Nail Art is a creative way to
decorate and enhance one’s nails, after a manicure and a pedicure the nails
will appear to be trimmed, shaped and polished; it makes the cuticles softer
around the skin area.
As a part of the grooming
process, nail art was practised, in ancient times. Dates aren’t mentioned
properly of the origin, in Egypt around 5000 B.C. to 3000 B.C., women used to
dye their nails with henna to indicate social status and seductiveness.
In 3200 B.C., in order to
prepare for war men used to paint their nails in black and green kohl, it’s
said the first nail polish was discovered in China. The Chinese dipped their
nails in a mixture and left to dry. The colours change according to the mixture
used.
In Today’s Culture
Today, the nail art has
changed with a variety of designs, from imprinting idols to superheroes or even
the initials of one’s name. Some prefer
the traditional methods, and others want to indulge more in the modern nail
art. A documentary film was released in 2012 under the title
“NAILgasm”. The focus of the film was on the aspects of the growing
trend of nail art, and how it has influenced the fashion culture.
Many are obsessed with nail
art, be it women or men. Several media outlets are dedicated to nail art, with
many trending online such as YouTube Instagram and Pinterest getting new concepts
how it can be done at home.
Master of nail art in
Colombo, Lucky Susil of Chagall with much exposure aboard and here talks to Esteem
about building one’s self-esteem through beautiful hands and nails. Keeping it
clean, tidy and trimmed, having those tiny cuticles groomed makes one feel
confident.
Is there something called perfect nails?
No, we try to complete the
nails with a perfect finish. It’s all in the hands of the nail artists to
produce a perfect set of nails. However, there is nothing called a perfect
nail. Nails come in all shapes and sizes and depending on the fingers we shape
them to best suit the hands.
How often should one do his or her nails?
It really depends on the
person; someone can come every week to get their nails clipped while some visit
in two weeks or some in three, ideally in two weeks would be a good time.
Would you want to change the concept of manicure and
pedicure in Sri Lanka?
It is a growing field and I
plan to open doors for many students by extending my knowledge and start
workshops and classes in the near future.
How has nail art inspired the beauty industry?
Nail art is very well
developed now in Sri Lanka. Many designs and styles have come and many people
are interested. Nails have become a part of dressing up. The beauty industry is
very much on par with international standards in terms of nail art.
Where do you see nail art in another ten years in Sri
Lanka?
I see it going up to the
international standards. We are going to
be in par with the international market very soon.
Is there a perfect pedicure and manicure?
There is no perfect manicure
or pedicure. It is simply how well the nail artist does the job that matters.
The extent to which the artist takes the trouble to make the client look
beautiful is the ultimate result of a manicure and a pedicure.
Remember
the stories about the little green men who hid their pot of gold at the end of
the rainbow? Or the elusive four-leafed clover that if found would bring the
person good luck? Somehow childhood myths and legends are perhaps the most
we’ve heard about the centuries old Irish culture. Yet, there is so much more
to discover, especially when it comes to Celtic, Nordic and Viking-inspired
Irish cuisine. In modern days this cuisine has evolved in to a lot of comfort
food, rich in meat, gravies and yams.
As
Sri Lankan opens up her doors to cuisines from around the world, Irish food
which was limited to Pub Grub is not finding its way to our shores. One
restaurant that is taking the “Irish Vibe” very seriously is the Four-Leafed
Clover.
Situated
down Maya Avenue in Colombo 6, the well-lit building is not hard to find.
However, the fact that this road is one-way creates a small issues for anyone
coming in from Kirulapone junction side, as you need to take a longer route to
get here. Parking at the restaurant is also limited to a couple of vehicles. We
went in on a weekday and the place was relatively crowded and were told
weekends get quite busy especially if a good game is on the tele.
To
put it in as simple a sentence as possible, we love what the owners have done
with the interiors. What used to be a clothing store has been completely and
artistically transformed in to different dining spaces, depending on your mood
and group. There’s a little garden at the back of the restaurant which can be
used for those who prefer outdoor dining, while the insides have comfy seating
with great views of the screens. A winding staircase takes you to the upper
floors where a private room has been done up for business meetings, a secluded
area can be used for private functions or tables-for-two for intimate dining
with a special someone. The idea is that they will accommodate anyone and
everyone. The bottom floor also houses a bar area.
Our
favourite parts of the interiors though was the mural containing tons of Irish
symbolism. Drawn by a local artist, the details are so mind-boggling that for a
moment they seem to intertwine with each other creating a psychedelic effect.
Stare at it for a few minutes and you might almost think it comes to life! Then
there’s the centerpiece lighting made up of empty bottles. Each bottle we were
told comes with a story or memory depicting a moment in the owner’s lives.
In
fact much of the restaurant revolves around the character and personalities of
the couple who own the restaurant. Together with their consultant chef, a lot
of thought has clearly been put in to the interior, ergonomics, menu and even
the wait staff’s attire. Staff are also pretty high-tech all wired up with
walkies connected to the main kitchen. It is through these devices that they
communicate the orders to the kitchen and know when the orders are ready to be
brought out.
The
menu at Four-Leafed Clover is quite descriptive which helps those who haven’t
tried Irish food before to make informed decisions. Off the Mocktails menu we
first ordered a Blue Berry & Orange and a Citrus Cooler both of which were
served in tall glasses. We definitely preferred the tangy berry flavour of the
Blueberry which was perfect for our heavy meals.
