Features

EVENTS AT THE MOUNT -Part 13

Published

5 years ago

2021/07/4

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

Christmas at the Mount

Working as a Trainee Waiter at the Mount Lavinia Hotel (MLH) during the 1972 festive season was the first time I worked on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. Since then, I worked during festive seasons for 25 years until I joined academia. If hospitality is chosen as a profession, it is important to enjoy working on most public holidays and weekends. In this profession, when the guests relax and celebrate, the industry professionals work hard to make them happy. Unless one loves looking after guests and making them happy (which is the essence of the business of hospitality), this work will not suit those who consider it just a job.

At that time, as Sri Lanka attracted most of her tourists from the Western European countries, Christmas was very important to most of these hotel guests. They had decided to celebrate probably the most important family event of the year, as guests of MLH. It was our responsibility to contribute to making those guests happy. That was my attitude. I was happy that it was a key focus of the MLH to create that special Christmas ambience in 1972. That included a large Christmas tree, festive decorations, Christmas carols, special music, Christmas table arrangements and lots of good festive food. My first Christmas at a hotel was certainly memorable. During the festive season, the hotel enjoyed 100% occupancy and hundreds of local customers came for special meals. We took part in everything and many events, including the Boxing Day special parties. It was fun!

New Year at the Mount

The New Year’s Eve dinner dances were held in three different venues within MLH. We were assigned to work at the key event which was held in the main ballroom with three bands, headed by Gabo and the Breakaways and two young bands, including the all-girl Planets. I knew Gabo Peiris, and was a fan of this charismatic drummer and band leader. As a Chief Steward working for the national carrier, Air Ceylon, he was also in the Hospitality Industry. Before forming his own band, the talented drummer Gabo made his name popular in the music scene with many other top bands in Sri Lanka, such as the Jetliners, Spitfires, and Sam the Man. Gabo was the main organizer of the event. In later years, he established one of the largest travel agencies in the country, Gabo Travels. I also knew all the girls on The Planets.

I was planning to enjoy the non-stop live music, but just before midnight I was told to move to another function. That was to serve at a private party hosted by the American General Manager in his apartment. I did not like it, as I hoped to make lots of tip money by serving paying customers in the ballroom. I had no choice but to report to the General Manager’s apartment. He lived in luxury in a large apartment directly overlooking the Indian Ocean. That evening, I decided that one day I must to be the General Manager of a good resort hotel with all these luxuries totally free of charge.

In the early hours on January 1, 1973, at the end of the private party, the General Manager passed around a hat among his invitees. He requested tips for the waiters from his rich friends. As they were very generous, I made much more tip money than my colleagues who worked in the ballroom.

Beach Parties

One day, we were asked to work at a special beach party. A new band with a 20-year old band leader (mentored by his successful businessman father) performed at the event. I was thrilled with the energy of their performance and the role played by the master of ceremonies of the event, Vijaya Corea, who had a fine voice. For nearly 50 years, I am always entertained when I watch or listen to the Gypsies, led by my friend, Sunil Perera.

I quickly realized that informal events such as beach parties can create refreshingly casual ambience for the customers as well as the employees. Most of the time hotels operate in a formal setting, but occasional casual events providing variety can be very popular. That concept had an impact on my decisions on the event calendars throughout my career as a hotelier. Event creation, planning, organizing, choreography and creativity in promotion, all are exciting and enjoyable part of the hospitality business. Creating the right ambience is essential.

Years later, soon after I took over the management of MLH in 1990, my senior management team told me that on my second day at the hotel, there will be the monthly beach party. I was very happy, but disappointed to see how the management team handled the party. The entire team was in full suit supervising employees on the beach. At the next morning meeting, I gave my first order to the team. I wanted all managers including myself, to dress in tee shirts and sarongs, for all future monthly beach parties. In addition, I wanted all to be barefoot and to participate in fun competitions such as beach tug-o-war, pillow fights, games etc. to make this monthly event more entertaining. The employees were highly motivated that managers were leading by example and participating in fun activities. Within a couple of months, we doubled the popularity of and the profits from MLH beach parties.

