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‘Pride and ego’ cannot enter birth place of Jesus

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Holy Land Tour (Palestine and Israel)

by Lalin Fernando

We were a group of 48 that visited the Holy Land (Palestine and Israel) in mid- September 2018. Guided by Bishop of Galle Dr. Raymond Wickremasinghe the group, now sadly 47 as one died on the tour, came back bonded by an experience of a lifetime with a spiritual predisposition. This was in the land of the three Aramaic religions with over 5,000 years of history dating back to Greek, Roman, Persian, Byzantine, Islamic; Crusader, Turkish and British mandate times. Much of it was violent, bloody but more was epochal and inspiring in an exceptional Mediterranean land.

We arrived in Amman, Jordan from Abu Dhabi on a Monday morning. The Israeli border crossing check point palaver which apparently could at times be a six hours ordeal, took us only about 45 minutes. This was most probably due to our tour manager Ms. Thusahari’s tremendous experience (over 20 tours), confidence and efficiency and of course the Bishop’s personality.

Crossing over to the Israeli side we had what was to be a trade mark warm greeting from Sonia, who some thought at first was one of our tour party. An Arab Christian born in Nazareth in Northern Israel, she was our very able guide. With a never failing sense of humour and politeness she kept us closely engaged. At the churches she made sure she was heard above other guides briefing their groups, while Bishop Raymond would translate into Sinhala and elaborate if necessary. Her briefings were delivered in precise and clear English. She asked us to note that much of the land was below sea level, a novel experience.

Our coach driver was gentleman Jameel. On our return to Jordan, it was ebullient Hussein who we were told was not from the Royal family! Both were excellent drivers especially when negotiating the spectacular mountain roads.

This is a fascinating land divided unequally and by force between Jews and Arabs. The UN in 1994 ordered Israel (Resolution 142) to hand back Arab land taken by conquest in 1967.This has not happened. Instead the Arabs were given certain areas designated as Palestinian Authority A and B. One, like Bethlehem, is policed by Arabs and the others like Gaza by Israelis. Provisions for the status quo of the holy places in Palestine are governed by the Treaty of Berlin (1878), so fortunately Israel is bound by it too. While there are parts that look like any first world country, some others saddened us.

We crossed over the Allenby (General, later Field Marshal) Bridge. It was Allenby, called ‘Bull,’ that led the British Army into Palestine during WW1 with the help of Colonel TE Lawrence’s Arab Forces. They had defeated the Ottoman Turks who had ruled most of Arabia for 400 years (1517-1918).The Arabs however were betrayed by the Brit ‘Bloody Balfour’.

We had a tasteless lunch in a restaurant overlooking the northern end of the Dead Sea that is about 300 feet below sea level. As we proceeded inland the scenery was breathtaking. Soaring mountains, bare of trees and greenery were interspersed with deep valleys in this part of the Levant (Cyprus, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Syria). Later on we were amazed to see Israeli plantations with mangoes the size of coconuts and four ft tall coconut trees despite geography and rock hard soil. However due to overuse of scarce ground water, the Sea of Galilee which is the main source for Israel’s water, is drying up rapidly.

We saw armed soldiers in many places reminding us sadly of SL pre-May 2009. It excited some who photographed them despite warning notices not to do so. These were clearly young reservists of the crack Israeli Forces. They looked scruffy and bored.

We arrived in the late evening Monday at the impressive four-star Orient Palace Hotel, Al Sahel St, Bethlehem in Palestine. It is pronounced Bethlaham from Bait (House) laham (lamb). Apparently a butcher ran a mutton shop there centuries ago. We showered and struck out for the small shops close by. Our favourite was the Hezar sweet shop run by Issa and his son. We made friends and quickly struck bargains for an assortment of exotic nuts and Arabic and Turkish sweets. US dollars were the preferred currency. Nobody wanted Palestinian dinars!

Our wake up calls were at 5 am on the first three days after arriving, 4 am on one day and 3 am on the Nazareth (longest day) visit. This was necessary in order to be at the religious sites before hundreds of other tourists swarm in. The churches are open even at 5 am. Late arrival could result in considerable delay in entering the churches. As SL is two and a half hours ahead of their time, getting up early wasn’t much of a hassle from our normal waking up times.

The weather was glorious with clear blue skies, if also hot. It was ideal for the climbing and walking that we had to do daily. We drank a lot of water having been warned of heat stroke.

We set off each morning with inspirational Catholic piety, the Bishop leading in prayers and the singing of hymns. (The group had about three Anglicans and one Buddhist too) His Lordship was stern occasionally to make sure we did not waver in focus and purpose. We ended each day with Mass at the last church visited.

