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The Best of Both Worlds

Noa Fernando is half-Sri Lankan and half-Dutch. Born and raised in the Netherlands, Noa’s parents would travel to Sri Lanka on vacation every year. It was on a vacation like this 7 years ago that a young Noa fell in love with her local roots. Making a bold decision to stay back, Noa now calls Sri Lanka her home.

“When I came down 7 years ago I never imagined that I would stay back. I am the most daring out of my sisters and I’ve always wanted to do something on my own. Sri Lanka captured my heart so much that one year later I called my parents up and said I was never coming back”.

Noa’s great love for Sri Lanka is shared by her parents who themselves met on our sunny island. “My parents have a beautiful love story and I guess my love for this country comes from their love for it”, she says.

I am tempted to ask her what about Sri Lanka captivated her the most. “Definitely the warmth that you feel the moment you step on Sri Lankan soil, and I don’t mean the heat. It’s the people, the spirituality. I feel like myself here, more than anywhere else in the world.”

When Noa decided that she wanted to make Sri Lanka her home, her first challenge was to get a work visa which would enable her to remain in the country. “I started off working at Thomas Cook as a tourism consultant for the European markets and did a bit of modeling as well to earn some extra cash. Tourism was something that I loved and it enabled me to interact with many different people. But one area that I found particularly interesting was conversations I had with foreigners and Sri Lankan expats who wanted to settle down in Sri Lanka but didn’t know how.”

During this time, Noa was offered a position at a real estate company which was promoting condominium living to the hill capital. GVR Lanka was the company behind “Dynasty Residencies”, a luxury apartment complex in Kandy. In her own words it was during this time that Noa found her niche for real estate. “I had to travel to Australia on work and realized how many people wanted to live in Sri Lanka but didn’t know how to source a property, and the paper-work that would be involved. This sparked the idea for my first business.”

Today, this young entrepreneur is the owner of two budding business in real estate and exports. Property Search One is a full relocation service company run by Noa and her two associates who work in the Southern province. Going several steps further than a typical real estate agent, Noa’s company handles visa requirements, helping to find schools for children, and a gamut of services that makes life so much easier for a relocating family. “Relocation is not an easy decision and that’s why I take so much care and attention with my clients. I personally make Skype calls and go through the process until they are properly settled in. I am happiest when I know an individual or family feels as much at home in Sri Lanka as I do.”

A second company Esna Exports handles the export of organic produce and coconut based products to Japan, USA and Australia and also keeps Noa on her toes. As if that wasn’t enough, this young and dynamic businesswoman is also a consultant with Dusit Thani Sri Lanka and handles the marketing aspect for their Balapitiya Beachfront property.

With so much to handle, Noa has an active lifestyle that takes her around the island. “I love to travel and there’s no typical timetable I stick to with my work. I generally make it to office by 9am after a good morning workout, and then prepare for the day by first checking my emails. Because I personally choose my clients, I need to do a lot of research and gather insight which is also fun.”

The world of real estate in Sri Lanka is still dominated by males but nothing intimidates Noa, not even the fact that she is not Sri Lankan. “I don’t think being half-Sri Lankan is a negative. In fact it’s a positive in my business. Being half-Western allows me to understand the wants and needs of the Western mindset while being half-Sri Lankan allows me to understand the local way of doing things. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Living a simple life in Colombo, Noa does miss her family and the Netherlands, especially the season changes but strongly believes that with the right people around you anywhere can be home. She has also convinced her parents to retire and return to dad’s home country, and they will be joining her soon. I ask her what her plans are for the future and where she sees herself in 5 years and I am quite surprised by this ambitious woman’s response. “Honestly I’m not sure. In five years I might have another few businesses or just one. I do have personal goals for myself but I like to live my life with no restrictions. I get bored easily and I always need a fresh challenge. So I want to even surprise myself in five years’ time.”

Young women who dare to be different and challenge the norms excite me, and meeting Noa has been a treat to say the least. No airs, no graces. Just simplicity, class and a lot of reality. Her message to women in general sums it all up. “Learn to be thick skinned and don’t let anyone put you down. Envision it and achieve it!”

 

By Nishu Hassim
Photo Credit: Nadun Baduge

 

Box Information
Full Name: Noa Fernando
Family: Parents, two older sisters
Who Is Noa? A warm person, go-getter, focused person
Philosophy in Life: Move out of your comfort zone and stay focused
Favourite Person in the World: Barack Obama

 

About Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka in One Word: Colourful
What Do You Love About the Country? The Beaches
Favourite Sri Lankan Food? Lamprais (It’s Dutch after all!)
Something You Don’t Like About Sri Lanka? People don’t value time and the traffic!
Places to Visit: I love Ella! And Galle is awesome!

Madura Kulatunga: Reflections on the world of dictionaries

By Uditha Devapriya

Madura Kulatunga is a familiar name to most Sri Lankans. He is not too young but he hasn’t mellowed with the passing of time. He exhibits a kind of naïveté that is, for this writer at least, attributable to a sense of simplicity that he’s acquired and nurtured over many, many years. That simplicity has won him both friends and enemies. This writer met him recently. He had some questions to ask. Madura answered them all.

To start off things Madura, tell us a little bit about your childhood and youth.

