Life style
Leela de Mel- a woman of high attainment and humility
By Zanita Careem
When I heard the news of Dr. Leela de Mel’s demise in Perth Australia many thoughts and memories passed my mind. We first met each other when I entered Ramanathan Hall, at the Peradeniya Campus, as a fresher. Leela was then a third-year Political Science Honours student at the time I entered the campus as a fresher.
The last time I met her was a few years back when she was here for her niece’s wedding. I invited her for a cup of coffee at the Taj Samudra Hotel, when unforgettable memories of the good times replayed in my mind. Her mischievous laugh and anecdotes are now just happy memories.
These nostalgic thoughts of the university life we shared against the picturesque setting at the Peradeniya University speak volumes for our happy times together. Our senior lecturer Dr K. H. Jayasinghe, Head of the Department of Political Science and later President of the Peradeniya Campus, who was also our mentor, thought very highly of Leela.
Leela, Indra Panditharatne who was also offering political science and I were named the ‘three musketeers’ by the then warden Mrs. Cooke, a strict disciplinarian with a tough exterior.
Leela, the daughter of Rear Admiral Royce de Mel and one time Head Girl of St. Bridget’s Convent was bullying or ‘ragging’ the freshers. However, unlike today, ragging then was a form of familiarization between the seniors and the freshers. Leela’s way of ragging, unlike now, was innocent and without malice. She would ask the freshers to wear the slippers on the wrong foot, switch off the light in the room plunging the place in darkness and such. After the two weeks of ragging she always showed her concern, warmth and took all the freshers under her wing. Almost every adventure with Leela, be it visiting friends, dinner parties, trips to Sigiriya, holidaying with her two older sisters in Tangalle and visits to tea estates, meant fun. Leela loved Saraschandra’s drama and during the week for dramas at the famous Peradeniya ‘Wala’we would stand in long queues to get our tickets and had So much funfighting for seats under the moonlight.
Not only was she full of humour and repartee, Leela also had a large heart. She would help students at a time of need. Two incidents in particular come to my mind. She would often take Indra and I to afternoon tea at Elephant House in Kandy. The waiters looked forward to her visits as she always tipped them very generously. Leela also took time off her busy teaching schedule at Peradeniya to teach English to primary school students in a village called Barigama near Nugawela once a week. Often Indra and I would accompany her on this journey. The smiles on young students’ faces when they saw her said it all.
Her close friend, the amiable undergrad reading for a degree in Sociology, Padmini Bandaranaike enjoyed Leela’s company and sometimes we would end up listening to Leela’s anecdotes until the wee hours of the morning. She was well versed in world affairs and international relations and we would often have hot debates and at times indulge in social gossip too.
Leela’s academic achievements and accomplishments were many. An avid reader and a traveller, her achievements at school and university earned many accolades. But none of that got into her head. She was immune to false airs and always chose a lifestyle of simplicity.
After Leela completed her BA in Political Science, she was appointed as an Asst. Lecturer at the Peradeniya’s Department of Political Science. She went to Australia National University in Canberra on a Ford Foundation scholarship, and completed her Master’s degree in International Relations and later read for a doctorate in the School of Social Inquiry at Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia. She was an outstanding lecturer, who was not only erudite but caring, independent and unbowing.
After we graduated and were on the staff of the university Leela, Padmini, Indra and I shared an apartment at Ramanthan Hall. It was such a fun time in our young lives. Leela was an excellent cook and she wanted to make sure that her three friends would be able to put some palatable dishes on the table! She drew up an afternoon tea roster and once a week one of us, under her guidance, had to cook a suitable dish. She would then comment on it and most often I was never up to her high standards.
Dr Jayasinghe would occasionally invite a group of Political Science Honours students to his home for dinner. This was a much looked forward to event as Dr Jayasinghe would always say he made the ‘best chicken curry this side of the Suez’! Leela however, never agreed with that.
The two lecturers in Political Science, KC Perera and Ranjith Amarasinghe who had recently returned to the university after completing postgraduate studies in the UK. Leela made sure that they were welcomed back into the Political Science family. Birthdays were a case in point and Leela made sure they were celebrated in style.
Indra’s father was based in Nuwara Eliya, so taking advantage of this we did a trip to Nuwara Eliya with KC as his brother was working there too. The jokes and pranks Leela played on them are still very vivid in my memory.
This is seen as a common thread that runs through all tributes paid to her. She had a passion for working for the underprivileged and was always warm, helpful, refined and dignified. She touched the lives of many with her kindness, empathy, generosity and her readiness to help.
Now as I look back on her loss I notice that she was a high achiever which was reflected in many messages of condolence. All of them spoke of her great endurance, humility, grace, cheer and her positive attitude and achievements.
Our conversations in person, on rare occasions we met in Sri Lanka were mostly on family affairs. Her sparkling eyes and vibrant personality were her highlights. A Parliamentary tribute made by Dr. Anne Aly for Cowan (WA) aptly sums up Leela’s contribution to Social Justice and Multicultural community work. Her Alma Mater, St. Bridget’s Convent’s Old Girl Association also made a fitting tribute to her.
Her boundless energy, loyalty, generosity and capacity for fun and mischief made the lives of her husband Michael and son Janek, friends and colleagues happy. Her light hearted outlook was her forte. My thoughts are with her two loving sisters Nimmi (Loku), Priyani (Podi), and brother Manil, sister-in-law Radha, nieces and nephews whom she adored and who will dearly miss Leela.
Leela, I salute you not only your illustrious career, but also your innate goodness. You are gone yet never forgotten.
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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