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 4th April 1999 |
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Galway Forest Lodge , the first hotel in LankaBy Sanath Weerasuriya'Galway Forest Lodge', the hideaway in the Nuwara Eliya hills, celebrated its first anniversary recently. Galway Forest Lodge is the latest addition to the comfort hotels in Nuwara Eliya with all five-star facilities. Set in natural surroundings just one and half kilometres from the city centre, it overlooks the hushed stillness of the Galway Forest Reserve. At the 'Lodge', you can find everything you need to get away from the hassle of city civilisation, but without leaving any of its modern comforts behind. Galway Forest Lodge is the first of it kind in Sri Lanka. It is a 'boutique type' hotel with all comforts. According to Chandana Fernando, the Manager Operations and Marketing the 'Lodge' is different from all the other big hotels in Nuwara Eliya. 'We do not have big gardens and large floor space like other five-star hotels. But we offer the same five-star facilities. This new concept is called 'Boutique type concept' or 'Compact Hotels', he explained. With the holiday season in Nuwara Eliya just around the corner, the 'Little England' is getting ready to cope up with the demand from the revellers from the capital Colombo.So does the Galway Forest Lodge. Pidurutalagala, Lake Gregory, World's End, Haggala Gardens the picturesque Race Course, Golf Course and the Beautiful Flower Gardens add to its old world charm in Nuwara Eliya. The ' Lodge' too is getting ready specially to cater for the local clientele during this season. 'Galway Forest Lodge' has 52 tastefully furnished cozy rooms with television, mini bar and piped music. There are three different sets of rooms in the hotel. 'Adelaide Rooms', 'Elizabeth Rooms' and 'Victoria Rooms'.The lobby bar, which is very popular among visitors, is called 'Highlander Lobby Bar'. The main restaurant is the Duke's Restaurant which can accommodate about 100 persons at one sitting. According to Tyrrel Morrison, the Assistant Manager of the hotel, 'The Lodge' had a very healthy occupancy rate during the past twelve months, since its opening. 'Most of the big four operators worked with us and the hotel was always booked during the past year. But for this season we just want to attract the local clientele. The season starts April 8 and the hotel offers a string of activities for the holiday makers, he said. "There will be a couple of good musicians billed to perform here for the season. 'Yohan & Honerrine' and Red Sands are some of them", he added. 'Theme Nights' come into action from April 8. Mexican Night, Italian, Indian, Sri Lankan, Chinese, B-B-Q night are some of them. The last day of the season is April 18 and on the last day, the hotel has arranged a grand ball with a grand food fiesta, which is very special for only the visitors of the Galway Forest Lodge. The lodge is owned by Nuwara Eliya Lake Inn (Pvt) Limited and managed by the Galway Hotel Management Services in Colombo.
Local teles for Indian NituShe was born and educated in Mumbai. Her name is Nitu Subhash Lale. Our cover girl Nithu is a teleserial actress in Mumbai. "I have appeared in a few teleserials in India . and have few more offers from producers and directors. When I return to Mumbai I will continue to work in those new teledramas" she said Nitu visited our soil to appear in TNL's 'Rangadhara' programme and now she has acted in few Sinhala teleserials thereafter Her favourites are singing, dancing and acting. Her ultimate desire is to act in Hindi films. "It was my father who taught me to sing since a student studying at Holly Name College" Nitu revealed. Her father Subash is also a singer and a lyric writer. Therefore Nitu considers her father as her guru who among other things taught her this subject. "However I studied dancing all alone with no one's help. It was the music cassettes that helped me to dance by trial and error"she said. Nitu has gradually picked up to speak in Sinhala. She says with the help of her friends here she picked up the language. She can even read Sinhala but with difficulty. "I am thankful to my friends in Sri Lanka as because of them I have picked up to speak Sinhala"she says. She sings in Hindi, Sinhala and Marathi. Her choice of songs depends on the audience. She can sing any type of song to suit the occasion. Bollywood tinsel world is now packed with action with film productions being done both day and night. Her dream is also to be a busy film star some day. Her favourite stars in Bollywood are Kajol, Madhuri Dixit, Salman Khan and Sunny Deol. We wish her success in the future.
