Life style
Lihini Fernando – being the change she wants to see
by Zanita Careem
Lihini Fernando does not come from a political family, neither does she have political wealth to sustain her. However, it did not deter her from pursuing her passion to be the change she yearned to see in Sri Lanka.
An attorney-at-law, Lihini believes in empowering women as an empowered woman is living statement. Meeting her offers an opportunity to be amazed at a person who has enormous energy and infectious enthusiasm.
She traces her interest in politics from her school days. “I have always been vocal about discrimination in society and the injustice caused to women and children. Heading her own legal firm- Velox Partners, with a few other lawyers, as well as being an achiever at the 2021 Women in Management Awards in which she was awarded the ‘Inspirational Woman of the Year’ award for the category; Emerging Woman Politician, she also works in the family business of advertising and furniture.
What is remarkable about her is her belief that women have the capability to ‘stretch themselves’ above and beyond the status quo.
Passion for politics
Lihini also spoke on what inspired her to become a politician. Today she is a Municipal Councilor from Moratuwa. “I took up politics because of my passion for it and the passion for change,” said Lihini, emphatically quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s words- ‘be the change you wish to see in this world.’
Working with people at the grass root level and advocating social causes is indeed rewarding says Lihini. “Only honest, committed educated and capable people can change the political landscape of women in politics,” says Lihini calling for more women to take the centre stage in politics.
Specifically in Sri Lanka’s 2019 post-COVID context, the brunt of the ethnic war is borne by women who lost their loved ones across the ethnic divide, suffering debilitating loss whether psychological or economic. The real challenge for Lihini is the need to build up women for political leadership in order to foster and inculcate a capable and emphatic government. She strongly believes that women are the live wire, the decision maker, the strength of every family and hence they have the potential to be a decisive factor in decision making be in politics or the corporate sector.
Lihini is confident that Sri Lanka can address gender related issues. Women make up more than half of the population and in terms of eligible voters they lead men at 56% and outnumber males at Universities at 54%. Despite these impressive statistics, the representation of women in the active labour force is just 35%, reflecting the disappointing scale of gender inequality and discrimination against women, laments the young social and political advocate.
“There is very little done to address the wide discrimination against women or to provide them protection and empower them to be equal partners in the country’s growth and progress,” reflected Lihini emphasizing that women can support any decision-making role in the country and can even change dynamics of politics as well if given a chance.
As to why female representation in the economy and even politics is low, she responded: “the main reasons for that is the conventional stereo typical roles assigned and imposed on women as wives and mothers. We take pride in having the first woman Prime Minister in the world but our society still assigns separate roles for women and men and hence place severe constraints. We need to be encouraging and supporting, so women do not feel intimidated by politics perpetuated by the ruling class. There is nothing better than to see more women representation in Parliament. Sri Lanka still has hope. People can and must eradicate corrupt officials and hold leaders to account. Your right is not limited to a vote,” remarked Lihini in conclusion.
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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