Darrshini Parthipan

Paper Moon Kudils, Arugambay Roccos and Arugambay PodBay proudly welcomed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to Arugambay. The Premier met with representatives of the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka.

Head to one of these dining spaces whenever the hunger clock starts ticking as they serve an enticing array of all day spreads. The restaurants serve up a range of flavoursome Sri Lankan dishes as well as delicious treats from across the world to satisfy any palette. When you are craving a sumptuous meal, fortify and appease yourself amidst a chic ambience of a fine dining restaurant. Make sure to check out these mouthwatering and hunger satiating all day dining options when in Colombo! 

Sweet breeze swirls the waters and swishes through the foliage before wrapping around you. A soothing lull of the serene lake and nature tingles the ears. On the banks of Kala Wewa, where kings and princes stood over a millennium ago, the soul is touched by a sense of absolute tranquillity. Kala Wewa, one of the oldest man- made tanks in Sri Lanka, is linked to many a folklore as well as historic saga. Near the embankment is a statue of the great King Datusena, who overlooked the construction of this magnificent water body. Mythos state that the king may have even concealed treasure in the depths of the wewa. However, the real treasure of this creation is its natural beauty and benefit to agriculture and wildlife. Aquatic birds including herons, egrets, cormorants, lapwings and darters fly over the lake on the hunt for fish or are perched on trees and branches protruding from the water. Fish eagles and Brahminy kites soar high in the sky, ready to dive at a moments notice. As evening approaches, the banks of the wewa, now a renowned national park, becomes a playground for elephants. The herds emerge, crunching on twigs and trumpeting. The adults have their fill of the leafy greens and submerge in the waters. While the little ones are kept protectively close, the teenage elephants can be seen mischievously frolicking, teasing each other and being disciplined by the adults. It is indeed a majestic sight to behold these gentle giants in their element. Always keep in mind t

Words- Udeshi Amarasinghe                  Photographs- Mahesh Bandara and Menaka Aravinda There was excitement in the air as the crowds gathered on the beach. As the waves rolled in with surfers completing their ride, loud cheers erupted. The first National Surfing Championship was gathering momentum in Arugambay! THE first National Surfing Championship to be held for Sri Lankan surfers, the competition provided an opportunity for contestants from around the country to participate in a profes-sional level competition. Organised by the Surf- ing Federation of Sri Lanka, the championship was supported by various establishments in Arugambay, all coming together to encourage Sri Lankan surfers to reach their potential. Following the completion of the competition, a Sri Lankan national team will be formed where focused training as well as participation in competitions will provide the experience and expertise for the team to perform internationally. With surfing being introduced for the first time to the Olympics in 2020, this provides an impetus for Sri Lanka to form a national team consisting of both men and women. A unique aspect of the National Surfing Championship in Arugambay was the pres- ence of young Sri Lankan women surfers, who though did not participate in the competition itself, were present to provide their support for this endeavour. The crowds included both Sri Lankan and nationals from various countries all coming together to give their encouragement an

Locked amidst picturesque mountain views, Bandarawela is an enchanting town in the Badulla District. The beauty of nature flourishes here, and this captivating scene along with the soothing cool climate has enthralled Sri Lankans for millennia. Even the British colonisers were charmed by this scenic destination centuries ago. Bandarawela truly has an invigorating atmosphere, perfumed with the fragrance of wild flowers. The rolling hills form an endless emerald carpet of wild greens, pine forests and neatly pruned tea plantations. Winding along the slopes, one can witness precisely terraced paddy fields and vegetable patches. Leeks, carrots, beetroot and various cabbages blossom bright and crisp in the cool climate, and along the way, makeshift stalls sell these fresh vegetables. Pears and strawberry gardens are charming places to explore during the fruiting months. There are many vantage points from which to truly witness the salubrious scene of Bandarawela, the most popular being Porawagala. After a rejuvenating trek through nature, gasp at the 360-degree panorama of the area capturing its natural bounty and charming structures at once from this point. Hidden amidst the forestry of the Bandarawela town is the Dhowa Rock Temple, dating back over 2,000 years. These caves were believed to have once provided sanctuary to mon- arch King Walagamba when he fled Anuradhapura during an invasion. Within the hiddem caves are large Buddha statues and the ceiling is adorned with ela

