Life style

Taste for good cars

Published

6 years ago

2020/08/2

BOOK REVIEW

VINTAGE DENNIS AND ROBEY VEHICLES IN SRI LANKA by Ali Azeez; 60 pages, A5 size, numerous black-and-white and colour illustrations; published privately in 2014.

Copies in PDF format may be obtained free of charge by emailing the author at aliazeez07@gmail.com .

Reviewed by Roger Thiedeman

The pioneers of Sri Lanka’s vintage car movement in 1953 were Capt. E.B. ‘Tabby’ Murrell, Mr. Edward ‘Bugs’ Mason, Mr. H.C. (Chitru) Peiris, and Mr. W.R. Daniel. In following decades the old car ‘baton’ was passed on to other stalwarts, of which Mr. Vere de Mel was one. Another was the author of this book, Mr. Ali Azeez.

Ali’s enthusiasm for motor cars, especially what are today considered vintage and classic automobiles, began at an early age. Born into a family noted for its good taste in cars, it was inevitable that Ali would develop an interest in all things automotive: driving, maintaining, owning, and collecting a variety of vintage vehicles, while reading extensively on the subject. Today he is the proud owner of a 1936 Riley Lynx ‘Special Series’ tourer that once belonged to a close relative, and a 1937 Citroën Traction Avant 11CV Familiale (11B) long-wheelbase saloon. Land Rover is another marque beloved of Ali Azeez.

In time Ali became an active committee member of a succession of veteran/vintage car clubs in Sri Lanka, culminating in him holding senior positions in the Vintage Car Owners’ Club of Sri Lanka (VCOC). That was a period when, in addition to his knack for organising and promoting numerous vintage car rallies, road races and exhibitions, as the VCOC’s Newsletter Editor Mr. Azeez began to research and write ‘dossiers’ tracing the histories of interesting old cars for publication in the Newsletter. The subjects he chose were mostly vehicles owned by club members, but others from Sri Lanka’s motoring past were featured too.

One of Azeez’s in-depth profiles is the only detailed history of one of the rarest and finest cars to grace the roads of old Ceylon: a 1924 Napier 40/50 hp Cunard limousine which was imported by a distinguished member of his family.

In view of the passion, time and energy Ali Azeez selflessly invested in serving the VCOC, his involuntary exit from the club more than a decade ago in circumstances of which he was an innocent victim, can only be described as unjust and senseless.

Despite that blow, Ali Azeez never lost either his love of vintage cars or avid interest in motoring history. If anything, it gave him more time, opportunity and motivation to begin learning about types of vehicles that most other vintage enthusiasts might regard as ‘unglamorous’ and unworthy of their attention. This book is partially the result of that work.

Inspired by photos this reviewer took in 2011 of the Kandy Municipal Council’s preserved 1929 Dennis G-type fire engine, and two Robey steam wagons at the Sri Lanka-German Railway Technical Training Centre (SLGTTC), Ratmalana, Ali began his quest to discover as much as possible about the individual histories and mechanical characteristics of those vehicles. With encouragement from Mr. Brian Elias, a personal friend of Ali’s and Editor of a local newspaper’s motoring supplement, Mr. Azeez contacted several organisations in the UK dedicated to the preservation and history of old fire engines and steam-powered wagons (lorries) and traction engines.

Key members of those societies, with whom Ali forged close relationships, generously provided him with vast amounts of information, including rare photos and excerpts from specialist journals pertaining to that trio of vehicles before and after they arrived in Ceylon. Much of that material has been used in this book, which is all the better and more attractive for their inclusion.

Supporting the author’s text and pictures in both black-and-white and colour of Kandy’s Dennis fire engine, registered G-1010, official Dennis factory records provide more fascinating details. Extracts from Customer Order Books, Works Production Orders, and Chassis Lists and Despatch Records – each occupying a full page of the book for easy reading – comprise a potted ‘biography’ of this historic fire appliance, beginning in 1929 at its birthplace in Surrey, England.

As a bonus, the book contains information and photographs of other Dennis fire engines that served in Ceylon. Most notably a 1955 F8 model used by Britain’s Royal Navy at the dockyard in China Bay, Trincomalee. It later returned to the UK where it is now the prized, pristine possession of a fire engine enthusiast who also proved helpful to Ali in his research project.

