Life style
New National Trust – Sri Lanka publication Jaffna Heritage
This publication completes the National Trust- Sri Lanka series on the North and East with publications on Mannar, Batticaloa and Island of Islands in response to many requests from the public. The orange-red cover reminds of Jaffna’s chaya root heritage as well as its distinctive font. It is however not just another coffee table book with beautiful images although the opening pages with Devaka Seneviratne’s stunning photography suggests it is so. This book celebrates Jaffna as a multicultural city, a “meeting point of cultures and languages” where the old “grid city” is almost lost in the urban sprawl.
Here is gathered a collection of articles from experts, mostly academics from the University of Jaffna together with several contributions from overseas , stretching from the west coast of the US to Europe and Australia, making it quite difficulty for the editorial team of Sarala Fernando, Stefan D’Silva and Dr Malik Fernando to hold the project together over the three years of gestation.
The substantive chapters are divided into two parts, first, the archaeology, architecture, art, culture, religion, philosophy, sociology, the diaspora, entrepreneurship and tourism and second, the biodiversity covering water, freshwater fishes, mangroves, marine resources, fisheries, palmyra, mango, birds, ponds and homegardens.
Gray Francolin Photo S. Wijayamohan
Each of the authors had been was left free to chose their own style of writing and some provided their accompanying photographs with the end result that the publication serves as a free flowing reference book despite some loss of conformity. The editors came with no preconceived objectives and their wish was simply to add to existing knowledge and stimulate more interest and publications on Jaffna.
A starting point was the acknowledgement that since ancient times, Jaffna has been connected to the outside world. This is illustrated by the opening section on Glimpses of History displaying the earliest maps including one rare version from 1587, as well as various archaeological sites, inscriptions, flags and paintings. Jaffna’s strategic location at the intersection of the ancient trans-oceanic routes enabled linguistic, cultural and trade links with south India through its string of seaports before 400 years of European colonial rule linked Jaffna with European cultures. Yet the Sri Lankan Tamils would boast of “a distinctive culture of their own which originated and flourished in Sri Lanka.” Professor Pushparatnam’s opening article on numismatics as related to Murukan worship in Sri Lanka suggests a bridge of connection between the North and South of the island.
Fishermen with Fort Hammenheil in background Photo Devaka Seneviratne
The people of Jaffna find reflection in several articles, from migrating communities to the clash between tradition and modernity and the drive today for entrepreneurship and digital business. Although traditional house design in Jaffna guarded the privacy of women members of the family, today they are seen to be empowered, free to show their long tresses and ride bicycles without hindrance, unlike elsewhere in the region.
World Atlas 1676
For the diaspora which left during the years of conflict, Jaffna is an “ïmagined space” a place of natural beauty and warm sunshine where the palmyra and home gardens beckon those who have gone to take refuge in cold far-off lands and dream of return. For many, the Nallur Kovil and its annual festival performs the role of intermediary, bringing together thousands of celebrants from overseas and around Sri Lanka, probably the most important event in Jaffna today. Yet unlike elsewhere in the island, here strict regulation is maintained, punctuality observed and the pooja offering still costs only one rupee.
The second part of Jaffna Heritage focuses on the biodiversity and natural assets from fresh water fishes to mangroves, marine creatures and agricultural products like palmyra, banana and mango.
It is the heart of the book which pleads for the protection of Jaffna’s unique biodiversity in this era of rapid development ignoring the challenges of global climate change. Jaffna’s geography with singular characteristics, comprising both the mainland peninsula, 22 coastal islands, five coastal stretches and four lagoons offer critical habitats for many species of fauna and flora. The National Trust’s earlier publication Island of Islands describes how many of these islands have their own special history and natural heritage and have played a role since ancient times when local kingdoms and ports were part of a thriving network of Indian Ocean trade and cultural exchanges.
A central theme that runs through the book is a question – how will this proud heritage meet the challenges of the strong influences from our Big Neighbour across the water and from Colombo in the
South, and will cooperation or conflict prevail?
Authors: Jekhan Aruliah, Arumugam Kandiah, Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, Somasiri Devendra, Sarala Fernando, Raji
Gnaneswaran, Kristina Renee Hodelin, Asiff Hussein, Nahmagal Krishnapillai, R. Mayooranathan, P. Pushparatnam,
Pathmanathan Raghavan with Gayathri Pathmanathan, Arunthathy Ranganathan with Suhanya Aravinthon, Thulasitha
William Shanthakumar, Piratheepa Sivakumar, Hiranya Sudasinghe, Sanathanan Thamotherampillai, Mahendran Thiruvarangan,
S. Wijeyamohan with S. Jayasingam and G. Mikunthan.
Editorial Team: Sarala Fernando, Stefan D’Silva (photography),Dr Malik Fernando (Scientific Consultant)
Principal Photographers: Stefan D’Silva, Devaka Seneviratne, Studio Times, Luxshmanan Nadaraja, Steve Persighetti.
Available at National Trust office tel:2682730 and leading bookstores.
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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