Features

ENDING THE FIRST YEAR WITH A BANG! – Part 7

Published

5 years ago

2021/05/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

CONFESSIONS OF A GLOBAL GYPSY

By Dr. Chandana (Chandi) Jayawardena DPhil

President – Chandi J. Associates Inc. Consulting, Canada

Founder & Administrator – Global Hospitality Forum

chandij@sympatico.ca

Orders by Herr Kollmann

In the early 1970s one of the Expert Lecturers in Restaurant and Bar Service at the Ceylon Hotel School (CHS) was Herr Lothar Kollmann.. He dressed well with white shirts that were fashionably embroidered with a small Black (Schwartze) Rose. As a young man in his late teens, he had served in the German army during the World War II. He had lost two fingers in his right hand, due to a pre-mature grenade explosion. He often came to our class and said, “I need five volunteers”, showing the three remaining fingers from his right hand and two fingers from his left hand. This confused us. As this was for extra hard work, we never wanted to volunteer. Therefore, we would look down to avoid eye contact. Annoyed with this reaction, on one occasion, he waited for one minute and then turned red in anger. He pointed his index finger and ordered, “You, you and three of you, Kommen Sie, NOW!” We quickly marched behind him, obediently.

On another occasion when a group of students were relaxing during our 10:00 AM tea break, he came to us and asked, “Who has a licence to drive?” A third-year student, Walter Perumal, stood with his arm up and proudly announced, “Me, sir. I do”. Walter was anticipating an opportunity to drive the new van of CHS. Herr Kollmann grinned and said, “OK, Walter. Excellent. Now drive this tea trolley back to the kitchen and wash all these dirty tea cups.” That was the last time Walter volunteered for anything until he graduated from CHS.

Missing Cigarettes

Herr Kollmann smoked Rothmans Cigarettes imported from the UK, while students shared locally made much cheaper Bristol Cigarettes. One day we managed to hide his packet of cigarettes, but wondered why he never commented about it. Later we enjoyed smoking his Rothmans after we returned to the CHS hostel. Over thirty years later Herr Kollmann was invited by one my batch mates, Chris Isaac, to dinner at his home in Germany. When he noticed that Herr Kollmann had forgotten to bring his Rothmans, Chris had offered a cigarette to him. Herr Kollmann lit one cigarette and proceeded to put the whole packet of Rothmans into his coat pocket. He then stated, “Isaac, we are now quits!”

CHS focussed a lot in teaching us food production and service. It was able to recruit several expatriate experts with the generous funding from the Carl Duisberg Society and the West German Government. In addition, CHS was fortunate to obtain help from the International Labour Organization (ILO), an agency of the United Nations. The Food and Beverage Service training provided to us by a Swiss national, Mr. Jorge Müller, an ILO expert Maître d’hôtel was very popular. Mr. Müller was a very friendly person and loved to see his students progress in their careers. The ‘hands on’ basics in food and beverage service skills I learnt from Mr. Müller laid a strong foundation for my early career in hotel operations.

Nineteen years later, Mr. Jorge Müller and I became work colleagues. In 1990 we both worked for Schiller International University (SIU) Hotel Schools. He lectu

red at the SIU Hotel School on the Engelberg campus in Switzerland. I ran the SIU Hotel School on the London campus in the UK, as the Acting Director. We became good friends. Every time I went to Switzerland to teach hotel management as a Visiting Professor of the International Management Institute (IMI) in Lucerne, he hosted me to dinner.

I founded the International Hotel School (IHS) of Sri Lanka as the Managing Director, 30 years ago at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. I recruited a few former CHS personalities to assist me in establishing IHS. They included Mr. Eardley Edrisinha (our Vice Principal at CHS in the 1970s) as the Principal, Mr. Jorge Müller as an Adviser and a CHS graduate senior to me, Mr. Kamal Happuwatte (later the Principal of CHS) as the Curriculum Development Consultant. By then I had learnt that for any project to be successful, a leader must wisely surround him/herself with people better than him/herself. IHS will celebrate its 30th anniversary as the second oldest hotel school in Sri Lanka in September 2021.