The
mains menu has everything from steaks and pies to chops, coddle, fish n chips,
and even throws in some burgers and Italian fare. Being a hungry bunch we went
to town with our orders and it didn’t help that the owners kept insisting that
we try a few more dishes. So we ended up with a table full of Shepherd’s Pie,
Lamb Shank, a Grilled Chicken Burger and a Prawn Tortellini. Let’s start with
the Italian dish and tell you that it was amazing. The prawns were perfectly
cooked in the pasta and the cream cheese spices with saffron sauce was simply
divine. Full marks also for presentation. The burger was served with a generous
portion of fat fries but didn’t really meet our expectations of a good burger.
This was the only food item we didn’t particularly like.
Lamb
Shank when done right is slow-cooked perfection and we felt that Four
Leafed-Clover had taken a lot of care to put this dish together. The lamb
marinated in red wine and rosemary is slow cooked until the meat is literally
falling off the bone. Needless to say we made a mess of our faces digging in to
this one. Our favourite though by far was the Shepherd’s Pie. In true
Irish-style the stew inside a pastry crust was served in the pan it was cooked
in itself. For the price tag on this dish, it was fully worth it and so filling
that it’s almost shareable… That is if you feel like sharing!
As
if all that food wasn’t enough, we were told we had to try their version of the
classic cheesecake. Being stuffed to the brim and waiting to burst like a beer
barrel we opted for just one portion and certainly didn’t regret it. We were
served a hefty slice of cheesecake, which had all the elements well done. The
crumble base was not too buttery or too flaky and stuck together perfectly
while the layer of cake was light, moist and didn’t taste like the
gelatin-infused ones you get in most places nowadays. Topped with an almost
salty, strawberry compote the cheesecake was definitely one of the better ones
we’ve had in town.
We
forgot to mention earlier that all meals come with a complimentary bread basket
that is freshly baked. You may not be able to keep your hands off this as you
wait for your food to arrive because they just smell so good!
Enough
of us ranting and raving about this place… We suggest you try it out for
yourself… And maybe collect a bit of luck on the way…
So
here’s our rating…
Location
*** (One-way
street and parking is a bit of an issue!)
Ambiance
***** (Nice interiors especially
the various paintings of crabs!)
Service
**** (Service was courteous
but pretty slow!)
Food
***** (A lot of attention
to detail!)
Overall
**** ¼
Reviewed
by #FoodiesSL
Price
Range: Approximately 2,500 per
head including drinks and dessert
Opening
Times: 12:30pm–11:00pm daily
(Closed on Monday)
Getting out of bed on a Sunday morning can be challenge for many,
but I have absolutely no regrets doing so for an interview and shoot with a dynamic
couple that I am going to tell all you lovely readers about. This vibrant duo
has been together for the past five years, and is one of the most admired
couples in the city. One is a Senior Designer at MAS Intimates, a Fashion
Designer in her own right, is highly sought-after as a Ballroom/Latin dancer
and DanceFit Instructor and is religiously followed by fans on social media.
The other is a Fitness Instructor at High Octane Fitness, a male model and one
of the most romantic and devoted husbands a girl could ever ask for; I am
talking about none other than Tarja De Silva and Alberto Ruiz, who grace our
cover this issue!
Watching both of them working together at the shoot, it’s easy to see that Tarja and
Alberto vibe together perfectly and bring out each other’s personalities in the
best possible way. This lively and high-spirited couple are the ultimate relationship
goals and are so much fun to be around as they possess an enthusiasm for their
life, work and everything else in general that is just infectious. It’s very
refreshing to see two people fit together so perfectly that they are like two
halves of a whole; when they come together, absolute magic happens as they
bring out the best in each other. Their story will make any jaded or disillusioned
soul believe in true love again, and a Disney movie should seriously be made
about these two!
Alberto comes from a family of four boys. One day he packed up and
moved to Bristol, UK with the plan of either going big or going home. The
latter wasn’t necessary though; when you leave your comfort zone, magic happens,
and magic did happen to him in the form of Tarja who danced into his life at a
salsa class and the rest is history.
Tarja was in the UK studying Fashion Design and was naturally
pursuing dancing as well. She was in her final year when they met at a salsa
class. Tarja could not resist the best-looking male in the room or his dance
moves and still has the slip of paper on which his phone number was written! Just
like the many ironies of life, Tarja had to leave for Sri Lanka three weeks later,
but they kept in touch and their romance blossomed over the miles, proof that
LDRs’(Long Distance Relationships) can work out with the right amount of
commitment.
Six months later, an opening for a fitness instructor came up at High
Octane Fitness, and Alberto was more than willing to move to Sri Lanka and take it, but
commitment, adjustments and big decisions were involved and all that at such an
early stage in any relationship is bound to be more than a little overwhelming.
However Tarja being Tarja, took it all in stride and made things work, making the
transition from fairy-tale to real life a good one, which goes to show that any
relationship can work out if the pair believes in and does not give up on each other (people, take
notes).
It’s very endearing how Alberto is completely fine with Tarja being
the star, but when you’re next to one, some of the spotlight falls on you as
well. Some partners want to be sole receivers of all the attention, but Alberto
is completely fine with the way things are; that says a lot about his character
and how secure and grounded he is (boys, take notes).
Today we take a look beyond the glam pictures of their lifestyle
that we see on social media, and gain insights into what these two balls of
energy are truly like.
Esteem: I’m sure you may have been asked this question before, but how do
you maintain your weight while travelling?
Tarja: When I travel, I really don’t watch my calories…I eat whatever I
want, because who wants to watch calories while travelling? Plus when we
travel, we walk a lot as Alberto is a huge fan of walking and no matter what
time it is, we go exploring, so I can afford to eat all the gelatos, cheese and
have all the wine I want as the calories are burned off! Anyway we are very
active even while on holiday – we’re not the ‘stay in a room and watch TV’ sort
of people, in fact – we need a holiday after our holidays!