Lester turns eightyBy Kumaradasa WagistaSri Lanka's veteran film maker Lester James Peries turns 80 tomorrow.( April 05) .We wish him a happy birthday on behalf of our readers. Mr Peries returned from Paris recently with his wife Sumitra Peries after completing her diplomatic assignment as Ambassador for Sri Lanka in France. Sumitra Peries is also a versatile film maker with many credits in the field of film direction. The octogenarian to us is like Satyajit Ray is to India.In fact Satyajit Ray was a friend of Lester James Peries who started his career as a feature film maker in 1956 with a full length film 'Rekawa' (The Line of Destiny)Incidentally Rekawa provided us with a national identity. At a time when Sinhala films were produced mostly on sets in South India studios, 'Rekawa' was filmed entirely outdoors with an unknown cast.' Rekawa' was considered a radical innovation by our film makers of that time. Although the film was not a box office hit Lester James Peries received international recognition at several prestigious film festivals for 'Rekawa'. 'Gamperaliya' (The Changing Village1964 ) based on a novel of the same title written by our doyen novelist Martin Wickremesinghe was his next feature film.It featured Gamini Fonseka and Punya, Heendeniya in the lead.' Gamperaliya won the Golden Peacock at the 3rd International Film Festival of India in 1965. 'Delovak Athara' (Between Two Worlds 1966 ),'Ransalu (Yellow Robes 1967),'Golu Hadawatha (Dumb Heart 1968), 'Akkara Paha' (Five Acres 1969) are some of his other works. He completed filming the trilogy of novelist Martin Wickremasinghe 'Kaliyugaya' (The Age of Kali) and 'Yuganthaya' (End of an Era).Another work of his which created sensational audience reaction was 'Nidanaya' adopted from a short story written by novelist G.B.Senanayake.Leonard Woolf's novel 'Baddegama' (Village in the Jungle) and 'Avaragira' (Where the Sun Sets ),also based on a novel written by G.B.Senanayake brought film audience acclaim for this rare scolar of the science of film making who has brought a name for Sri Lanka being at the top among the greats in film direction. Mr Peries is scheduled to direct a film for Chandran Rutnam.His first film was a short one,a 12 minute Soliloquy in B&W.
Shri Krishna: story void of sex,violenceRamanand Sagar's Shri Krishna will be on TNL from today, Sunday March 28. It will be telecast dubbed in Sinhala and Tamil. It is recorded by the Indian Readership Survey that approximately 45 percent of all viewers with access to TV in India have watched the mythical religious serial 'Shri Krishna' in '97. The latest television serialization of this Indian epic Shri Krishna relates the story of little Lord Krishna and his exploits, working his charms on his distraught mother across oceans, forests and the heavens. A pantheon of gods and godesses join him on the tube. These myth based soaps have succeeded in creating mythological revolutions on the small screen in India. Likewise it created a revolution when and Ramayana was shown in Sri Lanka on the small screen. Thus Shri Krishna, to be aired shortly on TNL, promises to do the same, promoting safe TV void of sex and violence at the same time. Moreover the creator of Shri Krishna, the same person who created Ramayana, Ramanand Sagar, is recognised as a mentor of society promoting high social and moral values through the reel. The main character of Shri Krishna the, Lord Krishna, is benign and loving though somewhat mischievious and almost childlike. He imparts knowledge through his deeds and teaches the difference between good and bad apart from other values. The final battle scene of the Shri Krishna serial was of great importance to the production. Thousands of costumes have been designed to be used and armour, swords, flags, crowns etc have been specially created for the war scenes. With the use of the Bhagavad Gita in the Shri Krishna serial Ramananda Sagar gives the message for spiritual peace and teaches mankind the meaning of life. The teleserial is sponsored by Fair&Lovely.