Weddings and Bridesmaids

The socialist government led by the Prime Minister Sirima Bandaranaike in the early 1970s had a closed economic policy. They reduced most imports, including Hollywood movies (a decision I hated, as I was a movie buff, who watched 150 movies a year!). They also placed restrictions on consumption of rice, and limited events such as catered weddings to just 150 guests. That meant smaller weddings that needed fewer part-time banquet waiters. Our team of five Ceylon Hotel School (CHS) students were assigned to serve all 150 persons attending each of these weddings. Most of the weddings those days were late afternoon events with easy to serve finger food.

There were no tips, but we liked weddings as we were able to flirt with the bridesmaids who usually gave us homemade wedding cakes. In return, we passed thank you notes with our contact numbers to blushing and giggling bridesmaids. As most of my colleagues were shy, I volunteered for selfish reasons to organize this mischievous practice on the behalf of all five CHS trainee waiters. I gave my own contact to the prettiest bridesmaids and distributed my batchmates’ contacts to the others.

Exit Interview

Mr. Robert McFadden, General Manager of MLH, made a good last impression when he personally conducted a group exit interview with five of us on our last day at MLH in 1973. He asked for our views and suggestions to improve service and reduce theft. I was very vocal about the shortage of silverware, which affected the speed and quality of service to the guests. At that point, the General Manager opened a cabinet in his office and showed us a small stock of expensive cut glass and silverware. He told us that these are the few remaining items from large stocks imported when Hyatt took over the management of MLH. He was disappointed that the rest had been stolen. Branded or unbranded, hotels must have good control systems to minimize theft. I did not comment further, but though the losses had to be mainly due to faulty management.

We were grateful for the opportunity of an exit interview and felt important that the General Manager sought our ideas. Since then, I have been a big fan of exit interviews. It is as an excellent way to collect useful information, and better understand the root cause of grievances.

Later at the Mount

When I returned to MLH as the General Manager in 1990, I was happy to host many VIPs such as heads of state/government and local and international celebrities as hotel guests and customers. Never a dull moment at the Mount.

In 1992, MLH established a Sri Lankan record (still unbroken) by organizing six New Year’s Eve dances, attracting over 3,000 guests. The main dance was held on the Terrace and the pool deck. Gypsies was the lead band I selected. Other five dances were held in the Empire Ballroom, the Regency Ballroom, the Little Hut Night Club, the Rooftop and the Paradise Beach. The largest event was the beach party, targeting a very young market segment. I contracted Sunil Perera to do a guest spot at each of five secondary dances, and be the main attraction on the Terrace.

I have many more fun stories about my time as the General Manager of MLH and the Founding Managing Director of the International Hotel School (IHS) at MLH. I plan to narrate these in chronological order in this column in the future.

After my three-year contract, I left Sri Lanka for good to focus on my international career. Since I left MLH in December 1993, I have stayed there many times as a guest, doing consulting assignments, leadership development sessions and the International Hotel School re-structuring projects. I chose MLH as the venue for two of my most important life events – the homecoming/wedding reception for my wife and I, and my 50th birthday party. On those two occasions, I never looked at the menu. I simply told my former team member, Executive Chef, Publis, “You decide on the menu, Chef. Anything good for you is good me.” On both occasions, just as I expected, Chef Publis exceeded my expectations. When it comes to memorable and magical events, there is no better venue than MLH. It has been my home away from home during the last 31 years.

Waves of the Indian Ocean continue to pound those 20 famous natural boulders behind MLH. In spite of the current downturn of business owing to the global pandemic, MLH will bounce back as it has always done for over 155 years as the most iconic hotel in Sri Lanka. Twenty Boulders (or ‘Gal Wissa’ in Sinhala from which the local name of the city, ‘Galkissa’, derives) will continue to protect MLH for centuries ahead.

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Features

New US sanctions on ICC, a fillip to worldwide political repression

Published

2 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

The International Criminal Court in session. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s warning to the International Criminal Court (ICC) was stark: ‘Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC.’ It followed US central administration accusations that the court was unfairly targeting Americans on the basis of trumped-up war crimes charges.

However, a new plethora of sanctions has been clamped on the ICC by the US, which in turn has spurred accusations by sections of the world that the latter has unleashed an ‘assault’ on the international legal order.

What some of the sanctions would mean for the ICC was outlined by Rubio: ‘We will ban transactions with this rogue court, cutting off their resources and crippling their ability to operate against us.’

