Life style

Polished to Perfection

Published

11 months ago

2025/02/9

Iconic Ghaffoor Building in Colombo Fort

Girdling the globe with his exquisite jewellery dating back to the turn of the last century was N.D.H Abdul Caffoor. Making his country proud at several international exhibitions, Abdul Caffoor’s gems and jewellery have even decorated the crowned heads of England, Belgium, Spain and Rumania. His establishment has braved many business challenges for over 130 years. We travelled back in time to delve into the character of this trendsetting Lankan whose 150^th birth anniversary falls this year.

BY RANDIMA ATTYGALLE

‘Except on Friday- when he goes to the mosque and locks his business, Abdul Caffoor, wearing his fez, stands at the door to welcome customers himself. He invites you in, offers you a seat and spreads out before you not one at a time nor by the meager twos or threes, but by the handful, such jewels as you have read of in the Arabian Nights Entertainments…’ writes Frances Kayes in her article Coral Strands published in Good Housekeeping (1926) giving a tourist’s eye-view of a visit to the establishment of Abdul Caffoor as cited by Asiff Hussein in the book- The Great Days of Colombo (pg 255).

Endorsing his late grandfather Abdul Caffoor’s principles which he never compromised, his grandson Hussein Caffoor, Director- N.D.H Abdul Caffoor (Pvt) Ltd. shares with us today an anecdote: “One day a customer had walked into grandfather’s store to purchase some goods of immense value. However, it had been very close to the mosque time on Friday and he urged one of my uncles who was assisting him in the store to quickly close the doors despite the customer hinting that he was to do a huge transaction. As my uncle would recollect, grandfather had said that if he wished to do so, he had to wait until his return from the mosque and to my uncle’s surprise he found the customer waiting for them for nearly two hours!”

One of the custodians of the N.D.H Abdul Caffoor (Pvt) Ltd today, Hussein Caffoor describes his late grandfather as a “head strong man of integrity and character.” Although not privileged to have ever met his grandfather at the time of his death on November 1, 1948, Hussein relives his ancestor through the stories of his father Rafi (the youngest son of Abdul Caffoor), his uncles and the enduring legacy he had left behind. Having joined the business in 1979, Hussein is joined by his two cousins Iqbal and Zubair Caffoor in keeping their legendary grandfather’s legacy alive.

Hussein Caffoor

Building a business empire

On April 8, 1875, Noordeen Hajiar Abdul Ghaffoor (later known as Caffoor) was born to a well reputed Moor family in Grandpass, Colombo. He was affectionately called ‘NDH’. As grandson Hussein tells us today, NDH whose father was a shroff at the Colombo Municipality, often interacted with British officers including leading businessmen. “This exposed his sons to the world of business and particularly my grandfather who had a strong sense of business from a very young age. With a silver coin given by his maternal uncle, he had bought a couple of ivory fans and sold them for a profit. He would also board large passenger ships that docked at the Colombo harbour with his uncle who was a successful gem merchant at that time.” NDH first learnt the ropes of the gem business, having apprenticed under his uncle. At 19-years of age, he went on to set up his own jewellery shop at the Bristol Hotel Building on York Street.

The Colombo harbour was the nucleus of all NDH’s business dealings. He was one of the few merchants who received exclusive permission to board ships in to sell gems and jewellery. He set up his own offices right across the harbour adjoining the St. Peter’s Church, (bordering the Grand Oriental Hotel) and moving there from the Bristol Building. “My grandfather had a cordial relationship with the church, so much so the church authorities agreed to sell their properties adjoining the church to him. He couldn’t have got a better place for business than No 40 Church Street where those disembarking could directly see his gems and jewels,” says Hussein.

NDH didn’t stop at that point. He went onto expand his business empire by building the iconic Ghaffoor Building which was completed by 1915. The four-storey wedged-shaped building with a striking dome, located on the corner of the present Sir Baron Jayathilaka Mawatha and Leyden Bastian Street in Colombo Fort not only changed the skyline of Colombo but also became a game-changer in business in the island’s commercial capital.

N.D.H Abdul Caffoor

Ghaffoor Building

Hussein, sharing the tale behind the uphill task of erecting the edifice by his grandfather says: “the entire block where the Ghaffoor Building stands today had been part of the Beira Lake then. Under the Lake Development Scheme reclamation work was done (Reclamation Rd nearby holds testimony to this) and as part of development, buildings were put up. I’m told by my father and uncles that due to water seeping in, no contractor came forward to erect the Ghaffoor Building until Walker Sons and Company took up the challenge.”