Harold: Saxophonist without equalBy Daffy DuckThrough five decades, he found his path, strewn with hardship and tribulation. Nevertheless during this period he savoured happiness, sad moments and many sleepless nights. He is well known in the music industry as the pioneer western musician in Sri Lanka. He has achieved what he dreamt of as a young boy. Harold Seneviratne the saxophonist entered the music field while at school in St. Peter's College. During the war years without even a radio to listen, young Harold spent his time with the school choir, drama society, the college orchestra, and organising 'Talent Quest', etc. His first career was not as a musician but as a planter. "I was a part-time musician. Alas it was a short stint as a planter. Then it all began in 1947 with the forming of the new band 'Cuban Caballeros'. We were playing for Radio Ceylon. We were in demand at dances too" he said. In 1954, I formed my own band 'Harold Seneviratne Combo' with my brother Tissa, Nimal Mendis, and Siripala Alles. We were playing at the finest night club in Colombo 4/5 times a week. We were paid Rs. 10 a night. Now Harold is 65 years old, leading a life of leisure. But he still plays his saxophone. "No longer can I play all night long, therefore I pick and choose where I can finish off by 1 o'clock. But I always play at the 31st Night New Year's Eve dance? "I play authentic Ballroom music. I simply can't understand the new generation at all. What is the music they play now. The numbers have no meaning, lyrics, you can't even understand. And the worst is it's not easy on the ear". "The new generation music has no tempo, either it's fast or slow and the same thing over and over again. Decade to decade people change, then style changes along. Now if you go to night clubs you see girls dancing with girls, and boys dancing with boys. What is the meaning of this? All this is due to the values and the morals of the young dropping allround. The young have no respect for the old, Nor do they respect each other. Their attitude is 'take it or leave it' or lump it. It is indeed a shame." "I play at places where people enjoy listening to waltzes, tangos etc. I am not equipped to play anything else, neither can I belt it out. I have no joy in playing for them, I point blank refuse them. There are times where you hear bands playing baila at midnight to get the crowd going. What a joke," Harold complained. Ballroom dancing is an art. It needs lots of practice. Only practice would make a perfect ballroom dancer. This is his philosophy on dancing. Being the veteran he is in this field I believe he knows best. "I have played for the best people, doing the best dances, both here and abroad. My life as a musician hasn't been rosy but I am proud of what I am after 52 years of service", the veteran musician said.
Return of 'Sudu Mahaththuru''Sudu Mahaththuru' (The Westernised ) is scheduled to be on National Rupavahani on Tuesday's.It is directed by Nimal Anthony on a script written by Somaweera Senanayake.Incidentaly this is Somaweera Senanayake's 18th script and unlike in his other teledramas 'Sudu Mahaththuru' comprises of only 18 episodes."The drama is based on Sri Lankan society soon after Sri Lanka gained freedom from its foreign yoke.It was a period where a section of our people lived a double life.Physically they were in Sri Lanka but in mind and deed they lived somewhere else," he said at a special screening of a few clippings of this teleserial in Colombo recently.A love theme is interwoven along with the main story to elaborate it.As this clan ofpeople lived in the plantation areas the teleserial too is filmed in the hill country. In a warning tone Mr Senanayake said that artistes should be vigilant on imitating Hindi teleserials in the local teledrama field.This has been gradually entering the teledrama field since of late. He alleged that video cassettes of Hindi teledramas are being introduced and screened before our artistes who are instructed to act and imitate what those artistes do."This not only blunts the creative talents of local artistes but also sets a bad example as a whole" Although our television media is only 17 years old we have marched miles ahead in teleserial production because our artistes,technicians and writers are dedicated and creative in their work.Therefore even if creations of our debut directors are substandard we should encourage them as the television media has a vast audience in this country. He was confident that the majority of youth in our country were television fans who always anticipate well presented novel themes mixed with wholesome entertainment in television programmes. Channa Perera, Angela Seneviratna, Menike Attanayake, Manori Wimalatunge,Satischandra Edirisinghe, Nimal Anthony Sriyantha Mendis and many other artistes perform.The other titles include K.A. Dharmasena (photography), Ravindra Guruge (editing), Sarath Wickrema (music). Nestles' are the sponsors.