Another comprehensive chapter is titled ‘Robey Steam Wagons in Sri Lanka’. Commencing with a brief explanation of the technical aspects of steam propulsion in roadgoing vehicles, the narrative shifts to a short history of Robey & Company, the Lincoln, UK-based makers of the two steam wagons of 1925 and 1928 vintage that are this chapter’s principal subjects.

Official records, correspondence relating to the two Robeys, plus a table of their ‘vital statistics’ aside, photographic coverage of both wagons is particularly impressive. Sure to please any lover of transport nostalgia and memorabilia, not just motor or steam vehicle aficionados, are photos of both vehicles working hard for their then employers, the British Ceylon Corporation (BCC), at various locations around Colombo. Two such ‘period’ pictures in colour are stand-outs, although others in black-and-white from the pages of UK-published Steaming magazine, are equally appealing. More colour pictures depict one of the vehicles (registered C-6037) at VCOC rallies and exhibitions before and after restoration by the SLGTTC.

But Ali Azeez’s interest in vintage motoring goes beyond classic motor cars and the utilitarian commercial types that are this book’s main subjects. As a fervent advocate for the preservation and fostering of Sri Lanka’s motoring heritage, for many years he has been campaigning and lobbying relevant authorities – and anyone else willing to listen – for the establishment of a national motoring museum, with State backing and continuing upkeep.

In a chapter titled ‘Transport Museum: An Immediate Need’ Azeez describes some of the museums in Sri Lanka, extant and defunct, small and large, dedicated to other types of transport. For example, the Old Town Hall Museum in the Pettah (which houses another steam wagon, built by Sentinel), the Sri Lanka Navy’s Museum at the Dockyard, China Bay, and the excellent Sri Lanka Air Force Museum at Ratmalana Airport. In fairness to the author, given that this book was published in 2014, no mention is made of the National Railway Museum at Kadugannawa, which was opened in late December that year.

Not entering into the author’s ‘calculations’ either are the motoring museums established in Sri Lanka over the past few years by a small handful of private and discerning car-collecting connoisseurs. Their extensive, varied and dazzling collections of motor vehicles are displayed in purpose-built ‘showrooms’, one in particular rivalling the facilities of better-known motoring museums overseas. But they are not open to the public, with visitors admitted in small numbers and only by special arrangement with the owners.

Rather, what Ali Azeez would like to see is a unified transport museum, accessible to the general public, that would accommodate, all on the same premises if not under one roof, the many road transport relics currently scattered around various government institutions. To demonstrate his point, he has depicted several of those vehicles within this chapter’s pages. Such a facility might induce private owners of historic vehicles to place some of their precious automotive possessions on public display in a secure environment, perhaps on a rotation basis as determined by the museum’s curators.

Almost as if responding to his own pleas, Ali Azeez cites numerous instances of how and when similar proposals were mooted, attracting tentative interest from the authorities, only for those grand plans to be shelved or disappear altogether. From this reviewer’s pragmatic point of view, the current economic climate in Sri Lanka – COVID-19 notwithstanding – will never be conducive to any such ambitious albeit laudable project getting off the ground, let alone reaching fruition.

Yet that should not detract from Ali Azeez’s well-meant intentions and dreams. Nor from his passion and foresightedness as a lover of all things motoring, not only when he wrote this book but over the years before and since. This slim but pleasing volume, packed with information, historical records, and attractive illustrations, is recommended to anyone interested in all aspects of road transport history, especially in the context of Sri Lanka.

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Features

Coconut Oil magic …

Published

2 days ago

2026/07/2

Thilina Walpola

Yes, coconut oil is in every Sri Lankan kitchen for cooking, frying, etc., and our grandmas have been using it for beauty, long before it became “trendy”.

OK, from me, it’s a simple, no-fuss coconut oil week for you:

For Hair:

Warm 02 tablespoon virgin coconut oil until it’s just lukewarm. Massage into scalp with fingertips, for 05 minutes, then through the lengths. Wrap with a warm towel, or shower cap, for 30 minutes, or overnight if you can. Wash with your usual shampoo.

How often: 01-02 times a week is plenty. Grandma wasn’t wrong.