The churches made up in atmosphere, character and awe what they may have lacked in Western grandeur. The mosaics, stained glass windows with limestone or marble floors and columns were there but in dark, ‘moody, broody’ churches, lit with an assortment of brightly coloured lamps. Some were in humble stone buildings but they attracted pilgrims from all corners of the world in their thousands throughout the year. The Chinese were the most numerous from Asia.

On Tuesday we visited The Basilica of the Nativity, the birth place of Jesus. One enters it through the 4-foot by 2-foot Door of Humility. It is to make sure that by ‘pride and ego’ cannot enter. It was first built in the fourth century by Queen Helena, mother of the first Christian Roman ruler, Constantine. Burned down in a fire, it was rebuilt by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the sixh century.

A 14 point silver star marked the place where Jesus was born. This was removed, probably by the Greeks in 1847, but was later replaced in 1853 by order of the ruling Ottoman Turks. It was a bit underwhelming as it was in urgent need of repairs, said to cost US$ 17 million. The Palestinian Authority (98% Muslim) and many countries including Jordan have contributed.

When the Persians invaded in 614 AD and torched almost all the churches, they spared this church as they believed the mosaics there depicted three women in Persian dress. Co-located is the Church of St Catherine where Christmas midnight Holy Mass is celebrated with teeming crowds.

We followed the Pilgrims route that included Shepherd’s Field, Manger Square and the Milk Grotto where Mary hid the infant Jesus from the Roman soldiers before her flight to Egypt. Apparently the white rock nearby indicates drops of milk.

We visited Mount Zion the site of the Last Supper Room, below which is King David’s tomb. The one mile ridge of the Mount of Olives that used to be covered with olive trees has a breathtaking view of Jerusalem with the Dome of the Rock covered in gold leaf, dazzling. The Garden of Gethsemane where some of the olive trees are over 900 years old lies at the bottom of the ridge in the Kidron Valley

The Basilica of Agony (Church of All Nations) is by Gethsemane. It is built over the rock on which Jesus spent the night in prayer before his betrayal by Judas and crucifixion. Its interior is purposely dark and the ceiling, painted dark blue, evoking the night time of agony.

We also visited Emmaus Abu Ghosh, seven miles from Jerusalem where Jesus appeared before his two disciples after his death and resurrection and had a meal. We saw the Church of St Peter in Galllicantu where the cock crowed for the third time as Peter thrice denied Jesus. The dungeon where Jesus was humiliated, assaulted and imprisoned by the Jewish High Priest Caiphas before he was tried is under the church. We also went to the Dormition Abbey on Mt Zion where Virgin Mary’s statue lies in peaceful slumber.

In the gorgeous hillside neighbourhood on the road to Jericho was the Franciscan Basilica of Visitation in Ein Karem, commemorating the visit of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. This is where Mary sang her hymn of praise, the Magnificat (Latin-‘My Soul’). It is inscribed on its walls in 62 languages. It was banned in three countries as being revolutionary!

We saw the Golden Gate that is permanently closed but through which it is believed by all three religions that the Messiah will enter in latter days, the Chapel of Ascension (the caretakers are two Muslims), Pater Noster the church of the Lord’s Prayer (now in 140 languages), Pool of Bethesda where Christ cured a man who was crippled (with a noisy Indian tour party disturbing everyone). What is said to be the print of the right foot of Jesus can be seen at the Chapel of Ascension.

 

The left foot print is in the Al Aqsa shrine, apparently not a mosque, which is where the Muslims believe Mohamed made his Night Journey to Heaven, having arrived from Mecca.

On Wednesday we visited beguiling, bewildering and wonderful Jerusalem. There was over-excitement in presence of history, beauty and belief. Yet it is a city under tension as a 400 mile long 84 foot high wall cruelly encircles the West Bank Palestinians. Jerusalem’s name came from the Hebrew ‘Yerushalayim’ meaning the City of Peace.

We entered the walled Holy city after the Church of St Anne, dedicated to the mother of Virgin Mary, via St Stephen’s gate (Lion’s Gate).This is where the first Christian martyr was stoned to death. We walked on the Via Dolorosa (The Way of Sorrows – Way of the Cross) to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Calvary). The Jews (who else?) believe the route was different. The tour party, three at a time, took turns to carry the Cross (brought disassembled from SL) from station to station.

Sadly, the death of 80year old Mrs. Violet Perera due to a heart attack occurred in front of the Church just before noon. She had carried the cross twice. Her sister was present. The Bishop joined the paramedics in desperate resuscitation efforts. He and tour manager Thushari completed all formalities with the Israeli police including contacting the next-of-kin of the deceased in Negombo, all within two hours. Regrettably the SL Embassy did not take the many calls from the Israeli police during those two hours. They Embassy denied receiving any calls!

