Life style

Rare Napier in Ceylon

Published

3 years ago

2023/04/23

Thilina Walpola

M.A.M. Hussein driving his 1924 Napier 40/50 Limousine by Cunard, Regd. No. C-5579

1924 NAPIER 40/50 H.P. LIMOUSINE BY CUNARD, C-5579 – Ali Azeez –

My nephew Mr. Ali Azeez, who is a vintage car enthusiast, asked me to write what I know about the Napier car that my father (Mr. M.A.M. Hussein) owned from the mid-1920s until the end of World War II, in the mid-1940s.

My father had seen this car in a London motor car showroom. He told me that the agent had told him that the car had originally been built by the Napier Company for the King of Siam, and that it had been made specially for use in the tropics. It so happened that a French motor company which made the Delahaye car had successfully tempted the King to abandon the Napier for the Delahaye which they wanted him to buy. In the result, the Napier Company had to look for another buyer.

Those were days when royalty still retained some of the glamour that now surrounds famous pop stars and sportsmen. Further, the makers of luxury goods were vying with each other for the custom of a privileged few. Mass production was still to come.

When my father succumbed to the persuasion of the seller, he still had to find the money for the purchase. He had an indulgent father of means who solved that problem for him; in fact, my father in casual conversation told me that the cost was Rs. 48,000/-.

I wish I could give more information about the technical aspects of that model, but it could be looked up in a vintage cars handbook without much difficulty. I know that, not long after, the Napier Company gave up making cars and started to make aeroplane engines. That too did not last for much time.

My memories are those of a child; the car looked old fashioned compared with the models that came in the thirties. When very occasionally my father took his children for a ride in it, we cringed inside as we felt like specimens in a museum piece. It did seven miles to the gallon. It looked a ‘white elephant’. Its luxury was lost on us.

Rich leather seats, a windscreen that was tinted to cut the tropical glare, a glass partition with a sort of speaker or telephone to speak to the chauffeur in front, two vases in vase holders fixed on either side of the rear mirror, two fans for the passengers at the back and a clock with the name “Napier” printed in italics on it fixed to the dashboard.

When the Second World War broke out in 1939, and petrol rationing was introduced, the car never got on the road. Towards the end of the War in 1945, my father gifted the car to S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia, his old school. I was not in Sri Lanka then, but I was told that it was for sometime used by the school to transport vegetables. That must have been the supreme humiliation. The Napier was rescued from there and is now in the collection of Mr. J.P. Obeyesekere.

Almost 60 years later, I happened to be in Las Vegas and came to know that on the fifth floor of the Imperial Hotel there was a fabulous motor car museum. I went there and saw some historic cars. The car used by Hitler when he came for the capitulation of Paris, the roadster from which Mussolini and his mistress were dragged to be hanged in a public square, the car which President Kennedy was riding when he was shot and killed, the car that Earl Mountbatten used when he was the Supremo of the South East Asian Command were all on display. Then unexpectedly, I saw a dark blue Delahaye with the notice attached before it “The car that was owned by the King of Siam in 1927”. I must say that it looked more modern though less imposing than the Napier. Had the King not been tempted by the French, it might have been the Napier that would be there.

On a purely sentimental note, I wish that Mr. Obeyesekere would sell or gift that Napier to my nephew, Mr. Ali Azeez. In a sense. It would mean that not only birds and misdeeds but also motor cars can come home to roost. (by Mahdi Hussein)

Technical Details of Napier 40/50

(Ali Azeez continues) After World War One, motor car production took second place to aero engines. The only Napier model made during this time was the luxurious 40/50 hp, designed to compete with the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. The design of its engine – a 6-cylinder 6,177 cc unit with detachable cylinder head, single overhead camshaft, seven-bearing crankshaft, and aluminium cylinders with steel liners – showed its aero ancestry. Modernity extended to the 4-speed gearbox which was in unit with the engine and had central control. It had a Napier-S.U. carburettor, and dual plugs with ignition by magneto and coil.

An unusual feature was the special piston with concave crown fitted to the number six (rearmost) cylinder. This modification was effected to reduce the compression ratio and lessen the load on the rear main bearing, so as to cure rough running experienced at low revs when the prototype 40/50 hp Napier was undergoing pre-production testing.

The chassis was also interesting in that the rear cantilever springs incorporated an anti-rolling device, while front springing was by normal semi-elliptics. Most Napier 40/50 hp cars, including C-5579, had their bodies coachbuilt by Cunard. Only 187 cars were built before production ceased in 1924.

