Erandi Photographed by Lakshman Gunathilake Dress: Thilanthi Sooriyabandara Hair and Make up by Chitra Processing Lab: Color Photo Hyde Park

Contents Bartenders get a push up 'Sigiriya': a bird friendly hotel  The dream rose, Ramani TNL's Action Art Competition Meet Kumar in 'Face to Face' Bonsoir and the world of toys "My Mother's Ghost" Visions of Terror 'Eye For An Eye' Asterix versus Caesar 'The Heart of the Lie' 'BHAI' 'Boy Meets World' G.S.B. Rani Perera, singer of our time "Thank you for the Music" "Punchi Veerayo" set on adventure 'Ginigath Madhusamaya': Story out of the ordinary 'Dadabima' shows how the drug rings operate 'Cinesith' has come a long way Six dramas vie for state Hotelshow 2000' to boost local tourism S-k-e-w-e-r-s irresistible Juhi Chawla at war with critics Udayakantha goes on state service Mohideen Baig : Sang over 8000 songs An Avalanche of thrills and pills India's manycrowns of glory All praise for EFM! 'Housewives Choice' Old is Gold Do not harass local musicians

Bartenders get a push up

Sixteen barmen from four hotels (Hotel Serendib, Hotel Sigiriya, Hotel Dolphin and Reefcomber at Hikkaduwa) took part along with the Food & Beverage managers. A three day residential training programme in May with the competition on the final day was held at Club Hotel Dolphin, in Waikkal.

Theoretical training on different kinds of spirits, aperitifs, liqueurs was included in addition to practical training on cocktail making and showmanship.

'Hygiene cleanliness and neatness, public relations, showmanship, presentation techniques, speed of work, use of local ingredients were emphasized at training sessions', said Nishantha Manawadu, the group's Training Manager. Two competitions were held for the participants. Cocktail making competition - Each bartender had to prepare an international cocktail and his own creation, and flair bartenders competition - judged on their showmanship. 

Nishadha Periyapperuma, General Manager, Wornels Reef Hotel, Samantha Gunaratne, Resident Manager, Le Kandyan and N.M.M. Hussein, Training Manager, Holiday Inn were the judges of these competition. 

Thilak Gnanathilake of Club Hotel Dolphin won the first place in cocktail making competition and Kingsley Bandara of Hotel Sigiriya won the first place in flair bartenders competition. 

'Sigiriya': a bird friendly hotel

By Sanath Weerasuriya

Hotel Sigiriya is located in Sri Lanka's Archaeological Treasure House known as the Cultural Triangle and boasts of the most spectacular view of the 5th Century A.D. Rock Fortress, Sigiriya. The hotel has been slowly moving to be more environmental conscious and several changes are being made to align the hotel with culture and nature themes. With the Sigiriya area being home to some 160 bird varieties, the hotel has been classified as " Bird Friendly Hotel " by the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka. 

Sigiriya has eighty A/C and non A/C rooms. 

According to its General Manager Telson Fernando, the hotel is now undergong a refurbishment project. 

"We will be doing it section by section. It is very important to keep up with at least some of the modern facilities. The decor will be changed and the washrooms will be filled with new equipment. Since the hotel is almost 30 years old, we have to do these changes," he said.

Hotel Sigiriya is now more environmental conscious and the new change will be on par with culture and nature. 

"We are committed to follow this line and bound to promote our heritage. It will be a new hotel with a new look to face the new season", Mr. Fernando said. 

The restaurant has a riveting view of Sigiriya and a good table d'hote and a la carte choices. The bar is cosy and well stocked; do not miss the exotic house cocktail and the iced herbal welcome drink. 

Recreation options are varied - a freshwater swimming pool, children's pool, tennis, volleyball, water polo, jungle treks on elephant back and indoor games. 

Hotel Sigiriya offers guests superb bird watching opportunities in its garden and neighbourhood. 

There are two programmes on bird watching. General bird watching programme and trails identified for serious bird watchers such as Shahin Falcon Trail.

Also Hotel Sigiriya is a base hotel for excursions. The Cultural Triangle archaeological sites at Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura and Kandy.

Famous Kaludiya Pokuna is just half a days drive and Pidurangala is about 1/2 an hour away. 

Minneriya Wildlife Park, Dambulla Caves, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura Ruins are some of the other attractions lying closeby. 

Wasgamuwa National Park, a 45,000 hectare wilderness, home of elephants, leopard, sambhur and deer, is just three hours away. 

Try the healing therapy of a herbal steam bath and massage at the herbal treatment centre conducted by the reputed Horiwila dynasty of physicians.

Theme nights are another attraction out of which Sri Lankan Night is outstanding. 

