming boutique hotel that accommodates 14 superior and deluxe rooms and with the landmark being the

Queen’s Suite. The Queen’s Suite is named in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s visit in 1954. The renowned restaurant is cantilevered over the lake and has retained the famous ‘Rice and Curry Luncheon’ featuring locally caught lake fish and the freshwater lobster that have become the signature delicacies in the Polonnaruwa Resort Collection. Additionally special evening menus, bicycle tours, elephant safari and historic site tours can be catered to as well. In close proximity lies the second property that formulates the Polonnaruwa Resort

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Galle Face Hotel is an award winning heritage hotel located at the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, which is steeped in the unique history of Sri Lanka amidst tradition and family values. It is probably the only Hotel in the world which has a setting of a sea front city Hotel combined with the features of a beachside resort together grandeur and elegance of the bygone era of Sri Lanka. Celebrating 150 years, the Galle Face Hotel is one of the landmarks in Asia with a historical past that speaks of the historical significance of Sri Lanka. Today, the Galle Face Hotel is acclaimed as one of the best heritage Hotels in Sri Lanka and in 2012 it became the first Hotel in the country to be featured on a postage stamp. The old world charm of the Hotel harks back to a vintage when Aristocracy and celebrities spent their days in pampered luxury, and sipped their tea while enjoying the magnificent sunset over the Indian Ocean. Over the years, many Heads of State and celebrities have graced the Hotel, charmed by its eclectic mix of

Ceylon Hotels Corporation PLC. Under this banner are 3 distinct portfolios of businesses. THE DELUXE HERITAGE HOTELS COLLECTION The Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, Hotel Suisse and Queens Hotel in Kandy. Each hotel is a connected to Sri Lanka’s history, imbibed with the splendor of yesteryear while continuing to serve visitors, foreign and domestic is gracious surrounds. THE RESORTS COLLECTION The Lake Hotel Polonnaruwa, The Surf Hotel Bentota, The Safari Hotel Tissamaharama and The Lake House Polonnaruwa. 4 hotels routed in some of Sri Lanka’s most special areas offer a modern facility with outstanding vista & access to experience this great country. Each of these recently refurbished hotels offers traditional Sri Lankan hospitality to visitors.

THE HERITAGE REST HOUSE COLLECTION Ambepussa, Pussellawa, Kitulgala, Belihuloya, Ella, Hanwella, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, Mihintale, Medawachchiya, and Weligama. The quaint surroundings steeped with the enchantment of Sri Lanka’s colonial heritage are the key elements of the Heritage Rest Houses that comprise of 12 properties around the island. Intimate traditional accommodation, in colonial bungalows, all with outstanding local cuisine are ideal bases from which to travel and explore Sri Lanka.

imperial tradition, architecture and flavor. “The hotel is currently undertaking an ambitious restoration project restoring the Hotel’s rooms, restaurants and the ballrooms to their former glory with subtle modernization to enhance the quality of The Galle Face Hotel experience. The Hotel is intrinsically linked to the history and heritage of Sri Lanka and the project is guided by an uncompromising commitment to preserve the unique ambience for guests to enjoy.” ABOUT THE GALLE FACE HOTEL GROUP The Galle Face Hotel Group manages the hotel and leisure interest of The Galle Face Hotel, Kandy Hotels PLC & JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 57

TRANQUILITY

The Nature’s comfort in Dambulla Text and Pix by Harsha Udayakantha Peiris

Spacious play or gathering are adjoining the green belt and the lake An outside chat square under a tree shade

A traditional boat safari bigins in Ibbankatuwa lake from SUWANILA

The giant tamarind tree where workshops, discussions and meetings held under the shade of it. A chat square is also near by.

Soft or hot drink cabin for two

Path to the lake for a refreshingly day time or evening bath

Ibbankatuwa lake adjoining SUWANILA a bird watcher's paradise

magine spending a relaxing weekend in Dambulla, Inamaluwa, sigiriya or any other place close by, beyond Matale in the Central province. Many may think it is a day excursion depending on the time of traveling and things of history, art and ancient architecture to see. After all if one visits ‘SUWANILA’ for breakfast, lunch or dinner on the way, his one day excursion in the area would surely turn out to be a relaxing night out amidst fresh air, greenery and spacious serenity. During my many visits at SUWANILA I have met a large number of tourists and local travelers visiting the place to spend several days, simply because of the luxury it offers amidst natural beauty for the most reasonable prices in Dambulla. The other thing is its staff and the cleanliness of the place. The staff comprises of village community who are always there to help you, to take you a ride on bullock cart around the hotel, the nearby village, along the tank bund and of course on the water front of the ‘Ibankatuwa’ reservoir that makes one boundary of the hotel premises. 58 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

Tea time family area on the garden

The meals and food here are simple and superbly fit the palettes of anyone who seeks the really authentic up country cuisines and favourits. The buffet is always hot and spicy, exactly like anyone would prefer. “ Why so afraid to taste spicy food. I am a food lover and I have travelled to a large number of countries in the world. I am still on my way travelling to distant destinations for the simple reason of myself being a great food lover. And in Dambulla I found this great spot where truly Sri Lankan curries are made from Chena produce and with fresh and natural spicy ingredients; the jack and baby jack curries are my favourites here. There is a lot of other sweet meats locally made here in this hotel. It’s not only eating at SUWANILA, I also learnt many great hints about the Ayurvedic value of Sri Lankan food and the Sri Lankan art of preparing curries without harming the food value whilst making value additions to the food you eat . This is my third night here,” Melan Wilfred from

A traditional boat 'Oruwa' and its supportive arm known as 'Kollewa' on display

Outside front view of the downstair room

Germany says. Many group tourists and visitors at SUWANILA prefer to spend their day time and the evening hours below the huge ‘Siyambala’ tree (Tamarind tree) that shelters a large area of the hotel premises. The comforts made by the hotel at the ‘Siyambala’ tree have made it an ideal spot for the groups visiting the hotel from companies and institutions to conduct small sessions, parties and campaigns in natural environs.