Well, I was born on March 23, 1980 in Matara. I eventually entered Royal College. People think that kids my age would have begun our love for computers at school, but that’s not really true. Royal had a Computer Society, yes, but all too often there was a discrepancy between those who had access to computers at home and those who had not. This was in turn based on family backgrounds. Besides, schools couldn’t invest too much on the subject at the time. For that reason, I had to look beyond the Society to sustain my love for computers.

That is why my friends and I used to jaunt off to Union Place every day, to an internet cafe where I enthralled myself by surfing the web. You’d be surprised to know that I didn’t really choose computing for my A Levels at Royal. I chose Commerce. Perhaps that helped me when I was formulating a business model for my program later on, but for that time we really didn’t have much of an option: it was either Science or Commerce.

What of your life after school?

After doing my A Levels in 1999, I got myself enrolled for the National Diploma in Computing at the National Youth Centre in Maharagama. That was followed by a course, though not as celebrated or acclaimed, at Abacus Computers, Nugegoda: the Special Diploma in Information Technology. It was at Abacus that I realised by weakest spot: my lack of proficiency in English. Needless to say, I tutored myself through the dictionary, mainly the Malalasekera Dictionary, and through a perusal of several books on the subjects I was learning.

So did these encounters help you formulate your program?

I would say so. I studied about Visual Basic from these extra books I bought from Sarasavi Bookshop. They pushed me to design a program. At the time, however, access to computers was a luxury and so was access to the internet. So I had to design a program that could be contained in a CD. That is how I came by the idea of designing a Sinhala to English Dictionary. I admit that Malalasekera helped me a lot when I first set about setting up and conceiving my program.

Eventually I finished designing it. To test it, I asked some of my friends to run it on their computers and get back to me. They loved it. Because I was so encouraged by their response, I released the dictionary. I remember the date as though it were yesterday: November 23, 2002. I also remember the many costs and profit margins I aimed at with it.

For printing the CD cover at Seya Colour and packaging it, I had to spend about 75 rupees. I sold the program for 200 rupees to a retailer who then marketed it for 300. My profit, after all that, amounted to 125 rupees, which had to take into account various capital equipment, including a CD writer that cost 10,000 rupees. Money was not a concern or priority, though. The program became the roaring success I wanted it to become. That was enough.

What of your subsequent accomplishments?

Well, six years later, in 2008 to be specific, I made a website out of my program, which basically released it to the public domain. Soon enough, it became a roaring success on its own right.

I also pursued my education. I passed out as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer in 2005. I obtained an MSc in Information Technology from Sikkim Manipal University (through ICBT Campus) five years later. I was then recognised by the University of Moratuwa in 2009, when I was invited to address a Symposium by Professor Gihan Dias (who was instrumental in founding Sri Lanka’s first email system). Regarding the latter event, I must mention that I was able not just to present my program superficially, but also to unearth the nuts and bolts that went into the conception of that program.

Regarding all those accomplishments, what can you say as a final note?

Well, when I started out, I did not forget to acknowledge the products that and people who helped me design my dictionary. I did not forget Malalasekera, nor have I forgotten the intense abuse of it that most people who copy my original program even today indulge in. That is why I say that you must not forget your roots, your background. Also, you must not regard your accomplishments as reason for complacency. Though I will not reveal it entirely, I will say here that my ambition now, after completing all those Diplomas and Degrees, is to become a pilot. I have enrolled in a course to help me realise that ambition.

Do I have reason for regret in what I have done? Not by a long shot. Have I lost anything materially? Perhaps. Do I care? Of course not. So all in all, I can say this much as a final note: do what you can, improve on what you want to do, and everything else will follow. Don’t do anything for the love of profit. That is all.

Going Above and Beyond

Regardless of how times have changed and the world has evolved, the corporate domain still remains dangerous ground for a woman. More so for Sri Lankan women who also battle a traditionalistic and often dogmatic society. A few though have emerged victorious reaching the pinnacle of their chosen careers. Eranthi Premaratne is one such outstanding woman.

A lawyer by profession, Eranthi also holds a BSc in Bioscience from the University of Colombo. “I left school in 1995 and entered university but with the situation in the country at that time there was quite a backlog at state universities so my father encouraged me to enter Law College while I waited for university acceptance. I didn’t want to be a practicing lawyer but my father said that’s fine and to do it only as a qualification. On the basis that I would never practice, I entered Law College as well and passed out.”

Despite not wanting to practice law, fate had other plans for this multi-talented young woman. “I am what I like to call a drifter. When I finished both university and my attorneys, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do. I knew for a fact what I didn’t want to do. I didn’t want to be a doctor or a practicing lawyer. During this time, I joined an NGO that was involved with community work but that didn’t interest me either. Simultaneously I started a Post-Grad program at the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies on International Relations. Some of our lecturers were from the Centre for Policy Alternatives like Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu and Rohan Edirisinghe. I found their work very interesting and asked them if I could join the CPA.”

While working at the CPA, Eranthi found herself involved in areas like constitutional reforms and policy making which grabbed her interest. “I got in to what I am doing now completely by chance. While at the CPA I worked on some labour related projects and found myself getting more and more involved. There was a particular issue where some NGOs had complained to the Fair Labour Association about factories in Sri Lanka. That’s how I started off in the labour law area.”

