Bios
Gerald Simon
Gerald is a dedicated and passionate travel blogger who has made Sri Lanka his true home. Born in the suburbs of London, he moved to Sri Lanka with his parents as a young boy, where he spent his formative years. After returning to England at the age of 18, Gerald has travelled extensively. Now, forever between Colombo and London, he enjoys a vibrant social circle in Colombo and finds it heartbreaking to be away from the country he loves so deeply.
An avid cyclist, Gerald has experienced the country on two-wheels. He believes that cycling is the best way to truly get to know the island – offering a unique, immersive experience that reveals the soul of Sri Lanka in a way few other modes of transport can.
Gerald writes with authenticity and passion, sharing the beauty, culture, and hidden treasures of Sri Lanka with readers around the world. His articles are not only informative but also infused with the warmth and soul of the island.
Andrew Madiwake
Andrew Madiwake is a man of precision, passion, and purpose. With over 15 years of experience in product design, manufacturing, and retail in the UK, he has built a career around innovation and excellence. As the inventor of the RedBooster Land Rover Defender servo-clutch kit – now sold globally by BRITPART – Andrew has a reputation for creating solutions that meet the highest technical standards and quality expectations.
But Andrew’s story doesn’t end there. After returning home to Kandy, Andrew has become a thoughtful and forward-looking voice in the travel industry. He is deeply concerned about the impact of mass tourism on Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural heritage, and he’s equally passionate about protecting wildlife habitats from human encroachment. His writing is not just informative – it’s provocative, challenging us to think differently about how we travel, how we live, and how we leave our mark on the world.
To GRANDPASS, Andrew brings his unique perspective – a blend of technical brilliance, historical insight, and ethical thinking – to every piece he writes. His narratives are not just about Sri Lanka; they’re about the future of travel, the soul of the island, and the kind of journey that leaves you changed.
Jonathan Roelofsz
Jonathan is a storyteller and a true son of Sri Lanka. With roots tracing back to the 1670s, his family heritage as Sri Lankan Dutch Burghers is woven into the very fabric of his identity. Today, he calls the family estate near Dutch Bay his home – a place where history, culture, and nature intertwine in quiet harmony, just a short drive from the very shores where his ancestors once settled.
Jonathan is a creative force – a rare blend of vision, passion, and purpose. His work is deeply influenced by his Burgher heritage, offering a unique lens into the European-inspired lifestyle that has shaped parts of Sri Lanka for centuries. But beyond that, he’s a modern-day explorer – one who finds inspiration in the wild, the sacred, and the everyday beauty of this island.
Jonathan brings his heart, his heritage, and his hands-on experience to every story, every idea, and every journey. He’s not just sharing Sri Lanka – he’s inviting you to see it through his eyes, feel its pulse, and fall in love with it all over again.
Contributors
GRANDPASS is grateful for the contributions made by all the talented and dedicated creators who share their creativity with us through various forms of art such as writing, photography, painting, music or video production. We appreciate your passion in creating content that is both informative and entertaining to our audience.
Thank You!
Sergey Polyakov
Thilina Alagiyawanna
Chathura Anuradha Subasinghe
Orkhanshots
Marina Zvada
Mnmshakir
Nilantha Sanjeewa
Binara Pradeep Saman Kumara Rajasingha
Samiru Sandeepa
Alexander Dodd
Anas Mohamed Nuski
Anjeliica
Charith Kodagoda
Dinuka Gunawardana
Elina Sazonova
Ertabbt
Ishara kasthuriarachchi
Jawidh Ahamed
Malinda Bandara
Photosbybasit
Prasanna Wanninayaka
Rajee Kumar
Sahan Hapuarachchi
Samiru Sandeepa
th3explorer Namal Siriwardana
annesebban
Chathura Anuradha
fransoopatrick
Kam Kram
jarryyi
jeroenketelhaven
kalyanayahaluwo
Ma Rika
pasja1000
Alexander Dodd
Elina Sazonova
