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by Tharika Goonathilake

It's 3.30 a.m Not quite an appropriate time for teenagers to be loitering around hotel corridors. But, there is a good reason for this unusual sight.

Behind them, an exuberant and energetic coordinator, 'Shakila' is busy seeing to last minute details. Checking lists and sending 'search parties,' all in an effort to ensure that everyone "gets there on time."

The lobby of the Seashells Hotel, Negombo, is bustling with activity. Waiters serving steaming mugs of tea and coffee, students chumming up with their `new found pals' and we, the media, trying to capture every poignant moment.

There is an aura of exhilaration that is almost tangible, as 54 neatly clad teens, 23 boys and 31 girls, gather at the reception area, all dressed in identical T-shirts and pants. The organisers have strived for uniformity, an indisputable we-are-all-equal look. They have succeeded. It's difficult to make out the students from the coordinating staff!

The group behind the teens, appear equally excited and perhaps even slightly nervous. They are after all bidding good-bye to their children, as they embark on a journey of discovery, to experience firsthand the joys of their 'maiden flight.'

Once, perhaps, this would seem like an unattainable dream- some of them are seeing Colombo, their own capital for the first time, leave alone flying in a plane. But, not any more.

For their 'dreams' have found 'wings.' Thanks to a generous gesture by the national carrier SriLankan Airlines, which has come straight from the heart'.

A dream come true

For Saturday October 11, is a momentous occasion for these students from around Sri Lanka, (selected from the nine provinces), as part of the airline's, Pathum Piyapath quiz, organised by the carrier to commemorate 100 years of global civil aviation. The quiz was published in ANCL publications. The coveted prizes for the lucky winners being, a one day trip to the sunny Maldives Islands.

The roll call over, it is time for the entourage to go to the airport. The proud parents gather outside to see them off.

"Amma, I will take lots of pictures," to the more adult-like assurances of "Don't worry, I'll be alright," fills the air, as they, scramble aboard.

The more adventurous, points at the Rupavahini crew, Saman and Sugath claiming: "Thaththa, watch news, I might be on TV."

Joining the media group at the airport, are Thanuja and Naradha of Sirasa fame. The students are jubilant. There's a feeling of we-are- hobnobbing- with-the-famous, apparent in increasing whispers in the group.

The SriLankan Airlines special 'coordinating squad,' those who put in the hard work to make this dream a reality, mainly the airline's Public Relations Division, headed by Manager Deshini Abeywardena and her happy-go-lucky team members, Nilendra, Manori, Samantha, Saminda, Dinusha, Lakshmi, Ruvini, Ingrid and Sheham are all out in force. They are aided by Dilantha, Sampath and Captain Druvi Perera.

Immigration officials too extended their fullest cooperation and the students are whisked inside without the usual hassle. Once in, its onto a journey of a different kind. This time, it is a tour of the duty- free.

They have all been given Rs 1000 as 'pocket money,' but there seems to be a general consensus to hold on to the cash.

It's time for the 'much-awaited moment'. The A330 Airbus on the tarmac is all set to go. One by one they board, the UL101 aircraft. Eager, nervous, happy, excited, the expressions differ from face to face.

On the threshold of a great discovery

What is most striking is the warmth of those on board. Captains Milinda Ratnayake and Naderaja go one step further making a special announcement to the other passengers about the 'special guests on board.'

They are now the cynosure of all eyes. But, the group handle their 'new found fame' remarkably well. Talking to popular presenters of Shakthi T.V Riyaz, Sajini and Ziya and the Sirasa crew, they pose for the cameras, making witty comments and acting like true pros.

UL Flight 101 is now in the air. The drone of engines, the clogging of ears brings out different reactions among the first time flyers. Some are overcome by the moment, others seem to be savouring the experience- the joy of flight.

The occasional 'air sickness' is promptly attended to, not only by the cabin crew but aunty Hyacinth, 'the adoptive mother' during the entire tour. She is ever present, calming the nervous and holding the occasional 'sick bag' with a reassuring comment that "its the usual norm."

I am seated between Sumudu of SriLankan, Schedules Planning Division and Kamal Kanchana of Minegamuwa Maha Vidyalaya, Galagedera, Kandy.

Kamal, a bright, Year 10 pupil, is the lucky one to be selected from his 500-student school.

"What about your classmates, didn't they apply ? I question. "They were not really interested," he says.

" Why not ?" I ask him. "They said that competitions of this nature are only won by students in popular schools. You don't stand a chance."

" What do they think now ?," I question.

"They have been proven wrong. From the moment I was selected and arrived in Colombo to participate in this tour, I knew that SriLankan Airlines was different. There are many students like me on this tour, who come from small village schools, so I guess this company has been fair." (Do we have a future PR Manager in the making?, I wonder).

