Treasure Island Magazine November 2013 by Suranga Cooray

NOVEMBER 2013

OF PAINTINGS OF LIFE AND ART

EDITOR IN CHIEF Harsha Udayakantha Peiris 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 Sujitha Miranda – Veteran Journalist Indaka karunadasa – Journalist Teshani Wanninayake - Freelance writer Sri Lanka Tourism National Museums Colombo

PHOTOGRAPHY Aloka I de Silva Chandima Jayaweera Maheesha Mindula Warna Liyanawatte Sanju Samarasinghe Suranga Cooray K. Herath Achintha Dahanayake Shafik Ali Salahudeen

‘SWARNA WARNA’ A LIFE TIME OF PAINTINGS

OF BOOKS FOR MIND

A DEDICATION OF A LIFETIME – BUDDHISM FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION

THE TRADITION OF SRI LANKA THAT HAS SUSTAINED THE NATION OVER THE YEARS IS A PROVEN FACT THAT THIS BEAUTIFUL ISLAND IS THE SINGLE COUNTRY IN THE WHOLE WORLD THAT NOURISHED THE NATION THROUGH BUDDHISM AND THE CULTURE WITHIN FOR MORE THAN 2500 YEARS OF ITS GLORIOUS HISTORY. THE BUDDHIST CONCEPTION WHICH DISEMBARKED WITH THE ADVENT OF ARAHANT MAHINDA THERA COURSED TO A BIG CHANGE IN DEEP-ROOTED BELIEFS CONCURRENTLY TO GIVE LIFE TO SRI LANKA AS A BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE. WITH THE CONCEPT OF ‘BUDDHISM FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION’, THE BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1992 AT NEDIMALA IN DEHIWALA IN THE COLOMBO SUBURB AS THE BRAINCHILD OF VEN.KIRAMA WIMALAJOTHI THERA AT A TIME THE BUDDHIST BOOKS WERE VERY RARE AND HARD TO FIND IN THE SOCIETY.

30 OF THE LARGEST EVER MICE EVENT IN SL

CHOGM 2013 THE MEGA INTERNATIONAL MICE EVENT OF THE YEAR THE COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING (CHOGM) IS HELD EVERY TWO YEARS TO ENABLE LEADERS OF COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES TO COME TOGETHER TO DISCUSS GLOBAL AND COMMONWEALTH ISSUES, AND TO DECIDE ON COLLECTIVE POLICIES AND INITIATIVES. EVERY CHOGM IS JOINTLY ORGANIZED BY THE HOST COUNTRY AND THE COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT. THESE BIENNIAL MEETINGS SERVE AS THE PRINCIPAL POLICY AND DECISIONMAKING FORUM TO GUIDE THE STRATEGIC DIRECTION OF THE ASSOCIATION. THIS YEAR, THE 23RD CHOGM IS TAKING PLACE IN SRI LANKA FOR SEVEN DAYS FROM 10TH TO 17TH NOVEMBER, AND MARKS THE FIRST TIME AN ASIAN COUNTRY IS HOSTING THE SUMMIT IN 24 YEARS.

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OF CONCEPTS OF FOOD - LIFE

DO IT WITH FOOD SAYS THE FACE OF TRADITIONAL SRI LANKAN FOOD

FOOD IS THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON IN THE WORLD, SAYS DR. T. PUBLIS DE SILVA, DIRECTOR – CULINARY AFFAIRS AND PROMOTIONS AT MT LAVINIA HOTEL. CONSIDERING THE CURRENT TREND OF EATING HEALTHY, TRADITIONAL SRI LANKAN FOOD THAT DOES NOT USE ANIMAL FAT AND ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS AND OILS CAN EASILY BE MADE THE FOOD OF CHOICE FOR AN INCREASINGLY HEALTH CONSCIOUS WORLD POPULATION.

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.

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Global Media Holdings (Pvt) Limited 23/5A, Sunethradevi Mawatha, Kohuwala, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka General: (+94) 11 2 199 077, (+94) 77 3 995 651 Marketing: (+94) 72 7275577, (+94) 77 3 688 912, (+94) 77 3 688 911 info@treasureislandsl.com |treasureislandsl.com 10 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER 2013

COLOUR IS GOLD FOR THE ARTIST, AS IT IS NOTHING BUT THE COLOUR THAT ENABLES HIM TO EXPRESS HIMSELF OF THE DEPTH, CONCEPTS AND REALITIES DEPICTED THROUGH HIS CREATIONS OF BEAUTIFUL PAINTINGS. IT IS ALSO THE COLOUR THAT ATTRACTS THE VIEWER TO WHAT THE ARTIST EXPRESSES VIVIDLY THROUGH HIS OWN DISCIPLINED STROKES WITH BRUSH AND PAINTS. ‘SWARNA WARNA’ (GOLDEN COLOURS) WAS AN EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS OF LANDSCAPES, ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONS, RELIGIOUS EPISODES, CAREFULLY DRAWN COPIED DEPICTIONS OF TRADITIONAL TEMPLE ARTS AND MODEL PAINTINGS OF MORE THAN FIVE DECADES BY ARTISTE CYRIL WICKRAMASINGHE.

27 OF INHERITANCE AMIDST SERENE ENVIRONS EIGHT GREAT PAGODAS AT THE 5TH GEMUNU WATCH PLATOON PREMISES IN WELLAWAYA SINCE THE ANCIENT TIMES, WELLAWAYA AREA HAD BEEN VERY IMPORTANT FOR BATTLES BETWEEN THE FORCES AND INVADORS. HENCE, YOUDAGANAWA FOUND HERE WAS IDENTIFIED A BATTLE FIELD OF THE BATTLE BETWEEN OF PRINCE DUTUGEMUNU AND HIS BROTHER PRINCE SADDATISSA. RANDENIYA VILLAGE NEAR BY HAD BEEN ANOTHER BATTLE FIELD OF THE BATTLES BETWEEN SINHALESE AND THE PORTUGUESE, WHERE PORTUGUESE GOVERNOR CONTHANITHINO DA SA WAS CONDEMNED TO DEATH IN THE 16TH CENTURY . WELLAWAYA IS ALSO AN IDEAL TOURIST LOCATION FOR HIKING AS WELL AS PILGRIM TOURISM, WITH MANY ANCIENT TEMPLES SCATTERED THROUGH THE AREA. ‘RATMAL VEHERA RAJA MAHA VIHARAYA’, WELIGAMARA RAJA MAHA VIHARAYA’, MATATTAWELA RAJA MAHA VIHARAYA’, SELLABA RAJA MAHA VIHARAYA’, ‘KANABISAWARANA RAJA MAHA VIHARAYA’, KOTAVEHERAGALA ANCIENT CAVE TEMPLE AND ‘KINKINI RAJA MAHA VIHARAYA, BUDURUWAGALA ARE FEW OF THEM. AMONGST SEVERAL BEAUTIFUL RESERVOIRS IN THE AREA ARE BUDURUWAGALA RESERVOIR, YOUDAGANAWA RESERVOIR. ACCORDING TO ARCHAEOLOGISTS THERE ARE EIGHT SHAPES OF PAGODAS FOUND. IF YOU LIKE TO SEE ALL OF THESE EIGHT SHAPES OF DAGABA, THERE IS ONLY ONE PLACE IN SRI LANKA. IT’S 5TH GEMUNU WATCH PLATOON PREMISES IN WELLAWAYA. THE COMMONWEALTH RESOUNDS THAT HAS BEEN CONNECTING MUSICAL CULTURES, AND RUNNING CROSS-CULTURAL PROJECTS, PARTNERSHIPS AND PERFORMANCES SINCE 2005 ARE TO PERFORM EXCLUSIVELY AT CHOGM 2013 IN SRI LANKA, MAKING THE LARGEST-EVER GROUP OF INTERNATIONAL MUSICIANS VISITING THE COUNTRY.

38 OF CONNECTING CULTURES VIA UNIVERSAL MUSIC THE COMMONWEALTH RESOUNDS! TO CONNECT THE CULTURES THROUGH MUSIC

RAJAWASALA - KING’S PALACE - IS A DEDICATED AUTHENTIC HANDICRAFT CENTRE IN THENNEKUMBURA IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE CITY OF KANDY IN THE CENTRAL HILLS. IT WAS OPENED WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF PROMOTING AUTHENTIC SRI LANKAN PRODUCTS RANGING FROM CANE AND ‘HANA’ PRODUCTS, LACQUER WARE, MEN’S AND WOMEN’S LINEN CLOTHING, AYURVEDIC PERSONAL CARE SOLUTIONS, ARTISTIC CREATIONS OF REGIONAL IDENTITY, ALL VARIETIES OF TEA AND SPICE PRODUCTS UNIQUELY PRODUCED IN SRI LANKA, BRASSWARE, FAMILY PRODUCTS AND MANY MORE. IT IS THE IDEAL ONE-STOP CENTRE FOR TRADITION, FASHION, GIFTS AND LIFESTYLE.

OF AUTHENTICITY TRADITION & LIFESTYLE RAJAWASALA – THE PALACE OF CRAFTS

CONTENTS

OF TEA RETREATS

TEA BREEZE...TEAS TO TANTALIZE YOUR TASTE BUDS!

SI VOUS RECHERCHEZ UNE PAIX DE PARDIS ET TRANQUILLEPOURQUOI NE PAS PASSER LA JOURNÉE À ARANKELE. C’EST SYLVESTRES VERTS SE DÉTENDRONT ET VOUS RAFRAÎCHIR COMPLÈTEMENT MAIS CELA N'A JAMAIS ÉTÉ CONÇU POUR ÊTRE UN PARC DE LOISIRS. AU CONTRAIRE, IL ÉTAIT LE SITE D'UN ANCIEN MONASTÈRE DE FORÊT . ARANKELE EST SITUÉ À KURUNEGALA ( LA RUE DE PRINCIPAL KURUNEGALA . LE TURNE EST AU EMBRANCHEMENT DE HIRIYALA AVEC SEULEMENT 10 KMS ÉTANT LA CHAÎN DE LA MONTAGNE DE DOLUKANDA.

SRI LANKA IS SYNONYMOUS WITH CEYLON TEA THE WORLD OVER AND TEA BREEZE BEING ONE OF THE FIRST AUTHENTIC TEA CAFES TO OPEN IN COLOMBO WAY BACK IN 2006, WAS A PIONEER OF THE TEA CAFE CULTURE IN SRI LANKA.

OF PHILATHELIC THAT DEPICTS AN ERA

COLOMBO ON STAMPS

OF LUXURY HOLIDAYS AMONGST SERENE ENVIRONS THE EDEN RESORT THE ONE STOP FOR PEOPLES AROUND THE WORLD THE HOTEL EDEN RESORT BUILT IN 1995 IS SITUATED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE KOSGODA TURTLE HATCHERY, LUNUGANGA - GEOFFREY BAWA HOUSE, MANY BUDDHIST TEMPLES BERUWALA HARBOURE AND THE MOST POPULAR WATER SPORTS INCLUDING DIVING IN THE INDIAN OCEAN. WITH THE LOLC ACQUISITION THE HOTEL HAS BEEN GIVEN WITH A LOT OF BOOST IN TERMS OF MARKETING , LINE OF SERVICE AND NEW FACILITIES ADDED.

62 OF FACILITIES TO CONFER

THE UVA MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING INSTITUTE -THE MICE BASED CENTRE IN THE HIGHLANDS BADULLA IS LOCATED IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF SRI LANKA, IN THE UVA PROVINCE, 210KM AWAY FROM COLOMBO. FROM BADULLA TOWN TO PASSARA IT’S ABOUT 16KM. PASSARA IS A TEA-ECONOMY BASED TOWN. A BRANCH STATION OF THE TEA RESEARCH INSTITUTE IS ALSO SITUATED IN PASSARA, WITH MANY TEA FACTORIES IN SURROUNDING VICINITY. ALONG THE PASSARA-BADULLA ROAD, IN BETWEEN PASSARA AND BADULLA IS PELGAHATENNA VILLAGE. IT’S ABOUT 8KM AWAY FROM BADULLA TOWN. THE UVA MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING INSTITUTE, A CENTRE OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, WITH CONFERENCE HALL AND ACCOMMODATION WITH ALL MODERN FACILITIES, IS SITUATED HERE.

OF DRESS CULTURE

GLAMOROUS OPENING FOR ODEL’S NEW STORE IN JA-ELA 12,000 SQUARE FEET NEW-LOOK STORE AT ‘K ZONE’ IS THE SECOND LARGEST ODEL STORE IN SRI LANKA

OF HERITAGE

MONASTÈRE DES FORÊTS ARANKELE STAMPS ARE OFTEN MEMENTOS, REMINDERS OF PAST EVENTS, SOUVENIRS OF IMPORTANT PLACES AND TRIBUTES TO INDIVIDUALS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE. A CAREFUL STUDY OF STAMPS FROM DIFFERENT ERAS CAN ALSO SHOW THE SOCIOPOLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN A COUNTRY. COLOMBO, SRI LANKA'S COMMERCIAL CAPITAL, HAS ALWAYS BEEN A POPULAR SUBJECT OF THE CREATORS OF STAMPS; ITS HISTORY AND ITS MONUMENTS ARE MODERN LANDMARKS OF SRI LANKA AND PERHAPS ARE AS IMPORTANT AS RELICS FROM THE TIMES OF KINGS TO THE MODERN SRI LANKAN CONSCIENCE. SINCE THE FIRST ADHESIVE STAMP (THE SIX-PENCE PURPLE-BROWN STAMPS ON BLUE PAPER) WAS ISSUED ON APRIL 1, 1857, SEVENTEEN YEARS AFTER BRITAIN HAD INTRODUCED THE ADHESIVE POSTAGE STAMP TO THE WORLD, AROUND TWENTY STAMPS ON THE CITY OF COLOMBO WERE ISSUED.

58 OF ADVENTURE WILDERNESS & COMFORT ULAGALLA WHERE ADVENTURE MEETS INDULGENCE SECLUDED AMIDST THIS WILDERNESS, BLENDING PERFECTLY WITH THE SURROUNDS, ULAGALLA BY UGA ESCAPES OFFERS EVERY COMFORT AND FACILITY OF LUXURIOUS URBAN LIVING TO THEIR GUESTS. HIDDEN AWAY IN THE QUIET VILLAGE OF THIRAPPANE IN THE ANURADHAPURA DISTRICT, THIS UNMISTAKABLE RESORT IS JUST A SHORT DRIVE AWAY FROM EXCITING WILDLIFE SAFARIS TO THE PLAINS OF MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK TO WATCH THE ELEPHANTS OR FURTHER WEST TO WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK – THE REALM OF LEOPARDS.