'Yalui Api Yalui' : an adventure story"Yalui Api Yalui", a children's teledrama telecast over Swarnavahini recently will have its sequel presented on the same channel under the same title soon. Asela and Nilusha are two kids from Colombo who visit their village only during their school holidays. Predictably, the children turn adventurous and make many pals from among village children during their vacation. The sequel begins when Asela and Nilusha after a rapturous holiday are Colombo-bound for the new school term - back to the humdrum of city life. And they return home after gifting their chopper bicycle to village kids to ride - a gesture which touches the youngsters from the village. And the bicycle becomes their priced possession and they look after it carefully. The kids also become constant visitors to the teachers' home - Asela and Nilusha's home. The plot thickens when Vajira, the sister of a village lad called Gune returns home to re-enter a village school. And then, Asela and Nilusha return to the village for a short holiday, and the group of playmates increase with the addition of Vajira. Meanwhile, a drummer serving the village sorcerer (Kattadiya) informs his master that Vajira actually is the first born of a mother and father who were also first borns. True to mythical and occult belief, such children are offered as human sacrifice when sorcerers want to unearth treasures etc. Vajira it seems, is destined to suffer the same fate due to her extraordinary circumstances of birth. The children, unaware of the undercurrents threatening the existence of one of their friends continue to enjoy their playtime together. One day, the master and the drummer abduct Vajira and take her to the wilderness in order to offer her as sacrifice, and the children seek assistance of two friendly cops to search for Vajira. And the heroic story continues.... In memory of veteran broadcaster and Iyricist, the late Karunaratna Abeysekera, a song aired way back in 1956 has been re-recorded for this tele production. Several verses written by poet H.M. Kudaligama have also been chosen for the same. They will be sung by Victor Ratnayake. Directed and scripted by P.U.D. Perera, "Yalui Api Yalui" includes a cast of young and old. Veterans like Dr. Salaman Fonseka, Sushila Kottage, Navanandana Wijesinghe, Quintus Weerakoon, Udeni Chandrasiri and others come with a fresh batch of young actors like Samanala Athaudahetti, Osura Vinoo Perera, Thivandika Siriwardene, Udeshika Weerakoon and others. Lyrics have been provided by the late Kumaradasa Saputantri, the late Karunaratne Abeysekera, Geethanath Kudaligama, Saman Athaudahetti and Rohana Wettasinghe. While the music has been provided by maestro Victor Ratnayake, vocals were provided by Victor Ratnayake himself, Sunil Edirisinghe, Lelum Ratnayake and a choir of young chidren. "Yalui Api Yalui" was edited by Susil de Silva and produced by Indrani Palliyaguruge. "Yalui Api Yalui" will be telecast over Swarnavahini every Thursday soon after the teledrama"Haye Pahara"
'Theertha yatra' goes in search of family rootsBy Kumaradasa WagistaDirector Vasantha Obeysekera is happy as all those who saw his latest film 'Theertha Yatra' (The Pilgrimage) at the special preview congratulated him after seeing the film. Main star Yasodha Wimaladharma too was complimented for her performance. Channa Perera plays opposite her. Vasantha Obeyskera ruled out that 'Theertha Yathra' was based on a true story. Many have come to the conclusion that this film too may be developed into a feature like 'Dorakada Marawa'. "Nonsense, it's a fictitious story. But there may be cases that fit into this type of plot. Who knows as such things can happen" he said Ravindra Randeniya who plays a major role in the film was the first to give him a pat on the shoulder. "The film has come out very well and it's films of this nature that should be produced to overcome the present state of our film industry. It fixes another feather on his cap" Ravindra Randeniya said. The success story of Vasantha Obeysekera's films is the script and ways of it being presented. The story presents a theme of an adopted girl going in search of her biological parents. Her adopted parents are Ravindra Randeniya and Veena Jayakody. The next main role is played by Joe Abeywickrema. Cinematographer Jayanath Gunawardena has photographed it while the musical score is by Rohana Weerasinghe. Elmo Haliday has edited the film. "I advised the producers to release the film during this year itself as our audience would like to see new films and theater owners too would be happy to show new films in their cinema houses" Vasantha Obeysekera said. Film Location Services Chairman Chandran Rutnam and Asoka Perera producd it. Vasantha is now gearing up to start work in his next Sinhala film and to direct a telefilm for Swarnavahini. His next film is titled 'Peres Mudde' (The Illusion of the Wedding Ring).However the title of his tele film is not yet decided. His earlier idea of introducing a set of new artistes have been dropped as he is a director who can access the talents of a new face by simply having a chat." I have a few names in mind but I don't want to let them out just now." he said.
S'pore stars two Lanka films'Pura Handa Kaluwara' (Death On A Full Moon Day) is selected to be screened at the forthcoming Singapore International Film Festival on the competition section. However the FIPRISCI Jury will not see this film as this award was presented to this film at the recently concluded Friburg International Film Festival in Switzerland. The Singapore International Film Festival is to be held for a fortnight from mid April. At the previous years festival Nita Fernando won the best actress award for 'Pauru Walalu', (Walls Within) which was also directed by Vithanage. The film was produced by Nita Fernando. The film was produced by HNK Broadcasting Japan, written and directed by Prasanna Vithanage, who will be gracing the occasion at Singapore. Joe Abeywickrema plays the main role of a blind old farmer in the arid dry zone who believes that his son who is actually killed in the war front is yet living. Linton Semage's 'Padadaya' (The Outcast) is also scheduled to participate at the Singapore International Film Festival but in the non-competitive section. This film is selected to take part in the 3 rd Kerala International Film Festival scheduled to commence in Trivandram on April 3. A delegation led by Presidental media consultant Sanath Gunatileka, delegates from the National Film Corporation will attend the Kerala International Film Festival. Several film personalities will join this delegation. Films from several Asian countries will attend this fete.
