Group Study Exchange Sri Lanka 2010

Day 19-21 Rotary Club of Wariyapola

2010-04-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

Day 19

We were to leave Kandy and our hosts for 5 days. It had been a remarkable experience and nice to stay in one place for a while. Also we had been given a degree of freedom as Kandy being much smaller was easier to walk around. Jim was dropped off very early with Ayesha to attend the "pooja" ceremony at the temple. Oferings of friut, coconut etc. were made up and taken to the buddhist priests. Prayers were said and Jim was introduced and prayers spoken. Later homage was paid to Ganesha and Kali. This was all a very humbling experience and again a wonderful thing to be part off. A last look at the large tank in the centre of Kandy, a mango juice from the Queens and then into the minibus off to Wariyapola.

This was to be the first host to take all members of the team. After a hot sticky day travelling we could not believe our luck; not only a beautiful house but also a pool. We even stayed in during a thunderstorm it was so welcoming!

We had heard about this place from the Indian team and we were not disappointed. Jayantha and Asanthi were wonderful hosts.

Day 20

Have you ever wondered where Kershew nuts come from... (just an aside).

We travelled out to Yapahuwa to the rock fortress which is also called the Fire Rock. This dated back over 2500 years and was really quite impressive. The stairs were very steep 75-80 degrees. Jim found it really difficult coming down with his fear of heights but Dan and John made it right to the top. one of the lions at the top of the staircase appears on the Rs10 note.

This three day break gave us a chance to recharge and for that we were eternally grateful. The programme was flexible and the Rotary meeting was held at their house.

Yes it is fair to say that the Rotary meeting was different as marquees arrived and outside caterers and even a disco. We did the presentation and then what an evening of fellowship with "last man standing our illustrious leader Jim dancing until the early hours.

Day 21

An early start and we were heading for the coast to Kalpitiya and Chilaw. This was at the end of a 40 km spit north of Colombo and known for its whales, dolphins and reefs. Whilst travelling along the spit one saw the freshwaterlagoon on one side where the muslim community fished and on the other the salt flats (industrially "mined") and the salt water ocean fished by the huge Catholic population. The spit was so narrow there were many points where you could see both sides. The fisherman's houses were all made from palm. It was amazing.

Our destination was Sethawadiya Dolphin Veiw Eco Lodge. A wonderful beach fronted restaurant with basic lodges for rent. Gill immediately fell in love with this place imaging just how much they would like to return.

Unfortunately we had missed the dolphins they had passed at 6am (approximately 600 of them!)..even so setting off at around 3am might not have been an option.

Jayantha however arranged for us to go out on a fishing boat and see the coral reef. We waited until around 4pm when it was cooler!! Arriving back to a beautiful sunset.

On our return we stopped off for a meal. We had all really benefited not only for the rest but also spending the time together. Just how much better could this trip get?

Day 16 Rotary Club of Kandy and Day 17 Rotary Club of Nuwara Eliya

2010-04-18T04:32:00.000-07:00

Day 16 (Weds 24th March )

In the morning we split up again; Jim and Ayesha were going to open another toilet facility in a school; whilst the rest of the team were being hosted byRotoractors from the Rotary Club of Kandy. Unlike the UK the Interact (14-18) and (18-30) are prolific in many of the Clubs in Sri Lanka. Kandy has 26 Interact Clubs and 16 Rotoract Clubs. This is quite remarkable! Schools are invited to set up these clubs and a Rotarian will be given the task of oversight and work closely with the staff. If only this could happen in the UK!

The team went to the Botanical Gardens to experience the beautiful flora, fauna, bird life and...fruit bats...hundreds of fruit bats...

Jim went to another school which on the face of it was a little better equipped. Pujapitiya School had approximately 400 pupils just as a Primary School. The welcome was astounding with the children forming a marching band and all the school can out to welcome the VIP guests.

Flags were hoisted and the chilldren sang the national anthem with real conviction. Proud to be Sri Lankan.