Napier never built a car after 1924, but their famous Lion engine with 12 cylinders in a broad ‘W’ or arrow configuration, designed by A.J. Rowledge, powered many famous aircraft, as well as a succession of famous record breaking cars notably Sir Malcolm Campbell’s earlier “Bluebirds“, Sir Henry Segrave’s “Golden Arrow“, and John Cobb’s “Napier Railton“. The story of Napier cars is the saga of two men, Montague Napier, a brilliant engineer, and Selwyn Francis Edge, the famous racing driver who drove the Napier with success in the very early days of motor sport.

Fate of Napier C-5579

The car was gifted to S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia in 1945 by M.A.M. Hussein to his old school. At that time his elder son Mahdi was studying in England. The car was registered to Mr. Jan Prins, who was Secretary to the Warden of the College. Jan Prins also owned 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I, Barker tourer, Chassis No. 122HC registered X-4857. The car was previously owned by the Bawa brothers Geoffrey and Bevis. Jan Prins lived down St. Sylvester’s Road in Mt Lavinia and did not have space for these two large cars in his residential premises. They were parked on the road outside, exposed to the elements. In the early 1950s he decided to dispose of these valuable vehicles for Rs. 500/- each. Given the option J.P. Obeyesekere chose the Napier and Chitru Peiris acquired the Rolls-Royce. The latter took part in many rallies and exhibitions and in the 1953 movie “Elephant Walk” starring Peter Finch and Elizabeth Taylor. The Napier was never seen in public thereafter.

The Rolls-Royce is now with Chitru’s family and needs considerable restoration. The Napier had been allowed to deteriorate, sans many parts, at Racecourse Avenue. More recently, however, some attempts appear to have been made to restore it, although to what extent is unknown.

Present state of the majestic 1924 Napier, C-5579 at Obeyesekere walauwa in Racecourse Avenue

It may be asked why S. Thomas’ College did not appreciate and retain the valuable and rare Napier as a gesture of Hussein’s generosity and goodwill. However, the harsh reality is that restoration, preservation, and maintenance of an ancient motor car – especially such an unusual one as a Napier 40/50 hp, for which parts would have been almost impossible to obtain – would not have been a priority for the STC Board of Governors. Their primary concern, as always, is the efficient management of an educational institution and proper use of funds for that purpose alone.

However, if Hussein had gifted the car to an enthusiast, who appreciated the Napier’s rarity and had the desire and money to spend on its restoration and upkeep, the car may not have suffered the indignity of transporting vegetables and conveying pupils to/from sporting fixtures, as it did when in the custody of Prins and STC. Who knows, it might even be still running today in grand style…

(Tissa ‘Joy’ Yatawara, who was the popular Head Boy in 1950 and a hosteller at STC, vividly remembers the Napier being used to transport vegetables and other supplies to the hostel).

M.A.M. Hussein’s Family

Hussein belonged to an affluent family and was the youngest of the children of M.I. Mohamed Alie, J.P., the first Persian Vice-Consul in Ceylon and the first Muslim Justice of the Peace, who also had a son Ismail and daughter Moomeen, in that order. Hussein was a modest person with fine taste and travelled often to England and France, and developed a special fondness for Paris and the Riviera. The family owned many expensive cars and Hussein owned a Minerva, Auburn, Piccard-Pictet and later models of Cadillac and Chrysler among others. M.A.M. Hussein built the beautiful mansion “Mumtaz Mahal” which was the Speaker’s official residence until a few years ago.

Ismail owned a 1915 Fiat ‘Zero’ model; in the photo his brother Hussein and sister’s sons Mohamed and Haniffa are seen. At the time of his death in 1945 he owned 1929 Morris Cowley Saloon X-2626, which was taken over by his daughter Ummu and her husband Azeez, who were the parents of Ali Azeez. Ali and his sister Marina travelled to Ladies’ College and Royal Primary School in this car, which for some reason or another was affectionately nicknamed ‘Matchbox’. It was painted with the body in maroon and mudguards in black. Ali remembers the day it came to collect him at RPS, when the cork clutch liner of the car had failed. So driver Ibrahim and another had to push the car all the way to Barnes Place while Ali enjoyed himself seated inside. The car was sold when his father bought Chevrolet ‘Fleetmaster’ saloon CY-4009 in late 1947.

