By Dilrukshi Handunnetti

Here is a lady who pledges to listen to all of Beethoven's nine symphonies in her retirement and dedicate hours to practicing the piano. Priyanee Wijesekera, the outgoing Secretary General of Parliament sounds truly ambitious about making her retirement a music-filled one, not rules of procedure and tension.

Besides wanting to immerse herself in music, she also intends to read all the books she never had the time for. "Books and music are my best companions," she smiles. As she ends her tension filled yet exciting job as the chief executive officer of the legislature, she intends making her retirement a different one.

All these years, her life was dedicated to the law; to interpret, to help apply it in the tumultuous parliament where rules and conventions combine, posing a constant challenge and giving regular headaches.

Naturally, listening to musical compositions or reading classics were long denied luxuries to Priyanee Wijesekera. She has dedicated 18 years of her life to helping run the country's legislature as smoothly as possible. Anyone would agree, that  it is indeed a hair-raising experience.

Beethoven

Wijesekera hung her boots officially on March 28 and is now determined to 'follow her bliss.' "To listen to Beethoven and Elvis Presley. Read all the books I gathered without the time to read them." Then, she smiles blissfully.

As for finding herself holding the top executive job in parliament, she attributes her success to 'mere chance.' A self confessed unambitious woman, she had artistic ambitions, not legal. This may be disputed given the distinguished positions she has held so far, but Priyanee Wijesekera still prefers to play the piano than run the legislature.

"I never thought I would become a lawyer. After my A/L examination, it was by sheer chance that I entered the University of Colombo. I pursued a legal degree and then found myself at the Ministry of Justice in 1972.  I served as an assistant secretary and moved to the Bribery Commissioner's Department as a legal officer."

Then came her only break. "For two years thereafter, I was in Nigeria. My husband was a doctor and he got posted there. Looking back, those two years were the happiest years of my life. My children were small and I was at home. I enjoyed my Nigerian days immensely," she adds with nostalgia.

Besides playing housewife and mother, she also enjoyed getting to know the Nigerian people. "They were incredibly nice. I was touched by their gentle and considerate ways."

Prestigious post

Soon she returned home to recommence work with the Law Reform Commission as secretary. Then came her biggest career break. In 1992, the vacancy of assistant secretary general of parliament was advertised in the newspapers. Wijesekera applied and was selected. There was no looking back since then, but her promotion to the highest executive officer level, the only time a woman held the prestigious post, was achieved amidst hiccups.

Was it because she was a woman? Is it difficult for a woman to reach the top? She smiles and shakes her head.

"What difference would gender make? I think any average woman can become successful. But what matters is not the position but how you handle the job."

Despite all the challenges that it entailed, Priyanee Wijesekera admits to having had a rewarding career. "My job proved extremely challenging as well as exciting for a constitutional lawyer. Only, that job needs to be handled with a lot of innovative skill. It is not just for a mechanical follower of rules but for someone who loves to interpret and apply the rules in different ways, while remaining well within parliamentary practice."

For Wijesekera, parliament practice is sacred. "The procedures and rules are not inviolable. It is the function of the legislature that is sacred. Parliament is all about democracy."

"After all, it is parliament and other representative bodies that ensure democracy's continuance.  And the content of democracy lies in the rules of procedure - the Standing Orders of Parliament," she notes.

"And innovative application is key," she adds. "The rules and conventions go hand in hand. When deviating, it should be for good reason. What I suggest is a lot of common sense," she smiles.

Standing orders

A strong advocator of the need for parliament to evolve, she believes that Standing Orders must evolve accordingly. After all, created in the wake of the 1948 Constitution, the rules were amended but never truly formulated with the present constitution in mind. "You know what they say about things that do not evolve," she quips.

Besides, the legislature faces logistical issues such as its inability to accommodate the massive present cabinet. When Jeffrey Bawa designed this magnificent building, it sought to cater to 24 ministers - no more. There were eight consultative committee rooms that prove woefully inadequate today.

"It is required to appoint an equal number of consultative committees which means we need many more rooms. The Indian and the United Kingdom parliaments have expanded and built annexed buildings. This needs to be urgently addressed," she notes.

Priyanee Wijesekera claims to have seen better times as a parliamentary official.

There is a gradual, general decline, in the debating quality, discipline and understanding of the rules.

No ugly scenes

Parliamentarians of yore, she recalls took orders from the Chair with humility and in the proper spirit. There was hardly any aggression and certainly no ugly scenes. For the lack of indiscipline, there were great exhibitions of the thrust and parry kind with many brilliant orators holding the house spellbound.

