Victoria Range is in Google Maps

We are pleased to announce that our community, "Victoria Range" is now identified as a "worldwide known" location by the Google Maps Team. Although the satellite imagery still shows the old Angantenna Estate, Google Maps provides you the accurate driving directions to Victoria Range from anywhere in Sri Lanka.

Join the First Ever Fun Day Trip of Victoria Range Home Owners

Having organized three social events in grand style in 2010 / 2011, the ladies at Victoria Range in Digana now invite you to join the first ever "Fun Day Trip of Victoria Range Home Owners".

The ladies group, who considers everyone is a leader, has already booked the venue and it is the charming resort, Cinnamon Lodge, which is set in the little town of Habarana, located at the heart of the world famous cultural triangle of Kandy-Anuradhapura-Polonnaruwa.

Join the Victoria Range Family, that gets closer every passing day, and make delightful discoveries in over 27 acres of resplendent beauty.

(Please contact the Secretary of Victoria Range Home Owners Association for more information.)

We are now www.victoriarange.org

We are pleased to announce our new identity; www.victoriarange.org in the world wide web.

The reason for creating a new name (“domain” in techies' language) is to provide a clearer  identity for the Victoria Range Home Owners Association in Digana, Kandy, Sri Lanka and to our virtual forum, Victoria Range Community Blog. Although we are known (or named) as “Victoria Range Bungalows” in the outside world, the term “Victoria Range” better represents our collective identity.

Google Maps also accepted our request to make “Victoria Range” as a location, that is known worldwide. Although the satellite imagery (as of September 2011) still shows the old Angantenna Estate, Google Maps provides you the accurate driving directions to Victoria Range from anywhere in Sri Lanka.

In June 2009, we launched Victoria Range Community Blog to create new and stronger ties between Home Owners in Victoria Range by disseminating relevant information to our community. Our efforts have yielded the desired results  as we are now ranked among the top 5 in all three major search engines, Google, Yahoo and Bing. We thank you for your support, encouragement that motivates us to keep moving forward.

In our effort in taking our virtual forum into next phase, we invite you and your children to become part of the forum by contributing with contents (articles, photos, drawings or even comments) of common interests of our community.

Victoria Range Home Owners in Digana, Kandy, Sri Lanka moving towards Digital Communication

The Executive Committee of Victoria Range Home Owners, Digana, Kandy, Sri Lanka is taking the community towards the digital communication, in order to establish effective, efficient, healthy communication with all home owners.

According to the minutes of their meeting on 21 August 2011, the members of the Executive Committee have identified that updating the current contact database as one of the primary requirements to have healthy communication. Several strategies have been identified to collect the email addresses, phone numbers for updating the contact database and one strategy is to send letters to home owners, those who have only provided the postal addresses, requesting the email address and phone numbers.

We all need to know the current status of our investment in the prestigious Victoria Range Community in Digana, Kandy, Sri Lanka. The committee will assist us knowing the latest developments and concerns, provided that they have ways to be in touch with us. Therefore if you have not provided your current email address to the association, please contact the Secretary of the Executive Committee to update the database with your contact details.

Eid Mubarak

Happy Eid, Happy Eid
Eid has come
To bring us peace, to bring us love
To cherish our lives.

Happy Eid, Happy Eid
It is the time
We come together, shoulder to shoulder
To share our love and share our Joy

Happy Eid, Happy Eid
Wishing our Muslim friends and their families
At Victoria Range and elsewhere
A Happy Eid!

EXCO sets Group Norms and Ethics for Betterment of the Community

At their first meeting, the newly elected Executive Committee has set following "Ground Rules", that they honour while carrying out their duties and responsibilities.

• To always be conscious that the Committee represents the Home Owners
• There should be transparency in all actions
• The Constitution will be the guideline for making decisions
• All such decisions will be presented to the Home Owners and will be implemented only if the majority is in agreement
• Minutes of the HOAEC meetings and monthly financials will be emailed to all Home Owners and also placed on the blog/web site
• At least four Committee Members should be present when discussing with Nivasie or an outside organization any issues pertaining to Victoria Range
• Matters discussed at Committee meetings could be shared with other Home Owners but NOT with any person/s other than the Home Owners
• Any Committee Member who wishes a matter/s to be included in the agenda for discussion at the Committee meeting should inform the Secretary by email one week before the date of meeting.
• The agenda will be sent to all Home Owners. The meeting will be open to Home Owners who wish to be present at the Committee meeting as observers. Half an hour will be set aside for Home Owners present to discuss any matter, if they so wish.
• All communication will be by email and the Committee Members were requested to acknowledge emails.

The Time Has Come Once Again...

The time has come once again
To show what we can do
To work together as a team
Not just one or two.

Together we can do anything our hearts desire
You know we have done it and We're united.
Because together we have a goal that we all have dreamt
And that's to be the best community the country have seen yet.

So let's go out to the community as one team
Let's do what we do best and bring our community pride.
Because together we can do it
Together we can be the best community in the land.