In the North, along the western belt of the island and amidst the vivid natural beauty of Mannar, there are hideem wonders to witness and experience. Cruising through shurbland and paddy fields, one can immediately understand why Mannar is called the "Rice Bowl" of Sri Lanka. Syop by the Giant Tank, an ancient engineering marvel that has for centuries sustained this fertile landscape and helped farmers reap their harvests. A century ago, the pearl banks in the waters off Mannar drew the attention of colonisers. Enticed by this prominent economic value, the Portuguese, Dutch and British left their footprints in Arippu. These ancient vestiges include the Doric House- the residence of the first British Governor of Ceylon, Fredrick North and the Arippu Fort. Visit the Mathota Raja Maha Viharaya linked to the port where Arhat Mahinda landed. The sacred Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu is the abode of a miraculous statue where devotees from all faiths journey to from far and wide for worship. The historic Thiruketheswaram Kovil is one of the island's five sacred Ishwarams dedicated to God Shiva. Journey along the causeway to Mannar Island; an isle of legend, fishing and bird watching. Be enthralled by a sprawling Baobab tree of the Mannar fort, planted by Arab traders. Witness the Adam's Bridge or Rama Sethu; limestone shoals that once connected India and Sri Lanka. Today, the bridge is popular for kitesurfing. Also, on the isle is the famed Adam's Tomb; an Islamic place of worship, bel

Fishermen on stilts patiently waiting for fish to gobble up the bait dangling from thangus thread attached to long thin poles made out of kithul stems are an iconic sight in Koggala. One of the most attractive and longest beaches of Sri Lanka, Koggala is favoured by fish such as koraburuwo and bollan. Visitors to the Koggala beach can still see fishermen practising this slowly dying but nevertheless charming fishing technique.  In the afternoon, beachgoers can stay to watch as these fishermen walk chest deep into the waves to perch on their stilts and cast their fishing rods into the water. Lingering on as the evening gives way to night, visitors can enjoy stunning sunsets, where the entire sky appears to be set ablaze by the fiery sun sinking beneath the waves. Koggala is also the home of the famous Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum. The veteran Sinhala author penned many a story with Koggala as the setting, and at the museum, various traditional kitchen utensils and Sri Lankan carts, kolam masks, and Buddhist artefacts are displayed, providing an insight to Sri Lankan folk culture of days gone by. The Sri Lanka Air Force plane parked permanently at the end of the Koggala airstrip is another attraction that lures in the visitor. On the nearby beach, there is a swimming pool blasted into the rock by British airmen stationed at Koggala in the 1940s. At the quaint Ranwella Temple in Giniwella, visitors can see the first press in Ceylon. Gifted by the King of Siam in 1859, it pu

Exporing myraids of shades inspired by nature and its very surface, artist Suraj Gamage takes art enthusiasts on a fascinating voyage in search of depths and heights of nature. The artist explaining about his works says, " Natural details of any surface is defined by an imaginary format and represented by the abstract format using colourful shapes in these drawings". Moving away from conventional natural landscape paintings and visual reality, Suraj creates unusual yet distinctive shades on canvas, bringing wide dimesnsions of nature and its elements of life. With a well-built academic background featuring visual art, Suraj has mastered the skill of presenting profundity in colours and shapes. His work reflects his great desire to create authentic paintings and his extraordinary sense of creativity. Further elaborating on his unique creations, he says, "My primary effort is to express the conceptual idea in this narative format based on colour, space, shape and volume of the language of art". Rather than merely presenting what is visible to the eyes, Suraj makes an extra attempt to discover beneath the facade of nature and unveil the surface of it. Through painstakingly chosen colours and thoughtfully drawn lines, Sujith contrvies paintings that are pleasing to the eye and at the same time speaks volumes about diverse surfaces of nature. His paintings present the essence of natural features, true visible colour and depth of the surface in abstract form.    Suraj Gamage's work

Marriott International welcomed its first guest to Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa merely one year ago, thus marking the establishment of the flagship of the global chain in Sri Lanka. The island has gained popularity as a tourist destination over the years, given its beautiful landscape and places of interest and historical value, that include an impressive eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa is situated in the southern coastal fishing village of Weligama, famous for its bay that provides for year round surfing. The new kid on the block soon proved to be a catalyst amongst Sri Lankan and foreign travellers alike, with its offering of modern global hospitality together with the unique flavours of southern Sri Lanka. The property offers 198 contemporarily designed spacious rooms and suites. Regardless of whether you wish to enjoy a holiday, plan a destination wedding or a corporate event, Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa is certainly the ideal location. Exquisite culinary offering The cuisine is delicious and flavoursome with an extensive array to select from. Elton Hurtis, General Manager, who has 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and 16 years with Marriott International used to be a chef himself. Sandeep Pande, Executive Chef, with years of international experience and an in depthpassionforcookingandguestservice,is the secret behind the culinary magic at the resort. Guests have the option of dining at five unique r

Swing with the new wave that's fast blowing a whole array of neat smart snazzy snacks to make your side dish come alive. 