It is a typical show piece of a rural village with Kopi Kade flute music, oriental music with village Ralahami, Poliskaraya and Kathkaraya (vegetable or fish seller ) in a live night theatre. 

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The dream rose, Ramani

By Ramesh Uvais

- the song not only flashbacks our memory to the late eighties, but also reminds us of the bright-eyed and fresh looking Ramani Bartholomeuz, who played the lead role in 'Baghya'. 

It is hard to believe that 13 years have elapsed since the tragic death of Ramani. Her 13th death anniversary falls on June 30th this year. 

Ramani Elizabeth Bartholo-meuz was like a little flower in bloom. Actually, it was her best feature in life. 

We all have dreams. but only a few like Ramani had the ability to transform them into reality. 

Ramani was introduced to the silver screen by none other than veteran film maker Dr.Lester James Peiris, who was then looking for a face to play 'Chamari's character in Yuganthaya.. It was a dream debut for her and what's more she was co-starred in the film with silver screen's stalwart Gamini Fonseka. She was then just a schoolgirl at Holy Cross College, Gampaha.

Her combination of good looks, brains and simplicity won her the Miss Sri Lanka title in June 1985. As the reigning beauty queen, she represented Sri Lanka in the Miss World contest in the United States the same year.

Her beauty, spiced with simplicity and innocence plus her undoubted talent brought her swift recognition from all four corners of the country. She made it really big on the small screen with her roles in Selalihiniyagama, Baghya and Irata handana mal. 

Her undisputed acting talents spoke volumes when she successfully replaced award winning actress Swarna Mallawarachchi's role in Dharmasiri Bandaranayake's Makarakshaya at short notice. She also paired with Kamal Addararachchi in Himakumari. 

The delicate beauty who captivated the whole country with her innocent roles, plunged the entire nation into shock and grief when she breathed her last on that fateful Tuesday, June 30 in 1987 at the Colombo National hospital, following tragic circumstances. 

She was snatched away at the age 21- just two years after being crowned Miss Sri Lanka and having come into the limelight as a film, stage, tele-drama actress and also as a most sought after model. 

Hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life flocked to her humble home in Asgiriya, Gampaha to pay their last respects, resulting in unprecedented traffic snarls in Gampaha. 

The dream rose, Ramani was laid to rest on July 4 amidst a massive gathering at the Catholic section of the General Cemetery, Colombo. 

Ramani Bartholomeuz was indeed God's gift worth remembering. 

TNL's Action Art Competition

The competition was open to schools all over the island. The station received hundreds of entries, and three judges from the art world had the difficult task of choosing the best from selection of brilliant work! Due to this enthusiastic response the station held an exhibition of all the entries on the June 5 at the Kings Court Foyer of the Trans Asia Hotel, between 4.00 and 6.00 p.m. Hundreds of participants together with their proud family and friends arrived to view their paintings and cheer on the lucky winners! 

The Grand Prize winners were Binoth Yasaswin Yapa of Royal College (Under 11), Sailaja Vaseeharan of Ladies College (Under 15) and Chathurika Jeewani Gajanayake of Rathnavali Balika Vidya-laya (Under 19). Certificate of Merit were awarded to Shanie Liya-nagamage (Lyceum International), Tracy Carol Felsinger (Royal Institute), Hussein Moulana (Royal Institute), Dakshita Sri Davapura (Gateway International), Vindu Manthila Palihakkara (Bishop's College), Chanaka Gayan De Silva (Royal Institute), Rushdha Hamza (Ilma International), Hansi Dhahara Kodagoda (Musaeus College) and Thilini Kumanayake (Musaeus College). 

All the winners received prizes courtesy TNL Radio and Union Assurance.

So what's next for TNL Action? Apparently, it's a programme that focuses on the issue of Child Labour - so stay tuned to TNL 101.7 and 90FM for more on TNL Action, sponsored by Union Assurance - We will take care of you, for life. 

Meet Kumar in 'Face to Face'

Kumar's 'Adahas' comesalive

By Sanath Weerasuriya

Kumar popularly known as Bonsoir Kumar left the French Embassy to launch his new venture 'Adahas'. 

He was the audio visual officer at the Embassy and the man behind the popular French programme Bonsoir. 

'Adahas' is a Media and Communication Consultant Company, where Kumar hopes to get to be involved with TV and Radio Presentations Scriptwriting, organising press conferences, writing press releases, translating, commerical copy for TV and radio and finally Compering. 

'Face to Face' is his first talk show outside his Bonsoir and French connections. Anyway he is already popular as a compere, TV presenter and as a producer of TV programmes. 