The ICC has shown consistency of purpose over the years. Despite some operational constraints it has indicted a large number of political strongmen from around the world, accused of war crimes and other governance excesses that come under its purview. Two such recent figures are: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Rather than enjoy a mere nominal presence in the world community, the ICC has proved its effectiveness by detaining and bringing to justice scores of VIP politicians and others of their ilk who have been found guilty of human rights abuses and kindred excesses that come within the terms of reference of the ICC.

Accordingly, the international justice system would be stymied considerably as a result of the ICC being dis-empowered, particularly financially. Needless to say, potential and real perpetrators of the species of crime coming under the jurisdiction of the ICC would stand to gain most from such anarchic tendencies. That is, political repression globally would be enabled to enjoy a new lease of life.

A detailing of the types of crime coming under the purview of the ICC provides an idea of what it would cost the international community if the ICC’s operations are gravely hampered. They are mainly: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.

That is, the part of the world to be worst affected would be the global South, since the latter is awash with the mentioned crimes. Needless to say, a chronically-disaffected South will sooner rather than later undermine the well being of the world dangerously. The world is already being put through these paces.

At the time of writing, ‘illegal migrants’ from the South, for example, are aggravating many a Western economy’s woes, besides creating for them acute law and order issues. The fact that these migrants’ presence goes on to become a virtual test of the migrant receiving states’ ability to forge domestic social inclusion in the face of jingoistic protests by mainly white supremacist groups is evidence of the latter. As is known, the US, to take just one example, has been up against this crisis for quite a while.

Accordingly, it will be in the best interests of the West if ‘illegal’ migrant arrivals on their shores are stemmed. If the socio-political and economic problems assailing the South are effectively managed through North-South collaborative, ‘trouble-shooting’ efforts the causes leading to ‘illegal’ migration and connected issues could be resolved at source as it were. For, it is the aggravation of the South’s material questions that lays the basis for the emergence of repressive and anti-democratic regimes in the hemisphere.

Until such time that the aforementioned issues in North-South relations are visited afresh and addressed urgently, a vibrantly functioning ICC would be needed. For, the latter would prove a deterrent to Southern political and military strongmen, highly prone to power abuse and like excesses, from coming into being in the wake of the South’s chronic material woes and the wars and conflicts that result from them.

It stands to reason then that the US would be acting in its own interests by enabling the ICC to perpetuate its mandate without hindrance. For a crop of issues that impinges negatively on internal law and order would be defused.

Meanwhile, there needs to be a meeting of minds among the rest of the West to put back in place a North-South dialogue process aimed at reducing some of the economic pressures that are weighing on the South.

Since economics usually drives politics it will be in the interests of the world community to scrutinizingly re-visit North-South issues of the past and put in place economic relief packages for Southern publics that would enable them to tide over their material hardships rather than permit the latter to aggravate into social disaffection and eventually armed militancy. It is the latter juncture that paves the way for the emergence of authoritarian rulers in the South who then go on to be a blight on their publics.

Accordingly, the Southern-based global development thinking of the past that envisaged a more equitable world economic order needs to be seen as an urgent need. That is, NAM’s international development paradigms need to be resuscitated to the extent possible.

It is unlikely that rightist governments of the West, such as the current Republican administration in the US, would find these projects feasible, but democratic states of Europe, led by perhaps the UK, are likely to think otherwise. For it would not be beneficial for the democratic world to be having on their hands repressive governments in the South who would be gravitating towards the major military and economic actors of the South, such as Iran and North Korea, who tend to be in constant power struggles with the West.

However, until such time that the mentioned, pro-people initiatives are given serious thought the ICC would need to be enabled by the international community to be in place comfortably and carry on with its mandate of bringing repressive rulers to book. Besides the ICC should pave the way for the peoples of the developing world to enjoy some substantial respite from the political repression and even terror which tend to be their lot.

Meanwhile, the wars of West Asia are relentlessly aggravating the economic hardships of people everywhere, driving the point home to enlightened sections that there is no alternative to peacemaking. A challenge is to convert the US under President Trump to this line of thinking.

Features

Clear, soft and shine-free skin

Published

2 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

This week, I give you five simple, time-tested homemade remedies that help reduce the appearance of blemishes, control excess shine and leave your skin feeling softer and smoother.