"I am saddened by what I had to witness during the latter part of my career. On top of the meaningless shouting, abuse and fisticuffs, there were wreaths and coffins smuggled into the Well. I don't consider disrespectful behaviour funny," adds she.

Wijesekera admits that parliaments essentially have a heated atmosphere, given the political intensity of debate. "What I object to is the infantile behaviour, the ribald and gutter level exchanges. I appreciate refined invective. Just think of the many legislators of the UK parliament and our own who were known for their gift of the gab. Decades after their death, their wit is still remembered. In my opinion, the British Hansards carry a wealth of literature even far surpassing William Shakespeare," Wijesekera notes.

Recalling with regret that today's legislature appears to be a 'free for all,' the newly retired chief executive officer adds that members cross over with scant regard for the existing anti defection laws that form a part of the constitution and conveniently blame the constitution for every ill that prevails.

A plaything

"Basically, there is no respect for the constitution. It has become a plaything for some and strangely enough, these are people who have contested under the provisions of the same constitution having pledged to uphold the same."

"Besides, parliament is largely a misunderstood concept today," she muses. The entire parliamentary process has been devalued. Most members appear to feel that it is a waste of time to express divergent opinions because eventually the government will have its way due to enjoying a majority. "That's not what parliament is all about. It is about being the threshing field for a multitude of ideas," she notes.

Eighteen years later, has she got any regrets? "I have had many ups and downs, more downs than ups."

"I have had my disagreements with a large number of members but they don't bear any malice. I think, deep down, they are gentlemen."

But she adds that her tenure was tainted by malicious character assassination attempts by a vicious few. "Some members of the staff have been extremely vicious. They seem to consider that indiscipline is a fundamental right. It is a malady that prevails in the public service. Instead of leading by example, they have degraded the service.

"Who wants to give an extra hour of work without being rewarded today? It's all about perks and privileges. In their scheme of things, there is no room for the development of this nation."

Biggest challenge

 What was the biggest professional challenge she faced? Pat comes the reply. "Undoubtedly the election of the Speaker in 2004. That was historic. There was a tie, and we just couldn't believe it. I even wrote about it to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Journal which was published. I was in the chamber together with my deputies for 11 long hours just to finish this vote. We heaved a sigh when there was a result eventually."

As she ends her long and distinguished career, Priyanee Wijesekera vows not to make ambitious retirement plans. "I don't want to go from one intense thing to another.

"But certainly, I look forward to doing the many things I could not do. Like reading books, watching my collection of DVDs, not to mention listening to Beethoven's nine symphonies. Actually retirement makes me smile," she offers, flashing a full smile.

For someone who once contemplated a career in an artistic field, what lies ahead? "I consider music to be the finest form of art. I missed a creative career. There are some brilliant modern composers and I love their work. And I love Elvis Presley," she gushes.

Controversial

Then she adds, "You know, my career as a parliamentary official has proved controversial all along. Just last week, I attended the Bangladeshi National Day celebrations. Many guests were saying that there was a controversy when I was appointed and now another, as I retire.

"It must be my destiny - a controversy for all my quiet ways," laughs Wijesekera, the only woman to have held the prestigious post of parliamentary secretary general so far and a winner of the prestigious Zonta Woman of Achievement Award for her brilliant career in law.

What this soft-spoken, serene woman finds inspiration from is nothing but simplicity. "I appreciate simplicity and integrity above all.  Likewise, what irks me most is the sight of bombastic poops who are puffed up with self-importance." And she adds on a laugh, "I have seen far too many."

A convinced Buddhist, retirement also would give time for her to get acquainted with Buddhist philosophy. "I am not ritualistic. But I love to visit temples on non-poya days for the tranquil peace I find there. It is an amazing feeling."

Without remuneration      

Now that parliament is a thing of the past, would she consider returning to serve the institution in a different way? She ponders the question and adds, yes, she would like to serve, and even without remuneration. Then adds, "I have already told the Speaker that if he ever needs my assistance, I would be at the other end of the telephone line."

"It was truly a pleasure working for him, I enjoyed working for the late Anura Bandaranaike, and Joseph Michael Perera. They are very gracious gentlemen," she compliments.

She predicts that her successor will have to grapple with more problems than she did. After all, the job is a trying one and is likely to become more challenging. "It should be so. That's the way with any legislature. And I really wish him well."

Is the first ever woman secretary general likely to miss anyone or anything in retirement? Her eyes take on a nostalgic expression. "Yes. The library. And also the MPs. In the long run, they have been very good to me. And of course the speaker. I will miss them all." .

Airforce officer's daughter passes with flying colours

By Ranee Mohamed

It was a day when Group Captain Ravi Jayasinghe of the Sri Lanka Air Force was on cloud nine.

