Wednesday 07th April, 2010

Cannonball Run at The Galle Face Hotel The “Cannonball Run” is an event the Galle Face Hotel celebrates has every opportunity annually in March/ April commemorating a historical incident that took place in The Galle Face Hotel in the year nineteen 40’s. That Year when the Artillery of the British Army was practicing on the Southern - GM Le Meridien Dom ramparts on the Colombo Fort, a 30 pound Cannonball struck the roof to be a top tourist dest of the Galle Face House – The present Galle Face Hotel. It had Sinhala new year at Galadari Hotel crashed through the roof and rolled down the drawing room. It is Infrastructure development is sine qua non Sinhala new year makes the end of the harvest and spring and rains recorded that the enlivens the spirit of the nature as Flowers bloom trees get laden with house had enjoyed By Harischandra Gunaratna “Your fruits and bounties of farmers are full, Sinhala aluth aurudu rituals begin a lucky survival in Sri Lanka has a great country had a At the Galadari Hotel on 14th April at 10.30 am at the atrium of the hotel the 1840’s when future and all the ingredients great civiliza- with the boiling of milk , lighting of Traditional oil lamp by British military can- required to make the country tion dating the guest of the hotel and with the traditional female non practice went a leading holiday destination back to over raban players and dancers to announce the time to awry. A Cannonball in the world, said Juergen 2500 years start performing the new year rituals. The Galadari misfired on a partic- Sziegoleit, General Manager , when we hotel management and staff will welcome all their guest ularly wild monsoon Le Meridien Dom Hotel, were running with gratitude and love and host them for a day and all 30 pounds of it were drawn almost a mile down the Green Cologne. around in traditional. Aurudu meal , the table will to score a direct hit on the roof of the Villa where it landed on “the Sziegoliet now on a 10 day banana Juergan be laid with rich nutritious Sinhala squared Chunam and terracotta tiled floor leaving a heavy dent, holiday in SriLanka with his skirts,” he Sziegoleit sweet meats such as mung , where it rolled under a chair and remained”. When he heard of the family said “I have fallen in said. konda kevum, kiribath, , asmi incident, Governor Sir Colin Campbell arrived to view “the incredible love with Sri Lanka and this What is needed is an etc and will be a lavish treat to cannon ball”. Since then, in March / April every year a traditional is my 14th visit to the coun- accelerated development pro- our guest. The coffee shop lunch will be “Cannonball Run” was organized by the Hotel to mark this event. try.” gramme to improve the facil- a traditional meal on 14th April ,while the Café 64 will be offering tradi- Participants ran from the Cannon on Galle Face Green and touched In an interview with “The ities and infrastructure, he View of the Dom Hotel facing the Cologne Cathedrel tional sweet meats from 10th to 15th April from 9.00am to 9.00pm. the Cannonball kept in the hotel. The Annual Cannonball run was held Traveller” in Cologne, he stressed. Airlines and Sri Lanka But he warned, the coun- Celebrate Avurudu with Goodies! yesterday attended by a large crowd at the Pool Terrace. said, though it will take a lit- Sziegoleit a keen golfer, Tourism held in November try would have to improve When the koha sings its melodious tune, it’s time to greet the tle longer to heal the wounds was the winner of the golf here where a large number of the infrastructure rapidly if Sinhala and Tamil New Year! A celebration of family and friends, this is The night owl buffet hits the spot! of war but the country was touranament oraganised by German golfers participated. it is to cater to more tourists also the time that visits take place amidst the revelry and joy. Luckily Where do you go for a late-night or a super-early breakfast? on the right path where the Sri Lanka’s Consulate in “Sri Lanka has every and added that travelling in for everyone, Goodies, the trendy patisserie at Lakeside Don’t go too far – there is one delicious option you should not miss: tourism was concerned. Frankfurt with Sri Lankan opportunity to promote the Sri Lanka is a nightmare. Colombo, has created a range of treats that you could gift your loved The Night Owl Buffet at The Dining Room at Cinnamon Lakeside country as a top golfing desti- Building of good roadways is ones and share with those who Colombo! This excellent buffet menu comprises a feast of string hop- nation with a number of golf sine qua non if the country visit you! The specially-designed pers, pittu, noodles, vegetable courses in different climes,” is to progress, he explained. range of Avurudu cakes include a , chicken kottu, milk , he said. Sziegoliet, who was a part betel-leaf shaped ribbon cake, a dhal and potato curry – just Royal Colombo Golf Club of the 50 