Life style

The Homes in Ward Place in its early days, When it was known as the Harley Street of Ceylon

Published

5 years ago

2021/06/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

(Continued from 16 May)

by Hugh Karunanayake, Dr Srilal Fernando, and Avinder Paul

The large four-acre property with the name Tyaganivasam (previously named Jaffna House) was the home of J Tyagarajah, member of the Monetary Board, and son of Namasivam Mudaliyar Tyagarajah. The grounds of Tyaganivasam included the property on which Cargills Pharmacy stood. Tyagarajah was also a Director of the Central Bank. He served in this capacity for more than two decades, never failing to attend meetings of the Monetary Board, and is reputed to have not claimed a cent for the expenditure incurred by him, a remarkable example of service to the nation. Part of the Tyagarajah property is now home to the University Grants commission.

With two major hospitals in close proximity, and despite the presence of Cargills Pharmacy at the opposite end of De Soysa Circus, the need for a pharmaceutical outlet in Ward Place was almost a sine qua non. The void was filled by the opening of the Lanka Pharmacy at 6, Ward Place by David Silva, who named it after his son Lanka Silva, who stepped into the father’s shoes on leaving school. Lanka Silva was a champion athlete at Royal College of the early 1950s. “Manohari” The impressive home of Sir Arthur M De Silva ENT Surgeon was located nearby. His daughter married Justin Kotelawela, brother of former Prime Minister Sir John Kotelawela, in 1948.

Proceeding on the same side of Ward Place at No 16 stood Veerin the two storied home of Dr LAP Britto Babapulle a leading Veterinary surgeon of the time. Dr Babapulle was known as the owner of the largest number of tenement houses in Colombo, mostly located in the Grandpass area. His daughter, Andrea, lives in the house today.

A few properties away is Sukasthan Gardens, a cluster of homes built on the grounds of the former stately home of Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan named “Sukasthan”. It was inherited by Ramanathan’s daughter, Sundari, who eventually sold it. Gynaecologist Dr PR Thiagarajah lived in one of the houses that were built there. Another well known resident of Sukasthan Gardens was LS Boys, a Director of Gordon Frazer and Co who lived in a house named “Shiel.” Proceeding further at No 36 was the home of Physician Dr VEP Seneviratne. Around here were the homes named Chetwynd and Donnington belonging to DF Peiris, built around the turn of the Twentieth century.

DF Peiris’s daughter, Maud, married Thomas Lambert Fernando, the grandfather of Dr Srilal Fernando, a joint author of this memoir. Donnington was later occupied by ARM Ameen, Consul for Egypt. Chetwynd was later owned by DF Peiris’ younger brother, the father of orthopaedic surgeon Dr Rienzie Peiris. Adjoining Donnington and located northwards was “Greylands” the home of Mudaliyar JCS Fonseka a stalwart of the Orchid Circle of Ceylon. At No 48 was the home of former Minister Montague Jayawicjkreme on whose large property many houses have since been constructed.

Proceeding towards Borella on the left side of Ward Place are the two major government health care institutions the Victoria Memorial Eye Hospital and the Dental Institute. The Victoria Memorial Eye Hospital was built in honour of the Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897 and constructed in 1906. Designed by architect Edward Skinner in traditional Indo Sarasenic lines, it is characterised by its red brick façade and the many turrets of Sarasenic design. Further down the road is the Government run Dental Institute. The Dental Institute was set up in the 1930s with Dr W Balendra as its first Director. Dr Balendra himself was a resident of Ward place. Alongside was Volkaart gardens where homes of the Directors of Volkaart Brothers were located . Further on was the home “St Brycedale” of Dr Richie Caldera, Obstetrician in Charge of the De Soysa Maternity Home located on Regent Street running parallel to Ward Place. At No 53 were four homes built around the 1960s one of which was the home of Dr Chris Raffel.

A home in Ward Place and two eminent doctors, father, and son, also from Ward Place featured in a much publicised murder trial called the “Duf

f House Case” in the 1930s. White House in Ward Place was a large elegant home belonging to Solomon Seneviratne who was married to the sister of Sir Solomon Dias Bandaranaike. Solomon Seneviratne himself owned broad acres and his country home was situated on his coconut estate in Kotikawatte, Angoda. Solomon’s son Stephen was like the father educated at Royal College, and later at Cambridge University, where he qualified as a Barrister. He did not practice at the bar and spent his time managing the cattle farm which he inherited. He soon became a keen and enthusiastic cattle breeder with an expert knowledge of animal husbandry.

