Life style

When it was known as the Harley Street of Ceylon

Published

4 years ago

2021/05/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Homes in Ward Place in its early days,

by Hugh Karunanayake, Dr Srilal Fernando, and Avinder Paul

Ward Place in the heart of Cinnamon Gardens is a roadway linking the epi centre of the Colombo Municipality with the eastern area of metropolitan Colombo. Two centuries ago, there was no roadway in the area, which was part of cinnamon plantations established during the Dutch period of occupation of the maritime areas of Ceylon. When a road to the area was first built in the nineteenth century it was named Borella Road, later to be named Ward Place.

Arunachalam Ponnambalam was a man of foresight and great acumen. Originating from the village of Manipay in the north of the island, he sought opportunities for work in Colombo during early British times and won the confidence of British Governors who appointed him the Chief cashier of the Colombo Kachcheri which was the key government instrument in the administration of the dominion of Ceylon. The Kachcheri together with the early Legislative Councils were the local institutions that set the pace for the administration of the colony. Land throughout the country was made available by the new rulers of the island at ome to five shillings per acre to pioneer British settlers, and also to a few natives who had won the favour of the Government.

Arunachalam Ponnambalam was one of the latter, and by the mid 1850s the owner of two cinnamon estates, Rajagiriya, and Borella. While Rajagiriya Estate was sold after some years, to Mrs Cornelia Obeyesekera whose son Donald established a township still known as Obeyesekera Town, Borella Estate disintegrated into building blocks for residential housing. Ward Place of today represents a part of the original Borella Estate.

Ward Place, named after British Governor Sir Henry Ward, became an elite residential area not long after the Ceylon Medical College was established in the adjoining Regent Street in 1870 with Dr Edwin Lawson Koch as its first Principal. This was followed two decades later by the Victoria Memorial Eye Hospital built through the munificence of the legendary 19 Century philanthropist Sir Charles Henry de Soysa. Another landmark event in the progress towards enhanced healthcare was the establishment of the De Soysa Lying-in-Home (the LIH) on December 13th, 1879. The hospital owes its beginning to a philanthropic gesture by Sir Charles Henry de Soysa.. He was deeply touched by the plight of women of poor socio-economic status who were deprived of the facility for safe care in a hospital during childbirth. He proceeded to establish a hospital by personal donation of property and funds for their care, the De Soysa Lying-in-Home which is the second oldest maternity home in Asia.

Since then it has played the lead role in providing for all aspects of healthcare for women and in the training of staff in all grades for this field of work. During the initial years, maternity services was the main thrust of activities at De Soysa Lying-in-Home. At its commencement it consisted of 22 beds and provided for 52 births during its first year. A decade later the hospital was providing for 425 births annually then on to 1051 in 1909 and 2000 in 1921. The bed strength had now increased to 100. In later years it provided care for over 14,000 maternity cases annually, most of which are of a high-risk nature. Today it is a Teaching Hospital.

The Victoria Memorial Eye Hospital stands on a property formerly named Mango Lodge which was said to have been a hunting cabin during the time of the Dutch occupation. The two institutions viz the General Hospital and the Eye Hospital served as the pioneer medical institutions of the country, and attracted most of the country’s medical specialists for service there. Consequently, Ward Place became the most sought after location for residence for medical specialists and by the beginning of the 20th Century was the most popular residential location for leading medical specialists., and regarded as the Harley Street of Colombo.

The General Hospital (as it was then known) was established during Sir Henry Ward’s governorship (1855-1860), with 3,000 pounds sterling being earmarked for the project. Until then, government policy had been to contribute to locally operated charitable health organisations. However, after the establishment of the General Hospital, this policy was abandoned. Furthermore, the General Hospital also succeeded the Pettah Hospital, since the latter’s capacity to treat patients was very low.

