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That is what Eileen Anthony, who retired as Chief Internal Auditor of the Bank of Ceylon last month, was affectionately called by her devoted staff.
She joined the Bank in 1977 as Deputy Chief Internal Auditor Grade I and maintained a high powered efficiency in the Management of her department, tempered with the humane qualities and understanding of the problems of many people working with her.
"There was many a tear-filled eye at the farewell party of the Bank to her," said one of her colleagues. She retired as Chief Internal Auditor of the Bank of Ceylon.
But to get back to Eileen whose CV reads like a small booklet and who graduated with a B.A. (Econ.) (Accountancy Special) in 1964 from the University of Ceylon. "It was quite an uphill and challenging task, but what I always had and continue to have is my faith and confidence in God (she is a deeply religious Roman Catholic) and He I believe guided me all the way, despite the many problems and upheavals that one meets in getting to the top in a career."
I asked her the most important question of how she did the balancing act of being super career woman and also wife and mother. Incidentally she is the mother of three accountant sons and one accountant daughter-in-law.
Quite amused, she said "I wonder even today how I managed it all... you know how it is with babies, keeping up and soothing them all night, especially when they fall ill, and rushing to work with barely an hour or none at all of sleep almost falling over the piles of files which had to be attended to that very day, interspersed with the gnawing fear of a telephone call from home that my presence was needed urgent..."
She spoke of the funniest time when pregnant with her first baby who decided to make his presence felt somewhat earlier that is before she had to sit an important examination "the mighty atom decided to hold on for just one more day till my husband drove me to the examination hall from the hospital, and I had to complete the papers at a furious pace in between twinges of contractions". Of course, she was successful in the exam.
But she said, she was most grateful to her supportive husband and extended family and the neighbours for their wonderful assistance, in those early years when the family was growing.
Eileen is also a widely travelled person. In 1975 she accompanied her husband who was going for further qualifications in veterinary science to Scotland and obtained a job as an accountant at Scothlair Ltd in Edinburgh and worked there for an year and till 1988, again she was released on six months no-pay leave from the Bank and worked as Chief Accountant, ZCF Finance Services Ltd, Lusaka, Zambia and was responsible for the accounting functions and participated in the ground work for conversion of ZCF Finance Services Ltd., to a Bank.
She has attended various international conferences and represented the Bank of Ceylon in London and other places abroad. She has also conducted lectures for final year students of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Sri Lanka and other allied institutes in Banking and is a member of several banking associations.
Happily married "to my cousin" another story of high romance with the happy ending, Eileen is just relaxing, getting to be great friends with her grandchildren, ‘oh she is a wonderful loving and glamorous grandmother’ as her family say, and this she will indulge in for a month or two "till I finally decide what I am to do — be a Consultant or begin some outfit of my own."
A little bit of parting advice to young women grappling with the innumerable problems of husband, homes, families and spiralling costs, lack of domestic help and other things, who are keen on climbing the ladder of success "the problems will seem insurmountable, even despairing sometimes, but chin up and never give up it’s never an easy climb, but when you reach the summit of whatever it is you have planned for, your achievement will make you a new woman with an indomitable spirit" thank you for that advice, Eileen.
— C. V.W..
Forgotten Heritage
Grand old padda boat manThose were the grand old days when padda boats punted down the Kalu ganga and along the Dutch canals. Dr. R. L. Brohier in his ‘Seeing Ceylon’ has given the meaning of a padda boat thus:
"Padda boat large flat bottomed boats or barges, square at both ends and with a steer both at bow and stern, so that the vessel’s passage through the water may be facilitated. Padda boats are generally poled like a punt and are fitted at the stern with an outside oar serving as a rudder".
Those ancient river mariners’ route was through Kaluganga — Kapapu ela (meaning the Dutch canal), Diyagama to Bolgoda Lake. From there to Kelaniganga and Hamilton canal to Negombo lagoon. Then the final voyage was through the Negombo canal to Chilaw and ending up in Puttalam. These padda boats took cargoes of coffee, spices, pepper from Kalutara tota to the Colombo warehouse in Peliyagoda. From there the boats navigated to Puttalam bringing loads of salt, rice and dry fish to Colombo-Kelanithota and Kaluganga.
