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| Sunday, 20 March 2005 |
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Junior Observer |
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News Business Features
Editorial
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Celebrated icon of Canada
Known as the world's tallest free-standing structure, the CN Tower is Canada's most recognizable and celebrated icon. The 553.33 metres (1,815 feet, 5 inches) tall Canada's National Tower in Toronto is an important telecommunications hub and the centre of tourism in the city. The CN Tower was built in 1976 by Canadian National (CN), which wanted to demonstrate the strength of Canadian industry by building a tower taller than any other in the world. It weighs 130,000 tonnes, equal to about 23,214 large elephants. In 1995, the CN Tower became a public company and its ownership was transferred to Canada Lands Company, which was in the real estate development sector. The tower was established as a solution to the communication problems brought about by Toronto's construction boom in the 1960s, which transformed the skyline from one with relatively low buildings into one dotted with skyscrapers. With its microwave receptors at 338 metres (1,109 feet) and a 553.33 metre (1,815 feet, 5 inches) antenna, the CN Tower could soon solve these communication problems. Toronto residents now enjoy very clear reception, thanks to the tower. The top of CN Tower can be reached in 58 seconds, in one of four glass-faced elevators. Located high up, you will find the Glass Floor, Outdoor Observation Deck, Indoor Observation Deck and Horizons Cafe. 360, the award winning fine dining restaurant, is located at 351 metres (1,150 feet) and offers guests a complete 360 degree view of the city, as its floor rotates once every 72 minutes. Sky Pod, said to be the world's highest public observation deck is located at 447 metres (1,465 feet). Another experience which should not be missed at the tower is the Tour of the Universe, a simulated venture into space through the 'SpacePort'. The latest in simulated games at the Arcade, 'To The Top:The Movie', a 15-minute documentary about the building, and Marketplace with 10,000 square feet of retail space selling CN Tower souvenirs, sports merchandise and authentic Canadian items are the other attractions for visitors. Over two million people visit the tower every year to enjoy the breathtaking view, as well as its other attractions. It has been used over the years by many people to perform various stunts. It is said to have the longest metal staircase in the world (1100 feet, 1,776 steps) and is the stage for the annual Canada Life CN Tower Stair Climb in aid of the World Wildlife Fund. The fund-raising event will be held for the 15th time this year on April 21 and 23, sponsored by Canada Life and the CN Tower. ########## Colonial splendour by the sea
The hotel retains the old world charm and elegance of the colonial era, combined with the most modern facilities. The 275-roomed hotel has four restaurants, a swimming-pool, shopping arcade, business centre and sports facilities. The beginning of the hotel is legendary and is steeped in romance. The year was 1805, our country was under British rule and George III was the King. Sir Thomas Maitland, who was a soldier, Member of Parliament, Privy Councillor and member of the Board of Control of the East India Company arrived in the then Ceylon, as the appointed Governor of the British king. The governor, then 46 years of age, is said to have fallen in love with Lovina Aponsuwa, a girl of mixed Portuguese and Sinhala descent, who was said to be unsuitable for the governor's position in life. Sir Maitland built his residence in an area known as Galkissa (the name is thought to have derived from Gal-vissa or twenty boulders). The house was situated on a rocky headland, the only elevated land on the western shore, and looked out over the bay. The lovers met at this beautiful mansion "laid out in mahogany and calamander wood", with its white columns, polished wooden floors, elaborately-designed wooden ceilings and wide windows. It is said that they continued to meet there for seven years until Maitland left Ceylon in 1811. Before his departure, he is said to have gifted Lovina a large piece of land. The house was also the residence for other Governors, including Sir Edward Barnes. People started referring to the Governor's Mansion as "Lavinia House", the name Lovina somehow being transformed into Lavinia. Gradually the headland itself (Galkissa) came to be called "Mount Lavinia". Over the years, the Governor's mansion became a holiday home for foreign visitors, a hospital during the war years and later, one of the first and finest hotels in the country. The list of foreign visitors to the hotel is endless and include King Leopold of Belgium, cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, writer Somerset Maugham and actors like Vivian Leigh, Kirk Douglas and Gregory Peck. The colonial architecture of the once original residence of Sir Thomas
Maitland and Sir Edward Barnes is now known as the Governor's Wing. It
comprises 40 large rooms with wooden floors and large windows that open out
to the sea. The Governor's Suite, built on two levels and furnished in old
colonial style, is an indication of the luxury and charm of yesteryear. |
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The Mount Lavinia Hotel is one of the oldest and most beautiful hotels in
Sri Lanka. Despite the many five star hotels dotting the city of Colombo, it
has still managed to hold its position as one of the favoured locations for
many receptions including weddings.