Describing it as ‘one of the largest and finest structures in Colombo’, Allister Macmillan in his Seaports of India and Ceylon (1928) goes onto note that NDHs’ ‘splendid jewellery emporium is located there.’ Macmillan further documents that, ‘Ceylon is famous for its precious stones and these are displayed in Mr. Gaffoor’s premises in great variety ranging from raw uncut jewels as they are found in the earth to polished gems worth a king’s ransom.’ Gazetted as a protected monument in 2000, the historical Ghaffoor Building which housed many eminent local and international business establishments from time to time is now a property of the Urban Development Authority.

International reputation

By the age of 26, NDH’s growing romance with gems and jewellery had reached dizzying heights locally and in other continents. In 1901 he was was invited to display his finest pearls, rubies, sapphires and other jewellery art to the Prince and Princess of Wales at the Kandy Pavilion during their Royal visit. Just two years later in 1903, he exhibited at the St Louis Exhibition, USA. Then again, he had a stall at the All Ceylon Exhibition in 1912, and the British Empire Exhibition in 1924. In 1925 he was present at the Wembley Exhibition where Her Majesty Queen Mary visited his stall and took a keen personal interest in the exquisite gems and jewellery he displayed. His final exhibition was at the Philadelphia Sesquicentennial Exposition in 1926, where he was awarded the Grand Prize for the biggest collection of gems ever displayed in the USA. His precious articles were sought by some of world’s richest men who specialized in antiquity including Harry Winston who was dubbed as ‘King of Diamonds’.

Interestingly, Abdul Ghaffoor or NDH eventually came to be known as Abdul Caffoor as the British found ‘Ghaffoor’ hard to articulate. “Subsequently, all his businesses were registered under the name Abdul Caffoor and today the business goes as N.D.H Abdul Caffoor (Pvt) Ltd,” explains grandson Hussein. A great enthusiast of the British architectural tradition, NDH got down British engineers and architects to design not only his offices but also his private bungalows. The Gem Museum he established at his Church Steet offices in 1929 was designed by the well known British architectural firm Edwards Reid and Begg. Several of his personal properties which are now occupied by his descendants around Green Path (present Anagarika Dharmapala Mw) and Ananda Coomaraswamy Mw mirror the British tradition. What he chose as his Kollupitiya residence- ‘Icicle Hall’ was no exception. Originally believed to have been a residence of Chief Justice Sir Alfred George Lascelles before NDH occupied it, this grand property was subsequently sold and became Siri Kotha or the headquarters of the UNP during Prime Minister Sir John Kotelawala’s time.

The York Building on Chatham Street which houses N.D.H Abdul Caffoor Jewellers today is another impressive building built by its founder. The present offices of the jewellery store had originally been a textile shop known as Ghaffoor’s says Hussein.

An ardent horse rider, Abdul Caffoor taught all his sons to ride. “I’m told that he had his stables on present Dharmapala Mawatha. His eldest son Falil was a great polo player and he used to ride on Galle Face green with Prime Minister D.S Senanayake. Apparently on the fateful day the Premier fell off his horse, it had been Uncle Falil who had been the first informant of the tragedy,” recollects Hussein.

A great philanthropist

Abdul Caffoor married Ummu Nafeesa and together they had five sons and three daughters. As much as he was known for his achievements in the business world, he was also known for his piety and philanthropy. He was a great benefactor of numerous religious and educational institutions including the Deaf and Blind School (then known as the Deaf and Dumb School) in Ratmalana, Zahira College Colombo, Child Protection Society and many notable mosques. “His commitment to religious and other institutions transcending religious and ethnic divisions was remarkable. My grandfather was such a visionary who believed in the Sri Lankan identity. This was reflected in all his international dealings including coveted exhibitions at which he kept the Lankan flag flying high. He was also an unassuming man who did not want his left hand to know what his right did,” says his grandson.

Visionary Lankan

Ceylon Daily News

of November 2, 1948 reported on his death: ‘Mr. N.D.H Abdul Caffoor, the well-known gem merchant of Ceylon died at his residence ‘Icicle Hall’ Kollupitiya yesterday. The funeral will take place at the Maradana Mosque this morning. Mr. Caffoor started his business in 1894 and it was sheer merit that brought him success. At his own expense he took part in a series of world exhibitions which, while increasing his own reputation, brought publicity to the island.’

In 1993, the government honoured this trendsetting Lankan with a stamp belonging to the National Heroes series, having previously named a street in Kollupitiya ‘Abdul Ghaffoor Mawatha’.