OF PROMOTING SL IN THE NAIGHBOURHOOD

“SRI LANKA SHINES IN BEIJING” JOINT MEGA PROMOTION – A HUGE SUCCESS TO THE TOURISM AND TRADE INDUSTRY OF SRI LANKA

THE FIRST EVER SRI LANKA’S MEGA PROMOTION IN CHINA , WITH JOINT EFFORTS FROM PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS, HAS BEEN INITIATED UNDER THE ADVICE OF H.E THE PRESIDENT MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA HELD FROM 29TH OF AUGUST TO 1ST SEPTEMBER 2013 IN BEIJING CHINA. THIS IS A JOINT EFFORT OF 45 KEY GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS AND PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS. THIS CAMPAIGN, HELD IN BEIJING, WAS ORGANIZED UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF HON. BASIL RAJAPAKSA, THE MINISTER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

OCEAN PRINCESS, FORMERLY R FOUR, AND TAHITIAN PRINCESS, IS AN R-CLASS CRUISE SHIP OWNED BY PRINCESS CRUISE LINER. SHE MAINLY SAILS AROUND THE FRENCH POLYNESIAN ISLANDS, SOCIETY ISLANDS, COOK ISLANDS, MARQUESAS ISLANDS, AND OFTEN SAILS TO HAWAII. IN NOVEMBER 2009 THE TAHITIAN PRINCESS WAS RENAMED “OCEAN PRINCESS” TO REFLECT A MORE GLOBAL THEME. OCEAN PRINCESS IS AN ELEGANT SHIP THAT FEATURES SUPERB DÉCOR IN THE GRAND PUBLIC ROOMS REMINISCENT OF CLASSIC LINER DAYS. OVER SIXTY PERCENT OF THE ROOMS HAVE OUTSIDE BALCONIES. IT HAS TWO ELEGANT RESTAURANTS, THE STERLING STEAKHOUSESM AND SABATINI’SSM, FEATURING MENUS THAT PASSENGERS’ TASTE BUDS WILL NEVER EVER FORGET. A PLAQUE EXCHANGE CEREMONY WAS HELD ON BOARD THE CRUISE SHIP “MV OCEAN PRINCESS” IN CELEBRATION OF ITS MAIDEN CALL TO COLOMBO WITH 672 PASSENGERS ON THE 10TH OF OCTOBER, 2013.

R SUBRAMANIYAM SASHI KUMAR (64) MALAYSIA AND QIN AMI (50) CLINCHED THE OVERALL WINNER –GENTS GROSS SCORE OVER 36 HOLES AND OVERALL WINNER -LADIES GROSS SCORE OVER 36 HOLES TITLES RESPECTIVELY AT THE 14TH SRI LANKAN AIR LINE GOLF CLASSIC 2013 CONCLUDED AT , DIGANA KANDY SRI LANKA LAST WEEKEND. TEEING OFF AT THE VICTORIA GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT IS THAT, NO MATTER WHERE YOU LOOK, YOU ARE BOUND TO BE DISTRACTED - IN A GOOD WAY. LOOK IN ONE DIRECTION AND BE AWED BY THE TRANSCENDENT KNUCKLES MOUNTAIN RANGES, AND THE OTHER, BY THE PICTURESQUE VICTORIA RESERVOIR.

OF SPORTS TOURISM

SRI LANKAN AIRLINE GOLF CLASSIC 2013 TEES OFF AT THE VICTORIA GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

“OCEAN PRINCESS” CRUISES TO COLOMBO

74 NEWS

COVER STORY – LIONS AT THE INDEPENDENCE SQUARE ‘ONE OF THE UNIQUE AND EXCLUSIVE FEATURES OF THE INDEPENDENCE COMMEMORATION HALL POSITIONED IN THE HEART OF SRI LANKA’S COMMERCIAL CAPITAL, COLOMBO IS ITS ROWS OF STONE LIONS WHO GUARD THE MONUMENT. ACCORDING TO ANCIENT LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL STYLES, THE INDEPENDENCE COMMEMORATION HALL WAS CONSTRUCTED ACCORDING TO A KANDYAN AUDIENCE HALL. IT IS MADE OF CONCRETE WITH ENORMOUS PILLARS. THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE HALL IS SIMPLY ELEGANT AND IS OF DISTINCT SRI LANKAN STYLE THAT IS NOT FOUND ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD. THIS PLACE IS A WELL-KNOWN MONUMENT AS ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENT LOCATIONS IN COLOMBO. IT IS COMMONLY USED AS A PLACE WHERE SRI LANKANS COME TOGETHER IN UNISON FOR SIGNIFICANT NATIONAL CELEBRATIONS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES. THE INDEPENDENCE COMMEMORATION HALL IS ALSO USED TO HOST CEREMONIES THAT ARE SIGNIFICANT OF NATIONAL UNITY. THIS GREAT MONUMENT WAS CONSTRUCTED AFTER SRI LANKA GAINED INDEPENDENCE AND SIGNIFIES THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE COUNTRY FROM FOREIGN RULE. SRI LANKA WON INDEPENDENCE ON THE 4TH OF FEBRUARY 1948 FROM THE BRITISH, THE FINAL COLONIAL RULERS HERE. THE INDEPENDENCE COMMEMORATION HALL IN COLOMBO IS ALSO AN IMPRESSIVE PIECE OF ART. THE ELABORATED STONE CARVINGS AS WELL AS PAINTING FOUND AT THE MEMORIAL HALL ARE SIMPLY BREATHTAKING. TODAY, THIS STRIKING SITE IN COLOMBO HAS BECOME ONE OF THE MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS DUE TO ITS HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE, AUTHENTICITY AND EXTRAORDINARY WORK OF ARCHITECTURE.’

Pix by; Maheesha Mindula

12 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER 2013

OF ASIA’S FAVOURITE MARITIME DESTINATION

OF BOOKS FOR MIND

A DEDICATION OF A LIFETIME Buddhism from Generation to Generation Loving kindness of a Buddhist Monk in making of the Buddhist Cultural Centre a universal asset Text by Harsha Udayakantha Peiris | Pics by Suranga Cooray

The Buddhist book centre at the Buddhist Cultural centre at Nedimala in dehiwala 14 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER 2013

akyamuni Siddhartha Gautama Buddha was gifted to the universe to bless the humanity. Out of boundless compassion for the suffering humanity he became the Buddha to lead the countless humans into Bliss. With His overwhelming loving kindness, self-sacrifice and the culture of the mind He did discover the truth of life, experienced the joy of Vimukthi and gifted it to the world. A major part of the global population was delighted to accept the spiritual bliss the humanity had even known. His unique contribution, the supreme Dhamma was common to the Buddhist world and it became a guiding light to humanity. This widely accepted doctrine spread far and wide lasting beyond 2500 years. Even though more than two and half centuries have passed since the birth of the Buddha, His noble teachings, the doctrine of Dhamma is held in high esteem and it continues to flourish with deep reverence from his followers.” The tradition of Sri Lanka that has sustained the nation over the years is a proven fact that this beautiful island is the single country in the whole world that nourished the nation through Buddhism and the culture within for more than 2600 years of its glorious history. The Buddhist conception which disembarked with the advent of Arahant Mahinda Thera coursed to a big change in deep-rooted beliefs concurrently to give life to Sri Lanka as a Buddhist cultural centre. The change so started promptly penetrated from villages to cities and suburbs and effected on from architecture to tanks, ponds, parks, palaces and Stupas, statues and many more that were of immense moral, spiritual and aesthetic value. One of the successive steps of that civilization was to give birth to an art of writing of the ‘Thripitaka’ on ola leaves. The Sinhalese Buddhist Literature so nourished for more than 2000 years gradually started to decline after the Kandyan period and finally became extinct as a result of western invasions.

Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Mandiraya at Colombo 05

“We had a unique irrigation network and a culture around it that converted the whole nation a self-sufficient country. Buddhism nourished the people’s lifestyle here all over the history of this country making the nation the most civilized in the whole world. Our literature and folklore were so connected to a richer harmonious living. Although many of us have the slightest idea of it today, people from many nooks and corners of the world visit Sri Lanka to explore this uniqueness. The books on Buddhism and Buddhist literature we have NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 15

translated in thousands over these years have become their best associates” says Ven. Kirama Wimalajothi Thera, one of the most renowned and recognized writers of Buddhist doctrine, translations and literature, a trainer of Buddhism and the creator of the Buddhist Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka.

started this Buddist Cultural centre in small scale at that time, to promote Buddhist publications to the top of the list among other banal publications such as novels, short stories, fictions and picture cartoon stories. The centre that

With the concept of ‘Buddhism from Generation to Generation’, the Buddhist Cultural Centre was established in 1992 at Nedimala in Dehiwala in the Colombo Suburb as the brainchild of Ven.Kirama Wimalajothi Thera at a time the Buddhist books were very rare and hard to find in the society. “On inquiry at that time, the publishers, mainly in Colombo and suburbs explained that there were no demand for such books and therefore, the writers did not write and the publishers had not undertaken to publish such books. At the same time we came to know that even our ancient books such as Jathaka stories, Piruvana book, Saddharmalankaraya, Pujavaliya and Visuddhi Marga (The Path of Purification) were not available due to the aforesaid reasons,” Ven.Kirama Wimalajothi Thera reveals. Ven.Kirama Wimalajothi Thera who had been abroad for about twenty years as a Buddhist Missionary, with the assistance of his devotees in Malaysia

was started as a non-profit venture with good intentions with an open heart of goodwill has now published more than 1000 titles both in Sinhala and English languages. At present, this fully fledged

16 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER 2013

Buddhist Cultural Centre is equipped with modern printing techniques and machinery to publish ancient Buddhist texts and to upgrade the quality of Buddhist books to meet the high demand and promote knowledge in Buddhism in Dhamma students and laity. “ Here we also print Sinhalese language books, Buddhist and history books for the studies of international schools in the country. Around 70 elderly scholars who willingly contribute their wisdom to enhance realistic learning and study of Buddhism, work here conveying their precious intellect to the young generation. Far back In 1994, we started a mobile book shop called ‘Dharmayathra’ to make the communities aware of the importance of Buddhism in their daily family lives. For nearly nine years I travelled around the country with it acknowledging the public. At each place we had Buddhist book exhibitions. The first such exhibition was held by us in Colombo. It was a time where such exhibitions were not known to many. None gave us any publicity. We were not discouraged. Gradually, we started Buddhist book centres and branches in many towns and suburbs such as Kandy, Galle and Kaluthara. In the year 1999 we were able to hold a mega Buddhist book exhibition at the BMICH

in Colombo,” Ven.Kirama Wimalajothi Thera says. The services rendered and facilities provided by the Buddhist Cultural Centre today, are unlimited. In 1992, all Buddhist publications worldwide were collected by learned Buddhist monks and distributed via the centre among local and foreign readers. In 1994, the Discourses of the Buddha were translated into 13 volumes and printed in Sinhala. In the same year a correspondence course in English was conducted by the centre for non-Buddhists who were interested in Buddhism. An innovative programme was also geared to introduce and distribute Buddhist books at international star class hotels in the country for the benefit of tourists and guests. In 1995, ten disciplined children were ordained and trained as Buddhist Missionaries. In another innovate step forward, the centre in 1996 commenced a Buddhist information and online bookshop through the internet to provide easy access to millions of people worldwide. “In 2006, we, together with the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Kula Lumpur in Malaysia, constructed a new four storied hospital complex in Tangalle in southern Sri Lanka at a cost of Rs.120 million specially in aid of the Tsunami victims. Medical equipment worth Rs.200 million were donated to this hospital. We also had the objective to upgrade this District Hospital to a Base Hospital and to provide better health care facilities for the people of Tangalle and Hambantota areas,” Ven.Kirama Wimalajothi Thera says. In the year 2002, the centre took steps to reprint in high quality, a new edition of the ‘ Buddha Jayanthi Tripitaka’ published by the Government of Sri Lanka. In the year 2000, temporarily ordination were conducted for laymen and has continued to date. For the first time in the country, in 2004, ‘Pali Atuwa’ (Commentaries) were translated into Sinhalese language and printed for the benefit of all. The centre also started a Buddhist Dhamma School in English medium to improve the knowledge of English and Buddhism in Dhamma students. In 2005, for the first time, a project was launched by the Buddhist Cultural Centre to translate all ‘Pali’ Commentaries into English and ‘Pali Tika’ into Sinhalese language. In 2008, an auditorium with all facilities was donated by the centre to the Kirama Dhammananda College with the objective of developing creativity and skills among the school students. “Through the Buddhist Cultural Centre, in 1994, we launched a residential meditation centre at Dekanduwala in Horana area, to introduce practical meditation for local and foreign

practitioners. In the year 2000, a Bhikkuni Training Centre was also launched at this meditation centre to ordain women who are interested in spiritual, religious life. They are educated in ‘Pali’ language, Dhamma studies, religious counseling and leadership training. Higher ordination has been granted to the qualified students at the Rangiri Dambulu Rajamaha Vihara temple in Dambulla in the central province,” says Ven. Kirama Wimalajothi Thera. Dekanduwala Meditation Centre in Horana is situated in a 20 acre land, 30 km away from Colombo. The meditation centre consists of all facilities necessary for meditators to practice Dhamma by cultivating their minds. The centre, since its inception in 1994, has conducted Dhamma training programmes for monks and lay people as well as for local and foreign nationals. Among these, the programmes for groups and the temporary ordination programme of two weeks for youth are the most popular. An in-house meditation programme and an educational

programme which include Dhamma and counseling for both foreign and local women are conducted at the centre since 2002. There are 15 fully ordained Bhikkunis who take a good care of the programmes and the management of the centre. “To commemorate the 2600 years of the ‘Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi’ the Buddhist Cultural Centre with immense effort erected a new building at Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Mawatha in Colombo 05, with the objective of providing better facilities and services to the public here and abroad,” Ven. Kirama Wimalajothi Thera says. Sri Sambuddhaththwa Jayanthi Mandiraya is a fully fledged facility with an international standard auditorium with accommodation for an audience of 400, a spacious stage, conference facilities for local and international convocations, seminars and meetings, an examination hall with facilities for 800 persons, facilities to conduct conventions, meetings, award ceremonies, religious ceremonies, NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 17

unity and solidarity meetings, halls and rooms to suit official requirements and complete banking facilities with the Bank of Ceylon. Today this facility has become Sri Lanka’s largest Buddhist books and information centre. It also conducts training programmes in Buddha and Dhamma, facilitates for Buddhist research, extends lessons on Thripitaka, conducts local and foreign language courses, correspondence courses on Buddhism as well as translation activities. It also consists of an activity centre for all Buddhist societies in local and foreign universities, a centre for Buddhist counseling, computer and recording facilities as well as facilities for Buddhist information publications online. In the year 2012 Ven.Kirama Wimalajothi Thera received the Award for the Most Creative Building for constructing Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Mandira. “In close proximity to Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Mandira, we also started a pure vegetarian centre named, the Sri Lankan Vegetarian Food