The vote of thanks was given by a pupil aged 9 years and then the block was opened.

It was a very proud moment and Jim felt privileged to be there; yet had not been involved the project at all.

Again the extensive use of matching grants from the Rotary Foundation had facilitated this work.
Jim was taken to a rural Sri Lankan dwelling where he was introduced to the custom where a glass of water is passed around the guests; you would think to share but no it was just to touch the glass! By this act you had accepted the invitation to take food and drink with your hosts.

We all met up afterwards in the centre of Kandy in a restaurant called "The Pub" - very promising; and there we shared our stories of the morning.

The evening was the Kandy Club meeting and Ladies night at the Kandy Rugby Club. We had had a wonderful time in Kandy and we all wanted this night to be special.

But first a group photo followed by one of our versions of the presentation. And yes this did yet again include the three legs of Man!

At the end we presented President Ayesha with the cash for the sick room. As part of the meeting each of the political candidates had been invited for a hustings. This seemed at first contary to normal practice as Rotary is a non political organisation; but it was obvious that in order for Rotary to get permission to do what it does the two must work together. It was run exceptionally well. Jim was introduced to Dr Sarath Amunugama; one of the top politicians in the country.

We then played much to our delight "musical chairs" which Michelle won! Followed by a few moves...

But nothing could cap the Salsa Demonstration by Dan.

What a great team!

Day 17 Rotary Club of Nuwara Eliya

Back at the Queens 9.00am we were off to the tea country. On our tour so far we had seen the packaging, tasting and auctioning but not the picking and processing. It was quite a drive mainly uphill past the most astouding countryside. Deep valleys and quite high hills and incredibly "bumpy roads"...more of that later. We were to visit the Labookella tea factory but we missed it ! as one of our hosts dozed off. He was quite cross and ensured we say it on the way back. We therefore went to Mackwoood's. The first thing that strikes you about this area is the Scottish connection; and then the beautiful green lush countryside. As we got closer there were tea bushes everywhere totally carpeting the landscape. The tour followed and we began to see how and why there were so many teas from one tea bush. it was in the rolling, drying and processing.

Lunch was provided by the Rotary Club of Nuwara Eliya and President Rajathurai. Later we then had an opportunity to explore the town. The weather was just like Manchester on an average day and true to form it started to rain but it was a great deal cooler. Interestingly enough our hosts thought we would be very comfortable in this climate...How wrong could they be!

We all visited the oldest post office in Sri Lanka. Not very old at all!

On the way back we stopped off at the other factory and saw the tea pickers arrive at the end of their shift with the large bags of tea leaves. They had been out all day in the fields... once amazed by the manufacture of the humble tea bag; when you see the whole process end to end one should never rush a good cuppa!

Day 14-15 Rotary Club of Kandy

2010-04-07T23:57:00.000-07:00

Day 15
Gill and Michelle stayed with Carl, almost one hour out of town quite isolated but a beautiful location. Jim stayed at the top of the steep sided valley; with the President Ayesha and her husband Ravina with extraordinary views and sun rises. Dan and John were nearer to Kandy centre but the accommodation was excellent.
The day starts early in Kandy as we all make our way to the Queens Hotel to meet up with the driver and our hosts. A visit to District Governor Suri's match factory (Sun Match) ensued. It was fascinating as every thing was more or less done by hand including counting the matches in the boxes and even making the boxes themselves; the factory was a major employer in the area. Then a quick look at a printing business working overtime producing political posters for the elections much to the delight of the proprietor! Then also on the same site an explanation of how palm resin is extracted and its many uses. Everything in the tree is used and provides a valuable natural resource absolutely nothing is wasted without felling the tree. The king nuts themselves are harvested 12 times a year; leaves used for fences and roofs as well as floor coverings.
After lunch we visited Maligwa; the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. This significant Buddhist Temple the most important in Sri Lanka and beyond is the resting place of Buddha's tooth smuggled into the country. This famous artist depiction adorns many of the temples.