Here are the vivid recollections of the oldest living padda boat man Thandale mahatmaya. Those who manned and owned padda boats was called Thandal or Thandale mahatmaya. He is 99 years old Agampodi Roymis de Silva from Wadduwa.
Short in stature, wrinkled in face, fair in complexion with his sparsely spread silvery hair ending in a tiny knot behind, is how I could describe this nonagenarian-thandale mahatmaya. His voice though faltering was audible.
I asked him the origin of his surname Agampodi. He paused for a while, looked around and with a broad smile, spoke with short pauses: "Agampodi is our ancestral name. Our ancestors were called Agampodi senawa as they were mercenaries of the Choli hamudawa (army) meaning hired soldiers."
He continued "My father knew English well, he could speak and write as well. We were first taught in the pansala (temple) in Sinhalese and later at the palliya iskole (Missionary school) (Present Holy Cross College, Kalutara), we learnt some English. That was how my father mastered the English language.
"There was pride in his words about his father being educated in English. When speaking we had to be very close to him, so that he heard us well.
Old Roymis could walk with the aid of a distaff with someone behind him. His grand children gave him all the physical support.
The padda boat had sections of it divided into small cabins with a cadjan thatched canopy called Ambarawa. Eight oarsman were needed to man a padda boat or paruwa.
The flotilla of padda boats began their voyage with coffee, pepper (as the railway line was non-existent then) from Kalutara ela Modera (presently called Diyagama (on the Kalutara-Horana road) through the kapapu ela (the Dutch canal the Kalutara ela, Modera). This old thotupola today lies between Panapitiya-Galpatha (on the present Kalutara-Horana road). From there the route fell into Bolgoda via Kalu ganga and Kelanigantota and from there through Beira lake to Kolon tota. "The cargo was unloaded at the warehouse by the Beira lake side — (present Gangarama Navam Mawatha)."
He continue "from Peliyagoda and Kolontota (Kelani tota), the canal route was through kapapu ela (meaning the famed Hamilton canal) from there along the Negombo lagoon the cargo taken from Colombo was mostly rice carried through Nattandiya-Madampe, Pamunugamuwa Kalapuwa Chilaw lagoon along the Katupila ela. Pambala canal (another Dutch canal) to Chilaw. From there to Mundala-Palavi and finally to Puttalam, the full voyage from Peliyagoda to Puttalam taking about 5-6 days, while the trip from Kaluganga thotupola to Puttalam took about 8-10 days. Stops were made at Bolgoda lake, Gangarama, Peliyagoda.
Meals were cooked in the padda boat. There was a separate enclosure for it. Each padda boat had its own cook. There was a lantern to burn in the nights. It called each workman was paid Rs. 12/- to Rs. 15/- per month. A pauma (a sovereign) was then valued at Rs. 75/-."
Next: More Memories of Padda boat patriarch
Style
The essence of eleganceVibrant colours, fine cut, simple and elegant styles... these outfits are from ‘Bare foot’ captured by our cameraman at the Tittle Tattle fashions -Thorana lounge of the Colombo Hilton. Choreograpled by Geraldine.
Pix by Gamini Mendis
Herbal products every where - but none for baby. That’s was the scenario for baby care until we introduced our latest range of "Janet Baby" Ayurveda based care formulae, explains Janet Balasuriya. There were numerous brands of local and imported herbal care products for adults available all over the world. Yet, there was no "truly herbal" range of specialized products for babies. And we have finally filled that void not only in Sri Lanka, but also in the international arena for baby care, says Janet.
We met up with Janet Balasuriya while she was busy launching her "Janet Baby" range in Sri Lanka, consisting of all natural baby creams, ayurvedic baby oils, herbal scalp and hair cleansers and even a baby powder enriched with precious herbs. Janet nature collection range is already the market leader in the beauty care market in Sri Lanka for a couple of years now, outselling all the international brands marketed by multinational companies. Her galleria of herbal formulae are also exported to leading stores in Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia, with Australasian operations scheduled to start before the dawn the millennium. Her product sales in Paris have been very successful from day one and distribution in Germany is scheduled to commence this summer. Her achievements in the field of herbal products were also rewarded last year when she was picked one of the winners of the "Entrepreneur Of The Year ’97" awards by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Sri Lanka.
