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| Sunday, 2 November 2003 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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A 'Seruwa' of luxury : Overlooking the historic Parakrama Samudraya by BEVERLEY JANSZ Overlooking the placid scenic beauty of the Parakrama Samudraya, Hotel Seruwa, Polonnaruwa was built in 1974 by the late P. B. G. Kalugalla, the then Tourism and Shipping Minister. The ceremonial opening of the hotel was on July 27, 1974.
The hotel is now owned and managed by the Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHC). Standing on three acres of beautifully landscaped land and complete with a large swimming pool, Hotel Seruwa is in the centre of the historic Polonnaruwa complex which is a major attraction not only to foreign tourists but Sri Lankans as well. It is also in the centre of the unfathomable irrigation works of our glorious past-massive reservoirs, built by our ancient kings, to collect water for agriculture for which Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) was famous at that time. Under the guidance of CHC Chairman, Bodhisiri Ranasinghe, Senior Manager, Marketing/Travel, Ceylon Hotels Corporation Ranjith Balauriya has drawn up an impressive refurbishment plan for all CHC properties to be ready in time for the forthcoming Winter tourist season. CHC chairman Bodhisiri Ranasinghe said that Hotel Seruwa has become popular due to its easy excess to the historic places in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. It is also in close proximity to the famous Wasgamuwa Wild Life Sanctuary, and the Thivanka Image House, the best example of Buddhist frescoes of the 11th century AD which are major tourist attractions in Polonnaruwa, Ranasinghe said. With pleasing architecture features, the hotel offers its guests a host at attractions including bird watching, boat riding in the Parakrama Samudraya, fishing and jungle trekking services. It also has a taxi service for tourists to explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, including the Gal Viharaya, Watadage Complex, Lanka Thilaka Viharaya and other places of tourist attraction which is a real boon. Hotel Seruwa is a five-hour drive from the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, and offers 40 air conditioned rooms each with attached bath, hot/cold water. It has an elegantly furnished restaurant and bar, and offers a 24-hour room service, credit card facilities, IDD and Fax facilities to its guests. The hotel has become popular for company picnics, family outings, residential seminars etc. due to its pleasing setting overlooking the spectacular Parakrama Samudraya. Guests get a panoramic view of the blue waters of the Samudraya right from their rooms. The main attraction close to the hotel are the ruins of the Palace of King Parakramabahu (1153-1186 A.D.) called 'Vijayantha Pasada' of Sathbumupaya, the elaborate decorated palace said to have been a 7-storeyed building with 1000 rooms. Hotel Seruwa is owned and managed by the Ceylon Hotels Corporation. Its chairman is veteran hotelier, Bodhisiri Ranasinghe. ****** Green Jewel Cabanas - 10th anniversary Tangalla, in the South of Sri Lanka, is fast becoming a very popular tourist destination both to foreign tourists and Sri Lankans due to its picturesque beaches. Built in a most scenic location, sandwiched between the scenic Madilla lagoon and the picturesque Tangalla beach, is Green Jewel Cabanas and Restaurant. The hotel celebrated its 10th anniversary recently. It has nine guest rooms in cabana-style, offering all modern facilities
to Standing on one-acre of land, overlooking a seven-kilometer long beach at Tangalla, the Green Jewel Cabanas has two restaurants, offering guests Western, Eastern, Chinese and spicy Sri Lankan cuisine, prepared by Executive Chef, Dilhan Prabath Kumara, an experienced chef who counts a number of years of overseas experience too. The "Seafood Nights" offered to guests from the 'catch of the day' from the Tangalla sea is a big hit, not only among foreign tourists but Sri Lankans as well, Janath said.Green Jewel Cabanas also offer tours to Mulkirigala Rock Temple, Madunagala Hot Wells, Udawalawe National Park, Bundala National Park, Yala Sanctuary and Rock Temple in Sithulpauwa, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Adams Peak and Kandy. The BBQ nights, Buffet Nights and the 'Saturday DJ' are some of the main attractions offered to tourists, says Managing Director, Green Jewel Cabanas and Restaurant, Janath Wedaarachchi said. BJ |
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tourists. The marvellous architecture of the cabanas, is the hard work
of Managing Director, Green Jewel Cabanas, Janath Wedaarachchi.
