Life style
A Pond, a rock and a view
by Christina Vidanagamage
The North Central province of Sri Lanka is part of what is called the Dry Zone but a reputed lecturer and the dean of the University of Rajarata said that it should be known as the “Waevu baendi rajyaya” (the kingdom where reservoirs were built). Of course the word ‘reservoir’ doesn’t exactly capture everything associated with ‘weva’ because the latter is not just a body of water but part of a socio-economic-ecological system. What’s important is that the extensive and sophisticated irrigation systems has made it too wet to be called ‘Dry Zone.’
Anuradhapura is about heritage, religion and culture. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, the Ruwanweliseya and innumerable other venerated sites indicate that it is the heart of Buddhism in the island. These are archaeologically significant but they constitute living heritage for people still visit and worship.
“Kalu diya pokuna” (black water pond) in Mihintale, during a recent visit, was like a historical filter keeping away everything that was familiar. As I walked through the mighty stone entrance just as dawn was breaking it was as though I was entering a different era.
The surroundings fascinated me. It was a monastic complex made for the saffron robe. The ruins gave out the vibe of a grandiose history. Around the pond there were ruins of what could have been a place of residence for meditating bikkhus, who may have been arahats. There was also a stupa with a stone inscription the characters on which, according to the description posted by the Archaeological Department, were hard to decipher. The presence of life overpowered me. It was not only a pond I saw but an entire habitat of civilization long gone. I was enliven by the architecture and the designs related to the ancient hydraulic system. I felt the strength and the sweat of a people who built the place upon the orders of the king.
I imagined the bikkhus walking slowly along the paths meditating or going about their diurnal routines with the soft music of the gathas being chanted during a Buddha poojawa. The black water pond certainly reflected the shadows of the past at that moment. It was a place of tranquility.
About an hour and a half from Kalu Diya Pokuna is a different kind of monastery belonging to a different time. Buddhungala Raja Maha Viharaya, a few kilometers off Padaviya is also a place of pure serenity, but of a different kind. It had also been home to bikkhus in centuries gone by.
The rock formations are spectacular and so too the views from the top of the hill where the ruins are. Typical of such places, slight depressions made for small seasonal rock pools, referred to as kemas. There had been rain so these kemas of varying size had frogs, dried leaves and moss. The villagers claim that various creatures big and small, elephants included, slake their thirst in these kemas.
The quaint belfry, rising against several formidable boulders, stood like a sentinel, a relatively modern construction loo0king upon things from an ancient time.
Upon the adjacent rock there was a boulder of very interesting shape. From one angle it looked like a perfect square but poised upon one of the four points. It seemed it could roll over any moment.
There was a moment of stillness and silence. A moment for the imagination to do its work.
I heard the sound of the bell. I saw bikkhus walking down the stone stairway, each cradling a paththaraya.
Such places do this to us. They take us back to a different time. We duly imagine even though what we imagine could be very different from what was actually there then.
There are monasteries hidden deep in wild places, far away from the blare of the traffic and bustling towns. The greenery surroundings, the open skies, the emptiness upon the rock formations invite us to mediate and help us focus.
Of course the time of day is important because amount and angle of light gives different colors at times. What one sees at dawn, one might miss at noon and something that stands out for attention at noon could be passed over unnoticed in the early morning light. For example, there is something mystical about Kalu Diya Pokuna at all times of day, but there’s some addition mystery that envelopes the place at dawn.
These are not places for hurried visits. One has to allow the physical surroundings and historical remains to present themselves in their own pace. There are also seemingly insurmountable heights which can be reached if one is prepared to make the effort and look for the right path.
The view will mesmerize. The surroundings will engulf. One visits a place expecting certain things, for example a splendid view. And yet one comes away having been even more impressed by a simple belfry silhouetted against an evening sky or the reflection of tress and bits of cloud in conversation with the dead leaves at the bottom of a kema.
Photo credits @ Tharindu Amunugama
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
Envison your dream wedding day come to life at the Epitome Hotel, a prestigious city hotel in Kurunegala offering an unrivalled luxury rendors experience for weddings.
The venue is designed to embody opulence and luxury from all quarters for a spectacular wedding in kurunegala,Thier ballroom is the largest banquet facility in Sri Lanka It can be divided into six luxurious pillarless wedding halls on the ground floor and 25pax smaller banquet halls.
It can be easily named as a five star heaven in the heart of the city contributing to a myriad of immense experiences tailored to inspire and delight wedding experiences.
From opulent décor set up to exquisite table decor, lavish food, every detail is meticulously curated to spark your imagination and ignite creativity for a perfect wedding. The previous prestigious wedding shows season one and season two attracted large crowds
were unique events which gave the wedding vendors and potential clients had an opportunity to connect and interact with each other. Beyond being a showcase it was a chance for the wedding vendors to unite and contribute to the vibrancy of the wedding industry. The wedding show covered all area of the bridal industry providing a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became the most popular bridal exhibitions in Kurunegala.This bridal exhibitions allowed brides and grooms to experience first hand the products and services available from suppliers in Sri Lanka
These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
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The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
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