One of the factors that have made the "Janet Baby" range the smart choice of discerning mothers the world over is SAFETY. All the products are very safe as they are free from harsh chemicals, synthetic colours & dye stuff, alcohol, animal fats and all other ingredients of animal origin. They are also free from paraffin oil, petroleum jelly and other such petrochemicals found in synthetic baby care products. Of course the fact that "Janet Baby" products are all based on traditional ayurvedic herbal formulae used by generations of South Asians over the centuries of time, just goes to prove that the concept of herbal care for baby is not something new. What we are really doing is offering global consumers, including Sri Lankan mothers, the chance - to go back to their roots, back to nature - to nourish and protect baby’s tender skin and hair - the natural way, she explained.
The "Janet Baby" range has been developed by the "Janet Institute of Ayurveda" after extensive research by a team of specialists including ayurvedic doctors, western cosmetic chemists, cosmetologists and herbalists. The "Janet Baby" skin treatment cream with Apricot is unique because in not only moisturizes and protects baby’s tender skin, but also contains a rich blend of Wheat-germ, honey and precious herbs that help prevent nappy rash and prickly heat too. The "Janet Baby" skin treatment oil is enriched with Almond, and is the ideal massage oil for both mother and baby, and can be used on the entire body including the scalp and hair. It also contains active extracts of Kohomba, Sandalwood, Apricot and other powerful, yet mild herbs, that nourish and protect the skin from rashes and other skin eruptions through their naturally antiseptic qualities.
Moving on to baby’s tender scalp and hair, the "Janet baby" scalp and hair treatment cleanser with peach is possibly the mildest hair cleansing preparation available today, next to water. Free from harsh chemicals, it is based on natural fruit extracts of Peach and olive to gently cleanse and condition the scalp and hair. It also contains extracts of Venivelgeta and soap Nut giving it mild antiseptic properties. While pure Honey and fresh Aloe Vera gel give your baby’s hair rich conditioning benefits. This formula is mild enough to be used daily, and can also be used to clean baby’s tender skin as a substitute for chemical based synthetic baby soaps.
"Janet Baby" will also introduce shortly, a Baby Skin Treatment Powder - with Winter Cherry and real extracts of precious herbs such as Sandalwood Ashwagandha, Neem & Savendera to provide lasting dryness and care for baby’s tender skin. A complete range for mother and baby is our aim, and we will keep adding-on more "really herbal" baby products later this year, Janet explained.
"Janet Baby" herbal care is not only excellent for babies, it is also ideal for the mom-to-be, for older kids and also for adults with very sensitive skin and hair.
Because of their mild active natural ingredients they are naturally hypoallergenic, safe and mild enough even for daily use, even on sensitive skins.
As the world returns to nature to face the challenges of the new millennium, Janet’s herbal baby care is the ideal opportunity for you - to give your baby all your love and the best of nature - right from day one. Of course Janet Baby is naturally better for you too!
acne
Is acne a problem for you ?Neutrogena specialist Sweenitha talks about the treatment
Neutrogena presented an "afternoon of beauty" with the Lady Hiltons at the Serendib Ball Room recently.
Mrs. Sweenitha Jayasinghe, Marketing Manager of Consumer Products, said Neutrogena have been expanding their product range to suit every skin type especially in the treatment areas such as the acne range and the Alpha Hydroxy Acid range.
She said it’s time to educate the consumer about being specific and in choosing the right product for the specific problem in ones skin and hair.
For example in their acne range, they have at least five cleansers. To choose the right product it’s time that people need professional help.
She advise the consumer to read instructions in the bottle or to call them for guidance or to call them at their own kiosk at Crescat Boulevard lobby.