When his daughter, Amali Upeksha Jayasinghe (16) had walked into Visakha Vidyalaya she had been surrounded by well wishers and happy class mates.

"I wish to thank my school for making me what I am today," said a jubilant Amali Jayasinghe. Speaking to The Sunday Leader, student Amali Jayasinghe said that she wishes to thank her principal, Rukmani Gunaratne and the three deputy principals. "At this time of great happiness I must mention my class teacher, Maya de Silva and the class teacher of Grade 10, Shanthi Weerasinghe," said Jayasinghe.

Star student

As this star student was mobbed by television crews and newspaper reporters, she insisted that there was nothing extraordinary that she did to obtain 'A' grading in all her nine subjects.

"I did not go for special classes, I did not study till the wee hours of the morning. In fact, I went to sleep around 11.30 p.m. almost every night," said young Jayasinghe who went on to say that  she awoke at 5.30 a.m. everyday because she had to come all the way from her home in IDH area off Buthgamuwa Road and did not want to miss her school van.

"When I walked into school that day, I expected good results, but I did not expect to get the best results in the country," said  Jayasinghe unable to stop smiling. She said that she is overjoyed with her results, so much so that she can neither eat nor sleep.

When asked about her future plans, Jayasinghe said that she hopes to become a doctor someday.

Advice to students

When asked about what advice she would give fellow students all over the country, Amali Jayasinghe said: "My advice is to take your school work seriously and not hoard it up till the last minute. Do your day's studies the  same day. If you study each day's work then the work will not be difficult. Also, I advice fellow students to attend school everyday because teachers work hard and it is our duty to concentrate and benefit from the hard work that they do for us," said young Jayasinghe.

Amali is the older child of Sandya and Ravi Jayasinghe. She has a sister  also  studying at  Grade 3 in Visakha Vidyalaya and a younger brother who is a student at Ananda College.

"I owe much of my happiness to my parents who have always stood by me. My mother is a housewife and she has always been with us, helping us through difficult times," said Jayasinghe.

"We are so proud of our daughter, but I must say that all this is her own effort and the commitment of the school and its teachers," said Group Captain Ravi Jayasinghe, when contacted by The Sunday Leader.

Tower of strength

Group Captain Ravi Jayasinghe who has frequently been away from his family due to the call of duty, said that it was his wife who was  a tower of  strength for the children when he was away.

As Visakha Vidyalaya became the venue of interviews and film clippings, two of their students who obtained both  the best results  and the second highest grading, countrywide, became stars in uniform.

While Amali Jayasinghe obtained the best results for the GCE Ordinary Level  countrywide, Janisha Liyanagunawardene also from Visakha Vidyalaya obtained the second highest grading, countrywide.

Avinash Suriyarachchi from Nalanda College and Kavindri Perera from Ave Maria Convent, Negombo obtained the third highest gradings. Coming in fifth place with a high grading is Janaka Udayantha Bandara from Maliyadeva Boys School in Kurunegala.

Spare a thought for the environment

Save electricity, reduce emissions

Electricity is vital in today's context but with the ever increasing demand, supply is not always enough to meet the need.

Power shortages are not just a local problem but a global issue as well.

The more industries, homes and development means more power is needed to run them.

Although in Sri Lanka we seem to  take this subject lightly as we have electricity throughout the day, around the world there are awareness campaigns on how to reduce electricity consumption.

Take for example last week's Earth Hour, held on Saturday which certainly made a lot of people take notice of this issue seriously and actually do something about it for even one hour.

Earth Hour was created to take a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced.  Earth Hour meant one had to simply switch off the lights for one hour so as to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming.

Earth Hour

Earth Hour started on March 31, 2007, for one hour. Sydney, Australia, made a powerful statement about the greatest contributor to global warming - coal-fired electricity by turning off its lights.

Over 2.2 million Sydney residents and over 2,100 businesses switched off, leading to a 10.2% energy reduction across the city.

What began as one city taking a stand against global warming caught the attention of the rest of the world.

On March 29, 24 cities across the planet participated in Earth Hour at 8 p.m. 

Earth Hour is the highlight of a major campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the simple steps needed to cut  emissions on an ongoing basis.

Switch off

It is about simple changes that will collectively make a difference from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty, to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby.

Simple actions like turning off appliances while not in use and switching light globes to energy efficient bulbs will certainly help reach the goal of reducing annual emissions by 5%, the Earth Hour site highlighted.

Even something as simple as turning out lights when you are not in a room makes a big difference. Some quick and easy tips to save electricity include switching compact fluorescent light bulbs to save money and reduce emissions.

