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| Sri Lankan 'lord' in Central London Sri Lankan born entrepreneur Roy De Silva is the Lord of a £ 600,000 manor set in a picturesque, typically English country village in Hadleigh, Suffolk 71 miles from Central London. Roy who emigrated to England in the early seventies is today also the owner of seven old people’s nursing homes in Suffolk.
The "pond" is also home to over a hundred ducks whose nests adorn practically every inch of the grounds. The grounds themselves are a haven of weeping pears, cricket bat willow, horse chestnuts, silver birch, red oak maples and flowering almonds, cherry, crab apple and plums. The two storeyed country house rich with the wealth of period features is also believed to date from the 15th century with earlier origins according to the agent’s brochure on the house. It was this brochure that flamed the desire for the past in Roy to pay the property advertised a visit. Little thought he that the visit would be permanent, as he with the rest of his family "fell in love with the house" and knew immediately they must have it.
The five bedroom house also houses a large sitting room, dining room, drawing room, a large kitchen and breakfast room, study, a large conservatory, utility room, cloak and shower room, a wine store and a loft in the true British style. According to Roy, "Pond Hall" purchased by him in September of 1997, is mainly of timber framed structure where 18th and 19th century additions are found in the South Eastern wings of the house. "Local historians date the property to the 14th century. However a lot of alterations have taken place over the centuries. The conservatory and the kitchen and breakfast rooms are much later additions to the original house. The internal walls that are there now have been put in much later. Electrical works too are later additions. In the entrance hall is a brick fireplace with a herringbone brick hearth, which leads to the sitting room an impressive high ceiling area with tie beam and close boarded ceiling timbers. The drawing room opening to the lake side has a decorative Victorian fire place. In the dining room is an original Mullion three bar window with a fireplace housing decorative cast iron log burning stove. "The building has been maintained continuously by the different owners. The dining hall is the oldest part of the building dating right back to over 500 years with its original baking oven still in working condition," he adds. Roy adds that he was yet to come across any practical difficulties in maintaining a building so old. "Because it has seen perfect maintenance work done to it by the previous owners spanning over 20 years, I have not faced any problems yet. "What is costly to maintain is the landscaped gardens which needs the assistance of professional gardeners," he adds. The kitchen garden is also home to many soft fruits such as gooseberries, black currents, raspberries, black berries, logan berries, red and white currents and a large strawberry patch. An adjoining herb garden has bay, sage, rosemary and tarragon. The fascination to this house is added in its history that the house has also been at one time been the home of the famed smuggler Hadleigh, according to Roy. "I have been looking for a house with character for over two years. I went and saw many big houses but they lacked appeal and history. But when I came and saw "Pond Hall" I fell in love with it and knew that I had to have it how ever much it cost," adds Roy. A few miles South of Pond Hall is the heart of Constable country and the picturesque Stour valley. Thus adorning this country home is a number of artistic creations of John Constable. Hadleigh according to history reflects the importance of the area from the middle ages when Guthrum, King of East Anglia lived there well before the Norman conquest. Hadleigh has also become a centre for the wool and cloth trade in the early 12th century when Flemish weavers had brought their skills to East Anglia. The prosperity of the area and the wealth of the merchants of the day is seen in the fine timber town houses according to local historians. And that is the same prosperity that is well preserved over a 500 years with its secrets of a by gone era, today in the loving hands of yet another believer of the past. (SP) |
| Science student turned master chef "I never planned to be a Chef" says P. A. G. B. Kumara, better known to everyone as Chef Kumara of Il Ponte, Colombo Hilton's popular Italian restaurant. A double mathematics and chemistry student of Lumbini College, Kandy, Kumar chose his profession almost by accident when he applied to study for a diploma course in cookery which was being conducted by the National Apprenticeship Board (NAB). At the time he started the course he had no clear idea what profession he was going to choose "All I knew was that I wanted to do something which involved practicals be it mechanical, technical or cookery." Although the NAB had at first needed some convincing to enroll a science student for a cookery diploma, by the end of the 2nd year of the course, which was of a 3 year duration, they were quite certain that Kumar had a bright future ahead in the field he had chosen. So had Kumar and thus began his pre-diploma training at the 'Habarana Lodge' which gained him work experience in all areas of the resort's kitchen department.
