This Christmas marks the first festive celebration after the economic crisis and the Covid-19 restrictions that defined the previous years. While our country may not be entirely out of the economic woods, there is a collective sense that this Christmas could signify a return to some semblance of normalcy.

Colombo, renowned for its diverse recreational activities during the holidays, seems to have gone full steam ahead in acknowledging the special nature of this Christmas. The city has come alive with many activities tailored to all Colombo residents, especially Colombo youth, to partake in.  

Among these efforts are those that evoke a sense of winter wonderland in our hot, bustling city. A noteworthy addition to Colombo’s holiday offerings is the Snow World at Excel World, featuring a grand celebration that introduces its signature snow experience. 

A first for Colombo

The city’s latest attraction is the inaugural eco-friendly ice skating rink, a first for Colombo. Launched just two weeks ago as part of Fun Island at the Colombo City Centre, this brand-new activity has garnered considerable attention, thanks to its initiation by Fun Island Co-Founder Ronali Perera Michael. 

As one of the visionaries behind this unusual winter wonderland attraction, Ronali (who runs Fun Island with her husband Dilshan Michael) spoke with The Sunday Morning Brunch about how she had created this seasonal attraction, explaining the innovative features of this endeavour. 

“This new skating rink is, in fact, eco-friendly. We use synthetic ice or eco ice, an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional ice rinks. It is made from recyclable material and does not require water or energy for cooling, which is what makes it a sustainable option for skating rink installations.”

Glice, an ecological alternative 

The material used is also called Glice and mimics real ice. Glice was selected for its unique skating surface that not only offers an ecological alternative to refrigerated ice but also operates in any temperature. 

Addressing resource conservation, Ronali explained: “Compared to a conventional ice rink of the same size, this eco-friendly rink will save water and eliminate electrical energy consumption, resulting in a reduction of CO2 emissions associated with electrical power generation. Additionally, Glice allows for easy installation, a process that is notably more efficient than the lengthier installation required for a refrigerated rink of similar size.”

This commitment to sustainability and efficiency underscores the effort to provide a unique and environmentally-conscious ice skating experience in Colombo. Beyond its environmental benefits, Glice brings significant economic advantages.

Glice is a Swiss-engineered marvel and it has become a global phenomenon in recreational innovation. People of all ages across 80 countries have embraced the advanced and fully customisable eco-skating rink technology offered by Glice. The Glice Ultra Glide skating surface, scientifically engineered, delivers a high-performance skating experience akin to conventional ice, all while significantly reducing acquisition and operating costs.

The ice skating experience 

Fun Island Crew Chief Yanik Perera provided insights into the customer experience with the Glice ice skating rink. Reflecting on the overall response, Yanik stated: “The experience has been great; customers are really taken with the rink. There have been zero safety incidents as we conduct a full safety briefing before people enter the rink, covering aspects like how sharp the blades are. As a result, no issues have been reported.”

Expanding on the equipment used, Yanik clarified: “The skates are legitimate skates, similar to those used in regular ice skating. The surface mimics real ice, which is why all the equipment is the same.” Addressing the learning curve, he added: “Kids pick it up almost immediately, while adults, of course, are a little more apprehensive about falling, so they take a bit more time. However, around the 15-minute mark, everyone is tired out, so 20 minutes is just about the maximum time that people are actually able to fully skate.” 

Yanik’s comprehensive overview highlights the positive reception and safety measures implemented, providing valuable insights into the success of the Glice ice skating experience at Fun Island.

Skaters’ views  

Brunch also spoke to a few skaters who expressed their enthusiasm for this unique recreational addition to Colombo’s landscape. 

Roshan, who had very recently experienced the new skating rink, said: “It’s about time they opened something fun for young adults. I was just complaining to my friends about not having many activities; it’s either bowling or cycling (these days that’s also not an option). Ice skating costs Rs. 2,000 for 20 minutes. While I hope the price reduces, as a passionate fan of ice skating, I would still go.” 

Roshan’s perspective reflects the demand for diverse and enjoyable recreational activities in Colombo, with the Glice ice skating rink offering a novel and exciting option for those seeking fun experiences in the city.

Maheshi enthusiastically shared her experience, stating: “I loved it! It was actually fun, and we are thinking of going again.” Delving into her thoughts about the rink itself, she said: “They said it’s synthetic ice. It’s not real ice, but it was slippery and you can slide well. There is no slippery substance or anything like that. It’s just a slippery surface, and I was on the floor a lot. There’s no transfer, which was a concern I had. I thought maybe it’s like soap football, where there’s some slippery substance on the surface. But no, it’s all good, just fake ice.”

Concerns 

On the flip side, with the introduction of the new eco-friendly ice skating rink, some have raised questions about the allocation of resources, especially considering Sri Lanka’s challenging economic situation. 

One perspective was articulated by a concerned individual, who said: “There wasn’t any entertainment in Colombo when I was in my teens, since we only had Majestic City, Excel World, and the cinema. However, in the recent past, there has been paintball, laser shooting, VR games, rock climbing, escape rooms, Leo- and Rotaract-organised events, water parks, etc. While it’s good that something new has been introduced, given Sri Lanka’s current economic situation, one feels that this investment could have been used for something better than appeasing the interests of a few upper-middle class skating fans.”

This perspective reflects concerns about the prioritisation of investments, urging consideration of alternative uses that could potentially have broader societal impacts given the economic challenges faced by the country. 

Regardless, the prevailing sentiment among the majority suggests that recreational activities, particularly during this holiday season, are viewed as a gift. This perspective holds particular resonance as we collectively emerge from challenging times, notably the economic crisis of last year and early this year. 

Engaging in recreational pursuits, especially during festive periods, serves as a collective acknowledgment of the importance of fostering joy, respite, and a sense of normalcy amid the broader societal context of recovery and rebuilding.