Life style
Newly published guide opens many windows on whale watching
by Ifham Nizam
Shipping lanes to the south of Dondra pose the threat of ships colliding with whales as the area has very rich marine life which also attracts whale watching boats, says prolific wildlife writer and photographer Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, author of the recently published ‘A Naturalist’s Guide to the Mammals of Sri Lanka’.
He says international shipping industry organizations have written to the government to push back the existing shipping lanes and if no action is initiated, there is the danger of whale watching boats colliding with vessels.
Dr. Susannah Calderon and her colleagues at the University of Ruhuna have recommended the shipping lanes be moved 15 nautical miles south. The cost impact to all concerned will be negligible, but it significantly improves safety at sea, especially at night when the sea is dotted with the lamps from hundreds of small fishing crafts in the path of giant container carriers.
“It is primarily a safety issue though an important secondary impact will be that it reduces fatal collisions with whales, while generating favourable publicity for the government of Sri Lanka. It boils down to moving the shipping lanes further south and saving lives, Wijeyeratne stressed in an interview with The Sunday Island.
Asked what’s special about his latest publication, he said: “This is the first photographic field guide which covers nearly all of the mammals found in Sri Lanka. It covers 96 per cent of the land and marine mammals. The book, which is portable and affordable, also contains a large number of images from 40 photographers which are practically useful in the field to identify 
a mammal to species level. It also covers a number of small, discrete, nocturnal mammals whose existence that even many local wildlife enthusiasts will not be aware of.”
On the book’s coverage of the marine mammals, Wijeyeratne said there are two noteworthy aspects. Firstly, it covers all the species recorded in Sri Lankan waters expect for one, the Omura’s Whale. This will be included in a second edition. Secondly, it uses images of the whales and dolphins (cetaceans) which will show the animals the way a whale watcher will see them on the surface.
Artwork that shows the whole animal is important, but in field conditions, they are often of limited value to identify cetaceans which only show a little of their upper body in sections at a time they surface.
Q: You were the first to publicize that Sri Lanka was the best location for Blue Whale sightings and offered the best chance to see a superpod of Sperm Whales. Can you explain briefly how you set about branding Sri Lanka as a top international destination for whale watching?
A:
I started with field work to ascertain the facts and launched a media campaign initially with Jetwing Eco Holidays and Jetwing Hotels which was supported over many years by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and others in the media and tourism business. I have published 37 articles on whale watching in Sri Lanka. The first, in May 2008, was pivotal as it boldly stated that Sri Lanka was best for Blue Whales. This set everything in motion. My articles give due credit to many people who were a part of this amazing story. This includes Dr. Charles Anderson who first told me it would be feasible to see Blue Whales from the South.
A Belgian millionaire philanthropist who prefers to remain anonymous and helped create the infrastructure for whale watching by 13 tsunami affected fishing youth who set up Mirissa Water Sports and Sue Evans who was important for connecting all of us and Anoma Alagiyawadu (the Jetwing Lighthouse Naturalist) whom I tasked with collecting the initial data for the Encounter Rates I publicized in the media.
Remarkably, no Sri Lankan marine biologist played any role in publicizing whale watching in the early years. However, soon after, they benefited by being thrust into the media spotlight by film crew researchers who had read the publicity which began with my various widely disseminated articles. Having read them, and sometimes after conversations with me, the film crews and the press came to Sri Lanka and incorporated local marine biologists into their story.
At the time I broke the first story, I do not think any of the local marine biologists had even one image of a Blue Whale of a publishable standard or had any idea that Sri Lanka was the best place in the world to see Blue Whales. Hopefully, the increased profile of local marine biologists has made it easier for them to raise the funds needed for their important research.
Q: Did the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau help your efforts with publicity and branding?
A:
Yes indeed. At the start of the publicity campaign, we produced a series of informative and attractive publications designed by Chandrika Maelge. These were printed and distributed at key consumer and travel trade fairs such as the Bird Fair, WTM and Destinations where a number of important press and tour operators were informed about Sri Lanka being a good place for whales. At some of the press drinks events in London hosted by Jetwing Eco Holidays, around 35-45 press people would attend. These events were held in collaboration with the London Office of the SLTPB.
In some years, As many as three of these press events were held allowing personal interaction with a wide pool of media people. Another important and later development is the role played by Nalin Perera who ran the SLTPB office in London for several years and attended many consumer and travel trade fairs. I had developed media briefs for him which he would print and distribute. In one conversation, he estimated that he had printed and distributed over 10,000 copies of this material.
There were others who also disseminated my stories to the international press; a notable example being Chitral Jayatilake who shared my publicity pdfs with various wildlife documentary makers he invited to Sri Lanka.
