Life style
Of bear fights, forgotten forts, demons and more
by Randima Attygalle
‘And from the Peak and table-land
That brave the vast dome’s immensity,
From the tree- girt shore and the glittering sand,
The emerald Island calls for me.’
The physician, antiquarian and wildlife lover, Dr. R.L. Spittel pays homage to our emerald-isle in his verse Hail Lanka. He is remembered today by Shaminda Silva through his latest compilation, Wilds of Lanka (Volume II). A decade since his first book ‘Wilds of Lanka’ (Volume1), dedicated to wildlife and several national parks, particularly Yala or Ruhuna National Park, the author brings to his readers its sequel which documents Wilpattu National Park and several other historic sites in the northern plains of the island including the Thanthirimale Temple, Ritigala Monastery, Madhu Church, Doric Bungalow and the Mannar Fort. The wild landscape of fauna and flora interspersed with culture, religion and folklore is a bold attempt by the author to fill
a literary vacuum with a concise, easy to read publication which celebrates the wilds of Lanka. “The spark for nature was always in me,” says lawyer Shaminda. It was nourished by his parents who enabled their young son to live in a natural environment of birds, frogs and numerous pets as well as his stay, as a young child, in Nigeria where his father worked. The used Zenith camera with a 500mm lens which he bought with his pocket money at age 15 was a “breakthrough” while the numerous camping trips he made with his Law College buddies drove him deeper into the wilds, he adds with a smile.
‘Sharing one’s knowledge of the jungle, its stories and moments captured in a photograph is totally the opposite of advertising oneself and the expeditions made creating a path for its destruction. I would be ever grateful to the explorer, if the most valuable of beautiful places are kept only as photographs in private albums and not as ‘facebook’ posts or stored in the ‘clouds’, notes Shaminda in the opening chapter of his book. The readers are invited to undertake a journey through the wilds and the cultural heritage of our island with the author who strives to champion ‘sustainable footprints’ across them. His reference to W.T. Keble’s description of our island home, ‘hung about with history and legend like an old decayed jungle tree made beautiful with decorating creepers’ urges the modern islanders to revisit their tropical land in all its natural glory long before non-perishable synthetic jungles became the norm.
A product of many years of travel, the 306-page book with complementary photos reaches to a wider audience with its affordable price and size. It could easily fit into a hand-bag or sit on a bedside table, enabling practical reading. The book is a mix of thrilling encounters with bears and leopards, tales from iconic wildlife experts of yesteryear, demons of Ritigala, pearl fisheries of Mannar, crumbling forts, bullet marks of the war, forgotten lighthouses, churches and much more . It serves as a quick travel guide as well.
The author’s reference to several historical authorities, good many from colonial times which are today found largely in collectors’ or public libraries open important windows to long gone chapters of this fabled island of ours. In this exercise, the writer says, “If these books are lost, the public may never be able to enjoy these publications, especially vivid descriptions, fine language and natural flow…. If not for some of these facts which are wedged between the pages of these publications dating back more than hundred years, we would certainly have lost a part of our country’s pride and heritage. Hence at least in a very limited scope, this humble attempt is to fill this gap.”
The opening chapter while taking the readers on a ride to the wilds of Wilpattu (literally me
aning land of the villus or lakes) enlightens them of those like Dr. Spittel who strived to declare Wilpattu a National Park, Percy de Alwis regarded as the ‘greatest Park Warden of Wilpattu’ who rose through the ranks to become
Assistant Director (Administration) of the Wild Life Department and S.D. Saparamadu, one time Wild Life Director.
The discussion on the geology, climate and archaeological importance of the region makes reading the book a fine experience. Discussing Kudiramalai, a small area of land jutting out to the sea which is now within the perimeters of the Wilpattu National Park, he explains the origin of the word “Kudiramalai”, believed to have derived from the Malabar language which translates into English as ‘horse mountain’. When one looks at the shoreline from the sea at a distance during a moonlit night, one could easily see a silhouette of a horse swimming in the sea, says the writer, who shares his own experience of viewing this spectacular sight from a naval patrol boat.
The chapters which follow on Thanthirimale Temple, Ritigala, Mannar and Talaimannar provide stimulating reading. The book however, as the author points out, is not meant to be admired just for its photographs. “The photos are only for the 
purpose of adding colour and icing and nothing more. “The book is to be valued largely for its written content,” he says. Shaminda also urges the reader to take it “in the spirit in which it has been written.”
Taking less traversed paths of the country had improved his health and helped him navigate through his demanding practice as a lawyer, reflects the author. This was made possible by his wife and two children who stood by his side. Endorsing the words of Spittel – “I do not know any place in Ceylon of which I can say, is the most beautiful, the landscape is too diverse for that,” Shaminda adds that living close to the nature could make a person more mature and sensitive and enhance his professional capability.
The author’s love of the environment is unmistakable throughout the book. His plea for responsible citizenry and administration to conserve what remains of our natural/cultural heritage before it is forever lost will resonate with like-minded Lankans. “It is necessary for all of us to keep in mind that we are not the owners of the earth but are simply trustees appointed to take care of it for the next generation.”
The book does not seek what the author calls “mass scale revenue” and hence may only be purchased on orders. For inquiries call Sampath on 0772 040409
(Photo courtesy: Wilds of Lanka, Volume II)
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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