Film Annual '95 on the shelfThe Film Annual '95 published by Asian Film Centre is on sale since last week.This book containing 104 pages gives a detailed report of films released during 1995 giving the titles,synopses, names of actors and actresses,technicians,box office collections ,excerpts of reviews and short films produced during the year. The book provides information even on films screened by foreign diplomatic missions,foreign film festivals held in Sri Lanka,local cinema functions,film festivals held for local films,Sri Lankan films participation in foreign film festivals,workshops and symposia,lectures,literature on cinema,details artistes and technicians who died during this year,titles of films certificated by Public Performance Board and many more details. The book is useful to all interested in films.
Sangamaya wants NFC streamlinedThe Widesheeya Chitrapata Anayanaya Karannange Sangamaya wants National Film Corporation (NFC) to black list film importers who provide damaged prints. The Sangamaya's executive committee at a media conference at Taj Hotel after they won the fundamental rights case against NFC said, "We do not want the NFC to be scrapped. NFC should carry on, but they should remove those officers who act irresponsibly. It was pointed out that certain officers in NFC prasticed acts of discrimination in releasing foreign films. "Although local films are released in accordance to the Public Performance Board (PPB) certification date, it was not so when Tamil films were released. Foreign films have to obtain a condition report guranteeing that the film is runworthy. Once a film running at a Colombo Cinema broke while on its run and the audience ran amok damaging the bar and some other items in the theatre. The cinema hall owner claimed damages from NFC and they were compensated by NFC when it should have really been claimed not from NFC but by the supplier of the film. These films were supplied by an American based agency and a percentage was directly remitted to an agent in India through a local commercial bank. The usual taxes due on these transactions are not paid. Although only three copies are entitled to be screened special preference was given to a particular film supplying company who import and screen five prints, which is discrimination. "One of our Sangamaya members imported a Tamil film and there was no theatre to screen it in Colombo South. At that time Roxy Cinema in Wellawatte was running old Sinhala films. When our member made a request to NFC whether this film could be screened in Roxy for a week NFC bluntly refused saying that Roxy was a Sinhala film screening centre. But after a short time a Tamil film supplied by that particular company was released in Roxy. Is this not discrimination?" the Sangamaya questioned. The Sinhala film industry is in this chaotic state because of the inefficiency of NFC. A brand new print of a film can be screened at least for three years where- as a used or damaged print cannot run that period. The President with all other problems she is facing presently has done a lot to develop the local film industry by waiving off taxes on the imports of film producing equipment and raw films. "The main problem is that this particular company gets films on world rights basis but we get them on a Sri Lanka rights criteria. Our prints come straight to the country. " it was revealed. Sangamaya's Chairman S. Raj Kumar, Secretary Ravi Fernando, Treasurer P. Aroopan, Vice Chairman Anthony Raja, S. T. R. Thiyagaraja and Vijaya Kumar spoke. A representative of the Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya was also present.
'Gini Dalu Meda': depicts gloomy side of warWar not only causes destruction, death and dissolution but also problems to the living. Film and teledrama director Mohan Niyas's 'Gini Dalu Meda' is a teleserial discussing the psychological effects of a married couple where the man is a soldier.
Sewmini comes forward and against the wishes of her parents she marries Milinda as she thinks that this was a time where he needs her help mostly and company. The new couple live separately. Sewmini faithfully attends on her husband's needs. She rehabilitates him, encourages him and finally Milinda recovers physically gradually. When Milinda 's mental condition returns to normalcy he recollects the sacrifice made by her on his behalf. He considers that an injustice has been done to her because of him. He regrets his inability to treat her as his wife. She has not received what a normal housewife would have from her husband. Their relationship as husband and wife also ceases. He thinks that Sewmini should be given the freedom of living an independent life and leaves home secretly. But he is disappointed as he did not come across any human being like Sewmini who could give him the mental help needed. Sewmini pleads with him to come back to her. The couple with reunites. Roger Seneviratne, Roshan Pilapitiya, Buddhi Wickrema, Pabodha Sandeepani, Nilanthi Munasinghe, Sarath Namalgama and many more artistes play the various roles. K. D. Dayananda (photography), Sarath Wickrema (music), Rohan Mudannayake (make up) are in the behind the screen titles. 'Gini Dalu Meda' is scheduled to telecast on National Rupavahani from April 22 at 8. 45 p. m. sponsored by Elli (Pvt) Ltd.