Recognizing Eranthi’s knowledge and passion for the labour industry in one of Sri Lanka’s largest industries, global clothing giant Nike asked her to join their ranks as a Corporate Responsibility specialist in Sri Lanka. While at Nike, Eranthi was required to conduct audits at the MAS factories. During one of these visits and an ensuing conversation with the management at MAS, Eranthi moved from a global brand to Sri Lanka’s premier name in the garment industry, and has not looked back since.

She now has over 15 years’ work experience specializing in labour law in apparel manufacturing and currently works as General Manager of Sustainable Business at MAS KREEDA the division at MAS Holdings that serves Nike.

“I never thought I would stay in one organization for such a long time since my previous jobs were all short stints. But MAS had just formed the ACTIVE division and it was a very challenging opportunity for me. For me working is about being happy and I kept moving from place to place because I wasn’t but at MAS it was different. I have been happy for a large part of my time here mainly because I get to work in an area that I am passionate about.”

Recognizing her passion and years of work in sustainable business, Eranthi was recently conferred with the “Women Super Achiever Award” at the World Women Leadership Congress 2017 held in India. The Award is conferred to Outstanding Women Professionals who have the vision, flair, acumen and professionalism to demonstrate their excellent leadership and management skills in an organization / institutions or towards society at large, thus making changes and achieving results. The broad parameters used for selecting the award recipients are Leadership, Ethics, Business Acumen, Social Impact, Charisma, Visionary Approach and a Change-Agent. The entire program is chaired and directed by Dr. R. L. Bhatia, Founder and Editor-in-Chief – World CSR Day | World Sustainability. The jury consists of senior leaders, researchers and academics including some prominent names. About 100 women leaders from Asia, Pacific and the Middle East were recognized for their contributions.

“What I love best about this award is that one does not need to nominate yourself for it. Instead you are recognized for your contribution to make this world a better place. As a working mother and having a young family to take care of, it is a battle even for me to juggle career and home. Support from family is therefore essential and I am truly blessed with a wonderful husband and supportive parents. I must also mention the support from the leadership at MAS who constantly strive to be an empathetic employer.”

At MAS Kreeda Eranthi is today responsible for ensuring that social and environmental sustainability are integrated into the core business values. She has been involved heavily with the MAS Women Go Beyond Progamme (WGB), which is a signature women’s empowerment programme. A strong advocate of working women and Eranthi has been instrumental in promoting advancement of women in their careers through mentoring and giving leadership. But more so by living the life she advocates for.

By Nishu Hassim

Photo Credit: Soul Captures (Suren Nimalan)

Interview with Dominic Kellar and Asanka Sahabandu: The ‘Morning Fix’ Yes FM

Whether you’re stuck in traffic or you’ve had a bad start to your day, the Morning Fix hosted by Dom and Asanka would surely turn that frown upside down. Their sense of humour is undeniably a positive fix for your morning and I must say that it was an absolute pleasure to interview the merry combo. Tune in to Yes FM 101.0 from 7am to 10am to get your ‘Morning Fix’!!

What led to the collaboration of Dom and Asanka?

We met in late 2008 which was when we started acting in Pusswedilla together. It was the team at Yes FM which brought us together. We first began with the Evening Show and thereafter went on to do the ‘Morning Fix’ from August 2015.

What is life like for a radio personality?

We wouldn’t consider ourselves as regular radio personalities because have several things we do apart from radio. The radio industry is small, yet it is cut-throat and competitive. However, we try to keep it real, mellow, light and not too over the top.

It’s a known fact that you’ll get on very well but are there times that you’ll don’t?

Of course there are! In any partnership you get disagreements but it has never led to a fight or argument. Although we are friends, we have very different views on a lot of things. We would say we complement each other.

What do you’ll get up to apart from the ‘Morning Fix’?

There are a lot of things we get up to that cannot be mentioned publicly!!

Asanka: I love to drive and travel whereas Dominic is the complete opposite – hates driving or being on the road. If we plan a trip, we would come to a compromise where I would drive and Dominic would get to sleep the entire way. Once we get to our hotel, Dominic would find his spot in front of the TV!!

We also do a lot of things together because we have a large circle of mutual friends.

On an off day, however, we’d prefer to be at home or someplace quiet where we don’t have to deal with the public or be social as that is what our job entails us to do anyway.

Work wise, what do you’ll do besides radio?

Asanka: I sing and produce music as a solo artist. I am also a part of ‘Glory’, an existing band, asked me to join them and lead the frontline. I also do a lot of compering and voice over work.

Dominic: I started my own arts trust called ‘Identities Inc.’ with a group of friends. It is a theatre group, for lack of a better word! We create a lot of productions and do corporate work – like corporate training and theatre based work. When I’m not working on radio, I’m at home writing scripts. I am also involved in compering work. I used to be a Quiz Master and a Pub Crawl host but not anymore. Now, most of my work revolves around drama and radio.

Most memorable moment on the show?

The most memorable moment was our Second Anniversary. We celebrated our partnership of two years on radio together on 2nd February 2017. Although no one really celebrates a second anniversary on such a large scale, we decided to do it nonetheless and we were overwhelmed by the fact that our fans made a huge deal about it – sending wishes, cards, text messages and calls! It made us realize how many people listen to our show and how much they care about our combination. By far, the best day we’ve had!!!

30th December 2016 was also fun. It was this one time we partied for two days straight.

Our producers and boss also make it memorable.

Top 5 favourite songs of all time?

Asanka: I listen to music from the 50s onwards and sing English and Sinhalese songs from every single decade up until now, so it’s tough for me to choose a few favourites.