Centre which has become a very popular place among locals and foreigners now. We also received a small area inside the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) adjoining its restaurant to use as a Buddhist book centre. I named it ‘Food for the Mind.’ It is our mind that traverse throughout the ‘Samsara’. If we tame it, we will relieve all sorts of stress as well as anger. It purifies our blood. Buddhism is realistic where you can invite anyone – ‘Ehi Passiko’ – come and see for yourself. You are your own creator. You are responsible for your own life,” Ven.Kirama Wimalajothi Thera says. IMPORTANT CONTACTS; Buddhist Cultural Centre, 125, Anderson Road, Nedimala, Dehiwala, SRI LANKA. Tel: +94 11 2734256, +94 11 2728468, +94 11 2726234, +94 11 2736737 e-mail: bcc456@sltnet.lk, info@buddhistcc.com Website: www.buddhistcc.net

(Open on all days including Poya and public holidays from 8.00am to 5.30pm) City Branch, Buddhist Book Centre, Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Mandiraya, No;32 & 34, Sambuddhaththwa Jayanthi Mawatha, Colombo 05, SRI LANKA. Tele: +94 11 2559601 – 6 Fax: +94 11 2559607) e-mail: sambuddhatvamandira@gmail.com, 2600sjm@gmail.com website: www.sambuddhatvamandira.com (Open on all days including Poya and public holidays from 8.00am to 5.30pm) Airport Branch, Transist Departure, BIA, Katunayake, SRI LANKA. Dekanduwala Dhamma Training & Meditation Centre, Kahatapitiya, Kannawila, Horana. Tele: +94 34 3300332, +94 34 56 79645 Website: www.buddhistcc.net

OF PAINTINGS OF LIFE AND ART

ntha Peiris

Text and pics. by Harsha Udayaka 22 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER 2013

olour is gold for the artist, as it is nothing but the colour that enables him to express himself of the depth, concepts and realities depicted through his creations of beautiful paintings. It is also the colour that attracts the viewer to what the artist expresses vividly through his own disciplined strokes with brush and paints. ‘Swarna Warna’ (Golden Colours) was an exhibition of paintings of landscapes, abstract expressions, religious episodes, carefully drawn copied depictions of traditional temple arts and model paintings of more than five decades by artiste Cyril Wickramasinghe showcased at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery in Colombo 07. Due to the authentic presentation of paintings the exhibition attracted a large number of local and foreign visitors. All paintings and artistic expressions at the exhibition had been done with water colours, tempera powder and paint and poster colours. It was also a combination of several artistic disciplines that depicted the artistic styles of ancient and

modern murals in Sri Lanka and India. Several paintings at the exhibition had followed the eastern and western styles of expressions while many expressed the tradition of the artist’s own style of colourful presentations. “This exhibition was the result of my interest and skill of paintings since my childhood at school. At this juncture I would not forget the encouraging support rendered to me by Mr.B.Victor Salgadu, Mr.C.De S.Kulathilake and Mr.Gunapala De Silva who served as art masters at Nugawela Central College in Kandy in the central hills of Sri Lanka, where I was brought up. Their dedicated guidance to make me an artist has taken me a long way to express and serve my best not only to my country but also to carry our ways and styles of artistic expressions to the Maldivian Republic where I served for a considerable period of my life as a master of art,” says Wickramasinghe. Following the school days Cyril Wickramasinghe joined the ‘Kamala Lamaa Samajaya’ which was a then popular chidren’s page of ‘Silumina’ national newspaper and also contributed cartoons and arts to the evening tabloid,

‘Janatha’ newspaper. “ My meeting with the prominent journalist Mr.Piyal Wicramasinghe at an art exhibition in Colombo in 1956 opened me a precious opportunity in my life to contribute pocket cartoons on social life styles of the people to ‘Sunday Lankadeepa’ national newspaper which was a ‘Times’ Publication at that time. I also contributed cartoons, column stories as well as cover page arts for “sarasaviya’ newspaper that was published as a weekly tabloid publication by the Lake House in the 60s. Upon the invitation of Mr.Percy Jayamanna who was a journalist and a popular writer, I got the opportunity to contribute cartoons and arts to ‘Sathuta’ newspaper that was another popular weekly publication at that time in Sri Lanka” Wickramasinghe says. During the 1980s Wickramasinghe

also received a very rare opportunity to mark his presence before the Queen Elizabeth II. “Yes, it was an exclusive visit of the Queen to Sri Lanka. On her visit to Kandy, the Municipal Council at that time had organized a special reception programme at Katugastota in the suburb. In that reception programme she was handed over a special greeting in all three languages of Sinhalese, Tamil and English. The greeting card was nicely done on paper and the greeting stated that the Queen was warmly received to the city of Kandy. I created the border design of that special greeting card with floral and other traditional designs endemic to the Kandyan region. The greeting card is kept at the museum there now. I also received a certificate for my

NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 23

work there, from the Kandy Municipal Council,” he says. The contributions made by Cyril Wickramasinghe for the annual exhibitions organized by the Colombo National Art Front of Sri Lanka since 1959 were widely recognized and his artistic creations at these exhibitions always won certificates. During that time he also provided artistic creations to book covers for a leading book printer in Kandy. He was also the cover designer of the annual publication of the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, that depicted the street map of its annual ‘Esala’ procession known worldwide for its grandeur and glory. Today, this great artiste who has contributed an immense service not only to Sri Lanka but also towards the development of artistic skills of thousands of young artists overseas is a contended citizen, happily living with his family in Kandy the hill capital whilst having extended his continued service in his best capacities towards the artistic and intellectual skill development of many more talented young artists of the country.

Treasure An offering 24 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER 2013

An art of a Buddhist ca ve painting at Dambull Rajamaha Vihara Temple a

women by the well

piness

Countryside

Bliss of hap

NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 25

Trades and lifestyle

having a keen look Young amateur artists of the paint brush es into the careful strok

The presen

ce of media

and visitors at the exhib it

ion

26 â&#x20AC;˘ SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ NOVEMBER 2013

traditional oil Ariyadasa lighting the at the Lionel rna Veteran journalist Edwin remony of Swarna Wa lamp at the opening ceile invitees look on. Artiste Cyril Wickwh bo lom Co o in the picture. Wendt in ickramasinghe are als ramasinghe and Mrs.W

Veteran Artiste Cyril Wi

ckramasinghe

OF INHERITANCE AMIDST SERENE ENVIRONS

EIGHT GREAT PAGODAS

AT THE 5TH GEMUNU WATCH BATTALION PREMISES

IN WELLAWAYA Text & Pic by Indaka Karunadasa

Amalakara

Astakara

Bubbulakara

Chathurasrakara

Danniyakara

Gantakara

Gatakara

Padmakara

ince the ancient times, Wellawaya area had been very important for battles between the forces and invadors. Hence, Youdaganawa found here was identified a battle field of the battle between of Prince Dutugemunu and his brother Prince Saddatissa. Randeniya village near by had been another battle field of the battles between Sinhalese and the Portuguese, where Portuguese Governor Conthanithino da Sa was condemned to death in the 16th century . Wellawaya is surrounded by Poonagla mountains range, Ella, and Ballaketuwa hills. ‘Kirindi Oya’ river flows gently across Wellawaya. Wellawaya is situated 220 km away from Colombo along the A4 main road and 315 km away from the A2 main road. The area is an agro economic based city. Ella is the nearest railway station, and from Ella its 26 km along the Ella-Wellawaya road. Wellawaya is also an ideal tourist location for hiking as well as pilgrim tourism, with many ancient temples scattered through the area. ‘Ratmal Vehera Raja Maha Viharaya’, Weligamara Raja Maha Viharaya’, Matattawela Raja Maha Viharaya’, Sellaba Raja Maha Viharaya’, ‘Kanabisawarana Raja Maha Viharaya’, Kotaveheragala Ancient Cave Temple and ‘Kinkini Raja Maha Viharaya, Buduruwagala are few of them. Amongst several beautiful reservoirs in the area are Buduruwagala reservoir, Youdaganawa reservoir.

NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 27

From Wellawaya town, when travelling along the Buttala road for 3kms one can reach a village named ‘Warunagama’where the 5th Gemunu Watch Battalion of SL Army is situated. The camp is located near the main road. The importance here for the tourist is that Battalion premises contains a number of very special kinds of monuments - eight pagodas which are of eight different shapes. According to Archaeologists there are eight shapes of pagodas found. In Sinhalese the common name for pagoda is ‘Dageba’ Hence the eight shapes are categorised as; 1. Astakara Dagaba (Eight sided pagoda) 2. Dhanniyakara Dagaba (shape of a heap of grain as seen at Kelaniya dagaba) 3. Chathurasrakara Dagaba (Square shape pagoda as seen at the Seven storey edifice at Polonnaruwa) 4. Padmakara Dagaba (Lotus flower shaped pagoda) 5. Ghantakara Dagaba (Bell shaped pagoda as seen at Thuparamaya in Anuradhapura) 6. Amlakara Dagaba (Pagoda built in the shape of an Amla fruit) 7. Bubbulakara Dagaba (Pagoda builtin the shape of a drop of water as seen at Ruwanweli dagaba in Anuradhapura)

A nicely constructed walk way If you wish to spend a day in this place, there is a Holiday Bungalow, which belongs to the SL Army. The 5th Gemunu Watch Holiday Bungalow- with 2 full A/C rooms can be occupied for 6 guests. Food with reasonable rates are served on request. This highly secured bungalow is ideal for VIP guests and tourists. Here the garden is also well maintained and nicely arranged and carefully landscaped, with ponds, wooden bridges, loans and etc. All the trees in the garden have been named with botanical names. Telephone numbers for the bookings of the Holiday Bungalow 011 3188231 / 071 7254099 (Special thanks to Commanding Officer Lt. Colonel H.C.L. Galappaththi , Lt. Lakmal and other officers and soldiers of 5th Gemunu Watch Battalion – Warunagama, Wellawaya.)

8. Gatakara Dagaba (Built in the shae of a water pot up side down) FOR THE TRAVELLER: If you like to see all of these eight shapes of dagaba, there is only one place in Sri Lanka. It’s 5th Gemunu Watch Battalion premises in Wellawaya. If you go there, first you’ll petrify with wonder ! Eight great Buddhist pagodas centred with a big bell shaped pagoda – Ghantakara Dagaba, and surrounded by the other seven shapes of pagodas. In close proximity to these eight great Buddhist pagodas is a ‘Bo’ tree and a small Buddha’s shrine room. This complex of pagodas is a small “Temple” which belongs to the Army Camp built to a concept of Lt. Colonel R.S. Palayangoda and constructed under his supervision. Now it is open for public. The holiday bungalow 28 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER 2013

A pond constructed in the compound

The beautifully kept serene environs

A summer hut of nature

The beautifully kept serene environment

A wooden bridge in the bungalow premisses

Comforts inside the holiday bungalow

comforts inside the holiday bungalow - a spacious bed room NOVEMBER 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ 29

OF THE LARGEST EVER MICE EVENT IN SL

he Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is held every two years to enable leaders of Commonwealth countries to come together to discuss global and Commonwealth issues, and to decide on collective policies and initiatives.

Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre

CHOGM 2013

the Mega International MICE Event of the year

An Honourary Title for SL’s Credibility for the Socio-Economic Development 30 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER 2013

There are 53 independent states working together in the common interests of their citizens for development, democracy and peace. With just eight members in 1949, the Commonwealth has developed into a diverse group of nations from all across the world, working towards improving the lives of millions of people. The states in alphabetical order are; Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Cameroon, Canada, Cyprus, Dominica, Fiji, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, New-Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan,

One unique aspect of the meeting is that the formal opening ceremony and the formal Executive Session are followed by a “retreat” where leaders meet privately for discussions. With an informal atmosphere, this session allows heads of state to freely and frankly exchange their views on important issues and come to a consensus. The state of the art Control Tower of the Colombo Port Expansion Project

Previous CHOGMs have focused on a range of global issues, including international peace and security, democracy, climate change, multilateral trade issues, good governance, sustainable development, small states, debt management, education, environment, gender equality, health, human rights, information and communication technology, and youth affairs. This year, the 23rd CHOGM is taking place in Sri Lanka for seven days from 10th to 17th November, and marks the first time an Asian country is hosting the summit in 24 years.

Magam Ruhunupura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, st-kittsand Nevis, Saint Lucia, St-Vincent and Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Vanuatu and Zambia. Following the decisions taken by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on July 31st of 2009, Fiji was suspended from membership of the Commonwealth on September 01st of 2009. Gambia withdrew its membership of the Commonwealth on 3 October 2013. Every CHOGM is jointly organized by the host country and the Commonwealth Secretariat. These biennial meetings serve as the principal policy and decisionmaking forum to guide the strategic direction of the association. Commonwealth leaders have been coming together for discussions since 1949, but the title “Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting” was adopted during a session in Singapore in 1971. This specific classification was used to depict the gathering of both presidents and prime ministers in the event.