“Here we have offered four AC rooms that include two family and two double rooms. There are two non AC family rooms and four non AC double rooms as well. The accommodation is provided in the two storied living area of the hotel. We organize bullock cart safaris, that has become the most interesting feature here by now, elephant rides as well as boat safaris to the nearby ‘Sathutu Doopatha’ or the happy island to many foreign guests. Due to the spacious green ground area at the hotel premises many hot air balloonists come to SUWANILA in teams launch their hot air balloon safaris from the hotel. This has made the hotel the only convenient hot spot for hot air balloons in entire Dambulla area, ” says

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Inside the tree furnished dining area A comfortable tripple room in the upstairs

An AC double bedroom in the upper compartment

Tree furnished fully comfortable spacious Double and single AC bed rooms (2)

Sunil Shantha Kumara the proprietor of SUWANILA. ‘Ibbankatuwa’ lake that marks one boundary of SUWANILA has reached the top level these days making the entire area to shine with lush greenery making the hotel an ideal spot for bird watchers and environmental enthusiasts to spend their most beautiful days of the year in Dambulla. A quick booking could be arranged at SUWANILA via the land line +94664926767 or the hot line +94776187013. Bookings could also be arranged via Agoda, Booking.com or directly via www.suwanilarest.com or suwanilarestdambulla@gmail.com

Tree furnished fully comfortable spacious Double and single AC bed rooms

Sunil Shantha Kumara Propriator of SUWANILA acompaning a group of foreign tourists in a jeep safari to Minneriya National Park 60 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

Inside the tree furnished dining area

MILESTONES

A MISSION

OF AN YEAR TO

PUBLISH

SRI LANKA AS THE

BEST TOURISM DESTINATION W

ith the launch of its 12th issue for July – August 2014, SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND (SLTTI) – the monthly international travel & tour magazine completes one year of success. First launched in February 2013, the magazine in its content had a definite and a clear vision that was brought throughout, by highlighting the beautiful Sri Lanka as a destination sustainably favorable to boost the industry of hospitality in the entire region. Under the serene environs with the dawn of peace the country is on a fast track development drive in a scale of socio-economic-agro-industrial context. The rapid development of infrastructure was seen reaching every nook and corner of the country making the daily chores of the communities easier each day. Mega projects were started to develop harbors and airports. The road network has seen an ultra modern development with links to an expressway system that connects the entire country in few hours of transportation. Electricity, modern and state of the art telecommunication facilities and many other essential requirements for the citizens around the country have been facilitated on priority basis. Earlier, most of these developments were halted due to the conflict. These rapid developmental procedures have uplifted the quality of life of the peoples. Production and produce from far off places have started reaching the suburbs. For the first time, distant communities have received the opportunity of seeing and experiencing a strategic mega developmental programme in one life span. With the clear vision of the present Government that took initiative under the leadership of His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa to sustainably end the long stood terrorist conflict and start the developmental programme, has turned the picture of the entire Sri Lanka a dream into reality. Under these development procedures that are being carried out with a mission to convert Sri Lanka a fivefold hub, namely Naval, Knowledge, Aviation, Power and Energy, today Sri Lanka is rising as no other nation in the entire region. JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 61

With its clear vision the government is also planning to improve the productivity of the tourism industry, through building professionalism in the travel and hotel industries. The private sector will be encouraged to set up human resource development centers to meet the emerging needs of the tourism industry locally and internationally. The multiplier effect in the tourism sector is also envisaged in the construction, furniture, transport and food and beverage industries. Estimates suggest that these sectors will provide employment for about 100,000 people along with the new investments.

focus the attention of relevant authorities and officials to efficiently address certain rising issues pertaining to the industry in Sri Lanka. Through its dedicated course of one year to uplift Sri Lanka as the tourism hub in the region, the magazine with its team and its dedicated website by now, have presented first hand, accurate and vivid information on this beautiful island Sri Lanka making the best service an international travel magazine can offer to its readership.

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Sri Lanka is experiencing new record visitor numbers and tourist arrival targets until 2020 are ambitious, but nevertheless the tourism industry focuses on eco-friendliness and quality not quantity. More than 1.27 million visitors came to the island in 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an increase of an enormous 26.7 percent compared to the previous year. With an outlook to future development the strategic development plan of Sri Lanka Tourism strives for 1.5 million visitors in total in 2014, 2.5 million in 2016 and 4 million in 2020. SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND from the very start had the novel concept of taking Sri Lanka to the rest of the world as a sustainable destination. A number of discussions, meetings and expressions made during the early days prior to the launch of the publication strengthened this novel idea to effectively start telling a success story to the rest of the world in the most productive manner to boost tourism industry making Sri Lanka the most favored destination of international travelers and tourists. With the launch of the very first issue it started serving in its best capacities to encourage travelers around the world to visit Sri Lanka repeatedly for its unsurpassed treasured heritage. Today, the magazine is acting as a catalyst promoting Sri Lanka a diverse location that feeds to the industry of travel and tourism in many spheres besides the traditional sun-surf image it had been notified for decades. The publication in its content includes travel information, reviews of historical, environmental, industrial, educational and socio-economic contexts that are of vital importance to travelers and tourists arriving in the country. In its special segment â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Developing Storyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the publication brings out crucial reviews, proposals, discussions and information to

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07 Badulla District MP Udith Lokubandara launching the new website of the magazine at the launching ceremony on 01st May 2013 in Colombo 08

