Snow in Colombo?

By Nilma DOLE

Sri Lanka isn't blessed with the white enchantment of snow but Excel World has brought us the gift of a whole new magical world with 'Snow Fall 2008' for the sixth consecutive time.

However, have you ever wondered how it snows in Colombo?

We spoke to the general manager of Excel World, the only amusement arena in the city, Ranjan Ariyaratne to reveal a little of the secrets behind their snowy feat. "It is definitely hard work that goes behind the scenes because we are happy that we have an experienced team trained to ensure that we can make snow in the city a reality" he said. A skilled team of about 20 people handle everything from coordinating the timing of the snow fall at the machines to even providing the right kind of music to set the 'winter mood'.

The GM said that the machines used by them to spray the snow are tailor-made to their specifications because they regulate the temperature that the human body can withstand. Speaking about how important it is to maintain and service the machines so that it works smoothly, Ariyaratne said "It's not like we can purchase another snow machine because we have built it to certain specifications that are suitable for the Sri Lankan environment".

Chief engineer Yasantha Perera, says that they "use four massive snow 'monsters' to crush 50lb ice blocks into foam and fake snow flakes and five outlets of snow spray snow from all sides - two to the left, two to the right and one at the centre".

Above the ceiling, there are 'clouds' where fake snow flakes drop from and a thick sheet of ice floor below. "When we first make the ice floor, we use 1500 crushed ice cubes for the base and then put another 200 to form the soft top layer" said Sales and Marketing executive Ramesh Seneviratne.

Thereafter, about 350 ice cubes are used everyday to sustain the top layer and 60 ice cubes are used for fake snow flakes for every show. "Certain climatic factors like humidity and rain also affect the temperature and we must control the system according to the weather outside" said engineer Perera.

He said that they have their own ice crusher for the ice floor and the ice blocks for the machines have to be hoisted by machine or manpower. Also around 100KW/h of electricity is used to ensure that the snow falls without any problems.

"The process is rather a difficult one but worth all the effort because of the smiling faces of our customers enjoying the snow" said Ariyaratne.

"We have always made the 'Winter Paradise' a family affair where teenagers and senior citizens also enjoy" he said. This concept has been such a success that one company even organised a staff gathering where they booked the whole Excel World including the Snow Dome which reflects a positive response.

When asked about turning the Snow Dome into an ice rink, Ariyaratne said, that they also have to think about the expenses the company has to bear to purchase a 'Zamboni' that is needed to preserve and maintain the floor of the ice rink". Excel World has kept the same rates of the snow show the same as last year even though the cost of living is high. "We always wanted to offer Sri Lankans the chance to experience snow in the city because many don't have the privilege" he said.

So head over to Excel World to enjoy a 'Winter Paradise' in the heart of the city and have yourself a very merry Christmas!