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Scenic Mannar belies a state of war
A woman with a conquering spirit

by Sumadhu Weerawarne
Niroshini Fernando lives on the coast of Mannar island in Pesalai. Her abode is one of the many cadjan huts that line the beach. She wages a battle of her own to eke out a living. Life is and has been hard. She is without a spouse and has even lost her home. But she is undeterred in her struggle for survival. Her's is not a spirit that overtly seems to bear the scars of her experiences, for surely events would have necessarily impacted on it. Rather, she has a smiling face and an amiable spirit.

It is while she is in happy communion with her family that we approach her. She sits in her "Waadiya" with her three children around her. She sits on an overturned wooden crate while the children sit at her feet on the sandy floor. Our interest is met with an immediate welcome. She has the manner of an eager child, pleased to find a diversion. We make our way to a second hut that is her home. It is a few yards away from the first, but with a very different floor plan. It is a single square room with a partitioned kitchenette at one end.

At the very entrance one is met by the framed photographs and even a portrait of a young man. "That she says is my husband." "He committed suicide some years ago over a problem with the LTTE," she volunteers and then beckons us to be seated at a bed that is against one wall of the hut. The furniture is no more than what seems to be an improvised dressing table with an oblong mirror and a short table with drawer, a fairly large bed and a wooden table at one end with a solitary chair. But due to the size of the room their proportions are greatly magnified. We revive the conversation on her dead husband. But she says no more than what she said before. "I have been a widow for eight years now. My husband committed suicide over a problem with the LTTE," She chooses not to dwell on the past, but speaks of her progress since that time.

"My husband was a fisherman and I was married to him at the age of fifteen. Since his death eight years ago, I have learned to survive on my own. I do what I know best. I prepare dried fish. I buy the fish and prepare it." But what does she do during the off seasons when there is no fishing? "In the months of July and August there is no fishing. We survive with whatever money that we save during the season." Her monthly earnings are no more than a thousand rupees. "But I somehow save some money, because I have no other means to earn money. I have no other skill."

She herself has studied only upto grade eight, but is determined to ensure that her children do not suffer her fate. "Any sort of life related to the sea is very hard. We have a hard life. My present means of living is not easy. But I do it for my children. I would not wish them to do as I do." Her smiling face is not in consonance with her words and there is little attempt to sober her buoyant tone. There is no undertone of misery. To her, it is merely a case of stating facts as they are. Her mien in a sense is reflective of her indomitable nature, her refusal to be cowed down by what life metes out. She also blames no one and seeks no sympathy from her audience.

However, it is sad that inspite of her efforts that one of her children is compelled to forgo her education so that her siblings may have what is denied to her. This is her second child. Would she not like to go to school? "Very much," she says. "Next year I will let her go to school," her mother pipes in, perhaps out of a sense of guilt. "There is no one to look after the house while I work. This is why she stays at home."

What sort of work would she like her children to do? "Even learn sewing and earn a living that way, but nothing related with the sea. It is too hard a life," she says. She does not attempt to elaborate on the details of its harshness. It is too much a reality to her to need explaining.

She adds that if she able to educate her family, even one meal would be satisfactory. But as it is they manage to have three meals a day. "We have iddiappan (string hoppers) or roti in the morning and rice for lunch and dinner. Vegetables are expensive. So we mainly have fish. It is my daughter who prepares the food," she says. The discussion of food reminds her of her duty as the hostess. She repeatedly offers "barley", which we refuse. But often during the conversation she makes a fresh offering of tea or again "barley". Her actions are reflective of the hospitable nature that is very much part of travelogues on Sri Lanka.

Her experiences and struggles may find a resonance in the South among those who wage a similar battle against the vicissitudes of life. Her life's experiences do not end there. She speaks of the very direct impact of the conflict. She has suffered at the hands of both parties, and perhaps far greatly at the hands of those who claim to fight for her cause. She blames neither one nor the other, but chooses to stay within the boundary of facts. "In 1990 we went to India as refugees, but came back in 1991. Life was very hard because the children got sick and there was no way to earn a living. It was far better to come to back home where we could earn some money. So we returned. But the implements which had been left behind had disappeared. Today, the security forces occupy our house. This hut is not my original home. The forces have promised to pay us rent, but have not done so, so far. I hope that we will at least get the rent." She does not ask for much more than what is her due.