Lighting accounts for around 5% of household greenhouse gas emissions, and compact fluros use 75% less energy than an equivalent incandescent bulb.

Turn appliances off while not in use. Unplug any appliances like mobile phone chargers, TVs, microwaves, MP3 players, which are not being used and are on standby.

Turn off anything that doesn't need to be on. A good rule is to turn off anything not being used. When you leave a room or leave the house, turn off your lights or appliances like the TV or computer as well as the very simple things you can do in the office, like printing double-sided and using recycled paper. There are many other ways to help your workplace reduce its carbon footprint

In office try turning off any equipment at work that is not being used, including computer screens, photocopiers and printers, particularly at night.

Unplug

Turn off lights at the end of the working day. Before you leave your place of work remember to turn off any lights in your workspace and your computer if you use one at work. Unplug your mobile phone or laptop charger when it is not in use.

Your school can make a difference everyday too by turning off lights and fans when no one is in the classroom, especially during the break  and when school is over.

And do save water by always turning off the tap when you finish washing. Inform a teacher or the school office if there is a leaking tap in the toilet, classroom or playground. Attend to any leakages in your home too, promptly, so as to save the elixir of life.

Breeding ornamental fish

By Risidra Mendis

Who would have thought that a child with a fascination for ornamental fish would be responsible for creating a turning point in the history of Sri Lanka?

Rearing ornamental fish and studying their behaviour patterns was a fascination that Dayarathna Atukorala had since his childhood days. Presently a professional fish breeder, Dayarathna through sheer determination and courage has achieved the almost impossible - the breeding of a variety of ornamental fish for the first time in Sri Lanka.

Having followed a course in ornamental fish breeding at the Jathika Tharuna Seva Sabhava in Battangala in 1988, Dayarathna was successful in breeding the Red Fighter in 1994, the Black Carp in 1996, the Maroon Gold fish in 1998 and the Golden Giant Gourami in 2004 for the first time in Sri Lanka. His professional fish breeding specialties were once again displayed recently when he was successful in breeding the Red Fin Giant Gourami for the first time in the country.

Dayarathna, speaking to The Sunday Leader took us back in time many years ago to the days when he had his first fish tank at home. "I was in Grade 3 when I got a fish tank. I didn't have money to buy fish at the time and there weren't many aquariums from where I could buy ornamental fish. I got my first two gold fish from my friends.

Behaviour patterns

Whenever I had the time I studied the behaviour patterns of these ornamental fish. I was eventually successful in breeding the Hi Fin Dwarf Gourami which I exhibited at the Min Visithuru ornamental fish exhibition," Dayarathna said.

Breeding ornamental fish became an interesting challenge for Dayarathna who despite the many obstacles he had to face continued to experiment and breed these colourful and unusual varieties of fish. "The most difficult fish to breed was the Golden Giant Gourami. It took me 15 years to study the behaviour patterns of this variety and provide the correct environment for it to breed. Through experiments I found that the Golden Giant Gourami needs water plants and a certain level of water for it to breed," Dayarathna explained.

Commenting on his latest achievement of breeding the Red Fin Giant Gourami Dayarathna stressed that this particular variety was different to other giant Gouramis. "The Red Fin Giant Gourami uses pieces of straw, coconut leaves, water hyacinth and hydrilla water plants to build its nest. The nest is about the size of a volleyball and is built a little below the water level in the pond.

Rare species

The Red Fin Giant Gourami is considered to be a rare species as it lays only around 500 eggs in comparison to the Golden Giant Gourami that lays around 8000 eggs. Out of the 8000 eggs laid by the Golden Giant Gourami around 4000 to 5000 are hatched. But in the case of the Red Fin Giant Gourami only around 75 to 150 eggs are hatched," Dayarathna stressed.

The first time Dayarathna was successful in breeding the Red Fin Giant Gourami 20 eggs were hatched. His second attempt resulted in the hatching of 75 eggs while his third attempt was the most successful with 150 eggs being hatched. 

He added that when other varieties of Giant Gouramis lay eggs it is the males who take on the responsibility to hatch the eggs. "In the case of the Red Fin Giant Gourami it is the female who takes on the task of hatching the eggs. The eggs of the Red Fin Giant Gouramis take 11 days to hatch. If there is enough room in the pond the male doesn't need to be taken out," says Dayarathna.

According to Dayarathna after the first batch of eggs are laid the female lays one batch of eggs every 15 days. After five batches of eggs are laid the female doesn't lay eggs for the next six months. The male gourami develops the red colour on its fins and tail three months later," Dayarathna explained.