01 Delegates at the WCC – 2013 reading the special edition of ‘Sri Lanka The Treasure Island’ at the magazine counter at the event 02 Harsha Udayakantha Peiris – Editor in Chief of Sri Lanka The Treasure Island international travel and tour magazine handing over a copy of the latest magazine to the Minister of Economic Development – Basil Rajapaksa at Sancharaka Udawa 2014 at SLECC. 03 Editor in Chief of the magazine Harsha Udayakantha Peiris and Consultant Editor – Renuka Bandaranayake handing over a complimentary copy of the special edition issue of the high profile international travel and tour magazine ‘Sri Lanka The Treasure Island’ to Anslem de Silva – the President of Amphibia and Reptile Research Organization of Sri Lanka (ARROS)whilst he commends on the approach of the new magazine 04 Harsha Udayakantha Peiris the Editor in Chief of Sri Lanka The Treasure Island international travel and tour magazine making the presentation on the ‘Role of Print Media in Promoting Agro Tourism in Sri Lanka’ at the national Agri-tourism Conference 2014 at the Sri Lanka Foundation Colombo

Dr.Graham Webb – Chairman of the Crocodile Specialist Group of IUCN & SSC displaying the first copy of the special edition issue of the high profile international travel and tour magazine ‘Sri Lanka The Treasure Island’ to the audience at the World Crocodile Conference - 2013 at Goldi Sands Hotel in Negombo. Editor in Chief of the magazine Harsha Udayakantha Peiris, Consultant Editor – Renuka Bandaranayake and the official representatives Pubudu Serasinghe and Nandana Madahapola of the magazine are also present 09 Harsha Udayakantha Peiris – Editor in Harsha Udayakantha Peiris the Editor in Chief of Sri Lanka The Treasure Island international travel and tour magazine presenting the publication to the Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara at his official residence. Representatives of the magazine – Pubudu Serasinghe, Nandana Madahapola and Roshan Deshapriya are also in the picture 10 Educationists, entrepreneurs and participants reading the dedicated issue of the magazine at the National Agro - Conference 2014 at SLF Colombo 11 Presence of media, guests and other invitees at the launch of Sri Lanka The Treasure Island (SLTTI) on 01st May 2013 in Colombo

Harsha Udayakantha Peiris – Editor in Chief of Sri Lanka The Treasure Island international travel and tour magazine in discussion with the Minister of Economic Development – Basil Rajapaksa on the drives taken by the magazine to boost the travel industry in SL, at Sancharaka Udawa 2014 at SLECC

A collage presentation of several events SLTTI received the attention of the Press.

06 Former Sri Lanka Tourist Board Chairman H.M.S.Samaranayake sharing insights at the launch of the international monthly travel and tour magazine SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND

13 Pubudu Serasinghe of SLTTI handing over a copy of the magazine to MP R.Duminda Silva at Sancharaka Udawa International Travel Show and Exhibition 2014 at the Exhibition and Convention Centre, Colombo.

JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 63

EVENTS

Text By Inoka Palliyaguru Pics by Sanju Samarasinghe

64 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

he ‘SancharakaUdawa -2014’ the travel and tourism related mega exhibition which was held for the fourth consecutive year , was concluded successfully at the Sri Lanka exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC) on June 27th and 28th and was ceremonially initiated by Honourable Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa.

The ‘SancharakaUdawa’ tourism exhibition is a result of the collaboration between Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) which joined hands together in order to uplift the private sector tourism. The SLAITO is a 160 member Organization which operates under Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. The main sponsor of the event was SLTPB and the other sponsors were Sri Lankan Airlines, Laksala and Western Province Tourist Board. This year the exhibition was organised in a much larger scale and was accommodating about 200 stalls. These consisted of wide range of industry related areas such as accommodation, inbound and outbound touring, adventure tourism, sports tourism, and other services. The organisers had invited outbound destinations and air travel service providers such as Cinnamonair, Dubai airlines and Sri Lankan Airlines. And also car manufacturers such as AMW and Toyota also showcased their products which were value adding to tourism industry. The Sri Lanka The Treasure Island (SLTTI) handed over a copy of the latest issue of the magazine over to Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa at the inauguration ceremony of the exhibition. SLTTI, at its stall at the exhibition displayed all its past issues for nearly one year since the commencement of the magazine, enabling interested foreign and local readers to purchase past issues at special concessionary prices. The latest June-July issue of the magazine was also available at the stall at a concessionary price.It also provided an extensive coverage of all the other stalls displaying all their products and services.

JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 65

k l i M n i a r l Mi s t c u Prod The Nation

INDUSTRY

s– e i r i k l a i D m i r n i i s y n Ruwa self sufficienc towards

Chiller 66 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

he Ruwansiri Dairies (Pvt.) Limited was established in 2001 as an incorporated private limited company in Sri Lanka. The main objective of the Ruwansiri Dairies (Pvt.) Limited is collecting high quality milk from rural area and producing high quality dairy products to the Sri Lankan consumer, as well as to the tourists who visit to Sri Lanka. Ruwansiri Dairies (Pvt.) Limited opened a milk factory complex in Divitotatwela, Welimada, along the WelimadaBandarawela road. Ruwansiri Dairies (Pvt.) Limited selected Tessa, the world’s best dairy manufacturing plants to convert fresh milk into pasteurized milk, ice cream, yoghurt, cheese under the name of “Milrain”, which denotes fortune from the sun and moon. Forty one years ago, late Mr. K.M. Appuhamy Divithotawela, founder of the

Collected milk to the Milrain factory

Milk pasteurizing machine

Ruwansiri Milk Collection Centre had a vision in leading our nation towards self sufficiency in milk. The Ruwansiri Dairies (Pvt.) Limited was established by Mr. K.M. Dayalal Divitotawela, who is the present Chairman. Ruwansiri Dairies (Pvt.) Limited is the largest milk collector in the Uva province. All the collected milk is transported to the milk factory and all the milk containers are inspected for pH, water content etc. and put into the chiller. Before putting it in the chiller all the impurities are flushed off. After chilling, the milk is transported to the pasteurized machine, which is located inside the Milrain Milk factory. The pasteurized milk is used to produce Milrain yoghurt, Milrain Flavoured milk, Milrain cheese, Milrain Butter and Milrain Ice cream.

JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 67

All the Milrain products are produced in a hygienic, air conditioned factory. And the Milrain milk factory has a modern laboratory for regular quality control and modern microbiological lab as well. The finished Milrain milk products are stored in a cold room before they are transported to leading supermarkets, leading hotels and local shops. All the Milrain products are transported inside cold tracks, after packing in cardboard boxes. The farmer community was also guided to enhance the local milk production and to improve cattle management. Training programs were conducted to educate farmers on new developments and technology by Ruwansiri Dairies (Pvt.) Limited. This has improved the quality of milk production and quantity of milk.

Yoghurt packing machine Milk pasteurizing machine

68 â&#x20AC;˘ SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ JULY - AUGUST 2014

Mr. K.M. Dayalal Divitotawela, who is the present Chairman, while Mr. Damitha Ramesh Wickramasekara is the chief executive officer of Ruwansiri Dairies (Pvt.) Limited. Yoghurt packing machine

NEWS 25 YEARS OF FLYING SIA TO GREATER HEIGHTS

hihana Cader, Public Relations & Premium Services Manager of Singapore Airlines marks her 25 years of service to the world’s most awarded airline today. She was given the opportunity to join the Reservations department of SIA right after finishing her school career at St. Clare’s College, Colombo 06 and later went on to become the Reservations Manager. Her aptitude for leadership resulted in the setting up and managing of the Public Relations department of SIA. She has also been tasked with managing the personalized services provided to SIA’s premium passengers and handling customer complaints and compliments. Throughout the years, she has been able to handle the needs of various passengers with great aplomb. She is very confident that she will be able to continue her high standard of service in the years to come.

INSURANCE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS WITH AMÃNA TAKAFUL NEW MOBILE APP

hursday 26th June 2014, Colombo: Amãna Takaful, the only fully-fledged Takaful operator in the country and the flag bearer of the Takaful way of insurance in Sri Lanka, introduced its new mobile application for iPhones and Android devices. The new mobile app can be downloaded for free and it enables Amãna Takaful customers to check their policy details speedily and conveniently, from anywhere in the world. Commenting on the launch of Amãna Takaful’s new app, Mohomed Iqbal, Head of Information Technology, Amãna Takaful stated, “At Amãna Takaful we strive to provide our customers with the best services and products. As a company, our goal is to always deliver the highest levels of convenience to our clients at all times. Towards this end, we continuously review our processes and embrace innovations and the latest trends. This new mobile app will allow us to provide our customers with most of our key services to be accessed from anywhere and at any time. This app also allows us to connect more effectively with customers and the communities we serve.” The Amãna Takaful mobile application provides an array of services including Motor policy renewal, purchase of Travel insurance, 3rd party Motor polices and also online payment options. The app also offers additional convenience with Motor Claims notifications and tracking. With the new Amãna Takaful app, customers can easily check the status of a claim by entering their vehicle number. A customer can use the app to report an accident and can thereafter continue their journey uninterrupted. An added feature in the app also makes it easier to report claims with the use of supporting photos. Life policyholders can now track their Life fund balances, unit rates and also make premium payments online. The app is available exclusively for policyholders and provides a seamless, hassle free service that enables customers to access their account details online, at any time. Amãna Takaful has been recognized for its innovation and quality of service over the 15 years, and has been acknowledged as one of Sri Lanka’s fastest growing composite insurers. The company continues to be in the forefront of the insurance industry in Sri Lanka and caters to a vast variety of customers. This was recognized recently at the SLIBFI awards where the company bagged 2 gold awards for the “Best Islamic Finance Entity of the year” and for the “Product of the year” for its unique hospitalization insurance policy for those over 55, “KruthaGuna”. The Takaful way of insurance operates on the principle of risk sharing and mutuality. As Amãna Takaful looks ahead to 2015, the company will continue to evolve and offer personalized and efficient services to its discerning clientele.

eople’s Bank now offers a special loan scheme for undergraduates who register for degree courses conducted by the Centre of Distance and Continuing Education of the University of Kelaniya. The memorandum of understanding regarding this venture was signed between the Kelaniya University and People’s Bank at the Vice-chancellors Office of Kelaniya University. Representing the People’s Bank and the University of Kelaniya, CEO/General Manager of people’s Bank , Mr. N. Vasantha Kumar and the Vice-Chancellor of Kelaniya University, Prof. Sunanda Madduma Bandara respectively signed the agreement.

SPECIAL LOAN SCHEME FOR EXTERNAL UNDERGRADUATES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF KELANIYA FROM PEOPLE’S BANK

Pictured is the occasion of the CEO/General Manager of people’s Bank , Mr. N. Vasantha Kumar and the Vice-Chancellor of Kelaniya University, Prof. Sunanda Madduma Bandara signing the agreement. Deputy General Manager (Domestic Credit) of People’s Bank, Mr. K. B. Rajapakse and the Dean of the Faculty of Sociology, University of Kelaniya, Prof. A. H. M. H Abeyrathne are also present.

The loan scheme is introduced with a vision to offer External and Post Graduates the opportunity to pay their course fees at a concessionary interest rate. Loans can be obtained up to a maximum of Rs. 500,000/- and the loan is granted under the security of a mortgage of aproperty or two guarantors employed in State/Private sector. The maximum repayment period is 7 years, Including a one year grace period.

The event was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Sociology, University of Kelaniya, Prof. A. H. M. H Abeyrathne, the Director of the Centre of Distance and Continuing Education, Dr. P. M. C. Thilakarathne, the Registrar, Mr. W. M. Karunarathne, Senior Assistant Registrar, Mr. Laxman Wavegama as well as the Deputy General Manager (Domestic Credit) of People’s Bank, Mr. K. B. Rajapakse, Gampaha Regional Manager, Mr. K.D Karunatilake, Kelaniya Branch Manager, Mrs. Dulani Buddika together with a large gathering of staff from University of Kelaniya and People’s Bank. 70 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