Esteem: Tarja, you have a beautiful smile…what makes you laugh, smile, and
be joyful?
Tarja: It doesn’t take much to make me happy…you have to always stay
positive and count your blessings! I would say that the simple things in life,
such as being near my family, my husband and my close friends are what make me
the happiest. I definitely count Dancing as one of my happy places! A person’s
source of joy is being who they really are and doing what they really love.
Esteem: Alberto, how did the two of you meet, and what was the first thing
that attracted you to Tarja?
Alberto: Tarja gives out this energetic and positive vibe which uplifts not
just her, but everyone else around her.
Esteem: Alberto, how would you describe your philosophy about being fit and
healthy?
Alberto: I don’t believe that you have to push yourself into working out and
desperately count calories in order to look great. What you see on social media
is the ‘perfect body illusion’ portrayal as a business for people who want to
sell their fitness products; most of what we see on social media is not real
and is actually being marketed to us. The people who come to my classes lead
real lives…they go to work, they have kids, they go out and eat, drink, have
dessert, the works! If they want to look like a certain fitness model and
follow a strict diet and a heavy workout plan, there’s a good chance of them
giving up after 2-3 weeks as it cannot be sustained. I tell my clients to
strike a balance between what they like and what they want; I believe that the
more they restrict themselves, the greater their chances are of going overboard
and making unhealthy food choices. So I have them make flexible meal choices
that would let them enjoy what they like, yet also eat healthily.
Esteem: What were the most important things you learned from your
respective parents?
Tarja: From my father, I definitely learnt his perseverance and his work
ethic. He started from grass-root level and worked hard to get to where he is
now, and I really admire how he has earned his position and where he is today. From my mum, I admire the patience she had
with me and I don’t know how she did it because I was a difficult child, but she’s
so selfless and her whole life’s dedication to me is something that I can never
repay.
Alberto: They taught me the value of hard work and how to respect
people.
Esteem: What would both of you say are the keys to a successful
relationship?
Both: There’s a key? Can we have it? (They don’t really need a key, why
are they asking for it?!)
Tarja: It’s really about understanding and respecting each other. You have
to let your significant other grow the way they need to and know how to; never
restrict them from anything. Trying to change a person is equivalent to
controlling them – breaking their spirit and making them feel like they’re not
good enough is the worst type of relationship anyone could ever be in. If you
find a partner that truly accepts you for who you are, you are sorted for life.
Alberto: For example, I met Tarja while dancing and that was one of the
reasons I fell in love with her, so what right do I have to ask her to give it
up just because I don’t like seeing her dancing with other guys? Nobody has the
right to ask their partner to give up something they are really skilled
at/talented in! Our relationship is successful because we give each other space
to grow and evolve. We’re pretty laid back in our relationship, we don’t set
any rules and we’re not insecure about one another. I think the key to any
successful relationship is to have a complete sense of who you really
are, then that way you can be absolutely relaxed and sure of your partner.
Reader’s note: The only time they do disagree is when Tarja
has taken on too many work appointments and Alberto gets upset with her for not
getting enough rest!
Esteem: How do you make quality time for each other with your busy
schedules?
Both: Weekdays are insane…we only see each other at night, when we have
dinner and go to bed! Some weekends can also be quite hectic, but there are the
ones where we take a little trip out of Colombo and spend quality time together.
Esteem: Can you share a memorable story with us?
Tarja: I was training some kids for a dance competition and one day, my
colleagues from dancing told me that we had a show in Trinco which was on the
same day as the competition. As they had specifically asked for me and Kevin, I
agreed to go. A few days before the ‘competition’, Alberto offered to pack my
suitcase for me and even said he’s coming with me to ‘Trinco’. I thought that
was really weird because I’m quite picky with my packing, so he lets me do it
myself. I felt there was something fishy, but I let it go. I had a very busy
week and when we left on Friday, I was so tired that I fell asleep in the
vehicle. When I woke up, Alberto and I were at the airport and there was no
sign of Kevin or the dancers! I was so confused and asked Alberto what was
going on, but he remained mysterious. As he had my passport with him, I had no
idea where I was going when I got to the check-in; he even passed through immigration
for me! I did not know what was happening until we got to the gate and when I
found out that we were going to Maldives, I was thrilled as it is one of my
favourite holiday destinations. We stayed in this stunning resort and went on a
really romantic sunset cruise. That night at dinner, Alberto presented me with
a beautiful bouquet of roses and PROPOSED TO ME! The ring was hidden in the
roses! Words cannot describe how I felt; shocked, delighted and just over the
moon! That was one fairy-tale proposal and that weekend will never be
forgotten!
Esteem: What do you feel is your responsibility to your community?
Tarja: I love to dance and as that is my calling, I would like to teach
someone how to do that and mostly to people who haven’t had much exposure. I
have done dance training with kids at many dance schools and I may open my own
dance studio someday, but there are no solid plans for that as yet. I would
also like to work more towards women’s empowerment, because even in this day
and age, there is a lot of female discrimination and women are still slandered,
in person and on social media. I don’t think anyone has the right to sit behind
a screen and judge people, so I support the life ethic about women empowering
themselves to do whatever they like, without being bullied by people. Women
should know their self-worth and stand up for themselves.
Esteem: Where do you see yourselves 10 years from now?
Tarja: We hardly know what we’re going to do next week! I love dancing and
performing and I want to give that back to society. It has always been my dream
to open my own dancing studio, but I don’t know when I will do so. The one
thing I do know is that whether I do or not, I will always continue to dance.
Our goals are to better ourselves every day, grow and evolve. We actually know
more about when our holidays will be than our life plans, because the best part
of about Life is not knowing where our road will take us next.