After a period of 1 year and 3 months at the Colombo Hilton, Kumar left to work at the Holiday Inn, Oman where he was employed as Chef de Partie. He worked there for two years and came back to Sri Lanka and the Colombo Hilton as 1st Commis de Partie. "That was like a beginning in my life" reminisces Kumar "from there on I worked at banquets, tandoori, main kitchen... every area until I was promoted to the position of Chef de Partie and was sent to work exclusively at 11 Ponte." Chef Kumar is ecstatic about the promotion and why not? He is doing something that he excels at "My special interest is Italian cookery. I have collected several Italian cookery books over the years and Hilton provided me with the opportunity to go to Italy and Belgium for training where I worked under master chefs who gave me a whole new experience in authentic Italian cooking." And indeed Chef Kumar is well on his way to becoming a master Italian chef himself if the delicious dishes he turns out are anything to go by. Italian patrons are charmed by his delights and keep coming back for more. "They assure me that my cooking is authentic. One Italian lady even asked me for a recipe" says he. Asked what foods he specializes in, Chef Kumar says "I am a professional Gad Man Gee (cold kitchen) but I have a balanced knowledge of everything i.e. the hot range, desserts etc. Of course creativity is an important part and I do a lot of special creative things with food." Chef Kumar says he has been lucky enough to have the opportunity of working with a lot of creative people both in Italy and Belgium. He has a fairly good knowledge of wines too. "When I was in Lungerretti, Italy I gained quite a lot of knowledge on wines. Italians are very fastidious when it comes to there wines and for them their wine is as important as their food," he says. Another facet to Italian cookery is the range of fresh vegetables they use and the different typed of delicious breads made out of a choice range of flour. "In Italy, there are different types of tomatoes for every dish and Italian breads are so varied and delicious you can just eat it without any accompaniment or dipped in a little olive oil." But, according to chef Kumar, Italian cooking over here is a somewhat different story, and this is where his vast knowledge and proficiency comes to play. "We make do with what is available in the local market and manage to produce authentic Italian dishes. For example we do not have Italian Zucchini in Sri Lanka but we do have zucchini we can use. I even grow my own herb's like rosemary, thyme and such without which Italian food is just not complete." With the limited resources available to him he has been more than successful. "I have had excellent comments from Italians. They say the food is very authentic." Chef Kumar also excels at making all types of Italian ice creams which is hot favourite not only with the Italians but with everyone who patronizes his restaurant. Asked what his future plans are he says "I want to make Il Ponte a name second to none and keep it that way. What's more we are very much on course, to achieving that goal." |
| Perine scales great
heights We may not be votaries of glizy ritzy world of fashion as in the selective fashion capitals, but Sri Lankan born Perine Fernando epitomises what a talented local model could do, with the requisite training in the rarified echelons of challenging competitive market of haute couture and put Sri Lanka on the world map of high fashion. In a white knitted mini Perine Fernando is so striking with her shoulder length hair. Friendly and accessible she discussed not only her career but also her personal life including the hard work she put in - with surprising candour and ease. I met Perine in the dressing room. French hairstylist Gerald Porche was attending on her sleek hair getting ready for the Yves Laurent show. Off and on she was interrupted but the interview continued without any fuss. Breaking into the competitive world of the Parisian catwalk, Lankan born Perine Fernando succeeded in modelling for many big names. It is amazing that her 15-year career is still in high gear. She is still modelling for designer houses. This is my peak as a model financially and in terms of what I was trying to achieve. And in each I have been successful, she says. The reason she continues to be so extraordinarily successful is not just her beauty. It is the confidence that has been built up with the times, she pointed out.
