Don't ever feel lost - Find your way to Al-Salaam

Feeling 'lost' is a feeling we all share. We feel lost when we lose someone, we feel lost when we do a job we don't like, we feel lost when we are heartbroken, and sometimes we get lost for no definite reason.

The first time I experienced the feeling of being lost was when I was just out of school. Most of my friends knew what to do, some had jobs, and some had enrolled themselves for higher studies, while I was just there wondering what in the blue hell happened to the life that I lived for 13 years.

I had to start from somewhere, so I decided maybe I should be a lawyer. I enrolled myself for classes at CFPS when Mr. Saliya Peiris was teaching. I never managed to be in class on time, so one day Mr. Saliya was furious and asked me to leave. I went up to him and apologized personally. I sincerely told him that I'd do better. I was determined to find a way so I arrived 1 hour early to be in class. But the problem was that I was still half an hour late. But since that incident, I found that Saliya was nicer to me. Probably he thought I was a lost cause.

When I received my A/L results a few months later, I felt lost again! After all, I couldn't continue the Law entrance exam class because I failed my A/Ls. I'm back to square one, thinking about the life I had when I was in school. I was not making any progress in life.

I turned 19 in November 2003, so I decided to get a job, to be a man. The problem was that I didn't know where to start. Then, my friend Ruki told me he could help me by getting an interview at Golden Key Credit Cards. I did the interview pretty well, so the manager offered me the job immediately. I asked him for the job description to understand what they expected me to do. Then he said I have to find customers and sell credit cards. Simple as that. I was honest with him, and I told him that I hadn't sold anything in my life. Although the job offer was everything I was looking for, I felt lost again because I knew I had no skill in selling. I did not take up the job.

Finally, in April 2004, I got my first job at PABC. It was the first job I applied for, and I felt lucky to be selected. With the information I received during the interview, I understood that I had performed well. But the problem was after the final interview, the bank officials said they would call me, but they never did. A month after the last interview, I decided to call them to inquire about the situation. Then they asked me to come and meet the Head of HR. When I met her, she offered me the job instantaneously, to start work immediately. I was thrilled and went to the branch where I was supposed to work. There was a big problem though, I had no idea what banking was!

I was feeling lost again! But I learned from my experience and I decided to ask for help from Mihiri (akka), my senior. She had a kind and generous soul. She helped me gracefully until she left the bank three months later. But that particular day, I understood the power of asking.

So my friends, when it comes to having great food, you must ask for specifications. Be brave to 'ask' the way you like it. Sometimes it may not turn out the way you want it to be. But the point is that you at least tried. One of the most consistent places that serve great food taking to account every specification you request is Al-Salam Hotel in Kinnya.

During my trips to the East, especially down the route from Batticaloa to Trincomalee, It's easy to feel lost because you might not know where to have a decent meal. I found this gem of a place that caters to a wide range of meaty dishes complimented by mouth-watering veg options that complete a meal. Whenever I get an opportunity to visit Kinniya, I've been running into this place for over 12 years to satisfy my taste buds. They've always consistently lived up to expectations but most importantly they fulfill all of my requests!

If you have around Rs.1000/- rupees to spare and are passing by or around Kinnya trying to find a place to eat, don't forget to visit Al-Salam Hotel. And if you are a vegan the budget will be significantly lower. You would not be disappointed either because their veg options have a great variety of choices that you can make. The texture may be a bit fiery but do not worry, the creamy gorgeous coconutty flavor is always a pleasant surprise that will make you eat more!

I always try to stick to both veg and non-veg options especially considering the pepper-fried beef and the beef curry to complement the rice and curries they offer. Also, I'd like to add delightful customer service, where the waiter is very focused on his part of satisfying the customer by ensuring the customer is comfortable and well-satisfied.

So if you feel lost don't hesitate to ask because it will give you some clue on the direction you need to go! Let me know if you find this must-visit place in Kinniya Al-Salam, remember the name!