BANK OF CEYLON – SRI LANKA’S NO.1 BANK

RANKED ONCE AGAIN ABOVE ALL SRI LANKAN BANKS; AMONG THE TOP 1,000 GLOBAL BANKS

ri Lanka’s leading Bank with 75 years of strength, trust and stability, the Bank of Ceylon is proud to receive global recognition once again as one of the top 1,000 banks in the world, from the world’s premier banking and finance Magazine, “The Banker”. The Top 1,000 banks were selected in recognition of their achievements as global leaders in the industry. The rankings are one of the industry’s most widely used indexes of global banking, and are internationally recognized as the definitive guide to the soundness, strength and profitability of banks. The Banker Magazine, first published in January 1926 in U.K and currently circulated over 180 countries, is the key source of data and analysis for the industry in international finance affairs. BOC possesses the strength and the diversity of resources to offer a complete range of financial solutions to its customers. Our multi-faceted offering is one of our greatest strengths. From the children’s savings account to corporate Mr. D.M. Gunasekara Air Chief Marshal Harsha Abeywickrema General Manager, credit, from the state sector to private companies, we serve at every level. The Chairman, Bank of Ceylon Bank of Ceylon bank has the strength and the diversity of resources to offer its customers a range of financial solutions; such as Corporate Banking, Personal Banking, Islamic Banking, Investment Banking, Off-shore Banking, Development Banking, International and Treasury operations and Trade Financing services, through its widely spread network of 618 branches covering all parts of the country. The clear-cut market leader in banking, BOC now boasts over 1000 customer touch points and over 10 million account holders and offers the full range of banking services through its overseas branches in Chennai, Male, Seychelles and Banking operations in London. The Bank also laid claim to a unique position as the only Sri Lankan brand recognized as one of Asia’s Best Brands in 2013 by the Chief Marketing Officer’s Council (CMO Council) based in Mumbai, India. Brand Finance Lanka ranked Bank of Ceylon as the No.1 Brand in Sri Lanka for the last six consecutive years. The Bank of Ceylon recorded yet another hat-trick in 2013 at the National Business Excellence awards ceremony organized by the National Chamber of Commerce. Focusing on the Banks achievements, Fitch Rating Lanka ranked the Bank of Ceylon at AA+(lka) which is the highest rating awarded to a local commercial bank. On the 1st of August 2014, Bank of Ceylon will celebrate its 75th Anniversary –a unique milestone in a journey of dedicated service and of continuous growth in strength, geographic reach, expertise and capability. Leading the banking and financial sector in Sri Lanka since 1939, BOC has constantly succeeded in contributing to the growth of our nation and continues to assist the development of the country and guiding entrepreneurs to reach greater heights which makes Bank of Ceylon ,truly, the “bankers to the nation”. We thank our loyal customers for the trust and confidence placed in us.

FIFTH OMAN AIR GOLF CLASSIC TO ATTRACT GOLFERS FROM SRI LANKA, AUSTRALIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST.

hursday the 24thof July, Colombo: The annual Oman Air Golf Classic 2014 is set to tee off for the fifth consecutive year at the world-class Victoria Golf and Country Resort in Kandy, on 4 -5 October 2014. This year’s tournament will see the participation of over 100 golfers from Sri Lanka, Australia and the Middle East. The announcement was made at a recent Oman Air press conference which was attended by Gihan Karunaratne, Country Manager – Sri Lanka & Maldives, Oman Air, NeroyMarso – General Manager, Victoria Golf & Country Club and DhanushikaMedagoda – Manager Golf Marketing & Events, Victoria Golf & Country Club.

Last year, Andrew Udeshi walked away with the coveted title of Overall Winner and Martin Miller secured second place.This year the winner will receive a grand prize voucher worth Rs 100,000/- from Oman Air. The golfers are set to compete for the titles of Overall Winner, Runner-Up, Gross Winner, Nearest to the Pin and Longest Driver in both the ladies and gents categories. Commenting on the tournament, Gihan Karunaratne, Country Manager – Sri Lanka & Maldives, Oman Air, said,“This annual event has become a fixture with our customers who enjoy playing the game competitively. This year the prize list has been enhanced giving the players an added incentive to compete at their highest level. We are pleased to say the Oman Air Golf Classic is becoming a highly anticipated event both here and internationally. Whilst we are committed to popularising the sport in the region, this event will also serve as a platform to showcase Sri Lanka as a premier golf destination.” The Victoria Golf and Country Resort is a 6945 yard par 73 course that is surrounded on three sides by the bountiful Victoria reservoir and the majestic Knuckles mountain range. The Victoria Golf and Country Resort is designed by award-winning British golf architects - Donald Steel & Co and accommodates players of every level, whilst offering services and equipment of the highest standard for golfing enthusiasts. It has been voted the ‘Best in the Subcontinent from 2005’ by Asian Golf Monthly and ranked in top 100 `Most Beautiful Courses in the World’ by Golfers Digest. It’s cool climate and serene backdrop make the course the ideal location for the Oman Air Golf Classic. Commenting on the highly anticipated return of the Oman Air Golf Classic in 2014, The General Manager - Victoria Golf and Country Resort, NeroyMarso, stated, “We are preparing extensively to ensure the event is a success. The PGA rated course incorporates natural hillside terrain that will be challenging for even some of the most experienced players participating in the tournament. We are also preparing to make this event an exciting golfing experience for both our local and overseas guests.” Log on to www.omanair.com to check tee off times, pairings and for live updates of the proceedings of the golf tournament. JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 71

