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| Sunday, 8 June 2003 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Hotel Hemalee - The pioneer in the Cultural Triangle by 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.
Hotel Hemalee's official opening dates back to September 14, 1972 under the patronage of the then Deputy Minister of Employment, Economic Affairs and Plan Implementation Minister, MP for Minneriya, Ratna Deshapriya Senanayake and also attended by former Tourism Minister, the late Dharmasiri Senanayake, who was the Chairman, Ceylon Tourist Board at the time.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 in the footsteps of A. W. P. Ranasinghe. Perusal of the Visitor's Book at Hemalee is testimony to the hospitality that has been synonymous with the hotel since its inception in 1972. Standing majestically on a 1 1/2 acre of land on the Colombo-Polonnaruwa road, the hotel offers 16 guest rooms, very moderately priced, according to its youthful Managing Director, Bandula Ranasinghe, who underwent higher studies in New York. Hotel Hemalee is a popular stop-over resort for tourists who visit Polonnaruwa ruins, Somawathi Chaithiya, Dimbulagala, Medirigiya National Park, Minneriya, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura and Trincomalee. From jeep safaris to the Minneriya National Park and other places of tourist interest are the packages at Hemalee for the eye to behold. The restaurant, with beautiful interior decor, can accommodate over 100 guests. It offers Western, Eastern and typical Sri Lankan cuisine prepared by expert Sri Lankan cooks. The most popular dish among both local and foreign guests, is fresh tank fish, a delicacy which has become a popular menu for both Sri Lankans and expatriates. The hotel is also popular for bird watching for a large number of species in the vicinity. The hotel has a well stocked bar. Special packages are offered to Sri Lankans and expatriates for family outings, company picnics, seminars, workshops etc., Bandula Ranasinghe said. The hotel is also popular for weddings that take place in the Cultural Triangle, Ranasinghe said. The land on which the hotel stands,has been beautifully landscaped to resemble a small botanical garden. Hotel Hemalee is owned and managed by Channel Hotels Limited Kohuwala. Its Managing Director is Bandula Ranasinghe. ######## Saman Villas : member of 'Small Luxury Hotels' Saman Villas, Bentota, a Jetwing hotel, was the first Sri Lankan hotel to join the 'Small Luxury Hotels' of the world in 1995 when it opened its doors. In 2002, Saman Villas voluntarily resigned from being a member. Nevertheless, effective from August 1, this year, Saman Villas will once again be acclaimed as a member of the 'Small Luxury Hotels' of the world, Director, Marketing, Jetwing Hotels, Lalin de Mel told the 'Travel and Tourism Sunday Observer. The 27-room luxury hotel in Bentota, is uniquely designed and is the first of its kind to be erected in the country which is in the style of a boutique. The villas consist of a two-storey edifice which has a superior suite upstairs and deluxe suite downstairs. The facilities include a mini bar, TV CD player radio, hair dryer etc. The hotel also offers aromatherapy treatments at the 'Sahana' Spa and also includes a gymanisum for guests who seek recreation facilities. Saman Villas has the distinction of being the only hotel in Sri Lanka to be a member of 'The Most Romantic Hotels of the World', which has a gamut of hotels and resorts that offer the highest level of service and facilities in a romantic ambience. (BJ) ######## Sri Lankan Food Promo at Ceylon Continental It will be truly 'Sri Lankan' at the Ceylon Continental Hotel from June 13-22 when the hotel presents a Sri Lankan Food Promotion. The festival which will be held at the BBQ and Beer Garden of the Ceylon Continental, will no doubt be a big hit not only among Sri Lankans but also foreign guests who go for spicy Sri Lankan delicacies,Food and Beverage Manager, Nalaka Colombage said. Loads of entertainment too are on the cards. Traditional Sri Lankan dancers, snake dancing, weaving, wood carving hosts dressed in traditional Sri Lankan attire, and even a portrait painter - so guests could get their portrait painted, on the spot. Visitors to the festival will savour a wide spread of spicy Sri Lankan dishes that will be offered at the festival, prepared by expert Sri Lankan chefs and cooks of the Ceylon Continental Hotel headed by Executive Chef Lucky Liyanarachchi. |
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