He married Lilian de Alwis, sister of Leo de Alwis, who was married to a daughter of Sir Solomon Dias Bandaranaike. Leo’s wife was a sister of the late Prime Minister SWRD Bandaranaike. The life of Stephen and Lilian was tumultuous. They had many quarrels regarding Stephen’s intention to sell his home, White House. The couple lived in Duff House at No 4. Bagatelle Road rented out at Rs 100 a month, a considerable sum as rent in the 1930s.

Lilian had a troubled pregnancy which ended with the birth of their only child Terrence. She did not have a warm relationship with the son as she blamed him for her difficult pregnancy. Lilian was found one day dead in the living room of the house having inhaled chloroform. The case tested the strength of the family relationships within the Bandaranaike extended family. Here was Sir Solomon’s brother-in-law’s son accused of the murder of Sir Solomon’s so

n-in-law’s sister. The police were notified and Lilian’s family, particularly her brother Leo de Alwis, was convinced that Stephen had forced his wife to inhale a lethal dose of chloroform.

Dr S C Paul who was a close friend of Sir Solomon gave expert medical evidence to support that contention, which was rejected by Stephen who said that his wife was depressed and could have inhaled chloroform which Stephen kept for his animal husbandry.

Stephen was however charged with the murder of his wife before Justice MT Akbar. Stephen’s defence was supported by the expert medical evidence of Dr SC Paul’s son Dr Milroy Paul. In his direction to the jury, Justice Akbar ignored aspects of evidence that would benefit the accused, and consequently, the accused was found guilty of murdering his wife and sentenced to death. This was in 1936 when there was no Court of Criminal Appeal, so the accused appealed to the Privy Council which overturned the judgment of Akbar and acquitted Stephen. The Privy Council also made some scathing observations on the findings of the trial judge which led to Akbar suffering depression and submitting his resignation from the bench. Finally, it seemed that the murder trial ended in the trial of the presiding judge!

There were two other older well known homes on Ward Place.. One was Chateau Jubillee occupied by Adrian St V Jayewardene, Supreme C

ourt Judge, and brother of JR Jayewardene’s father EW Jayewardene. The other was Fairy Hall built in 1880 the original home of Dr Simon de Melho Aserappah and his wife Emily Wake. It was part of the large homestead on which 20 years later Rao Mahal and other homes were constructed by the family of Dr SC Paul who married Dr Aserappah’s daughter Dora.

Interior of the Dr PH Amerasinghe home designed by Architect Minnettte de Silva

The house 53/3 Ward Place designed by Geoffrey Bawa for Dr Chris Raffel was sold by Dr Chris and Carmel Raffel to Ajit Saravanamuttu who resided there until his death in 2006. Next door at No 55 was “Villa Mirelle” the home of Dr Percy Kulasinghe also situated on a large block which has since been subdivided with a new road named Kulasinghe Gardens hosting several houses. In the adjoining block at No 57 stands today the hotel Jetwing Colombo. Dr Kulasinghe was for many years a Director of the Ceylon Insurance Co founded and managed by fellow Ward Place resident Justin Kotelawela.

At No 61 was the home of lawyer FR de Saram and wife Miriam (nee Pieris) acclaimed aesthete and oriental dancer in an era when women were rarely seen on stage. Her elder son Rohan de Saram is the internationally famous cellist. The De Sarams engaged renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa to design a new additional home on the grounds now bearing No:61/6. Another Rohan, Rohan Perera at 57/2 and his brother Dr Hari Perera, Psychiatrist, the sons of the eminent lawyer HV Perera had their homes also in Ward Place.

At No:65 a house named “Taprobane “was the home of proprietary planter SR Muttiahpillai owner of the 1,250 acre Naluwella Group in Balangoda. His son M Rajendran managed the family properties in Balangoda until the initiation of Land Reform, and was awarded an MBE in recognition of his services to agriculture. The Muttiahpillai Caddillac in metallic blue colour was an ubiquitous feature of life in Ward Place in the 1950s. The passing of time and the demand for quality blocks of land has led to the breaking up of their large tract of land. A new road goes through the property now with the name Muththiahpillai Gardens, serving many new homes.