Dominic: This is a very tough question – this is like asking an actor what his favourite movie is!

Do you feel that ‘Dom and Asanka’ is here to stay?

We realised that – last month, after our second anniversary – that it’s something fun and something to look forward to. We never know where life will take us but we’re certainly not the type of people who would pack up and leave and join somewhere else. We’re happy where we are and we’ve built so much of credibility and would never want to betray our fans.

For the record, we love coming to work for the show. There are times we’re sick or tired or have had long nights and barely any sleep but we still show up for work. Even in the middle of all the fun, we would always remind each other that we have the Show in the morning and call it a night. We have given the Show priority. When we first started, the management wasn’t really sure about how this would go or last and thus, was very weary. Yet, now they have so much faith in us that it worries us sometimes because we don’t have as much faith in ourselves at times.

The management has been very helpful. Nowhere has there been this much faith and support.

We do our very best for the show and are very committed.

How I Lost 51lbs By Walking

The proof really is in the pudding, you see. And it was pudding that ended up settling quite uncomfortably around my waist and led me to put on a gargantuan 105 kgs with a waist size of 45 inches. Ironically (or should I say — comically!), it was when I tried climbing the stairs to get to the chocolate mousse residing happily in the fridge did I realize that my knees probably wouldn’t last the 20-odd steps towards that mousse of decadence.

I had to do something. Next thing I knew I was on a treadmill in my room for two minutes walking. The next three minutes I was on the floor with heart palpitations. I truly was in a sorry state. What really hit me hard was that I was not always a fat guy. Back in my early 20s, I was very active indulging and obsessing over fitness in a big way. I used to get up at 4 am just to walk, jog, and sprint for two hours; go to the gym for an hour; head off to work; go to Kyokushin karate practice at night; and then head off to tap dancing and Kandyan dancing classes over the weekend. I also enjoyed badminton, tennis, and swimming, and I had a set of six pack abs that I look back at with envy.

So what happened? Well, corporate life happened. One too many cocktail parties, and too many days and nights burning the midnight oil led me to become a desk monkey with all signs and symptoms showcasing that I’d be the proud recipient of type two diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The first step was to realize that I had a problem. Secondly, I had to have a plan of action.

The simplest thing to do was get over my defeatist attitude and YOLO lifestyle, and start walking. I immersed myself in various sources of fitness information, and followed incredible individuals like Ido Portal, Poliquin, Peter Attia, and Christopher Sommers on social media. Let me encapsulate everything I learned since my fat loss journey — you need to move. The human body was made to move. Quite simply put: if you don’t use it, you lose it. I won’t go too much into the benefits of exercise since that’s a simple Google search away. Rather what I’ll tell you is that your health really is wealth, and you owe it to yourself to invest in YOU.

All stats and facts point to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer are on the increase here in Sri Lanka. As a person who has lost so many loved ones to heart disease, cancer, and complications from diabetes, I assure you that’s a great deal of misery you can do without. With our lives today being intuitively connected to our smartphones and various social mediums, there is a revolution afoot. I make it a point to walk 7 kms a day, and obsessively track my progress with my iPhone’s Health app. Science proves that walking is the best way to lose fat especially when done consistently. I’m proof.

Consistency and patience pays great dividends, and throughout the years I’ve peeled away the fat, and at 38 years of age, I stand at 5 feet 11 inches, sport a 33 inch waist and carry just 82 kgs on my being. I’m the healthiest I’ve been since 23, and it’s thanks to good dietary habits (I personally function well on a ketogenic diet, but that’s a whole different article right there!), Crossfit, and logging in hundreds of kilometers walking that helped me get my health back in order.

The first step is always the hardest, and I’ve found apps like AIA’s Vitality App incredibly useful in giving me that extra motivation to hit my walking goals. The Vitality App is available on Apple’s iStore, and Google’s Playstore; the application syncs with a Fitbit or Mi band, or even iPhone’s Health app and Android’s S Health to log in your progress, and reward you with some undeniably attractive gifts like PickMe or Takas.lk vouchers, mobile top ups from Z Messenger, and EAP movie tickets. How it works is simple: If you walk 7500 steps a day you will receive 50 points and if you walk 12500 steps a day you will receive 100 points, and based on when you achieve those individual targets, you will be rewarded accordingly.

In conclusion, let me leave you with this small story. I remember coming across a quote back in the 80s when I was hunting around for a BMX bicycle in one of Colombo’s most popular cycle stores; it read as follows: We sacrifice our health to earn our wealth, and then spend our wealth to get back our health. These are words of wisdom that I hold very dear since I very nearly did lose my health for good. I hope this article convinces you that you need to prioritize your health, and that with the advent of technology you really don’t have an excuse to fall into that evil trap of procrastination.

Into the Wild

As islanders we love our great outdoors and in fact are quite proud of the flora and fauna spread throughout the island. More so of the Yala National Park, the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Consisting of five blocks, the park covers 979 square kilometers. Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and, along with Wilpattu was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals.

Panthera Pardus, more commonly known as the Leopard is one of them. A truly majestic creature, the leopard is arguably the only member of the “Big Cat” family to roam the Paradise Isle. Elusive is how most trackers and park rangers at the Yala National Park would most often describe the leopard. Not everyone though is lucky to spot a leopard on a first visit but with an experienced tracker you may just about catch a glimpse of the creature.

