Life style
Living Dinosaurs
WNPS Monthly Lecture
Crocodile Psychosis; Crocodiles in Archaeology, History, Folklore, Traditional Medicine and Human-Crocodile Conflict
by Dr Anslem de Silva
October 15 2020, 6 pm at the Jasmine Hall, BMICH
Often called living dinosaurs crocodiles can be called one of the most successful as a species living on Planet Earth today as they have existed virtually unchanged for the past 65 million years. Crocodiles are also the largest reptile in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is known as one of the best places to watch mugger crocs in all of Asia.
For the first time, we are excited to present to you a lecture by Sri Lanka’s own ‘Crocodile Dundee’ on five aspects of crocodiles of Sri Lanka:
1. Crocodiles in Sri Lankan archeology and history: Find out how the fossil of an extinct crocodile was discovered, crocodile tooth ornaments from the 4th century ACE, a world map of Sri Lanka from 1290 ACE depicting 2 crocodiles as well as many other interesting information that you maybe hearing for the first time.
2. Traditional medicine: Discover unusual traditional treatment techniques used in the event of crocodile attacks including a ‘protection’ used for crocodile attacks in the 14th century
3. Crocodiles in Sri Lanka – How to identify the two crocodile species on the island, interesting accounts of communal fishing & Crocodile Houses or ‘Kimbul gewal’
4. Human Crocodile Conflict: Even though the Human Elephant Conflict (HEC) takes centerstage in relation to Human Animal Conflicts in Sri Lanka, the Human Crocodile Conflict is also a serious issue which is often not adequately addressed. Find out details about interesting crocodile attacks, how crocodiles ‘plan’ its attacks drawn from Sri Lanka’s first island wide survey and more importantly, how to escape from a crocodile grip, should you ever be in the unfortunate situation of being attacked by a croc!
5. Importance of crocodiles: Discover where the most powerful antibiotics come from and how crocodile blood is used to treat anemia and many other aspects of the importance of crocodiles.
Dr. Anslem de Silva
Dr. Anslem de Silva is the current Regional Chairman of the Crocodile Specialist Group IUCN/SSC for South Asia and Iran. He has worked extensively on reptiles and amphibians of Sri Lanka for nearly sixty years and has to his credit, nearly 500 publications on various aspects of herpetology – this include nearly 60 books, and chapters in prestigious publications (some published abroad in UK, India). He organized the World Crocodile Conference in Negombo in 2013. He has published dozens of research papers on our crocodiles, including the 254 page comprehensive book on Sri Lanka’s crocodiles, in 2013. He conducted the first island wide survey on human-crocodile conflict, including on crocodile burrows. In 2007 he was the consultant for WWF/American Red Cross Partnership on crocodile conflict in Nilwala Mathara, also Consultant to developing an action plan for mitigation of Human-Crocodile Conflict in the Andaman Islands, organized by the Wildlife Institute of India in 2018. Currently he is working on the Mugger Crocodile Crocodylus palustris Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan for the IUCN/CSG.
In recognition of his contributions towards herpetology of the country the IUCN/SSC awarded the highest award Sir Peter Scot Award of Conservation Merit, 9th October, 2019, the first and only Sri Lankan to receive this award.
The WNPS lecture is open to all, Entrance Free.
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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