Countdown: World Food Media AwardsWith just 100 days to go, the countdown has begun to the closing date for entries to the 1999 World Food Media Awards, to be presented at the Hilton Adelaide, South Australia on Saturday, October 9, 1999. Entries so far received from around the globe reflect the growing interest in these prestigious awards, which cover TV and radio food programs and segments, food and wine books, magazines and photography, as well as a new section for CD-Roms and internet web sites . Among early entries in this new category are Oz Clarke' s "Wine Guide" on CD-Rom. Book entries include, from America, Carol Field's "In Nonna's Kitchen" and Steven Raichlen's "Barbecue Bible", and from Australia Cherry Ripe's "Ripe Enough"?, Gabriel Gate's children's story and cookbook, "Anyone Can Cook!", and Erick Roll", "A Celebration of Food and Wine". Publishers, authors, TV, radio producers and photographers are reminded that June 30, 1999 is the closing date for the 1999 World Food Media Awards.
16 short stories on mini screenBertram Nihal has undertaken a new venture.He has created a series of half an hour duration teledramas based on short stories written by recognized authors.There are 16 such teledramas by this gifted director.
Singer Nirosha Virajini plays a role in one of the dramas.It is titled 'Magic Lantheruma'.(The Magic Lantern.). The final chapter of the 16 part drama is titled 'Bhavana' All living beings desire to be loved.Human beings too take delight in being loved.Not only man but even animals have softened their hearts amidst love. Loving kindness,is the theme of this story. Clitus Mendis,Kumari Dissanayake,Mangala Senan-ayake,Nayana Jayatileka,Indrajith Nawinna,Ajith Lokuge,Weerasinghe Belgoda and H.K.U.Kumarasinghe are in the cast. Written by Tissa Abeysekere it is produced and directed by Bertram Nihal.Music direction is by Rohana Weerasinghe The second episode of this series is based on a short story written by Alberto Moravia.This is adopted to the miniscreen by K.B.Herath.This episode is titled 'Thunkal Mayawa'. Kumara Jayakantha,Damita Abeyratna,Somalata Suba-singhe,Sakuntala Peiris are in the cast.It is also produced and directed by Bertram Nihal.This episode is scheduled to be telecast on National Rupavahini on April 17. The third episode is adopted to the television by Professor Somaratna Balasuriya on a short story written by Albert Camu's 'The Visitor'.The Sinhala title of the teledrama is 'Amuttha'. Wilson Gunaratna,Jagath Beneragama,Gamini Hettiarachchi and Henry Wilson Silva are in the cast.'Amuttha' is slated to be on National Rupavahini on April 24 and is also produced and directed by Bertram Nihal. The fourth teledrama in this series is titled 'Akala Rathriya'.It's written for the minscreen by Simon Navagattegama adopted from a short story written by Russian author Ishak Levitan.It relates a Gothic story in the 19th century. Veena Jayakody,Edward Gunawardena,Susil Guna-ratna,Bandula Vithanage,Milinda Perera,Roshan Anthony,Piyasena Jayawan and Lal Kularatna are others in the cast. Bertram Nihal is producer and director of the teledrama.It is scheduled to be telecast on National Rupavahini on May 01. Commercial Bank sponsors.
Golden Sun Resort: A tropical havenBy Daffy DuckIt's hot! hot! hot! And all you want to do is cool down. Then there is still hope for you to realise the holiday of your dream in a tropical paradise by the sea at the Golden Sun Resort at Kalutara. Just 37km from Colombo, Golden Sun Resort is the latest by the Aitken Spence Hotels. It has 100 air conditioned and ultra modern beach front rooms open to a fantastic view of timeless Indian Ocean horizons, that's not all, this is inclusive of 32 Cabanas. "Waves restaurant' serve up the culinary delights from around the world at the beautifully laid out main restaurant where service matches the ambience, or treat yourself to a gourmet meal, lunch or just a bite and a delicious thirst quencher at the "C Green restaurant'. "The Bluesz" bar is an enchanting place to soothe your soul, or else just relax at the Garden and Pool Bar. For the active you, choose from frolicking in the beach or take a swim in the Golden Sun's outdoor pool. Luxuriate in its built in Jacuzzi, or watch as your children frolic in the baby - pool. Then there's pre - supper game of tennis under floodlights, or play draughts, carrom, darts, chess, pool and a host of other indoor games for when you'd prefer to take things easy. Sun Power Center is a fully equipped gymnasium for the strenuous, sauna, steam and massage. For those who prefer to take a tour of the area, visit the fabulous gardens of Bevis Bawa, or experience the poetic beauty of the waterfalls of Thudugalla. Enjoy a peaceful river safari on the Kalu Ganga, or enjoy the thrill of a fisherman's haul with the "Fisherman's Joy". The Golden Sun Resort provides all rooms with built - in room safe, mini bar, hair dryers, MATV with Satellite Channels, In House Video & Music, Tea/Coffee making facilities for the Cabanas, 24 Hour room service, Doctor on Call, laundry & Valet Services, IDD Phone facilities and a Shopping Arcade.