Awarded certificate

Dayarathna was awarded a certificate by the Lanka Professional Ornamental Fish Producer's Association and a cash prize of Rs. 5000 from Lumbini Aquaria for breeding the Golden Giant Gourami.

But despite time and commitment in breeding the Red Fin Giant Gourami for the first time in Sri Lanka he is yet to be recognised for his achievements. No certificate was given to him for his expertise in breeding this Red Fin variety.

His Red Fin Giant Gourami though displayed at the Min Visithuru exhibition was not even awarded a certificate despite the exhibition being organised by a leading organisation dealing in ornamental fish breeding which was held at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre recently.

Dayarathna's future plans include the breeding of Arowanas, Cat fish and a new variety of Giant Gouramis. "There are three varieties of Giant Gouramis in the world. I hope to produce a new variety of Giant Gouramis in the future," Dayarathna added.

It is left to be seen whether even at this late stage Dayarathna will be given due recognition for his untiring efforts in breeding the Red Fin Giant Gourami which is considered the national fish of Malaysia, for the first time in Sri Lanka.

Sweet Srimanie

By Ranee Mohamed

She has been surrounded by sweetness for 50 years. And there is nothing that she does not excel in when it comes to food. She holds out a golden brown kavun that borders on being dark and crispy. "Making kavun is not such a difficult task, if only one would give it a try," she urges.

"The batter is made of rice flour and  kitul or pol treacle (kitul or coconut treacle). You drop a spoonful of this batter into hot coconut oil and insert an ekel to this small portion of lightly frying batter and turn the ekel  around, manipulating it into the 'konde,' said Srimanie, in the hope that the busy woman of today will take sometime off in this avurudu season to try making  konde kavun (oil cakes) at home.

Srimanie Dassenaike (80), has always lived with the aroma of good cooking. "Whatever I have done, I have done it well," she says happily. From 35 years  at Lakpahana where her sweets and lamprais were hot favourites, she has gradually chosen to simmer away. Today she has her own, quaint, little shop at Sri Saranankara Road, Pamankade, adjoining a saree and shalwar boutique, where she has literally, gone to town, with her capabilities.

"I am too old now to do it all by myself," she says. But her lively spirit disputes her. She is the very active lady at this sweet shop, insisting on perfection at every sweet stage.

Surrounded by sweets

She lives a life surrounded by kavuns, roda kokis, kalu dodol, thala guli, aluwa, mung ata kavun, bibikkan, milk toffee and asmi.

Unimaginable amounts of other sweetmeats too pile up here. In this modern era, when cakes, doughnuts, pizza and ‚clairs seem to be given preference by the younger generation, Srimanie insists that our traditional sweetmeats are around to give the modern treats some sweeter competition.

The lesser known alpals, fuggathi, iyzer koekies, compete with the rulang toffee, macaroons, kisses, cheesecake, potato toffee, marzipan dates and coconut rock at her shop too.

This sweet little shop called Variety has another corner stacked with other hot Sri Lankan favourites such as seeni sambol, date and lime chutney, mango chutney, pickled olives and achcharus.

"My father's sisters' were very good cooks and I learnt it all from them. I began at a very young age.  In the 1930s, as a young girl I lived in Mount Lavinia. I still remember the breezy area. There were many trees and not so many buildings," she recalled with nostalgia.

It was about 50 years ago that I began to make sweets, short eats and lunches. I was supplying lunches to offices too. My father who was an officer in the Department of Education expired in 1973," said Srimanie Dassenaike sadly.

There is no other work that she has done, no other skill that she has acquired than the skills of cookery and needlecraft. Be it sewing or crocheting, Dassenaike reigns as the role model for all woman.

" A woman ought to know how to cook," smiles Dassenaike whose kavuns, kokis and mung atirahas will always be in demand as long as there are hotel weddings and functions that give tradition first place," said the queen of sweets.

Bygone era

Dassenaike recalled the high quality of food in the days gone by. "Eat a biryani in the days gone by and the rich aroma lingered on in your fingers for hours. The fried rice too was very tasty and made to perfection. Today, the making of almost every kind of food involves some 'shortcut' that makes it less tasty" she observed.

Dassenaike warned that traditionally favourite dishes  seem to be gradually relegated to that era. With a grandmother from Kandy, Srimanie Dassenaike however relishes Kandyan dishes and speaks of the goodness of  the traditional dishes as thakkali ambula, miris ambula and polos ambula. "The taste of these very traditional dishes will always linger as long as we let them," she said with a smile.