Day 16
Our second vocational day where we split up. Dan, Michelle and Gill visited Mother Theresa Centre , Daya Nivasa. the experience was unforgettable and will stay in their hearts for a long time. For the rest of the trip Gill often referred to the time when she picked up one of the little ones and just wanted to take her home. No photos were taken inside for confidentiality reasons but what an experience.
John as part of his vocation visited the Agricultural Development Department and again gained a valuable insight into the work being done in Sri Lanka to optimise production without jeopardising the environment and future yields. This visit would provide valuable information for his PhD which he hopes to commence on his return. In actual fact this visit could be instrumental in him changing his research emphasis to Sri Lanka.
Jim spent the morning visiting some water projects funded by the Rotary Club of Kandy. The first the provision of toilet facilities at a local school. The school, D S Senanayake School had a primary section of approximately 520 pupils with very poor toilet facilities, ( only four squat toilets). The new block provided six new cubicules and a staff toilet. During the visit it became apparent that the school needed a sick room for the children. The room was available but needed to be kitted out with a bed, curtains , a fan, medical supplies, some paint for the walls and other items. The project was later put to the team who unanimously decided to fund the project themselves as a "thank you" for the wonderful hospitality being given. Ayesha and Jim then moved on to the Centre for Handicapped where 15 artificicial limbs were being donated to members of the army discharged mainly due to landmine injuries. The army does initially supply one fitted limb but these are not really up to the same standard. From there a third presentation was made through the equivalent of the "The Friends of Discharged Soldiers" of 10 toilet systems to enable disabled soldiers to return home as these replaced the sqat facilities which could not be used because of their injuries. The scale of the work done by this club was astounding as with the other Clubs we had visited the scale of the projects was facilitated by the extensive use of matching grants given by Rotary Foundation as Kandy linked up with Rotary Clubs around the world.
We all met up for lunch and shared our amazing experiences then all of us returned to the Centre for the Handicapped which had finished its surgeries and we were given a detailed tour of this remarkable facility.
The day finished with a fabulous BBQ at Carl's home the setting of which was as near to the jungle as we were to experience. The access road was almost non exisitant and the final part of the journey was driving over rocks! Gill and Michelle experienced this journey twice a day.

Day 14 Rotary Club of Kegalle

2010-04-07T23:25:00.000-07:00

Day 14
So we meet at Lanka Hands for the final time as we are about to travel up country towards Kandy first, Wariyapola and then later north towards Dambulla. We were going to be "in the sticks" for 12 days and to transport us our driver Sumwoodu and a minibus. We were pleased that Sumwoodu had a little grasp of English and a very safe way of navigating the treacherous roads. We were to be met in Kegalle by members of the Kegalle Club for one of the highlights of the trip, the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage.The aim was to meet in time for the morning feeding but we soon realised that the state of the roads meant that even short distances took a long time; better safe than sorry!
We reached the Mahaweli Reach Hotel and proceeded to the entrance and then started walking down a street lined with tourist shops, (the first we had really seen ) towards a slope leading to water. We waited in a shop entrance as first one elephant came down the street , then another two and then...
What a spectacle as the elephants headed for the freedom of the water and were allowed to roam.
One elephant decided to go shopping in our shop!

We then we were asked if we would like to visit a Spice Garden; it was the middle of the day and very hot so a bit of shade seemed welcome. The spices and their uses were introduced to us and then much to our suprise our hosts had provided India Head massages, facials and body massages. This was very new to Jim! The team really relaxed and was pleased that the shop sold citronella balm!
We returned to the Orphange to watch the baby elephants being fed with huge bottles and then said goodbye to our hosts and headed for Kandy.
Lanka Hands had been replaced by the Queens Hotel opposite the tank (lake) that dominated the centre of Kandy. Carl was the co-ordinator and immediately presented us with a detailed programme of the next five nights; (ex RAF what else would you expect.) Kandy had an entirely different feel to Colombo and it is really beautiful set in a steep sided valley.
Our hosts were waiting for us and the luggage transferred.