Moratuwa 'kollas' back in DubaiBy Lawrence MachadoThe Gypsies, back in Dubai for a concert after five years, took the crowds through memory lane and back in one of the best musical shows in the UAE recently. For many of the huge expatriate Lankan crowd at Al Nasi Leisureland, it was an evening of nostalgia and a welcome break from the drudgery of work in the Emirates. The Gypsies, led by Sunil, were performing at the musical show sponsored by Hatton National Bank which also held its Pathum Udanaya draws. AirLanka and Music Makers were the co-sponsors for the evening which attracted the biggest crowd of over 5,000 according to Leisureland officials, who covered the ice rink with carpets for the show. Backed by sexy female dancers Leena and Indy, the Gypsies did not let up during the over three-hour concert, belting out hit after hit with Signore the theme of the evening. Thattaya Ronnie Leith was at his obnoxious and humourous best and kept the party going with talented signer, Dammitha Abeyratne, when Sunil and his brother Piyal took a break. Dammitha, who struck an instant chord with the fans, specially the women, began on a solo note with three Hindi hits, before moving onto duets with Ronnie and Sunil, finding an easy rapport with Thattaya. While she seemed to lack charisma while doing the solos, she was more at ease with Ronnie as they sang about the white woman from Hikkaduwa and the mistake of marrying. Yet, whatever her shortcomings were regarding her own dances, she was not holding back anything throughout the evening and was probably the most photographed singer on the night. Sunil, changing dresses for his favourite songs, is a born entertainer who still manages after all these years in the business to project the same enthusiasm and continues to earn the respect of his fans and peers. Piyal, who backed his elder brother on most of the vocals, sang a couple of English solos, while the rest of the talented band, Cumar Peiris (keyboards), Derryck Heppenstall (bass), Niresh Perera (drums) and young Dilupa Mangala (key boards) also displayed their vocal talents during the evening. Sunil, who had Ronnie for accompaniment for Signore, the parody of a politician, dressed up for the act and was convincing enough to earn my vote at the next elections. Male dancers, Nishan and Kevin, combined effectively and energetically for their routines, which included a stage prancing act for "Hojahehoja" (check the spelling please!) with Leena and Indy. While the main dancer and choreographer for the gypsies, Duhasha, was unable to make it, Leena and Indy, with their daring costumes and imaginative dancing, proved more than adequate for the crowd, if the wolf whistles and cheering were anything to go by. The Gypsies had earlier played in Al Ain where there is also a sizeable Sri Lankan population, specially in the hotels. Top officials from Hatton National Bank were present for the show, including Gamini Karunaratne, Deputy General Manager, Treasury, Chandula Abeywickrama, Assistant General Manager, Deposits Mobilisation and Marketing, and Kelum Wijesuriya, senior manager, media and public relations, who doubled up as an excellent compere, keeping the tempo up even during the break. The bank officials were on a tour of the UAE introducing new facilities to their customers here. The Gypsies are crowd favourites because they give their all to their shows and Friday's performance proved that these Moratuwa "kollas" have not lost their touch.
An Intriguing Marriage Contract?The Telugu and Tamil superhit, Pavitra Bandhan has been filmed in Hindi titled Hum Apke Dil Mein Rehte Hain. In this story of marriage as a contract between two willing partners as perceived by an Indian who has lived in the USA, as a holy and irrevocable alliance as viewed by the boy's father - and the girl who accepts the challenge. However, this arrangement goes through contortions and gets lashed about and tossed about by the waves of jealousy, intrigue and the different standards of life. Anyway, proceedings drag on and on much to the discomfort of the filmgoer and end it the way normal Hindi films end - the moral takes pride of place. Anyway the drag was a long drawn out yawn. Starring in this film are Anil Kapoor and Kajol as the partners in the contracted marriage. And Anupam Kher is the father - the boy's father who views marriage as a holy and irrevocable alliance. Hum Aapke Dil Main Rehte Hein has its moments of good and bad as with any Hindi or vernacular film but the theme it tries out here is most intriguing for the lay filmgoer. The critics' verdict would be in one word - Intriguing.