In the Alpha Hydroxy range, we have moisturizers, hand creams and eye creams and the benefits of using Alpha Hydroxy is to,
* exfoliate dead skin cells on the surface and to help reveal new skin.
* also, to revitalize skin from within.For treatment of acne
Acne treatment by a dermatologist usually comprised of a combination of the following therapuetic modalities: • astringents: to reduce the amount of surface sebum • antibacterials and antibiotics: to reduce the number of acnes and other organisms that may contribute to the formation of acne lesions • exfoliants: to produce irritation followed by exfoliation • comedolytic agents: to inhibit formation of comedones by increasing cell turnover and decreasing the clumping of cells in the follicle • sebostatics: to reduce the amount of sebum produced.Therapy usually becomes more aggressive as the severity of the condition increases, with sebostatics being reserved for the more recalcitrant cases said M/s A. Jayasinghe.
She also pointed out that Astringents contain either alcohol or with hazel to emulsify surface sebum for easy removal. As astringents can help reduce comedo formation, they are often believed to be useful for non-inflammatory acne when the patient has oily or acne-prone skin. However, if a patient is on drying medications, astringents will tend to cause irritation as they exacerbate the dryness.
Antibacterials and antibiotics comprise the largest overall treatment segment in the acne category, said Nuetrogena Specialist. As with treatment of any infectious organism, the dosage and delivery method of the selected drug is critical. Upon assessment of the etiological factors contributing to the acne, the dermatologist may select either oral drugs such as tetracycline, erythromycin, and minocyclin, or topical products such as benzoyl peroxide, erythromycin, clindamycin and meclocycline, or a combination of both oral and topical antibiotics. The dosing of oral drugs is critical, as underdosing a patient may result in the formation of strains of bacteria that are resistant to both topical and systemic agents.
Priyanthi Fernando, a leader of fashion, always stylishly clad, is besides an entrepreneur. She dabbles in the beauty business, running an exclusive boutique dealing in designer wear with other members of her family. Her own enterprise though is the cyrstals’ shop located in the heart of Colombo seven, where one can indulge in a flight of delightful fantasy, in you can afford it. The latest collection of crystal ware comes in the form of flowers, either in clear glass or in vivid reds, yellows and blues, from Singapore.
Priyanthi as usual makes a striking picture in a smart and dramatic saree in black. The borders worked in gold is on black net. Note the halter necked, cap sleeved blouse, the trendy style of today.
High Fashion
Colour and spice and all that is niceKiwanis Club of Colombo City organised a Kiwanis Charity Ball at the Serendib Ballroom of the Colombo Hilton. Music for dancing was provided by Pearl and Cosmic Rays to keep all those present tripping the light fantastic. Many prizes were won by the lucky ones, and a good time was had by all. Besides raising funds towards upgrading the Neo-natal Unit of the Premature Baby Care Unit at the Castle Street Hospital, those present contributed towards a glamour filled evening.
There was a galaxy of styles ranging from the saree in a lovely shade of red Ramola Sivasunderam wore, in her capacity as the President of Kiwanis Club, with a sleeveless blouse richly embroidered in gold. The saree was drapped in the Gujarati.
Smart and striking was the Kandyan saree Mrs. Ranjit Bogallagama wore. The white saree had an ‘ihe’ and borders of vivid red and gold, she teamed with a white blouse and gold jewellery.
Another dramatic Kandyan saree was in black, with floral motifs in red outlined in gold cord, on a base of mother of pearls sequins. The flower too was encrusted in red sequins. The short sleeve of the blouse had a motif on the sleeve. Her jewellery was in black and gold.
Black was a very popular choice this evening. The black Indian silk saree Janet Balasuriya wore was bordered in a fret work of gold with coral and olive green silk thread woven into it. A chocker necklace of pearls with a fabulous paddakam set with rubies and emeralds with matching drop ear rings and gold accessories made a embodiment of glamour.
GailBlack printed in large florals in ice blue and grey with topaz hued centre Devika Jayawickreme wore with a cold shouldered blouse.