Srimanie Dassenaike was the name on the lips of  the ladies of  Colombo 7  at lunchtime when it came to her lamprais. "There were times when I had to supply 450 lamprais on various occasions," she said. "And making lamprais itself is not an easy process. In addition to this I had to gather, wash, cut and warm the banana leaves required for the lamprais," said Dassenaike who said that she had about eight to 10 girls helping her to get these orders through.

Today, she continues to make these delicious lamprais - both in the authentic version and with chicken. "For several years I have trained a young man - P.G. Somapala and his wife, Bandara Menike. Today, they too are experts in these very special arts. They have three sons and these children are like my own children," says Srimanie Dassenaike.

Somapala's family too helps to keep this  'food chain' going  - with their eldest son Shaminda (29), helping in the making of the lamprais and Roshan (26) the second son helping out in the shop and driving around for the various demands. Although he is a computer wizard with several computer courses to his credit, he seems to bask in the aroma of the sweets and the  sweet success that has come with it.

For the youngest son, Rajinda (13), having family members who dabble in both the making and handling of sweets everyday is, understandably, a dream come true.

Long for it

"It is only when Sri Lankans go overseas that they begin to  appreciate our traditional sweets in great measure. When they come to Sri Lankan it sometimes become impossible to meet their demands for halapa, weli thalapa and pickled olives," said Dassenaike.

"Today it is sad to see that many ladies are on 'diets.' But avurudu time is not a time for dieting," said the queen of cooking. "Eating kavuns, kokis and other avurudu sweet will not harm anyone. After all it is not  being eaten  on a daily basis as a staple," assured Srimani Dassenaike. 

When asked about her weakness she said: "It is the asmi that I cannot resist. The juggery that is poured atop  the asmi is the reason why," smiled Srimani Dassenaike  and went on to whisper that she is diabetic. "But  I take medication," she said with some seriousness. 

It may be the living amidst all  this sweetness for 50 years that has rubbed off on Srimanie Dassenaike. She reaches out to help the poor and gets active to wrap up  lunches for  beggars. "I am not a rich person," she says for making these sweets is her bread and butter.

Visiting her, seeing the sweets and relishing the perfection in each item gives one a consolation that our traditional sweets are being  systematically stirred into our memories by this grand old lady. 

Srimanie Dassenaike, with her kindness, generosity and loving, simple ways seems like a mother to us all. She embraces us with the greater assurance, kindness, perfection and the warmth of homemade food - that only comes from a home. 

Centre of excellence in cardiology

By Fathima Razik

Matters of the heart, matter the most - were the words articulated to introduce the Centre of Excellence for cardiology at The Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC (TLHC) last week.

Sri Lankans will recall that the renowned Apollo Hospital changed ownership in September 2006, and under its new owners and management, The Lanka Hospital was born. Continuing in the tradition of providing state of the art, all round medical care, TLHC focused on launching a heart centre that is billed to provide up-to-date preventive, curative and rehabilitative advice and treatment for a wide range of cardiac diseases with the intention of giving what is now known in marketing parlance as a total solution in cardiology treatment in Sri Lanka.

However, this is no marketing gimmick, parlance notwithstanding. The hospital is committed to giving the best in care to patients who would seek treatment, it was stated at a briefing. 

Chairman, TLHC, Ajit Jayaratne said that the new ownership has a close relationship with the Apollo Group in India and that the auditorium in the hospital has been named after its founder - Dr. Prathap C. Reddy. "The first thing we wanted to do was to upgrade the heart centre," said Jayaratne.

CEO, Lakith Pieris added: "Heart surgery and Apollo are synonymous and hundreds of lives have been saved over the years. We are also introducing medical tourism by mobilising patients from the National Health Service in the UK to seek treatment in Colombo. An objective of the Centre of Excellence is to extend excellence in all other areas of healthcare - oncology, renal care, sports medicine, et al."

Team of experts

Such up-to-date procedures in treatment will not be possible unless there are qualified and experienced medical professionals whose expertise and knowledge are available, and in this respect, TLHC has a team of doctors whose reputation is known, worldwide. This team of doctors includes Dr. Sujeeth Suwarna - an eminent cardiac surgeon from India who has extensive experience and exposure in the UK, Dr. Mahesh Krishna Kumar - the resident interventional cardiologist of Apollo Hospitals, Dr. Richard Firmin - paediatric cardiothoracic surgeon and Dr. Ranjit Leanage - paediatric cardiologist from Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK, and local cardiologists - Dr. Rajeeva Pieris and Dr. K. Rajakanthan.

These doctors shared their experiences and the types of surgery and interventions that they have performed over a period of time, and the expertise they have gained which was lucidly presented. 