Moomeen owned a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 230 7-seater Pullman limousine Z-5464, which she sold in 1967. It took part in the Times of Ceylon ‘Great Race’ of 1968 and 1969 and won prizes. The car is now in Germany.

Ismail’s eldest son Abdulla, and his cousins Mohamed and Haniffa, were very close and also owned many cars and motor cycles. Haniffa owned a red Riley Lynx X-8835 which was used often by Abdulla too. This interest led him to notice a Riley Lynx ‘Special Series’ 4-door tourer, Z-2776 on the Colombo-Piliyandala Road. He bought it from the owner, a bus magnate, in 1963. The car was later given to his nephew, Ali Azeez, in 1966, and it remains in beautiful, running condition to this day.

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Life style

From 1906 to today: Nestle’s 120-year journey in Sri Lanka

Published

4 hours ago

2026/04/5

Thilina Walpola

Bernie Stefan - proud of Nestle’s 120 years jouney

Bernie Stefan is the Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, overseeing Nestlé’s operations in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. He assumed this role in March 2023. Under his leadership, Nestlé has strengthened its footprint in Sri Lanka, touching individuals and families, communities and spearheading sustainable development.

Since taking charge in 2023, Stefan has brought with him over two decades of international experiences, steering the company with a clear focus on sustainability, innovation and long term growth.

Bernie describes the anniversary as a moment of pride and reflection on over a century of commitment to Sri Lanka and its people.

Under his leadership, Nestle has expanded its footprint while staying true to its mission: to improve lives by providing nutrition and wellness for all Sri Lankans. Beyond the commercial success, the company has focused on community impact – supporting local farmers. promoting sustainable practices and contributing to public health initiatives.

(Q) Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan homes for 120 years. How has the brand evolved alongside the changing lifestyles of Sri Lankan families?

(A) We at Nestlé are extremely proud of our 120 year journey of enriching Sri Lankan lives. It has been a journey guided by purpose and working together for good – touching individuals and families, the community, and the planet. As lifestyles and needs have evolved, so, too, have our products – offering convenient, tasty and nutritious solutions that meet everyday moments, whether it’s energy on the go or a quick and tasty meal. A true symbol of this legacy is our flagship brand, Nestomalt – synonymous with power, strength and energy – which today is enjoyed as the first cup of the day by a majority of Sri Lankan households.

(Q) Many Sri Lankans have grown up with Nestlé products at their breakfast table or during tea time. How does the company stay emotionally connected with generations of consumers?

(A) Our product range caters to the nutritional needs of consumers from birth to old age. We always ensure that the consumer is at the centre of everything we do. This deep understanding of consumer preferences, ensures not only that our products deliver taste and nutrition but also our communication is in tune to the local context. Our brands have been deeply rooted in the lives of the Sri Lankan community over many decades – be it through Milo school sports programmes or Nestomalt marathons. Being an organisation that has been present in Sri Lanka for such a long time, it also means that consumers hold many nostalgic memories from their childhood with our products.

(Q) From childhood treats to everyday beverages, Nestlé products often carry nostalgic memories. How important is this sense of nostalgia to the brand’s identity?

(A) Brands need to evolve with time and remain relevant. Nostalgia does bring a deep bond and connect with consumers. However, through product and packaging renovations, we have successfully ensured that our brands remain relevant to consumers. One of our oldest Nestlé brands in Sri Lanka, Milkmaid , today, has an online recipe platform with over 300 recipes. This is another example where we have ensured that our brands are able to connect with today’s consumers.

(Q) Has Nestlé adapted its products to suit modern lifestyles while still respecting local tastes?

(A) Our ability to cater to local taste preferences has been a crucial factor to the success of our brands. With the setting up of our local manufacturing operations in 1984, we now manufacture over 90% of Nestlé products sold locally. The deep consumer understanding our teams possess, combined with our global R&D expertise in the food and beverage sector, have given us the ability to tailor make our products to cater to the Sri Lankan taste palette while offering convenience. This is evident in the success of our Nescafe and Nestea 3-in-1 variants and the Ready-to-drink beverage range of Milo and Nescafe, that deliver convenience and great taste.

(Q) How is Nestlé aligning its practices to sustainability and mindful living?