Learning to Plan Hospitality Events

We learnt a few basic steps in event planning when we were involved in organizing a holiday party at the Ceylon Hotel School (CHS). That event was a success, so some of us continued looking for an opportunity to practice our newly acquired skills in event planning. The idea of celebrating the graduation of the third-year diploma students came up during a booze party at the CHS hostel. Our temporary “Dutch courage” made us ambitiously innovative in our suggestions. After the student representatives presented the concept of a Graduation Ball dinner dance open to public, the Principal and the teaching staff decided to support this idea. The leadership of the event was entrusted to the second-year students. As the first-year students, my batchmates were grouped into various sub committees to support the event.

The top venues for dinner dances in Sri Lanka at that time were three well-reputed hotels established in the 1860s – Galle Face Hotel, Mount Lavinia Hotel and the Grand Oriental Hotel (later Taprobane). These hotels were too expensive for us. Therefore, after we raised a small amount of funds through dance souvenir advertisements, we settled for the relatively inexpensive Samudra Hotel as the venue for the CHS Graduation Ball in 1972. The students did most of the work to organise a memorable event. We managed to raise sufficient f

unds to hire one of the most popular dance bands in Sri Lanka at that time – Gabo & the Breakaways. My good friend, lawyer-turned-musician, Sohan Weerasinghe, was their lead singer.

First-ever CHS Graduation Ball in 1972

In preparing for the big day, some of my batchmates learnt ballroom dancing and practiced at the hostel using broom sticks as phantom dance partners! Apart from learning ballroom dancing, one of the biggest challenges we had was finding actual dance partners. I was pleasantly surprised to be invited to join the table of one of our German-trained lecturers, Mr. Rohan Dias Abeysinghe. Knowing that his beautiful younger sister was attending the dance, I had some hope of partnering her. That plan did not materialise, as her brother was over-protective of her.

My other choice was a British teenage girl staying with her parents at Samudra Hotel. Unfortunately, a handsome CHS graduate who was two-years senior to me, acted promptly to book that girl as his partner. I was still not out of luck, as I finally found an Australian teenage girl holidaying in Sri Lanka, who became my partner. I liked the hot pants she wore to the dance. These were fashionable in the Western countries, but shockingly new to Sri Lanka at that time. With that trendy and groovy attire, my last-minute dance partner quickly became the talk of the event. A few of my poor batchmates who could not find dance partners were hoping to get an opportunity to dance with her, if and when I took a b

reak from dancing. I selfishly blocked any such partner-sharing arrangements by simply dancing non-stop with my partner. We nearly won the Baila dance competition held at the end around 5:00 am.

The first CHS Graduation Ball was a great success and we had lots of fun. We also made substantial profits. This tradition that we initiated has now continued with 25 more CHS Graduation Ball dinner dances held during the last 49 years. This event was rebranded as ‘Gravitas’ since the year 2009, to attract non-CHS hospitality professionals. It is now considered the most popular and prestigious event in the social calendars of the Sri Lankan hospitality industry management professionals. Not bad for an event wit

h a humble beginning that evolved during a student booze party at the CHS hostel in 1972.

The Worst in Class

Soon after the graduation and dance events were over, I received the bad news on the last day of our first year at CHS. I have placed last out of 28 students in my batch during the final examinations of year one. Unlike now, at that time the common practice was to publicly announce class overall positions and display final results on school notice boards. That was a humiliating practice, especially for the person coming last in class! As I was the only student in my batch who did not study at all, my batch mates were not surprised about my poor performance at the year-end examinations. I was too scared to go home for the summer vacation with my report card. When I finally went home, I was happy to hear that my father was away on some government business. My mother wanted to see my report and I told her a white lie, “CHS will send it by mail”. I had some breathing space which I used to hang out with my neighbourhood buddies. However, I felt like a ‘crab in boiling water.’

When my father returned from his trip, he opened the mail and there was an envelope with the CHS logo on it. The letter was from the CHS Principal, Herr Reinhold Sterner, and addressed to my father. The letter referred to my report card, which my father had not seen yet. The letter ended with a forceful paragraph which read, “Do yourself, your family, your son, this school, and the hotel industry of Sri Lanka, a big favour by removing Chandana Jayawardena from the Ceylon Hotel School immediately. He will not succeed in a profession such as hotel-keeping, which requires hard work, commitment and discipline.”

