Life style
Token of love and hope
As part of the breast cancer awareness month, we feature Ramani Fernando,a popular hairdresser who initiated the hair donation campaign for cancer patients. She partnered with Lalith Dharmawardene, the only human hair wig specialist who contributed to the fight against cancer, This breast cancer month of October,every Friday and Saturday, the Burj Khalifa lights up in pink in an effort to raise awareness about breast cancer. The iconic landmark also features the official symbol of breast cancer. “The pink ribbon,” while the Dubai fountain runs pink circles during the duration of the show. Meanwhile designers have styled exclusive pink coats and silhouettes with a generous percentage of sales directed to breast cancer patients world wide.
by Zanita Careem
October is the breast cancer awareness month, this is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. This is in suppor to show every woman or man that her or his life are important. By working together, we can help people suffering from cancer.
The National Cancer Prevention month was first observed in 2004 after the passage of Senate Resolution in 2000. Introduced by Senate Earnest. Hollings to encourage communities across the country to take this opportunity to educate one another and take the necessary steps to prevent cancer. There are many volunteers assisting cancer patients, every year thousands of patients visit clinics Cancer can strip people and purpose and place in the world. Ramani Fernando, popular hairdresser and beautician started a project to accept hair donations to make wigs for those patients who lose hair during chemotherapy . She has always the epitome of selfless love for the suffering. She was determined to help those suffering from cancer. As a woman she believes that appearance and a healthy growth of hair matter for any women. But this appearance is often challenged with complications like cancer or any other incurable ailment. Cancer can deteriorate one’s appearance and make you feel depressed. To help those in need she started working with Cancer Care Trust to collect hair from volunteers and help those in need of wigs for patients who lose hair.
A great gesture during this month of October to light a candle in the midst of darkness.
Any Ramani Fernando Salons in Colombo will give a free cut and style for those who donate their hair for cancer patients, and in return a certificate of appreciation is given to the volunteers by Ramani Fernando salons
She and her team of trained professionals deliver , a one of a kind service to every individual who walks through any of her salons to give their hair.
Her collaboration with Cancer Care Trust in Sri Lanka to provide hair donations for children and women battling with cancer embodies her humane quality and generous gesture
As this hair donation campaign for cancer patients brings hope to hundreds of women and girls battling with this deadly disease.The locks donated go to make wigs for patients with loss of hair for a young woman to look into the mirror and smile.!
“Every day many donors visit the ‘We have an exodus of volunteers eager to donate but wig making has become a tedious process. It takes time to sort out the different types of hair, there is a lack of staff to make wigs with the current situation ” said Ramani .Lalith Dharmawardena is dedicated his valuable time to make wigs for those who have lost their hair to cancer. “I have taken may challenges, but this the biggest challenge so far ‘. Despite all obstacles those who like to donate are more than welcome to dedicate their hair for this worthy cause .said Lalith.
Four sailors, assigned to Ticonderoga, class guided missile cruses, US Princeton and US Embassy gave their locks of hair while they were on a visit to Colombo. After harvesting the donated hair, Stylists from our salons shampooed, conditioned and gave them a free hair cut, we professionally styled their hair and gave all of them a new look. Once completed, the sailors gave each of my hairdresser their ship ball cap as a token of appreciation Each lock has been cut for a cause and each wig is a token of love and hope said Ramani.
These hair wigs have changed the life of many cancer patients today. Not only does it give them the added strength to fight the terminal disease, but gave them character and self confidence.
Although almost everyone was aware of the fact that chemotherapy causes hair loss, it was not until Ramani Fernando salons started the hair donation programme and Lalith Dharmawardene, the only human hair wig makes in Sri Lanka, were drawn to this benevolent venture, most of the cancer patients especially the women , had a social stigma to face society
Ramani Fernando also took part in the press conference held at Maharagama recently to raise awareness and launch touch, look, check campaign.
Early detection and treatment of the disease and promoting regular self examination of breast every month on a fixed day are very effective says Ramani.
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
Envison your dream wedding day come to life at the Epitome Hotel, a prestigious city hotel in Kurunegala offering an unrivalled luxury rendors experience for weddings.
The venue is designed to embody opulence and luxury from all quarters for a spectacular wedding in kurunegala,Thier ballroom is the largest banquet facility in Sri Lanka It can be divided into six luxurious pillarless wedding halls on the ground floor and 25pax smaller banquet halls.
It can be easily named as a five star heaven in the heart of the city contributing to a myriad of immense experiences tailored to inspire and delight wedding experiences.
From opulent décor set up to exquisite table decor, lavish food, every detail is meticulously curated to spark your imagination and ignite creativity for a perfect wedding. The previous prestigious wedding shows season one and season two attracted large crowds
were unique events which gave the wedding vendors and potential clients had an opportunity to connect and interact with each other. Beyond being a showcase it was a chance for the wedding vendors to unite and contribute to the vibrancy of the wedding industry. The wedding show covered all area of the bridal industry providing a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became the most popular bridal exhibitions in Kurunegala.This bridal exhibitions allowed brides and grooms to experience first hand the products and services available from suppliers in Sri Lanka
These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
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The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
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