Features

DEALING WITH UNUSUAL CHALLENGES

Published

4 years ago

2022/07/24

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

Plans Working

Having commenced three semesters prior, my studies at the University of Colombo (UoC) to earn an Executive Diploma in Business Administration (EDBA) were working well as I had planned by mid-1983. Successful completion of the EDBA was a prerequisite for me to be accepted to the first batch of the world’s first master’s degree (M.Sc.) in International Hotel Management, at the University of Surrey (UoS) in the United Kingdom.

My plan was to pass all EDBA final examinations scheduled in late July and early August, 1983, and then proceed to UK before the M.Sc. commenced in September. I organized a study group of four like-minded students (an engineer, an accountant, a marketer and myself) from the EDBA program. We all worked hard and balanced busy professional and personal lives with our studies. Those days, I only needed an average of four hours of sleep to be rested enough to handle all my many tasks. All were set for success until the ugly head of racial violence in Sri Lanka rose again.

Black July of 1983

There had been growing tension between some groups of the Sinhalese and Tamil communities of Ceylon since 1956 when the then government of Ceylon, introduced the ‘Sinhala Only Act’ for political gain. The justification for this selfish act was what some Sinhalese leaders described as resolving a prolonging imbalance in the civil service and other professions. This was a result of the ‘Divide and Rule’ strategies of the British colonizers. There were ugly ethnic riots and disruptions in Sri Lanka in 1958, in 1977 and again in 1981.

A deadly ambush by a Tamil militant group – Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on July 23, 1983, caused the death of 13 Sri Lanka Army soldiers. That triggered island-wide riots, initially orchestrated by some leading politicians, but soon becoming like the monster created by Frankenstein. The pogrom eventually escalated into mass violence with significant and shockingly high public participation. The Black July riots, which resulted in hundreds of deaths and the exodus of thousands of Tamils from the country, was among the darkest chapters in the contemporary history of Sri Lanka.

From Black July 1983, a bloody civil war continued in Sri Lanka for 26 years, costing the lives of over 57,000 in the battle fronts and by frequent terrorist suicide bombings. An Indian Prime Minister, a Sri Lankan President, and over a dozen key political leaders of Sri Lanka were assassinated by the LTTE. Thirteen years after that, on January 31, 1996, during the LTTE suicide bombing of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka killing 91 people, I nearly lost my life.

Plans Destroyed

Witnessing some deadly and totally cruel acts, where I lived in the Colombo District, I was deeply saddened, disappointed and disgusted. My personal plans were also destroyed. There was frequent civil unrest, states of emergency and curfews, (as Sri Lanka once again has been experiencing in the year 2022). UoC closed and examinations were postponed, indefinitely. I felt a large dark cloud over our heads, dooming Sri Lanka as well as my plans to progress in my chosen profession.

Eventually, when UoC announced the dates for delayed examinations, it was too late for me to get accepted into the M.Sc. program in UoS. The deadline for me to successfully complete the EDBA, and remit full fees to UoS was August 1983, as their program was scheduled to commence in UK by the end of September. According to the new schedule of UoC, the EDBA examinations were to end on October 20, with results taking another 30 days to be finalized!

There was no light at the end of the tunnel for me. My family suggested that I change my plans and join the second M.Sc. batch in 1984. I was defiant and determined to maintain my original goal. “If there is a will, there will be a way!” I told my family, and thought outside the box. I called Professor Bertram Bastianpillai, the UoC Dean in charge of the EDBA program at his home, and explained my dilemma. As a new mentor of mine, who was fond of me, he clearly knew of my ambitions, and was very supportive. However, as a Tamil gentleman, he was staying at home without going to UoC for safety reasons.

“Chandana, I would like to help you, but as my car is marked by thugs outside the university, I don’t want to drive to UoC from my house in Colombo-6.” Professor Bastianpillai told me. We then agreed for me to pick him up from his home and drive to UoC in my car. During our 15-minute drive, in spite of being worried about his safety, he was always encouraging me. He told me how much he enjoyed his days in UK during his Ph.D. studies at the University of London. He also told me how he worked as a porter at the Victoria train station in London, during his doctoral student days. In his office at UoC, he did something that most academic leaders won’t do.

His urgent fax to UoS, stated: “Chandana Jayawardena is one of our best students. Given the unfortunate current situation in Sri Lanka, the University of Colombo was compelled to postpone all examinations for ten weeks. This means that Mr. Jayawardena will be late by a month to join your program. Judging from his outstanding performance during the mid-term examinations and projects, I have no doubt that Mr. Jayawardena will do well at the final examinations in the Executive Diploma in Business Administration programme. He is determined to catch up the studies of the missed month, at the University of Surrey, within a few days of his arrival in the United Kingdom.” Purely based on that unprecedented vouching expressed in his fax, I was admitted to the M.Sc. program in UK, one month late, pending the EDBA results. Thank you, Professor Bastianpillai. RIP!