You can have an idea of what you want to do and where you see yourself, but the
bottom line is that life just happens and you can’t really plan it. It’s about
taking the best of the situation you are in and making it work. It’s nice to
always be open to change.
Alberto: It’s a good idea to have pencil sketches of what you want, and keep
the eraser with you as well! If you had told me six years ago that I would move
to England, meet the love of my life and find myself travelling around South
Asia and working in Sri Lanka, I would never have believed you, because I did
not see myself doing that! Life is full of challenges and I want to see us growing,
improving and evolving into better people than we already are.
Some of you might say that Tarja and Alberto are happy people because
they get a lot of exercise. That’s partly true and all of you should take a
trip down to the gym, like right now! But seriously, the actual reason they exude
such lively and vivacious vibes is because they are living their lives to the
fullest and on their own terms.
By Michelle Alles & Photography by Anushka Sanjaya Perera
A fusion of Sri Lanka’s natural essence, crab and pepper are
the main feature at Black Pepper (BP). Taking its name after the king of
spices, Black Pepper is located at one of the most happening parts of the city
– Dutch Hospital. The restaurant is owned and managed by Earl’s Hotel.
An array of authentic local recipes has been selected from
the four corners of the country to highlight the flavours of each region.
BP is a multi-cuisine combination of Sri Lankan crab, seafood
and meat. They have a simple menu, focusing on the main culinary treasures. The
head chef Charles Samarapala has been in the industry for years and heads the
action inside the kitchen. He makes it a point to ensure that all ingredients
are very fresh.
Service
A key to customers is good service and that is something BP
is excelling at. From greeting you to showing you to your table, they are on
their toes to serve you. Food arrives in 15 to 20 minutes, which is faster than
other seafood restaurants and the waiters are very friendly and courteous.
Manager Manoj Fernando took me on an exclusive tour including
a visit to the kitchen to experience the cooking. He made an effort to
enlighten me about the concept of the restaurant and made my visit more
pleasurable.
Ambience
The pristine black and white interior is the first thing that
hits you when you enter. The restaurant has an upscale and elegant set up. It
is on two levels and can accommodate more than 150 people in one dining room.
The walls have been decorated beautifully, adding a very cozy vibe.
The standing wine rack is a significant feature. There are
two fully-stocked bars and they have an exclusive menu, where they serve
mocktails and cocktails as requested. The open kitchen is an interesting
feature as diners can watch the cooking through the glass paneling.
Food
I started off with an iced tea, which was very refreshing as
it was very different to the standard iced teas I have tried elsewhere. It was
very flavoursome and made me go for seconds! Moving on to a light starter, I
opted for the ‘chef’s special mixed salad with ‘kochchi’ sauce’. It was a
generous portion of a vegetarian option with a spicy kick from the
kochchi. Next, I got my apron on,
because I just had to indulge in the crab with my fingers. The star of the
night without a doubt was their signature ‘black pepper crab’. It was huge and
very fresh. The black pepper did justice to the lagoon crab, highlighting the
authentic taste of our country. It was super flavourful and made my tongue
tingle for more! Complimenting the crab curry was the oven-roasted bread (dara
paan). It was a classic combination, which cannot go wrong!
Being a person with a sweet tooth; the dinner wasn’t complete
without dessert. I tried the watalappam served with a kolikuttu banana; the
presentation was worthy of notice since it was served on a king coconut
decorated with banana leaves. I always tend to compare the watalappam to my grandmother’s,
which is always the best for me. Well, this was beyond my expectations to be
honest.
It was delicious, with the right amount of jaggery. It was
delicious and complemented the banana well. Overall, I had a very heavy
indulgence of crab and the messy hands were worth it. Will I visit again or
recommend it to my friends? That’s a big, fat crabilicious yes! Bon
Appétit!
I’ve had the fortune of meeting Kapila Palihawadana numerous times during the past year, and found his story a true inspiration. It is true when they say that artists really do suffer for their art, and this is quite true when it comes to dance as well. Consider the fact that when it comes to the aspect of art, there are many ideas that need to be looked into. Forever smiling away, Kapila is very enthusiastic with his work and he also is very committed to dance as a whole. I had the fortune of interviewing Paul Upali Gouëllo a few issues back, and it really did broaden my perspective when it came to understanding how dance can be an extension of one’s personality.
Having studied Kandyan Dancing for many years and even the geta beraya, I know the hours or dedication that one needs to put into mastering an art form. Kapila has dedicated his entire life to his art, which is an art form that I find very hard to describe. I’ve seen him and his entire dance troupe — nATANDA — in action, and it is truly an unbelievable example of artistry. I suppose the best way I can describe what he does is by saying that it is a melting pot of dance styles that is both Eastern and Western. There are definitely elements of Kandyan dancing and ballet as well. Interestingly, there are also elements of Angampora with a great deal of emotional flailing of the limbs and incredible acrobatic jumps that can only be thought of as magical.
Yet at this particular juncture, I would think it is best that we talk a bit about Kapila’s background, which is very interesting to say the least. Having studied contemporary dance in Ohio in the US, he decided to start a contemporary dance troupe that focused on the various dance styles that he has experienced throughout his life. This was an idea that was born in the early 2000 era, and it is something that he worked hard at to differentiate. While his exposure has been international in a sense, he truly did believe in giving enthusiastic Lankans a chance at choosing an alternative career. When there is hardly any opportunity around, then there is no commitment and discipline. Ultimately, dance in all its forms do not have a chance to flourish locally; and, this is something that he wants to change specially for the future generations.