In fact, the Aadi Vel festival in Colombo coincides with the Kataragama Perahera in the South of the island. Aadi Vel custom in the city is said to have started in 1874, when the colonial government forbade devotees from embarking on the traditional walk to Kataragama known as Pada Yatra owing to a spread of cholera. The Kataragama festival is a celebration of national significance and those who were unable to travel, initiated their own observance around Murugan temples in Colombo. There are two main Aadi Vel festivals in Colombo; one begins from the Sammankodu Sri Kathirvelayutha Swamy Temple in Pettah and travels to the Sri Manickavinayagar Temple in Bambalapitiya. The other parades the streets from the Kathiresan Kovil in Pettah to the New Kathiresan Kovil in Bambalapitiya. Aadi Vel is a colourful festival. The chariot decorated with two beautifully carved wooden horses and colourful garlands and flowers is drawn amidst a great deal of display. It bears the idol of Lord Murugan with his vel (golden spear) and his consorts, Theivaanai and Valli. As the chariot parades the streets, devotional sounds of Thavil and Naathaswaram – a traditional drum and wind instrument reverberate. The sound of fire crackers rings through, heralding the celebration of the great warrior god. Followers chant “haro hara”, while devotees smash coconuts before the chariot in fulfilment of vows, and countless bare trays with garlands, betel leaves, fruits, coconuts, burning incense sticks and camp

Gusts of a balmy breeze rustle the green plains and the peaceful realm of the wilderness is alluring. Spanning over 88 square kilometers, the famed Minneriya National Park is a green oasis. Traversing the deep forest to catch a glimpse of its serene wonders is itself an adventure. As the descending sun glimmers over the waters of the massive Minneriya reservoir, it creates a spellbinding vista against the lush green backdrop. The reservoir was built by the great King Mahasen during the Anuradhapura kingdom. With the fall of dusk, one by one or sometimes in herds, mighty elephants and majestic tuskers head to the banks of the reservoir. A haven for its primary occupants, the reservoir and its banks do not fail the jumbos who come in search of water and food during the period from August to October. They journey together towards the tank, as Minneriya is the only place, which has sufficient food and water for them during the dry season in the region. This mass flocking of elephants in Minneriya is said to be the world’s largest gathering of Asian elephants. While wandering around the banks and making trumpeting calls, the giant creatures enjoy the nourishing grasslands. Even before devouring a wholesome meal, some rush to the reservoir to indulge in the cool waters. As the elephants start playing with the water, the reservoir turns into their bathtub in the wilderness. They romp and play in the reservoir flapping their huge ears while enjoying a mud bath. One might give a h

  Our check list will ensure that you baffle guests and friends and earn a many “Where did you get this??!!” More often than not souvenir shopping can be a confusing chore especially when you want to buy valuable items and stay clear from  meaningless overpriced kitsch.Here is a list of our best pick of goodies that are proudly Sri Lankan; Make sure that you take a reasonable stash of these which are best bought here than in any other place.    Tea <img id="c1149713-5148-c680-615c-34245a419c46" class="photo lazy inline" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102315841/image.jpg" alt="Ceylon Tea" align="middle" data-caption="Ceylon Tea" data-credit="© BT Images" data-width-class="100" data-mce-src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102315841/image.jpg"> Ceylon Tea© BT Images   The history of ceylon tea dates back to ages and is world renowned for its unique taste and aroma. The tea, grown in hill country and southern parts is one of the finest qualities ever produced Grab a bagful of fresh tea powder that comes in various flavours and carry home the enchantment of a Sri Lankan Cuppa.                        Batiks and handlooms  <img id="32a0a083-d837-1dca-4448-0f22df659f8f" class="photo lazy inline" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102315843/image.jpg" alt="Batiks" align="middle" data-caption="Batiks" data-credit="© BT Images" data-width-class="100" data-mce-src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102315843/image.jpg"&