Day 11-13 Rotary Club of Colombo (Conference)

2010-04-01T22:22:00.001-07:00

Day 11
Our hosts for the Conference weekend were to be The Rotary Club of Colombo. 100 members and the oldest club in Sri Lanka. A press conference had been arranged at the Colombo Club (Part of the Taj) prior to their luncheon meeting where we did a presentation. Before the press meeting the team was given an insight into the colourful history of the Colombo Club and its founder members.

Please note that the Colombo Club, a gentleman’s Club was different to the Rotary Club of Colombo. At the press conference although only one reporter turned up she was very keen and took many details down about our visit, background and aims of the GSE Vocational Exchange. Again it was a relaxed affair which seems to be the norm over here in Sri Lanka. We rushed straight from that to attend the Rotary meeting and give our presentation. Again we were warmly welcomed and banners were exchanged. The keynote speaker Rohantha worked for UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services). He gave a fascinating report on the progress made in the north of Sri Lanka and the up to date position as regards the refugees and the reintroduction of business and commerce into the region.
That night we attended the Alumni Dinner as new members of an exclusive part of Rotary following our commitment to become part of GSE. We wore our badges with pride. The week had been hectic and the following day (Friday) was the District Conference at Waters Edge; an impressive conference centre which was also a golf club and spa.
Day 12
Lunch was at the Cricket Club cafe. Yet another Sports Club but this was really fascinating with the walls completely covered with cricket memorabilia. On the way back to the host’s house Jim gave a press interview in the back of Tissa’s car! It was the reporter from the Sunday Times who thn later put a substantial article into the paper.
The Conference had received record registrations over 900 and the hall seemed enormous. Around the hall were huge banners one from each Club it was really impressive.The opening ceremony commence at 3.45pm was quite dramatic as all 65 Clubs were alphabetically introduced on screen and singers and dancers mainly from the Rotoract Clubs provided the entertainment. The event finished at 8.45 with “cocktails”. The following day was going to be our presentation.

Day 13
At last the brochures had come!!! They were excellent but we had been waiting for them since we had landed in Colombo and there it was an opportune time to distribute them amongst the delegates. The running order of the conference meant that the GSE presentations were in the slot just before lunch. What also became apparent is that there was going to be four presentations plus two introductions from Adam (GSE Coordinator) and Lucky plus an Ambassadorial Scholars presentation!!! All in one hour and 15 minutes! It was obvious that time was going to be an issue. The plan was that the outgoing teams to India and the UK would take 10 minutes each; the incoming teams 20 minutes and the other presentations 5 minutes each. The outgoing team leader from Sri Lanka to India himself took 15 minutes and then passed over to his team who were promptly curtailed only being able to say their names. This was really unsettling. Suresh, Michael and Roland managed to keep to time and the GSE Team Leader from India did over run a little. Then it was us! With a dramatic opening sequence and music from the latest U2 album we were ready to rock their socks off!

One by one we stepped up and did our bit. Following Jim's introduction to the "Regeneration theme" came Michelle overcome all her nerves as she regarded herself as a caring and fun loving person

Then came Dan the cookie monster

John and the Isle of Man a tax sollutions island and then Gill the ardent Manchester United supporter Jim was nervously looking and praying that the video clip worked...and it did! Much relieved he then told conference about Rotary in District 1280.