Our attention turns to the children. She has two girls and a boy, the eldest of whom is seventeen years old. Her eldest child is Susila Bella Dalima. Susila is surely a Sinhala name. How is it that she has a Sinhala name? "Her Godfather is a Sinhalese. Even my son's Godfather is a Sinhalese. They are fishermen who come from Negombo to fish in these waters," she reminds us of the long standing ties between the fisherfolk of both communities. "One Sinhala family from Negombo lived with us for five years. We have known each other for ten years. My second child lived with that family in Negombo for as much as five years," she says. The sixteen-year-old child nods in assent and adds that "Sinhala aya hari hondai." (The Sinhalese are very good)

Niroshini would like the conflict to end, but it is the battle to make ends meet that is necessarily compounded by the conflict that is more real to her.

A designer who makes her brides tick

by Zanita Careem
Talk about weddings, talk about gowns and sarees... resplendent with embroidery and filling her work however don't even talk about it - just call Kanthi Fernandopulle.

For weddings as well as for homecomings, starry eyed brides have worn her bridal attire. Many brides have walked down the aisle in her innovative creations.

Kanthi Fernandopulle is a bridal designer cut out from a different cloth. In a world in which a bridal designer would automatically bring to mind a modernisation of styles, Kanthi campaigns for elegance and style coupled with a futuristic touch.

Backed by a lot of thought and enhanced by fanciful concepts, her work reflects an amazing adeptness enriched by imagination. And so alongside the frothy white creations of net and lace and silk she concord, she also urges to consider and acknowledge different colours for different brides to shade in with their skin texture.

Imagination seems to be her goldmine from which she draws unceasingly to create work which is refreshingly unusual and eye-catching.

Primarily a designer for brides, Kanthi has now ventured into so many fields. She not only designs bridal attire, she also attends to bridesmaid wear. She makes bouquets, designs jewellery she does anything wedding-related that a bride desires for her to look radiant on that D-day.

Closely working with her is her daughter Sithara Fernandopulle. With her impeccable taste and a flair for hairdressing and beauty culture, Sithara gives advice whenever the need arises. We work in unison, said the proud mother. We put our ideas together so that we wont go wrong.

Kanthi does the designing and dressing of brides, while Sithara does the make-up and hair.

Kanthi has been in the beauty business for the last 25 years. Initially it was a hobby, later it turned out to be a professional business venture.

Catering to a vast clientele, Kanthi specialises in Western, Kandyan and Indian bridal dressing.

Kanthi says: "In every woman lurks the desire to dress for her wedding in an outstanding outfits, be it a saree, dress or Kandyan. But normally while choosing among them saree is one such ensemble which takes precedence over others as their ultimate choice? Sarees and long dresses spell romance while its undertone is elegance," said Kanthi. Whatever a bride decides to wear I guide her to choose that which suits her personality. The right colour, texture and even the design can create a world of a difference to a bride. I even groom them to walk to and down the aisle," said Kanthi.

About the growing trend Kanthi insists that white and cream are the 'in-thing' for bridal wear. As for the textures there is net soft satin, organza and tissue.

Colours though are again white, for going away brides opt for red shocking pinks and even blue.

Designing for brides says Kanthi is gearing up for simplicity and elegance. Simplicity in look and style is becoming more of the accepted concept. Dressing a bride with simple accessories and straight is becoming the more defined trend all now.

Her own philosophy in this respect is to make a bride look radiant with the profession of choice in fabrics, like brocades silk nets will be a cake walk or a catwalk. for Kanthi thinking up a new design is no problem.

Ideas just flowprobably because I love doing what I do, said Kanthi with pride.

She has drawn a lot from experience and exposure to western world. 'Travelling has helped me a lot to get exposed to the latest trends in bridal attire.'

With the wedding season next month Kanthi is all geared to do something new, that will set new trends in the fashion world. Going by her talent and design savvy looks like that aspirations are already on the way.