All News Advertisement

Features

Complexities in global politics deepen as economic pressures intensify

Published

18 hours ago

2026/08/27

Sahan Weerasooriya

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. (BBC)

The present offer by the UK to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities in the missile technology field in particular comes as ‘a stitch in time’ and the initiative is also likely to be appreciated considerably by democratic opinion world wide for the possible morale-boosting effect it would have on Ukraine. Besides continuous arms support, the conviction that the world’s frontline democracies are behind it would prove a huge plus in Ukraine’s eyes in its grinding fightback against the Russian invasion.

While continued US support for Ukraine could not be considered ‘a given’ any more, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s words during a recent visit to Kyiv that the UK would stand by Ukraine ‘for as long as it takes’ is the kind of assurance that Ukraine needs at present. For, the conflict in Ukraine is essentially a war of liberation conducted by the latter against an invader and deeply at issue here is the upholding of International Law and its foundational concepts, such as national sovereignty and a nation’s right to political self-determination. The world of democracy is of the firm view that the latter ideals cannot be compromised, come what may.

The UK has its work cut out in this connection. It would find it difficult to convince the Trump administration that it should staunchly stand by Ukraine but it could campaign vigorously with the rest of the West and the EU fold in particular to unflaggingly support the embattled and over-run country.

Ukraine has shown an impressive adeptness in using drone technology in particular against her enemy and has even manufactured her own hardware in this respect but using the relevant blueprints handed over by the UK for the manufacture of more sophisticated cruise missiles, for instance, may prove financially difficult, going forward. It is left to be seen whether the UK and the rest of the West who are with Ukraine will continue to be with her, considering their own rising financial constraints.

The latter impediments could only multiply in the future. Oil, gas and energy prices are on the rise and the latter costs are glaringly reflected in kitchens and meal tables the world over. As we go along consumer discontent would steadily intensify and governments, East and West, would need to figure out with considerable rigour and foresight how such disaffection could be ably managed. Failing which, in most democratic societies, the chances are that publics would be out on the streets demanding that their grievances be redressed forthwith.

These rising concerns are reflected in a recent move by some EU governments to consider imposing what is described as ‘a windfall tax’ on the profits specified major oil companies operating within their shores have made in the wake of the US-Israel war on Iran. The rationale apparently is to use such tax earnings to cushion the rising cost of living of their publics and bolster the respective countries’ social expenditure.

In a recent letter to the president of the EU Council the EU governments referred to said, among other things, while drawing attention to the ‘discontent that is growing over the rising cost of living’: ‘A common approach’ is needed that ‘ensures those who profit from the crisis contribute their share to reducing the burden on the general population.’ Meanwhile, Oxfam with reference to the above development is on record as calling for a ‘permanent windfall tax of at least 50% on profits exceeding a 10% return on investment.’

Such are the rising economic pressures on the majority of Western governments. The question to be posed is how consistent they would be in their assistance to Ukraine if they decide consensually to stand by her. The soaring cost of living in the West compels the conclusion that there could be no guarantee that Western assistance to Ukraine, particularly in the defense and security fields, would be of a longstanding kind.

Of particular concern would be the fact that the weapons systems on offer from the UK to Ukraine could be increasingly costly to manufacture going forward. Besides they would need to be manufactured and put into action without delay.

However, these considerations should in no way deflect Ukraine’s supporters from the principled policy stance of defending her to the extent possible. Because at issue is the defense of International Law and the democratic system of government from their enemies; fascism and authoritarian rule.

While during World Wars 1 and 2 the US was with the major democracies of the West, this time around with regard to Ukraine, the US has chosen to be at cross-purposes with them. For instance, in relation to tariff matters and defense expenditure, in the NATO context, the US is pursuing a hard line which puts it at polar opposites with the West. Thus it is no longer possible to talk unreservedly of a ‘Western democratic alliance’. Put plainly, the cause of democratic development has been weakened.

A measure of relief for the supporters of Ukraine in the West could come by way of the upcoming mid-term polls in the US. If the Democratic Party fares well in them the pressure would be on the Trump administration to defer to opposition opinion at home, accommodate the best interests of Ukraine in its West European policy and perhaps even work towards a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis in cooperation with Russia. Accordingly, the Democratic Party would need to put the Trump administration on the defensive, so to speak.

Until such time Ukraine’s Western supporters have no choice but to remain committed to it, ensure its steadfast defense against the invasion and work judiciously towards keeping the economic pressures at home in check.