In a special message to CHOGM 2013, His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa states that having been a member of the Commonwealth of Nations since the independence in 1948, Sri Lanka is committed to upholding Commonwealth values of democracy, rule of law and good governance in the shared vision of bringing better opportunities for people around the world. After completely eradicating the brutality of LTTE terrorism that suffered the nation for decades, through a dedicated humanitarian mission with the patriotic leadership of His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka has undergone a tremendous transformation since the end of hostilities in 2009. Therefore, CHOGM 2013 makes the perfect platform for more than 6000 foreign state delegates who visit Sri Lanka to witness the rapid ongoing mega socioeconomic, socio-political as well as socio-cultural developments not only in the south but equally in the north of the country for the well being of all nations living in harmonious collaboration. CHOGM -2013 will also highlight Sri Lanka’s role on the world stage and emphasize the important role of domestic and international institutions and companies in the energy, mining, telecommunications, tea, tourism, banking, and finance, infrastructure

His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa President of Sri Lanka development, insurance, IT, transport and international trade sectors. With the hosting of CHOGM 2013 in the country, Sri Lanka receives its Presidency where His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa becomes the President of the Commonwealth for the next two years. As Sri Lanka has continued to experience a strong economic development that ranges from 6 – 8 percent following the end of the nearly 30 years of conflict with the LTTE terrorism, key exports such as textiles, tea, spices, rubber, precious stones and manufactured goods are contributing to a larger economic expansion in the country at present. In this venture, Commonwealth member nations are amongst the country’s biggest trading partners. In an exclusive Commonwealth Business Forum press briefing at the External Affairs Ministry recently, Commonwealth Business Council Chairman – Dr.Mohan Kaul revealed that Sri Lanka was targeting around US$ 2 billion investments via the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting this year. “Commonwealth Business Forum 2013 (CBF) is an integral part of the CHOGM process. It will be a great platform to bring in both local and foreign corporate sector together, where Sri Lanka will be highlighted and promoted as an investment destination,” he said. The opening ceremony of CHOGM 2013 will take place at the Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond) Mahinda Rajapakse

NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 31

Port of Oluvil Construction of highways for speedier and safer transportation

Soutehrn Expressway

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport

32 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER 2013

Theatre in heart of Colombo on the 10th November 2013. The facility is a fully equipped, sate-of-the-art performance centre, meant for large-scale theatrical productions. Situated in the heart of Colombo city, this modern architectural masterpiece facilitates easy access for both local and foreign events. The theatre is also surrounded by several five star hotels and other commercial establishments, making the venue an ideal location for international gatherings. The main conference venue for CHOGM 2013 will be Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo which has, for a very long time, been Sri Lanka’s premier location for international meetings, plenary sessions, trade and academic shows, and other large-scale events. As its name implies, BMICH was built to honour the memory of Mr. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, the prime minister of Sri

Lanka from 1956 to 1959. The Hall is an outright gift from the government and people of the People's Republic of China. The Heads of Government Retreat will take place at the Waters Edge the award-winning conference and recreational facility in the suburb of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, the site of Sri Lanka’s Parliament. Surrounded by the tributaries of the Diyawanna Lake, the venue offers a serene environment where world leaders will gather to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing the Commonwealth. The Cinnamon Grand Colombo where the CHOGM 2013 Business Forum is held is one of the most popular five-star hotels in the country for both foreigners and locals. Situated at the heart of Sri Lanka’s business activity, it serves as an ideal location to bring together business leaders for the Commonwealth Business Forum.

The Youth forum is held at the newly built International Convention Centre in Hambantota the booming southern capital of Sri Lanka whilst the Peoples Forum will take place at Chaya Tranz in Hikkaduwa. The events scheduled for CHOGM 2013 in Sri Lanka also include the member country advance visits, the pre-CHOGM FM’s meeting, the CMAG meeting on Harare Declaration, the Pre-CHOGM Media briefing, Daily CHOGM Press conferences, the Foreign Ministers' spouse programme, the Heads of Governments' spouse programme, the Commonwealth Business Forum, Executive Sessions, Bilateral meetings, the Youth Dialogue, the Civil Society Roundtable and also the Commonwealth Games Federation Sports Breakfast. The venues for the event will be set covering many areas and regions in the country that include Colombo, Hambantota, Kandy, Galle, Hikkaduwa, Dambulla,

KEY FACTS ABOUT THE COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA Joined Commonwealth: 1981 Population: 90,000 (2011) GDP: 0.6% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 60 Official language: English Timezone: GMT minus 4hr Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$)

AUSTRALIA Joined Commonwealth: 1931 (Statute of Westminster) Population:22,606,000 (2011) GDP: 2.2% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 2 Official language: English Time zone: GMT plus 8–11hr Currency: Australian dollar (A$)

The Bahamas Joined Commonwealth: 1973 Population: 347,000 (2011) GDP: 0.7% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 53 Official language: English Time zone: GMT minus 5hr Currency: Bahamian dollar (B$)

BANGLADESH Joined Commonwealth: 1972 Population: 150,494,000 (2011) GDP: 3.6% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 146 Official language: Bangla Time zone: GMT plus 6hr Currency: taka (Tk)

BARBADOS Joined Commonwealth: 1966 Population: 274,000 (2011) GDP: 1.1% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 47 Official language: English Time zone: GMT minus 4hr Currency: Barbados dollar (Bds$)

BELIZE Joined Commonwealth: 1981 Population: 318,000 (2011) GDP: 1.8% p.a. 1990–2011 Growth UN HDI: world ranking 93 Official language: English Time zone: GMT minus 6hr Currency: Belizean dollar (Bz$) NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 33

BOTSWANA Joined Commonwealth: 1966 Population: 2,031,000 (2011) GDP: 3.4% p.a. 1990–2011 (Growth) UN HDI: world ranking 118 Official language: Setswana, English Time zone: GMT plus 2hr Currency: pula (P)

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM Joined Commonwealth: 1984 Population: 406,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth –0.4% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 33 Official language: Malay Timezone: GMT plus 8hr Currency: Brunei dollar (Br$)

CAMEROON Joined Commonwealth: 1995 Population: 20,030,000 (2011) GDP: 0.8% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 150 Official language: French, English Timezone: GMT plus 1hr Currency: CFA franc (CFAfr)

CANADA Joined Commonwealth: 1931 (Statute of Westminster) Population: 34,350,000 (2011) GDP: 1.8% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 6 Official language: English, French Timezone: GMT minus 8–3hr Currency: Canadian dollar (C$)

CYPRUS Joined Commonwealth: 1961 Population: 1,117,000 (2011) GDP: 2.0% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 31 Official language: Greek, Turkish Time zone: GMT plus 2–3hr Currency: euro (€)

DOMINICA Joined Commonwealth: 1978 Population: 68,000 (2011) GDP: 2.2% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 81 Official language: English Time zone: GMT minus 4hr Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$)

GAMBIA Joined Commonwealth: 1965 (The Gambia withdrew its membership of the Commonwealth on 3 October 2013).

GHANA Joined Commonwealth: 1957 Population: 24,966,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 2.5% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 135 Official language: English Timezone: GMT Currency: cedi (¢)

GRENADA Joined Commonwealth: 1974 Population: 105,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 2.9% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 67 Official language: English Timezone: GMT minus 4hr Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$)

GUYANA Joined Commonwealth: 1966 Population: 756,000 (2011) GDP: 2.8% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 117 Official language: English Time zone: GMT minus 4hr Currency: Guyana dollar (G$)

INDIA Joined Commonwealth: 1947 Population: 1,241,492,000 (2011) GDP: 4.9% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 134 Official language: Hindi, English Time zone: GMT plus 5.5hr Currency: rupee (Rs)

JAMAICA Joined Commonwealth: 1962 Population: 2,751,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 0.5% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 79 (2011) Official language: English Time zone: GMT minus 5hr Currency: Jamaican dollar (J$)

34 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER 2013

KENYA Joined Commonwealth: 1963 Population: 41,610,000 (2011) GDP: 0.4% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 143 Official language: Kiswahili, English Time zone: GMT plus 3hr Currency: Kenyan shilling (KSh)

KIRIBATI Joined Commonwealth: 1979 Population: 101,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 1.1% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 122 Official language: English Time zone: GMT plus 12–14hr Currency: Australian dollar

LESOTHO Joined Commonwealth: 1966 Population: 2,194,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 2.3% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 160 Official language: Sesotho, English Time zone: GMT plus 2hr Currency: loti, plural maloti (M)

MALAWI Joined Commonwealth: 1964 Population: 15,381,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 1.3% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 171 Official language: English Time zone: GMT plus 2hr Currency: Malawi kwacha (MK)

MALAYSIA Joined Commonwealth: 1957 Population: 28,859,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 3.1% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 61 Official language: Malay Time zone: GMT plus 8hr Currency: ringgit or Malaysian dollar (M$)

MALDIVES Joined Commonwealth: 1982 Population: 320,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 5.8% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: 2011: world ranking 109 Official language: Dhivehi Timezone: GMT plus 5hr Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa (MRf)

MALTA Joined Commonwealth: 1964 Population: 418,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 2.4% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 36 Official language: Maltese, English Time zone: GMT plus 1–2hr Currency: euro (€)

MAURITIUS Joined Commonwealth: 1968 Population: 1,307,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 3.5% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 77 Official language: English Time zone: GMT plus 4hr Currency: Mauritian rupee (MRs)

MOZAMBIQUE Joined Commonwealth: 1995 Population: 23,930,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 4.3% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: 2011: world ranking 184 Official language: Portuguese Time zone: GMT plus 2hr Currency: Mozambique metical (MT)

NAMIBIA Joined Commonwealth: 1990 Population: 2,324,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 1.9% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 120 Official language: English Time zone: GMT plus 1–2hr Currency: Namibia dollar (N$)

NAURU Joined Commonwealth: 1968 Population: 10,000 (2011) Official language: English Time zone: GMT plus 12hr Currency: Australian dollar

NEW ZEALAND Joined Commonwealth: 1931 (Statute of Westminster) Population: 4,415,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 1.8% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 5 Official language: English, Maori Time zone: GMT plus 12–13hr Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZ$) NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 35

NIGERIA Joined Commonwealth: 1960 (suspended 1995–99) Population: 162,471,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 2.1% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: 2011: world ranking 156 Official language: English Time zone: GMT plus 1hr Currency: Naira (N)

PAKISTAN Joined Commonwealth: 1947 (left in 1972, rejoined in 1989) Population: 176,745,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 1.9% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 145 Official language: Urdu Time zone: GMT plus 5hr Currency: Pakistan rupee (PRs)

PAPUA NEW GUINEA Joined Commonwealth: 1975 Population: 7,014,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 0.1% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 153 Official language: English Time zone: GMT plus 10hr Currency: kina (K)

RWANDA Joined Commonwealth: November 2009 Population: 10,943,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 2.3% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: 2011: world ranking 166 Official language: Kinyarwanda, French, English Time zone: GMT plus 2hr Currency: Rwandan franc (Rwfr)

ST KITTS AND NEVIS Joined Commonwealth: 1983 Population: 53,000 (2011) GDP: 1.6% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 72 Official language: English Time zone: GMT minus 4hr Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$)

ST LUCIA Joined Commonwealth: 1979 Population: 176,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 0.7% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 82 Official language: English Time zone: GMT minus 4hr Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$)

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Joined Commonwealth: 1979 Population: 109,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 3.2% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 85 Official language: English Time zone: GMT minus 4hr Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$)

SAMOA Joined Commonwealth: 1970 Population: 184,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 2.8% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: 2011: world ranking 99 Official language: Samoan Time zone: GMT plus 13–14hr Currency: tala or Samoan dollar (T)

SEYCHELLES Joined Commonwealth: 1976 Population: 87,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 2.0% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 52 Official language: Creole, English and French Time zone: GMT plus 4hr Currency: Seychelles rupee (SRs)

SIERRA LEONE Joined Commonwealth:1961 Population: 5,997,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 1.1% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 180 Official language: English Time zone: GMT Currency: leone (Le)

SINGAPORE Joined Commonwealth: 1965 Population: 5,188,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 3.5% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: 2011: world ranking 26 Official language: English, Chinese (Mandarin), Malay, Tamil Time zone: GMT plus 8hr Currency: Singapore dollar (S$)

SOLOMON ISLANDS Joined Commonwealth: 1978 Population: 552,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: –0.9% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 142 Official language: English Time zone: GMT plus 11hr Currency: Solomon Islands dollar (SI$)

36 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER 2013

SOUTH AFRICA Joined Commonwealth: 1931 (Statute of Westminster; left in 1961, rejoined in 1994) Population: 50,460,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 1.3% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 123 Official language: 11 most widely spoken Time zone: GMT plus 2hr Currency: rand (R)

SRI LANKA Joined Commonwealth: 1948 Population: 21,045,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 4.1% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 97 Official language: Sinhala, Tamil Time zone: GMT plus 5:30hr Currency: Sri Lanka rupee (SLRs)

SWAZILAND Joined Commonwealth: 1968 Population: 1,203,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 1.8% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: 2011: world ranking 140 Official language: siSwati, English Time zone: GMT plus 2hr Currency: lilangeni, plural emalangeni (E)

TONGA Joined Commonwealth: 1970 Population: 105,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 1.5% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: 2011: world ranking 90 Official language: Tongan, English Time zone: GMT plus 13hr Currency: pa’anga or Tongan dollar (TOP; T$)

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Joined Commonwealth: 1962 Population: 1,346,000 (2011) GDP: 4.8% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 62 Official language: English Time zone: GMT minus 4hr Currency: Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$)

TUVALU Joined Commonwealth: 1978 Population: 10,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 2.1% p.a. 1990–2011 Time zone: GMT plus 12hr Currency: Australian dollar; Tuvaluan dollar

UGANDA Joined Commonwealth: 1962 Population: 34,509,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 3.7% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 161 Official language: English, Kiswahili Time zone: GMT plus 3hr Currency: Uganda shilling (USh)

UNITED KINGDOM Population: 62,417,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 2.4% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 28 Official language: English Time zone: GMT plus 0–1hr Currency: pound sterling (£)

UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA Joined Commonwealth: 1961 Population: 46,218,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 2.5% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 152 Official language: Kiswahili, English Time zone: GMT plus 3hr Currency: Tanzanian shilling (TSh

VANUATU Joined Commonwealth: 1980 Population: 246,000 (2011) GDP: p.c. growth: 0.6% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: 2011: world ranking 125 Official language: Bislama, English, French Time zone: GMT plus 11hr Currency: vatu (Vt)

ZAMBIA Joined Commonwealth: 1964 Population: 13,475,000 (2011) GDP: 0.8% p.a. 1990–2011 UN HDI: world ranking 164 Official language: English Time zone: GMT plus 2hr Currency: kwacha (ZK) NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 37

OF CONNECTING CULTURES VIA UNIVERSAL MUSIC old, professional, students or amateurs, are generous hardworking volunteers. They are extremely grateful to those who have helped them. The musicians will be delighted to offer their skills and musicianship to Sri Lanka in any way that is needed, and hope to learn a great deal from the rich culture of this wonderful country. PERFORMANCES Saturday 9th November at 7 p.m. The Commonwealth Resounds! - Gala Performance at the Lighthouse Hotel, Galle

