LEISURE

French award for Vidyani Hettigoda

Vidyani Hettigoda with her parents

Vidyani Hettigoda was conferred with the French award, Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite, Knight in the Order of Merit by the President of the Republic of France Francois Hollande recently.

The presentation was made by Christine Rubichon, the Ambassador for France in Sri Lanka.

This French Order, which was created by General de Gaulle, seeks to reward services rendered to France, including services rendered by foreigners to French interests or French values.

Vidyani, the reasons why you deserve this award have nothing to do with French interests. As the Director of the Hettigoda group, you successfully introduced some products of your family company to some European markets but French people are yet to benefit from them and I encourage you to look for French partners to provide my fellow citizens with the opportunity to enjoy Ayurvedic spas.

The reasons why France honours you with the insignia of Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite is your action to promote a cause which is dear to French people, to the government of France and to the President François Hollande, the cause of women.

Last week, the French Government held a specific meeting to endorse and make public an action plan to reach equality between men and women. Despite the fact that we have, in France, as many men and women holding ministerial portfolios, despite our laws to favour an equal representation of men and women in Parliament, we still have a lot to do to reach this goal.

Vidyani, your grandmother had the right to vote 15 years before my grandmother could cast her vote in a French election. Your country was the first in the world to have a woman as Prime Minister and later it was again the first to elect a woman as President. But despite these major landmarks, Sri Lanka has also a lot to do to reach the goal of equality between men and women and, to achieve it, your country needs women like you.

Christine Rubichon, the Ambassador for France in Sri Lanka, making the presentation

For years, you dedicated a lot of your time, energy and generosity to help women victims of domestic violence and to promote and empower women in businesses and industries, in Sri Lanka and in South Asia.

You have been a very active Chairperson of the Women’s Chamber of Industries and Commerce, an organization to which you continue to provide strong support. I am happy to see many members of this Chamber in the audience. You also play a regional role through your position of Vice Chairperson of the SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneurs Council.

The Sri Lankan Women’s Chamber of Industries and Commerce is an organization of business and professional women, aiming at helping urban and rural women, belonging to the different communities of the country, to develop their entrepreneurial skills and thus their living standards.

During your tenure as the Chairperson of this organization, you recognized the grit of the women of the war torn North and East and the immense challenges they have to face to rebuild their lives. You initiated several projects to provide opportunities for these women to start businesses.”

This award, Vidyani, is a token of appreciation for what you have done and an encouragement to continue your endeavours to empower women in your country and to contribute to the world wide struggle for equality between men and women.

Exploring from the skies ‘Miracle of Asia’

A ride in a basket of a Hot Air Balloon with a spectacular view of the outback of Sri Lanka, the ‘Miracle of Asia'. It can be an experience out of this world that is guaranteed to take your breath away.

The Government of Sri Lanka is taking every initiative to open up the lesser known parts of Sri Lanka and to encourage visitors to the Country to experience its beauty and culture.

Several interior areas are being developed around the Country such as the Mattala International Airport, Hambantota Harbour and the airport at Weerawila. These are being developed so that visitors to the Country are not restricted to the beaches and cultural sites alone but are encouraged to travel to the remotest, serene and inaccessible areas of our Country as well.

In keeping with the Governments initiative Wild Holidays (Pvt.) Ltd. established as a Company in 1999. The Company is engaged in Eco, Adventure and Spiritual Tourism and is committed to the preservation and protection of Fauna and Flora of Sri Lanka.

Wild Holidays have identified Sri Lanka's unique selling proposition as a country that stands way above the other Asian Countries. Sri Lanka has the distinction of being blessed with unique bio-diversity, wild life, nature parks and rural villages still untouched by technology. Our country is capable of giving the discerning tourists an experience that is totally unique and refreshing to the mind and body.

Wild Holidays has also been involved in making the lesser known under-developed areas of Buttala/Moneragala the Uva Province accessible to tourists.

Bird’s eye view

Air Magic which is an Associated Company of Wild Holidays has been operating Hot Air Ballooning over a period of time in Dambulla and Galle. Their newest venture is the expansion of operations into the Buttala/Moneragala areas.

Final preparations before take off

Balloons taking off

The scenic beauty in the Buttala/Moneragala area is so amazing and memorable in your life span. One can observe amidst the clouds many waterfalls, tanks, nature reserves, historical sites and some of the most remote underdeveloped villages which are pristine in nature.

Taking a ride from a Hot Air Balloon and witnessing the topographical Uva Province from a Bird's eye view from above, you will certainly experience the peace and tranquility. ‘Life is a pilgrimage from here and one need to let the laws of nature takes you on this journey’.

They will carry you beyond your perceived mental and physical limits, by offering you challenging experiences. The asset at Wild Holidays is their team of untiring and dedicated personnel, who spare no pains to ensure maximum satisfaction to the visitors who patronize the Ella Holiday Resort.

Treat your mind and Body

You could also indulge in observing so many species of birds, un-ventured jungles and bio diversity of flora and fauna from a luxury tent with all amenities available by the side of a waterfall maintained by Wild Holidays which is becoming very popular. They also arrange White Water Rafting, Para Gliding, Mountain Tracking and Hiking.

Closely associated with nature and adventure is of course the famed Eastern therapies and remedies of Ayurveda, Yoga and Meditation.

Wild Holidays has obtained the services of specialized Indian Guru’s and these facilities are offered to guests who aspire to reach beyond mind.

Wild Holidays is a proud member of the World Wildlife Fund, International Eco Tourism Society and Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka.

They also have the distinction of being classified as a “'Bird Friendly Company” and won the Presidential Award for Developing Tourism in Uva Province.

Sri Lanka Tourist Board also awarded the Best Adventure Resort to Ella Adventure Park.

Blue Waters to add 40 suits

Vishmi Wijeratne

The Blue Waters, a Five Star Hotel, designed by world-renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa and owned by Union Resorts Limitted, has invested Rs. 500 million for the hotel’s new wing which would consist of 40 suits. Rohen Wijesekara, Director of Blue Waters, said that the suits would start operations by mid-April.

“The suits would ensure that our customers would get a luxurious experience, as each suit had built up to high standards, incorporating the much needed comforts,” Wijesekara said.

The amenities in each room would consist of Central Air Conditioning with individual temperature control, Ocean Facing private balcony, Tea and Coffee making facilities, Fan, LCD TV with satellite channels, Telephone and IDD facilities, Mini Bar and Jaqquzy and a separate shower cubicle.

“Each room would have WIFI, a DVD player, a large sofa, an ironing board will be included in addition to the basic necessities,” he said. There would also be an executive lounge, a state-of -the art gym, a new restaurant and an all-day dining lounge.