Sir Henry Moore, Governor General in his tribute to this visionary published in the Ceylon Muslim League Senate, November 1, 1953 wrote: ‘Wherever he travelled, he maintained the highest traditions of business and promoted the best interests of Ceylon; but despite his great business acumen and the wealth he acquired by its exercise, he personally eschewed the luxuries of life and lived simply according the devout Muslim tradition.’

(Pic credit: Sujatha Jayaratne, Abdul Caffoor family archives)

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Life style

Julie Chung’s graceful goodbye

Published

3 days ago

2026/01/11

Thilina Walpola

Chung

Last chapter in Colombo

Elegant, articulate and amiable, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung reaches the end of her term, with the quiet confidence of a woman who has shaped diplomacy across continents.

In this interview, she speaks with emotional clarity and stately restraint, offering insights shaped by memory, responsibility and a deep respect for the human stories behind public life.

A diplomat of distinction and a fashion icon in her own right, she embodies a modern elegance where intellect meets instinct and presence becomes power. She speaks of her time in Sri Lanka not as a posting, but as a chapter of memory, reflecting with grace on the experiences she will carry forward—memories woven with diplomacy, style and a deep affection for a place that became more than a destination.

As she says goodbye, Julie Chung carries with her not just memories but the very essence of the island: the warmth of its people, the quiet beauty of its moments, and a grace that will remain long after she has left. With an international career spanning Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Washington D.C., she embodies modern diplomacy—polished, perceptive and quietly powerful. She leaves Colombo shaped by its people, moments and connections.

Q: Ambassador, as your tenure in Sri Lanka comes to a close, what moments during your posting stand out the most for you personally and professionally?

A: Celebrating the 75th anniversary of our bilateral relationship was a watershed moment and a time to reflect upon all that we’ve accomplished together- from maritime security partnerships to trade to youth engagement. Opening a beautiful, new U.S. Embassy building was also a highlight, a place where we could really come together and build a community, host our American Centre, and a physical symbol of our efforts to deepen our presence in Sri Lanka. A personal highlight was scuba diving at various wreck sites, including the Godawaya shipwreck from which artifacts were preserved through the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, and marveling at the underwater heritage of Sri Lanka.

Q: How would you describe your overall experience living and working in Sri Lanka?

A: I’ve seen many challenges and difficulties that Sri Lanka has gone through during my tenure, but so much joy, resilience, and pride too. Sri Lankans are very proud of their tourism sites, foods, and cultural heritage- and rightfully so! I saw my role as a bridge builder between our two countries professionally, and I absorbed everything I could personally as well to delve into Sri Lankan culture. And the food–anyone who knows me knows that I have traversed the island trying and loving the amazing food here. From Jaffna crab to lamprais, I am going to go through serious spice withdrawal when I leave. My family enjoyed exploring so much of Sri Lanka with me, and even Martha, my dog loved her walks around Colombo!

: At the top of Pidurutalagala enjoying the amazing view of Sigiriya

Batik U.S. flag created by U.S. Embassy staff

Q What challenges did you face in strengthening US-Lanka relations and how were they overcome?

A: One of the challenges was to overcome misperceptions and misinformation about the United States and personal attacks on me. Holding this position invites a lot of attention and scrutiny, and I got my fair share of that while navigating through the public spotlight. I tried to share my personal stories, relay official positions clearly, and be authentic to the Sri Lankan public, not just as an ambassador but as a human being, a wife, and mother. I sought to engage directly with many communities across the island, not just government-to-government but truly people-to-people, speaking directly with farmers, entrepreneurs, students, speaking to them on my role and the United States role in Sri Lanka. It was not always easy, but I appreciated the candidness of everyone I met. As a Christian, it was also important for me to find places of worship to have fellowship which helped me stay faithful and resilient during the challenging times.

Q: Can you share an example of a cultural exchange, a people-to-people initiative that particularly resonated with you?

A: The return of the Peace Corps to Sri Lanka after a long hiatus was one of my proudest moments. I met young Americans willing to put in the work to learn Sinhala and Tamil, assimilate with local families, teach English at local schools—and in the process, learn from their students, too. It goes to the heart of what the Peace Corps was created to do–bringing Americans and communities together through service, learning, and shared understanding.

Q: Sri Lanka is known for its vibrant culture. Did your experience here influence your personal life or style?

