Priyankara Hotel

Danny Ralahamy’s vision now a reality:

Beverley JANSZ

When Danny Wickremasekera, popularly known as “Ralahamy” (Village Headman) began his hotel career at the Tissa Rest House, Tissamaharama in the late sixties, his ambition was to someday own a hotel. At the start it was only “wishful thinking” because his only possession was a block of land at Tissamaharama.

Honesty and hardwork, soon made him the manager of Tissa Rest House.

From then onwards, it was no “looking back” for Danny “Ralahamy”.

In 1970 Danny’s ambition and vision in life began to blossom when he opened a five-room guest house “Priyankara” named after his only son Priyankara Wickremasekera, at Tissamaharama.

Danny’s son, Priyankara followed the footsteps or his father, and after graduating from the Ceylon Hotels School in 1990, took over the guest house.

It 1991 it was upgraded to an “A” class guest house. In 1992 the foundation stone was laid for a star class tourist hotel.

Hard work put in by the father-son combination saw the doors of a 2-star tourist hotel open in 1995, after a short period of three years, with thirty fully air conditioned rooms. It was then that “Ralahamy” realised that his vision in life to be the proud owner of a star class tourist hotel, was not just “wishful thinking.”

Although there are many hotels and guest houses at Tissamaharama, Kataragama, Priyankara Hotel, on the Kataragama road in Tissamaharama is definitely different. It is tucked behind a hedge on the opposite side of the Kataragama road, to the lake.

It boasts of a scenic view of paddy fields. The difference is noticeable as soon as you step into its long lobby.

The 30-guest rooms (all split type air conditioned) are well designed with green tiled floors, dark furnishing and adequate bathrooms with hot water. All rooms have balconies from where guests get a beautiful view of the evergreen paddy fields.

The theme of sophistication continues in the restaurant, a gracious looking room, completing the image of the hotel as a charming hideaway.

Priyankara Hotel is well placed for safaris to the nearby Yala and Bundala National Parks. The hotel received Merit Awards in 1994 and 1995. It was presented with the Southern Province Entrepreneur Bronze award in 1997 and 1999 for service sector. It also received the Silver award for service in 1996.

The latest addition to Priyankara Hotel is a beautiful swimming pool, built adjacent to charming paddy fields, providing guests a cool natural breeze while having a dip in the pool.

Priyankara Hotel is owned and managed by Priyankara Hotels (Pvt) Ltd, Kataragama Road, Tissamaharama. Its directors are Danny Wickremasekera (Chairman), Mrs. D. Wickremasekera (Director) and Priyankara Wickremasekera (Managing Director).

Rosen Renaissance becomes Mandara Rosen

Built at a most scenic and strategic location close to the world renowned sacred city of Kataragama, Rosen Renaissance Hotel, has been re-branded as Mandara Rosen Hotel.

“Mandara” meaning ‘Sacred mountain’ was chosen as we wanted to give the hotel a truly Sri Lankan traditional name,” said General Manager, Mandara Rosen Hotel, Lal Dissanayake.

Due to the personalised services offered to tourists, most of the foreign and local tourists have become “Repeat guests” of the hotel, Dissanayake said. “Our main asset is our staff, and they do their best to see that all guests are treated with a very personal touch,” he said.

“Very soon we will be opening our new hotel, Mandara Resort at Mirissa. Mandara Resort is a small luxury “Boutique” Hotel. It is being built on the charming beach of Mirissa for up-market clientele; Dissanayake said.

CHC specials at Tissamaharama Resort for Kataragama festival

This year’s Kataragama Devalaya Esala Perahera will comprise around 80 traditional dancers and drama ensembles and a parade of around 24 elephants.

For tourists and those devotees from all corners of Sri Lanka making their way to the Kataragama holy shrine to pay homage to God Skanda to seek His blessings for the fulfilment of vows, the Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHC) offers a comfortable accommodation solution and a host of other facilities at the famed Tissamaharama Resort, located 18 kms from Kataragama.

Scenically located by the ancient “Tissa Wewa”, Tissamaharama Resort offers all modern facilities to tourists, with special discounted packages to Sri Lankans and expatriates.

Raja Bojun - Spice of Life at Welisara

Raja Bojun, the name synonymous for authentic , Sri Lankan Cuisine has opened its doors in ‘Welisara’ for clientele with a desiring taste for Spices.

As the saying goes “Variety is the spice of life” the Culinary Chefs of Rajabojun bring out the ‘Spices in the right blend to the variety of their dishes” to delight your taste buds and that too at unbeatable prices, providing nutritious meals at affordable prices.

The Executive Buffet Lunch at a reasonable price in air-conditioned comfort and attentive services, is as low as you can get in a Restaurant of this nature.

Raja Bojun Welisara is an ideal venue for family gatherings, birthday parties, Corporate functions and small seminars and for weddings. With ample space for parking and a children’s play area, it is popular with families during week-ends for lunch and dinner.