Many are the stories told of the Yala experience yet until seen with one’s own eye no great orator or writer’s description comes close. Elusive leopards, majestic elephants, dancing peacocks, playful black bears, a lone wild buffalo, ferocious crocodiles, herds of spotted deer, and over 200 species of wild birds, the Indian Ocean gently splashing against untouched white sandy beaches, and flora in all its glory everywhere you look, are just a few of the many moments in paradise. More than an experience it is what visitors who keep returning like to call an adventure.

In order to experience this plethora of attractions both natural and man-made Yala also has a variety of accommodation options from the luxurious star-classed hotels, to simple tree-houses that truly depict the village life that surrounds the national park. Camping perhaps is however the best way to become one with the surroundings.

At the Pardus Seek Luxury Camping Site which is our abode for two days, it is all about modern convenience meeting a picturesque jungle setting. If your hearts yearning it to be at the heart of nature, experience its beauty in its truest settings and yet bask in the luxuries of contemporary life then Pardus Seek is the place to be. Located deep in the serenity of the Yala National Park, and the closest location to the main entry point, this little haven is perfect for a lone traveller, a honeymoon couple, an adventurous bunch of friends, a family looking for relaxation, an ardent wildlife photographer or even a corporate group on a team building exercise.

The staff at Pardus Seek makes arrangements for pick-up from locations within Colombo and generally takes the Southern Expressway to get there. The entire journey takes about 3-3 ½ hours and we are told is best taken at night so as not to feel the fatigue too much. Once you do get there, guests are welcome in to luxurious 12 x 25 tents furnished with king size beds, and other amenities like fans, multiple power point sockets, attached bathrooms with water heating powered by solar energy, and internet facilities.

The best and most anticipated part of this journey is the trip to Yala which we are taken on early morning. This is the best time to see the elusive leopard, majestic elephant, playful black bear and the dancing peacocks. We are not disappointed and catch at least a glimpse of all of them and more.

After a tired day out exploring the best way to unwind is on your own private little patio or on the wooden deck of your camp while sipping the famous king coconut water straight from the fruit. Dining at Pardus Seek is an experience in itself as the options available range from a classy restaurant in the jungle to sitting atop a large boulder rock. Cuisine is a la carte and is specially prepared by a trained chef who is willing to give in to all and any taste buds. If required he will also pack a scrumptious picnic basket for your day in the wild.

For any traveller local or foreign, Yala is a definite on the to-do list. Pardus Seek offers a new way to do it in style.


Box Information
Pardus Seek Luxury Tents, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka.
Tel : +94 779 097 117 | +94 777 545 666
E-mail : info@pardusseek.com

Reservation Contact
182/A, Stanley Thilakerathne Mawatha, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
Tel : +94 112 076 044

Chennai Shenanigans

Stepping out of the plane, I was expecting a whiff of horrible smelling poo, I was wrong. People painted a horrible picture of India; however they were all proven wrong during my trip to Chennai. It was a great trip given that the company and the food were amazing. Chennai is indeed a larger version of Sri Lanka. Everything was double its size. The highways and roads are bigger; malls are huge and even their tuk tuks, rather known as rickshaws are larger and more spacious.

My trip to Chennai was on business, therefore given its convenience we were housed at ‘Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Center’. It is situated about 18 kilometers from the Chennai International Airport at the heart of the central business district in Egmore. It offers spacious rooms and suites, offering respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. While the restaurant offers flavourful cuisines with a pinch of Indian touch, the staff of the hotel was extremely helpful and caring. My stay was extra special as a result of the comfort the hotel offered during my stay.

Chennai is indeed a very special city, and is not how the media paints about India and thus a very safe stay and a peaceful one. Given that my stay was on a tight schedule I managed to squeeze in one important tourist / religious attraction of Chennai, St. Thomas Mount, a Holy place of international prominence and historical eminence. The ancient church a top of the St. Thomas Mount has served as the light house for the Portuguese and [1] Armenian vessels in the Bay of Bengal during the 16th and 17th centuries. The five hundred year old shrine atop of the mount, can be accessed by devotees easily through the vowed climb of 134 granite steps, constructed in 1726,  as an act of penance and sacrifice. However to make possible vehicular traffic, the historical shrine is also accessible through the south-western base.

According to folklore, the cross chiseled on a stone of this hill by St. Thomas himself was used as a means to offer his personal prayers. In addition it is believed that the cross provided protection from those seeking to persecute him. It was when he was praying before the stone cross, that he was stabbed from behind with a lance. It is believed that the Cross has been stained with the blood of the Martyr. This Cross was accidentally discovered by the Portuguese when they dug the foundations for the new Church in 1547. Ancient records show that the stone cross had sweat blood, during the holy mass celebrated by Fr Gasper Coelho on 18th December 1558. The last known occasion on which it was found sweating blood was in 1704. Popular faith says that innumerable miracles of cures were attributed to this sacred stone cross through mere contact with it in faith and it has roused the conversion of many unbelievers. Even today the natural dampness on its surface is a perennial factor of surprise and devotion.