Accordingly, the General Hospital was opened in Longden Place in 1864, under the inaugural administration of Civil Medical Officer Dr Parsley .It was later moved to Kynsey Road. named after its first Medical Superintendent, Dr WR Kynsey. The location of the General Hospital added to the demand for specialist medical services, which in turn created a soaring demand for residential accommodation to which Ward Place was considered the prime locale.

Perhaps the best known resident of Ward Place was Former President JR Jayewardene, who lived in a house named “Braemar” at 66, Ward Place. The property was originally owned by his father-in-law, Leonard Rupesinghe whose only child, Elina, was married to JR. It is on record that he bought the property from a previous owner, most probably a Scotsman, who had bestowed the name Braemar on it. C Brooke Elliott the lawyer lived there as a tenant, when he published his book “Real Ceylon ” in 1938. Since then the original house had been demolished by Rupesinghe, and by the Jayewardenes who built a modern residence for themselves, retaining the old name Braemar. The house has since been ascribed to the Inland Revenue Department to offset income taxes, but is being managed by the JR Jayewardene Cultural Centre.

Another famous resident of Ward Place was Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan, the national leader of the early Twentieth Century. His stately home named Sukasthan was demolished several decades ago to give way to the construction of many large homes on the property which now have the address Sukasthan Gardens. It could be speculated that Sir Ponnambalam built his home on land inherited from his father Arunachalam Ponnambalam from the Borella Estate.

The list of names of residents of Ward Place in the early 20th century would read as a list of the most eminent personae of the medical profession in Ceylon of the time. Names such as Dr Simon de Melho Aserappah, his son-in-law, Dr SC Paul, the latter’s son Dr Milroy Paul, possibly the only holder of the Master of Surgery qualification from Ceylon. There was the reputed eye surgeon Sir Arthur M de Silva, gynaecologist Dr PR Thiagarajah, Dr Percy Kulasinghe, Dr SL Navaratnam, Dr Jackie de Silva, Dr DP Billimoria, Dr W Balendra, Dr AC Arulpragasam, Dr A Sinnatamby, and Dr LAP Britto Babapulle are names that readily come to mind, and were household names of mid Twentieth Century Ceylon. There would of course be many others.

The residents of Ward Place were the elite of Colombo’s society and the medical practitioners living there commanded the biggest practices and were considered as the crème de la crème of medical specialists in the country, with a few exceptions of course.

At the intersection of Ward Place with Alexandra Place stood the two storied home of Dr Alles on a 120 perch block of land. It was for many years subsequently leased by the government of the day as the head office of the Department for the Registration of Motor Vehicles. The Alles property was next to the original home of Cargills Pharmacy which later moved to the opposite end of the De Soysa Circus .For the past few decades It was operating as a retail fashion centre named ODEL , a concept new to the country and successfully owned and managed by Ms Otara Chandiram, herself a granddaughter of two eminent medical personalities of the past, ENT surgeon Dr HCP Gunawardene, and Cardiologist/Radiologist Dr HO Gunawardene. Having disposed of this successful venture, Otara is now preoccupied with animal welfare (in an honorary capacity), a subject close to her heart.

(This originally appeared in the Ceylankan)

To be continued next week

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Life style

Guardians of the Night: The Secret Life of Sri Lanka’s Frogmouth

Published

1 day ago

2025/11/9

Thilina Walpola

When dusk falls across the rain-soaked forests of Sinharaja, a low, rasping call echoes through the canopy — neither frog nor owl, but something eerily in between. It belongs to the Sri Lanka Frogmouth (Batrachostomus moniliger), one of the most secretive birds ever to inhabit the island’s forests. Its strange croak seems to rise from the mist itself — an ancient whisper from the treetops.

For Suranjan Karunaratne, an ecologist with the Nature Explorations and Education Team, this haunting sound became a lifelong fascination.

Speaking to The Island, he said: “It was like finding a ghost in the forest,” he recalls. “The bird was perched motionless, its feathers blending so perfectly with the bark that even my camera couldn’t distinguish it from a branch.”