Zumra does Lanka proud

by Cecil V. Wikramanayake
Ms Rahmathul Zumra Fouzi, a young and up-and-coming fashion designer has put Sri Lanka on the map in the fashion world. Recently her aesthetically designed cultural outfit titled "Mayura Wannama", which was exhibited in Lisbon, Portugal, has won her seventh place out of 98 other creations on show from all over the world, at a fashion show "Design 21 - 11"

The fashion exhibition was organised on the occasion of Expo 98 in Lisbon by UNESCO and the Felissimo group in co-operation with Lectra systems and Trevina.

Zumrah was awarded a specially designed medal and a certificate in recognition of her unique creation, and she was there in person to receive the coveted award.

The cover page of the exhibition brochure carries her creation being modelled by Sri Lankan model Nushara Fernando.

Still in her twenties, Zumrah was the first Sri Lankan fashion designer to be nominated by an international jury to represent Sri Lanka in competing for the coveted international young fashion designer award. For her to be picked as number seven, a lucky number indeed, is an indication of more honours to come.

Her Mayura Wannama design has been inspired by the peacock, Sri Lanka's most beautiful bird and one which is revered in this country. It has been elegantly crafted and beautifully hand painted in exclusively environmental friendly raw material.

The outfit itself comprises the headgear adorned with artificial peacock feathers made of coconut fibre, the bustiere and leggings entirely handpainted and trimmed with rhinestones and a beautifully crafted drape with a wide trail which is the main highlight for the peacock's rare dance.

Zumrah is a management accountant by profession in a leading computer software firm. She is also a student of the Institute of Tourism and Fashion Technology, where she is studying for a diploma in fashion designing and merchandising.

Zumrah hopes to pursue a part-time career in the field of creative fashion designing.

Barbie Doll party at the Deli Market restaurant

The Deli Market - trendy upbeat restaurant for casual dining at the World Trade Center will be featuring a Barbie Doll party on Dec 6th from 4: 00 - 6.00 p.m. It will be unique where all kids are invited to bring their Barbie Dolls and all are invited to dress up as a Brbie Doll. There'll be competitions for the Barbie Doll look-a-like for the kids and for the dolls there'll be the Best Costume, the Most Exotic and the Best sports and casual wear costume prizes which will include a Barbie Doll as one of the prizes.

Of course Rudy the Bear - well known with all the kids will be there and a special kids meal snack pack is available for all the hungry little ones with lots of fun for all to enjoy with games and movies.

The Deli Market restaurant - serving over 150 dishes - open 365 days - is definitely the place to be.

Forgotten Heritage
Ornamental fish breeding a lucrative venture in Mahaweli systems

by Gamini G. Punchihewa
From Kotmale to System C, in Giranduru-kotte, Dehiattakandiya and then from System B in Welikanda and from Tambuttegama to Galnewa, Kalawewa System C & H, omental fish breeding has fumed out to be a lucrative business enterprise, particularly on a commercial scale among the Mahaweli youths and the farmers as well.

The Employment, Investment, Enterprise Division of the MASL has been responsible for launching this ornamental fish breeding project around the Mahaweli regions (including the Walawe special area). The youths, the sons of Mahaweli farmers have taken up to this novel but profitable enterprise which has not only been a tremendous success but also a profitable business venture, where once in 11/2-2 months an entrepreneur could earn effortlessly Rs. 2,500/- to Rs. 4,500/-.

Profitable Venture
On a past tour in 1990, around System B in Welikanda, Aralaganwila areas, in the company of Messrs. L. Jayasinghe, Deputy Manager Employment, Investment and Enterprise Division of the MASL and A. Attanapala, Project Administration Manager R.P.M.'s Office, Welikanda we were able to see for ourselves the success of this profitable venture which has now turned into a popular and growing commercial business con-cern among the Maha-weli second genera-tions.

In Damminna Block (coming under System B) Polonnaruwa, Ampara District, in unit Arunapura we were taken around an enter-prising ornamental fish breeding project where the new settlers have been settled from the old settlements like the Pol Colony lying close to Aralaganwila.