CINNAMON AIR COMPLETES ITS FIRST YEAR OF SCHEDULED DOMESTIC AIR SERVICES

innamon Air (www.cinnamonair.com), Sri Lanka’s premier domestic airline completes one year of scheduled passenger operations on the 1st of July 2014. The airline, operating in code-share with the National Carrier SriLankan Airlines, conducted its first scheduled domestic flight between the Bandaranaike International Airport and Koggala Lagoon on 1st July 2013 and has grown significantly since then. During the past year, Cinnamon Air carried over 4000 passengers on 900 scheduled flights to 8 regular destinations and operated over 175 charter flights to 20 destinations. 10 of the destinations served were water aerodromes, making Cinnamon Air the first domestic carrier to commercially serve such a diverse range of inland points in Sri Lanka and the only scheduled airline to do so out of Colombo’s international airport. Commending Cinnamon Air on its completion of one year of operations, Mr H M C Nimalsiri, Director General of Civil Aviation and CEO of the Civil AviationAuthority of Sri Lanka said, “Airspace above us is a public asset which has vast potential to contribute in many aspects for the socio economic development of Sri Lanka. With the use of correct equipment, aviation can cater to any community in any part of the island having different needs. Floatplane is one such equipment which does not require dedicated land space but use existing water bodies to connect the affluent tourists and business traffic with remote areas with full of natural beauties where resources are scarce. It enables the flow of wealth, industries and employment to the needy people in such areas with least disturbance to the environment. In that context, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka wholeheartedly appreciates the very bold initiative and courage shown by Cinnamon Air, Saffron Aviation for investing in the operation of inland floatplane services which is vital part for development of internal air transport network. The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka wishes them all the success at the time their operations complete one year of eventless operations." Commenting on the occasion of the first anniversary of the airline, Ajit Gunewardene, Chairman, Saffron Aviation (owners and operators of Cinnamon Air) and Deputy Chairman of JKH stated that, “The advent of scheduled services by Cinnamon Air has been widely applauded by the trade both locally and internationally, with many of the largest travel companies offering Sri Lanka in Europe and the Middle East featuring Cinnamon Air as an option to their customers. Whilst we are pleased that Cinnamon Air has reached this important milestone with encouraging numbers for a start-up service, we are cognizant of the fact that there is much more to be done to grow the awareness of the product and thereby passenger numbers, in order to achieve the challenging goals that the joint venture partners of Cinnamon Air envisioned at the outset. We look forward to working with all stakeholders locally and internationally towards maintaining this vital offering in the overall tourism infrastructure of Sri Lanka”. Elaborating on plans for the future, Romesh David, Director, Cinnamon Air said, “the year ahead will see Cinnamon Air continuing to grow its offering with a range of innovative products and some interesting new destinations. This will include the launch of “Cinnamon Air Holidays” a set of unique “fly/drive” tour options covering large swathes of the country in a short period of time, “Explorer’s Pass” for visitors wanting multiple flight options with no restrictions and the creation of a water aerodrome in the beautiful Dutch Bay Lagoon at Kalpitiya to facilitate scheduled and charter flights to the northwest coast of Sri Lanka for the first time”. All Cinnamon Air scheduled flights operate in code share with SriLankan Airlines, consequent to which they are also be available for sale throughout the SriLankan Airlines network and all Travel Agents around the world via Global Distribution Systems, under a “UL” designated flight number. Cinnamon Air, owned and operated by Saffron Aviation (Pvt) Limited, is a joint venture between Sri Lanka’s largest listed conglomerate, John Keells Holdings, MMBL Leisure Holdings (a part of the Mercantile Merchant Bank Group) and Phoenix Ventures (parent of Phoenix Industries and the Brandix Group, Sri Lanka’s largest garment manufacturer). The Airline operates a fleet of two Cessna 208 amphibian aircraft and one Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft, with scheduled services to key inland points in Sri Lanka. Cinnamon Air also offers charter services to and between all Airports and Water Aerodromes in Sri Lanka. The Airline is based out of Katunayake where it operates a dedicated domestic terminal (within the precincts of the BIA) and also has its own purpose built hangar and maintenance facilities. Contact details: - Reservations team, Tel: +94 112475475 or e-mail: sales@cinnamonair.com or reservations@ cinnamonair

72 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

SLT RAINBOW PAGES NOW AT YOUR SERVICE WITH AN INNOVATIVE PRODUCT RANGE

LT Rainbow Pages trusted by millions of the general public and the business community is the only Telephone Directory in Sri Lanka published by SLT Publications (Pvt) Ltd – the publishing arm of Sri Lanka Telecom PLC.

Beginning with a print directory over 80 years ago, SLT telephone directory today reaches out to millions of people all over the world through a range of cutting-edge digital directory products (Web, Mobile Web, Mobile App, Directory CD, e-Directory, PEO TV and also through 24-hr Call Centre Service) making the accessibility to directory information broadened yet simplified unprecedentedly. In keeping with the fast-growing information and communication technology, SLT Rainbow Pages has introduced these directory products to best serve the varying and evolving needs of the general public and help the directory advertisers grow their business by leaps and bounds. Moreover, apart from the conventional telephone directory, SLT Rainbow Pages has now diversified into industry-specific niche directories turning a new chapter in the directory industry of Sri Lanka. Tourist Directory is one such directory published annually to cater to Sri Lanka’s booming tourism industry. The tourist directory is a comprehensive guidebook that contains almost all the information a tourist visiting the island may need to know such as tourist attractions, adventures & sports, food & beverages, travel tips and much more. Over 25000 print copies of the tourist directory are distributed to all leading tourist hotels across the island. In addition to the print directory, a comprehensive tourist website as well as a mobile app will be launched at the end of this year enabling tourists to plan their tour before arrival. The Mobile App is expected to help travelers as a digital guide at their fingertips. Yet another niche directory published by SLT Rainbow Pages is the Wedding Directory, which is an annual publication catering to the wedding industry. Having been understood the importance of planning one’s wedding ceremony properly, SLT Rainbow Pages introduced the Wedding Directory, initially the web portal (weddingdirectory.lk), to offer a one-stop wedding planning solution to prospective couples. The resounding success of this website achieved within a short period of time led us to launch the print version of the wedding directory with CD and also a Mobile App. SLT Rainbow Pages Wedding Directory contains detailed listings of over 1500 suppliers related to wedding industry. Everything a couple may need when planning their wedding such as wedding attire, jewellery, flowers, venues, transport, DJs and much more can easily be found at a one place and thereby plan the wedding perfectly and elegantly at their convenience. Thousands of wedding photographs and suppliers’ image galleries are available through the wedding directory web, CD and mobile App. The Mobile App comes with a host of features such as digital maps, location directions, image galleries, and this makes wedding planning just simple and easy as never before. As the sole directory publisher to the nation, Sri Lanka Telecom Rainbow Pages plays an enormous role in fulfilling the nation’s directory information needs. SLT Rainbow Pages is always committed to best serve its users and advertiser with the best of innovation and novelty.

