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| Sunday, 1 December 2002 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Sigiriya Rest House - base to explore world's eighth wonder by BEVERLEY JANSZ Sigiriya Rest house, owned and managed by the Ceylon Hotels Corporation has become a popular base for tourists to explore Sri Lanka's number one tourist attraction, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and its surrounding ruins of King Kasyappa's monarchy.
In addition to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Ritigala monastery, Pidurangala Raja Maha Viharaya and other historical places of tourist interest are in close proximity to the rest house. Therefore it has become a popular tourist draw to Sri Lanka's world famous ancient ruins. Built on a one acre land overlooking the Sigiriya rock, the rest house offers its guests, Western, Eastern and Sri Lankan cuisine prepared by a team of expert cooks, headed by chief cook, V. R. Obeysekera.
The spicy rice and curry offered by the hotel is very popular among Sri Lankan and foreign tourists. The rest house offers an 'a la carte' menu, and a room service too. The rest house has a well stocked bar and a restaurant with a beautiful interior decor. The friendly and courteous staff is headed by a versatile hotelier, Manager, Ariyadasa Ranchagoda who has over 25 years experience in the hospitality industry. He started his hotel career in 1977 from the Weligama Bay Inn, also owned and managed by the Ceylon Hotels Corporation. Ranchagoda said that special packages are being offered to Sri Lankans under CHC Chairman,Bodhisiri Ranasinghe's newest concept 'Thanayama Membership Card' introduced by the Ceylon Hotels Corporation. This card system offers Sri Lankans an opportunity to spend a memorable family holiday in one of the 16 well maintained hotels and rest houses managed by the Corporation. 'Tourists who spend holidays in CHC hotels and rest houses are now being offered star class facilities and delicious cuisine which are second to none offered by leading hotels in Sri Lanka, CHC Chairman, Bodhisiri Ranasinghe said. Tourists who experience the warm hospitality offered by CHC hotels, always come bank', Ranasinghe added. Since Bodhi stepped in as Chairman of Ceylon Hotels Corporation, he has been responsible in upgrading all hotels, rest houses and food outlets owned and managed by the Corporation. CHC is now competing very strongly with leading private hotels in Sri Lanka. Senior Manager, Marketing/Travel, Ceylon Hotels Corporation Ranjith
Balasuriya, with his marketing team, is doing a untiring job in promoting
all CHC hotels and rest houses, not only in Sri Lanka but around the
world. Austrian Army officer's dream visit to Sri Lanka Fenz Joseph, a retired Austrian Army Officer was eager to visit Sri Lanka for a number of years, but was reluctant to do so due to the on-going ethnic war. But when he heard of the peace accord initiated by the present Government, his wife, Herta and he were delighted. The couple lost no time making arrangements for a four-week holiday to Sri Lanka.
'We have travelled around the world but never saw such a beautiful country that offer tourists, a host of attractions."When we go back to Austria, we will take the message across that Sri Lanka, is one of the most beautiful countries for a perfect holiday. It is now certainly a safe tourist destination", Fenz said. Fenz and Herta are proud parents of two daughters, one a Judge of a Juvanile court in Austria and the other a Pharmacist, following the footsteps of her mother, Herta, who is also a retired Pharmacist. by Beverley Jansz From receptionist to manager : Rookamani at the helm of Jetwing's newest concept Who said men are smarter than women? This certainly is not so where charming Rookamani Fernando, a versatile hotelier is concerned. Rookamani has been appointed manager 'Ayurveda Pavilions', Negombo, Jetwing's newest concept in Sri Lanka's hotel industry.
Rookamani has a proficiency certificate from the University of Vienna in the German language and over 20 years experience in the hospitality industry. After beginning her hotel career as a Receptionist cum Telephone Operator in 1981 at Brown Beach Hotel, Negombo, Rookamani left the shores of Sri Lanka and resided in Austria. She worked there as a Special Assistant at the International Organisation in the Vienna Liaison Office, the Austrian South Asian Institute and the ACES Public Relations GES MBH, an advertising company in Austria. After returning to Sri Lanka, she took up appointment as a Reservations cum Receptionist at Blue Oceanic Beach Hotel, Negombo a Jetwing Hotel, in 1986. She was then promoted as the Guest Relations Executive and in 1994 was again promoted as the Public Relations Manager. 'Ayruveda Pavilions' is a first class health retreat with 12 luxurious bungalows that ensure maximum privacy, each consisting of its own garden. With the opening of the 'Ayruveda Pavilions' in Negombo last month, Jetwing Hotels has set new accents in caring for their guests. This idyllic resort has been designed for guests who seek in-hours Ayurveda therapy in quiet peaceful surroundings to enjoy it in seclusion that is specially created for this purpose. Facilities at the 'Ayruveda Pavilions' include open air bath with shower, TV, individual CD/VCD player, hot/cold water, safe, hair dryer, air conditioning/fan, telephone and mini fridge. Other facilities include an in-house Ayruveda therapy centre, a team of experienced doctors, sports and recreation, Ayurveda boutique, meditation/yoga and lectures by Ayruveda specialists. The architect for this unique concept was Anura Ratnavibushane. (BJ) |
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The rest house offers its guests a magnificent view of the Sigiriya
Rock from the rooms, lobby and restaurant. Sigiriya Rest house was taken
over by the Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHC) in 1968. At that time it had
only four rooms. After a massive refurbishment, today it stands as one of
CHC's flagship rest houses, with 14 deluxe rooms, four of which an air
conditioned, offering tourists all modern facilities, including hot/cold
water, telephone and room service.
When I met Fenz and Herta at Priyankara Hotel, Tissamaharama, while on
their way to Yala Sanctuary, Fenz said, "At last my dream has come
true. I am in beautiful Sri Lanka. From the day my wife and I stepped into
Sri Lanka, all we saw were smiling faces, beautiful beaches, the beautiful
hill country, historical ruins, all blend to make a perfect holiday. Sri
Lanka has all the potentials for a perfect holiday.
Rookamani was instrumental in introducing Ayurveda to the Jetwing Group
of hotels by converting two rooms to an Ayruvedic Centre at Club Oceanic
Hotel, Negombo in 1995. This saw the birth of Ayurveda to Jetwing.