THE COMMONWEALTH

RESOUNDS

to connect the cultures through music

he Commonwealth Resounds that has been connecting musical cultures, and running cross-cultural projects, partnerships and performances since 2005 are to perform exclusively at CHOGM 2013 in Sri Lanka, making the largest-ever group of international musicians visiting the country. The performance is organized as part of The Commonwealth Resounds! They will be sharing their skills with the community, working in schools, universities and orphanages, performing and coaching young musicians and presenting some dazzling Gala Concerts for their sponsors and supporters in Galle, Colombo and Mount Lavinia. During the first two days of their tour, many of the musicians will be staying at the Lighthouse Hotel in Galle, sponsored generously by Jetwing. They will present a special Gala Concert at the Lighthouse Hotel on Saturday November 9th. The visiting Commonwealth musicians will be staying at Mount Lavinia Hotel between November 10th – 18th, kindly faciliated by the hotel staff and management. The visiting Commonwealth musicians include; distinguished delegates from the International Federation of Musicians and the Musicians’ Union, who will run their Music Business Seminars at Mount Lavinia Hotel, prizewinning solo musicians from the Royal Over-Seas League, plus Roderick

Lakin M.B.E., Director of Arts Alison Cox OBE, Founder and Co-Director of The Commonwealth Resounds!, will be present alongside other Co-Directors, Managers and members of the organization, orchestral musicians from the Commonwealth Festival Orchestra, which has formed a unique partnership with the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka for CHOGM 2013, talented young musicians and composers from the UK’s oldest Specialist Music School, The Purcell School, plus a team of professional musicians who are staff members, excellent young musicians and staff members from Chetham’s School of Music, the UK’s largest Specialist Music School, Joe Walters, professional musician and the inspirational founder of SONGBOUND. This is a wonderful initiative that creates new choirs and life-changing opportunities for disadvantaged children in Asian countries as well as young Commonwealth musicians from the Purcell School organised fundraising events and raised enough money for Songbound to start up 3 NEW CHOIRS for children in Sri Lanka – one in Kilinochchi and two in Colombo. All these talented musicians are coming to Sri Lanka to share their skills with Sri Lankan partners, support and encourage less experienced musicians wherever possible and help to create exciting musical events for CHOGM 2013. Musicians from The Commonwealth Resounds! whether they be young,

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Friday 15th November at 7 p.m. The Commonwealth Festival Orchestra’s Gala Concert at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, Colombo Sunday 17th November The Commonwealth Resounds! Gala Performance at Mount Lavinia Hotel 7 p.m. (Email contact details for further info: chogmresounds2013@btinternet.com Mobile - +44 7816103194)

OF CONCEPTS OF FOOD - LIFE

Do it with food says

the face of

traditional Sri Lankan food By Rathindra Kuruwita

ood is the most powerful weapon in the world, says Dr. T. Publis de Silva, Director – Culinary Affairs and Promotions at Mt Lavinia Hotel, meeting Treasure Island for a discussion on using Sri Lankan food to promote tourism.

"Italians won the world with their pizza and macaroni while Chinese food is an its empire spread across the world. "But if properly standardised and marketed, none of these foods can compete against Sri Lankan cuisine," he says. Considering the current trend of eating healthy, traditional Sri Lankan food that does not use animal fat and artificial ingredients and oils can easily be made the food of choice for an increasingly health conscious world population. However it is the lack of standardisation that prevents us from emerging from being a niche for a knowledgeable clientele to become a mass market favourite. "We don't have a system in place. We really don't need to use foreign vegetables like beetroot, or carrots when serving tourists. We have an unbelievable array of food that can be made from indigenous ingredients," Publis comments pondering about the immense potential untapped. To popularise Sri Lankan food education, the health authorities and the media should unite to deliver a coherent message on the value of our indigenous food, firstly among Sri Lankans themselves. In the last decades Publis has written extensively, given demonstrations and organised Sri Lankan food exhibitions around the world. In his hotel Publis organises Ape Kema (Our Food) - a Sunday Buffet which comprises exclusive traditional Sri Lankan food. Several of his own creations can be found at the buffet. "We have a vegetable hopper that we make by mixing the flour with extracts from Sri Lankan vegetables. In addition to giving a unique flavour and its nutritional value, the colour of the hoppers takes the hue of the vegetables used. So if I use extracts of nivithi (spinach), the colour is green," he said. Publis added that the Sri Lankan buffet is highly popular and gets rave reviews. He also said that the coming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is an excellent opportunity to promote our food. "We are having a special session for the wives of dignitaries and I hope to give a special demonstration where participants also prepare the food I make. I believe this is an excellent opportunity to promote our food across the world," Publis said.

Dr.T.B.Publis De Silva

NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 39

OF AUTHENTICITY TRADITION & LIFESTYLE

Tradition | Fashions | Gifts | Lifestyle

THE

PALACE OF CRAFTS

Text. Harsha Udayakantha Peiris | Pics.Rohitha Thanthilage

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ajawasala - king’s palace - is a dedicated authentic handicraft centre in Thennekumbura in close proximity to the city of Kandy in the Central Hills. It was opened recently with the objective of promoting authentic Sri Lankan products ranging from cane and ‘Hana’ products, lacquer ware, men’s and women’s linen clothing, Ayurvedic personal care solutions, artistic creations of regional identity, all varieties of tea and spice products uniquely produced in Sri Lanka, brassware, family products and many more. It is the ideal one-stop centre for Tradition, Fashion, Gifts and Lifestyle. THE CONCEPT Located at a convenient spot along the Kandy-Digana main road, it is a gallery of luxurious and stylish handmade products that promote the regional diversity of Sri Lanka. The centre is carefully designed so that the customer has quick access to any section. Sleeperlogs separate the centre in conceptual cubicles with each category of product receiving its own identical showcase. THE ART GALLERY On display are drawings, paintings, lacquer designs and burnt wood works that depict the Upcountry culture and floral designs. Much sought wooden masks depicting the unique folklore of down south, as well as drawings that depict the colonial era in several regions of the island can also be found and of course each piece is unique.

THE SILK GALLERY Each and every product, ranging from men’s wear, saris and shawls to family collections promote the Sri Lankan identity of silk products whilst appealing to the taste of both local and foreign customers.

NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 41

THE HARBOREND CORNER The Harborend Brand is an exclusive range of men’s and women’s garments exclusively and uniquely available only at Rajawasala. This unique brand promotes a culture that directly connects with the Colombo Harbor and is becoming largely popular among youths. THE HANDICRAFT GALLERY The handicraft gallery here contains a variety of gift items as well as day to day requirements such as handbags, file covers, cheque book covers, wallets, ornaments and many more. They all are made out of ‘Hana’, ‘Pan’ leaves or many other natural materials that are biodegradable. It is the trend today amongst the young generation to use more and more biodegradable products to minimize the impact on the environment. TEA AND SPICE ISLAND GALLERIES All kinds of pure high grown, mid grown and low grown tea products, both hot and flavoured, as well as all varieties of Upcountry spices are found here. The Spice Island also has authentic Ayurvedic personal care products that are manufactured in a sustainable and ethical manner. THE BRASS GALLERY Rajawasala is the best place to purchase the best Kandyan brassware, available in a wide range of competitive prices. Strength to a greater vision Strengthening the vision of the Government to assist the citizens of the war torn areas of the North and East, Rajawasala has extended a timely hand to a large number of war widows in such areas to have their wares displayed and sold at no extra cost. “Our uniqueness is that we have extended the best opportunity to the artist to bring his or her own handicrafts that meet the centre's standards. They can display here for no cost. Most of the products we promote are award-winning items introduced by very small scale entrepreneurs," says Keith Rabot – Managing Director of Rajawasala.

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“Our aim is to elevate Sri Lankan standards and traditional artistic and creative concepts. Before, we found that many of our artists were on the verge of bankruptcy. Now that they are making a sustainable living, with us, they are confident of the sustainability of their industry. Today, we are very much happy and proud to see such artists passing on their craftsmanship to the next generation as they are content,” Keith says.

KEITH RABOT Managing Director

NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 43

OF HERITAGE

Monastère des forêts

ARANKELE

By Teshani Wanninayake (tdwtesh444@gmail.com)

i vous recherchez une paix de pardis et tranquillepourquoi ne pas passer la journée à Arankele. C’est sylvestres verts se détendront et vous rafraîchir complètement Mais cela n'a jamais été conçu pour être un parc de loisirs. Au contraire, il était le site d'un ancien monastère de forêt .

Arankele est situé à Kurunegala ( la rue de principal Kurunegala . Le turne est au embranchement de Hiriyala avec seulement 10 kms étant la chaîn de la montagne de Dolukanda. Les origines de cette date d’ashram remontent à la période d’Arahath Maliyadeva qui avait passé beaucoup de temps ici, à la langue méditation , il y a de langue décennies. L'histoire de ce lieu est, une fois que le roi Mahasen est venu pour construire le lac Niramulla et le lac de Hanwatunu wawe. Donc il est resté à cet endroit pour se reposer. L'épouse de ce roi veut toujours sa naissance prochaine pour devenir un homme. Donc, à cause de cette raison le fils de roi Mahasen , le roi Jettatissa a construit cet endroit pour récompense spirituelle pour sa mère. Le bâtiment, à l'entrée de l'emplacement d’Arankele a été identifié comme Janthagara ou bain d'eau chaude. Parmi les autres ruines qui ont été identifiés sont méditant promenades les étangs et des allées sinueuses. sur un côté qui avait été utilisé comme un portique sur la porte. C'est où Arahat Maliyadeva avait vécu et médité il ya plusieurs siècles. Une autre caractéristique particulière de ces bâtiments, c'est qu'ils ont été entouré des l’eau à travers croire à tenir l'intérieur du bâtiment frais. Il ya plusieurs tels bâtiments à Arankele Après quelques 250m vous arrivez à

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une miniature "rond-point" sur le chemin, populairement croit avoir été construit pour permettre aux moines de méditation pour éviter de marcher dans l'autre, Bienque elle a probablement servi de zone de repos, recouvert d'un toit (depuis longtemps disparu) le toit A proximité se dressent les vestiges de la résidence du principal moine, avec la base d'un grand hall d'entrée, les toilettes inévitable et un enchevêtrement de piliers, en partie effondré, ce qui aurait soutenu une plate-forme de méditation en plein air. La passerelle de méditation continue un autre 250m environ, aussi se terminant à une petite grotte-sanctuaire construit sous un affleurement rocheux. Il s'agit de la partie la plus ancienne des ruines, en IIIe siècle BC. - le goutte-à-sances et les trous où un auvent en saillie a été fixé une fois originale peut encore être vu. A l'intérieur, un petit sanctuaire de Buddha est assis flanqué de deux cellules de méditation minuscules .

Teshani Wanninayake

NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 45

OF PHILATHELIC THAT DEPICTS AN ERA

n o o b m o l o C s p m a St eiris iroshan P

&N Kuruwita ra d in th a By R

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tamps are often mementos, reminders of past events, souvenirs of important places and tributes to individuals of great importance. A careful study of stamps from different eras can also show the sociopolitical developments in a country. Colombo, Sri Lanka's commercial capital, has always been a popular subject of the creators of stamps; its history and its monuments are modern landmarks of Sri Lanka and perhaps are as important as relics from the times of kings to the modern Sri Lankan conscience. Since the first adhesive stamp (the six-pence purple-brown stamps on blue paper) was issued on April 1, 1857, seventeen years after Britain had introduced the adhesive postage stamp to the world, around twenty stamps on the city of Colombo were issued. Treasure Island compiled a list of the most beautiful stamps on Colombo from the 1930 to the second decade of the new millennium. These stamps present a remarkable view of the history of Colombo and what it was like in a bygone era.

Sri Lanka is renowned for its stamps; since its first stamp was printed – of its monuments and events centered on the city – they have been eagerly collected. At a time when Colombo is making the world headlines due to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) being held here, Treasure Island takes a brief look at the stamps on Sri Lanka's capital city -- from the colonial times to the modern era.

Alexandra of Denmark, Prince Phillip of Britain, Prince Sadruddhin Aga Khan, (then) Prince Hirohito of Japan, James Bond actor Roger Moore, Carrie Fisher, US president Richard Nixon, the first Earl Mountbatten of Burma Lord Louis Mountbatten and Yugoslavian President Marshal Josip Broz Tito.

in creating the Museum. By the time it commemorated its 125th anniversary, in 2012, the Museum had over a hundred thousand antiquities and natural history specimens although there had been about 1,200 antiquities and natural history specimens at its inception.

The hotel, initially called Galle Face House, was originally built by four British entrepreneurs in 1864 and named after the stretch of lawn which it faces, the Galle Face Green, another Colombo landmark. However the building that comes to mind when we think of the hotel now was completed in 1894 by Thomas Skinner. The hotel nightclub, the Coconut Grove, was the centre of Colombo nightlife and even Radio Ceylon recorded some of its music programmes from there. The atmosphere of the hotel however seems to have been good for writing also as science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke wrote the final chapters of 3001 - The Final Odyssey in the hotel.

A 15 rupee stamp was issued on September 11, 2012 to mark its 125th anniversary depicting the Museum building, designed in Italian architectural style by government architect James G. Smither - in itself a work of beauty.

The hotel also employs the world's oldest hospitality industry veteran and doorman Kottarapattu Chattu (KC) Kuttan who joined the hotel as a bell boy cum waiter in 1942. In April 2013 refurbishment of the Classic wing of the hotel began and is expected to take around 24 months. Recognizing the importance of the Hotel as a landmark and a part of the history of the city the government issued a 15 rupee stamp on September 11, 2012. NATIONAL MUSEUM

Colombo Municipal Council building Town Hall

The Town Hall of Colombo, the headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council and the office of the Mayor of Colombo, was built emulating the US White House and is a familiar and well recognised landmark of Colombo. The foundation stone was laid on May 24, 1924, by Mayor of Colombo T. Reid and the conduction was completed in 1927. Designed by S. J. Edwards, it was originally meant to house the office of the mayor, the council chamber, and as a venue for functions requiring a large ballroom. The image of the white coloured majestic building, situated near Viharamaha Devi park was engraved in a 15 rupee stamp on September 11, 2012 as a part of a series of stamps celebrating Sri Lanka's colonial legacy.