A: I loved learning about the arts in Sri Lanka. I’ve attended the annual Kala Pola art fair where I could interact with both seasoned and up and coming artists and made a few purchases myself. I learned about Sri Lanka’s unique batik making culture and integrated various modern takes to batik design in clothes I wear. Our embassy community visited Sonali Dharmawardena’s batik workshop to learn first-hand about batik making and created a beautiful American flag artwork that hangs inside our embassy now.

: Selfie with Sri Lankan student basketball players during the U.S. Embassy sports envoy program

: Enjoying a cup of tea with fellow climbers at Sri Pada

: Diving at the Godawaya shipwreck which was conserved through U.S. support

Q: Who were your favourite designers or fashion experiences that stood out to you during your time here?

A I’ve loved admiring and showcasing so many talented local designers here, who also became my close friends. I consider them artists more than designers because it really is artistry and it comes from their hearts, reflecting who they are as individuals. Sonali Dharmawardhana, Charini Suriyage, Darshi Keerthisena, Kamil Hewavitharana, and Sammani Pathiranagama have been some of my favorites! I leave with a very full suitcase and I can’t wait to share my love of Sri Lankan design with Americans.

Q How did participating in Sri Lanka’s cultural and social events help in strengthening diplomatic relationships?

Two U.S. C-130s supported cyclone Ditwah response by transporting donated goods across the country

A Diplomacy is not just about having official meetings but diving into a country’s culture and personality; it provides us a deeper understanding and at the same time offers an opportunity to share the immense richness of American culture as well. When we invited our sports diplomacy ambassadors and arts envoys to come to Sri Lanka, it created avenues for more people-to-people connections. Every conversation I had, every trip I took, and every photo I snapped created that tapestry that led to my love for Sri Lanka. I took part in Sri Lanka’s social and cultural events while also creating opportunities for others to engage with American arts and culture.

Q: Were there moments in Colombo’s social scene that brought you joy or surprise?

A: I really enjoyed attending the Royal Thomian cricket match! It was my first ever cricket match and was so exciting to see the fans, the festive mood, and I joined along with the dancing, too. It was nice to see people from all walks of life and political factions come together in such a way for the love of the game.

Q: What memory of Sri Lanka will you carry with you forever?

A: One memory I will always carry with me is how Sri Lankans came together to support one another during the tragic period following Cyclone Ditwah. I was deeply moved by the compassion and solidarity shown at the community level. When we were able to offer $2 million in humanitarian aid and bring two C130 airplanes to deliver supplies, it really made me proud. Personally taking part in some of those flights and talking to the military forces and local communities was memorable. As a diplomat, I believe it’s important we get involved hands-on and not just watch from afar. Seeing Americans and Sri Lankans working side by side, physically unloading goods off of our planes was a powerful reminder that in difficult moments, our partnership is strongest, and that the friendship between our two countries is built on ordinary people and shared values.

Q: If you could relive one day of your tenure here, which day would it be and why?

A: It would be to climb back up to the peak of Sri Pada again with my husband and see the sun rising above the mountains and the shadows of the temple, and take in the natural glory of that moment in such a special cultural place. It was not just the natural beauty, but the friendliness of the pilgrims and fellow climbers who encouraged each other, even me, as I took on that climb. Moments along the journey—sharing a cup of tea or listening to someone’s story—kept me energized.

Q: What are the strongest impressions of Sri Lanka that you will take back with you?

A: Sri Lanka is such a diverse island- from its landscape and tourism sites to its religions, ethnicities, and cuisines. I say this often, it is a magical island that bursts with passion, energy, and a richness that makes every part of the country feel distinct yet deeply connected. I travelled throughout Sri Lanka, by boats, cars, planes, and trains – the sounds, smells, and beauty will stay with me forever.

Q: How would you describe the spirit of the Sri Lankan people to friends and colleagues abroad?

A: The spirit of Sri Lankans is definitely something I’ve come to learn about and admire so much – it goes beyond resilience during tough periods and is reflected in the humor and creativity of its people and traditions. That can be seen through the arts, literature, and even political cartoons. The Sri Lankan people are amazing and have given me memories that will last a lifetime. I am grateful for my time here and will carry it with me always.

By Zanita Careem ✍️

Life style

Gilded glamour at Grand Kandyan

Published

3 days ago

2026/01/11

Thilina Walpola

Celebrations with grandeur

The Grand Kandyan transformed into a sanctuary of elegance this past New Year’s Eve, hosting a spectacular gala dinner dance that seamlessly blended tradition with high-energy celebration.