That “ghost” became the subject of Sri Lanka’s first comprehensive, 20-year study on the species — research that has redefined what we know about one of Asia’s most enigmatic nocturnal birds.

A Two-Decade Search for Shadows

Between 1998 and 2018, Karunaratne and his collaborators traversed the length and breadth of the island — from the misty lowlands of Sinharaja to the scrublands of Yala and the arid forests of Hambantota. Their work, recently published in Ardeola, the journal of the Spanish Ornithological Society, mapped the distribution, habitat associations, and conservation status of the Sri Lanka Frogmouth with unprecedented precision.

The project brought together a powerhouse team of Sri Lankan and international researchers, including Salindra K. Dayananda, Dinesh Gabadage, Madhava Botejue, Majintha Madawala, Indika Peabotuwage, Buddhika Madurapperuma, Manjula Ranagalage, Asanka Udayakumara, and Prof. Thilina Surasinghe, who led the modelling work from Bridgewater State University, USA.

“This was no short-term study,” Karunaratne says proudly. “It took years of patient night work — sometimes returning from the field at 2 a.m., drenched, bitten by leeches, but exhilarated by a single call.”

: Perfect camouflage — the “ghost of the forest” vanishes into the bark. (Photo: Mahesh de Silva)

A Forest Specialist

The team’s findings confirmed the frogmouth’s status as a true forest specialist. The species was found in 18 percent of the 249 survey sites, spread across all of Sri Lanka’s major bioclimatic zones — wet, intermediate, dry, and arid. Yet 90 percent of sightings were in forested areas, highlighting its extreme dependence on intact ecosystems.

“It simply cannot survive in heavily degraded habitats,” Karunaratne notes. “That makes it a perfect indicator of forest health.”

The frogmouth’s range extended from 11 metres above sea level to about 767 metres, confirming its preference for low-elevation rainforests and evergreen forests. Its camouflaged plumage, nocturnal habits, and motionless roosting posture make it nearly impossible to detect — a natural master of disguise.

: Female frogmouth shielding her nestling in stillness. (Photo: Suranjan Karunaratne)

: Male Sri Lanka Frogmouth guarding a 12-day-old chick at night. (Photo: Suranjan Karunaratne)

Listening to the Forest

To locate these secretive birds, the researchers used a combination of visual surveys and call recognition, often navigating rough terrain at night. Over two decades, they documented the frogmouth’s calls, nesting sites, and habitat preferences, revealing patterns that were previously unknown.

The team employed cutting-edge geospatial analysis using Google Earth Engine and Landsat imagery to map land-cover changes around the frogmouth’s habitats. The results were sobering: 535.9 square kilometres of forest were lost between 1998 and 2018, with an annual loss of nearly 27 km².

Suranjan Karunaratne

“Forest loss is the single biggest threat,” warns Karunaratne. “The frogmouth depends on large tracts of undisturbed forest. When those are fragmented, its populations collapse silently.”

An Evolving Range

Perhaps the most striking discovery was that the frogmouth’s range is far wider than previously thought. Traditionally believed to be confined to the southwestern rainforests, it was also recorded in the dry and arid zones — from Maduru Oya to Yala and even the southeast plains.

“We were surprised to find it calling in unexpected places,” Karunaratne admits. “This suggests that older, mature secondary forests may now serve as refuges, especially where primary forests have vanished.”

The team’s Habitat Suitability Model (HSM) predicts that the southwestern lowlands will remain the stronghold of the species, while climate change could make mid-elevation forests more suitable by 2050.

A Fragile Sentinel

In ecology, the frogmouth is what scientists call a sentinel species — its presence signals the health of an ecosystem.

“If the frogmouth disappears, it means the forest has crossed a threshold of damage,” Karunaratne says. “It is nature’s quiet warning.”

The bird’s behaviour underscores its fragility. It avoids human settlements, tourist trails, and even faint noise pollution. Its nesting success depends on complete stillness; both male and female share incubation duties, each guarding the nest in total silence.