Sought after 

Apollo Hospital has been much sought after for paediatric surgery in the region, and whilst continuing to uphold the reputation it has gained over a very long period of time, the Centre of Excellence, under its preventive care, will carry out educational programmes on healthy living, dietary education and awareness programmes to all levels of the community. In addition, special heart packages for cardiac disease screening of early detection of congenital heart disease, especially for school children is yet another feature of the heart centre. Yoga, aerobics and gym facilities within the premises are also available.

Interestingly, TLHC has also launched its corporate social responsibility programme in collaboration with Lanka Bell - a member of its group of companies and well known telecommunications provider by conducting paediatric heart surgery free of charge to children whose parents cannot afford the cost of surgery in private hospitals.

More so since there is a long waiting list of children having to undergo cardiac surgery in the government health sector, which while providing an excellent, free medical service, cannot cope with the numbers that seek treatment through its hospitals. Thus this CSR initiative will be a boon to at least a certain number of sick children from the poorer segment of society in Sri Lanka. As of now, three such surgeries have been performed.

Rehabilitative programmes    

Under curative healthcare, TLHC has designed rehabilitative programmes for post surgery patients, exercise and lifestyle programmes, and counselling. CEO, TLHC, Lakith Peiris said that the hospital has now brought international medical standards and facilities within the reach of every Sri Lankan, irrespective of their social status or income level. "We have in-patient facilities - an air conditioned room for a mere Rs.1500 per day inclusive of meals, telephone and TV with a choice of rooms that would fit royalty," he said adding that this is a facility which in his view no other hospital provides.

"Sri Lankans need not go overseas, even in the Asian region to seek medical treatment. We have 350 beds to cater to people at all economic levels," he said in conclusion.

The combination of Apollo Hospitals and its new ownership in Sri Lanka - The Lanka Hospitals Corporation - one hopes will be the answer to many a prayer in the field of health care that Sri Lankans seek so earnestly in their endeavour to a healthy life sans anxiety and stress that are such common features today. 

The world is a better place with the computer

Wow! I just noticed that whilst I was staring at my screen, the cute paper clippy thing was taking a snooze. When I started typing, the thingy opened its eyes and jumped up! What a marvelous invention the computer is. At the click of a mouse, your mood can change considerably.

Well, all right, anyway my mood improves when I'm talking to the Darling Daughters. So, yesterday, I had every intention of finishing my writing, but Dancing Doll sent me a text asking me to come online and talk to her.

This conversation lasted well over an hour. Caveman returned from his game of golf and the lunch wasn't on the table! When I told her I had to go, she airily said, "Tell him to wait, I want to talk to you!" He readily agreed since he wanted to have a beer anyway. She was telling me about her Singaporean classmates, who have just now gradually started thawing towards her after a period of about five months. Ultra-cautious, these Singaporeans!

Anyway, they told her, "From the first day we saw you, we knew you were a clubbing sort of person." "How did you figure that out?" she inquired, mystified. "You have a clubbing face!" they answered. When she asked how they justified this observation, they said she had a wild look about her, her hair highlighted and flowing all over. I agree with them one hundred percent.

Worried manner

She also has this habit of shrieking, tearing at her hair maniacally and spluttering like hot fat on fire when things don't go her way. So in the midst of the Maths lecture, when she gasps, "Kill me! Aaaargh! Help!" and flings her hands up in disgust, pulls at her hair and throws herself dramatically across her desk, they stare at her in a worried manner.

After a couple of these eruptions, they had all approached her and said, "You know, you might be having suicidal tendencies in your inner psyche which are coming out. You should talk to someone! We are all there for you." At which point she started laughing hysterically. "You crazy Singaporeans! Chill! Learn to express yourselves!"

Then they asked her if she had done Drama as well. She said, yes of course, her family was well known for its prowess in that field, and that she too had won several awards. "Aaaah!" they all said thoroughly satisfied, "No wonder! Soooo theatrical!"

When I tried to resume my writing that evening, on comes the Beautiful Dreamer, who was too grumpy to talk that morning. She had to go meet someone and D.D. thought no way would the Dreamer be ready in time, so in addition to her alarm, she had hidden her own alarm, set for much earlier on. B.D. said she thought she was going out of her mind when she knocked the alarm off and it rang again. Then she thought she had dreamt about the earlier one!

Something exotic

Anyway, they had gone for the Body Shop sale. I asked for some fruity fragrances, and what do they buy me, Papaya and Mango Body Spray, and Peach Body Butter. For Heaven's sake, I wanted something exotic! "I thought mango and papaya were as exotic as they get," she innocently answered.

For Caveman, they had got White Musk Body Lotion that apparently, has a sensual aroma and women like it! So he gets to walk around sensually attracting women and I have to smell like a darn fruit salad! They fell over laughing when I voiced my opinion.