For Skin:

After a shower, while skin is still slightly damp, rub a tiny bit of oil on rough spots. A little goes a long way — it’s thick!

Tip:

Don’t use it on acne-prone face skin. For some people it can clog pores. Use it more on body, hands, feet.

For Lips:

Dab the tiniest bit of coconut oil on lips before bed. Wakes up softer.

For Under-Eyes or Cuticles:

Use your ring finger to pat a rice-grain amount around dry cuticles or under eyes. Be super gentle. If it stings, or you get bumps, stop.

Pre-Wash Scalp Soother:

If your scalp feels tight/itchy from weather changes, massage a little warm oil, for 15 minutes, before shampooing. Rinse well.

A few important notes for my readers:

Patch test first: Dab a bit of coconut oil on your inner arm and wait 24 hours. Even natural things can irritate.

Quality matters: Go for virgin/cold-pressed coconut oil from the kitchen shelf. No fragrance, no additives.

The smell alone will take you back to grandma’s kitchens, won’t it? Warm, nutty, familiar.

Life style

Night of fashion and fitness

Published

6 days ago

2026/06/28

Thilina Walpola

Renata, Harshini Nadesan, Ramani Pelpola, Priyanthi Fernando and Nirosha

Fashion and fitness came together in a spectacular fashion event as FitCon Luxe unveiled its much-anticipated Active Edit Collection at an exclusive evening at Cinnamon Life that celebrated wellness, confidence and contemporary style. The launch brought together guests from the world of fashion, lifestyle and fitness creating an atmosphere that reflected the brand’s commitment to empowering individuals through versatile and sophisticated activewear. From chic contemporary looks to elegant statement pieces, attendees embraced the spirit of style and confidence. Their impeccable fashion choices complemented the brand’s vision of blending luxury, wellness and modern living, making the event, a true celebration of fashion forward elegance (Zanita ) ✍️

: Jayani Brian Kerkovan Thyasha Azhar and friend

: Kamal Munasinghe with Trieshan with a guest wife Katie

: Ayesh Fonseka

: Brian Kerkovan

: Trieshan with a guest

: Roshan Ranawana with Kushlani

: Thyasha

Life style

Kamal Munasinghe on luxury, tourism and hospitality

Published

6 days ago

2026/06/28

Thilina Walpola

Kamal Munasinghe, Senior Vice President of Colombo Hotels at Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams

Leading with passion

In Sri Lanka’s dynamic hospitality landscape, few leaders have left a significant mark as Kamal Munasinghe.As Senior Vice President of Colombo Hotels at Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Kamal Munasinghe brings out three decades of international experience to one of the country’s most ambitions hospitality venture. Renowned for his strategic vision, operational excellence, and passion for guest experience, Kamal has played a pivotal role in shaping the growth of Cinnamon’s flagship properties, while helping position Colombo as a premier destination for business and tourism. And this is how my exclusive interview with this dynamic personality went:

(Q) How do you assess the cultural state of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and what gives you confidence about the future?

(A) Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is in a very positive place today. Over the past few years, We have seen the sector perform strongly, with increasing visitor arrivals, renewed investor confidence, and growing interest from key international markets. More importantly, travellers, who visit Sri Lanka, continue to leave with a very positive impression of the destination, which is one of the strongest endorsements any country can receive.

What gives me confidence is that Sri Lanka has something genuinely unique to offer. Within a relatively small island, visitors can experience ancient heritage, wildlife, beaches, mountains, tea country, wellness, adventure, and vibrant city life. Few destinations can offer such diversity in such close proximity. We also have one of our greatest assets in the warmth and hospitality of our people. Looking ahead, if we continue investing in the right places, I believe Sri Lanka is welt positioned to become one of Asia’s most desirable tourism destinations.

(Q) What role can Cinnamon Hotels play in positioning Colombo as a must visit destination in Asia?

(A) At Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, we see ourselves as more than hotel operators. We are in the business of creating experiences and helping shape perceptions of Sri Lanka as a destination.

Colombo is a city with enormous potential. It is a city where history, culture, business, entertainment, and modern development come together. Through our investments, particularly Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, we are helping create experiences that encourage travellers to discover everything the city has to offer.