Our presentation had already been cut from 30 minutes to 25 minutes and we wanted to give greetings from DG Elizabeth and also persuade conference to auction off the cricket memorabilia. So we overran and at first DG Suri looked displeased but smiled when Jim announced that he was cheekily going to introduce the auction and the gifts from DG Elizabeth. All in all the presentation went well; we did our best and the IT worked... but we did interrupt lunch!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Fiesta ensued and what were we to expect as a celebration of what was obviously a successful conference. We arrived around 7.30 back at The Water’s Edge which is also a golf course. But there would be no golf tonight…There was a huge stage and food marquees, seating areas and part of a fairground and of course beer and spirit watering holes! It was spectacular. There was a Chinese stall, Sri Lanka stall, Indian and Arabic stalls and the food was delicious. All of the drinks had been sponsored by a Club. The DG was brought in on a chariot pulled by white stallions!! The horses bolted and we nearly lost the DG! After the drama came the fashion show and then the surprise was a 30 minutes firework display around 11.00pm. The atmosphere was pure carnival and everyone who we had met previously was there and willing us to have a good time. In other words the glasses were never empty. We realised just how many friends we had made. What a wonderful way to finish our time in Colombo as the following day; yes you guessed it back to Lanka Hands to commence our expedition up country.

Day 10 Rotary Club of Ja-Ela/Kandana

2010-04-01T22:14:00.000-07:00

Day 10
Meeting again at Lanka Hands we travelled out to at Wilagedera, Gomawila near Negombo to see the Netherlands; a Welcome Home for Roofless Elders. It was a village where elderly people with no relatives or home were looked after in a spacious complex that was well designed for their needs with excellent access, a dental clinic, a dementia house, and impressively a worship centre catering foor Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims. Our hosts were the friendly Rotary Club of Ja-Ela/ Kandana. The team were really impressed with the facilities here mainly funded by the Dutch with input from Rotary. The village catered for 265 Elderly people housed as groups of four in two bedroomed bungalows. each of the bungalows was identified with the first name of the sponsor; a very personal touch.The whole place was so peaceful and the care unquestionable.
On the way back we visited a Buddhist temple built into the rock. In bare feet we attempted to scale the black granite but the rock burnt our feet and sadly we did not managed to experience the view from the top. Again the three elements were very much in evidence; the temple, the tree and the stupa. Back in Colombo by the port we visited a Hindu temple with a stone roof and wonderful stone carvings.
That night we met up together with all our hosts at the Swimming Club and had yet another wonderful evening. Our time with Colombo Uptown had come to an end and it was time to pack the cases and prepare for a changeover the following day at Lanka Hands.

Day 7-10 Colombo Uptown

2010-04-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

Day 7
We all met again at Lanka Hands, this was our daily morning meeting point, where we were passed over to our next hosts Rotary Club of Colombo Uptown. Dr Suresh and Michael were very keen to take us to the Turtle Hatchery, south of Colombo. Dr Suresh had led the outgoing team to the UK last October and Michael was one of the team members. We arrived at an exclusive beach club and hotel called Serendip. With our own room we changed, and then sampled the sea, sun, sand and spirit known as Olde Reserve.

We dipped in the Indian Ocean and all realised just how strong the currents were; but the water was lovely and warm. Lunch followed including Jim eating a whole chilli and crying for over 10 minutes. Then the wonderful trip to the Turtle Hatchery only 15 minutes away.

