Sahran’s amazing race takes him from Sri Lanka to Surrey
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The first time I paid any attention to this man was when I saw him and his teammate Howard, rushing madly from country to country as they raced to get ahead in the internationally popular TV programme, The Amazing Race in 2006. Sometimes his histrionics were funny to say the least. His team lost. But that did not stop him.The next time he came into my focus was when I read about his achievement of being elected as His Worship, The Mayor of Haslemere in Surrey England.
Sri Lankan born, 42-year-old Sahran Abeysundera is probably the only ‘outsider’ in this tiny little town located in Surrey. Having moved there six years ago to be with his partner, Sahran was immediately welcomed by this close-knit family of 18,000 people. His charming personality and exuberant attitude soon made him the popular candidate for Mayorship, an exalted position in this little town.
Back in Colombo recently for a short visit, Sahran was soon immersed in what he does best- interior designing. As Director of two vastly different properties in this island nation, he is hands-on involved in the renovation and refurbishment of the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya and the brand new Fairview Hotel in Colombo 6.
Built in the late 1800’s, the Grand Hotel is considered to be one of Sri Lanka’s iconic heritage hotels that offers the grandeur of yesteryear. The hotel was originally built as the home for Sir Edward Barnes, the Governor to Sri Lanka during 1830-1850 and is designed to authentic Elizabethan architecture.
“I am obsessed by the intensity of the grandeur of this building and have completely enjoyed working on balancing modernity with the traditional look of the building,” he says. The hotel’s refurbishment is almost complete and Sahran methodically oversees every last detail to its perfection.
The Fairview Hotel is just the opposite; it is a no-frills, modern, minimalistic property, ideal for travellers looking for good, value-for-money budget accommodation.
“Having travelled widely on work, I’ve never actually used many of the facilities that I would normally pay for at the hotels I stay in,” he explains. “Therefore I considered setting up this hotel that is a no-frills property for the discerning traveller. Basically, you get what you pay for.”
Again, Sahran put his heart and soul into creating a delightful place that is now ready for guests. Situated in the heart of Wellawatte, this 50-room property is compact, comfortable and has stunning views of the Indian Ocean. And as expected from this designer with an eye for perfection, every detail is carefully looked into whether it is the restaurant, bedrooms, mezzanine floor or rooftop garden.
Sahran is back in Haslemere and busy with his various civic functions as he acts as the ‘face of the town’. “I have to maintain the integrity of Haslemere, upkeep public spaces and carry on city planning,” Sahran said of his duties for the next year.
At an event held last year to felicitate his new role Sahran, in his acceptance speech was quoted as saying “I stand here today, humbled, and look back at my life with pride and overwhelming gratitude and I look forward with hope and determination. Who would have thought a boy from the island nation of Ceylon, in the same year, 42 years ago, as Haslemere created its first town council, would grow up to be its Mayor. I thank my mother for making me the man I am today. Thank you.”
Each year the Mayor of Haslemere shortlists charities they will raise funds for during their tenure. The charities selected by Sahran are Positive Action, Action Medical Research for Children, The Kaleidoscope Trust and The Haslemere Penny Ha’Penny Trust.
“Now my ultimate wish is to meet the Queen of England,” he says hopefully.
- MW