Life style
Positive belief and confidence
by Zanita Careem
How do you react to the public eye of being a model and beauty queen?
I have been in the fashion and Beauty Industry for almost 3 decades having been a Supermodel and a Beauty Queen and traveled to many countries representing our Haute Couture and my country as an Ambassador. The respect and recognition I have garnered in the public eye for representing Sri Lanka and making my country proud of me is irreplaceable. People know the contribution that I have made to uplift these two industries. I want to be a citizen who had contributed to my country and made a change, uplifted and strived for progress in whatever I do and adulation and accolades will follow suit. The admiration I have earned being in the public eye for many years as a Super Model and Beauty Queen still remains the same.
You were also a co-founder of one of Sri Lanka’s first web development company, what have you achieved in this field?
WEB Syndicate which I co-founded in ’96 went on to become a highly successful company creating the blue print and bench mark in web development in the country. We developed the world’s first online Tea shopping carte facility for Dilmah Tea. The company was also the first fully integrated web development company to build and own a state-of-the-art multi storey design studio in Pelawatte built as a SOHO complex in line with the San Francisco Dot Com revolution. We had the most diversified client portfolio of Exporters, Hotels, Multi Nationals etc. and quickly established ourselves as the number 1 web development company with the birth of the information Superhighway.
As an entrepreneur how do you see yourself a success or failure?
As an Entrepreneur I see myself as a success. Entrepreneurship is in the birth of ideas.
Innovation, talent, skills and vision which makes an idea a success but to achieve success throughout the years you need to have dedication, commitment and far sighted strategy and plan to see it progress through the years. During the 3 months lock down in this Pandemic I decided that I need to study further and make use of this long in house vacation we were forced to take and thereby studied ‘Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies,’ conducted by Harvard University. An enriching experience that paved the way for me to start my own company ‘Island Properties.’
How do you see yourself in the Real Estate Business?
I was excited to start my own property business and we have a portfolio of properties that comprises of villas, chalets, hotels, resorts and lands in tourism hot spots as well as commercial, residential and apartments for sale that many expats living overseas want to come back and invest in our Island. Though the pandemic has placed an obstacle with capital investments down or taking a back seat it will improve since this is the right time to purchase properties. I see Sri Lanka as the most attractive destination for new projects since we have so much to offer, therefore I see progression in this business.
You’re the brand ambassador for REM Solar, say something about solar solution and renewable energy.
Renewable energy is the way forward if we are to protect the environment and restore the losses experienced through centuries of industrialization and pollution. I believe in sustainable development while protecting our environment therefore I was happy to endorse REM Solar which is dedicated to provide Solar energy to companies and residences. The company in collaboration with the Rainforest Protection Authority is planting a tree with every KW purchased. They also have the best industry solutions and I am pleased to partner with them. We are an Island and each one of us should strive hard to protect our country from bio degradation. Green energy is vital to live a healthy life and with resources vastly depleting around the world protecting the environment, fauna and flora is important for the next generation. The pandemic has taught us that nature should be protected or there will be devastating consequences.
You also promote Sri Lanka Tourism through your Instagram, what are the obstacles you face in promoting tourism in Sri Lanka?
I am blessed to be part of this Island nation that has the most unique bio diversity in the world. We have everything from beaches, tea plantations, cultural sights, hill country, wild life and so much more. We depend on tourism as one of the primary earners to the economy. The pandemic resulted in many hotels facing closure. Promoting my country was always my first priority from the time I started representing Sri Lanka on an international stage. The social media and Instagram being a powerful platform to reach out to a wider audience, I decided to blog my travels promoting the scenic locations in our country as a blogger. It was to promote local tourism to bridge the losses from the pandemic since the country was closed for overseas visitors. A picture speaks a thousand words, so Instagram gives a beautiful story for the discerning traveler and it was a great way to promote tourism in our country in these challenging times. Most important aspect of Instagram is the pictures should be of high quality and have to tell a story. Therefore, compiling this along with promoting it takes time and effort which is not an easy task.
Politics is your passion; will you take politics at any time in the future?
I was invited to support Anura Fernando, co-founder of Viyathmaga at the General Elections by Honorable Namal Rajapaksa. I took this up and supported him via the social media and through political write ups and it was the first time I undertook to do this. Politics always interested me since the country is shaped by the government we choose to elect. Every time I represented Sri Lanka I felt I had the platform to bring in change and contribute as a citizen of the country. My grand uncle S.F.De Silva, the famed author of many Geography books and former ambassador to China was an influence to me along with my father the famous cinematographer and film director and the country’s first Diploma holder in motion picture photography A.V.M Vasagam who has contributed immensely to the film industry. His Film ‘Sigiri Kassapa,’ depicting the God king of our magnificent Fortress will go down in the anals of our historical movies as unforgettable. Therefore Yes, I would be involved in politics in the future.
Shivani you are known for your beauty touch on the modelling part and tell us the international exposure you received?
The international exposure I received first as a Super Model having traveled to Belgium, Italy, France, Oman, Abu Dhabi through ‘Shades of Sri Lanka’, Senaka De Silva’s fashion Troupe as well as India and Singapore promoting the country’s Batiks, Silks and Handloom industry to international heights where we received a standing ovation. It was followed by representing the country at Miss. Asia Pacific Quest in Philippines. I won the Miss. Sri Lanka in ’95 and the Miss Universe was held in Namibia where I placed 22nd out of 82 countries and was asked to open the national costume round. I also received a special spot on the Jon Secada Music video. Finally when I won Mrs. Sri Lanka in ‘99 I went on to win the 4th runner up at Mrs. World held in Jerusalem, Israel. The international travels and recognition I got representing my country is one of the most memorable moments in my life. I have been to 10 countries just representing my country as a Super Model and Beauty queen. Every time I wore the sash ‘Sri Lanka’ it gave me immense pride to be a Sri Lankan. All this was possible since I received the foundation from the fashion industry which paved the way for success in the other fields.
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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