Announcement of the new Executive Committee for 2011 / 2012

The new Executive Committee was elected by Home Owners at the AGM held on 14 August 2011 at Victoria Range, Digana, Kandy.

The new Committee consists of people with broad experience and knowledge in Entrepreneurship, Financial Accounting, Engineering, Law, Tourism & Hospitality Management, Event Management, Safety & Insurance and Surveying. Interestingly all members are permanent residents and they represent various demographic groups in Victoria Range.

The Members of the Executive Committee are:

• Mr. Kusal Ratnayake (President). The Treasure of the previous Committee.
• Mr. Chitral Pathiwile (Vice President)
• Mr. Sarath Wickremasingha (Treasurer)
• Ms. Aylanee Ameresekere (Secretary). The ex-Secretary of the previous Committee.
• Mr. Nimal Sedara (Social Secretary)
• Mr. Dayal Gamage (Zone 1 Representative)
• Mr. Suraj Michael (Zone 1 Representative)
• Mr. Ranjith Ratnayake (Zone 2 Representative). The Zone 2 Representative of the previous Committee.
• Mr. Ananda Ellegale (Zone 2 Representative)
• Mr. Dhammika Hettiarachchi (Zone 3 Representative)
• Mr. Joe Fernando (Zone 4 and 5 Representative). The Zone 4 Representative of the previous Committee and ex-Vice President of the inaugural Committee.

President's Annual Report at the AGM - 2011

(This report was read out by the former President of Victoria Range Home Owners Association Executive Committee (2010/2011), Mr. Lalith Wijesingha at the AGM held on 14 August 2011. Mr. Wijesingha also served the community as the Secretary of the Inaugural Executive Committee of Victoria Range Home Owners Association during 2009/2010.)

Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is my pleasure to extend to all of you a warm welcome on behalf of the entire executive committee of the Victoria Range Home Owners Association (VRHOA) and thank you for your presence.

This Committee was elected to office at the last AGM held on 29 May 2010. During the period under review the Committee met 14 times - once a month and held 2 General Meetings of the Association in December 2010 and April 2011. In addition this Committee also had 4 formal meetings with the Senior Nivasie Management which included their Managing Director together with many informal meetings with their Senior and Junior Staff.

The objective was two fold.

1. To develop a cordial working relationship with Nivasie with a sense of mutual cooperation
2. To shadow the operations of the Complex to gain an insight to its workings

This Committee at the inception identified a few long and short term goals, namely

1. To establish a gated community concept at Victoria Range
2. Participate with Nivasie in the operations of Victoria Range in a limited manner
3. Initiate the rehabilitation of Sri Rahula Mawatha
4. Organise Social events at Victoria Range
5. Make Club Victoria a facility for Members Only

In an effort to achieve the above goals my Committee initiated the following.

New Security Service Provider and Procedures

Along with Nivasie the Committee initiated the appointment of Watchguard Security Services at Victoria Range with effect from 1 Jan 2011. In addition a new set of Security Procedures were implemented in collaboration with Nivasie. Monthly Progress meetings were held amongst Nivasie, Home Owners Association Executive Committee (HOAEC) and Watchguard. As with many security service providers there have been lapses and shortcomings which hopefully will improve with more feedback and vigilance from Home Owners to the Executive Committee.

This Committee recommends a Neighbourhood Watch programme to the incoming Committee for implementation.

Cleaning Services Provider

Abans Environmental Services has been appointed as the new cleaning Company replacing Nivasie with effect from 16 April 2011. This has been a joint decision between Nivasie and the HOAEC. Hopefully the aspirations of all stakeholders will be met by this change. Kapruka, the Maintenance Company has been discontinued at the same time.

Water Supply

The plan to build a water tank inside the Complex by Nivasie, to provide water during emergencies could not be implemented as the National Water Board did not give their approval. As an alternative they have augmented the supply to the outside Nivasie Water Tank by laying a special water line from the Digana Village water storage tank.

Though not a complete solution this is the best that this Committee could negotiate with Nivasie.

Constitution and Bye-laws

The adopted Constitution and Bye-laws were printed into a booklet and delivered to many Colombo residents by courtesy of Nivasie. They also handed over this document to new home owners along with the Sales Agreement.

Club Victoria

This has proved to be more than a challenge to both Nivasie and the Home Owners Association. The HOAEC represented their concerns to Nivasie by way of letters, meetings and verbal conversations. The complaints were many. Quality, service and tariff were the main culprits. Nivasie though receptive to the Home Owner concerns did not or were not able to improve the situation. Lack of personnel, patronage and profitability were some of the problems faced by Nivasie. Nivasie has commenced the issue of a Victoria Club Membership Card to Home Owners with up to date accounts, entitling them to a discount for restaurant and bar facilities. 
Sarath Wickramasinghe a home owner who is retired Hotelier has kindly consented to provide a feasibility study on Club Victoria with the concurrence of Nivasie. Hopefully this will address the aspirations of all stakeholders. At present it is being prepared and the new Committee will have to follow it up.

