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| Sunday, 16 June 2002 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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The Village-Polonnaruwa: a base for many tourist attractions by Beverley Jansz
From a well-known cricketer to a hotelier is undoubtedly a remarkable achievement for Kaushik Amaleen, Managing Director, The village, a star resort in Polonnaruwa. Built on the bunds of the world famous scenic Parakrama Samudraya and the Somawathi Chaithaya in Polonnaruwa, overlooking King Parakramabahu's statue and the Pothgul Vehera (the ancient Royal Palace) is 'The Village' resort. The Village which is the brainchild of former cricketers, Kaushik Amaleen of the Nagindas Group of companies, is popularly known as a 'home away from home' in a typical village type setting. It opened its doors in 1972 with 21 guest rooms which made up of three chalets and 18 rooms. The resort now has 36 rooms chich includes four chalets and one 'wing' in a typical village atmosphere. To blend with the name of the resort, all employees from General Manager, Vimal Alwis downwards, are clad in the national costume (males in sarong and shirt and females in 'redde and hette'. The guest rooms are equipped with all modern facilities including hot and cold water, air-conditioning and a 24-hour room service. Even though the resort has been classified as 'one star', it offers guests all modern facilities of a 3-star resort. Since Vimal Alwis, who is a versatile and experienced hotelier was appointed General Manger in 1992, 'The Village' has been upgraded to a star class resort in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. Alwis is also the President of the Cultural Triangle Hotel Association (CTHA). The three-acre land on which the resort has been built, has been tastefully landscaped to resemble a mini-botanical garden. The resort has a host of tourist attractions to offer. It offers guests Elephant safaris to Minneriya National Park, bordering the Wesgamuwa National Park, bird watching safaris, tours to the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa and Pasikuda (one hour's drive) Trincomalee (two hours drive). 'Angam Medilla', one of the most scenic places for river bathing, is in close proximity to the resort. The restaurant of the resort serves delicious western, Eastern and Chinese cuisine prepared by a well experienced Executive Chef, Sumith Bandara and his kitchen team. Buffets and an 'a la carte' menus too are also available. The Village is popular for large scale residential seminars and weddings. The banquet hall could accommodate over 350 guests. The resort has a beautiful pool, a pool bar, and a main bar. It is one of the few hotels in Polonnaruwa that offers services to guests who arrive late at night or in the wee hours of the morning. A unique ceremony was held at the resort last week to felicitate the Assistant Manger, P. Wickremasinghe, the most senior employee who has served the resort for 30 uninterrupted years since the day the foundation stone was a laid. |
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