'Face to Face' on TNL features interviews pertaining to a wide array of subjects with a business orientation. Very often, we hear/read of product launches, dealer conventions, companies celebrating anniversaries, new products put out on the market, hotel promotions etc., etc., etc. This programme targets anything from a new car battery on the market, to the introduction of a revolutionary washing powder for harassed housewives, cement production in Sri Lanka, to a hotel general manager wanting to talk about his hotel's promotions etc. 

"Unlike the usual business talk shows we are used to seeing, this programme takes the form of an easy-going, very informal, friendly chat. The interviewer and interviewee' appear to the viewer as two friends meeting after a long break. They discuss the subject in question (commercially oriented no doubt) but in a "non-commercial" manner. We call this 'hidden advertising', " explained Kumar. 

This approach has a two-fold benefit: bereft of 'officialdom', it instantly puts the interviewee at total ease and thus enables him/her to give a better performance in front of the camera and from a viewer's point of view, which is a far more effective way of getting the message across to the target audience. 

This half hour programme will feature a total of three interviews. Each interview will be of a 8 1/2 minute duration. Within this timeframe, the interviewer and interviewee will engage in a vigorous, one-to-one discussion, making maximum use of the allotted time. 

'The interviewee will be expected to furnish any video footage (Beta, Umatic VCDs) photographs, brochures etc., relevant to the subject being discussed. This in turn would be used to illustrate the interviews', he said. 

Bonsoir and the world of toys

Well, we visit a toy factory here in Sri Lanka to see what a lot the carpenters go through to produce this favourite piece. We then visit toy factories in France to chat to people who have specialized the craft of making wooden toys, kites and miniature models. Before we end a look at how toys meet safety standards. 

"Bonsoir" - 26 June - 8.00 pm - ITN

"My Mother's Ghost"

Sixteen-year-old Jesse watches helpessly as her mother withdraws from her. Meanwhile, her father, Rick, in denial of his own grief, is trying to rebuild Double Oak's trail-riding business instead of his shattered family. As Jennie's depression worsens and Jesse's anger grows, the unsettled spirits of the Double Oak - re-enact their secret and both the living and the dead learn that forgiveness can heal their wounds. 

A story with haunting chills that will warm your heart, My Mother's ghost is a unique tale of parallel tragedies where restless spirits help to restore love and understanding to a grieving family. 

On Sunday June 25 at 2 pm and Wednesday June 28 at 8 p.m.on ETV

Visions of Terror

While counselling the slain detectives partner, Jesse has an extrasensory experience that puts her right in the middle of the recent murder. One visualization after another leads to an arrest of the suspected killer, the seemingly unrelated identification of a high priced call girl and the discovery of an encoded black book found hidden in the dead detective's house. The book contains the sex and drug habits of some of the city's most notable citizens. 

After the suspected killer and a potential witness are murdered before they can reveal why the officer was gunned down, Jesse realizes that the actual killer may be comeone closer to her than she would like to believe.

And as each piece of this bizarre puzzle takes a different twist, Jesse must call upon her psychic powers to not only uncover the real truth, but save herself from being the next victim. 

'Eye For An Eye'

Suddenly, however, her safe, order existence is shattered when a stranger enters her home, murders her daugther and, despite overwhelming evidence, is set free on a legal techicality. Outraged, grief-stricken and obsessed with achieving justice, Karen embarks on a dangerous personal journey, and even she doesn't know how far she'll go to find peace. 

'Eye for an Eye' - Hollywood Blockbuster on Sunday, June, 25 at 9 p.m. on ETV

Asterix versus Caesar

Obelix is crushed... but his big chance comes when Falbala and Tragicomix are kidnapped by the Romans. When they hear that the two lovers might be in Africa, Asterix and Obelix don't hesitate to join the Roman legions in order to find them. 

After many hilarious adventures, they face a serious problem, Falbala and Tragicomix are sentenced to the arena as a birthday present for none other than Caesar. (And be sure not to miss the big chariot race!) 

An excellent spoof of multimillion dollar epics like Spartacus, Quo Vadis and Ben-Hur.... 

On Sirasa TV at 6.30 p.m. on Thurdays

'The Heart of the Lie'

Was she an innocent victim manipulated by the system - or a master manipulator of it? Calling herself a feminist despite her man teasing good looks. 

Bembeneck can't sit still for the chauvinistic snubs of the police force. It's only a matter of time before she butts heads once too often with the old boy network, refusing to look the other way when she doesn't like what she sees. She's quickly labelled a whistle blowing troublemaker and pushed off the force on false drug charges. In the midst of plans to file an anti-discrimination lawsuit, Bambi impulsively marries Elfred "Disco Freddy" Schultz (Timothy Busfield), an unsavory detective with a nasty temper and a hard time making alimony payments. 