One of the most proactive initiatives that Kapila has started is known as nATFEST. It was an effort in bringing the whole concept of dance to a wider audience. Speaking about his dancers, he mentions how they are very geared towards learning as much as they can; as a testament to how accepted his philosophy with regard to dance is, he talks of how his dancers have practiced and performed with him for close to two decades. Kapila has launched some groundbreaking productions recently and can only be described as being incredibly visionary to say the least. He also believes in the youth and how dedicated they are simply because they are very forward-thinking. Additionally he firmly believes that more exposure is required in order to create a sense of enthusiasm from the younger generations. This is where nATFEST comes in; the latter festival of dance has hosted dancers from Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, South Korea, Germany, Lebanon, USA, Malaysia, Russia, India, Switzerland, Australia and Luxembourg over the past few years and has mesmerized over 8,000 audience members collectively.
Art is indubitably a medium that can help people connect and even overcome boundaries. It is something that can help communities unite and not end up falling for divisive politics. While there is certainly an underlying focus on unity and embracing culture whilst also giving an opportunity to the younger generation, when it comes to sheer entertainment value, Kapila and his inimitable dance troupe is unparalleled in all aspects. Svelte and flexible, his dancers stay true to form and showoff the fruits of hard discipline by stretching the boundaries of physical endurance. I’ve been to many of his productions, and the combination of music and ideology along with the various dance forms that are displayed is breathtaking to watch.
My heart skips a beat every time someone tells me that we’re going to Yala. Don’t ask me why. Just know that I simply love the place. Whether it is the wildlife or the tranquility of the place or the complete disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city, it has a certain allure to those who love the great outdoors. Having been to the second largest national park in Sri Lanka on several occasions and been fortunate enough to see the elusive leopard, the majestic elephant and most of the other flora and fauna of the incredible habitat, this time around I kept wondering what more does this place hold for me. Little did I know that a whole new world of experiences awaited my senses.
Resplendent Ceylon, the leisure arm of Dilmah clearly has pleasing the senses in mind with their three unique boutique experiences scattered around the country. Cape Weligama, Ceylon Tea Trails and Wild Coast Tented Lodge in Yala are poles apart in terms of weather, accommodation facilities, ambiance and even the food they serve, but one constant is in their impeccable service.
From the get go of contacting the reservations hotline in Colombo, it was evident that the superior ethics of Dilmah’s founder have trickled down to every branch of its operations. Bookings were meticulously processed and followed up on and we couldn’t wait till the day arrived.
The Journey
The experience actually began with the bus ride from Matara to Tissamaharama. Although the Expressway buses from Maharagama to Matara are relatively comfortable and the ride is just 1 ½ hours, from there on its regular buses and an almost 3 hour journey. In order to avoid the nauseous feeling of winding roads, and super crazy drivers choose to plug in your earphones, and lose yourself in your favourite tunes. Wild Coast graciously offered to pick us up from the Tissamaharama main bus stand and we were happy to be escorted in a luxury van after quite literally having our heart in our throats for 3 hours! (Word from the wise, don’t take the bus, drive instead!)
The Place
One of the only properties allowed to build within the Yala National Park itself, Wild Coast shares the same entrance as Uga and Cinnamon with a Hilton property also coming up in close proximity. Upon entry the first thing you notice is the road block made up of a recycled tree trunk complete with all its branches. In fact sustainability plays a huge role at Wild Coast with maximum effort made to preserve the environment surrounding. This is particularly why there are no electric fences or otherwise cordoning off the property, allowing wildlife to roam freely.
As soon as we got there we were greeted by the staff with wet towels, the sweetest iced tea and pineapple popsicles to quench our thirst while waiting for the check-ins to be completed.
Once that was done we followed a semi-cleared path dotted with cocoons and what looked-like onion-shaped tents with our “guide” Lahiru. Our home for the weekend was one of the cocoons which was an elevated tent cum tree house. Do not be fooled by outer appearances though because this is by no means an ordinary tent. We were soon to learn by a detailed description given by Lahiru that this was one of the most luxurious and high-tech tents you can think of. Designed to emulate a planter’s bungalow almost everything in the tent is made of copper, including the open bathtub which has its own special bath foam. (You can’t use regular ones because they may react with the metal!). The furniture is all teak wood with comfy chairs and a four-poster bed. Then there’s the well-stocked mini bar which is all inclusive in your package. Talk about plush! Wild Coast does not however leave food inside the tent and advices guests not to do so as well, lest you are paid a visit by inquisitive monkeys or worst case an elephant on his way to a watering-hole. The high-tech side of the tent comes with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee machines, and a Sonos speaker system that allows you to connect your mobile device and listen to any radio station or podcast from around the world. If not for having to explore, we would’ve been quite happy to simply lie in bed and relax all day!
The People
Wild Coast takes service excellence beyond excellent. Taking care of guests comes naturally to everyone here and its smiles all around ever-obliging to attend to every whim and fancy, and even chase away the occasional spider or land monitor who happens to cross your path while walking or dining at the restaurant. The culinary team led by Chef Ranil also certainly know how to please your taste buds with carefully curated meals to fit even the most discerning. Every type of meal requirement is taken care of and presented with elegance, whether it be dining under the stars by the beach or inside the jungle itself. We were taken on several culinary journeys around the world at every meal we sat down to enjoying cuisines from India, the Mediterranean, Italy and even some local fare. Special mention must be made of the Passion Fruit and Green Chilli Sorbet which had so much kick in it, the mixed Surf & Turf that was too big for two super Foodies like us and Slipper Lobster Salad that I personally could just eat every day! We also had the opportunity (or Sanura did while I manned the camera!) to cook our own Sri Lankan rice and curry inside the forest assisted by Chef Ranil of course who was such a gracious teacher.