Q: Did everyone readily embrace your ideas?
It took a couple of years. I remember even into the second year of the publicity campaign there were doubts from the big companies in tourism.
I remember Srilal Miththapala who was then President of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka speaking to me and joining a celebrity whale watching event I was leading with Shyamalee Tudawe. This was organized by Olivia Richli of the Amangalla in Galle.
Srilal wanted to report back to the association if there was any truth to the claims being made by me about how easy it was to see Blue Whales. On the coastline, the people running small guesthouses readily embraced the story as tourists who were reading my stories turned up with copies of my articles and asked for boats to take them whale watching. The international press also readily took it on as I provided credible data.
Q: What do you say to criticisms that whale watching needs better regulation?
I agree on the need for better regulation and higher standards. The tourism industry has played its part in publicizing whale watching. Other state agencies also need to step up their efforts to regulate the industry in a way that is good for the welfare of the animals and provide a good visitor experience.
Q: What do you expect ‘A Naturalist’s Guide to the Mammals of Sri Lanka’ to achieve?
I would like people to understand that there is still a lot to be discovered about Sri Lanka’s mammals and I hope this portable and affordable guide will find its way into the hands of local naturalists and inspire more research and more practical steps to conserve habitats and species.
In a world where skin and hair care are often the main focus, maintaining a consistent body care routine is just as important—not only for looking good, but for overall wellbeing. That’s where The Body Shop Bath & Body Range comes in, offering everything you need to nourish and pamper your skin from head to toe.
From the basics (moisturisers and shower gels), the extras (hand and foot creams), right up to indulgent (body butters, yoghurts, and body oils) – what excuse have you for not loving and nourishing your body like never before?
It’s not just the assortment of bath and body products to choose from, it’s the Body Shop’s wide selection of flavours that will have your body spoiled for choice too! Choose from the legendary luxurious Shea Butter range (we recommend the Moisturising Body Butter), gloriously scented Strawberry selection (the Shower Gel is our fave), citrussy and vibrant Satsuma collection (we say start with the cleansing Face & Body Bar), the melt-in-the-skin goodness of the Moringa family (the Hand cream is a clear winner), or even the Almond Milk hydration heroes (psst…pick the Body Yoghurt).
With the year-end celebrations just around the corner, why not even share the gift of body-care? With far more than just a handful of products to pick from, and a little something for every skin type, you can check off most of your gift list already! The British Rose body care range will have one smelling like roses blooming in summertime (even when it’s winter and you’ve forgotten what sunshine feels like) and gives that beautiful body a healthy-looking glow.
The skin-loving formulas of The Olive body care products -infused with Community Fair Trade organic olive oil from Italy- with every refreshing squirt will almost instantly serve that Mediterranean glow-up and signature smile. The Body Shop’s not-so-well-kept secret of its Argan body care collection is like gifting a Moroccan hammam in itself. Or choose from the indulgently creamy and refreshing Avocado body care range for some head-to-toe pampering.
All products are made with over 90% ingredients of natural origin, certified by the Vegan Society, and sourced through the brand’s Community Fair Trade program—bringing some TLC not just to your skin, but to people and the planet too.
Why not get a head start on preparing your body for the most social season, and also get your hands on those festive gifts by visiting your nearest The Body Shop store?
Shop your old favourites or discover some new ones, at The Body Shop flagship store on Bagatalle Road, Odel in Alexandra Place, the Kandy City Centre, and the Colombo City Centre.
Dr. Wong Siew Wei, from Parkway Hospital visited Sri Lanka to attend the Annual Academic Session at College of Oncology which was held recently at Galadari Hotel. He spoke on Prostrate and Lung Cancer in two symposium sessions to a large audience.
In an interview, Dr. Wong from Parkway Cancer Centre shared the cause, side effects and the varied treatment methods of advanced Prostrate Cancer He shared his view how robotics have influenced prostate cancer surgeries. Using the advanced surgical systems,miniaturized robotic instruments are passed through several small keyhole incisions in the patient’s abodomanto allow the surgeon to remove the prostate and nearby tissues with grat precision.Then the prostate is eventually removed through one of the keyhole incisions. Benefits of robotic surgery are less blood loss, less pain shoter hospital stay, faster recovery. The rates of major side effects from robotic surgery are about the same as as open surgical approaches.
Dr. Wong Siew
Can prostrate cancer be 100% cured?
With early diagnosis treatment of prostrate cancer is often highly curable. Many people diagnosed with prostate cancer can live a normal life when the cancer hasn’t spread beyond their prostrate for several years following treatment.
What is prostrate cancer?
According to Dr. Wong prostrate cancer develops in the prostrate, a small walnut shaped gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men.