In early July the Nivasie owned Guest Houses were closed by Nivasie Management.

Quarterly Newsletter and Blogsite

A quarterly newsletter was initiated and the first edition released by the hardwork of Gamini Premadasa a home owner resident in the UAE. This work was coordinated by the former Secretary of the HOAEC Aylanee Ameresekere. The Committee's appreciation to both of them is placed in record here.

A community blogsite has been initiated by Kumara Badhuge also an ex-Secretary of this Committee and has been maintained regularly by him. The Committee expresses it's appreciation for his initiative and commitment.

Dengue Control Programme

A well coordinated Dengue control programme was in place in collaboration with Nivasie and many permanent home owners of Victoria Range. Check lists and letters were posted and emailed to home owners with neglected gardens, subsequent to surveys. A shramadana was held by Nivasie with the participation of the HOAEC to coincide with a Dengue week. 

The momentum gathered with this program has diminished and will have to be revived by the new Executive Committee.

Social Events

The permanent residents Community is growing. Two successful social events were conducted by the HOA and Nivasie during Sinhala New Year and Wesak. In addition two other social events were organized by the ladies who are residing permanently in Victoria Range in October 2010 and Christmas 2010.

View Point

Nivasie and this Committee has initiated a joint decision to assign the "View Point" as a common area which could be used by Home Owners for their social functions subsequent to obtaining the necessary approval from the HOAEC.

Sub-Committee on Service Fee Dues

Asoka Pilapitiya a permanent resident Home Owner has kindly volunteered to assist Nivasie in collecting Service fee dues. Her efforts are being rewarded and progress is being made. The Committee expresses it's appreciation for her efforts.

Condominium Authority

This Committee has been in contact with the Condominium Authority officials and presented their submissions to be included in the proposed legislation to be enacted for gated communities such as Victoria Range later in the Year.

Miscellaneous

This Committee has also initiated with Nivasie the following infra-structure improvements some of which are completed whilst others are in progress.

• The rehabilitation of pond 1 and 2
• Two speed humps on Sri Rahula Mawatha
• Additional street lighting
• Additional street name boards
• Lighting at the View Point
• Filling the road edges of Sri Rahula Mawatha

It is my contention that this Committee has achieved a great deal during their tenure in office.

The cooperation and assistance provided by Nivasie is especially placed on record with a special thank you to Herman Gonsal, Roshani Perera, Pathirage Kularathne, Pradeep Manjula and Saman Kulathilaka.

This Commitee has come through some rough waters but has reached it's destination despite these obstacles.

Finally I wish to express my thanks to all the Committee members who gave me their support during a particularly difficult period of instability when two secretaries had to resign due to personal reasons. A special word of gratitude to Santi De Lanerolle the Vice President who was a tower of strength and provided invaluable advice at most trying periods.

I wish the incoming Executive Committee the very best and trust that they will continue the good practices that the earlier two Executive Committees have established with a lot of effort.

AGM - 2011

As per an email message from the President of the Victoria Range Home Owners Association, the Third Annual General Meeting of VRHOA will be held on Sunday 14th August 2011 at 10.30 a.m. at the Nivasie Conference Room, Digana.

AGENDA

1. Notice of Meeting
2. Greeting and Apologies
3. Adoption of the Minutes of the AGM held in May 2010.
4. To receive Audited Statement of Accounts as at 31st March 2011 and the Report of the Auditors thereon.
5. To receive a Statement of Account from the Hony Treasurer, for the period 1st April to 31st July 2011
6. To re-appoint Messers Hulugalle & Wickremanayake, the retiring Auditors and to authorise the Executive Committee to determine their remuneration.
7. President's Report
8. Resolutions from the Executive Committee -To consider and if thought fit to pass the following resolutions with or without modifications:
1. It is hereby resolved to amend Clause 2.1.2 of Part One of the Constitution, by adding the word Assistant Secretary between the words Secretary and Treasurer so that Clause 2.1.2 will read as follows: elect the office bearers of the Association namely, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer and Committee Members consisting of Home Owners representing each of the zones who will form the Home Owners Executive Committee, to give effect to the said objectives;
2. It is hereby resolved, to amend Clause 9.1 of the Bye-laws by deleting the existing Clause and substituting the following: 9.1 Home owners shall not carry on any Commercial ,Business or Trading Activity on Rent or Lease of the residential unit for the above, which will cause pollution, noise or any other disturbance or inconvenience to the other Home Owners of Victoria Range.
9. To discuss the future Management of Victoria Range Complex and the Club House with its Sports facilities.
10. Election of the Executive Committee for the year 2011/2012
11. Address by the President -elect.
12. Any other Business of which due Notice has been given.

Notes included in the email notice: 

1. A home Owner is entitled to appoint a Proxy to attend, speak and vote at the meeting on his/her behalf.

2. A Proxy need not be a Home Owner of the complex.

3 A Form of Proxy is enclosed for this purpose.

4. The completed Form of Proxy may be sent to the President of VRHOA at Digana not later than 48hrs before the time fixed for the meeting.