The Outdoors
One of the greatest assets for Wild Coast is the luxury of being situated within the national park and on the coast of an untouched, pristine beach. They like to keep it that way and the restaurant, bar and library are designed to emulate the boulders by the sea. The pool that accompanies the building is also a great place to watch the sun go down over the horizon while listening to the Backstreet Boys softly playing in the background. (For some reason a playlist of BSB songs was on repeat every time we went down for a meal… Not complaining though being that I love BSB!)
What would a trip to Yala be without a sojourn in to the wild? And this time we were to do it on foot. Yes, you read right… we were to take a trip in to the wild on foot. Not alone though. Wild Coast employs the services of an ex-South African military man turned environmentalist names Nick. Now Nick is just something else. Physically we can describe him as six-foot something, bald, modern-day Indian Jones (he dresses the part too!) but it’s the wealth of knowledge inside him that we absolutely adore. From being able to identify an animal by its low frequency call, to gauging whether a buck was walking or running by the distance between footprints, and even being able to look at a pile of rocks and differentiate between its origins, this guy is a walking natural encyclopedia. He also made us put the worse thing we’ve ever put in our mouths, all in the name of playing a game from back home in the bush in South Africa. “Bokdrol Spoeg Competiesie” or the Deer P**p Spitting Competition involves putting dried up deer p**p in to your mouth and spitting it out as far as you can. We tried… And failed… miserably…
Like, I said earlier this trip to Yala was a whole new world of experiences. It was also an eye-opener to the wonders of God’s creation. An ode to freedom in the wild… A feeling we hoped would last forever… A place we didn’t want to leave… Ever…
Written by Nishu Gunawardana
Photographs by Sanura Gunawardana
Address: Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala National Park.
Mediterranean is a vast term, covering over 20 countries across the globe. When you think of Mediterranean food, you envision hummus and pitas, but the cuisine surrounding the Mediterranean Sea is extremely diverse as it includes dishes from European countries such as Italy and Spain, as well as Middle Eastern and North African countries. With a wide variety of ingredients and spices, this cuisine pops with flavour and is prepared with fresh, healthy ingredients.
Introducing Santina – Truly Mediterranean. Located on the first floor of Mövenpick Hotel Colombo, Santina is cosy, affordable and the newest entry to the city’s culinary options featuring the finest Mediterranean cuisine from the European region. Craving food from the lands of Southern Spain, France and Italy? You don’t need a passport to indulge in savory Mediterranean fare. The menu is stuffed with reliable favourites with clean flavours, showcasing the freshness together with high quality cuisine, served with passion and a true knowledge of how to cook traditional dishes.
Every item on the menu has its own story that wanders back to the Mediterranean region, much like the first paellas, made by farmers in Valencia using rice and available local ingredients to cook lunch in a pan over wood fire. Taste the fresh chicken or seafood paellas at Santina and savour their expertise in fish preparation with their locally sourced catch-of-the-day.
Santina promises Mediterranean flair with homemade linguine and penne with an array of meat and fish, with a selection of gnocchi. Its simplicity is in fact its complexity. It’s the real deal that melts on the tongue depicting the true Italian comfort dish, defining home-made goodness and the richness of Nonna’s cooking. Make sure to save some room for an Italian baked apple gateau or frozen cappuccino parfait.
Santina wins extra points for its vegetarian options and exceptionally friendly service. Be sure to feel at home and savour the finest Mediterranean flavours. Doors are open for both lunch and dinner. To make a reservation, please call 117 450 460.
Peterites from the 1987 Advanced Level (A/L) batch born in 1968, who celebrate their 50th birthday this year, organized a grand Golden Reunion Dinner Dance at the Colombo Hilton on September 1st.
Most of the old boys in the 87@50 group met for the first time after 31 years since leaving St. Peter’s College, Colombo, and embarking on their chosen careers, with many coming from many parts of the world, including Australia, Canada, the UK and USA for the memorable event.
Rev. Fr. Samitha, Vice Rector of St. Peter’s College, was the chief guest, while OBU President and the General Secretary, were special guests at the gala event, considered one of the best ever dinner dances in the history of the school.
Former Peterite cricketer Romesh Kenny headed the organizing committee, while Nilantha Swaris of the same batch handled the event management through his company Smart Events. Firoze (Shabbir) Asgarally coordinated and sponsored most of the activities through his company M. M. Noorbhoy Pvt. Ltd.
Apart from personal contributions, George Ajith Perera, owner of Miracle Property and Real Estate Group in Melbourne, Dr. Ajith Perera, proprietor of Medichecks Colombo, Ahsam Refai from Zam Gems (Pvt) ltd., Autobahn and Tererence DeKrester from California USA, Dr.Rezmi Cassim representing the same batch, were major sponsors of the mega celebration.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances, both George Ajith Perera and Tererence DeKrester, who contributed immensely towards the success of the get-together, could not attend the event.
Dallas Kelaart of the renowned auctioneers organized the music band and DJ, while Rajive de Silva, a member of the ‘87, batch flew in from the UK to be the master of ceremonies. Shevon Goonarathne, a well-known lawyer from Moratuwa, was instrumental in organizing raffle air tickets to overseas destinations.
Legendary Film Director Chandran Rutnam needs no introduction to those who are in the cinema industry and are ardent movie goers. As an internationally acclaimed filmmaker, a producer and one of the veterans in the industry, his achievements reach far beyond Sri Lanka, gaining high praise from international filmmakers. He has directed many international and local award winning films such as ‘’anelaya’’ (Witness to a Killing), “Alimankada” (Road from Elephant Pass) and “Sri Siddhartha Gautama” and international releases, “A Common Man” and his latest release “According to Matthew” which is based on a controversial true incident. He has been the Line Producer of several International award winning and box office successes on several international productions including the Sri Lankan location shoot of Paramount Pictures “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and the Academy Award winning “Indochine”.