"Maruthanayagam" - Where are you?Whatever happened to Kamalhasan's "MARUTHANAYAGAM" the much publicised most expensive and Royalty patronaged film. There are rumours about in Chennai and in the film city itself at Bangalore that Kamal's brainchild has ground to a halt on the production lines itself. But Kamal retorts: "No.... Nonsense.... It has not ground to a halt. There has been temporary setback that is if you can call it a setback. But the show will go on... the production machinery will start grinding again. And the film will be done to my satisfaction. These things happen". News from the studio emanating through unconfirmed reports state that "Maruthanayagam" has been a costly production and Kamal has suddenly realised that so much has gone into production so far and much more to come. From where is the money to come from. More than anything else "Maruthanayagam" is a prestigious production. It has got political patronage plus Royal patronage as Queen Elizabeth II visited the film sets on the invitation of Kamal when she visited India last year. So, with so much to zealously protect from falling to pieces he is all out to salvage something out of this period piece. And if completed sceptics say that "Maruthanayagam" might not even earn its cost in production because the present cinema trend does not favour "period pieces". Then why did Kamalhasan embark on such a costly production? Was it sudden impulse or was it a dead rope given by someone to see his down fall? Your guess is as good as mine.
Blue Water 1 yr. youngBy Sanath WeerasuriyaBlue Water, one of the most popular resorts in the southern belt, celebrates its first birthday today.
The main theme for this hotel is his artistic use of Water, which gives Blue Water its name. Mini ponds, streams , fountains and waterways dot the surrondings whilst the entrance corridor is flanked by water on either sides.The water within the building flows in to the giant swimming pool, which winds through the main lobby area, and graded as one of the largest swimming pools in Asia. According to the General Manager Adrian Kulatunge, the hotel has a large landscaped garden , which no other costal belt resorts can boost about .
Blue Water has 96 standard A/C rooms and four deluxe suites."We want to attract more and more locals and we have few more additions to be made in the next few months. The fully equipped night club, which is almost finish and the kiddies play- pen will be ready by next winter season. Also Blue Water is the closest beach resort to Colombo." he explained The Hotel offers a special weekend package for locals for the April holiday season. The full board is Rs.5950/- and Rs.8900/- per single and double respectively from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch. Sunday full board rate is Rs.5500/- per double . The facilities on offer are the main restaurant , specializing in both Eastern and Western cuisine , air conditioned bar with karaoke and billiard facilities, open air coffee shop, pool, bar, conference hall and fully equipped Gym . "The most modern Gymnasium and health club is another attraction of the hotel." said Hasitha Fernando, the Assistant Manager of the hotel , who is an experienced hotelier too. Golf,Tennis, Squash and other outdoor sports too are found in Blue Water. "Everybody believes in the saying " the customer is the king ".But I always believe in staff and only if the staff is looked after well they will look after our guests at their level best . So this is what we practise at the Blue Water' concluded Adrian.
Russel's Tea: the cup that cheersRussel's, marketers of the popular top quality, specially selected High Grown B.O.P.Fannings tea, are planning to expand aggressively their tea sales locally. In this respect they will operate two stalls on Saturday, April 10 from 8.a.m. to 1.30 p.m. one stall will be right opposite Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa, and the other at the Katubedda Flats where a fresh cup of tea will be served free of charge. This tea, full of fragrance and aroma in attractive packets in various quantities, will also be offered at very concessional rates on April 10 thus bringing a successful brand of tea within the consumer's reach. This high quality tea according to the Chairman of Russel's, comes from specially selected upcountry estates which they want to popularise in the local market at very reasonable prices. |
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Milinda
and Sewmini are two lovers. As their parents object to their friendship
the disappointed Milinda joins the army and is sent to the war front. Sewmini
is engaged to a man who is a distant relative of hers. Unfortunately Milinda
is injured and as a result one of his legs becomes lifeless. He undergoes
mental agony as he cannot move about freely. 
The
first episode under 'Bhavana' is a teledrama based on'The Bride Comes to
Yellow Sky", a story written by American writer Stefan.Cranco It is
titled 'Earata Udin Eara Mudunin.' It is scheduled to be on National Rupavahini
on April 10.
The
hotel 'Blue Water' is just 25 kms away from the city, lies on the picturesque
fourteen acres of beach frontier. This elegant four storey structure, which
is an ideal getaway for discerning holidaymakers, is designed by reputed
architect Geoffrey Bawa. 
"Actually
we have the biggest garden in the costal belt and the pool too. That was
one of the attractions we can offer to our clientale other than the fantastic
service by my staff. Our occupancy rate during the past year was really
good and it was more than the expectation. 80% of the market share went
to the Englishmen and the Germans." said Adrian.