They had just gone to an Indian place for dinner. They mimicked how the steward took their order, " Two buuuttrrrr chikaaans and two garrrrrlic naaans!" Then apparently they spotted that they had Kulfi for dessert. They both looked at each other and chorused "Kulfi!" Then they planned to torment me about it since they know I love it. They asked if they could take it away as they live close to the restaurant. The steward looked doubtfully at them, "Taaaaike awaaaiy? I can't gaaaaranteee, ok?"

When they insisted, he went dashing around madly as if on an important espionage assignment, came panting up to them and said, "No gaaaranteee, ok?" So the little devils tantalise me by saying, "We have three flavours, pistachio, strawberry or orange. Which one do you think you'll like? Mmmm! Delicious!"

Anyway, it's a marvel at how your mood swings when you switch on your computer, for someone has thought of you today.

- Honky Tonk Woman

Front and back

Aplane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom:

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight No. 293 nonstop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead is good and therefore we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax... 'Oh my God!'"

Silence followed and after a few minutes the captain came back on the intercom and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier, but while I was talking, the flight attendant brought me a cup of coffee and spilled the hot coffee in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!"

A passenger in economy piped up: "That's nothing. He should see the back of mine!"

Tough luck

Manny is almost 29 years old, his friends have already got married, and Manny just dates and dates.

Finally a friend asks him, "What's the matter, are you looking for the perfect woman? Are you that particular? Can't you find anyone who suits you?"

"No," Manny replies. "I meet many nice girls, but as soon as I bring them home to meet my parents, my mother doesn't like them. So I keep on looking."

"Listen," his friend suggests, "Why don't you find a girl who's just like your dear ole mother?"

Many weeks go by and again Manny and his friends get together. "So Manny, did you find the perfect girl yet? One that's just like your mother?"

Manny shrugs his shoulders, "Yes I found one just like mum. My mother loved her, they became fast friends."

"So do I owe you a Mazel Tov? Are you and this girl engaged, yet?" "I'm afraid not, my father can't stand her!"

Brakes give a break

A fire started on some grasslands near a farm. The fire department was called to put out the fire. The fire was more than the country fire department could handle. Someone suggested that a nearby volunteer bunch be called. Despite some doubt that the volunteer outfit would be of any assistance, the call was made.

The volunteers arrived in a dilapidated old fire truck. They rumbled straight toward the fire, drove right into the middle of the flames and stopped. The firemen jumped off the truck and frantically started spraying water in all directions. Soon they had snuffed out the centre of the fire, breaking the blaze into two easily-controlled parts.

Watching all this, the farmer was so impressed with the volunteer fire department's work and was so grateful his farm had been spared, that right there on the spot he presented the volunteers with a cheque for $1,000.

A local news reporter asked the volunteer fire captain what the department planned to do with the funds.

"That oughtta be obvious," he responded, wiping ashes off his coat. "The first thing we're gonna do is get the brakes fixed on that truck!"

Mr. Conservative

This man is at work one day when he notices that his male coworker is wearing an earring. This man knows his co-worker to be a normally conservative fellow, and is curious about his sudden change in "fashion sense."

"Yo, Bob, I didn't know you were into earrings."

"Oh yeah. Sure," says Bob sheepishly.

"Really? How long have you been wearing one?"  "Ever since my wife found it in our bed."

The charge

Judge: "The charge here is theft of frozen chickens. Are you the defendant?"

Defendant: "No, sir, I'm the guy who stole the chickens."

Alert old dame

A captain working for a particular Australian airline really hammered his jet down onto the runway while landing, making it very hard and uncomfortable for the passengers. There was no damage.

As the first officer stood at the exit door saying "Goodbye" and smiling to the departing passengers he hoped that no one would give him a hard time about the landing. To his great relief no one said anything.

Everyone had deplaned except for a small elderly lady walking up the aisle with the assistance of a cane. As she passed the first officer she said... "Would you mind if I asked you a question?" He replied, "Why no ma'am, go ahead."

The old lady then said... "Did we land, or were we shot down."

Horse talk

A guy is sitting quietly reading his paper when his wife sneaks up behind him and whacks him on the head with a frying pan.

"What was that for?" he says after regaining his senses.

"That was for the piece of paper in your pants pocket with the name Marylou written on it," she replies.

"Two weeks ago when I went to the races, Marylou was the name of one of the horses I bet on," he explains.

She looks satisfied, apologises, and goes off to do work around the house.

Three days later he's again sitting in his chair reading when she nails him with an even bigger frying pan, knocking him out cold.

When he comes to, he says, "What the heck was that for?"