ZIGO POWERS SRI LANKA – SOUTH AFRICA TEST AND ODI SERIES

igo from Serendibventures FZC . took pleasure to power the One Day International and Test cricket series between Sri Lanka and South Africa that ended recently.

Zigo, an internationally recognized brand, being the official sponsor for South Africa's tour of Sri Lanka which includes three One Day Internationals and two Tests, has helped make this international series an attractive one in the ICC event calendar. Zigo is sri lanka fastest growing smart phone Brand who has revolutionized the local mobile market with the introduction its state-of-the-art android tablets and smartphones with latest technology in addition to the Zigo mobile phones and has been in the forefront in Sri Lankan market, getting the latest technology of smartphones and android tablets closer to Sri Lankans.

Cell City Lanka who has distribute the Zigo mobile phones in sri lanka, smart phones and android tabs closer to Sri Lankans with over 16 years of expertise, being the only mobile phone distributer with ISO Certification in Sri Lanka is also a trusted service partner of Dialog Axiata for almost 15years now and Zigo mobiles are available at those 27 Dialog franchise Centres and Cell City showrooms island - wide in addition to the island wide dealer network points .

JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 73

SLT, EXCLUSIVE PARTNER FOR SRI DALADAMALIGAWA ICT PROJECT

From left:Mr.Sisira Piyaratne (GM–Region 1 of SLT), Mr.Tilak De Silva (Chief Innovation Officer of SLT), Mr.ChinthakaWijesooriya (Chief Regional Officer of SLT) handing over the agreement to Mr.Krishantha Hiswella (Director-Media & Special Projects of Sri Dalada Maligawa), Mr. C.W. Krunarathne(General Secretary of Sri Dalada Maligawa) and Mr.Anura Bandara(Administrative Secretary of Sri Dalada Maligawa).

ri Lanka Telecom, the National ICT Solutions Provider recently entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sri Dalada Maligawa to be the exclusive Official Telecommunication Partner for the temple. The MoU was signed at Sri Dalada Maligawa with Mr.Chinthaka Wijesooriya, Chief Regional Officer of SLT signing on behalf of the company and Mr.Krishantha Hiswella, Director-Media & Special Projects signing on behalf of Sri Dalada Maligawa. This MoU was signed under the patronage of Mr.Lalith De Silva, Group Chief Executive Officer of SLT upon the request of Mr.Pradeep Nilanga Dela, Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa. Mr.Tilak De Silva, Chief Innovation Officer of SLT and IT Consultant of the project and Mr.Sisira Piyaratne, General Manager – Region 1 of SLT also attended the ceremony. Under the agreement, the company will be providing consistent, uninterrupted high-speedinternet services to the temple premises, as well as an IPTV (internet protocol television) connection via SLT PEO TV. These services will be provided free of charge for the period of the agreement and will facilitate the media centre of the temple to undertake the broadcasting and sharing of cultural and religious information pertaining to the temple with the public such as: broadcasting of the annual Kandy perehera online, fast and easy uploading of cultural and religious documentaries / photographs, religious festivals etc. SLT has consistently come forward to support the Sri Dalada Maligawa for the annual Kandy perehera held during August each year and has provided ICT services for the temple premises comprising of leased line connections, voice and fax connections, high speed broadband services as well as PEO TV facility. The company prides itself on being the National ICT Solutions Provider, which gives due prominence and respect to the culture and traditions of the country. Moreover, SLT takes a strong stance in actively empowering organizations, institutions and bodies to develop the culture and arts of the country in every way possible, supporting and enabling these activities through an efficient and reliable ICT platform. This is only the first stage of the Information Technology & Communication project undertaken by the company for the Sri Dalada Maligawa and more ICT related services will be provided to the temple by SLT in the future. This project was actively supported by the staff of SLT Regional Office, Kandy.

74 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

BERJAYA HOTEL COLOMBO BIDS FAREWELL TO GENERAL MANAGER

Kirthi Wickramasinghe Outgoing General Manager

r. KirthiWickramasinghe, the outgoing General Manager of Berjaya Hotel Colombo, was bid farewell at a grand cocktail reception, hosted by the hotel’s management, at the newly refurbished Royal Garden Banquet Hall. Among the Guests of Honour were the High Commissioner of Malaysia His Excellency AzmiZainuddin and the Mayor of Dehiwala Mount LaviniaHis WorshipDhanasiriAmarathunga. It was a glamorous evening for prominent Hoteliers, Corporates, Travel Agents and other distinguished invitees. The event highlighted Mr. Kirthi’s achievements throughout his 30 year career at the hotel. The new General Manager of the Hotel Mr. Pravir Mishra was also warmly welcomed.Mr. Pravir highlighted in his speech the vision of the Hotel to be the best 3 Star Property in Colombo. Mr. Pravir has worked in diferent countries like Mauritius, Seychelles, Singapore and Berjaya Head Office in Malaysia. His full of energy and loads of experience will definitely bring Berjaya Colombo ot its new height.

Pravir Mishra New Geneal Manager

PORTUGAL PRIME MINISTER HON.PEDRO PASSOS ON A SPECIAL VISIT AT SLPA Portugal prime Minister Hon.Pedro Passos Coelho who is on an official tour in Sri Lanka on a special invitation by the Government visited Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) recently. He was warmly received by the Chairman of SLPA Dr.priyath B.Wickrama. The prime Minister discussed of the maritime developments that were initiative to both nations. The Prime Minister visited the historic Portugal Rock imprint currently, erected at the compound of the Chairman’s Office of SLPA. The Portugal Rock imprint is considered to be established here during their period of the colonial era of the country. Picture shows Portugal prime Minister Hon.Pedro Passos Coelho being received at SLPA by the Chairman of SLPA Dr.priyath B.Wickrama. The historic Portugal Rock imprint is also seen in the background.