All In for the Future

Although, UoS, allowed me to join the M.Sc. program one month late, they included a strict condition. When UoC finalized the grades for the EDBA program, I was required to pass all courses above average. UoS letter of acceptance clearly indicated that; otherwise, I would be removed from the M.Sc. program. In that scenario, I would have lost financially (university fees, two air tickets for my wife and me, rent in UK, etc.) as well as, my reputation. Nonetheless I gambled and took a chance.

After converting all of my savings from mediocre Sri Lankan salaries over the previous nine years to pay my university fees in Sterling Pounds, I was still short. To bridge the gap, I sold my old car and took a loan from my father-in-law. My wife left her job in Colombo, and we were prepared to throw everything into the effort. As the spouse of a full-time international student in UK, my wife was authorized to work full time. The British High Commission in Colombo informed me that I too could work part-time. We planned our UK living budget, based on the assumption that we would find work in London, easily and quickly. We were willing to do any type of work. Although, we were a little nervous to be totally out of our comfort zone, we were optimistic and liked the challenge. We reckoned that unless we try, we would never make it.

Advice by Four Mentors

Throughout my career, I was fortunate to have excellent mentors. In 1983, prior to my departure to UK, four of them gave me some useful advice.Pearl Heenatigala, Director/Principal of the Ceylon Hotel School (CHS), thanked me for my service as a Senior Lecturer of CHS. After saying goodbye, she surprised me with some parting words. “Chandana, after you complete your masters, why don’t you re-join CHS as the Vice Principal?” We agreed to keep in touch.

Professor Bertram Bastianpillai advised me to join a Ph.D. Program soon after completing the M.Sc., while focusing on an academic career in a university. “There are no hoteliers with doctoral degrees in the world, outside of the USA, and you will do well with such a qualification.” He planted a seed in my mind.

Stefan Pfeiffer, the German national who was named the hotel opening General Manager of the Galadari Meridien Hotel contacted me, before my departure from Sri Lanka. I knew him when he was the General Manager of Hotel Lanka Oberoi in the late 1970s. He returned to Sri Lanka during the pre-opening year of the Galadari, the only hotel in Sri Lanka to open with 500 five-star rooms. Although I never worked with him, he was keen that after my studies in UK, I join the Galadari. We agreed to keep in touch. When I returned to Sri Lanka, he offered me a middle management position at the Galadari which I did not accept. Eventually, I joined his team as a senior manager and worked with him for a short period of time in 1986.

Malin Hapugoda (Hapu), then the General Manager/Director for Ceylon Holiday Resorts Limited, and a former boss of mine, called me the day before I left Sri Lanka. “Chandana, when will you be back in Sri Lanka?” he asked. When I told him that I may be back within two years, he made an open-ended offer to me. “The new Coral Gardens Hotel will be opened in 1985 with 156 rooms. I would like you to open this four-star hotel as the Manager. The job is yours. Call me when you return.” I was most grateful to Hapu for such an offer.

Considering Options for the Future

I was very pleased with the offers and suggestions from my mentors. However, I wanted to keep my options open without committing to anything concrete. I also wanted to find useful part-time employment during my graduate studies in UK, which was the most important next step to have a positive cash flow while in UK. I was hoping to explore opportunities with the world’s largest hotel and catering company at that time, Trust House Forte Hotels in UK, where I worked as a Management Trainee in 1979.

Just before my departure to UK, I heard that Taj Hotels of India recently acquired two hotels in London. Taj group had just opened a five-star hotel in Colombo – Taj Samudra. I immediately asked for an appointment to meet the General Manager of this hotel, and managed to meet with an Indian national, Yezdi Kathrak, who was the Resident Manager of Taj Samudra. He was very helpful, and gave me a letter of introduction to the General Manager of Baily’s Hotel in London, then owned and managed by the Taj Hotels. That letter resulted in securing my first part-time job in London, in 1983.

My First Good Bye to Sri Lanka

Between 1979 and 1982, doing five overseas trips covering 20 countries was fun. My departure from Sri Lanka in 1983, however, was very different. We were leaving our birth country for a longer period of time, without any clear plans to return after a couple of years. The civil war that had started in Sri Lanka, made the uncertainty greater. Peace and stability are essential prerequisites for tourism and for those who are employees in this global industry.

In the early 1980s, we led a very busy life, professionally and socially. Therefore, my good bye round included, meetings with an unusually large number of people. I said good bye to members of the family, my students, work colleagues at CHS, fellow students of UoC and the Tourist Guide Lecturer program, business associates of Streamline Services (Pvt.) Ltd., where I was a director, my clients whom I served as a consultant, fellow office bearers of the Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association, TV commercial producers and fellow national Judokas. On October 22, 1983, we left Sri Lanka after an emotional roller coaster.

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Features

Complexities in global politics deepen as economic pressures intensify

Published

16 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

16 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

16 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.