It was a two hour drive back to Colombo along the notorious Galle Road in the dark. We all realised exactly why this road had such a reputation.
That evening Jim watched a live football match from Stamford Bridge which did not finish until 3am! But the fact that it was a live match just showed how technology has made the world such a smaller place.
Day 8
An interesting morning was had “going Dutch”. David took us around the Dutch Museum and Wolvendall Dutch Reformed Church. Lunch was arranged at Old Oriental Hotel which had a picture window overlooking the port. The lunch was excellent and we lazily watched to movement of container ships out of the harbour.
The afternoon was spent visiting the General Hospital which had 3800 beds. This hospital had a specialist ‘emergency trauma unit’ which was developed in response to the recurrent terrorist attacks during the war. The hospital now housed all major specialist sections, from orthopaedics to neurology, surgery to paediatrics, and even included a specialist burns unit, where the resident Occupational Therapist gave some time to speak to Dan. The team were struck by the sheer numbers of patients in the hospital, with space at a premium and the ‘open’ wards which made infection control something of a difficult challenge. The efficiency of the hospital process seemed evident, and staff appeared motivated and enthused with their work. Gill was quick to point out that the security measures on one of the wards seemed somewhat extreme, as an armed guard could be seen at the entrance to the ward. This effect was somewhat spoiled as we noticed the guard was soundly asleep clutching the rifle.
That evening the team found themselves preparing for their second club presentation, with a G&T in their hand, in the fading sunlight of the Galle Face Hotel veranda.
This was our first “shorter presentation” designed for meetings where keynote speakers had already been booked. The presentation centred around our individual profiles and an insight into Rotary in District 1280.
We were warmly welcomed by the Club; President Prabath and Jim exchanged banners; after which time we listened to a very interesting guest speaker who spoke about the future proposals and changes to Education. The proposals almost mirrored what was happening in the UK especially as regards testing and were met by some members with similar concerns. After each Rotary meeting there is the “time of fellowship”; a drink chat and opportunity to plan for the future. What was evident was the way that members relaxed at the meetings and kept proceedings as informal as possible. This made the team feel much more at ease.
Day 9
Colombo Uptown had arranged a very prestigious visit with Dr Peter Hayes the British High Commissioner. Dr Hayes spent an hour with us answering questions about the situation in Sri Lanka and its regeneration following both the Tsunami and the end of the conflict. Photographs were then taken outside as banners were given. Our guide Hadjeern was absolutely excellent and afterwards took us to the museum BMICH (Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall) dedicated to the politician Bandaranayake whose assassination shocked the world. Include in the exhibits was the shirt with the bullet holes and the pistol. After this we visited the Independence Hall an impressive piece of architecture celebrating the handover of Ceylon by the British on Feb. 4th 1948. It became apparent later that this structure was based upon the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy.
We then made our way down to the Panadura Village a project sponsored by 4 Rotary Districts including 1280. The project consists of 86 dwellings with its own shop outside which Gill practiced her cricketing prowess. We had time to talk to the local people and see just how valuable the project had been.
One of our hosts was from the Rotary Club of Panadura who was also keen to show us the houses (44) rebuilt by themselves following the tsunami. When we saw where this village was situated we realised just how vulnerable they must have been. Considerable damage was done by the tsunami at Panadura; there was nothing to stop it.
That evening the previously postponed dinner with DG Suri took place at the Galle Face Hotel. We met with Nadira and Adam again and had an excellent meal in a beautiful setting. Our thoughts were now starting to focus on the conference and the challenges that would present.

Please scroll down to see our no.1 bowler

2010-03-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

Let me Introduce the team

From left to right Dan, John, Jim, Gill and Michelle

A cake was waiting for us on our flight from a friend of Dan (foreground). behind is Michelle and then Gill. John was sat across the aisle.

Day 1

Here we are at Dubai airport 2am local time and our spirits very high. The plane leaves 2.30am and we arrive in Colombo 8.30am to be met by our host Nadira. The adventure begins...

Our first hosts are Colombo Reconnections. Recently formed in 2002 by ex GSE team members who had experienced similar exchanges and not only knew the challenges we faced but also the anticipation we felt at the beginning of our trip. President Buddhima took very good care of us and suggested a short nap followed by a relaxing social at Colombo Rowing Club

.....and Lion Beer and fellowship shared by exchanging banners with President Buddhima

Day 2
The following day the lion was replaced by the tea. We met for the first time the GSE team from India and proceeded to Akbar Tea Packaging. Labour intensive but then keeping many people in work. First the tea packaging then the warehouse which smelt of strawberry tea.

Have you ever noticed how complicated a tea bag is . This machine feeds in flat paper from the roll folds it fills it with the tea seperates the bags and staples string and tags and then finally boxes them up!!

Lunch at the Singalese Sports Club where Sri lanka often play test matches

The afternoon then spent visiting the Tea Auctions of Sri Lanka. Our host Dinal often is the auctioneer and the following day would be doing a three hour stint as the firms catelogue is sold. Bidding was intense especially for the well known producers.