Higher officers of SLPA and the diplomatic delegation accompanied with the Portugal prime Minister also participated at this event.

JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 75

HNB LAUNCHES SECURE INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL CARD

atton National Bank has launched a prepaid VISA accredited Travel Card which travellers can use to make payments or access money around the world, eliminating the hassle of using physical cash or traveller’s cheques. ‘HNB Travel Card’ is a VISA electronic payment card, which allows travelers to carry a stipulated amount of money in foreign currency with them on their journey. VISA is accepted by nearly 30 million merchant outlets and from which money can be withdrawn at nearly 2 million ATMs around the world. There are many value additions in the Card such as overseas travel and medical insurance which are essential requirements to obtain travel visa for several countries.

Having pioneered free SMS alerts for credit and debit cards several years ago, HNB has now extended that service to its Travel Card. A customer can register a local number with roaming facility or an international number and after each transaction receive transaction details along with the available balance through SMS. Mr. Roshantha Jayatunge, Manager – Card Centre of HNB said that this card continues HNB’s vision of providing happiness to customers. “Our aim is to provide happiness to our customers through our cards as we believe that happiness should not be postponed. Foreign travel offers many amazing experiences and opportunities to buy various products and we want our customers to enjoy their journey without having to worry about the safety and security of their money. That is what HNB Travel Card provides and we invite our customers and any person who is planning a foreign trip to step in to our branches and enjoy the convenience of an HNB Travel Card.” HNB Travel Card is not limited to HNB customers and any person can obtain it through 25 selected HNB travel counters which have been set up all around Sri Lanka, including at Bandaranaike International Airport. The card is issued at a reduced subscription fee for existing HNB customers. Being an EMV (CHIP)-enabled card, HNB Travel Card utilizes the latest technology in cards, making it extremely safe and secure for international use. EMV is the standard, for payment card security used worldwide. The HNB Travel Card comes with a companion card to be used in case of loss/theft of the main card. The main card is activated and provided to the customer prior to leaving Sri Lanka and in the event the main card is lost, customers can contact the 24-hour call centre of HNB and have the companion card activated. It has the same line of access to funds as the main card and will allow travelers to continue their journey without being inconvenienced. The validity of HNB Travel Card is three years and once a customer returns to Sri Lanka he or she has the option of retaining the money in the card for up to 90 days. Upon the completion of 90 days the customer may transfer it to a foreign currency account or convert it in to rupees. This conversion can be performed by the customer through any of the over 420 HNB ATMs without visiting HNB customer centres. Ahead of subsequent travel plans the customer may visit any HNB customer centre and top up the card and does not have to visit the same branch that the card was obtained from. Mr. Roshantha Jayatunge commenting further said that this card will provide the ultimate convenience for travellers who would previously have experienced hassle with traveller’s cheques and currency notes. Customers can load and reload foreign currency in US Dollars to this card to take overseas for their purchases. The minimum load limit is 200 – 250 US Dollars and the maximum load is 25,000 US Dollars, which is in line with foreign exchange controls. There are over 420 ATMs in Sri Lanka through which customers can check the balance of a card and change the PIN, and obtain a mini statement with the last 10 transactions displayed. Once overseas balance inquiries can be made using a foreign ATM although it is advisable to use the free SMS alerts service provided by HNB. HNB has been issuing Credit Cards and Debit Cards for nearly two decades and have established partnerships with global financial services giants Visa, MasterCard and Maestro. HNB is recognized as the Bank of the Year in Sri Lanka for the years 2012 and 2013 by the Banker Magazine UK and was named the Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka by the Asian Banker Magazine for six consecutive years from 2008 to 2013. 76 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY - AUGUST 2014

Roshantha Jayatunge, Manager – Card Centre, HNB

SOUTH SEEKS REVENGE AT RED BULL RIDE MY WAVE – 2ND LEG.

fter being shown up on home waters, the best surfers from Sri Lanka’s South Coast are out to settle the score against their Eastern counterparts in the second and final leg of Red Bull Ride My Wave, which gets under way at three popular surf spots in Arugam Bay from the 8th to the 10th of August. With an excellent mixture of swell, wind, tide and sunny skies, the South Coast finished with 142.3 points after the opening skirmishes on their territory earlier in the year, well below the East’s final tally of 164.8 points. This means they have no option but to go for broke with their best tricks from double barrels to cut backs and sprays. Whilst, the East team which ruled the first leg of Red Bull Ride My Wave held in March, will seek a repeat of their previous dominance in order to complete their surf supremacy over the South team. All this sets the scene for an electric display of surfing. This however, is not going to be an easy feat. The first leg of Red Bull Ride My Wave in March held three days of top-tier surfing action where the surfers from the South and East were both neck-and-neck and the contest was enticingly poised for a furious and gripping finish. True to expectation, the final day provided a riveting exchange in the water which saw the East reach deep into their repertoire to deliver a surfing spectacle that served as a fitting denouement to Red Bull Ride My Wave’s opening act. A heavier dose of expertise and excitement can be expected this time around as the competitors are now familiar with the nature of the competition and have no doubt had time to fine-tune and upgrade their skills. Moreover, The waves, the weather, the wind and the crowds will be bigger, louder and perfect— fueling an atmosphere which will be outright electric. Competition during the second round of Red Bull Ride My Wave will be broken down into 20-minute heats, with participants only allowed to attempt 12 waves from which the best two will count to their score. Each heat will field four competitors and the top two will advance to the next round. Action will unwind along three of Arugam Bay’s most famed surfing locations: Okanda, which will host the competition’s opening day, Elephant Rock, the site of the second day’s action and Main Point, where proceedings will be brought to a pulsating climax. The victorious team will not just step away with the bragging rights of being Sri Lanka’s premier surf team but also an opportunity to travel to the Maldives and surf its muchvisited waves. For more information visit www.redbull.com/ridemywave JULY - AUGUST 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 77

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