With the concept of “BYO” (Bring Your Own) customers are permitted to bring their own wine at no extra cost. The Snack Bar at the Welisara outlet dishes out all your favourite snacks, cakes and desserts.

Hoppers and kottu roti have become an instant hit with all customers at Raja Bojun, Welisara.

- BJ

Arch Restaurant and Banquet Hall

Malabe is fast developing and the town has been converted to a model town with many sky scrapers.

Although there are many restaurants in Malabe town, for the first time a Thai and Chinese restaurant “Arch” was opened recently to cater to Thai and Chinese food lovers. Located at the roof top of Metro Central building owned by Ceylinco, the restaurant offers its guests a magnificent birds eye view of the surroundings.

It offers nothing but the best in Thai and Chinese food prepared by a highly qualified Executive Chef, Niranga Akmeemana and hand picked chefs. Arch can accommodate over 70 guests.

The restaurant intends to operate a delivery service in and around Malabe, and an outdoor catering service too.

Arch Restaurant also has a modern Banquet Hall which could accommodate over 100 guests and is popular for weddings, and other banquet functions.

Arch restaurant, is managed and run by Fingara Town and Country Club, Boralesgamuwa.

Coffee and Cake promo at Commons

Do you have a sweet tooth? Feel like just chilling with a quality cup of coffee and delicious slice of cake? Well you’re in luck because that’s exactly what they specialise in Commons Coffee House!

Try out the unparalleled range of coffees which include Royal Hot Chocolate, Nutty Latte, Amaretto Fudge Cappuccino, Orange Coffee, Blackforest Coffee and Cafe Milano. You name it, they have it. Satisfy that sweet tooth of yours with the new range of cakes like Chocolate Cake with Mocha Icing, Lemon Curd Cup Cake, Chocolate Chip Cup Cake, muffins and many, many more. This special offer is available from July 18-31.

So come along to Flower Road and have a bite - or just let them bring it to you! They deliver, and takeaway is possible too, at Commons Coffee House.

Sandwich Tower Promo at Ceylon Continental

An unforgettable feast of the Sandwich Tower Promotion will be held at the Pastry Shop - La Patisserie de Paris of Ceylon Continental Hotel Colombo from July 20-27. You could build your own sandwich tower during the delicious promotion with variety of breads like Foccacia, Multigrain, French bread, white bread or Rye Bread.

This will be a sensational treat for all sandwich lovers with mouth-watering fillings to suite your taste buds.

Chicken smoked or roasted, beef smoked or roasted, fish and vegetable, egg and vegetable, cheese and tomato or bacon and egg are just a few on offer at La Patisserie de Paris during the Sandwich Tower Promotion. The promotion is on from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Fresh juices such as Orange juice, lime, avocado, pineapple, mango and mixed fruit juices will also be available to quench your thirst at the pastry shop.

Livewires in Hospitality Industry:

The success story of Timothy Paldano from chef to Manager

Having studied at St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota, Timothy had a passion for tourism.

After leaving school, he joined the Ceylon Hotel School (CHC). After completing his course at the CHC, he was offered an apprentice job at Hotel Lanka Oberoi (Now Cinnamon Grand) in the mid 70s. He was posted to the Kitchen Department at Oberoi, which was then the largest five star garden hotel in Sri Lanka.

Hard work at Oberoi helped Timothy climb the ladder of success gradually. He left Sri Lanka for greener pastures, and joined the Kharoffakan Holiday Inn in Sharjah as chef de party at the opening of the hotel.

His good work paid dividends and he was promoted and posted to Holiday Inn Sharjah/Holiday International as a Management Trainee.

Again he was promoted to the post of Executive Chef. After a period of ten years at Holiday Inn. Sharjah, he was offered the post of Executive chef at Inter-Continental Hotel, Saudi Arabia, where he worked for three years.

During the13 years at the Middle East, Timothy had gained wide experience having worked very closely with leading management teams, and leading personalities in the Hotel industry Overseas.

In 1989 Timothy returned to Sri Lanka and joined Colombo Hilton as Executive Sous Chef under the late Gamini Fernando, the first Sri Lankan General Manager of Hilton Colombo. In 1994, Timothy met leading hotelier, Shelly Thenuwara, Managing Director, Tree of Life Hotel, Kandy and Tree of Life Bungalow, Nuwara-Eliya. Having considered Timothy’s wide overseas experience, he was offered the post of manager of the beautiful 64-acre property, Tree of Life, Yahalatenne, Kandy.

Tree of Life is one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful properties. It won the President’s Environment Award and Green Globe 21 certification.

He was always close to college activities. He is the Vice President of the OBA Parent Body and the Chairman of the Dance Committee.

Timothy is a member of the Kandy Hoteliers’ Association and held the position of President of the Association for the past three years. During this period he has organised several seminars and workshops for the hotel staff.

Timothy is also a member of the Rotary Club of Kandy Metropolitan and holds the position of Community Service Director.

- BJ