Settling into her chair after the hairstyle Perine said that taking risks had been a hallmark of a career that began 15 years ago. "When I left the shores of Sri Lanka I was scared at the beginning. I was a small fish in a big pond and moving to Paris was a scary gamble for me but I took up the challenge". Of course Perine made it big. She became a sensation in the Parisian fashion world eventually posing for prestigious magazines and modelling for internationally famed designers. Now Perine is in Sri Lanka with other international models for Yves Laurent Show. Perine bade goodbye to Lankan shores when she was only 14. She joined her father and mother to go to Switzerland where she continued her studies in a Swiss language school. She was on the look out for a part time job. Subsequently she took up to modelling. Perine admits that she had all the fantasies of the high life, glitter and glamour associated with her profession. But admits that she never dreamt she would become a top model in the big league. Soon she was on the road to success on the catwalks of Paris, Milan, Japan, New York with big names in the fashion world. She signed contracts and her face began to adorn some of the prestigious fashion magazines. She has modelled for big names like Ungero, John Louie, Scherre Guy Laroche, Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent, Channel, Christian Dior and Laggerfield. Shuttling between New York, Tokyo, London, Milan, Spain and Paris is often tiring says Perine. Since looks are the number one factor in a model's life she spends her time at the gym burning out her extra calories. Dieting is the last word associated with her life as she tucks in everything she gets her hands on. She has modelled with Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and Yasmin Gaure. Perine plans to quit modelling altogether but has no regrets as she believes she has reached the zenith of her career. Neither does she have plans for a new career. Apart from modelling she loves to read biographies and loves music. Her immediate plan is to promote the Sri Lankan craft in New York. She loves to project the image of Sri Lanka whenever she can. "I wear the saree on big occasions to keep my Lankan identity", says Perine. "I always promote Sri Lanka and I am proud to be a Lankan," says Perine with utmost sincerity. She feels that Sri Lanka has been caught up in the vortex of the high fashion world. "We are caught up with the international scene" says Perine. Sri Lankan have become fashion conscious and are keeping with international trends says Perine with confidence. Women with an individual sense of style dress to suit their mood and Bond Street, an exclusive boutique opened recently at Crescat Boulevard at Oberoi. Cleverly co-ordinated to bring out the "women in you" with their latest collection from straight forward sophistication to the ultimate impact of mixing matching this exclusive boutique provides the essentials - for the woman who wants to stand out from the crowd. Chanika Wijesinghe and Premin Fernando, two enterprising women behind this exclusive boutique has proved their versatility with their new collection of ladies wear, mens wear from casuals to the haute couture. Strong in chic and youthful in colours, the range caters to the young as well as to the mature clientele. |
| The
Children Of The Forest Script & Photos: Gamini G. Punchihewa Folk songs and lullabies in Vedda language are sung by gam veddas, especially the elderly to entertain visitors. A few stock Vedda phrases like 'Hudu The Veddas with bows and arrows sing and dance especially at the Mahaiyangana festival time at its ancient temple. Even today this ritual is performed in Vedda aboriginal settlements like Dambana, Pollebedda, Rathugala and Henanigala (Vedda re-settlement). Vedda language is a mixture of Pali, Sansrit and Elabasawa (archaic form of Sinhala). Vedda is a derivation of the Sansrit word Vydha -- meaning a hunter). Honey as a preservative The hunting dog of the gam Veddhas was the thalagoya (monitor lizard). Partaking the flesh of the porcupine (ettawa) is still taboo among them believing that the porcupine is the reincarnation of their maternal uncle (mama) and also refer to it with reverence as the konaru mama. In ancient times their ancestors had the bizarre custom of carrying with them in their betel pouch made out of monkey skin or out of the bark of the Ridi jungle tree, a piece of dried human liver presumed to raise a man's valour and avert troubles or family bickerings. For instance, if a Vedda woman was unfaithful (which was very rare then) the husband though enraged instead of hurting her will eat a piece