A pall of grief descended. The Bishop sensing despondency immediately revived everyone by reminding them that as we mourn for the dear departed lady, we should not let grief overcome purpose in the Holy Land.

The Church is the most venerated site in Christendom. It has very many chapels of all denominations. Four, some say five Stations of the Cross are within it. There is the lavishly decorated site of the crucifixion, Calvary (Golgotha), the Stone of Anointing and the (empty) tomb where Christ was buried, the traditional site of Resurrection of Christ at the Greek chapel of Anastatis, that has an altar over the rock of Calvary (12th station), the Catholic chapel of Nailing on the Cross (11th station). Underneath the Golgotha chapel is the statue of Mary (13th station).

The Church with a capacity of 8,000 opens at 4 am. About 15,000 visit daily. The Orthodox Greek start Mass, (2 am) followed by the Armenians and then the Catholics at 6 am. There is also a Copt who has to pray alone while Ethiopians do so from their roof top monastery. Priestly brawls over territory occur several times a year.This is despite the ‘firman’ (decree) by the Ottoman rulers in 1852, confirmed by the Treaty of Paris (1856) that binds the various denominations. Roof repairs and even shadows cause problems!

Questions were asked about the Arc of the Covenant where the Word of God, the Ten Commandments, in stone inscriptions inside a box apparently lies buried somewhere in the Temple Mount according to the Jews. Rumours are many and hoaxes a few but the Bishop reminded us not to worry about it as the Covenant is in the hearts of believers. The Jews however are digging for it close to Al Aqsa shrine, posing a problem to its foundation. They believe Al Aqsa was built over King David’s burial site. They insist a discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls proves where the location is and it would finally prove that Jerusalem belongs only to the Jews. When Israeli General Moshe Dayan’s troops swept into Jerusalem after defeating the Jordanians in 1967, he prohibited attempts to raze Al Aqsa shrine.

The Church was lost to the Christians for 700 years. Saladin, a Kurd from Tikrit (Saddham Hussein’s birth place) who conquered Jerusalem from the Crusaders (1198) gave the 30 cm long keys to it to two Muslims whose direct descendants Aded al Judeh (aged 89) and Nusseibeh (69-years) are the Custodians today. They open it at 4 am daily. They hold the ‘newer’ key that is 500-years old. They have the original that is 800 years old too! There is even an unused ladder in place from 1728 on the first floor.

We also visited the Western wall that is the foundation of the Temple Mount, the holiest place in the Jewish faith where King Solomon built their sacred temple. It came under Jewish control in 1967 after about 1,000 years. The Jews do not call it the ‘Wailing Wall’, a term coined by Westerners.

Jerusalem is also Islam’s third holy city.The Al Aqsa mosque on the Temple Mount is the third holiest Islamic site. It is where at one time Muslims turned in its direction to worship. It was to Mecca later. It is out of bounds to non Muslims. The Dome of the Rock is also there.

Coming down hill from the last church for the evening, we stopped at a place where everyone quenched their thirst with juice from massive pomegranates. An Israeli who had found out we were a happy talkative crowd from Sri Lanka said he had been an Air Force officer who had been in SL to fix guns on helicopters in 1988. He said he had an SLAF corporal as driver. This Corporal apparently pointed out Tamils on the streets as he drove in and out of Colombo. He said he too could always recognize an Arab anywhere, snidely suggesting we had something in common. I told him I was 78-years old but had never been able or wanted to look for racial or other differences between the Tamils and Sinhalese.

We had a 5 am start on Fri 14th to go to Nazareth, Jesus’ home town and the Arab ‘Hi Tech capital’ of Israel. It has 70% Muslims and 30% Christians. It nestles on a craggy hillside with tall trees. Its layout reminded one of Nuwara Eliya, where in fact there is a ‘Nazareth’ hotel.

We visited the Church of Annunciation where Angel Gabriel appeared before Mary, and told her she would give birth to a child, Cana, where water was turned into wine, the Church of St Joseph where Joseph had his carpentry workshop, Mount of Beatitudes (Eight Blessings) that is the site of the Sermon on the Mount, with its arches of marble and alabaster, Church of Multiplication, Church of Primacy of St Peter and the Franciscan Wedding Church at Kfar Kanna. Here married couples were overjoyed to be able to repeat their vows. Cana wine was bought by all with the promise of Christmas looming. Unfermented, it is sweet grape juice. Both are tempting.