In the Damminna Block already there were 36 fish ponds in existence then run mostly by youths and farmers, where it has became a thriving commercial enterprise. These were constructed in 1987 then in another project which is nearing completion 20 ponds have been constructed by the youths.

The fingerlings were supplied free by the Lumbini Aquarium based in Colombo. The tank so constructed has dimensions of 60'x40'. All these fish breeding tanks present an unique picture, as each tank is canopied by a net which is designed to prevent predators attacking the fish. Around the perimeter of the fence are zinc sheets or either mud walled or paved with brick or plaster to prevent further pre-datory intrusion.

Society Formed
Each tank could stock about 1000-1500 fish varieties which are composed of angels, carps and gold fish. Harvests are reaped once in 45 days. These were brought on the spot by Lumbini Acquarium, Colombo in the 1990s.

Everywhere we went these farmers were quite frank, as they told us quite honestly that each earned once in 45 days, about, Rs. 2,500/- to Rs. 4,500/-. In System B at Damminna Block in Arunapura Unit these fish breeders had formed a Society called Arunapura Miridiya Mathsayan Nipadawa - Alevikirime Samithiya (Arunapura Fish Breeding and Mar-keting Society). The membership was 36. Loans are forthcoming from the funds allocated under the European Economic Community. The Society had opened up a Bank account with the Bank of Ceylon Branch. At Aralagan-wila in 1990 we met the Treasurer, Mr. W. M. Nimal Weerasuriya of this Thriving Society.

Initial loans were given by MASL-MEA funds, where each member got from Rs. 2,000/- to Rs. 2,500/-.

Achievements
Out of these 36 members, the first person sto embark on this ornamental fish breeding project in Damminna Block had been a couple settled on lands there. They were Nihal Chandrasiri (36 years old) and his equally enterprising wife - Kusum Kumari. Their home, which was under construction as their homestead lot was a commodious one. In addition to this fish breeding venture, their homestead lot was another achievement as they are running a poultry pen, a piggery and an animal hus-bandry farm where they have three milking cows.

Chandrasiri and his wife were proud of their overall achievements when they told us that from eight harvests starting from 1987 (within a period of one year) they had netted an income of Rs. 34,000/- their expenses being only about Rs. 7,000/- for that whole period. Pointing out to the permanent home under construction, they proudly announced that the money for it was doled out of the earnings they had earned from this ornamental fish breeding venture. The colour T.V. set was bought from these earnings, they proudly told us.

Prawn Culture
Hand in hand with this ornamental fish breeding project went the latest other investment, namely the prawn breeding project which had been launched early 1990 for the first time in Block Damminna in Unit Arunapura.

In early 1990s, we met one of the prawn breeders - A. Dharma-siri of Arunapura. In January 1990 he had stocked 500 small prawns (post parental larvae). The harvests were made after six months. He had got six kilos. Initial expenses for the layout of the tank had come to about Rs. 2000/-.

Hair Asia Pacific '98
Ruwani winner all the way

By Zanita Careem
The Sri Lankan Association of Hairdressers and Beauticians held a very successful Hair Asia Pacific '98. Sri Lanka claims it is the only Asian country to have ever organised an International Hair and Make-up Competition. Among the participants were hair dressers and beauticians from Pakistan, India, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The panel of judges too were from the same countries. Sri Lanka swept the board with Ruwani Herat winning both the Best Sri Lankan Performer and the Grand Champion awards. Except for the Ladies Hair cut, and Blow dry which was won by Yun Jung Park all the other categories were won by the Sri Lankans. Prior to the awards ceremony was a special show of Brides from India, a colourful display of costume and style.

As the winners in each category was announced there were cheers of delight, and as each model came on with his or her creator, it was apparent the choice was not easy, but the best. Featured here are some of the winning styles and the winners, besides the champion and a style from one of the judges at the show that followed the following evening. The judge from the Phillipines Jun L. Encanation cut and created styles on stage in a display of sheer mastery and showmanship of a high calibre.

The organisers Nayana Karunaratne, Ramzi Rahman, Lou Ching Wong and the other members of the Association deserve a big bouquet for a slick and sophisticated show. Well done and congratulations.