(A) We are committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Promoting circularity is also a focus area in this journey. We have plans to be 100% plastic neutral this year. Our sustainability initiatives cover the entire value chain, from farm to fork. In Sri Lanka, we are focusing a lot on increasing yield and promoting regenerative agricultural practices across our dairy and coconut value chains. In our manufacturing operations, we have continuously striving towards reducing water and energy usage. We have also implemented numerous initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint in logistics, such as the adoption of rail transportation. We also focus on fostering behavioural change on responsible waste disposal amongst the youth through our School Waste Management Programme.

(Q) What moments or milestones best reflect its connection with everyday life in the country?

(A) Our ability to provide consumers with good food moments each and every day is something that I and the team are extremely passionate about. Also, the deep connect we have with the community, be it our dairy and coconut farmers, the numerous suppliers and trade partners, has been built on trust over the years. Today, we have farmers, suppliers and even employees from across generations and this speaks volumes about our business practices and the trust we have built in Sri Lanka for over a century.

(Q) Nestlé is known globally for innovation. How do you balance global expertise with the unique lifestyle and culinary culture of Sri Lanka?

(A) As I mentioned, understanding the taste palette, nutritional needs and the lifestyles of Sri Lankan consumers and ensuring our products fulfill these needs is key. Having access to one of the world’s leading R&D facilities gives us the unique ability to ensure our products deliver to these consumer needs and preferences. Further, it enhances our ability to ensure the freshness and bio-availability of certain nutrients contained in our products. We’ve also made significant strides in packaging innovation, where we use less plastic and materials that are better suited for recycling. The introduction of Coconut Milk Powder in 1986 was a first for Sri Lanka, and this is another great example of the deep understanding we have of local culinary culture.

(Q) How is the younger generation engaged with the brand today?

(A) Appealing to the discerning youth population will be key to ensuring the future success of our brands. Understanding the nuances of each generation is important. It is also evident that consumption patterns and lifestyles across generations are evolving rapidly. Staying abreast of these changes is something we are deeply committed to. In addition to delivering on taste and nutrition, being trendy and youthful – the purpose for which our brands stand for – is equally important. NESCAFÉ and MAGGI PAPARE BLAST are two brands that have developed a strong connect with Sri Lankan youth.

(Q) What vision do you have for the next chapter in Sri Lanka, especially in shaping lifestyle trends?

(A) Looking ahead, our vision is to continue enriching Sri Lankan lives by providing tasty and nutritious products and promoting healthier and active lifestyles. We will keep innovating to meet evolving consumer needs, while strengthening local sourcing and reducing our environmental impact. The next chapter is about deepening our positive impact – supporting communities, empowering youth and contributing to a resilient food system.

(Q) As the head of Nestlé Sri Lanka, what does celebrating 120 years personally mean to you?

(A) Celebrating 120 years in Sri Lanka is deeply meaningful to us, as it reflects the trust generations of Sri Lankan families have placed in Nestlé. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our people and the strong partnerships we have built across the country. For me personally, it is both a moment of pride and a responsibility – to honour this legacy while continuing to work together for good, doing what is right for our consumers, our communities, and Sri Lanka.

By Zanita Careem

Life style

A hat-trick for knowledge: Saranga’s triple triumph at Raigam Tele’es

Published

4 hours ago

2026/04/5

Thilina Walpola

K.C. Saranga

At a time when entertainment often overshadows education on television, K.C. Saranga has rewritten the script—securing a remarkable third consecutive win for Best Educational Programme at the Raigam Tele’es 2025.

His flagship programme, Jeevithayata Vidyawa (Science for Life), aired on Ada Derana, has not only dominated its category but also elevated the standards of educational broadcasting in Sri Lanka.

Reflecting on the milestone, Saranga described the win as more than a personal achievement. “Maintaining an award ceremony of this magnitude for 22 years is no small feat. Raigam Tele’es plays a pivotal role in uplifting the industry. By consistently recognising and rewarding Sri Lankan creators, it provides the necessary oxygen for television to evolve as a professional craft,” he said.

A veteran with over 25 years in the industry, Saranga—currently General Manager (News and Current Affairs) at TV Derana and Head of the Ada Derana News Channel—has seamlessly transitioned from hard news to impactful educational programming. His success underscores a broader vision: to harness television’s full potential as an audio-visual learning tool.

“There is a significant void in Sri Lankan television when it comes to high-quality educational productions,” he noted. “Television is an audio-visual medium; its true power lies in its ability to show, not just tell. We use multimedia elements—graphics, animation, and dynamic presentation—to grip the viewer’s attention.”