Is prostate cancer, a serious disease and what are its symptoms?
In early stages, prostate cancer symptoms are rarely visible. But as the disease progresses, complicated symptoms may surface, making the patient uncomfortable . He will always be in discomfort and uncomfortable.
Some of the symptoms noticed are pain in the the lower pelvic area,frequent urination,trouble urinating, burning sensation or weak urine flow.Sometimes he may find it difficult to control his movements. Blood in the urine,painful ejaculation,pain in the lower back,hips or upper thighs or even bone pain are some of the symptoms.
There are several modifiable and non modifible risk factors that might affect the risk of prostate cance. Modiafiable factors can be the diet,obeisity,smoking,chemicalsubstances (men working in factories and sex transmitted infections. The non modifiable factors include age, family history. If the cancer is limited to the prostate it is considered as curable. If the disease has spread to the bones or elsewhere outside the prostate, it is considered stage 4 cancer, This is treated with pain medications,hormonal treatment, chemotheraphy,and radiopharmaceuticals,radiation and other targetted therapies. The outcome is associated with age and other associated health problems
Are prostrate problems always a sign of prostrate cancer?
Not at all. Not all growths in your prostate are cancer Luckily prostate cancer usually grows slowly. Most tumors are diagonised before the cancer has spread beyond your prostate >prostate cancer is highly treatable at this stage
There is another greater risk for prostate cancer,if you’re a black origin or of African ancestry. Family history is also one of the risk factor, this person is more likely to get prostrate cancer, family
Dr. Wong pointed out, screening can help diagnose prostrate cancer early. Most cancers diagnosed in the early stages can be cured with proper treatment.
Is prostrate cancer curable?
Finally Dr. Wong mentioned prostrate cancer awareness, coupled with early detection and advance in treatment, makes managing the disease more effective. Men should be proactive about their health, understand the risk factors, and a better quality of life. Stay informed, stay healthy, and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and loved ones from prostrate cancer.
Located on the unspoiled eastern coastline of Sri Lanka with the region regarded for lesser-known cultural and natural wonders, Sun Siyam Pasikudah invites guests to discover an extraordinary festive season filled with cultural charm, natural beauty, and unforgettable celebrations. Headlined by Italian pop singer and songwriter, Matilde G, and Sri Lankan DJ and music producer DJ Rapa, the recently refurbished resort that is part of the renowned Maldives-owned hospitality group Sun Siyam Resorts, is gearing up to deliver a December to remember said a press conferemce.
Guests are in for a big treat. On 21 December, Sun Siyam Pasikudah will host Italian pop singer and songwriter, Matilde G, based in Singapore, who has performed on major stages worldwide, earning the “MUSIVV Award 2023” in Dubai as the best singer residing outside the Middle East. An independent artist distributed by Universal Music Group, her music has garnered over 10 million streams and eight million YouTube views. Matilde has collaborated with Sun Siyam Resort in the Maldives and performed at high-profile events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix Singapore 2023, cementing her status as a rising international star.
Matilde G will also join again on Christmas Eve at Sun Siyam Pasikudah putting up a performance together with Sri Lankan multi-genre DJ and music producer DJ Rapa known for seamless blends and diverse sets, in celebrating the countdown with firework displays. Earlier that day, the hotel will also have a Xmas cookie-making class for kids and adults.
The release said on Christmas Day, guests can indulge in a delectable festive lunch before enjoying lively DJ sets by local talent DJ RAPA by the pool. As evening sets in, a BBQ dinner with live entertainment will set the stage for Santa’s much-anticipated arrival. Meanwhile, guests can savor a selection of cocktails during sunset at the Aqua Lounge, adding a magical touch to the celebrations.
As the year comes to a close, Sun Siyam Pasikudah offers a day filled with festivities. Children can kick off the celebrations with a fun-filled treasure hunt, while everyone can enjoy a relaxing DJ set by the pool. The evening features a grand New Year’s Eve gala dinner on the beach, culminating in a countdown to welcome 2025. To mark the start of the new year, guests and staff come together for a traditional Sri Lankan celebration, including a milk-boiling ceremony, followed by an authentic New Year’s breakfast that highlights the island’s rich culinary heritage.
Sun Siyam Pasikudah is known for its sustainable luxury hospitality, boasting over 34 individual villa rooms and some with private plunge pools. Each restaurant at the property serves as a gateway to the flavors of the island, whether it’s fresh seafood at the Beach Shack, an intimate dining experience at The Cellar, or Sri Lankan classics at the Tea House. It also has the biggest wine cellar in the Eastern coast. The resort also has a kids play area and a karaoke room.
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