From the moment guests arrived, they were swept into a world of luxury. The hotel and ballroom were meticulously decorated, setting a festive tone that promised an unforgettable night. The evening commenced with a sophisticated cocktail hour in the lobby, where guests mingled before being ushered into the majestic Royal Peacock Ballroom for the main event.

A Symphony of Black and Gold

The ballroom was a sight to behold, draped in a striking theme of black and gold. The color palette exuded sophistication, providing a glittering backdrop for the night’s festivities.

Lavish international buffet

Taking charge of the evening’s proceedings was the charismatic Javed Bongso, whose expert compering kept the energy high. The musical heartbeat of the night was provided by the popular band Lunu Dehi, whose infectious performance immediately filled the dance floor. As the night progressed, DJ Harsha took over the decks, keeping the crowd moving with a seamless mix of floor-fillers.

Prizes and Pageantry

The gala was punctuated by moments of excitement and engagement. Beyond the music, guests participated in:

Multiple Raffle Draws: Featuring a variety of high-value prizes.

Interactive Games: Engaging the audience and adding a touch of playful competition.

Grand Giveaways: Ensuring many guests walked away with more than just memories.

A highlight of the evening was the prestigious crowning of the “Grand Kandyan Queen,” a moment of true pageantry that added a layer of classic glamour to the night’s program.

A Culinary Masterpiece

No celebration at The Grand Kandyan would be complete without a culinary showcase. Guests were treated to a lavish international buffet, specifically decorated for the occasion.

A Global Family Celebration

The Grand Kandyan hotel General Manager, . Thusith Samaraweera, remarked on how wonderful it was to see a vibrant mixture of local and foreign guests coming together. He noted that seeing everyone ushering in the New Year alongside the “Grand Kandyan family” was the perfect embodiment of the hotel’s spirit of hospitality.

The night concluded as a resounding success, marking the start of 2026 with style, spirit, and community.

Life style

“Best International Hotel for Weddings” at Travel+Leisure India’s Best Awards 2025

Published

3 days ago

2026/01/11

Thilina Walpola

Saman Villa

Jetwing Saman Villas, part of Jetwing Luxury Reserves, has been awarded “Best International Hotel for Weddings” at the 14th edition of Travel+Leisure India & South Asia’s Best Awards, held on December 16, 2025, in New Delhi. This prestigious accolade celebrates the resort’s exceptional ability to create unforgettable wedding experiences, placing Sri Lanka firmly on the global map as a leading destination for romance.

The annual India’s Best Awards, driven by reader votes, honours excellence across the travel spectrum, from hotels and destinations to wellness retreats and culinary experiences. This year’s theme, “Passports to Possibility,” highlighted the transformative power of travel and brought together global hospitality leaders for an evening of recognition and inspiration.

Perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, the 27-suite resort is Sri Lanka’s pioneering luxury boutique hotel and a haven for intimate celebrations. The property offers one of the most unique settings on the island: a garden on a rock surrounded by nothing but incredible ocean views. From pre-wedding rituals to gourmet receptions, the property specializes in intimate weddings that feel truly exclusive and deeply personal. Beyond the ceremony, Jetwing Saman Villas doubles as an idyllic honeymoon retreat, offering luxurious private-pool suites, indulgent spa rituals, and romantic dining experiences under starlit skies, making it the perfect beginning to a lifelong journey together.

“We are truly honoured to bring this recognition to Sri Lanka,” said Hashan Cooray, Director of Marketing and Development at Jetwing Hotels. “As the country’s first and leading boutique hotel, this award reinforces Sri Lanka’s true potential as a premier destination for romance and weddings.”

Farrel Blom, General Manager of Jetwing Saman Villas, added, “Weddings are deeply personal, and for us, it’s never just about one evening, but it’s about creating an experience that feels like home. Many couples stay with us for several days, allowing us to be part of their story. Seeing them return for holidays and hearing their heartfelt feedback is the greatest reward.”

With a legacy spanning over half a century in the tourism industry, Jetwing Hotels has established itself as a pioneer in curating unique experiences and offering the best of legendary Sri Lankan hospitality, with the values of passion, humility, tenacity, and the spirit of family being at its core. As a family-owned brand, Jetwing Hotels continues to be a leading advocate for sustainability and responsible tourism, with ongoing initiatives focused on community upliftment, environmental conservation, and resource efficiency. With over 35 properties across the island, the brand’s diverse portfolio includes a range of Luxury Reserves, Premium Hotels, Select Hotels, and Essentials, each offering a unique perspective on Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.