Features

THE GREATEST LOVE – Part 11

Published

5 years ago

2021/06/20

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

Love at First Sight

Sixty years ago, it was love at first sight. From the first time I saw Mount Lavinia Hotel (MLH) during a childhood family walk on the beach, I fell in love with this iconic building. I found the waves of the Indian Ocean aggressively breaking on twenty natural boulders in the front of MLH and that was exciting. I was fascinated to hear that the central section of the hotel was built as a mansion early as 1806 by the second British Governor General of Ceylon, Sir Thomas Maitland.

I wondered why he built a mansion just six miles south of his official residence in Colombo. My father then told me that the Governor did so to spend weekends with his mixed-race (Sinhala and Portuguese) secret lover – Lavinia Aponsuwa. As the legend goes, it had been love at first sight for the Governor who had been a confirmed bachelor. He had to keep this romance a secret from his superiors in England. Therefore, a secret tunnel had been built from the mansion to Lavinia’s nearby shanty house. Lavinia had to use this tunnel to visit her lover without being noticed by any of her village neighbours, every weekend.

This mansion had been converted into a hotel in 1866. Both the hotel and the city of Mount Lavinia bear the name of Lavinia, who had been an exotic dancer, before falling in love with the Governor. It was the mansion built on the Mount for Lavinia. Numerous famous people who stayed at MLH enhanced the historic significance of this great hotel. My first visit to MLH as a child was to attend a wedding there. Stories my father told me then, created even more interest about this mystic hotel in my young mind. He told me how he saved money as a young government servant living in the Town (now a city) of Mount Lavinia during the World War II, to treat himself to an occasional sumptuous English breakfast at the MLH.

He also told me how the famous movie director Sir David Lean and the crew of ‘The Bridge of the River Kawi’ lived at the hotel in 1956. It was also used as a location for the movie. By early 1970s MLH became the first ever hotel in Ceylon to get an international brand name. Hyatt Hotels Corporation in USA managed MLH. In the early 1970s MLH was owned by a well-known Sri Lankan businessman, Mr. Razeen Sally who lived abroad. His brother Farook managed the business here.

An Opportunity at the Hyatt

At that time, to graduate from the Ceylon Hotel School (CHS), each student had to do two mandatory co-ops or in-service periods in the second year and the third year. These were timed during the peak tourist season (November to February) in consultation with the hotel industry. Having already worked at the only four-star level hotel in the country, the Pegasus Reef, I was determined to do my two official co-ops at the other two leading hotels in Sri Lanka at that time, internationally branded the Mount Lavinia Hyatt Hotel and the best new resort hotel, the Bentota Beach Hotel. Improving my grades meant that I was able to somewhat negotiate successfully to get an opportunity to do my first co-op at the Hyatt. As MLH was a 20-minute bus ride from my home, I left the CHS hostel and moved back home for three months. This made my mother extremely happy. Once again, she was able to spoil me with her excellent cooking, which she always did with the most important ingredient in home cooking – love. I did not realise how much she had missed me living at home, since I joined CHS a little over a year before.

First Impressions

I arrived at MLH with four of my batch mates on a Monday morning in November 1972. Most of my batch mates were assigned to smaller hotels around the island, and had no CHS buddies working with them during the co-op period. Therefore we (Neil, Kotte, Udda, Saibu and I) were happy to be at MLH as a team of five CHS students. The classic architecture of the old building of MLH always made an excellent first impression. We were also impressed that the American General Manager, Robert McFadden met us on our first day, during our job orientation. We were all dressed well as we wanted to make a good first impression. This is essential in the hospitality profession. One never gets a second chance to make a good first impression.

Lasting Connections

The next four managers we met were all Lankan. It was a coincidence that all four of them in later years became my work colleagues and peers. As all five of CHS students worked at MLH as trainee waiters, we reported to Lucky Wijekoon, the Food & Beverage Manager. He was a CHS graduate, three years senior to us, and had progressed very well in the industry. Lucky and I became work colleagues seven years later when we both worked for the same company. I later succeeded him at the corporate office of John Keells Hotels in 1981.

The Assistant Food & Beverage Manager, Nirmo Thambapillai had graduated from CHS three months earlier. He was two years senior to us and a good friend. Years later, Nirmo succeeded me as the Director of Food & Beverage of Le Galadari Meridien Hotel. Dr. T. Pablis Silva, the most well-known Master Chef in Sri Lanka today, was the Assistant Chef of MLH at that time. In 1990, some 18 years later, when I returned to MLH as the General Manager, he worked on my team as the Executive Chef. Palitha De Alwis, a Chartered Accountant was the Financial Controller. In mid 1980s, Palitha and I became work colleagues and peers at Le Galadari Meridien Hotel as the Director of Finance and the Director of Food & Beverage. The first time I met these four managers at MLH in 1972, it was not possible for me to imagine that I would be able to climb the management ladder rapidly to become a peer to those pioneers of the modern hotel industry of Sri Lanka, in a matter of few years.

The Terrace

We always did an evening shift from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Five of us had to set up the entire main restaurant for dinner service. We did this very quickly, so that we were able to work at the world-famous MLH Terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean for a couple of hours before dinner service. Today in 2021, having tea there at sunset is widely considered as one of the “Best 100 Things to Do Before You Die.” I preferred to serve alcoholic beverages on the terrace, instead of tea. When serving alcoholic beverages, the bills were larger and the tips were higher.

As tips were better at the terrace, we tried to work there as long as possible. Our immediate supervisor, Butler Somapala was in charge of both the terrace and the main restaurant. He was annoyed whenever we returned to the restaurant only just before dinner service commenced. At times he chased us out of the terrace to the main restaurant around 7:00 pm, 30 minutes before the dinner service.

Years later when I was the General Manager, Somapala was still working at MLH as a Butler. Every time I introduced Somapala to a VIP guest, I mentioned what a great Supervisor Somapala was during my trainee waiter days. He was very happy to hear me saying that in recognition of his long and loyal service to MLH. He was very proud of me, as a one of his trainees during the 1972/1973 tourist season.

During the tourist season of 1992/1993, a difficult guest complained to me that Butler Somapala did not allocate preferred seating on the terrace for this customer’s family. As a General Manager I usually considered customers as being always right. However, on this occasion, I said to that difficult guest, “Whatever decision Butler Somapala took, stands, as he knows what is best for all our customers.” I had one unhappy customer that day, but one of my most important internal customers, Somapala, was very pleased that I had full confidence on him and did not undermine his authority. Somapala postponed his retirement until I finished my three-year contract as the General Manager of MLH in 1993.

The Greatest Love

I take the last bus home

from one of my first jobs

well past midnight …

lights are on and she is still up

waiting for me to have a chat

and listen to my fun stories

over a cup of coffee,

with lots of laughter.

I wake up to sounds of waves

of the Indian Ocean and

singing birds behind our flat …

I smell freshly cooked breakfast

which she serves me lovingly.

Rest of the day we are together

and she insists that I must eat every four hours

something prepared by her

to be fit for another long shift of

serving guests at the historic hotel.

Although long years have passed

since those memorable days

and her untimely demise,

I feel my mother’s love

almost every day …

Dr. Chandana (Chandi) Jayawardena

has been an Executive Chef, Food & Beverage Director, Hotel GM, MD, VP, President, Chairman, Professor, Dean, Leadership Coach and Consultant. He has published 21 text books. This weekly column narrates ‘fun’ stories from his 50-year career in South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, South America, the Caribbean and North America, and his travels to 98 countries and assignments in 44 countries.

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Features

Complexities in global politics deepen as economic pressures intensify

Published

21 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

21 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

21 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.