of that dried human liver to cool off his anger. Children of the forest At the Henanigala Vedda re-settlement I met an educated Vedda girl (having passed the G.E.C. (Ord. level) employed as a pre-school teacher. Despite being modern they still practise some of the traditions of their ancestors, like carrying small bows and arrows, and the pellet bows (gal dunna) before visiting tourists for a profit. The elders among them relate the traditions and sing Vedda songs and also dance their common ritual-the Kiri Koraha dance to appease their dead spirits called Nae Yakka (Relative Spirit) as they believe in the cult of the dead. When death strikes their residences they quit and occupy a new cave because of the fear that the Nae Yakka would haunt them. To save themselves from trouble they perform the Kiri Koraha ceremony. Their other spirits whom they propitiate are Kande Yakka, Bilinda Yakka, Ran Yakka, Una Pane Kiri Amma. Among Vedda youth some work in the sites of the Mahaweli while others as home guards and still others are self employed. Dambane Guna-wardena of Dambana a Vedda youth is a University graduate employed as a teacher and has written a book in Sinhala which is translated into English. He is a grand son of the Dambane Chieftan Uruvarige Tissahamy now in dotage. Changing Times The authorities concerned (either the Cultural Department or the Wild Life Conservation Department) open museums in the existing aboriginal Settlements like Rathugala, Dambana, Pollebedda and Henanigala (re-settlement) and exhibit the Vedda artefacts for posterity. Dr. R. L. Spittel's immortal words written in 1925 in his 'Wild Ceylon' after nearly 75 years have now come true ''Let us leave the last of the Veddas alone and not try to fashion them to our way. Let them die scattered and the Vedda will be a name''. |
| High Fashions Sarees stole the show Text and Pics by Kirthi Sri
Karunaratne Our women were equal to the couturier standards, and there were many outfits that could have competed with the galaxy of colour and design on the ramp. The saree being about the most graceful costume in the world it was perhaps no surprise they turned out winners for the evening. Simply Chic was the black saree Ramani Fernando wore. The saree which was teamed with a lurex woven jersey blouse in silver grey, was foil to a waist chain and a choker necklace in metallic silver.
The most beautiful necklace for this evening was the choker of pearls with a large rectangular clasp Bhadra Wijesena wore. The clasp was encrusted in purple and mauve stones in the midst of dazzling white. Her saree was in fused tones of magenta and purple and her blouse of purple lace. Lace was very popular this evening. The black guipure lace blouse Yasmin Cader wore was on a golden hued amber. The pallu of the saree too draped in the gujarathi style was of the lace, and the amber saree was bordered in black. She wore a twisted rope necklace of pearls, black beads and gold, with ear studs to match. The emethyst surrounded by diamonds making the necklace and earstuds Janet Balasuriya wore was the perfect compliment to her purple long sleeved lace blouse, and simple purple silk saree. Embroidery, black in vogue in the fashion capitols of India, made heads turn on the sarees worked in Sri Lanka worn by Manel Wickremasinghe and Kamala Rockwood. Manel had a uneven skirt border and the pallu of her black saree worked in large shaded pink roses and leaves connected with a scribble of pink woven ribbon. She carried a striking worked handbag, and wore a pendent necklace for an ornament. A design of sweet peas in pale pink with leaves in grey on the black saree Kamala wore spiralled up the fall, with creepers of the design hugging her waist and hips. Priyanthi Fernando too favoured black. Her saree was embroidered in a silver zardosi border. The halter neckline too had the same embroidery. Fortunately the majority of our women opted for the saree, because with western styles or even ethnic salwars it would have been a loosing battle, with the fabrics, colours and cuts from the YSL collection. Shopping Also available were a collection of smart handbags specially imported from Belgium. To greet her invitees she was the best advertisement for her products, when she was clad in a pale grey hued trouser suit, over which she wore a waistcoat style jacket with one outsize flower painted on it in tones of grey and mangoosteen. Bond Street as the name signifies is a boutique for the fashion conscious pret a porter in the up market range. Clothes are available in many hues and fabrics in a range of styles in this tasteful interior.
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