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As the coach came to a complete halt just outside TulasiMahal, the guests were warmly greeted by an ensemble of two Nadaswaram and two Thavil players. At the entrance of TulasiMahal, the Chief Guest at the event, renowned business leader and philanthropist, Deshamanya Ken Balendra, Peninsular Property Developers Ltd Chairman R. Asirwatham and Sanken Group Chairman Mahen Weerasekara were welcomed with colourful flower garlands. A table dressed with a bright red cloth and decorated with the traditional ‘Purna-Kalasha’ (overflowing vase) and ceremonial lamps adorned the entrance of this iconic land mark in Jaffna. The table was placed under the ‘welcome’ gate made with the trunks of the banana trees while banana leaves were used to decorate the ceremonial pavilion. The Purna-Kalasha which is a ceremonial pot filled with water and topped with a coronet of mango leaves and a coconut is considered by locals as a symbol for abundance and a ‘source of life’. It is also attributed to Hindu deities.
After paying homage to the local customs, the proceeding moved in-doors 
to the reception area of the building which was decorated with versatile wooden furniture and bright orange embellishments. A religious ceremony to invoke blessings on the new building was held by the representatives of all four faiths. The traditional oil lamp which was placed under the artistic ‘Kollam’ created with coloured rice was then lit by special dignitaries.
The plaque to commemorate the ceremonial opening of Jaffna’s first luxury apartment complex was unveiled by the Chief Guest. The guests were entertained by a group of Bharatha Natyam dancers from a local girl school. The rhythmic movements of the dancers were accentuated by their vibrant sari costumes, and unique jewellery which included a pair of anklets. The red dye on their finger tips and feet and the flawless makeup enhanced their performance.
Asirwatham in his welcome speech emphasised the need to move with the times and incorporate what is modern while respecting culture and traditions. He also encouraged all to focus on common denominators rather than on religious, ethnic and cast differences. He substantiated his claims by stating that all religions encourage love and compassion; and that both Sinhalese and Tamil languages have common words.
Model for Return of Investment
A brief presentation on TulasiMahal for the benefit of current and prospective investors was conducted. The presentation focused on a model for Return of Investment (ROI) while highlighting the company’s proactive measures for ensuring the comfort of its residence at all times. Sanken Construction has installed generators to solve the energy shortages frequently experienced by Jaffna citizens. In addition, water storage facilities and a special water treatment plant is onsite to address the water shortages and the high calcification of water.
One of Tulasi Mahal’s first investors, Brandix Group Director Ajit Johnpillai, spoke on behalf of the investors, commenting he reminisced on the happy times he had spent as children growing up in Jaffna and the reasons for his investment. He congratulated Sanken for having the courage and foresight to pioneer the project and stated that the company was indeed rebuilding and paving the way for Jaffna to prosper while setting an example for others to follow. Visiting TulasiMahal brought many nostalgic memories of his school days in Chundikulli, Jaffna where TulasiMahal is located. Johnpillai elaborated on the strategic location of the condominium and the modern features incorporated in the building.
Balendra praised the pioneering efforts of Sanken and its unique ability to cater to the needs of its clients. While Sanken’s sustainability initiative of training 100 local youth in Jaffna peninsula in masonry, carpentry and bar bending skills have been extremely successful, Balendra urged all Sri Lankans to make a contribution towards the development of the Northern Province and help improve the livelihoods of the people in Jaffna. He envisions a Northern province that will not only be more accessible but one that will be attractive to investors. The series of speeches were concluded with the vote of thanks given by Special Projects in Sanken Director Siva Nalliah. He expressed his sincere thanks to the Sanken team including junior staff for a job well done.
The guests at the event were then taken on a guided tour of the development and the model apartment. The guests were ushered into one of the two 15 passenger luxurious elevators and were shown a spacious apartment completed with high quality materials which included luxury fittings, fitted pantry cupboards with hob and cooker hood, polished ceramic tiles for floors, engineered doors and air-conditioning. The unique feature of the apartment was the 2 bedroom two key system which was pioneered by Sanken for the first time in Sri Lanka. This feature enhances the apartment’s potential of a rental property. It is also one of the main reasons that investors are optimistic about obtaining a substantial ROI. The guests were then accompanied to the roof-top which offered 360 degree soothing views of lush greenery, majestic churches, vibrant Hindu temples and the Jaffna Lagoon.
Authentic Jaffna cuisine
A special authentic Jaffna cuisine was served at the TulasiMahal restaurant for all those present at the event. Soft chapatti bread, fresh paneer curry and a hearty potato preparation were just a few of the delicious dishes at the delectable buffet. Sago Payasam prepared with milk, cashewnuts, raisins, local condiments and flavoured with rose water was a fitting end to the scrumptious meal. For the adventurous food tasters, a local favourite, Beatle leaves with a colourful coconut filling was also available.
After a time of fellowship, the guests participated in a guided city tour of Jaffna. The ancient Jaffna Fort, iconic Library and the glorious Nallur Kovil were some of the highlights of the tour. Several individuals in the group were visiting Jaffna after many decades; they were delighted to revisit the rich cultural heritage of Jaffna. The guests were treated to a creamy Rio ice cream before proceeding to the Palali airport.
With vivid memories of the historic opening of TulasiMahal, the guests got onboard the special charter aircraft that was anticipating our return. Individuals, many of who had travelled to Jaffna for the first time were narrating the day’s proceedings to each other with great enthusiasm. The luxury coach drove the guests past the busy streets of Katunayake and into the recently completed expressway and disembarked at the Head office of Sanken Construction in Colombo 7 after an eventful journey.
The name TulasiMahal was inspired by the Tulasi plant, an important symbol in Hinduism. ‘Tulasi’ means ‘the incomparable one’. This aromatic plant is venerated in Hinduism and is regarded as the holiest of all plants. The Tulasi plant is considered to be the threshold point between heaven and earth. A Tulasi plant in the middle of the central courtyard is a common sight in Hindu houses.
Incidentally, only 5 of the 36 apartments are currently available for sale. Those interested in viewing the model apartment at Tulasi Mahal can contact 0712736867, 0777759963, 0714960160 or email: [email protected].
For more information on Tulasi Mahal, visit http://www.tulasimahal.lk.