As a child, Chandran always loved to watch films, which was the only mode of entertainment at the Cinema Hall, apart from the radio at that time. He came from an artistic family, where his mother was the sister of Donald Wijeratne, the owner of Donalds Studio whose family had been photographers for generations. Obviously, being artistic ran through his veins. His parents were very encouraging, and Rutnam considers himself as being a very lucky person to have such parents, and a student at one of the best schools of that time – St. Thomas’ College Guruthalawa. At the age of seventeen, he went to Hollywood to pursue his dream of becoming a filmmaker. Before that he got a job on the film ”Bridge on the River Kwaii”, which was one of the turning points of his life. His whole idea was to learn everything and come back to Sri Lanka and open his own studio. Living in America for many years, he was still very Sri Lankan and did not want to give up his identity. But for him, America was an amazing country – it gave him so much to bring back home.
A successful filmmaker and currently holding the position of President and CEO of Asian Film Locations Services, and Asian Aviation Centre, this cinema veteran joined us to have an interesting discussion to talk about his latest film, his career, his love for aviation and motion pictures, aspirations and the cinema industry in general.
The Q&A session is as follows:
Q: You released the film “According to Matthew’’ recently. Please tell us about it.
A: Well, I did not release it as yet. Because we had some issues and objections from various quarters which I have resolved now, and the picture will be released towards the end of September in Sri Lanka; America and other places, after October of this year.
Q: What was the response from the Sri Lankan audience?
A: The only screening we had was a preview, almost a year ago and it was a positive response, and the people seemed to like it. But then, they were invitees; I would actually like to see the reaction of the people who pay to get in. I also showed it in Australia and got a very good reception there, but now we are ready to go forward and release it in September or October.
Q: What was the response from the Catholic Church, especially since it was related to religion?
A: The Catholic Church published an article in the newspapers saying they had nothing to do with this project, and that this has got nothing to do with Catholics. I’ll go back to your previous question a bit. You see, we all want to distance ourselves from unpleasant events. But this has become a current subject in the world, because a lot of religions are hiding the fact that these abuses occur. I would say – all religions do that. Just because you wear a cassock, does not make you a saint. Just because you wear a robe, or a uniform, that does not make you superior and that does not make you different from others. Therefore, I’m very proud of this film, for one reason, because I want young people to know, that they cannot be too trusting towards people who wear uniforms of any sort, or authority. We have to respect authority, we have to respect uniforms, but we have to be a little bit more cautious and vigilant, and not give up on ourselves one hundred percent.
Q: How would you see the cinema industry in Sri Lanka then and now?
A: A very good question. In my generation, it cost a lot of money to make a film. If I remember correctly, a 400-ft reel of negatives cost Rs. 25,000. How can a young man get 10 reels for Rs. 25,000? The sad part about my generation is that there were a lot of unknown talent that didn’t even get a chance, not even discovered or bloomed, but that died away unknowingly. Now it is completely different. You can show your talent by using a telephone as a camera. You can demonstrate your talents. With new technology, it’s much easier to produce and say, “This is what I can do”. But in my generation we could not do that. It was too expensive for us to experiment and show what we could do. So the industry all over the world is much better with an abundance of talent emerging. Recently I visited an academy, where I was the chief guest, and I could not believe their level of talent present. You know, these are all talented people; they are as good as Hollywood. We just have not given them the opportunity. They’re full of enthusiasm, and I intend to make use of their talent. Also I must mention, if you visit Disney Studios or any of the studios that does animation, you’ll find that a lot of the people there are Asians. So they are utilizing our talent. Why don’t we utilize ourselves? I think we’ve got to think on those terms, and be very aggressive and have confidence in ourselves, because we are as good as everybody else or even better. So to answer your question, I think the industry today is very positive and it should grow and grow, much better than before.
Q: Do you think that the Sinhala cinema has yet to be competitive in reaching the global level?
A: We are award-oriented. We want to make films to win awards. I don’t make films to win awards; I make films for a wide audience. I want people to see my films. I don’t want just a jury, or a few people who come for the award show to see my films. And also we have to think of the producer. They are doing a business called “show business.” They do the show, and they also take care of the business part. If they do not take care of the business part of it, the producer will not come again. Also, I think, they should go for a global audience. I believe in that and I have. Yes, we can show our culture, but show it in an interesting way that the world will respond to, or that the world would want to see twice. Or where the world will recommend their friends to see it. I’m not saying they should not win awards. They deserve to win awards. But we are aiming our films at a jury. And also talking about awards, it’s not the best picture that wins the award. There’s a lot of influence. It’s nice to win an award, I have won and I’m very proud of it, but let’s not make that the only thing that matters. I think we should make movies for an audience. The greater the audience, the better it is. More people will see our hard work.
Q: As a location provider, what are the best locations which you have seen in Sri Lanka?
A: We have incredible locations like lush rain forests, ancient colonial buildings, and beaches as well. Several movies were shot in the hill country; for instance, Indiana Jones was shot in Kandy, and so too was Tarzan. So we have a lot to offer, and the colonial architecture of our county is very attractive to filmmakers. And also like I said, we possess experienced technical staff that is well-versed in their own unique art form.
Q: Do you think film tourism has been recognized in Sri Lanka?
A: Not at all. It has not been recognized in Sri Lanka, and I have been insisting on it for 50 years, and now people are listening, and if they allow us to build this bridge and make it a tourist attraction, it’ll be great. And even now, you can build a bridge in Kitulgala. It’s still a phenomenal thing. People go there. They know that the film was shot in Sri Lanka. Kitulgala is also beautiful. We are not utilizing these things and that is a shame.