member German chocolate chip Avurudu cake, a the right combination to satisfy is the second oldest gold club Business Entrepreneurs dele- kiribath-shaped marble cake and those post-midnight cravings! It in the world after St Andrews gation that visited here in a chocolate cake with a traditional definitely hits the spot! The Night in Scotland and the course in early November, said there Avurudu lamp. There are also two platters of traditional sweetmeats, Owl Buffet is on from midnight to good nick and good condi- are ample investment oppor- both including kevum, kokis, mung kevum, kalu , athi rasa, 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays. tion, he said. tunities in the North and and thalaguli. The two platters vary in quantity and price. The equally good news is that on This is a very good oppor- East of Sri Lanka and many Meanwhile, kokis, mung kevum, athi rasa, thalaguli and kevum are every other day, a Night Owl à la carte menu will be available from tunity to invite international top investors, including also available individually. These tasty treats will be available at midnight to 6 am. So the next you’re out at night and need to satisfy Tourists taking a stroll along the side walk and enjoying the breattaking view golfers to play here with Germans are awaiting for the Goodies from 10-14 April. Gift them or get them for yourself – they’ll that growling in your stomach, just head over to The Dining Room at with the bridge across the Rheine river in the backdrop, in Cologne peace dawning on Sri Lanka, opportune moment to come taste equally good either way! Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo! - Pix by Harischandra Gunaratna. he pointed out. here. Mount Lavinia Hotel invites you to an array of grand slam Kids Holiday Workshop at Hotter than ever deals at the dawning of the Avurudu season Nuga Gama, Cinnamon Grand Sinhala and Tamil New Year is an Hotel would like to agile and rhythmic dance movements been slashed further and as low per annual event that stimulates society, welcome you to and drumming will keep your toes a person so that all your office get enlivens the nation and fosters nation- revel in age old tapping. Traditional games and cus- togethers’ and holiday revelry could be al consciousness in Sri Lanka. The traditions at the toms will be observed and indeed Sri celebrated at a unique location syn- festival is celebrated mainly by the hotel this avurudu Lanka’s quintessential festive foods onymous to Sri Lanka either at one of Buddhists and the Hindus. Now season. will be available in all its authenticity at the distinguished menus to choose Christians too participate in New Year “And why not the hotel. from or on the private beach. celebrations as this highlights the pay some atten- And that is not all, we have a grand The fun and frolic will continue for authentic customs that are synony- tion to the multi- reduction stayover package available the season when the latest hub for The Cinnamon Grand is organizing a towards children, this Holiday mous to the event rather than the reli- tude of sweet aro- from 10th to the 18th of April as low on sensational succulent seafood cuisine special Avurudu indulgence for children Workshop puts a fun twist on Avurudu Master Chef gious attributes and thus it has mas that will flow Publis Full board where our guests our able with an exclusive selection of fresh with a Holiday Workshop on the 10th of traditions and activities, while retaining become almost a nation-wide festival. from the hotel’s to dress for the occasion with a tradi- prawns with your favourite condiments April from 9.30 am to 2.00 pm, impart- the beliefs and cultural significance of Hence herald in Avurudu at one of kitchen when Chef Publis will cook up tional Avurudu costume. The package and prepared to your liking for an All ing age-old traditions to the next gener- this day for educational purposes," she Sri Lanka’s oldest and most important some authentic Sinhala Avurudu dish- also includes 50% discount on laundry you can eat Prawn promo from 19th to ation in an afternoon of exciting games said. Show your children village fun at surviving colonial buildings in Sri es with the traditional customs that will facilities, 30% at the Cocospa, and 25th April 2010, Seafood Cove will and activities. its best with Avurudu activities such as Lanka. A substantial history covering be observed throughout the hotel,” much much more. ignite with Prawn Melts, Prawn "In the vein of other successful making Avurudu sweetmeats, playing General Manager Anura 200 years and holding a very impor- states Anura Dewapura, General Adding extra splendour to the lists Tempura, the Japanese way, a steam- Cinnamon Grand children's indul- traditional games, learning village folk- Dewapura lighting the hearth at tant place in the historical records and Manager of the hotel. of grand slashed deals is the ing hot prawn curry, and