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| Sunday, 17 July 2005 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Waters Edge - the dream destination by Arundathie Abeysinghe
Gazing at the panoramic vista of sprawling manicured greens, meandering waterways and placid lakes it is inconceivable that one is only two kilometres away from the hustle and bustle of the Colombo city. The Chairman and CEO of Access Group of Companies, Sumal Perera, is the brain and force behind this project. With his creativity and remarkable entrepreneurship he turned 220 acres of marshland into the dream destination. "Scientific dredging and land filling techniques were utilised in the development of the property." "The marshes were drained out and the drained water was used to create 80 acres of lakes and canals which are connected to the city's main network of canals which eventually lead to the ocean. The earth was dug out to create the canals and that soil was used to fill the 'fairways'. This increases the water retention capacity and flooding becomes minimal" ,Perera said. "This place is maintained as a wetland park and attracts a variety of birds and animals. This is a beautifully landscaped par 72, 18 hole golf course of international standard. A unique element of 'Waters Edge' is the block of lands bordering the golf course set aside for upmarket housing." "Waters Edge' golf course being treeless and relying on the elements of wind and water as hazards, is known as a 'links golf course' and is thus challenging, different and somewhat difficult experience for a beginner." "Kayaking and canoeing will shortly be introduced on the 80 acres of waterways and lakes. The United Nations has named 'Waters Edge' as a 'Recommended Kayaking Centre' as they are trying to promote kayaking as an Olympic Sport from Sri Lanka." "Waters Edge' has a banquet hall, the largest in Sri Lanka, which can accommodate approximately 1,000 guests or even more. It emanates luxury with spectacular chandeliers and lighting that is able to change colour to the decor of the event. " "Waters Edge is under the able guidance of General Manager Sarath Fernando who is responsible for the famous international buffets that entice the food lovers who patronise the place often. Aitken Spence Hotel Management (Pvt.) Ltd. are the consultants to Waters Edge." "We also have a spa, salon, gymnasium and pool too," Perera said. *********** SriLankan Catering wins global award SriLankan Catering (Pvt) Limited, the inflight catering arm of SriLankan Airlines Group, won a global award in the Food and Beverage category at the Mercury Awards, the aviation industry competition conducted by the International Flight Catering Association. "The management and staff of SriLankan Catering are delighted at winning this Mercury Award," said Dilip Nijhawan, CEO of SriLankan Catering. "It was a great team effort. The Savoury Sandwich Gateau was made in Frankfurt (including the baking of the bread) and presented to the Jury for tasting immediately thereafter." The competition was held in Frankfurt, Germany, and the award was presented at the IFCA's conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. The annual Mercury Awards have inflight caterers, airlines, and all types of airline catering suppliers competing in five categories - Onboard Service; Food and Beverage; Equipment; Skills Development and Systems and Process Development. SriLankan Catering's winning entry was a unique "Savoury Sandwich Gateau," a delicious, appetising, wholesome and nutritious sandwich that is designed to be a meal in itself. The sandwich is in the shape of a cake, and at first glance looks like one, hence its unusual name. "The Savoury Sandwich Gateau was tested on several sectors of SriLankan Airlines before being entered in the competition," said Sudhish Pande, Production Manager at SriLankan Catering. "Lack of serving time on short sector flights led to the development of this product. It is a meal in itself which can be served at any time of day or night, and can be served as a snack by reducing its size. It has become a talking point on board flights as passengers are surprised by the novelty of the presentation." |
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| Produced by Lake House |
A place of serenity and pristine beauty... Nestled in natural landscapes
of verdant vegetation, tranquil lakes and waterways, perfect sound of
silence only broken by the chirping of birds... You can experience all these
at 'Waters Edge' - Sri Lanka's newest Golf and Country Club (developed by
Asia Pacific Golf Courses) in the capital city, Battaramulla. 
