Behind the scenes of 'Ideators' - episode 11 :

Social living

Ruwini Jayawardana

So we are finally down to the final three! It is a battle between Udana, Alex and Lara next week as the competition warms up and tasks become individual-oriented.

Last week's 'Ideators' took us on a luxury journey through the glamorous penthouses of the Hilton Colombo Residence. Housed in a high-rise with a splendid view of the city, the suites come in a variety of styles to suit the customer's tastes. Enjoy, relax and indulge are key words here as visitors look to unwind and seek pleasure in the comforts of a stress free setting. Some may even keep in touch with their work for a short span, ensuring them selves that all goes well during their period of absence. All these and many more details have to be considered when the team caters their penthouse suits to prospective customers.

The four remaining contestants of episode 11: Udana and Luke of Lion Heart and Alex and Lara of Reflex found themselves trending on unfamiliar grounds when they were presented with the task of compile a penthouse package to enthrall prospective buyers.

Speaking to Luke while the task was in motion we asked if he does not feel the absence of any of his ex-Lion Heart teammates.

"I think Udana and I are confident about our ability to do well together whatever the task is. However I would say that, if we were missing any one of our old team mates in particular, it would have to be Nimmie. Our morale had been hit a bit since losing her in the last task and having our 'dream team' split up! We worked together so successfully and only lost three of the previous 10 tasks, so it was really tough to see her leave. We could have really done with Nimmie's research and organisational skills, and her presence in general, as she was a calming influence to be around," he noted. For Udana the task was more or less a ladies challenge with the guys up against 'two absolutely talented ladies'. However his concept of making use of the exceptional feature of the residence won the judge's admiration and was the talk of the boardroom.

Udana and Luke work on their plan

Lara, dressed in a traditional Saree, hosts the judges for lunch at their penthouse

Lara questions the Hilton Colombo Residence staff to find out more information

Another highlight of the episode is the sight of the normally serious Lara smiling away, clad in a green coloured saree.

"She learnt how to drape the saree from experts. I too would have loved to get dressed in one but there was only one available," Northumbria University's Alex disclosed to the Daily News.

Speaking about the Lion Heart concept Udana explained, "We wanted to communicate the height factor of the location. It would bring more attractiveness to the environs. These penthouse suits are the highest place that a Sri Lankan person can be in a penthouse suit! It will take a lot of time for a competitor to copy this unique feature. So going by the theory I stuck with the most unique factor of the venue, which is the height of the building. This means that the service offering and the outcome of the engagement is as great as its height!"

Unfortunately this was not enough to please the judges and Luke had to leave the scene after collecting the dreaded 'red envelope.'

"It would, of course, have been amazing to reach the final three, and falling at the last hurdle was pretty tough. But in all honesty I couldn't have missed out on a place in the final to a better person! Udana is extremely talented and it was a pleasure to work alongside him throughout the process. He is a really genuine and modest guy. He is one of the funniest people I have met and we always had a really good laugh throughout the competition, even when things were tough and we were stressed, which I think is one of the reasons why we worked so well as a team," Luke unfurled his thoughts about the moment.

He also added that his first instinct was to congratulate Udana after he heard his own name being called out as the eliminated contestant.

"It was a strange mixture of feelings. Obviously I was a little disappointed to be going out but I was also genuinely happy for Udana. It is hard to explain! We gave the task our best shot and we both made mistakes but I just had this feeling it was my time to go.

Weirdly I was more upset when Indrajith and Adam were eliminated even though they were on the opposition team! I couldn't be disappointed because, (although it sounds really cheesy!) I felt like I had won just by being there and by meeting such amazing people. Competitions come and go but you do not often get the chance to meet such special people who will be friends for life," the student of the University of Glamorgan revealed.

Judging by the emotional moment in the boardroom before Luke's departure there is a strong bond between the two boys. Therefore it is no surprise that Udana is all praise for Luke.

"He is a person who has immense talents and someone who pushes his limits to achieve something. Since we are down to the final four, we promised ourselves not to lose this task. We put 200 percent of effort into it," the Uva Wellassa University student said.

Looking back on the past episodes Luke named the Sigiriya and HNB tasks as his favourites.

"Sigiriya as a place just blew my mind! It was amazing to learn about Sigiriya's history and to explore it. It is probably the most amazing thing I have seen in my life and an experience I will never forget. The Hatton National Bank (HNB) mobile bank task was when I felt at my most creative. Interior and experiential design is my background and this task gave me a chance to do what I do best! It just felt like everything clicked into place, although we were really pushed for time due to having such an ambitious design.

And to win again as team leader felt great," he fondly recalled.

Meanwhile we approached the victory team to pick up their enthusiasm.

"I am extremely pleased to have made it to the final three. I think me and Lara tried hard to think of everything and considered the minute details too," Alex spelled out Reflex's success mantra.

Daily News 'Punch' questioned Udana if he ever thought that he would be among the final three sans Luke.

"I did want to be in the final three - with Luke. That is why we never wanted to lose this task. Unfortunately we lost! My honest opinion about this question is that if I deserve to be in the final three, Luke should definitely have to have a spot as well. He is the greatest friend I met in 'Ideators'. I learnt a lot from him in and out of the competition. Good luck and goodbye big brother!" said an extremely emotional Udana before curtains fell on yet another 'Ideators' episode. Three talented young entrepreneurs will now have to trust themselves to take the correct decisions in the future challanges.

Who will be the last one standing? Watch British Council's 'Ideators' next Saturday on Independence Television Network (ITN) at 9 pm.