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Home » Goodnews Stories Srilankan Expats » Articles » Farewell to Angela Merkel
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Farewell to Angela Merkel

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Last updated: May 17, 2021 10:32 am
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Farewell to Angela Merkel

Angela Merkel

Source:Island

With six minutes of continuous, warm and heartfelt applause; out on the streets, on balconies, through the windows, and from all portals imaginable, the whole country of Germany applauded, irresistibly, a woman who is a spectacular example of leadership and a stickler for the defence of human dignity, when she stepped down from her position of Chancellor/Prime Minister of Germany.

Around 18 years ago, the Germans elected Angelica Merkel to lead them, and she led 80 million Germans for 18 years with competence, skill, dedication and sincerity. She did not generally utter nonsense and there was no meaningless political rhetoric. She did not appear in the alleys of Berlin to be photographed. She was dubbed “The Lady of the World” and even graphically described as the virtual equivalent of six million men!!!!

During these 18 years of her leadership authority in her country, no transgressions of political power were ever recorded against her. She did not assign any of her relatives to a government position. She did not claim that she was the maker of glories. She did not get millions of euros in commission payments, nor did she hire or compel anyone to cheer her performance. She did not receive charters and pledges and, she did not fight those who preceded her. In 2021, Merkel elected to step down, not attempt to get a fifth term as the Chancellor of Germany, left the party leadership position and handed it over to those who came after her, with Germany and its German people in the best condition ever.

The reaction of the Germans was unprecedented in the history of the Country. The entire population went out to their balconies of their houses and clapped for her spontaneously for six continuous minutes. A standing ovation nationwide. Germany stood as one body bidding farewell to their leader, a chemical physicist who was not tempted by the fashions or the fancy lights and who did not buy real estate, cars, yachts and private planes. She was always well aware of the fact that she is from former East Germany.

She graciously elected to step down from her post while leaving Germany at the top. She left and her relatives did not claim any advantage. Eighteen years and she never changed her wardrobe. At a press conference, a female journalist asked Merkel “We notice that you’re wearing the same suit, don’t you have any other?” She replied “I am a government employee and not a fashion model”. The entire German populace prayed that God be upon this silent leader.

At another press conference, they asked her “Do you have housemaids who clean your house, prepare your meals and so on?” Her answer was “No, I do not have servants and I do not need them. My husband and I do this work at home every day”.

Mrs. Merkel lives in a normal apartment like any other citizen. She lived in this apartment before being elected Chancellor of Germany. She did not leave it and does not own a villa, servants, swimming pools or gardens. Once a journalist asked “Who is washing the clothes, you or your husband?” She answered “I arrange the clothes, and my husband is the one who operates the washing machine, and it is usually at night, because electricity is available and there is no pressure on it. The most important thing is to take into the account the possible inconvenience for the neighbours. Thankfully the wall separating our apartment from the neighbours is thick”. Then she followed it up with the quip, “I actually expected you to ask me about the successes and failures of our work in the government?”

After losing a devastating World War II, in the early 1940s, Germany was slowly built on the ashes of the Nazi Regime of Adolf Hitler by very many statespersons, the latest of whom is Angela Merkel. They showed a dedicated commitment to the welfare of that country and its people. Their untiring efforts made Germany to be the one it is now; the largest economy of the whole of Europe.

Angela Merkel is the exact opposite of most of our politicians in the Paradise Isle. The latter lot have all the qualities and attributes which are those of precise antipathy to the admirable and fabulous characteristics of former Chancellor Angela Merkel. It is most lamentable that this resplendent isle has so far not seen the arrival of a person of such commendable talents, abilities and statesmanship to guide us out of a 73-year long abyss of perpetual self-destruction. —

Connoisseur

(Extracted from https://sgtalk.org/mybb/Thread-Germany-bid-farewell-to-Merkel-with-six-minutes-of-warm-applause)