Four rows in front, is Sudarshini of Balangoda, a talkative 17- year-old- with family of six brothers and sisters. "I will never forget this day," she enthuses. "I still cannot believe that I am going to the Maldives."

Neethanjali, from a remote village in Mannar, who had travelled nonstop for 10 hours to reach Colombo the previous day, endorses the remark. She says that a relative in Mannar Town had told her about the quiz and urged her to apply. "How could we ever forget this gesture ? No one has given us an opportunity like this before," she says.

SriLankan Airlines has even gone to the extent of serving a special menu to mark the occasion. There's also the 'privilege' of visiting the cockpit. Sudarshini, another student, is busy taking notes. I ask her why. "I have been asked to share my experiences during school assembly on Monday. I am determined to give the correct information," she says.

Magic of Maldives

The hour long flight to the Maldives is almost over. There are gasps of 'Oohs' and 'ahs' as the garland of emerald islands come into view. The splashes of jade, turquoise, aquamarine and azure look like a canvas that has been painted on the blue waters. The pilots extend their 'show and tell' to a few more minutes, and before we know it, we have landed in Male.

The first thing you see when you come out of the airport is the azure blue sea. The clean streets draws several 'comparisons.' (No offense meant to good old Sri Lanka.) The Maldivian authorities have organised a warm welcome along with SriLankan Manager in Maldives, Milinda Balasuriya and Duty Manager Nilathi. Drinks are served and greetings exchanged. It is time to begin the first leg of the tour. The agenda, is for a City tour to take in the sights of the capital.

Male, the capital is only 1.77 sq.kms. The students are amazed. "We live totally in harmony with our environment for the sea is ever-constant. Tourism is our main industry, " the guide tells the captive audience. The President's House, one of the main landmarks in the City comes into view.

The students are impressed that 'there are no security guards' manning the Presidential abode.

"I guess he's so popular that there are no threats to his life," a student volunteers an explanation. "Isn't that unusual ?" his pal questions aloud. "No it isn't silly, this is Maldives, not Sri Lanka," his friend retorts.

City tour over, it is time for a sea plane tour. Mohammed and Mahesh of Trans Maldivian Airways, representing one of the two sea plane companies that operate flights to the island resorts, 'do the honours.'

"These are like the taxis you get back home. We carry passengers, mainly tourists from the main island to other islands,'' the duo explained. Apparently, Mahesh's wife is a Sri Lankan. "I know Sinhala Tikak Tikak, " he tells the amused students.

The plane tour over, it's time to take a boat to the Bandos resort, one of 1190 islands. A beautiful hotel, it is partly built on the water, with multi coloured fish swimming in natural sea pools.

A sumptuous lunch awaits us, put together by the resort's chefs. Traditional songs and dance items add colour to the occasion, as does a documentary film on Maldives - paradise on Earth. Speeches and gifts bring an end to the happy occasion. Lakshitha of Delasalle Roman Catholic College does Sri Lanka proud with a impromptu vote of thanks. Then it is off to the popular Kudu Bandos picnic site. Coconut palms fringe the white beach, as does a profusion of multi coloured shoe flowers that add a dash of red to the scenic blue background of the sea.

The hot sun does not deter the eager students, and aided by the refreshing sea breeze, they go all out to 'take their place in the sun.'

There's plenty of activities lined up for the afternoon. The more adventurous splash out in the sea. Others simply explore the island while others are happy to click pictures, to take back home.

Come evening, the day of fun and frolic draws to a close. It is time for us to head to the airport hotel. The boat ride to the main island airport, is quiet. There seem to be silent contemplation, a certain kind of sadness that it was all coming to an end.

Once in the airport hotel, there's a final presentation on the 'History of Aviation' by Captain Suraj Weerasekera. Creatively presented, the audience is spellbound by his passion for flight. As SriLankan Head of Corporate Communications Chandana De Silva rightly said, perhaps it ignited a flame of interest to become a pilot, in some of the young minds.

Island Aviation Services Limited has sent gift packs for everyone and the 'guests' are thrilled that part of it is Maldive fish!. More gifts again, this time by the SriLankan's General Sales Agents in Male. This is followed by a grand dinner with traditional Maldivian cuisine which brings down the curtain on the day's activity.

Tired but smiling, the beaming faces tell a tale of a thousand happy memories and perhaps even bigger dreams. Its almost 11.00 and our flight back home is awaiting our arrival.

All good things must come to an end, we all know that. But perhaps these children will go on to dream, a bigger dream. For they have experienced first hand the generosity of the human spirit, a sense of sharing and giving in its fullest sense.

We hope, that the memories of this memorable journey will for ever sustain them, to always look at the 'sunny side of life'.

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