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| Sunday, 11 July 2004 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Land yourself at Nature Park for relaxation and fun by Chanuka Mannapperuma
Spread across 25 acres, the Guruge Nature Park at Ja-ela is an ideal location to get away from the busy daily schedule and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. Situated 10 kms from Colombo.Between Kandana and Katunayake Junction.(Turn off from Ja-ela, Weligampitiya Junction and proceed 1 Km).The Nature Park was designed and constructed by D.Guruge, investing Rs.500 million. At the entrance to the park everybody can see the village headman's (Arachchi) house.The location of his house depicts the countryside with a place to store the paddy (veebissa), Ban, Keteri,Pillory and other features. Next is the "Nature Park" with several ponds and varieties of birds.It has about 15 varieties of birds such as African parrots,love birds,Pigeons and 25 varieties of (marsupial) animals such as lions, monkeys,and horses.There are also ducks and a wide variety of reptiles.
You then come to the Iron Gate and enter the model 'Jurassic Park'.Where, when you toss a coin to the dinosaur it starts talking to the visitor.This is operated electronically. The "King's Tower" takes you back many centuries to educate you about the culture and heritage of ancient Sri Lanka.There you can see Sri Lanka's history which derived its rich heritage from the diverse ethnic and religious struggles of its past.Important incidents such as the arrival of King Vijaya ,Ehelepola's verdict, considered to be the most cruel verdict in the history of our country are shown.These effects are also electronically operated. The park will impart knowledge not only to children but to adults as well.Structures of Sri Lanka and Mihintale depict our ancient Buddhist culture. When you pass the King's Tower,the next stop is the " Museum" which is full of currency notes and various kinds of coins.The lower part of the land is allocated to boat riding and water fun.There you can enjoy the revolving bridge, Mermaid Island and children's park with electronic games.Cart and horse riding are also features of this park.
The "Royal Hall and Restaurant" is equipped for weddings, birthday parties and get togethers. The owner of the Guruge Nature Park who is a well known real estate developer said," The park imparts Knowledge and education as well as facilities for enjoyment and relaxation.This is a good opportunity for the domestic traveller as well as foreigners." According to the supervisor of the park, its maintenance costs around Rs.25,000 per month . The project has provided 75 job opportunities. In addition to the entrance fee ,two entrance packages are provided.Package one is priced at Rs.160 per adult and Rs.110,per child.It includes,boat ride ,horse riding and electronic games.The second package at Rs.210 per adult,Rs.180 per child includes the above facilities, as well as a welcome drink and a packet of lunch. ****************** Ceylinco Travel introduces extra insurance packages Ceylinco Travel Classic's tie up with Coris Heritage, the Asian arm of Coris International of France has enabled the company to introduce additional insurance packages on travel for the benefit of its clientele. Ceylinco Travel Classic now offers 18 insurance covers under 5 different categories including a hospitalisation cover for US Dollars 200,000 in any part of the world.The five policies include Family Plan, Individual Plan, Student Plan, Corporate Plan and a separate plan for tour operators. A MOU between Ceylinco Travel Classic and Coris Heritage was signed by Chairman, Ceylinco Insurance, Deshamanaya Lalith Kotelawala and Emanuelle Haudeguand of Coris Heritage. Coris International of France formed in 1987 now has 43 offices and over 100 representative offices across the world to provide emergency assistance for travellers. The company has now shifted its focus towards Asian countries after its success. Coris International Marketing Manager Emanuella Haudeguand says Sri Lanka is one of the important Asian countries in terms of the travel trade. "The number of travellers including tourists, corporate officials and students travelling out of Sri Lanka has increased in the last couple of years. We feel that Sri Lanka has tremendous potential to be explored. Our travel policy offer Sri Lankan travellers safety and comfort," she said. The new benefits added to Ceylinco Travel Classic include emergency medical transportation and repatriation benefit, compensation for purchase of emergency toiletries during baggage delays, emergency dental assistance etc. (J.J.) |
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