Life style
The Heirloom
by Rukmini Attygalle
Standing on tip toe, Premila reached for the small box hidden under the pile of neatly stacked saris on the top shelf of her wardrobe. She kept it separate from the rest of her jewelry. She peeked at it occasionally. Take it out of the velvet box, polish the pendant with a soft cloth, put the necklace on, and admire herself in the mirror.
In Sri Lanka, she was able to show it off at numerous weddings, engagement parties, and other special gatherings; but here in London, such occasions were rare. Premila remembered the emeralds sparkle on her grandmother’s neck. Now the necklace was hers! She wished she had a daughter who would love it as much as she did and enjoy wearing it after she was no more. Now, she must pass it on to her grand- daughter via her daughter -in-law. The trouble was she did not have one -as yet. Sanjay at 35 was still a bachelor with no signs of a future daughter-in-law in the horizon.
This caused Premila anxiety; but there was no support from Gamini. “Let Putha just be – for God’s sake. He will settle down in his own time. He is a grown man!”
“Exactly!” the dog startled and cocked up his ears. “Yes! Bury your nose in your books and forget the rest of the world including your only son!” Premila huffed. “You should talk to Sanjay about the importance of getting married before it is too late. What sort of a father are you?”
“An uninterfering one.” Taking a deep pull on his pipe, Gamini laid back in his chair and closed his eyes. Premila was about to return the precious box to its hiding place when the phone rang. Gamini will answer – he is downstairs, Premila closed the wardrobe door.
“Prem…Putha called” yelled Gamini. “He is coming to London next Saturday. Will he be here for lunch I suppose so I didn’t ask.”
“You should have asked!”
“By the way, he said he was bringing someone he wants us to meet.”
“Who?”
“Don’t know. He didn’t say.”
“And needless to say, you didn’t ask!”
“No. But, I think it could be someone special.”
Premila’s annoyance at Gamini’s lack of interest and curiosity did not overshadow her excitement. This was the best news she heard for a long time. Yes, there had been a few girls he had brought home for curry meals during his undergraduate days. Sanjay always insisted they were “just friends”. Premila was not born yesterday! One of the girls was an Indian. Why would an Indian girl go out to eat curry when she probably ate it every day at home?
Premila had noticed the girl’s sly glances at her son. She was good looking too. Slim and tall with big eyes and a long neck. She would carry off the necklace with panache! However, nothing came of it. Premila had given up hopes of getting a Sri Lankan daughter-in-law long ago. Sanjay was born in England and lived in a cosmopolitan society and, as Gamini pointed out, it was unrealistic for Sri Lankan parents to expect their children to marry their own kind. She had deliberately curbed her imaginings of the necklace on Sri Lankan necks. Premila had with Gamini’s help, broadened her vision over the years and was now able to see beyond the narrow confines of “us” and “them.”
What she really wanted was a girl who would love her son and make him happy. She and Gamini both agreed that what mattered most was Sanjay’s happiness. “I am so excited Gamini, I can’t wait for Saturday! Shall I call Putha and ask for details of the girl?”
“No don’t! you will see her in two days. What’s the great hurry?”
“I have done the prep in the kitchen department and the house is ship shape. I just don’t know what to do now.”
“Go for a walk and calm down!”
Saturday arrived. Premila kept running to the window every few minutes. She noticed that one of her flower arrangements had toppled. Frantically she put it right just as the bell rang. She quickly checked her hair in the hall mirror and opened the door. “Hi Amma!” Sanjay hugged, his mother. His shoulders blocked Premila’s view although she craned her neck to see the figure behind him. “Thatha is here too I hope,” Sanjay took a few steps into the house as Gamini came with outstretched arms towards his son.
A tall well-built man stood before Premila, with tattooed arms, well-trimmed beard, and hair tied back in a pony-tail. Her body jerked as she involuntarily took a sharp in- breath. Something inside her jarred and needed to be clinked back into place. “Hello Mrs. Amarasena – I am Bruno. So glad to meet you…”
“Yes…yes so am I.”
She was surprised to hear her own voice. Her innate politeness had taken control over her conscious mind. “Do come in” and guided him into the living room in a dream-like state.
“I brought you something which I hope you will like. Sanjay has been talking about your passion for flower arranging.”
“Thank you.”
As they sat down, she noticed that Bruno was eagerly awaiting her response and she opened the neatly wrapped parcel. “Oh! how lovely! I’ve always admired the Japanese art of flower arranging and wanted to learn Ikebana…” Premila’s genuine delight brightened Bruno’s face and she saw joy in his eyes.
Premila overheard Gamini in the background talking to Sanjay in Sinhala. “Of course, Putha we understand. All we want is, for you to be happy.”
Premila was slowly regaining her equilibrium; but conversation was not coming easily to her. She listened to the others, nodding and smiling her way through while her fantasies of grand weddings and granddaughters slowly subsided. She knew deep down, that if she wanted to be in her son’s life, she would have to accept him as he is, not as she wanted him to be.
She must accept the reality of Sanjay’s sexuality. Premila tried to talk but her throat was too dry. She noticed Bruno’s good looks and more importantly his pleasant manner and good humour; and willed herself to warm towards him. She noticed the glow on Sanjay’s face. One thing she was sure about – Bruno would look ridiculous with the emeralds round his neck. She would have to find another recipient.
(Rukmini Attygalle’s debut collection of short stories Of Sarees and Grapefruit is now available at all good bookshops)
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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