Dr W Balendra the dental surgeon’s home stood next door at No 67 next door to whom lived Dr May Ratnayake at No 69. Somewhere here stands the home of gynaecologist Dr PH (Chandra) Amerasinghe designed by renowned woman architect Minnette de Silva. She also designed the home of Chandra’s brother, Dr Asoka Amerasinghe in 5th Lane. Chandra was snatched away in his prime, from injuries resulting from an accident arising from a fun filled motor cycle ride.

The architect VS Thurairajah built a block of Flats at No 75 which was almost entirely leased out by the Marga Institute on its establishment in 1972. By 1975 Marga was in its own home at 61 Greenlands Avenue now known as Issipatana Mawata. Dr AC Arulpragasam ENT Surgeon and Dr Rajah Cooke both from the extended Paul family lived at No 77 as part of the large landholding adjacent to the Paul home “Rao Mahal “. Rao Mahal was built by Dr Simon De Melho Aserappah one of the first overseas qualified doctors who returned from England in the 19th Century. His daughter Dora married Dr SC Paul whose descendants still live in the original homestead in Ward Place where the

Paul family still retain a large extent of land on the site.

Dr Gunaratnam Cooke lived at 77 Ward Place, and Egerton Paul, another son of of Dr SC Paul, lived at No 85. Dr S.C Paul’s son, Dr Milroy Paul was the acclaimed surgeon who obtained his Master of Surgery qualification in the UK and was given the signal honour of delivering the “Hunterian Lecture” to the Royal College of Surgeons in England. He inherited Rao Mahal. Prof Milroy Paul’s son, Avinder, has collaborated in this present enterprise on homes in Ward Place and his knowledge and memory has helped us immensely in putting together this piece for the readers of The Ceylankan

Ward Place was closely associated with the development of the medical profession in Sri Lanka, and its early residential character was dominated by the medical profession. From the beginning therefore it was a highly gentrified area within the metropolis. Many successful doctors lived there, but they certainly would have had some unsuccessful medical adventures too, in addition to others whose lives were decreed not to go any further. They did not have to go far thereafter, the General Cemetery Kanatte also part of the former Borella estate, was nearby to provide them everlasting peace!

A cursory study of the residential features of this precinct would reveal that today it has lost that once dominant association with the medical profession. The street is located in one of the most sought after areas for dwellings today, and where large homes and gardens once stood, are large blocks of luxury apartments. Opulence still reigns however, and there is little doubt that Ward Place will continue to play host to a privileged few.

Concluded

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Life style

Night of fashion and fitness

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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.

Life style

Ziqa Insaf honoured among Asia’s leading achievers

Published

1 day ago

2026/06/28

Thilina Walpola

Symbol of recognition and success

In a remarkable recognition of excellence and leadership, Ziqa Insaf has been honoured with the prestigious Global Asia Achievers’Award for her outstanding contributions and achievements on a regional and global stage.

This award acknowledes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation and impact with their respective fields Ziqa Insaf’s accomplishments reflect a commitment to excellence and a drive to create meaningful change, earning recognition among distinguished achievers across Asia.

Proud moment for Ziqa

Recieving the Global Asia’s Achievement Award marks an important milestone in Ziqa professional journey. This honour not only highlights personal success but also serves as an inspiration to emerging leaders striving to make a difference in their professions and communities.

As Asia continues to reconize influential voices, and transformative leaders Ziqa Insaf’s achievements stand as testament to preservance, vision and the pursuit of excellence.

The award reinforces the importance of leadership that trancends boundaries and contribute positively to society.

She played a pivotal role in the M/s Tourism International Pageant held in Sri Lanka in 1993 and has contributed to dedicate herself to numerous charitable causes over the years.

Her remarkable efforts include supporting and helping rebuild the lives of those affected by the devastating tsunami, offering her time and expertise on a pro bono basis to assist less fortunate brides, and actively engaging in charitable initiatives benefitting underprivileged children.

Speaking about her reconition, Ziqa expressed gratitude to her supporters, mentors, and collaborators emphasing that her award reflrcts the collective efforts if everyone who has been part of her journey

This prestigious award is a fitting tribute to her lifelong dedication to empowering others and making a meaningful difference in society.