Today’s travellers are looking for destinations that offer great food, entertainment, culture, shopping, events, and lifestyle experiences alongside quality accommodation. By bringing many of these elements together, we are helping position Colombo as a destination worth exploring in its own right. Our rote is to continue raising standards, attracting international attention, and showcasing the city as a vibrant and exciting destination within Asia.

(Q) Congratulations on your new appointment as Senior Vice President, Colombo Hotels at Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, and also General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dream. What are your immediate priorities in this role?

(A) One of my immediate priorities is strengthening collaboration across the tourism ecosystem to create a stronger and more unified vision for Colombo. We need to continue attracting international events, conferences, sporting activities, and cultural experiences that showcase the city’s potential.

Initiatives like Chalo Colombo by City of Dreams Sri Lanka and John Keells Leisure sector demonstrate how targeted destination campaigns can help drive visitation and highlight Colombo’s growing appeal. My focus is on ensuring the city continues to evolve as a vibrant, competitive destination that delivers value for visitors, businesses, and the wider tourism industry.

(Q) How can Sri Lanka attract more high-spending travellers rather than focussing solely on numbers?

(A) The conversation around tourism success needs to evolve beyond simply counting arrivals. While visitor numbers are important, what truly matters is the value tourism creates for the country, communities, and businesses.

To attract higher-spending travellers, we need to focus on creating exceptional experiences. Luxury today is no longer just about five-star accommodation. It is about exclusivity, personalisation, and access to experiences that cannot be found elsewhere.

Sri Lanka is perfectly positioned to deliver this. Whether it is private wildlife experiences, wellness retreats, curated cultural journeys, world-class golf, sailing, or exceptional dining experiences, we have opportunities to create products that appeal to premium travellers.

If we focus on quality experiences, service excellence, and destination storytelling, we can attract visitors who stay longer, spend more, and develop a deeper connection with Sri Lanka.

(Q) What are the biggest opportunities for Sri Lanka to compete with destinations such as Maldives, Thailand and Singapore?

(A) Each of these destinations has built a strong identity, and I believe Sri Lanka’s greatest opportunity lies in embracing what makes us different rather than trying to imitate others.

What sets Sri Lanka apart is the diversity of experiences available within a single trip. A visitor can explore ancient kingdoms, enjoy a safari, relax on a beach, visit tea plantations, experience local culture, and spend time in a modern city, all within a matter of days.

There is also significant opportunity in areas such as sports tourism. Sri Lanka already has strong recognition through cricket, but there is growing potential in golf, surfing, sailing, cycling, and endurance events. Markets such as Australia, India, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East offer exciting opportunities in this space.

Most importantly, Sri Lanka offers an unmatched variety of experiences within a compact geography. That combination of accessibility, diversity, and value is a powerful advantage in today’s tourism landscape.

(Q) How important is destination marketing in shaping international perception of Sri Lanka?

(A) Destination marketing is absolutely essential. Travellers often form opinions about a destination long before they make a booking. The images they see, the stories they hear, and the experiences shared by others all influence their decision.

Sri Lanka has an incredible story to tell, but we need to tell it consistently and strategically. Good destination marketing is about creating desire. It is about inspiring people to imagine themselves here and helping them understand what makes Sri Lanka different from every other destination competing for their attention.

A strong and consistent tourism brand will be critical if we are to achieve our long-term ambitions as a destination.

(Q) What emerging tourism markets should Sri Lanka target in the coming year?

(A) India will continue to be a key growth market for Sri Lanka, supported by strong connectivity and increasing demand for short-haul leisure and business travel. We also see opportunities in Australia, Europe, and Southeast Asia, particularly among travellers seeking unique cultural and lifestyle experiences.

The Middle East has traditionally been a valuable source market for Sri Lanka and, despite current geopolitical challenges, remains strategically important in the long term due to its strong connectivity and high-value traveller segment.

More importantly, our focus should be on diversification. By attracting visitors from a range of markets and growing segments, we can build a stronger and more resilient tourism industry.

(Q) . How can Sri Lanka become more than a transit city and encourage visitors to stay?

(A) For many years, Colombo was often viewed as the starting point of a Sri Lankan holiday. Today, that perception is changing.