Conservation and Hope

Currently, the Sri Lanka Frogmouth is listed as ‘Least Concern’ by both the global IUCN Red List and the National Red List. But the study’s authors believe this underestimates the risks.

“We recommend that its status be upgraded to ‘Near Threatened’,” says Karunaratne. “It may be regionally common, but it’s locally rare — found in small, isolated pockets that are vanishing fast.”

The team urges conservation planners to protect mature secondary forests — often dismissed as “degraded” — because these areas now harbour viable frogmouth populations.

“Sri Lanka’s secondary forests are hundreds of years old,” Karunaratne adds. “They’ve regained enough complexity to support wildlife. Protecting them could make the difference between survival and extinction for species like the frogmouth.”

The Whispering Forest

In the stillness of the rainforest night, when the moonlight filters through lianas and mist, the frogmouth’s hoarse croak carries far — a sound that few have heard, yet one that defines the mystery of Sri Lanka’s wilderness.

For Suranjan Karunaratne, that sound is both a warning and a gift.

“It reminds us that there’s another world in our forests — one that wakes when we sleep. Protecting it means protecting our own future.”

As he and his colleagues continue to monitor these spectral birds, one message echoes through their research: listen to the night, before it falls silent.

By Ifham Nizam ✍️

Life style

Sharp, stylish, and confident – Ramani’s vision for men’s style

Published

1 day ago

2025/11/9

Thilina Walpola

In today’s world men’s grooming has evolved far beyond a basic haircut. It’s about personality, lifestyle and confidence. At the forefront of this transformation stands Ramani Fernando – a name synonymous with sophistication and style With decades of expertise, in shaping Sri Lanka’s – beauty industry, Ramani and her team continue to redefine men’s hairstyles, introducing refined cuts, textures and blends effortless styles to complement individuality.

From polished corporate looks to casual, textured trends Ramani believes modern men are embracing grooming. She has trained and inspired generations of stylists. Yet, beyond her creativity, Ramani remains deeply passionate about empowering confidence in every client who walks through her salons. Whether it is a bold haircut or a classic refined look, her philosophy is simple,true style begins with self assurance essential expression of self care and identity.

A pioneer in Sri Lanka’s beauty industry, Ramani has built a legacy defined by elegance, innovation and trust. From transforming bridal beauty to setting the standard in men’s grooming her vision has shaped how Sri Lankan perceive personal style. Her salons continue to shape the country fashion and grooming landscape. Known for her timeless approach to elegance and precision styling, she has become a trusted voice on how personal appearance influences confidence – for women and men.

Ramani Fernando’s world beauty isn’t gendered – its expressive. Her presence at Colombo Fashion Week and her constant collaboration with top designers reflect how deeply she believes in the creative power of hair.

Men’s grooming becomes an art

Sri Lankan men are stepping into a new era of self expression and at the heart of this transformation, stands one name – that is Ramani. And in Sri Lanka no conversation about men’s grooming and fashion can happen without mentioning this beauty ion, With her keen eye for detail and timeless taste, Ramani guides men toward discovering their personal aesthetic – where fashion and grooming merge seamlessly.

Q: What trend do you see taking centre stage this season and how do they differ from last year?

A: This season, I see a move towards softer, more lived-in hair—effortless waves, natural textures, and muted tones. Last year, it was all about sleek, polished styles and very defined colour techniques like balayage. Now clients want something more low-maintenance yet chic, that feels authentic.

Q: Which classic hairstyles do you believe will never go out of fashion, no matter the trends?

Ramani leads the way in men’s fashion

The timeless bob, glamorous waves, and a beautifully done chignon will never lose their charm. These styles have a sophistication that suits any generation, and with little tweaks, they can be made modern again and again.

Q: How is social media influencing hair trends and client requests?