Interestingly, at the present juncture in international politics the US could be said to be more weak than strong. For example, it has to some extent been militarily humbled by Iran; so much so it is resorting to economic means to keep Iran in check.

In keeping with this strategy, the US has launched ‘a new big wave of anti-Iran economic sanctions’ at the time of writing, aimed at cutting Iran away from all its major income sources. Some of these relate to digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping. The hoped for result is the complete severance of Iran from the US dollar system.

However, while the UK and EU have no choice but to adhere to their policy of backing Ukraine, going forward they would need to dialogue more closely with the US and ensure that it cooperates with them on outstanding questions, such as Ukraine and the strengthening of democracy. The well being of the world is served when the latter aim is pursued.

Features

“Envisioning Sri Lanka: Beyond Recovery”

Published

18 hours ago

2026/08/27

Sahan Weerasooriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya opening the event

OPA 39th Annual Conference calls for Sri Lanka to move Beyond Recovery towards Sustainable Transformation

The Orgnisation of Professional Associations (OPA) successfully concluded its 39th Annual Conference, held recently at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, under the theme “Envisioning Sri Lanka: Beyond Recovery”.

Held under the patronage of Jayantha Gallehewa, President of the OPA, with the leadership and guidance of Tisara De Silva, President-Elect and Chairman of the 39th Annual Conference, the Conference brought together leading professionals, academics, business leaders and representatives of the public and private sectors to deliberate on Sri Lanka’s next phase of national development.

The Inaugural Session, on August 2026, was graced by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, as the Chief Guest; Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, as the Guest of Honour; and Murtaza Jafferjee, Chairman of the Advocata Institute, Sri Lanka, as the Keynote Speaker.

In her address, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasised that overcoming the economic crisis alone should not be Sri Lanka’s ultimate objective, stressing that recovery must serve as the foundation for a broader economic and institutional transformation necessary for sustainable national progress. Reflecting on the difficult period experienced by the country, the Prime Minister noted that Sri Lanka had faced significant economic, social and institutional challenges, which had weakened public confidence and created uncertainty about the country’s future.

She stressed that “recovery only provides the foundation” and that Sri Lanka can move forward sustainably only by using that foundation to bring about meaningful transformation.

The Prime Minister observed that the theme of the OPA’s 39th Annual Conference, “Envisioning Sri Lanka: Beyond Recovery,” aptly encapsulated these national aspirations. She emphasised that Sri Lanka’s objective should not merely be to return to the conditions that existed before the crisis, but to forge a stronger national foundation characterised by robust institutions, a resilient economy, high-quality public services and an enabling environment in which every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.

She further underscored that Sri Lanka’s future development cannot be secured through economic growth and physical development alone. She emphasised that the effective mobilisation of the country’s knowledge, skills and professional expertise, is equally essential to achieving sustainable and inclusive national progress

The Technical Sessions held on 12 August 2026 brought together 19 distinguished experts and professionals representing academia, industry, banking and finance, public health, technology, management and business leadership. Their diverse expertise provided a multidisciplinary platform to examine the critical challenges, emerging opportunities and strategic choices that will shape Sri Lanka’s next phase of development, with particular emphasis on economic transformation, institutional strengthening, digitalisation, private-sector growth, human capital and sustainable development.

The deliberations were structured around four principal sub-themes: “Resilient Recovery and Sustainable Economic Development”; “Future Readiness: Innovation & Transformation”; “Policy for Impact: Advancing Equity, Sustainable Living, and National Well-Being”; and “Leadership, Governance and National Responsibility.”

Across these thematic areas, the sessions explored the structural reforms, institutional requirements and policy choices necessary to move Sri Lanka beyond economic stabilisation towards a more productive, competitive, resilient and inclusive economy. The discussions brought together diverse professional perspectives, enabling participants to examine national priorities through economic, technological, industrial, financial, social and governance lenses.

Particular emphasis was placed on the need to move beyond the diagnosis of problems towards pragmatic, evidence-based and implementable solutions. The deliberations recognised that sustainable national progress requires not only sound policies, but also effective institutions, professional competence, innovation, responsible leadership and the capacity to translate policy into tangible outcomes.

The sessions further underscored the importance of collaboration across sectors, recognising that Sri Lanka’s complex development challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. Stronger engagement among Government, private sector, professional associations, academia and civil society was identified as essential to fostering a coherent national response and ensuring that professional knowledge and expertise are effectively translated into policy and action.