Modern travellers are increasingly drawn to cities that offer culture, entertainment, food, shopping, nightlife, and unique local experiences. Colombo already has many of these. What we need to do is continue developing and promoting them more effectively.

Projects such as Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka are helping transform the city by introducing new experiences that encourage visitors to extend their stay. At the same time, we need more festivals, international events, cultural programming, waterfront experiences, and city attractions that showcase Colombo’s character.

It is a city where old and new exist side by side. You can walk past a colonial building, turn a corner, and find yourself surrounded by a completely different side of Colombo. Every street, every neighbourhood, and every skyline tells a story. Whether someone is here for a business meeting, a conference, a concert, a sporting event, or simply a great meal, we want them to leave with a richer understanding of Colombo and everything the city has to offer.

(Q) What trends are you seeing among international travellers that Sri Lanka should capitalise on?

(A) One of the biggest trends is the shift towards meaningful, experience-led travel. Travellers are increasingly looking for experiences that allow them to connect with a destination on a deeper level.

They want authentic cultural experiences, local food, interaction with communities, wellness experiences, and opportunities to discover places that feel unique and personal. They are also placing greater importance on sustainability and responsible tourism.

Another trend is experiential luxury. Today’s travellers are often less interested in traditional luxury and more interested in unique experiences that create lasting memories. Sri Lanka is exceptionally well positioned to benefit from these trends because authenticity is already part of who we are as a destination.

(Q) How can Sri Lanka leverage its culture, heritage and cuisine to create distinctive tourism experience?

(A) Our culture, heritage, and cuisine are among our strongest competitive advantages. They are also some of the most memorable parts of the visitor experience.

Travellers today want to participate, not simply observe They want to learn how local food is prepared, hear stories behind traditions, attend festivals, meet artisans, and engage with communities. These are the experiences that people remember long after they return home.

Sri Lankan cuisine in particular has enormous potential. Food has become one of the key reasons people choose destinations, and our culinary traditions are rich, diverse, and deeply connected to our history and culture.

By bringing together heritage, storytelling, food, music, art, and local experiences, we can create tourism products that are authentic, memorable, and uniquely Sri Lankan.

(Q) How do you see the Integrated Resorts changing the tourism landscape of Colombo?

(A) Integrated resorts have transformed cities around the world because they create complete destination experiences rather than stand alone attractions.

They bring together hospitality, entertainment, dining, retail, events, and leisure experiences in one location, creating reasons for visitors to stay longer and spend more time exploring a city.

And in South Asia, City of Dreams is the place. As South Asia’s first fully integrated resort, we represent a significant step forward in elevating Colombo’s tourism offering. They help attract new visitor segments, support international events, strengthen the city’s appeal as a business destination, and create experiences that can compete with leading cities across the region.

Most importantly, they contribute to changing perceptions of Colombo and showcasing the city as a destination that offers world-class experiences.

(Q) Looking ahead, what is your vision for Sri Lanka tourism over the next decades, and where does Cinnamon Hotels fit into that journey?

(A) My vision is for Sri Lanka to be recognised as Asia’s most complete island destination, a place where visitors can experience culture, nature, wellness, adventure, business, and entertainment within a single journey.

Success should not be measured solely by arrival numbers, but by the value tourism creates for communities, businesses, and the country as a whole. I would like to see tourism growth that is inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial to people across Sri Lanka.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts will continue to play a leading role by investing in world-class hospitality, developing new tourism experiences, and helping showcase Sri Lanka on the global stage. We are not just building hotels; we are helping shape the future of Sri Lankan tourism.

(Q) How can the industry balance growth with environmental and cultural preservation?

(A) Sustainability has to be at the centre of every conversation about tourism growth. The natural beauty, bio diversity, and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka are the very reasons visitors come here, so protecting those assets is not optional.

As an industry, we need to ensure that development is responsible, that local communities benefit from tourism, and that environmental considerations are integrated into every stage of planning and operations.

We also need to protect cultural authenticity. As destinations become more popular, there is always a risk of losing the unique character that makes them attractive in the first place. Growth should enhance local culture, not replace it.

The future of tourism is not about choosing between growth and preservation. It is about ensuring that they go hand in hand. If we get that balance right, Sri Lanka can continue to grow as a destination while preserving the natural and cultural treasures that make it truly extraordinary.