In addition to the stone cross the shrine also houses the oil painting of the Madonna of the Blessed Virgin painted by St. Luke the evangelist on wood, known better as the ‘Scapular of St. Thomas’.  In the “Tombs and Descriptions in the Madras Presidency” ( A Government Publication ), Mr. J. J. Cotton says of the painting that “This is a picture painted by St Luke who was an artist. The Virgin died when Thomas was away and on his return he had the tomb opened in order that he might once more look upon her. It was found that the body had been miraculously removed and Thomas was so disturbed that St. Luke offered to paint him a portrait of the Virgin as a consolation. This portrait St. Thomas carried with him on all his wanderings”. The first written account of this painting was made in 1559 when the King of Bisnaga took it to his court in Chandragiri, which he later returned to the Mount. The Madonna is considered to be one of the oldest and most venerated paintings in India where countless blessings have been recorded by devotees who have prayed before it.

The facade of the Shrine is beautifully ornamented and highlighted by the Portuguese coat of arms engraved in rich granite and it serves as an official signature of the Portuguese who were the architects of this historical place of worship.  The shrine entombs a piece of the Bone of St. Thomas casketed in a beautifully ornamented monstrance. Many have witnessed miracles that have been affected through the efficacy of this holy relic. This Sanctuary is said to be the spot where St Thomas was martyred. Any one standing on this surface will certainly feel the vibrations of the hidden current that floods this main altar area.  The enchanting atmosphere atop the hill further enhances the serene experience of the church as it overlooks the city of Chennai is remarkable. The Mount is a proud heritage of Christians and remains a popular attraction for devotees far and wide.

Of course indulging one’s self in shopping especially given the seasonal offers was indeed therapeutic. Other than rickshaw’s, Uber is the easiest, cheapest and safest way to get about in Chennai. T-nagar considered to be one of the biggest shopping districts in Chennai and was indeed spectacular in the night. It is always good to take someone who speaks the local langue, allowing you to bargain and get goods for cheaper and better deals.  The night traffic in this district was literally crazy, as much as it was so colourful! Some of the recommended shops were Pothi’s and Nalli’s which I am sure most of us who travel to Chennai indulge in hunting for colourful sarees and kurtha’s. In addition the street shops are also good places to scry for beautiful ethnic jewelry as well as shawls and other goods. Given the demonetization India is currently going through we found it exceptionally difficult to change money. However every shopping mall particularly Express Avenue has money changing facilities making it convenient for tourists looking to indulge in more shopping.

If you are looking for something more ethnic to bring back to your loved ones Cane and Bamboo located in Egmore, very close to Radisson Blu Hotel is one of the best places to shop. Cane and Bamboo houses traditional Indian arts and crafts ranging from bags to wall hanging mirrors to wind chimes that are hand made by artisans from Kashmir to Kanyaumari and Gujarat to Assam. The diversity of the products were unbelievable showcasing exquisite workmanship influenced by religious, traditional, geographic and cultural factors each artisan is subjected to increasing high aesthetic and functional value.

In terms of the traditional cuisine, we experienced the traditional recipes of ‘Ente Keralam’ a traditional restaurant allowing its customers to indulge in Kerala’s rich culinary heritage. It was indeed an exquisite experience although not very different from Sri Lankan cuisine, there is however a significant taste that tingles your taste buds. I was surprised to see ‘Ap-pa’ also known as ‘Ap-pam’ on their traditional platter along-side string hoppers. The restaurant is located in Alwarpet, if you are looking for a diarrhea free indulgence. Not heeding pre-warnings to not eat street food, on my night out shopping I had the chance of indulging in the tastes of Panipuri from a street vendor. It consists of a round, hollow puri, fried crisp and filled with a mixture of flavored water (pani), tamarind chutney, chili, chaat masala, potato, onion and chickpeas. You get five of these Panipuri’s, giving you the strength to carry on walking in search of more shops.

It was indeed one of the best trips I have been on given especially that the company was amazing. Chennai was indeed an experience of a life time; a city that never sleeps in India.

Photography by: Nikka Almazan

[1] http://www.stthomasmount.org/

Living a Dream

Motor racing is a passion that once ignited is revived every time you hear the rev of an engine. It is only those with a true passion like Abeeth Dangalla who would know the adrenaline rush that it brings. Though he had a passion for racing and all things automotive from a very young age, the stage wasn’t set for Abeeth to venture into motor sports until much later in his life. The liking towards the sport came naturally to him even as a child as he spent his time watching races and showed great interest towards vehicles. Being surrounded by friends involved in racing also helped to stir up his desire for racing even more. Persistence being his key strength, Abeeth made his dream come true when he competed in his first ever motor race.

Proving that he was quite a natural in the sport, Abeeth excelled with sensational performances to win the National Championship in the year 2006 and 2012. He was also the SLARDAR (Sri Lanka Association of Racing Drivers and Riders) champion in the year 2006 in which he placed 1st in every championship race of the year except one. His most recent best doing what he loves would be the 2012 Katukurunda Rotherham Championship, Multiple podiums at the Colombo Night Races, and also finishing on the podium in every SLGT race he competed since coming to the event.

Of all these great victories, winning the 2012 National Championship stands out as the most memorable for Abeeth. All set to take part in the SL-GT events, he was seeking to make a comeback at this competition after a hiatus of three years. Due to certain misfortunes, he couldn’t perform well at the timing trials and had to start his race from the back of the grid. Unwavered, Abeeth had his eyes on the ultimate goal. His persistence was rewarded when he was able to surpass the twenty racers who were before him to grab the chequered flag at the finish line and hence, be entitled to the Championship.