A: Social media has completely changed the way clients approach their hair. People now walk into the salon with screenshots of Instagram reels or TikTok videos, wanting the exact look. While it’s exciting, it also challenges us as professionals to guide them on what will work with their hair type and lifestyle.

Q: Are you noticing a shift towards more natural textures, or is high-gloss styling still in demand?

A: Definitely a shift towards embracing natural textures. Clients are learning to love their curls, waves, and even frizz, and we’re seeing less reliance on over-styling. That being said, high-gloss, glassy looks are still popular for evenings and special occasions.

Q: What’s one underrated hair trend you wish more people would try?

A: Short, chic cuts! Many women shy away from them, but a well-done pixie or cropped style can be so liberating and stylish. It frames the face beautifully and really brings out one’s features.

Q: How are global fashion weeks shaping local hair trends?

A: They set the tone. What we see on the runways in Paris, Milan, and New York always trickles down. Locally, we adapt those looks to suit Sri Lankan women’s hair textures and climate—so runway trends become wearable but still carry that international edge.

Q: How do you adapt high fashion runway styles into everyday, wearable looks?

A: It’s all about simplification. A highly sculpted avant-garde look might inspire me to take just one element—like texture, volume, or a unique braid—and translate it into something elegant and practical for day-to-day wear.

Q: What makeup trends are dominating the beauty scene this year?

A: This year it’s all about skin. Fresh, glowing, healthy skin with minimal coverage is in demand. The “no-makeup makeup” look with soft blushes, glossy lips, and subtle eye definition is everywhere.

Q: How is the rise of clean and sustainable beauty influencing makeup artistry?

A: Clients are much more conscious now of what’s in their products. They ask about cruelty-free, vegan, and sustainable options. As artists, it pushes us to use cleaner formulations while still ensuring professional results—it’s a positive change for the industry.

Q: Which single makeup product do you think can completely transform a look?

A: For me, it’s a good lipstick. The right shade can instantly lift the face, change the mood, and make someone feel confident and radiant.

Life style

CFW Introduces Couture + Trousseau

Published

1 day ago

2025/11/9

Thilina Walpola

Press conference at Cinnamon Grand

In November 2025, CFW will introduce a new season which focuses on a new aspect of fashion which will open new opportunities for Sri Lankan designers which also includes Bridal and destination weddings. In South Asia this segment of fashion has grown and presents potential for Sri Lankan designers. Each year CFW identifies relevant opportunities before opening the platform to promote and facilitate the new season.

This segment of fashion is experiencing notable growth in the region and offers designers the chance to upgrade their knowledge base and skill sets. The March season of CFW focuses on the versatile summer season, which forms the foundation of fashion in Sri Lanka and South Asia. The fashion industry in the region is currently going through an exciting phase, finding its balance between functionality, wellness, craft, identity, sustainability, and celebration.

Since its inception in 2003, CFW has progressively developed into a South Asian platform by welcoming designers from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to showcase alongside Sri Lankan and European designers, solidifying its position as one of South Asia’s leading fashion weeks for over two decades. CFW is among only four fashion weeks in Asia with a 20-year legacy, alongside Japan, India, and Australia.

“Couture and Trousseau have been on CFW’s agenda for the last few years. I feel the time is right to introduce it in a smaller way and then expand into a full-blown season in 2026. This segment of fashion focuses on Occasion wear, Bridal, and Couture. This is a high-growth segment in South Asia, and we want to encourage Sri Lankan designers to create collections for this market. This also supports the Destination wedding position of Sri Lanka’s tourism. Our goal is to expand the fashion design industry of Sri Lanka and give more business opportunities to Sri Lankan designers in Sri Lanka and South Asia,” Says Ajai Vir Singh, Managing Director, CFW Holdings.

Over the last two decades, CFW has successfully built pride in Sri Lankan fashion. Starting with one established Sri Lankan designer in 2003, it has, over the years, encouraged a young generation to take up fashion design as a profession, opening avenues to dream big.