Hotel Hemalee

First tourist hotel in Cultural Triangle:

Beverley JANSZ

CONSTRUCTION of Hotel Hemalee, Giritale began on May 27, 1970 as the first tourist hotel to be built in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.

The hotel’s official opening dates back to September 14, 1972 under the patronage of the then Deputy Minister, Economic Affairs and Plan Implementation, MP for Minneriya, Ratna Deshapriya Senanayake, and also attended by the late Dharmasiri Senanayake a former Tourism Minister.

Founder of Hotel Hemalee, the late A. W. P. Ranasinghe was a popular hotelier in the 1970s’. During that period most of the popular tourist hotel personnel patronised Hotel Hemalee for their stay while building their hotels, following the footsteps of the late A. W. P. Ranasinghe, founder of Hemalee Hotel.

Standing on a 1 1/2 acre of land on the Colombo-Polonnaruwa road at Giritale, the hotel offers 16 guest rooms very moderately priced, says the youthful Managing Director of the hotel Bandula Ranasinghe, who underwent studies in New York.

Hotel Hemalee is a popular stop-over for tourists visiting Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. The hotel offers jeep safaris and Elephant rides. The restaurant with beautiful interior decor, can accommodate around 100 guests and is ideal for seminars and conferences. It offers Western, Eastern, Chinese and spicy Sri Lankan cuisine.

The hotel has a well stocked bar. Special discounted packages are offered to Sri Lankans for family outings and company picnics, for weddings and honeymoon couples. The land on which Hotel Hemalee stands, has been beautifully landscaped. Hotel Hemalee is owned and managed by Channel Hotels Ltd, Kohuwala.

Rajabojun

A meal fit for a ‘King’ from Ceylinco:

Beverley JANSZ

THE RAJABOJUN with it’s authentic Sri Lankan cuisine is a much sort after venue by Sri Lankans and their families and foreigners alike . Sri Lankans visiting their home land on vacation never fail to visit the favourite Restaurant “The Rajabojun” to taste all their favourite dishes at the sumptuous “King’s dish” very reasonably priced Buffets served during lunch and dinner.

Hot hoppers & Egg Hoppers including Milk Hoppers are served daily for lunch & dinner and are a part of the buffet. Rajabojun has just begun a Special “Executive Lunch” for all the busy Executives who whilst wanting a wholesome meal they are pressurised for time!! where could have a quick meal and indulge in the Dessert Buffet!! These are very special offers at unbelievable prices!, Director, Ceylinco Hotels, Nirmo Thambapillai said. Rajabojun has announced the opening of its branch in Kandy scheduled for this month. The traditional flavour with a blend of Kandyan Cuisine will be on the menu for all the desiring cliental of Kandy.

Rajabojun Outside Catering

Owing to popular demand and requests. Raja Bojun has commenced its outside catering service for large or small functions. Director, Ceylinco Hotels, Nirmo Thambapillai said. Details can be obtained from any Raja Bojun outlet, he said.

International Honours for Lankan Chef in Florida

DERRYCK Spencer Adams son of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Adams of Ja-Ela Estate, Ma-Eliya, Ja-Ela, is the Pastry Chef of the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort 2 spa USA.

He never thought that, two types of Chocolate and a little heavy cream would one day bring him International fame and recognition, Decades later, what started as a bonding experience with his mother has turned into a full time career - one that has garnered numerous honours and job opportunities around the globe.

As the winner of the recent Hilton Chocolate Creation Recipe Contest, Chef Adams’ Cappuccino Chocolate Delight will now be served at Hilton Hotels around the world. The proud father of two sons, his wife, parents sisters and brothers in Sri Lanka, couldn’t be more delighted.

Chef Adams and his dessert have always been a point of pride for the Hilton Sandestin said Mike Chouri General Manager of the resort. The staff at the Hilton Sandestin is thrilled that Chef Adam’s dessert is being recognised in such a huge way and is proud that Chef Adams is part of their team.

Accountant turns hotelier

THIAGARAJAH Ganeshan began his hotel career as an Accountant, at Pegasus Reef Hotel, Wattala in 1993, after completing his studies at Royal College, Colombo.

Hardwork and honesty helped Ganeshan to climb the ladder of success. He has now been appointed Resident Manager, Giritale Hotel, also owned and managed by Carson Cumberbatch & Co. Ltd.

Ganeshan holds a MBA from the University of North West (USA) on Business Management and also an AMBE (UK) and MABE (UK) Business Management Degree. He is an active member of Royal College “Class at 72”.

With Ganeshan at the helm of Giritale Hotel, there has been a marked improvement in occupancy both local and foreign guests.

Ganeshan works round the clock to make Giritale Hotel one of the star class properties in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, which offers a host of tourist attractions.

“Party for 6” at Ceylon Continental

CEYLON CONTINENTAL Hotel Colombo offers a “Party for 6” Executive office packages at the Heist Bar for guests who would like to entertain their business partners or friends.

Gold office package (for six persons) consists of a Johnnie Walker Black label bottle, two pitchers of Carlsberg, four portions of Prawn Tempura and Bar bites.

Silver office package (for six persons) consists of a bottle of Famous Grouse or flavoured Vodka, two pitchers of Continental Brew, portions of BBQ Chicken winglets and bar bites.

A cozy atmosphere.... Golden oldies, Pop & Jazz music... You name it Ceylon Continental has it! Nights full of unlimited music. Every Friday night a fabulous fashion show by Silk Wrap at the Heist Bar.

Food of India at Saffron - Trans Asia

INDIAN food has traditions going way back thousands of years. Over the years, with the integration of the different religions, the cuisine got as varied as the vast subcontinent itself.

From the pot pouri of Christian Kerala, to Hindu Tamil Nadu, from the Portuguese influenced Goa to the elegant Mughal courts of Hyderabad, not forgetting the ever popular Tandoori favourites from the Punjab.

The landscapes, religions and languages, all gave birth to the diversity of the all time foods of India.

To satisfy the likes of the above, is a restaurant known as Saffron, tucked away in the arcade of restaurants the Trans Asia Hotel boasts.

Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant supported by master chefs from India take their time in presenting the best. Starters include Chicken Pakora, Paneer Pakora, and Vegetable Shammi Kebab to name a few.