Collectively, the Technical Sessions provided a substantive platform for knowledge exchange, critical reflection and forward-looking dialogue, reinforcing the OPA’s commitment to bringing the country’s professional expertise to bear on the task of building a resilient, innovative, equitable and prosperous Sri Lanka.

The OPA expressed its sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the Chief Guest; Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Guest of Honour; and Murtaza Jafferjee, Chairman of the Advocata Institute, Sri Lanka and Keynote Speaker, for their distinguished contributions to the Conference.

Much of what the 39th Annual Conference achieved would not have been possible without the leadership, commitment and generous contributions of Jayantha Gallehewa, President of the OPA; Tisara De Silva, President-Elect and Chairman of the 39th Annual Conference; Eng. Ravi Rupasinghe, General Secretary; Dharshana Wijemanne, Treasurer; Bhanu Wijayaratne, Convener & the Chairman of the Session Planning Committee of the 39th Annual Conference Committee, Past Presidents and Office Bearers; Presidents and representatives of Member Associations; members of the Executive Councils and General Forum; and the distinguished Session Chairmen, Resource Persons and professionals who shared their time, expertise and insights in pursuit of the Conference’s shared vision. The OPA remains immensely grateful to all those whose collective contributions enriched the 39th Annual Conference and strengthened its role as a meaningful platform for professional exchange, informed dialogue and national reflection.

Features

Nostalgia for Lankans in Toronto …

Published

18 hours ago

2026/08/27

Sahan Weerasooriya

‘Avurudu Musical Show 2027,’ a uniquely styled musical Avurudu celebration … Ceymphony Band style.

For Sri Lankans living 14,000 kilometres from home, the sound of home has never felt closer — and that’s thanks to one man and his band.

Since stepping into the spotlight, Gamini Hemalal and the Ceymphony Band have turned into the heartbeat of the Sri Lankan community in Toronto.

Their mission is simple: bring the music, bring the memories, bring the people together. And it’s working.

What turned out to be the talk-of-the-town was their intimate musical evening with Sri Lanka’s legendary crooner Sohan Weerasinghe.

Sohan Weerasinghe: Had
everyone on their feet at the
Angus Glen Golf Club, in
Toronto, Canada

It was a ‘full house’ long before the big date. Tickets vanished within days — demand was that overwhelming.

According to those who were there, it was a truly amazing evening. The hall was packed, the energy electric. Sohan didn’t just sing — he owned the stage.

With his velvet vocals, his charm, and that signature style, he had everyone on their feet. The ladies, especially, couldn’t get enough. No wonder they call him “The Ladies’ Man!”

One attendee summed it up perfectly:

“We had so much fun. It is truly a blessing to have our kids around us, enjoying these beautiful moments together. Thank you, Gamini Hemalal, for such a wonderful evening, with an amazing crowd and an incredible atmosphere. Your hard work and dedication truly made it a special night.

“We also need to say a big thank you to the Ceymphony Band for delivering such an outstanding performance. You all were absolutely amazing! Our entire family had a fantastic time, and we truly enjoyed every moment.

Ceymphony Band: Extremely popular in the scene in Toronto

“Wishing you all continued success. Keep up the amazing work, we can’t wait for the next.”

And the next is already on the cards: ‘Halloween Pissu Baila Party 2026,’ on Friday, 30th October, at the famous Angus Glen Golf Club.

Gamini promises a crazy night of baila, music, dancing and Halloween vibes with the Ceymphony Band. Action runs from 8:00 PM to 12:00 midnight, with plenty of prizes to be won.

Gamini Hemalal: Amazing work for the Sri Lankan community,
in Toronto, Canada

Gamini is also putting together a special event, connected with the 2027 Avurudu celebrations — ‘Avurudu Musical Show 2027,’ a uniquely styled musical Avurudu celebration … Ceymphony Band style.

It’s scheduled to be held on Saturday, 10th April, 2027, also at the Angus Glen Golf Club.

Through music, Gamini Hemalal and Ceymphony are doing what diaspora bands do best — they’re shrinking the distance between two worlds.

One baila beat at a time, one full house at a time, they’re making sure that even in Canada, Sri Lankans feel like home.

Yes, there is plenty of action, indeed, for the Sri Lankan community in Toronto, Canada.