The Honey and Lemon Brightening Dab:

For stubborn blemish marks, this is a classic. Mix one teaspoon of pure bee honey with three to four drops of fresh lemon juice. Apply gently, only on the affected spots, and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. While honey soothes and softens, lemon helps to brighten naturally. Use twice a week in the evening.

Besan and Rose Water Oil-Control Pack:

An ideal remedy to combat shine, especially on the T-zone. Take two teaspoons of besan (gram flour) and mix with sufficient rose water to form a smooth paste. Add a pinch of turmeric for its antiseptic goodness. Apply evenly, keep for 15 minutes and wash off. It absorbs excess oil without over-drying, leaving a beautiful matte finish.

Aloe Vera and Cucumber Ice Soother:

Blend fresh aloe vera gel with the juice of a grated cucumber and freeze the mixture in an ice tray. Each morning, wrap one cube in a soft muslin cloth and gently rub over a cleansed face for 30 seconds. It calms, tightens pores and imparts a baby-soft smoothness.

Oatmeal and Curd Gentle Polish:

Roughness and old blemish marks need gentle exfoliation. Combine one tablespoon of finely powdered oatmeal with one tablespoon of fresh curd (yoghurt). Massage very gently, in circular motions, for one minute, leave for five minutes and rinse. It removes dead cells and unveils softer, clearer skin.

Multani Mitti and Green Tea Magic Mask:

Brew some green tea and allow it to cool completely. Mix one and a half teaspoons of Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) with the tea water to make a fine paste. Apply for 10 to 12 minutes – do not let it dry and crack completely – and wash off. It draws out impurities, fades blemishes and bestows a fresh, shine-free glow.

A Gentle Reminder:

As with any natural remedy, always do a patch test on your inner arm first. For those with oily or combination skin, avoid heavy coconut oil application and harsh scrubbing, as they tend to aggravate shine and blemishes.

Features

Compete, shine and be discovered at WCOPA 2027

Published

2 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

Dream of performing on a world stage? Well, here is your unique, golden opportunity!

The World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) — the one and only official “Talent Olympics” — is the world’s premier global platform for aspiring singers, dancers, actors, models, instrumentalists, etc., to compete, shine and be discovered!

And, yes, this world stage is open to YOU, Sri Lankans living in Sri Lanka and overseas!

Held annually in glittering Las Vegas, WCOPA brings together over 70 countries, all competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals, just like the traditional Olympics.

Lakisha Bernard: Will represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027

Outstanding performers vie for the coveted titles of Junior and Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World, with winners and standout participants awarded over $500,000 in scholarships, cash awards and prizes to catapult their education and careers!

Sri Lanka is already making waves! At WCOPA 2026, Natharie Wickramasinghe, representing Team Sri Lanka, made the nation proud by winning a Bronze Medal in the Ethnic/Folklore Dance category!

Lakisha: Accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate

Recruitment for this prestigious competition is handled through a system of scouts and licensed National Directors — and this is where our very own Chris Rajendra, now based in Las Vegas, and National Director for Team Sri Lanka, comes into the scene.

If you are a singer, dancer, actor, model, instrumentalist — if you have talent burning inside you — contact Chris Rajendra today for registration and, who knows, you may find yourself in Las Vegas, and proudly draped in the Sri Lankan flag, at WCOPA 2027!

The contact address is: Chris Rajendra, wcopa.nationaldirector.sl@gmail.com

or chris.rajendra@gmail.com

Meanwhile, a star is born for 2027, in the form of Lakisha Bernard who is all set to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027.

Originally hailing from the sun-drenched coastal city of Colombo and now carving out her creative career in Canada, 22-year-old Lakisha is stepping into the international spotlight.

This accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate has officially been appointed as the Team Sri Lanka Promoter for Canada as she prepares to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA in Las Vegas.

Lakisha brings a unique blend of high-fashion sensibility, captivating camera presence and expert garment design to the Team.

Having built her career, from local college shoots to high-glamour concepts, Lakisha’s inspiring journey embodies the true spirit of cultural bridge-building and creative resilience, bringing immense pride and recognition to Sri Lanka on the global stage.

WCOPA 2027 will be held at the legendary Westgate Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, from 12th to 20th July – the very same iconic arena where the late, great Elvis Presley himself performed!

Your moment is now. Your stage is Las Vegas, so hurry and contact Chris Rajendra.