Panel of Judges who were here in Sri Lanka

Mr. Jun L. Encarnation - Philippines, Mr. Kohsuke Uneo - Japan, Ms. Ruhana Iqbal - Pakistan, Ms. Blossom Kochchar - India, Ms. Christina Tran Huynh - Vietnam, Ms. Lee Kim Yi - South Korea

Ladies hair cut and blow dry

Yun Jung Park, Rovina Cooreay, Kavita Jaisiunghani, Dave Michal Angleo, Gavin Ryan Hannibal

gents hair cut and blow dry

Delon Shawn Berenger, Christopher Croonenberg, Premasiri Hewawasam, Kavita Jaisinghani, Gavin Ryan Hannibal

Ladies evening hairstyle were won by

Gavin Ryan Hannibal, Ruwani Herath, Salome de Silva, Dharshani Induleka, Rozana Saleem

Bridal Make-up were won by

Ruwani Herath, Michael Wijesuriya, Rovina Cooray, Zahara Samidon, Wimal Bandara

Fantasy

Shimi Perera, K. G. Vasantha de Abrew, Ruwani Herath, K. A. G. Rupika, Nadhika Paul

Nail art

Rukman Senaratne, Jenny Rai, Gnei Sharana Noorjamin, Evlin Karen Andreiz, Anusha Wickremasinghe

The best Sri Lanka performer was Ruwani Herath and Grand Champion was Ruwani Herath

Twenty year old Ruwani Herath of Ramani Fernando Salons stole the show at the second Asia Pacific Hair and Makeup Competition held at the Lanka Oberoi last weak organised by the Sri Lanka Association of Hairdressers and Beauticians. Young Ruwani educated at Hillwood College, Kandy started hair dressing soon after the advance level under Ramani Fernando. With just over two years experience behind her staved off a very strong challenge from some of the best Sri Lankan and International competition to not only win the trophy of most outstanding Sri Lankan but also the overall grand champion which included some leading hair dressers from Korea, India, Pakistan, Thaiwan and Japan. A very high standard of hair dressing and beauty work was witnessed at this well organised prestigious event. The staff of Ramani Fernando did extremely well at the competition. They won all the categories except the ladies hair cut category winner of ladies evening wear hair style was Gavin Hannibal, 1st runner-up Ruwani Herath, 2nd runner up was Selomi de Silva. Bridal make-up winner Ruwani Herath, 2nd Runner-up Rovina Cooray. The fantasy winner Shimi Perera, 4th Runner up were Nadika Paul. The categories judged were Ladies Haircut: Gent's Haircut, Evening Hairstyle: Nail Art: Bridal Make up and Fantasy and the Grand Champion were awarded a prize of Rs. 130,000 (US $ 2000). In addition each category had five winners. This year the most outstanding Sri Lankan performer received a trophy and Rs. 50,000. Those participated in three or more categories were entitled to compete for the grand championship and the highest score were determined by computer making. This was an unique opportunity for all those who were entrusted in hair styling to be recognized.

High Fashion
Birthday Bash

by Kirthi Sri Karunaratne
Fashions and styles mixed and mingled and brought glamour to city lights at Renuka Hotel, when Balashwari Perera entertained a host of friends to tea.

Old friends met, and new friends were made, while tucking into a sumptuous high tea, with a birthday cake as the climax to the evening, cut by Bala. For the occasion the hostess wore a shaded charmeuse silk saree in a lovely shade of green, the apple tone blended to the blouse which was emboridered in an applique in the same colour, and delicate white thread work. Pearls made her ornaments. Sister Ruki Maharaja wore stunning gagra choli outfit in black. The long top was exquisitely emboridered around the neckline, at the hemline, and in front in amber and white. The edge of the sleeve too had the same embroidery, as did a panel in front, on the slim line skirt which was in a sarong wrap. Diamonds and gold made her jewellery.

The saree Adirupini Thyagaraja wore was of a most unusual colour. The silk in a tone of mushroom, was bordered and had a pallu in smoky black, a deep tan and white which looked like emboridery but was a weave. Her accessories were a smart match and her jewellery was in black beads and gold. A simple saree printed in a refreshing summery design was the choice of Urmila Bodinagoda.