A big fan of Mika Hakkinen and Fernando Alonso, Abeeth was also able to take part in a state level race – Formula Ztech – while he was in Australia where he was exposed to the high level of competition and training that the drivers go through.

None of these victories come easy. Motor racing is generally considered ‘risky.’ It is not just another sport like cricket where your family would encourage you to participate. Especially when you are not from a racing background, it is quite difficult to convince your loved ones to let you do it. This was also the case with Abeeth’s family who at first, were very hesitant to give the green light. It was when he was a little older and more financially independent that he was finally able to step into the game. Even today, he says, his family gets quite worried and gets more nervous than he does before a race. But now, they have begun to come to terms with it, enjoy watching him race and are quite proud of his achievements on track. He is also thankful to his dad who is now at trackside for every race and mom and sister who is glued to the TV throughout the event. Abeeth also has a few close friends and an ardent fan following who have supported him right throughout.

As is to be expected, accidents and injuries are part of the sport. However, because of the high levels of safety precautions taken by the drivers and the authorities, so far, Abeeth has never faced any major nasty injuries. His worst memories while on the sport were never the injuries but the times when his car failed him at the very height of competition.  After months of preparation, Abeeth and his team were ready to compete at Foxhill. Everything had been well until it was time to get the car to the grid when his car just refused to budge. All attempts at fixing the problem failed, his anticipation of winning was avail as he could not take part. A similar incident took place at the start of the first Colombo Night Race. It is a horrible feeling, Abeeth recalled, when your vehicle fails you at the very peak of competition after months of preparation.

Months of preparation means endless days of hard work to gear up for the races both physically and mentally. Acquiring sufficient sleep to improve concentration and acquiring physical fitness to develop good reflexes is very important. Equally, the vehicle also goes on preparatory mode to suit the regulations of the race and to ensure it is of good condition – properly tuned, tested and ready. It is very time consuming and doesn’t come easy. Working as a director of companies involved in property development and investments and a consultant for the government sector, it is important to strike a balance between work, racing and other aspects of life. This has limited Abeeth’s time dedicated for racing and now he is more selective about the races he takes part in. If it fits the criteria of being enjoyable, he’s in.

Most of his racing is self-funded while Nitro Racing also sponsors some of his events. However, when he was a full-time competitor, there was a high need for sponsors as motor sport is generally more expensive, which was difficult to fulfil. This was because though the corporate sector does come forward to provide finances as they do not see much benefit that they could gain from sponsoring drivers. Sri Lanka has great potential in the sport – great talent and enthusiastic spectators which, in Abeeth’s opinion, has not been rightfully exploited. “Like SLCC has branded cricket, motor racing in Sri Lanka needs to create an image for itself – make itself a brand.  Sri Lankan authorities need to take more steps to establish the sport and bring it up to professional standards from every aspect even the organisers and regulators who at present, work on a voluntary basis. The authorities also need to build dedicated tracks, develop infrastructure, and make doors for more financial support at least by providing duty concessions for racing vehicle equipment for drivers. If this is done, the corporate sector would be more willing to offer sponsorships and motor racing can be taken to the next level”, he says.

This year, Abeeth who has a strong liking towards gravel racing hopes to take part in more races than he did last year, and hopes to reach more podiums and create greater memories on a track he has always wanted to dominate.

Written by Tabitha Abraham
Photography: Suren Nimalan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fitness Connection…

At present, it seems as if there’s a burgeoning market for foodies in Colombo; besides the myriad of restaurants, eateries, bars, cafes, and hotels that seem to be stuffed into the heart of Colombo, there seems to be an insatiable desire for more opulent and decadent treats. Our waist sizes have increased tremendously, and so has the incidence of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

So much for the YOLO lifestyle fed to the masses by Hollywood and popular media that has instigated much havoc. While one side of the problem is processed foods, a stressful lifestyle, and a lack of discipline, the other side of the equation is the comfort of a sedentary lifestyle exacerbated by living in front of a computer.

But there’s a ray of hope, though. While Colombo may be indulging in its desire for food, there’s a fitness revolution afoot as well. Many a gym is cropping up and people are actively seeking an enviable set of six pack abs and lean physiques. Look anywhere and you’re sure to find plenty of Zumba classes, Crossfit boxes, MMA training centers, and even personal trainers offering tailored programs. The newest kid on the block is Fitness Connection, which is located on the third floor of the Racecourse building.

Newly opened, and well-appointed with a spread of the latest fitness equipment, this is certainly a hub of wellness boasting enviable levels of spaciousness highlighted by wooden accents and high airy ceilings. The gym is separated into a cardio section on one side of the floor, and a weights section on the other. Frankly, I’ve never come across gym that is both spacious and feature-rich.

Dinendra John who is the CEO of Fitness Connection is positively enthusiastic about its prospectives, and indeed he should be. With a steam room, sauna, massage room, spinning room, and even a rock climbing wall, there seems to be a fitness and wellness solution for everyone. All equipment are branded Cybex fitness solutions, which promise absolute quality and finesse.

Moreover, there are well-qualified personal trainers at hand who will craft effective nutritional and fitness regimes that are tailored to your specific requirements and goals. But let’s talk price: most new gyms are hardly accessible with their exorbitant gym membership fees, and I expected no different from a gym this big, but I was caught off guard to note that for an off peak membership, Fitness Connection offered it just at LKR 8,000 more than another quality gym nearby.