Q.: Lastly, I would like to ask – What is your next movie project?
A: This year, I will be producing and directing Rudyard Kipling’s classic story, “Toomai of the Elephants” with Hollywood, Indian and Sri Lankan artistes. It’s a big production with a $50 million budget, for international distribution. This is a great opportunity and I am looking forward to it.
On a 5 acre ridge high above the Nuwara Eliya – Kandy Road sits The Golden Ridge Hotel, a 65 room, super luxury, 5 star boutique hotel, located on 5 acres of landscaped gardens in the environs of Bambarakele; the latest offering from the Golden Hospitality Group of Hotels who brought you the Golden Crown Hotel last year, already an icon in Kandy.
Designed by Charted Architects Dr. Upendra Rajapaksha and Mr.Ananda Herath, The Golden Ridge will have it’s grand opening in December this year and is tipped to become the ‘piece de resistance’ of Nuwara Eliya.
Chairman of The Golden Hospitality Group, Mr Sriyananda Wijekoon said it was his intention to establish The Golden Ridge as the ‘must go to’ destination in Nuwara Eliya. “ I envisage The Golden Ridge restoring Little England to it’s former glory days, when service was an art and hospitality came from the heart”.
An Investment of USD 11 Million, The Golden Ridge Hotel has a 100 staff members of whom 60 are from the surrounding area, thus living up to Mr Sriyananda’s promise of helping the people of Nuwara Eliya prosper and obtain employment and training.
Heading the team at The Golden Ridge is Manager Mr. Lakshman Silva who counts over 25 years in the hospitality industry having worked at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, Taj Samudra and Eden Resort and Spa in Sri Lanka, while he has also worked at the Dubai Grand and Le Meridien Dubai. On his return to Sri Lanka, Lakshman joined the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya.
The accommodation at The Golden Ridge comprises of a unique offering in that 6 rooms constitute a bungalow, aptly titled The Golden Villa. “This is a luxurious colonial type bungalow with an impressive 145-year-old history. All rooms are complete with traditional wood fireplaces, personal butlers who will cater to your every whim, 24 hour room service, Jacuzzis in every bathroom, while a private dining room very specially for the Villa residents and even a private kitchen where one could work on a recipe or two along with the respective chef who is always receptive to the whims and fancies of guests, ensures that The Golden Villa is indeed a very special experience”, said Managing Director of the Golden Hospitality, Mr. Chanuka Wijekoon.
Bambarakelle is heavily forested and has many hiking paths you would want to explore. The garden even has a therapeutic Jacuzzi, while a fully equipped gymnasium awaits the fitness enthusiast. The Golden Hospitality group offers you a stellar service with 05 predominant types of accommodation, Premium Deluxe, Deluxe, Family suites, Junior suites and Family rooms.
The Golden Ridge boasts of many dining options, one of them being the Latitude, featuring modern, eclectic cuisine, uniquely blending flavours from the East and West. Lavish breakfast buffets and themed dinner buffets, as well as speciality brunches and exciting à la carte options are all part of the Latitude’s culinary offerings.
Taylors Tea lounge is where guests could partake of a bubbly high tea. A unique feature here is the tie up with Dilmah. For lovers of authentic Sri Lankan tea, Taylors Tea Lounge is undoubtedly the choice, while Mocktails, Cocktails and tea infused snacks are part of the menu, with tea infused sit down meals also being prepared on request.
“The Jockey’s Pub is redolent with old world charm and hearkens back to days gone by. A premium luxury bar which serves spirits and wines, cognacs and liquor from a list of over 100 labels, connoisseurs take note, the Jockey’s Pub will help you revive memories of those good old days”, said Manager, Lakshman Silva.
The Simply Golden Asia Restaurant is definitely set to win plaudits for its amazing Asian cuisine, serving Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, Malaysian, and Chinese delicacies that will satisfy the most discerning gourmand.
Worthy of mention is The Queen Elizabeth Banquet Hall. “This is the largest and most impressive banquet hall in Nuwara Eliya and can accommodate more than 400 Guests at a variety of functions such as weddings, cocktails, seminars and Corporate events and is a definite attraction for Nuwara Eliya”, said Director of Sales and Marketing, The Golden Hospitality Group, Mr Sujith Siyasinghe.
The recreational facilities at The Golden Ridge are varied and many and are guaranteed to make your stay memorable and keep you coming back for more. The Hotel’s indoor heated swimming pool with the up country mists swirling round it, transform an ordinary swim into a magical experience, while rifle shooting on the premises, chess, carom, billiards and table tennis facilities are also part of the many amenities on offer. A travel desk which will arrange your airport transfers as well as internal tours is also available and staff are more than happy to arrange tailor made excursions for guests.
For the health conscious, the Hotel’s organic garden not just ensures that guests are dining healthy, but also gives them the opportunity to wander out and pick their own little basket of hotel grown organic herbs, vegetables and fruit, a delightful and fulfilling experience indeed.
The Golden Ridge, the ‘piece de resistance’ of not just the Golden Hospitality Group, but of the whole of Nuwara Eliya, promises visitors a memorable experience. An era of leisurely teas, roaring fireplaces, gourmet meals and impeccable service, The Golden Ridge promises to give visitors a stellar experience!
The grand opening of The Golden Ridge Hotel is scheduled for December this year.
The Golden Hospitality Pvt Ltd Executive Board of Directors: Chairman Mr. Sriyananda Wijekoon, Managing Director Mr. Chanuka Wijekoon, Director Mrs. Chamali Wijekoon, Director Finance and Administration Ms. Hansani Wijekoon.