When Schultz's ex-wife is found savagely shot to death a thick net of accusations quickly surrounds Bambi. Schultz is granted immunity from prosecution and Bembenek is convicted of first degree murder - linked to the killing by her husband's service revolver, shaky circumstantial evidence and volumes of questionable, conflicting testimony. 

Cast includes Linsay Frost, Nightmare Cafe, Hill Street Blues, Thimothy Busfield, Field of Dreams, thirtysomething, John Karlen Racing with the Moon, Cagney and Lacey (Emmy Award: Best Supporting Actor). 

On Dynavision at 9.00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27

'BHAI'

But due to torture by extremists and police he had to leave the village. He comes to Mumbai in search of a living. But in the city also he witnesses the same situation of gangwar and terror of the underworld. 

He meets an honest lawyer (Om Puri), who gives him shelter and lawyer's daughter (Pooja Bendre) helps younger brother to get admission to the school. Kundan meets (Sonali Bendre) who teaches him to drive Auto rickshaw. 

She starts liking this honest villager Kundan. But Kundan does not respond. Day by day the city's situation deteriorates because of underworld activities. Lawyer forces the law to open the criminal case of David (Ashhish Vidyartha). David in anger gets the lawyer killed. Kundan's younger brother is the only witness to the killing. An honest Police Inspector (Kader Khan) tries to help Kundan and becomes his admirer. 

'Boy Meets World'

In this week's episode, "Killer Bee" Cory schemes to enter a contest so he can win a coveted baseball prize, and Eric screams foul when his parents attend the same rock concert as him and his date. 

G.S.B. Rani Perera, singer of our time

By D. B. Kappagoda

When Prof. Ratnajankar held the audition for grading the radio artistes, G.S.B. Rani as she was called was selected as a superior grade singer. P.L.A. Somapala when he was made the music director in Asoka, she was selected to sing with Mohideen Baig and Dharmadasa Walpola. 

Thereafter the South Indian music director T.R. Papa directed the Sinhala film "Surangani", Rani song popular songs such as "Suraganaviya Mage, Devide" which won the hearts of the film goers in the 50s. 

She also sang for "Sivathali", "Sundara Birinda", "Sujage Rahasa", "Nala-ngana". She also acted in "Surangani" and "Duppatage Duka". She is credited with the introduction of Singers: Victor Ratnayake, Neela Wickramasinghe, T.M.Jayaratne, Niranjala, Malkanthi, Nirmala, Srimathi Tilakaratna. 

As a student of Clifton Girls School Badulla, she showed her interest in music. She studied Western music but she was drawn to the singing style of Noorjahan, Rukmani Devi and Jothihe Ray who sang heart rendering numbers which became popular among the listeners. 

The chance came when she was invited by Ahamed the Manager of Columbia record auditorium in Colombo. This was the result of U.D. Perera and Mohamed Ghouse who recommended G.S.B. Rani as an up coming singer who has a melodious voice. 

She sang for the first time with Mohideen Baig "Samagi Bale Pamu" and 20 other songs on the same day. 

Her voice was used to sing Hindi and Urdu songs over the radio. 

This was done by Mohamed Ghouse and she was named Rani by U.D.Perera who gave her a helping hand to sing. 

G.S.B. Rani then acted in J. D.A. Perera's production of Vessantara and Mandri Devi and Upali Wanasinghe's Dascon as Queen Premila. In the same play Senadeera Kuruppu appeared as Dascon. 

G.S.B. Rani Perera's musical career spans over 50 years. She began her career in Sinhala films as a playback singer. She rendered her voice to some of the leading actresses of the Sinhala films. 

Her contribution for the development of the Sinhala cinema is noteworthy. Her style of singing is described by critics as heart rendering that appeals to the mind with a melodious voice akin to some of the best songstresses of India. 

"Thank you for the Music"

The concert will feature some of the top artistes in Sri Lanka. They will all be appearing free of charge as a mark of respect to this great lady. 

The artistes will be headed by Rukshan Perera (her second son), Annesley Malewana, Sunil Perera, Indrani Perera, Priya Pieris, Anil Bhareti, Lankika Perera, Corine Almeida, Dalreen Suby and Ronnie Leitch. 

The musical backing is by 'Kumar Pieris and his friends'. The show will also feature songs by her grandchildren Nadina, Devshan, Michelle and Sheehan.

Compere for the evening will be Rohan Mendis. Tickets are priced at 500/-, 300/-, 100/-. The proceeds will be for the families of soldiers killed in action and to purchase musical instruments for Princess of Wales College, Moratuwa. 

'Thank you for the music' is a presentation of 'Y'Men Club' of Moratuwa.

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