It needs to be said that another redeeming feature of this place is that the personal trainers are affable and helpful; the personal touch and interpersonal skill level at other similarly-priced gyms are sorely lacking. This is something that irks me greatly.

Let’s not forget the fact that deadlifting and squatting with a barbell can be a very dangerous affair especially if you are a newbie, and it is of paramount importance that you have the best trainers around to advice and assist you instead of chatting on Whatsapp or Instagramming their biceps in some other corner while you’re about to attempt a move that can compromise your vertebrae.

For the price you pay, you certainly are gifted a great deal of goodness. And I assure you that’s saying something coming from a guy who has worked out at around 80% of the gyms in Colombo. With diabetes affecting, according to some reports, 25% of the population, the argument for health and well-being is indubitably a strong one.

If there’s one investment that will offer you great dividends is one where you put your money into your health. I’ve always said that clichés are somewhat true, and the one that posits — health is wealth — is one that cannot be argued against. With a proposition that is value for money at hand here, you’d be hard-pressed to find other gym that offers great benefits such as Fitness Connection.

May I suggest that you take some time off from your busy schedule, skip the cheesecake and buffet, and head over towards Fitness Connection, and get more information? It’s bound to be one of the best decisions that you could make this year.

Harmonious Senses

No matter where you go in the world you will find Thai food. That’s a guarantee. Be it an upscale restaurant or a simple street vendor, Thai cuisine is a global phenomenon. Distinctly different from its other Asian cousins, Thai food incorporates different flavours and aromas in to one dish playing on several taste senses at the same time. This is perhaps why although the cuisine is widespread not many get it completely right.

In the sunny island of Sri Lanka where one can find almost any type of cuisine, Thai has been one that many have tried and failed to get right. Kudos to those few establishments who have got it right though and maintained their offering over the years. The latest addition to a handful of authentic Thai restaurants is “Nara Thai”, a Thai food franchise that opened up on Duplication Road.

 

The old building that earlier housed Chesa Swiss was converted in to a more colourful restaurant sporting bright purple, red and gold colour palettes in keeping with the flamboyance of the cuisine being served inside. The outdoor seating area is also decorated with some interesting ornaments and large metal gongs which we are told have significance to Thai culture. Conveniently located and easily accessible the restaurant also scores with adequate parking and easy access.

However, where location and ambiance scores Nara Thai loses out on service. Although the staff is friendly and welcoming, they seem to keep with the laid back atmosphere of the restaurant and take ages to first take orders and then actually get the food on the table.

Thai cuisine is known globally for sizeable portions and Nara Thai pays tribute to this fact by being equally generous. Once the food actually makes it to the table there are no complaints on the feast before your eyes. Much attention is paid to presentation especially with the purple orchids that add a touch of class to the dishes.

Our first dish for the day was a spicy Tom Kha soup which is a lemongrass and coconut milk soup in either beef or chicken. We opted for the beef which was tender and well cooked. The sizeable portion enough for two was thick in consistency and surprisingly did not have a strong aftertaste from the coconut milk. Instead it gives a tangy and spicy mixture of flavours. Next came an array of chicken satays which were also well seasoned and cooked. Traditionally served with plum sauce or chutney, the restaurant has various choices in terms of dips.

Our host for the afternoon also suggested that we try one of the traditional Thai lobster dishes and we were not disappointed with his suggestion of the Lobster Phad Kra Pao or the Chilli Basil Lobster. Although a bit pricy the dish is sufficient for 2-3 people and beware is a bit on the spicy side. The menu is quote extensive when it comes to its seafood offerings and some of favourites we are told include the Pla Dory Neung Manao (Steamed Dory with Spicy Chilli Lime Sauce), and the Kung Tord Kratiem (Deep Fried River Prawns with Garlic). For those who prefer their meats we recommend (strongly!) the Pae Aob (Braised Mutton Ribs with Ceekrong Coriander and Garlic). Paired with Jasmine Rice these dishes need to be enjoyed slowly as the flavours breakdown individually.

No Thai meal is complete without the traditional dessert of Sago Pudding or Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango and Nara Thai serves up healthy and tasty portions of both. The Sago Pudding has just the right balance of sweetness but for those who prefer something very sweet then the sticky rice cooked in coconut milk is definitely a must-try. We personally preferred the latter.

To wash it all down Nara Thai also serves some traditional Thai beverages which you could try if you are brave enough. The Anchan (Butterfly Pea) and Lemongrass juices are quirky in taste and may not be for everyone. If you want to play it safe with the drinks then the restaurant also serves the usual juices, iced teas and fizzy drinks. The perfect combination for the food we feel though is the lychee, peppermint or lemon iced teas.

One of the reasons we would definitely go back to Nara Thai is for the food and the fact that they have truly kept it authentic. All they need is to up their game on the service front and we have a healthy competitor in Colombo’s ever growing list of must-try food outlets.

So here’s our rating…

Location          ****    (Easy access and parking is always a plus point!)
Ambiance        ****    (Apparently a professional Thai interior designer was hired for the job!)
Service            **        (Friendly but extremely slow!)
Food                ***** (A great combination of taste and value for money!)
Overall                        ***

 

Ratings
*****              We Love It!
****                Got It Right!
***                  Getting There!
**                    Not So Great!
*                      Needs Serious Re-Thinking!

By #FoodiesSL