GALLE FACE HOTEL

OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE

Galle Face Hotel was 'the' hotel in Colombo and Sri Lanka for decades. Everyone who was anyone who visited the country stayed at the hotel, giving it a sense of prestige that is still unmatched by other hotels. The list of distinguished hotel guests include the first man in space Yuri Gagarin, American entrepreneur John D. Rockefeller, former British Prime minister Edward Heath, Princess

The Colombo National Museum is the biggest and best museum in Sri Lanka with over a hundred thousand antiquities and natural history specimens. Located near the Viharamaha Devi Park in spacious and lofty surroundings, the Museum is a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Museum opened to the public on January 1, 1877. Sir William Henry Gregory, the Governor of Ceylon at that time, was instrumental

Built during the British colonial era, the Old Parliament House began to house the Legislative Council of Ceylon on January 29, 1930. Constructed on an idea of Sir Henry McCallum, it was

NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 47

built on reclaimed land at the northern end of Galle Face. The chief architect of the Public Works Department, A. Woodson designed the building and it was built at a cost of Rs 450 000, a colossal amount at that time. The building was opened on January 29, 1930 by Governor Sir Herbert Stanley, and a year later it was taken over by the State Council of Ceylon with its establishment. The British Coat of Arms adorned the top of the building face till 1948, when it was replaced by the arms of the Dominion of Ceylon and was once again replaced in 1972 with the arms of the Republic of Sri Lanka. Following the formation of the Republic in 1972, the National State Assembly met at the building till it was renamed as the Parliament of Sri Lanka in 1977. After the Parliament was moved to the new complex in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte in 1983 it became the home to the Presidential Secretariat and is still the venue to high profile events throughout the year as the Letters of Credence of incoming ambassadors and high commissioners are accepted by the President here. A 15 rupee stamp on the The Old Parliament House, a legacy of the colonial era was issued on September 11, 2012. COLOMBO HARBOUR

Chinese, Greek and Roman historical accounts. It is also the reason why the colonial powers built their main fort around the city and why today Colombo is Sri Lanka's commercial hub. Although Colombo harbour was valued by all, it was the British who made the first modern developments to it by building a 2.7 kilometer 'jetty' which commenced in 1875 and was completed on 1915.

one of these was a 5 rupee stamp on Deepadukkaramaya. BANK OF CEYLON BUILDING

During the 1980s, the port underwent rapid modernisation with the installation of Cranes, Gantries and other modernday terminal requirements. Currently with a capacity of 4.1 million TEUs and a dredged depth of over 15m (49 ft), the Colombo Harbour is one of the busiest ports in the world, and ranks among the top 35 ports. It is also one of the biggest artificial harbours in the world, handling most of the country's foreign trade. In 2008, the port commenced a largescale expansion project at a cost of US$1.2 billion, which is expected to dramatically increase the port's capacity and capabilities, The project, which is headed by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and built by the Hyundai Engineering & Construction Company, was completed and was open for the public in August 2013. A 6 Cent stamp was issued by the British on January 1, 1936 in recognition of the importance of the Harbour.

The Bank of Ceylon (BoC) is one of the first commercial bank in the country and the BoC headquarters, also known as Pittu Bambuwa due to its cylindrical shape, was for a long time Sri Lanka's tallest building and an instantly recognisable landmark of Colombo. On August 3, 2009 a 5 rupee stamp depicting the building was issued. COLOMBO UNIVERSITY

DEEPADUKKARAMAYA - KOTAHENA

Colombo will not be what it is today without its harbour. It is the importance of the harbor for commercial activity that led the Arabs to settle in Colombo and it is why the city is mentioned in

Deepadukkaramaya was the first Buddhist temple built in Colombo in modern times and became a centre of the anti British struggle. The temple is closely associated with Migettuwatte Sri Gunananda thero, a leading light of the Buddhist revival. The temple was called 'Ihala Pansala' until 1840 and a remarkable feature of the architecture is the obvious Thai influence. The temple first caught global attention as it was the site where the Buddhist flag was first displayed, on April 28 1885, a year after the British named Vesak Poya Day an official holiday due to the continuous lobbying led by Henry Steele Olcott and Migettuwatte Sri Gunananda thero. The Sri Lankan government issued 50 stamps on the Vesak Poya Day of 2005, which marked the 2500 Buddha Jayanthi commemoration, and

48 â&#x20AC;˘ SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ NOVEMBER 2013

The University of Colombo was founded in 1921 as University College Colombo, affiliated to the University of London and degrees were issued to its students from 1923. The University of Colombo is Sri Lanka's first university and was the alma-mater of many of Sri Lanka's luminaries. A 1 rupee stamp on the university was issued on March 23, 1993, one in a series of stamps to mark the 50 year anniversary of free education in Sri Lanka.

INDEPENDENCE SQUARE

The Independence monument at Colombo 7 is today the best symbol of that moment in time when the course of Sri Lankan history. Even 65 years after its construction, it still remains the most recognisable monument related to our Independence. The project was commissioned by the Prime Minister of Ceylon D.S Senanayake and the work was entrusted to Sir John Kothalawala who was the Minister for Transport and Works. Their goal was to build a memorial worthy of this country's long and impressive history. Sir John Kothalawala assembled a team comprising the best architects and town planners of that era including WynneJones - the Chief Architect, Shirley De Alwis - the University Architect and Olivier Weerasinghe who acted as the Town planner. Venerable Mapalagama Vipulasara, the designer of the shrine room and the Buddha statue at Ananda College which is considered the best statue of the kind in Sri Lanka acted as the designer of the sculptures. Even with such experts behind him, Sir John had to make several trips to D.S. Senanayake's office to present a sketch that won the premier's approval. That the memorial should be worthy of this country's long and impressive history was the goal that the designers had to strive for. It was finally decided that the best way to achieve this objective was to incorporate the features of the Audience Hall of the Kandyan Dynasty, because it was considered the best architectural model on which the Independence Memorial should be designed. But features from more ancient times were also present to make it a true symbol of the country's long and impressive history. Four lions, distinctively of the Yapahuwa tradition, stand guard at the foot of this commanding statue. Going further back in time, the Polonnaruwa traditions are visible in the balustrades and the sculptures around the hall.

The main purpose of the memorial hall was to hold joint sittings of the two houses of Parliament on ceremonious occasions and therefore it was designed to seat 432 people. It was also possible to hold levies, durbars, investitures, official receptions for distinguished visitors and delegates from abroad. Another idea was to provide a focal centre to commemorate the annual independence celebrations, to act as a rostrum for public addresses to large assemblies and as a flagstaff for the continuous display of the national flag on ceremonial occasions. The men in charge of the operation wanted it to be pointed out with admiration not only by Sri Lankans but also by visitors to the country. Therefore it was a building of monumental proportions. It was designed in such a manner so that it was possible for a gathering of 25,000 seated on the Assembly Ground to have a clear view of any ceremony taking place in the Audience Hall while the maximum standing accommodation was calculated at 100,000. A permanent loudspeaker arrangement that was a part of the plan made the proceedings audible to all present. The design made it possible for the attendees to have a clear view of the ceremonies held within the Hall, the arrival of all dignitaries and their ascent by the main steps and of course their departure through the same route. The final objective was to have a place that will allow the greatest possible numbers of the public to participate in functions which hitherto had been reserved for a fortunate few who could afford to pay huge amounts to procure tickets.

building, situated in the Colombo University, is a landmark of Colombo and is visited by school children as a regular excursion point. A 5 cent stamp was issued to celebrate the construction of the Planetarium on December 1, 1964. BMICH

Built between 1970 and 1973, as a gift from the People's Republic of China, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) is Colombo's main convention center. The convention centre was built in memory of Solomon Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike, Prime Minister of Ceylon from 1956 to 1959. In 1998 a small Exhibition Centre was built on the grounds, once again a gift from the People's Republic of China, named the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre, in memory of the first female prime minister in the world. A 15 cent stamp was issued on June 17, 1973 to mark the construction of the convention centre under Sirimavo Bandaranaike government.

On February 4, 1968, the 20 year anniversary marking independence a 5 cent stamp was issued featuring the Independence Square. PLANETARIUM

Constructed in 1965 by the East Germans in the midst of the space race and housed in a futurist crowned pyramid structure, the Planetarium NOVEMBER 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ 49

OF TEA RETREATS

Tea Breeze

Teas to Tantalize Your Tastebuds!

ri Lanka is synonymous with Ceylon Tea the world over and Tea Breeze being one of the first authentic tea cafes to open in Colombo way back in 2006, was a pioneer of the tea cafe culture in Sri Lanka. It has been described as 'the cafe for the contemporary connoisseur' which at last made it possible to 'enjoy single estate teas in the centre of Colombo in a refined setting'. Treasure Island is delighted that Tea Breeze has opened its doors to the public once again. It is now located on Perahara Mawatha adjacent to the Beira lake towards Temple Trees. The Cafe has an amazing view of the tranquil waters of the lake and the surrounding greenery and the building itself is a beautiful townhouse. As you enter, the art adorning the walls instantly creates a vibrant atmosphere as does the tasteful jazz music which gives the cafe a contemporary edge. The elegant burl walnut tea bar, timber flooring and wooden furniture gives a warm and intimate feel to the interior.

50 â&#x20AC;˘ SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ NOVEMBER 2013

AS YOU ENTER, THE ART ADORNING THE WALLS INSTANTLY CREATES A VIBRANT ATMOSPHERE AS DOES THE TASTEFUL JAZZ MUSIC WHICH GIVES THE CAFE A CONTEMPORARY EDGE

" NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 51

Run by stalwarts in the tea industry Mackwoods, you know that the service is being provided by tea connoisseurs, when you leaf through the menu. The tea drinks available are diverse - the traditional hot teas cover a wide range - the different regions, blends and grades produce distinct flavours, giving one a wide variety to choose from. Treasure Island's hot picks were the 'Tea Tantalizers' - exotic concoctions of flavoured teas and ice cream topped with an umbrella and cherry..the William Mackwoods Mint Tea Float and Edward Barnes Mango Tea were delicious and resembled colourful cocktails! Tea Breeze also serves delectable sweets - cinnamon tea infused apple crumble, cheese cake and chocolate gateaux to name a few. The high tea was also a highlight for Treasure Island -comprising a pot of Mackwoods Single Estate tea, warm scone with butter jam or marmalade and a slice of cake. A selection of freshly made sandwiches and smoked salmon canapés are served as savoury accompaniments. Tea Breeze is open daily from 9am to 8pm and visitors can leaf through poetry books, novels, the Wall Street Journal, or newspapers whilst enjoying their tea. There is also a gift shop on the ground floor which showcases the range of Mackwoods Fine Teas available which come in a variety of elegant packaging such as handcrafted silver canisters, ceramic containers and wooden boxes. Treasure Island highly recommends Tea Breeze as a must visit cafe in Colombo, which provides an unique tea experience to discerning clientele.

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For contacts: Tea Breeze, B18, Perahara Mawatha (Beira Lake), Colombo 03. Tel: 0112434074 Open daily from 9am to 8pm

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OF LUXURY HOLIDAYS AMONGST SERENE ENVIRONS

"EDEN RESORT IS LOCATED IN THE GOLDEN MILE OF SRI LANKA, AND IS UNIQUELY DONE WITH AN ATTRACTIVE ARCHITECTURE STYLE OF A HORSE SHOE"

The Eden Resort The One Stop for Peoples Around the World

Pics by Nilan Wijeratna

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he Eden Resort managed by LOLC leisure division and was recently refurbished with 109 rooms including interior , furniture, re tiling of bathrooms and fittings. Among the latest additions to the rooms were 42 inch televisions , blue ray players, and HDMI panels. The hotel also hotel boasts 2 penthouses ,4suites, and 16 paradise rooms.The main restaurant was completely refurbished with new decors and furniture with the retiled pool. Eden Resort is just 01 and 15 minutes drive - 58 Km from Colombo. The Kosgoda turtle hatchery, Lunuganga - Geoffrey Bawa house, many Buddhist temples beruwalaharboure and the most popular water sport including diving are the nearby attractions to the hotel. With the LOLC acquisition the hotel has been given with a lot of boost interms of marketing , line of service and new facilities added. Signature feature of this hotel is the 7th roof top cocktail bar opens till midnight from 4pm and is very popular among the tourists enjoying the sundown overlooking the beach . The hotel has also created a pavilion in the garden where serve ‘Shisha’ is served in the evenings.

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There are also many other facilities in the hotel such as well-equipped gym, squash court, indoor games room, snooker and pool table are few to mentioned. Eden Resort is located in the golden mile of Sri Lanka, and l is uniquely done with an attractive architecture style of a horse shoe, well suited from little kids to elderly guests to experience so many facilities such as sit outs , beautiful gardens , children play areas, scotch,indoor pool , beach volley ball courts , sun bed beach , entertainments , DJ music,solo performances , cultural shows and etc. The Temptation signature restaurant here is a unique place to have an elegant and tasteful meal from 7pm to 11pm.A of foods are served to guest amidst food promotions , al-a-cart , Indian , Thai and Arabic , Mexican and Italian style food making it the ideal location for where guests from all parts of the world can enjoy. The hotel is also renowned and famous for foreign weddings of couples with drummers and dancers in Sri Lankan style including an elephant ridefor them.

Eksath Wijeratne General Manager of Eden Resort & Spa

56 â&#x20AC;˘ SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ NOVEMBER 2013

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OF ADVENTURE WILDERNESS & COMFORT

ecluded amidst this wilderness, blending perfectly with the surrounds, Ulagalla by Uga Escapes offers every comfort and facility of luxurious urban living to their guests. 20 luxurious chalets – each with its own private plunge pool; offer spacious comforts with all the modern amenities. Hidden away in the quiet village of Thirappane in the Anuradhapura district, this unmistakable resort is just a short drive away from exciting wildlife safaris to the plains of Minneriya National Park to watch the elephants or further West to Wilpattu National Park – the realm of leopards. Named in the top ten of the Lonely Planets ‘Greatest Wildlife Spectacles’ – the Elephant Gathering in Minneriya, the largest of its kind in the world, is a sight that must be seen to be believed. The Minneriya tank is an ancient man-made which now supports a vast number of elephants. As the waters of the Minneriya recede in the drought, it exposes the banks of the reservoir and provides a plain for grass to grow. This platter of food and access to water is what the parched and hungry elephants seek after. The elephants start trickling in in July, but as numbers peak in August and September, over 300 wild elephants can be seen assembling.