A visit to Gangaramaya Temple included a museum of artifacts of a Chinese Buddha. But the three elements were also there :- the tree, the stupa and the temple itself

Then came the tea tasting back at Asia Siyaka. The differences were astounding.

Day 3 We leave our hosts and are transferred to Colombo East where myself anf John stayed with President Mahilan. Rtn. Peter was our host for the day to the Zoological gardens which showed encouraging progress with the building of a new elephant enclosure. We caught them just taking a bath.

The afternoon was a visit to the very significantKelaniya Great Temple of Sanctity. The Oldest Royal Buddist Monastry in Sri Lanka patronized by Sinhalese kings over 2500 years ago.here is the reclining Buddha image

Our first presentation to the clubs at the prestigious Cinnamon Grand Hotel went quite smoothly and was enthusiastically received by both Rotarians and partners.

Day 4

We travel approximately 3 hours south east out of Colombo to the Gem Capital of Sri Lanka Ratnapura visiting first the amazing gem mines. Small apertured vertical shafts shored with timber approx. 75 feet deep. Men climb down and dig the rock and mud which is brought to the surface to be sifted through, power washed and put into pools to be panned using a system not unlike a well.

Banners were exchanged over lunch with IPP Ashad from Rotary Club of Ratnapura and friendship shared.

Next came the retail side of the operation and a trip to the Gemological Museum which of course is the retail outlet!! It was very difficult to understand just what was going on price wise as some items were in $ and others in LK rupees. And the proverbial "discount" came into play which turned out to be disproportionate to the final transaction.

It was a long drive back but had been a fantastic experience and picked up by our hosts Michelle and myself were taken to a club called Otters (Otter Aquatic Club); a sports club where I tucked into a mixed grill... most satisfying! This was nicely washed down with that other stuff in large bottles mentioned earlier.

Day 5 Our first vocational Day

One of the main objectives of GSE is the oppotunity to exchange vocations. To visit work places and compare notes and understand how others operate. Our first stop was Hatton National Bank; a bank set up in the tea hill country specifically for the tea plantations. We will be seeing the original first bank later in the trip. HNB was impressive and the CEO, Theagarajah is a member of Colombo East Club and hosted Gill. But first he took us to the top of the building for a birds eye view of Colombo. Then a personal tour around the museum showing the bank's humble beginnings. A further tour of the card services where the use of SMS to combat fraud was outlined. It is now the second largest bank in Sri Lanka. Having joked earlier about getting free samples!! We were astounded when the CEO gave each of us a commenerative 1000 LKrupee note to commenerate "The Ushering of Peace and Prosperity to Sri Lanka".

Our second vocational visit was to Hemas Private Hospital; an excellent facility where we had access to all ares much to the suprise of Gill and Dan. Conversations with staff and questions answered; emphasised the value of such an exchange.

The tour included visits to the A&E, Physiotherapy and Cardiology departments, along with a brief viewing of the scanning equipment used. The A&E department was small with just three beds, though it was well staffed as can be seen in the photograph below. Rooms ranged from standard (4 bedded dorm) to 'luxury rooms.' This Hospital gave the team a brief insight into some of the developing health systems now in place in Sri Lanka.

Later that evening the team's planned dinner with District Governer Suri was postponed. The team and their hosts were entertained at the home of Colombo East's President which proved to be an enjoyable evening as it allowed everybody to come together.

Day 6
This was our first official “Rest Day” and at the social gathering the previous night some of the hosts volunteered to take us to the Swimming Club, a private Club , and using their membership have a complete day of rest and relaxation. The pictures speak louder than words.
This was followed in the evening with a farewell BBQ at Thea’s house (Gill’s host) where we sampled the Sri Lankan speciality of egg hoppers, cooked as very thin crispy pancakes in a small deep pan.

2010-03-04T10:24:00.000-08:00