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| Sunday, 23 November 2003 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Polonnaruwa Rest House : 18th century GA bungalow now a star resort by BEVERLEY JANSZ
Built in 1870 as a circuit bungalow for British Government Agents, it was taken over by the Ceylon Tourist Bureau in 1954 and named Polonnaruwa Rest House. The Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHC) took over the rest house in 1968, after which there has been a marked improvement in the services offered to tourists. The rest house now has 10 star class guest rooms including the 'Queen's Room' built in 1954 to mark Queen Elizabeth's visit to Sri Lanka. In 1954 a tastefully designed restaurant, overlooking the Parakrama Samudra, was built to offer guests a panoramic view of the blue waters of the Samudra. The rest house now has two restaurants which could accommodate over 150 guests. Under the guidance of Ceylon Hotels Corporation Chairman, Bodhisiri Ranasinghe, a massive refurbishment is being carried out to upgrade the rest house to a star class resort, Senior Manager, Marketing/Travel, Ceylon Hotels Corporation, Ranjith Balasuriya said. All guest rooms have been refurbished, with beautiful interior decor.
Polonnaruwa Rest House is popular with foreign tourists and Sri Lankans as a base to visit a host of tourist attractions in the Cultural Triangle. The main attraction is the Parakrama Samudra which overlooks the rest house. The rest house organises safaris to Minneriya and Wasgamuwa National Parks, and cycle safaris to Polonnaruwa ancient ruins. The museum adjoining the rest house and the Nissanka Latha Mandapaya Nissanka Council Chamber with ruins of King Nissankamalla's palace, are also tourist attractions at Polonnaruwa Rest House. With the massive refurbishment in progress, the vision of CHC Chairman, Bodhisiri Ranasinghe to make Polonnaruwa Rest House a star resort in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka before the next tourist reason, will soon be a reality, Senior Manager, Marketing/Travel, CHC, Ranjith Balasuriya said. **************** Hawker Street at Galadari The Galadari Hotel has organised a Hawker Street, which began on November 21, at the Pastry Shop terrace. The festival will go on until December 31, at dinner time.To sate your taste buds, Hawker Street festival will offer guests delicious Chicken Shawarma, Chicken Kottu, Vegetable Kottu, Nasi Goreng, fish and chips, Grilled Chicken and Chicken Biriyani. The menu will also include Chicken drumsticks, sausages, fish, beef kebab, all served with French fries and BBQ sauce, Director, Food and Beverage, Galadari Hotel, Ananda Warakawa said. To top it all, a wide range of desserts including Watalappan, Cream Caramel, Fruit Triffle, Assorted Ice Cream and Chocolate Mousse will be offered at very special prices, Warakawa said. **************** Festive season in Kandy at Earl's Regency Hotel The festive season is just around the corner and Earl's Regency Hotel, Kandy is putting every effort to making the festive season most exciting the new General Manager of Earl's Regency, Roshan Fernando said. 'We are celebrating Christmas very traditionally this year, and to top it all, a specially built-up 'Ginger Bread House' will be dominating the main Lobby area, from December 10-31. 'Regency Kiddies X'mas Party' will be held on December 20. Lady Regency Christmas Luncheon will be held on December 13 at the Congress Hall. Cookery demonstration, raffle draw, door gift for every guest, 'X'Mas Collection' produced by well-known Careena of 'Stephanics' Gift and Style Beauty Care, and many more on the cards. Festive carols will be presented from December 23-25 while guests relax in the cosy setting of Mount Batten Bar. On December 24 night, the Ballroom will come alive on December , with live music when the hotel offers its guests an 'X'Mas' Eve dinner. This will be followed by an X'Mas Day family lunch on December 25, at the Regent Ballroom, with live music. The lunch will include an extravagant buffet of X'Mas Turkey with stuffing, a glass of sparkling wine with the compliments of Earl's Regency. The highlight of the festive season will be the 'Regency Blitz', New Year's Eve dinner dance with a totally new theme. 'I can assure you that it will be beyond expectations', says General Manager, Earl's Regency, Roshan Fernando. BJ |
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