The off white background was foil to the floral pattern in shades of red, orange, purple and a bronzy green. She wore three strands of corals for a necklace and stud earring to match. Another salwar kameez that was outstanding for its combination of colour was worn by Sumi Moonesinghe. A sapphire line in two tones of purpose. The dupatta was in the purple. Favouring western attire Asanka Lawrence used a simple little black dress to make the tasteful background to her necklace of onyx and pearls, which she wore at the base of her throat framed in the U shaped neckline.

The orange chiffon saree Thanchi Coomaraswamy wore, had a fine ribbon border in gold. Her blouse was in black with embroidery on the sleeves in the orange. A long ankle length sleevless coat of caramel and white lace Lalitha de Silva wore over a dress of the caramel colour which had Indian sleeves. Her accessories were in gold. A trouser suit in a shade of plum, with a mandarin collar and short sleeves was the smart choice of Sharmini Wettimuni. Sriyani Samarasinghe used a striking shade of red for her simple top to wear with a long skirt, on slim lines for simple sophistication.

European Commission
His Excellency Ilkka Uusitale, Ambassador Head of Delegation European Commission and Bentley Barsenbach, President and Council of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, in Sri Lanka hosted a reception following the Inauguration of the Conference on "Managing Enterprises in a Dynamic Global Economic Environment" the Seventh National Conference organised by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administration in Sri Lanka in association with the delegation of the European Commission in Sri Lanka. The invitation stated National or lounge for the men, the women present complied with the formality of the occasion. Mrs. Uusitale used a royal blue crushed velvet for her simple dress, she teamed with brilliant red accessories. A string of pearls and stud earrings were her choice of ornament. Also in velvet was Manik Dias. Her long black velvet gown, had a yoke and sleeves in black net patterend in metalic silver and trellised in black ribbon. Her hair was drawn back into a loose bunch of curls and her accessories were in black. From Kerala is Shama Ahamed, who is doing a stint in Sri Lanka as a news producer for Sirasa TV. She teamed a slim deep blue skirt with a shirt top in a beautiful fabric in an animal skin like stripe in shades of blues. Shama Fernando brought style to her saree of navy and red with a rope necklace of beads in the two colours. Her smart saree had borders of thread weave in red, in a floral design and ribbon edge.

Kohsuke Ueno (C) member of the All-Japan hair styling committee, judges the ladies cut and blow dry category at the "Hair Asia Pacific 98" competition in Sri Lanka November 17. Some 150 contestants from nine countries are vying for prizes in six categories including tantasy hairstyle.

A Sri Lankan woman models a ladies evening hairstyle at the "Hair Asia Pacific '98" competition in Colombo, November 17. Some 150 contestants from nine countries are vying for six categories including fantasy hairstyle.

New book on "Pregnancy induced hypertension" by Lankan doctors

"Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH)" edited by Professor Harshalal R. Seneviratne and Dr. (Mrs.) Chandrika N. Wijeyaratne, the latest book in the series "Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Perspective" will be launched at 11.30 a.m. on Monday, November 30, 1998 at the Faculty of Medicine, Colombo. The launch is sponsored by Vijitha Yapa Bookshop.

Pregnancy induced hypertension is high blood pressure occurring in pregnancy. It has the potential to affect the life of the mother and her unborn child. Approximately 10 per cent of pregnant mothers can be affected with this problem. Recent data has revealed that severe forms of this disorder have contributed to maternal deaths in Sri Lanka.

This book has been compiled with contributions from many Sri Lankan specialists in this field of medicine, as well as experts from the South Asian region. It addresses the difficulties of managing critically ill mothers and their unborn babies in the setting of a developing country with limitations in health care facilities.

This book will assist medical undergraduates, postgraduate trainees in obstetrics and medicine as well as trainers and health care workers in related fields to obtain a comprehensive knowledge in this important field of obstetric medicine.

Harshalal R. Seneviratne is the Professor and Head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Faculty of Medcine, University of Colombo and Dr. (Mrs) Chandrika N. Wijeyaratne is a Senior Lecturer in Reproductive Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.

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