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Dramatic tribute to Mandela
By Susitha R. Fernando
Mandela after having been in the limelight for nearly half a century, first as a freedom fighter of the black people in South Africa, then assuming the Presidency of the country on being released from prison after 27 years of imprisonment now is dramatically stepping on to the stage-here in Sri Lanka.

Sisil Gunasekara's play on the life and times Nelson Mandela has now been put into final shape and is awaiting to be shown to local and foreign audiences. The play titled "Mandela Mandela" had as its is consultant and the producer Foreign Affairs Minister Tyronne Fernando.

Speaking on his latest play Mr. Gunasekara said doing the script was the biggest challenge in his 25 years as a playwright. "It was a real challenge to depict the life story of this great figure with nearly a three decade long term of imprisonment within the space of two to three hours" Sisil said.

Having made some popular comedies like "Guwan Karanam", "Ralla", "Raliya" and "Paparazzi" previously to tackle a serious subject could have been a daunting task for him. Responding to a question why he focused on the great South African leader Mr Gunasekara said it was minister Ferna-ndo's idea. Further Mandela was the greatest freedom fighter after Mahathma Gandhi"

Explaining further the playwright said Mandela though being imprisoned for a long time for struggling against apartheid which was a system of discrimination socially bore no ill will against anyone on his release and after even becoming President of the country which had treated him so harshly.

Describing some of the scenes in the play he said "While in prison Mandela gets a message about the sudden death of his elder brother and a little later he hears about his mother's death. Then he comes to know about the arrest of his wife Winnie. Unaffected by all these events he continues with his fight saying that all these disappointments are a part of the struggle"

Speaking about the play itself Sisil said "we have planned to bring many characters on stage who were close to Mandela. And for these roles we employed some English stage players who are both young and talented."

Mr. Gunasekara said his latest is completely different from his previous productions and further it would be a serious type of drama done on a man who has fought social injustice and discrimination on being black.

Nelson Mandela in his message to the inaugural ceremony had stated "What makes the occasion of special meaning to us is not in the first place its reference to ourselves. The major significance is its reference to the South African experience of seeking change through dialogue, negotiation and peaceful settlement. Most of the world expected our country to experience one of the bloodiest racial conflagrations."
One of our veteran musicians Premasiri Kemadasa is director of the musical score. And Jerome De Silva is the choreographer.

"We decided to do this for an international audience using several languages. This would be the first international stage play done in Sri Lanka" the producer said.
"We have planned to translate the drama into German and also take it to the North after rendering it to Tamil," he said hopefully.

Tranquility & adventure at 'World's End Lodge'
By Tania Fernando
Nestled among the mist covered hills and pine forests, totally isolated from the rest of the world is World's End Lodge. After a four-hour drive from Colombo, passing tea estates on the A4 winding road, where tea pluckers are seen busily picking the bud, you arrive at your destination.Just after a turn off at 177 km post, we passed pine forests and waterfalls cascading down the mountain slopes along the winding road leading to the Lodge, this enhanced the beauty of the surroundings. Set on 575 acres of land, World's End Lodge is right at the pinnacle of the road, which is about 4500 Ft above sea level.

The cottage style rooms give you a view of Southern Sri Lanka. I am told that on a clear day you could even view the Sinharaja Forest and the placid waters of Uda Walawe.
You could see the mountain range and the pine forest while relaxing on the balcony of your room or on the lawn just outside the room. We were able to enjoy the mist-covered mountains on a full moon while sitting on the lawn while enjoying the fresh pine scented fresh air.

The swimming pool, which is on a lower elevation from the rooms, is set against the backdrop of mountains and more pine forests. The pool that is filled with mountain fresh spring water is so cold that it leaves you refreshed once you summon the courage to get into it. After having reached Worlds End Lodge just before lunch, we decided that after our long drive what we need was a dip in the pool. Even though we were hesitant to get into the pool, we found it to be totally relaxing and refreshing.

Food served at the Lodge is catered to each individual's need. You are able to request the food what you want and they do their best to cater to your whims and fancies. The restaurant is also cut away from the rooms and you have to walk down to the dining area to have your meals.

There is a TV for those who don't want to miss their favourite TV programme and you could even try your skills at playing carrom or a game of drafts. But for the fit and healthy you could try trekking to World's End or Bambarakanda Falls, which is the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka at 790 ft. However, if you still want to enjoy the waterfall and not able to walk through, you could drive upto the fall or even World's End.
I would advice only the energetic to try a trek to World's End, which is approx. 20 km one-way. We chose to trek to Bambarakanda Falls which is approx. 20 km both ways and should have taken us about 2 hours, but took more as I being the most unfit among the crowd, had to stop for breaks every few yards.

With the fresh air and the silence of just the wind blowing and the rain spattering against the roof, you could easily forget the meetings and horns tooting. With the mist rolling down the mountains it leaves you with the feeling that you are 'walking on clouds'. A few days at World's End Lodge will leave you with so many nostalgic memories to cherish that even long after are back among the hustle and bustle of the city.

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