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Ulagalla where adventure meets

indulgence

" Named in the top ten of the Lonely Planets ‘Greatest Wildlife Spectacles " NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 59

This spectacle, which takes place in a few square kilometers, had led to international recognition with it being featured in a National Geographic documentary and being the 6th on Mother Natures Greatest Hits amongst other renowned international events such as the Masai Mara wildebeest migration and the monarch butterfly migration in Mexico. For deeper exploration of the wild, visit Wilpattu National Park, one of the largest and oldest national parks in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu, which literally means ‘Land of Lakes’, was originally a sanctuary and was declared a national park in 1938 and is well known for the highest occurrence of leopards in Southeast Asia. Besides leopards, there are plenty of other sights to see in Wilpattu. A few of the highlights one could expect to see at Wilpattu are sloth bears, barking deer, blackcapped bulbuls and mugger crocodiles in addition to other sightings. Ulagalla is the perfect base for travellers with a thirst for adventure and a passion for wildlife. But we understand that great adventures are also about elegant simplicity – to return to a cool dip in the pool, rejuvenate in the spa or sip a sundowner on a private deck. A great trip is often remembered for the rush of adrenaline, but also for the right balance between luxury and adventure something Ulagalla prides itself on.

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OF FACILITIES TO CONFER

"In the beginning of 1990,

the Uva Management Development and Training Unit was established in the Uva Provincial Secatariat Office under the helm of the deputy secretary personnel and training

UVA

Management development

institute

Text and Pic by Indaka Karunadasa

adulla is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, in the Uva Province, 210km away from Colombo. From Badulla town to Passara it’s about 16km. Passara is a tea-economy based town. A branch station of the Tea Research Institute is also situated in Passara, with many tea factories in surrounding vicinity. Along the Passara-Badulla road, in between Passara and Badulla is Pelgahatenna village. It’s about 8km away from Badulla town. The Uva Management Development and Training Institute, a centre of international standards, with conference hall and accommodation with all modern facilities, is situated here. Until 1990, Sri Lankan public servants were trained in Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. In 1990 National Public Service training was introduced by the Sri Lankan Government and Management Development and Training Units (MDTU) were established in all ministries, provincial councils and government departments.

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Province Management Development and Training Institute there in 1993. For the next 6 years, all training programmes were conducted there.

In the beginning of 1990, the Uva Management Development and Training Unit was established in the Uva Provincial Text and Pic by Indaka Karunadasa Office under the helm of the deputy secretary - personnel and training. A major purpose of this unit was to train Uva provincial governmental officers. Other functions included identifying the training requirements of different grades of officers, generating training requirements proposals, and preparing training programmes.

In 1998, under the Area Bases Growth with Equity Programme (ABGEP) conducted by the United Nations Development Programme, a new building was constructed for the Institute on the Badulla-Passara road, near Pelgahatenna Village, in front of the Ury Tea Estate Factory and below the Namunukula mountain range. It was opened to the public on January 29, 2001. In 2013 the Sri Lankan Chief Ministers’ conference was held at this centre, after being upgraded with two air conditioned

rooms and 25 with fans, hot/cold water facilities, mini fridge, satellite TV and wi-fi. Also, 6 dormitories that can house 150 people in total, a 150 seater dining hall, a 24 seater VIP restaurant, lobby with satellite TV and pool table. In the beginning however there was no proper building to carry out their work and most training programmes were conducted at the In-services at Bindunuwewa, Bandarawela belonging to the Agricultural Department and Haliella Resources Centre at the Science College premises. In 1992 the Uva Management Development and Training Unit was shifted to the Etampitiya Deensland Tea Estate bungalow. The official residence of the Uva provincial chief secretary at the time, it had 3 bedrooms, a visiting room,dining hall with a kitchen, and a well maintained garden. According to the Assistant Secretary - Text and Pic by Indaka Karunadasal, then Uva Province Chief Minister Percy Samaraweera had the bungalow converted and established the Uva

SERVICES > Conducting training programmes > Receptions (any function) ADDRESS Uva Management Development and Training Institute, Passara Road, Pelgahatenna, Badulla, Sri Lanka. TELEPHONE : +94(55) 2288071 +94(55) 2288073 FAX : +94(55) 2288072 E-MAIL : umdi@sltnel.lk In Ohiya there is a subcentre belonging to the Uva Management Development and Training Institute which has two

luxury and nine semi-luxury rooms with all facilities. The centre is ideal for conducting workshops and conferences and other functions. It has a conference hall with modern facilities, a VIP lobby and safari vehicles and selected meals on demand. It is not too far from Horton Plains and the Bambarakanda waterfall. (Special thanks to Assistant Director Ananda Vijitha Kumara and Programme Assistant T.M. Ajith Sumanatissa, and all other staff members of the Uva Management Development and Training Institute.)

The Institute can facilitate the participation of 585 people for training programs with six, both air conditioned and non air conditioned halls. There is also an auditorium, mini conference hall, lecture rooms with modern facilities and a computer room. 24 hour security services, car parking facilities, Chinese, Indian and Sri Lankan traditional foods are available on request. NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 63

OF PROMOTING SL IN THE NAIGHBOURHOOD

he first ever Sri Lanka’s mega promotion in China , with joint efforts from Public and Private sectors, initiated under the advice of H.E the President Mahinda Rajapaksa held recently this year in Beijing in China. This is a joint effort of 45 key government institutions and private sector organizations. The campaign, held in Beijing, was organized under the guidance of Hon.Basil Rajapaksa-the Minister of Economic Development. THE DELEGATION ON A FRUITFUL MISSION Sri Lankan delegation to the “Sri Lanka Shines In Beijing” was led by Senior Minister A.H.M Fouzie while Deputy Minister of Economic Development Susantha Punchinilame, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce Anura Siriwardana ,Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Bhaswara Gunaratne,

Director General Of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Dr. D.S Jayaweera and Managing Director of Sri Lanka Rummy Jauffer also took part in the Lankan delegation. “Sri Lanka Shines In Beijing” joint mega promotion campaign was held under the guidance of Minister of Economic Development Hon.Basil Rajapaksa. This event was jointly organized by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing. DAY 01 The first event in the schedule was Sri Lankan Night at China World Hotel. “Sri Lanka Shines in Beijing” night was colourful with cultural shows which reflected the unique Sri Lankan identity and the participants in the event were truly entertained. Over 500 high profile Chinese guests including politicians, government officers, Travel Trade

64 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER 2013

Businessmen and media were invited for this colourful night. DAY 02 On the second day of the campaign the participants got the opportunity to attend business meetings arranged at China World Hotel Beijing. Over 300 professionals working in the Chinese tourism and trade industry attended these meetings. It was a great opportunity for those in Sri Lankan travel and trade industry to build up links that would help their respective industries. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in collaboration with Sri Lanka Inbound Tour operators Association of Sri Lanka, introduced a special holiday package for Chinese travellers, who would like to arrive in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Airlines, the Island’s national carrier offered special air rates for this special tour package.

ACTIVITIES A FRUITFUL CAMPAIGN

business meetings arranged at China World Hotel Beijing.

Sri Lanka Bus branding Campaign too was inaugurated at the “The Place” shopping mall by Senior Minister A.H.M Fouzie

The Shopping Mall activation at “The Place” shopping mall saw Sri Lankan dancers, drummers and DJ’s taking the stage to entertain the Chinese public, while a large number of Sri Lankan firms displayed their products and services during the campaign. The Island’s Gem traders amongst displayed the world’s best blue Sapphires among many other gem stones. The Island’s hoteliers and tour operators also made their presence at the activation campaign. During the shopping mall campaign, Sri Lanka Tourism along with the Tourism Partners offered free holiday packages, where the luckiest Chinese men or women grabbed prizes at the entering competitions held during the Shopping mall activations. Along with the Mall Activation Campaign, a Sri Lanka Bus branding Campaign too was inaugurated on at the same venue. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, hoped the Bus Advertising Campaign which was being conducted with the support of 300 buses would promote the Island nation among the Chinese public living and visiting cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chendu and Guangzhou. POST NOTE Over 45 Sri Lankan government and private sector travel and trade institutions participated at this mega event.

The Place” shopping mall saw Sri Lankan dancers, drummers and DJ’s taking the stage to entertain the Chinese public

Chinese tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka is on a steady rise, as the country’s reception of Chinese tourists during the first seven months of this year, has been an year on year increase of 74%. The latest leap shows encouraging signs as the Government of Sri Lanka is campaigning vigorously to capture a slice out of the growing Chinese outbound tourism market, that stood a total of 83 million tourists in 2012.

The Place” shopping mall saw Sri Lankan dancers, drummers and DJ’s taking the stage to entertain the Chinese public

Senior Minister A.H.M Fouzie addressing at the Sri Lankan Night at China World Hotel

Deputy Minister of Economic Development Susantha Punchinilame addressing at the Sri Lankan Night at China World Hotel

Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Bhaswara Gunaratne addressing at the Sri Lankan Night at China World Hotel

A beautiful Kandyian style dance item by young Sri Lankan Performers at the Sri Lankan Night at China World Hotel

A performance at the Sri Lankan Night at China World Hotel

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“Ocean Princess”

OF ASIA’S FAVOURITE MARITIME DESTINATION

cruises to Colombo Pics. by Mahinda Thennakoon

“MV OCEAN PRINCESS” at the passenger terminal of SLPA

plaque exchange ceremony was held on board the cruise ship “MV OCEAN PRINCESS” in celebration of its maiden call to Colombo with 672 passengers on the 10th of October, 2013. The agency services for this cruise line is provided by Messrs. Malship (Ceylon) Limited, a company representing many International Shipping Lines in the Conventional and Container shipping business. “Ocean Princess” is currently on a 38-day Western Mediterranean Cruise from Dover to Singapore (07/0913 to 15/1013). Ocean Princess, formerly R Four, and Tahitian Princess, is an R-class cruise ship owned by Princess Cruise Liner. She mainly sails around the French Polynesian islands, Society Islands, Cook Islands, Marquesas Islands, and often sails to Hawaii. In November 2009 the Tahitian Princess was renamed “Ocean Princess” to reflect a more global theme. Ocean Princess is an elegant ship that features superb décor in the grand public rooms reminiscent of classic liner days. Over sixty percent of the rooms have outside balconies. It has two elegant restaurants, the Sterling SteakhouseSM and Sabatini’sSM, featuring menus that passengers’ taste buds will never ever forget. 66 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER 2013

To mark the significance of this move to the SLPA, plaques were exchanged between the Chairman of SLPA Dr. Priyath B Wickrama and the Master of the cruise ship “MV OCEAN PRINCESS” Capt. Carlo Servillo in the presence of senior officials of SLPA and the officials of Messrs. Malship (Ceylon) Limited. Commenting on the significance of the occasion, Dr. Priyath B. Wickrama, Chairman, SLPA said, “The Mahinda Chinthana Vision is to drive tourism to new heights by doubling the hotel room capacity to 50,000 by year 2016 with US$ 3 billion FDI. The Sri Lanka Tourism Strategy for the period 2011 to 2016, launched in November 2011, aims to welcome 2.5 million arrivals by 2016 which will increase tourism earnings by over five times to US$ 2.75 billion a year. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) is fully poised to shoulder the development of this sector. The SLPA has already taken the initiative to contribute to this endeavor of the government. It will develop the Port of Galle to be the most sought after cruise destination in Sri Lanka. Plans are afoot to fully develop the Port of Galle as a Tourist Port. To give you some recent statistics, Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals surged 26.1 percent NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 67

“MV OCEAN PRINCESS” calling at the passenger terminal of SLPA in August 2013 from a year earlier to 100,224 and total arrivals up to August were up 14.3 percent to 711,446. The booming economy of the country resulting from the dawn of peace has created a conducive climate for a boost in the Tourism Industry in Sri Lanka. In this context, whilst working in tandem with the tourism sector, Sri Lankan ports have vitally important roles to play”. Expressing his views on the occasion, Capt. Nihal Kappetipola, Managing Director, SLPA said, “We have recently seen an increase in the cruise vessels arriving in the Port of Colombo, which was a very rare occurrence before 2009. I am also happy that tourist arrivals are increasing. This trend betokens a new era for the tourism industry in Sri Lanka which is on the threshold of an economic renaissance with huge maritime-related infrastructure development projects in the port sector”. “Therefore, it is important that our ports and coastal destinations are carefully managed and smartly promoted for the sustainable growth of this important market segment. This apart, in order for Sri Lanka to fully capitalize on this growing tourism sector, it is extremely necessary to examine the current trends and future directions of the worldwide cruise industry. I thank local operator Messrs. Malship (Ceylon) Limited for their efforts in introducing

Passengers from “MV OCEAN PRINCESS” to Colombo being taken for one day excursions by luxury passenger transportation services. Colombo to the itineraries of Princess Cruises” he further said. Mr. Mackey Hashim, Managing Director of Messrs. Malship (Ceylon) Limited also remarked at the ceremony “Our principals are eager to help Sri Lanka mark its global presence by including Colombo in their popular cruise itineraries and we are really proud to be associated with the renowned Princess Cruise Liner as their local representative. We are ready to shoulder the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka to earn their projected income from tourism in the coming years”.

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OF DRESS CULTURE

GLAMOROUS OPENING FOR

ODEL’S NEW STORE

IN JA-ELA

12,000 squarefoot new-look store at ‘K Zone’ is second largest Odel store in Sri Lanka

lamour was the order of the evening at the new ‘K Zone’ mall at JaEla when Odel opened its second largest store in Sri Lanka within its precincts on Friday, 25th October. Comprising of 12,000 square feet of stylish retail space, the new store offers the complete Odel experience, only outmatched in scale by Odel’s flagship store at Alexandra Place, Colombo. It will serve residents of Ja-Ela, Kandana, Negombo and other towns north of Colombo. The new store was ceremonially opened by Odel founder and CEO Otara Gunewardene accompanied by two of her facebook fans. Invitees and Odel fans who attended the ceremonial opening were treated to a colourful fashion show inside the mall just before the store’s doors were opened. The new store is open seven days a week from 10 am to 8 pm. It comprises of Odel’s Ladies, Men’s, Kids, Homeware, Backstage and Embark departments. New design elements and features offer a brighter, ultra-clean, sleek and modern look. NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 69

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OF SPORTS TOURISM

SASHI KUMAR AND QIN AMI CLINCH

SRI LANKAN AIRLINE GOLF CLASSIC 2013 By Hishan Welmilla

Subramaniyam Sashi Kumar (64) Malaysia and Qin Ami (50) clinched the Overall Winner –Gents Gross Score Over 36 Holes and Overall Winner -Ladies Gross Score Over 36 Holes titles respectively at the 14th Sri Lankan Air line Golf Classic 2013 concluded at , Digana Kandy Sri Lanka last weekend. Or Ben Bing Kin (73) of Hong Kong won Gents Division C-21-28 Handicap Nett while Ranjith Kumar Nagalingam ( 68 ) of Sri Lanka claiming the runner up slot. In the Ladies Division B-21-28 Handicap Nett event Veera Singh (71) of India adjudged as the winner and Chaong Pitt Kue (67) Malaysia went away with the runner up trophy. Zhang Ji Zhou (91) of China won the Gents Division B-13-20 Handicap Nett title and Li Yueha (83) of China received the runner up position. Suwaneetha Selvaratne (68) of Sri Lanka has won the Ladies Division A-0-20 Handicap Nett title and Neetu Agrawal (67) from India placed second. In the Gents Division A-0-12 Handicap Nett event Lee Kim Leow (74) of Malaysia claimed the first place and Hai Qunyu Steven ( 72) secured the second slot. Apart from the main awards there were two special awards were given and Zhang Jun Bo received the award for Nearest the Pin Winner. Hai Qunyu Steven ( 72) received the award for Longest Drive Winner. Over 170 overseas players and 50 local golfers will be participating in this event popular event which has been the cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s golf scene The overseas golfers are expected from the airline’s network of countries like the United States, UK, Germany, France, Switzerland,

Sri Lankan Air line Golf Classic 2013 Overall Winner – Gents Gross Score Over 36 Holes- R Subramaniyam Sashi Kumar (64) Malaysia

72 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER 2013

Moscow, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, India and Pakistan.