Saranga emphasised that his goal was to match global benchmarks. “If world-class science documentaries are available in English, our mission was to bring that same global standard to the Sinhala-speaking audience,” he said.

Through Jeevithayata Vidyawa, complex scientific concepts—from aerodynamics to cyclones—are presented in a manner that is both accessible and engaging, redefining the notion of “edutainment” in local television.

Expressing gratitude, Saranga credited his team and network for the continued success.

“This achievement is a result of a shared vision. My deepest gratitude goes to the management of Ada Derana. In an industry often driven by conventional ratings, they have consistently provided a sanctuary for creative freedom, allowing ‘out-of-the-box’ ideas to flourish,” he said.

He added: “To my incredible production team—this trophy belongs to you. Your technical skill and commitment have transformed simple ideas into a national standard. Finally, thank you to our viewers; your curiosity is our ultimate motivation. We will continue to prove that learning is an inspiring journey.”

Saranga’s hat-trick stands as a testament to the power of innovation in educational broadcasting—proving that knowledge, when presented with creativity and purpose, can captivate audiences just as effectively as mainstream entertainment.

By Ifham Nizam

Life style

‘Style Surge’ blends glamour with a cause

Published

4 hours ago

2026/04/5

Thilina Walpola

Lighting up the evening with effortless charm

The event “Style Surge,” organised by the Lions Club Elevate, was an evening filled with glamour, leadership and purpose collided in a spectacular fusion. The grand Ballroom at Galle Face Hotel became a canvas of fashion; every detail, from the floral centrepiece to the curated lighting, whispered elegance, while glamour set the stage, purpose was the back bone.

The show featured a curated selection of Sri Lankan designers, each bringing their signature styles to the stage.

The designers captivated the audience with bold, contemporary silhouettes that fused modern trends with traditional influence, creating pieces that were both sophisticated and wearable.

The batik ensembles by doyen of Batiks, Eric Suriyasena, were masterpieces, demonstrating the designer’s mastery in balancing artistry and practicality. Each piece told a story, highlighting the cultural nuances of Sri Lanka, while contributing to the glamour of the event.

The hair and make up for the models were curated by Salon Avra by Thushari de Silva and was nothing short of perfection,

From sleek, modern looks to elegant textured styles, Salon Avra ensured every model complemented the designer’s vision, highlighting the intricate details of each ensemble. The artistry on stage reflected a seamless collaboration between fashion beauty and presentation.

Style Surge unfolded an evening of elegance, creativity and purpose. It brought together Colombo style conscious crowd, social leaders and fashion enthusiasts and transformed the venue into a vibrant celebration of couture and compassion.

As the lights dimmed,the runaway came alive with a striking showcase of designs, ranging from contemporary chic to timeless sophistication, by designers like Eric Suriyasena, Anushko, Azeena Sulaiman and Jaywanthi Panibharatha. Leading fashion brands showcased were Aluminium, Disala, Eriq and Elegant Closet, and they presented a blend of contemporary and traditional fashion. Jewellery for the show was designed and sponsored by Blue Majestara Ceylon, . The Chief Guest was District Governor Lion Mahesh Borolugoda and his wife Lion Lady Sunethra Borolugoda.

Beyond glamour, this event, Style Surge, carried a meaningful mission to help rennovate two schools and improve educational facilities for future students

Lions Club of Colombo Elevate district 306D6, the organisers of this event, have been long synonymous with community development .The event underscores the power of fashion as a force of good.

Proceeds and awareness generated though the evening will be directed towards the clubs ongoing humanitarian initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to uplifting communities while engaging the public in an inspiring way.

In every sense, the event was more than a fashion show, it was a statement. This event reaffirms that glamour can also carry a purpose, creativity can spark compassion, and a runaway that can become a powerful platform for social change. This fashion show was graced by distinguished guests of honour , including designers Aseka Wijewardena, Michael Wijesuriya, Yolande Aluwihare, and Shyara Mendis

This event was organised by Lion Diana Nilanthi, Shen, Lion Thushari de Silva and Lion Shashika Hettiarachchi, whose commitment to creativity and attention to detail transformed the event into a truly memorable evening. They were the driving force that brought the vision of the show to life. Their meticulous planning, conceptualising the theme, coordinating the designers ensured the show ran seamlessly, from start to finish Pix by Thushara Attapathu

By Zanita Careem