We then descended to the Sea of Galilee (Tiberias) where it is said Jesus walked across its waters. The shore line was luxuriant with tall trees. Inland is the wateless plain of Hattin where the Arabs in 1187 under Saladin defeated the Crusaders under King Guy de Lusignan in one of the most decisive battles of history.

We each had an enormous Galilee Talapilla fish with rice and vegetables in a restaurant overlooking this fabled fresh water lake (sea). Our Hostess said the meal was specially prepared for us and asked if she could sing for us too. She did so sweetly. When she finished we persuaded Michelle who had sung in a Jerusalem church two days previously too, to respond. She obliged with a stunning and electric rendering of ‘O Jerusalem’. The hostess like the other over 100 guests, clearly inspired, sang once more.

We then had a boat ride on the Galilee. The crew at once ran up the Sri Lanka flag and played cassettes of Sinhalese songs as we motored in the emerald green waters overlooked by the Golan Heights with Mt Hermon, dominating and often snow capped, as we looked at the hills of Lebanon, Syria and Jordan

On the way back at Jericho we also saw the Sycamore tree that Zachariah, the short pitiless tax collector for the Jewish rulers, climbed to view Jesus. Overwhelmed at being recognized by Jesus, he reformed himself.

We had a 7am start on Saturday. Most of us wallowed in the turquoise waters of the Dead Sea that is 427m below sea level, the lowest point in the world. It is 35% salt. It keeps one completely buoyant, an unforgettable experience. It also has the lowest bar in the world!

We went to Jericho (Arab territory) and by cable car to the Mount of Temptation (Qurantico) 350m above sea level to have lunch in a restaurant carved into the rock. Qurantico is where Jesus defeated the temptation of the Devil for 40 days and 40 nights. The word ‘quarantine’ so familiar to us now, is derived from it. There is a Greek monastery up there too.

Jericho is said to be the oldest city in the world at 10,000 years. One mosque Omar is 258m (846 ft) below sea level. Just one percent of just one percent of its population is Christian. There is no proof that Jericho fort’s very old walls fell to Joshua’s legendary trumpet calls.

While waiting for the cable car for the return ride, a Palestinian policeman told us how very difficult Israel makes it for Arabs to get a passport or visit another country. Evil.

After lunch we went to Bethany near Al Maghtas where John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. The very pretty Arab and friendly Israeli girl soldiers caused a diversion- mainly for the ladies – who outnumbered the men in our group! The Israeli’s (who else?) say the actual baptismal place is further north under their control where hotels and guest houses reap the benefits. The river is just a muddy stream here. Its middle, marked by floats, marks the border between Jordan and Israel. The Bishop conducted the baptism ritual for those who wanted it. Jordanian soldiers like the Israelis were seen helping visitors. There is a Jewish ritual bathing too called the mikvah. The Arabs call it ‘immersion’.

As we were leaving an Israeli lady asked us where we were from. Having been told she said she was very happy to see people from SL and hoped that we enjoyed our visit there.

A final mass was in held in Bethlehem This time it was a Palestinian lady who having asked where we were from, thanked us for coming to Bethlehem. Tourism is the life blood of the Arabs in Palestine. There are over 600 hotels in Bethlehem.

All our lunches were at prearranged restaurants but the best was one we chose. At one, after lunch, its management distributed fez hats and organized a crocodile dance with rollicking Arab music. The best dancer cannot be named!

Every night at dinner in the shared Arab and Jewish tradition there were vegetables in plenty with various meats and kebabs and an abundance of fruit. Bishop Raymond unobtrusively sat at a different table every day, getting to know everyone in the group.

On the last night there was a delightful Arab pre-wedding women only party. There was music and dancing. They were all incredibly pretty with peaches and cream complexions and fashionably dressed.

At a short farewell ceremony, Sonia and Jameel were thanked profusely by the group as were the Bishop and Thushari. Individual donations were then given to Sonia and Jameel who became a bit emotional.

We left at 9.30 am on Saturday for our return to Jordan by coach. We were taken up to the heights of Mt. Nebo in Madaba where Moses, after 40 years of wandering to get to the Promised Land, died without being able to do so. He was a prophet of the Jews, Christians and Bhais. We saw the church that is built over his resting place. We had a stunning view of Palestine, the river Jordan and the Dead Sea as we climbed into the mountains.

We returned to SL on Monday with fond memories of a never-to-be-forgotten experience in splendid company. It had been a wonderful, delightful and charming few days. Not only Jews say ‘Next year in Jerusalem’.



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Put your body at the top of your beauty agenda

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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.

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Can Prostate Cancer be cured ?

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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.

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Ringing in the festive season with Italian pop star Matilde G and Sri Lankan DJ Rapa

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Matilde G (left) and DJ Rapa

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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