Sri Lankan Air line Golf Classic 2013 Overall Winner -Ladies Gross Score Over 36 Holes – Qin Ami (50)

For 14 years, SriLankan Airlines' Golf Classic has attracted hundreds of amateur golfers from around the world for its thrills, on and off the green. The best part of the classic is the challenging course located amidst amazingly stunning surroundings. Golfers not only get a chance to put their skills to test against an international field of competitors, but also to enjoy an exciting, memorable vacation. Teeing off at the Victoria Golf & Country Resort in Digana in Kandy is that, no matter where you look, you are bound to be distracted - in a good way. Look in one direction and be awed by the transcendent Knuckles mountain ranges, and the other, by the picturesque Victoria Reservoir.

Ladies Division A-0-20 Handicap Nett WinnerSuwaneetha Selvaratne (68) Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Airlines Golf Classic 2013 Prize List Gents Division C-21-28 Handicap Nett •Runner Up- Ranjith Kumar Nagalingam (68) Sri Lanka •Winner- Or Ben Bing Kin (73) Hong Kong Ladies Division B-21-28 Handicap Nett •Runner Up- Chaong Pitt Kue (67) Malaysia •Winner- Veera Singh (71) India Gents Division B-13-20 Handicap Nett •Runner Up- Li Yueha (83) China •Winner- Zhang Ji Zhou (91) China Ladies Division A-0-20 Handicap Nett •Runner Up- Neetu Agrawal (67) India •Winner- Suwaneetha Selvaratne (68) Sri Lanka

Longest Drive Winner – Hai Qunyu Steven ( 72)

Gents Division A-0-12 Handicap Nett •Runner Up- Hai Qunyu Steven ( 72) •Winner – Lee Kim Leow (74) Malaysia Nearest the Pin Winner Zhang Jun Bo Longest Drive Winner Hai Qunyu Steven ( 72) •Sri Lankan Air line Golf Classic 2013 Overall Winner –Gents Gross Score Over 36 HolesR Subramaniyam Sashi Kumar (64) Malaysia •Sri Lankan Air line Golf Classic 2013 Overall Winner -Ladies Gross Score Over 36 Holes – Qin Ami (50)

NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 73

NEWS

TAKE ON YOUR TOMORROW WITH HNB ASSURANCE

ri Lanka’s Innovative insurance solutions provider, HNB Assurance has commenced an Island wide campaign to address the community the value of life, family and your belongings and to follow your dreams and aspirations. This corporate campaign envisions the need to be ready for all life events that might occur in your life in an unexpected event. The kite story is about a small boy been guided by his grandfather who has always been an inspiration throughout his life, and how he remembers the way his grandfather taught him to fly his first kite, and with the strength from his grandfather, today he is an engineer. The story narrates that there is somebody in your life who stands by you no matter what, and helps you achieve the best in life. HNB Assurance is by your side to take care of everything that is important to you and it gives you the promise to follow your dreams and not to hold anything back and to take on tomorrow with HNBA. Commenting on the pioneering of the corporate campaign, Lalith Fernando – General Manager Marketing & Distribution of HNB Assurance stated“This campaign is based on real life experiences and elaborated in three scenarios. The story about the Kite, Swimming coach and the Car.We at HNB Assurance, is an Insurance company of a new era, take pride in providing what we call strength to our fellow Sri Lankans to go after their hopes and dreams. Just like the story of the kite, and the thread that gives strength to fly as high as it wants; HNB Assurance will give you the strength you need to take that giant leap of faith towards your dream. So you too can excel in life. Commenting on this campaign, Dilshan Perera – Head of Marketing of HNB Assurance stated “We’ve all got great dreams for our future. Build a house, buy a car, live the dream, start our very own business, give our kids a good education, create something of our own, enjoy the freedom of life. But we never know what’s around the corner. That’s why we’re always cautious of the future. That’s why we’re always thinking twice whenever we want to go after our dreams. But life is indeed a test. And history has always shown that the people, who achieve the best in life, are people who have gone after their dreams with no fear. Their unwavering strength is a common factor and that is why HNB Assurance will take on your tomorrow.This Island wide campaign is being released in print, radio and social media campaignsin order to convey our message to all Sri Lankans”

Lalith Fernando General Manager – Marketing & Distribution of HNB Assurance

The corporate campaign ‘Take on your tomorrow’ unveils that in order to achieve your aspirations and dreams you will need someone by your side to guide you and to strengthen you in order to take on your tomorrow without any fear so that you can achieve your dreams despite of what may come in the future. HNB Assurance is the strength and the sole navigator that will help you to make all your dreams come true. HNB Assurance PLC is one of the fastest growing Insurance Companies in Sri Lanka with a network of 51 branches. HNBA is also rated within the Top 100 Brands and Top 100 companies in Sri Lanka by LMD and HNB Assurance recently won an International awards for Brand excellence and HR excellence and also won Five Main awards for its 2012 Annual Report in the Award ceremonies organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, ACCA Sri Lanka (Association of the Chartered Certified Accountants) and SAFA (South Asian Federation of Accountants) For further information, please contact: Dilshan Perera - Head of Marketing - HNB Assurance - Mobile: 0773473300 74 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER 2013

Dilshan Perera Head of Marketing of HNB Assurance

SARASAVI MITHURO ANOTHER SOCIAL PROGRAM Sarasavi Mithuro organization is an alumni organization of university of Colombo, established in 1998 and consisting more than 650 members. The organization provided scholarships for children in rural areas and various Donations for under privilege school children’s for their studies as a part of our corporate social responsibility. O/L Seminar organized by Sarasavi Mithuro Organization held on 18thand 19th October at Shalika Hall, Dahiyatha Kandiya with participation of more than 600 school children’s covering Dahiyatha Kandiya Zonal Education sponsored by David Peris Motor Company. With this program Sarasavi Mithuro Organization Donate Library Book to two Schools and Master Guide Pass Papers Book to all Schools at Dahiyatha Kandiya area.

SEYLAN RUSH HOUR’ BRINGS SURPRISE CREDIT CARD DEALS TO SRI LANKAN CONSUMERS Discounts up to 50% on offer Hot on the heels of the recent mammoth offers on its credit cards, Seylan Bank takes the benefits of credit cards to yet another exciting level with the launch of its latest promotion – Seylan Rush Hour. Commencing Wednesday 30 October all Seylan Bank credit cardholders are in for a fabulous bonanza with surprise offers up for grabs on fuel, supermarket groceries, clothing, and fast food for an indefinite period. These offers are operative between 5pm and 6pm on selected days of the week, giving customers a refund of Rs. 25/- for every litre of fuel pumped at all Lanka IOC outlets island wide, a whopping 50% off on meat items, fresh fish, fresh fruit and vegetables at all Arpico supercentres, 50% off on selected fast food franchises and a 40% discount on clothing at selected clothing outlets to be announced on the day of the offer. Seylan Rush Hour also brings with it an exciting element of surprise. The locations and days are all under wraps and will be revealed on the relevant days only through press and radio advertisements, text messages, e-fliers, Seylan Face Book Page at www.facebook.com/ SeylanBank and through other digital marketing channels. Seylan Bank’s Chief Manager, Cards, Nimesh Fernando said, “Sri Lankan consumers are continuously offered discounts of various shapes and sizes all the time. We’re pleased to literally flood the market place with our specially designed offers, bring our customers tangible discounts and make them feel special. In as much as these mega offers are essentially targeted at our entire credit card customer base, we’re also pleased to offer them to new card applicants as well”. Senior Deputy General Manager Retail Banking Tissa Nanayakkara said, “We’re once again happy to share these new deals with our thousands of credit card holders in this 25th anniversary year. Seylan Bank is Sri Lanka’s undisputed Bank with a Heart. We’re happy to be in constant synch with the needs and aspirations of our customers, all of whom are members of the large Seylan family which extends across the country. They are important to us and we are proud of all of them. We want them to know it … hence this second unmatchable promotion from the Seylan Bank”. NOVEMBER 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 75

BOC INTRODUCES A NEW SMART REMIT FOR FUND TRANSACTION SYSTEM

Sets records as No 1 brand & No: 1 bank

he Bank of Ceylon (BOC) being a fully state owned financial institution serves as a unique role in a number of banking and related disciplines to boost the country’s socio-economic development. Its greatest supply inputs include the boost of financial power of that drives the nation’s growth and development to provide the added support to keep Sri Lankans moving smoothly towards their objectives and to help prevent them from falling back again. The latest money transfer system BOC Smart Remit introduces by the bank is now becoming widely attracted across the customer fund transfer activities in out of the country. This real time and on line system that charges no additional cost as commission has allowed the customers to send and receive money easily and faster at any branch of the BOC around the country and via international banking network. The reliability and confident service it had extended than any other fund transfer system to the customer has also served towards an enhanced an efficient system in all NRFC activities of BOC customers. The Bank of Ceylon (BOC) announced the opening of the subscription list of its debenture issue recently in October. The fifth BOC debenture issue is also slated to be the largest debenture issue in Sri Lanka, valued at Rs 4 billion, with an option to increase the size up to rupee 8 billion in the event of over subscription. The debenture is prices at Rs 100 each. Bank of Ceylon debenture issue 2013 which opened for subscription on 21st October 2013 attracted unprecedented interest among the investors with total bid value surpassing Rs 20 Billion on the opening day it self forcing the Bank to close the issue same day. The initial offer was for Rs 4billion with room to up size to Rs 8 Billion in the event of over subscription. How ever, total value of bids received was more than 250% of rupees 8 Billion as predicted by the senior management of the Bank. Majority of the applications received were for five years and ten years fixed rate categories. Retail investors have shown interest on five years fixed category while insurance companies and pension funds were prominent among the investors who showed the interest in long term (ten years) with bids totaling Rs 11.6 Billion which is more than 50% of the total value of the applications received. This trend augurs well for the future capital maker development in the country in which BOC expects to play key role. Bank will utilize part of the funds raised to retire maturing debentures and the rest will be made available for long term infrastructure project financing. “This huge appetite for Bank of Ceylon debt shown by the investors once again highlighted the faith and confidence placed by them in the bank” Said the Senior Deputy General Manager (International Treasury and Investment) BOC had primarily expected Sri Lankan investors from the corporate sector with excesses liquidity and they also encourage foreign investors as the rupee is fairly stable at the moment. BOC Senior Deputy General Manager (International, Treasury and Investments) P.A.Lionel weighed in, adding that this was a good time to lock funds long-term depending on interest forecasts. The bank will also mark its precious presence at the Commonwealth Business forum 2013 held from 12-14 November at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo with the objective of Partnering for Wealth Creation and Social Development in the Commonwealth, Indian Ocean and SAARC , parallel to CHOGM 2013. BOC Chairman Razik Zarook will also address during the forum sessions on Strengthening National Economies through Global Business and Trade. The forum will feature a project portfolio of investment proposals that are looking for funding, equity or business partners. The Business Matching Centre will enable participants to meet with potential investors, investment bankers and potential knowledge partners to present their projects. Sri Lanka’s No. 1 bank BOC also set a record for the first time in Sri Lanka by becoming the No.1 brand in the country for the fifth consecutive year as expressed recently by the Brands Annual Publication, published by the Brand Finance Lanka a part of the Brand Finance network, which is a brand valuation and strategy company with its headquarters in the UK. According to Brands annual edition 2013, Brand value of Bank of Ceylon has increased from Rs.15.19 billion to Rs.24.15 billion in the year 2013. This is a significant growth of 62% compared to the previous year. P.A.LIONEL BOC Senior Deputy General Manager (International, Treasury and Investments)

76 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • NOVEMBER 2013

HNB The Millennium Trophy Golf Tournament 2013 The Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) Millennium Trophy Golf Tournament, a board tournament open to all RCGC members was held recently. HNB sponsored the event for the seventh consecutive year. The two day golf tournament attracted about 200 golfers. S. Harimawan

Sidath Wettimuny

Ilham,Dilshan,Nimal,Jonathan and Dilanka

Prashan,Dilshan,Nimal,Jonathan and Dilanka

Dilshan,Amrith,Nimal,Jonathan & Dilanka

Dilshan,Nimal,Wenders,Jonathan & Dilanka

Kris,Dilshan,Prashan,Nimal,Wenders, Jonathan,Amrith,Dilnka & Ilham

Jonathan Alles & Wenders Shieh NOVEMBER 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ 77

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and Sri Lanka caught, tamed years ago, elephants were Welcome To Treasure Isl with Lankan kings over 2000 reservoirs have been built During the reign of the Sri the elephants. temples and vast initiated. Large palaces, had a long association with construction works that they The Sri Lankan people have the large scale and massive for bers num large in and used the aid of elephants. Assistant ed his career as a Research Vasantha Nugegoda start n Ripley from d famous Primatologist Suza worl of ance guid the r unde served as the Washington. Vasantha has the Smithsonian Institute ing and develiwela Zoo, for further learn General Curator of the Deh London zoo for three to t wen He ent. agem opment on Zoo Man d which was under the Jersey Channel islan Trust in years and was traiend at Durrell and at the Wildfowl ld Gera t ralis Natu n the well-know t. Scot r Piete Sir r unde ge Slim Brid

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