many other gences such as Santa's Workshop and tales, making village handicrafts as well the auspicious time heritage of Sri Lanka, Mount Lavinia Throughout the day many colourful, “Corporate Craze” where prices have preparations for a total indulgence. Cheers Kids Clubs activities, we are as an art competition. Hurry, there are proud to debut the first ever Avurudu only a limited number of seats available! Travelon adds Manila and Cebu Holiday Workshop for Kids," said Public The workshop is open to children Relations Manager Tharika between five and ten. Come join the as their latest destinations Goonathilake. "Geared specifically fun! Philippines is a relatively successfully concluded tours unknown destination for the to Myanmar (market leader), !How much accountability resides in your hotel? Sri Lankan out- bound mar- Egypt, Bhutan, Northern Mount Lavinia Hotel’s quest for ket, Nevertheless Travelon Thailand, Kenya, Indo – Ltd with their adventurous China and many other coun- leading their way to accountability and pioneering spirit trav- tries will operate their sec- Leading people is one of the toughest “What is needed is no less than a collec- elled to Manila & Cebu with a ond tour to Philippines on challenges facing professional service tive change in how we lead. Leading for medium sized group (11 pax) June’10 led by the Travel organizations today. For the past few accountability is that change and means led by Bandula De Silva and Director of the company. years, Mount Lavinia Hotel has been in that we recognize the role of intrinsic the process of an organizational change, motivation.” When I was asked to lead from a heavy employee turnover to inno- this company, it was characterized by a vative approaches to food and beverage high employee turnover, no leadership operations to guest friendly approaches and worst of all a declining revenue. An with the experience in focus. Yet in each year later, turnover was extremely low case, a central question has always and revenue and morale were steadily been how to maintain employee commit- improving. Yet something was indeed ment and leading for accountability in the missing which was to change the behav- midst of constant flux. iour and to find a way to change the way The 17 member executive committee they thought on all situations, stated of the hotel from the 26th to 28th March Anura Dewapura. 2010 engaged in an educational retreat Their interactive workshop sessions in search of the finding the best way to began on the 27 th morning with Anura lead themselves to accountability. Their Dewapura leading the programme with a search was finally grasped at heartfelt acknowledgment to the team Travelon Group in the Philippines Kukuleganga Holiday Resort in that had battled great obstacles to Molkawa. achieve fulfilment and satisfaction. Then Osmund Liyanage a livewire Philippines is a user Today, employee accountability and the team collectively implemented the of the Sri Lanka Philippines friendly country with warm engaging the minds of employees in the vision and a mission for the Mount Friendship Association, friendly, courteous popula- work of the company has never been Lavinia Hotel, which has a substantial recently. tion, American, English spo- more important. The rapid expansion history covering 200 years and holds a The concept of group ken everywhere ,(they were and contraction of the workforce as the very important place in the historical travel to Philippines was under the U.S for nearly 100 country has moved along an economic records and heritage of Sri Lanka. Then the brainchild of William years) good food, lush roller coaster has eroded employee loy- in the afternoon session Mrs B Perera- Counsel General for green mountains & valleys, alty. Along with it, employee accountabili- Dewapura whose forte lies in employee Philippines in Sri Lanka who great shopping @ Harrisons, ty and commitment are being tested to assessment and indeed training devel- is the Chief Patron of the Sri Robinsons & Asia’s biggest the limits. As Mr Anura Dewapura most opment for the Hilton chain, facilitated Lanka- Philippines Business Mall – Shoe Mart (SM) Mall rightly endorsed what the President of the interactive workshop titled “Leading Council, who officially sup- of Asia thousands of bars country Mr Mahinda Rajapakse stated, your way to Accountability. ported and encouraged who serve St. Miguel Beer,& Travelon to venture out on a all night partying in go-go package tour to Manila and bars in, Ermita, Pasay. Cebu. Ms Eden Peralta of Ayalaya Av , Makati & of Airy Elixir Travels and course Cebu which could put Tours in Makati, Metro “infamous Bangkok” in the Manila extended her fullest shades. support to Travelon to make The “Night Owls” & Sri this inaugural tour a suc- Lankan “Bar Hoppers” will cess. certainly love Philippine’s Travelon Ltd who has night life. The Team on an outbound trek.

Wednesday 07th April, 2010