Gail Ratnayake brought a touch of the exotic with swinging gold pendulem earrings, to dress up the simplicity of her black saree and blouse.
In similar vein, was Nalini Senanayake’s black saree she teamed with a jet sequin embroidered blouse. Black sequins also glittered on the blouse of black Lilani de Silva wore, with a simple black saree. Charmaine Karunaratne’s black saree was printed in a floral pattern, the design outlined in gold.
Favouring the salwar kameez were Girlie Dassanaike, and Janaki Fernando. A orchid hued Kameez worked in gold down the front in a unusual design, Girlie wore with perfectly matched jewellery. Janaki’s Kameez was in pretty shadow print in pale ivory on a fused grey and crushed strawberry background. The neckline and edge of the sleeves were tastefully embroidered in silver. She wore an attial style necklace and kudu earrings in rubies and pearls for subdued elegance.
When Ramala Fonseka celebrated her formal engagement to Sujan Wijewardene they asked their many friends and relatives to dinner. Scheduled to be held by the poolside of the Hotel Lanka Oberoi, inclement weather forced them indoors into the Atrium Lobby. Nevertheless the event lost none of the sparkle or beauty associated with such an event. Ramala made a striking picture in a Gagra Cholie ensemble. The square necked brief cholie in embroidered organza had the centres of the floral pattern encrusted with bronze beads. The flowing very gull skirt in ivory satin had sprays of embroidery from the hemline upwards. The long stole of a gossamer organza too had sprays of the embroidery at each end, and a wide ribbon edge in the satin.
RamalaGraceful and slender Ramala wore a choker necklace and shoulder length earrings in bronze and garland of jasmines in her hair. The mother of the bride to be, Sandra was in a saree of rich wine hued organza with a border of gold weave and a floral pattern woven into the pallu, she wore in the Gujarthi style drape, with a sleeveless blouse and gold jewellery.
Ranjinie Wijewardene was elegance personified, in a beautiful saree of ivory and copper weave in the Patola style. Her blouse was of the copper colour with a subtle border in the dullest gold at the edge of the sleeve. A beautiful pattiya necklace of rubies and pearls, and drop earrings were the perfect finishing touches.
Former beauty queen Kshama Fernando had the back of her cutaway style blouse embroidered in silver beads in spirals of pattern. Her saree was in a simple green. There were many more outfits in fashionable good taste, all of which we cannot recall and we cannot record for the reasons of limited space.
kushboo
Meet Kushboo at ‘Star Night’The word brilliant is often used when praising a performance but where Khusboo’s portrayalis are concerned a more accurate word would be trustful. Totally devoid of gimmicks hers is an absolutely truthful portrayal of the other woman in all her films.
As in the case with all memorable roles Kushboo imparted substances rather than style to her depiction of a character...
She will be in Sri Lanka in March to perform in aid of Hindu Ladies’ College, Wellawatte which is managed by the Saiva Mangayar Kalagam.
She is a popular actress featuring in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam films. Having bagged so many awards Khusboo continues to reign supreme in the South. She has the credit of acting in many Tamil films .... an actress from Mumbai who has survived for so long as acting in more than 100 films. Whatever role she is portrayed in, the character she plays comes out remarkably. Hers is an exciting and sensuous face that compulsively attracts the film industry’s producers and directors to offer her many varied roles.
With Kushboo will be leading choreographer M/s Kala Choreographed for more than 400 films. Kala has also choreographed for the prestigious Miss World ’96 Pageant in Bangalore. The ‘Star Night’ organised by the Past Pupil’s Association of Hindu Ladies’ College will be for a worthy cause. The proceeds that will go towards educate a girl child scholarship fund.
Kushboo will be here to perform at the ‘Star Night’ organised by the past pupils association of Hindu Ladies’ College which is managed by the Saiva Mangaiyar Kalagam, the Hindu Women’s Society working in the educational, cultural social and religious fields for girls and young women for almost 70 years. ‘Sponsor a girl child’ ‘educate a girl child’ are two important projects of the Kalagam and the PPA respectively.
She and her troupe will be the welcome guests at Hotel Taj Samudra.
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