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Otherland Galle Opens on Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast With a Locally Built Approach to Hospitality AI-generated illustration based on source material. No authentic photograph of the Otherland Galle property is embedded in this article. Otherland Hotels opened its first property, Otherland Galle, on 12 October 2026, introducing a 66-key lifestyle hotel that brings together accommodation, dining, music and locally curated experiences on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. The opening adds a new hospitality concept to a region known for its beaches, historic Galle Fort and established surf culture, with the hotel’s programme designed to encourage visitors to engage with the wider destination as well as the property. Located on Matara Road, Otherland Galle is approximately 400 metres from Dewata Beach and 2.8 kilometres from Galle Fort, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel draws on the area’s culinary traditions, creative communities and coastal way of life, positioning local experiences as a central part of its offer rather than an optional addition to a conventional hotel stay. Founded by Rishi Sreedharan, Samarth Gowda and Emanuel Siddhartha in partnership with Beryll Group, Otherland Hotels is built around the philosophy “Never the Same Twice”. Its approach combines private rooms and suites with shared accommodation and communal spaces intended for different kinds of travellers, from couples and groups of friends to solo visitors and culturally curious guests. The co-founders, pictured from left: Emanuel Siddhartha, Rishi Sreedharan and Samarth Gowda. Source photograph: Lanka Business News. A design-led mix of rooms and shared spaces Designed by Studio Camarada, led by Andre Camara, the hotel has been arranged as a series of interconnected spaces rather than a conventional sequence of corridors and separate facilities. Its interiors draw on the colours and materials of the southern coast, including sandy neutrals, ocean blues and earthy tones, alongside rattan, ash, hand-tufted textiles and marble finishes. The 66-key accommodation comprises 24 Ocean Rooms, 25 Terra Rooms, 12 suites and five dormitories. Room sizes range from 27 square metres to the 70-square-metre Patio Suite, while the property also includes rooms designed for guests with disabilities. The mix offers a range of accommodation formats within one property, including shared dormitory options alongside private rooms and suites. At ground level, Bar-kery combines several functions: reception, coffee shop, bakery, aperitivo counter and informal co-working space. Its Vinyl Corner invites guests to browse records and choose music, giving the communal area a more participatory character. Colombo Coffee Company has developed an exclusive signature blend for the hotel. AI-generated illustrative image based on the reported design approach; it is not a photograph of Otherland Galle. The rooftop venue Creatures brings together a restaurant, cocktail bar, infinity pool and music space, with 270-degree views of the Indian Ocean. It is intended to serve as a daytime dining and swimming venue as well as an evening social space, linking the hotel’s food and music programmes with its coastal setting. Sri Lankan flavours, music and a sense of place The food programme is led by Chef Rajeev Kumar and draws on Sri Lankan culinary traditions, alongside international influences and contemporary techniques. Dishes listed for the menu include King Coconut Ceviche, Yellowfin Tuna Tataki, Lankan Fish Cutlets and Devilled Pork Ribs glazed with kithul treacle. A Watalappam Brûlée brings a familiar Sri Lankan dessert into a contemporary format. Arijit Bose leads the cocktail programme, while Aneesha Thapa manages day-to-day operations. Music is another part of the hotel’s identity, with programming across Afro, R&B, folk, funk, jazz fusion, house, techno and electronica. The combination of food, music and shared spaces is intended to make the property relevant to both visitors and people from the surrounding area. Co-founder Samarth Gowda described the approach as one intended to make the hotel feel accessible and personal: > “Otherland Galle should feel like yours from the moment you walk in. Luxury has often come with a sense of distance, with places appearing impressive because they do not feel accessible to everyone. That is not what we are building. Everything here is designed around who you are and how you want to spend your time.” AI-generated illustration of ingredients associated with Sri Lankan culinary traditions; not a photograph of the hotel’s kitchen or menu. The Other Side: experiences created with local communities A key element of the concept is The Other Side, an experiences programme developed in collaboration with local surfers, fishermen, artisans, guides, chefs and musicians. The activities are designed to connect guests with people and places beyond the hotel, while drawing on knowledge and skills already present in the Galle region. The programme includes curry masterclasses, guided walks through Galle Fort and surf lessons at Dewata Beach. Further afield, guests can take whale-watching excursions off Mirissa or kayak through the mangroves of Koggala Lake. Rooftop sunset sessions, arrack tastings, beach cricket and tuk-tuk bar crawls are among the social activities described as part of the offer. This community-led model gives local participants a role in shaping and delivering visitor experiences, rather than presenting the area only as a backdrop for sightseeing. Its longer-term value will depend on how consistently these partnerships are sustained and how directly local contributors benefit from the activity they help create. Co-founder Rishi Sreedharan said: > “At Otherland, curiosity is the operating principle. We measure success by whether guests leave with a real sense of Galle. The surfers, fishermen, chefs and craftspeople who live here have helped build these experiences, and they are the ones bringing them to life.” AI-generated coastal illustration based on the article’s setting; it does not depict a verified view from the property. A new option for visitors to Galle The opening marks the first phase of Otherland Galle’s development. A gym, wellness centre and banquet facilities are planned for a subsequent phase. The property’s initial offer, however, is already structured around more than its room inventory: its communal areas, food and beverage venues, music programme and locally developed activities form a connected hospitality concept. For Sri Lankans abroad planning a visit home, the opening provides another option near Galle, with a programme that brings together coastal recreation, local food, heritage and community knowledge. For the Galle area, the approach places local contributors at the centre of the visitor experience. Whether the model makes a lasting contribution will be measured not only by the facilities it offers, but also by the strength and continuity of those relationships. The launch also reflects a wider interest among culturally curious travellers in experiences that extend beyond accommodation and conventional sightseeing. In Galle, where historic landmarks sit alongside a living coastal culture, the opportunity is to create hospitality that is carefully designed while remaining connected to the people and traditions that give the destination its character. Sources: Lanka Business News; Colombo Times; Hiru News Gold FM; SoulofHospitality. This article was written based on the source https://www.lankabusinessnews.com/otherland-hotels-makes-its-debut-in-galle/ and corroborated by https://colombotimes.net/otherland-hotels-makes-its-debut-in-galle/, https://hirunews.lk/goldfmnews/493932/otherland-galle-opens-with-66-rooms-introduces-dormitories-to-luxury-hotel-mix and https://www.soulofhospitality.com/business/hotel-openings/otherland-hotels-enters-sri-lanka-with-a-new-approach-to-lifestyle-hospitality, kindly email us at info@eLanka.com.au if any information needs to be corrected. Click here to receive your free copy of the eLanka Newsletter twice a week delivered directly to your inbox! At eLanka, we respect the rights of creators. If we have used an image you own and you'd like it removed, please email us at info@elanka.com.au and we’ll handle it promptly. Thanks. eLanka team eLanka Disclaimer Content published on eLanka may be created by the eLanka team, submitted by contributors or third parties, reproduced or adapted from other sources with appropriate source acknowledgement, or provided as promotional/advertising material by our clients. While eLanka takes reasonable care in preparing and publishing content, we do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. Views expressed are those of the respective authors or contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of eLanka. Third-party contributors, content providers and advertisers are responsible for the accuracy of material they supply and for ensuring they hold the necessary rights and permissions for its publication. Advertising and promotional content should not be regarded as an endorsement by eLanka of any product, service or claim.

Otherland Galle Opens on Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast With a Locally Built Approach to Hospitality

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