Bestowed the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government

Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Eric Laveru awarded Roshani Leanage and Niroshani Leanage with the insignia of Knight of the Orders of Arts and Letters in a ceremony held at the French Residence for their constant devotion to the cause of bilateral relations between France and Sri Lanka. Both of them were bestowed with Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier des Arts et Lettres in French) in recognition of their creations in the artistic field as well as the contribution made to the influence of French culture in the world.

Speaking at the official ceremony held at the French Ambassador’s residence in Sri Lanka to confer the awards, French Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Eric Lavertu shared: “It is a rare privilege to be given the opportunity to include both of your names in the same speech. It is in this respect you offer me to show, by means of these awards, the appreciation of the French authorities with regard to your constant devotion to the cause of bilateral relations between France and Sri Lanka.”

Roshani Leanage is the Chairperson of Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology (LIFT) and Mod’Art International – Sri Lanka. Following her higher studies, Roshani began her career in the fashion and textiles industry in 1980 as a business partner of R.N. Garments and went on to being an entrepreneur in apparel production for exports and retail.

Niroshani Leanage is the Managing Director of LIFT and Mod’Art International – Sri Lanka. Having graduated as a fashion designer in 1999 in Bangalore India, she entered the fashion industry the following year. In 2007, she went on to pursue her MBA from the University of Northampton, UK.