Life style
She looks at the positive side
by Zanita Careem
Rozanne Diaz, a popular fashion model, who won the Miss Universe pageant in 2005 is an old girl of Methodist College. She owns a modelling and Personality Development School.
This iconic supermodel is one of the most recognisable faces in the modeling world in Sri Lanka. She has a legendary runway walk and she is a stunning beauty.
Has the social media played a role in your modeling career?
Not really. When I was a model social media did not exist. I find it to be a good thing as we were reognized for our talent and performance. Not for the likes and shares. Popularity came in to play with our ability to win people’s hearts through art. We had to do good work to be in the limelight. And the main thing is people could not reach to us as fast as they do now so there was a star quality value. With all the plus points of social media I still prefer those days.
What do you think of the media to portrayal of beauty and do you think it is changing?
Yes definitely. It is changing rapidly. To the good and to the bad. Its better if we focus on the positive changes minimize the negative aspect of it.
How do/you maintain a positive look?
I try to be happy always. In every situation. Look at the bright side and learn from each experience. And mainly take one day at a time and have no major plans. That way you can adapt to any situation fast.
At the end of the day what fulfills you as a person, what makes you happy?
If someone hurts me I try not to hurt them back. This has made me win people and make friendship last longer. I love to hang out with my kids, friends and family but mostly I am happy when I have Me time.
What issues you have to face on the way to become a successful model?
I am one of those lucky people who met the correct people at the correct time in my career. I am really grateful for that. Other than the usual stuff I have not faced any major issues as a model.
Times have changed is in your impression of the fashion industry today?
Yes. There is more entrants due to social Media and it has diluted the quality in the form of models, designer’s and work. Less hard work and more digital touch. But at the same time we have more links with the international scene and can go global instantly.
Do you think the social stigma attached to the models can have an influence on the industry to change?
Not really. People with that kind of mindset cannot be changed. It’s better to just leave them with their own thoughts and concentrate on doing good work. I think quality should be highlighted above all. This stigma never affected me as I was not interested on the opinion of people about me.
As a mum what advice can you give women on body image, body positivity and self esteem?
From being pencil thin to a size XXL I have had a roller-coaster ride with my weight. The most important thing is to be happy whatever size you are. I strongly believe that how you look does not necessarily define who you are. Everyone has a unique feature that could be highlighted. Identifying that is self-discovery. Being healthy is more important that thinking of size and shape.
What does it Take to be a super model?
A lot of hard work. A strong sense of determination, willingness to adapt to situations, being able to work with all kinds of people, maintaining the requirements that is needed. And mostly being confidenat of who you are.
As a grooming experts you are no stranger to transforming people? How do you do that?
Transformation happens when people are willing to change. If you are stagnated you have to firstly change your mind set. Maintenance is important for grooming. My duty is only showing that what they could be but it’s their responsibility to except change and maintain it.
Do you have a secret talent? Can you share?
I can earn anything in a matter of a few minutes. When something new comes my way I adapt to it super fast.
You deal with? May young people? How does your work ethos change the industry?
I can’t blame the new generation for being so naïve. My daughter is 13 years old and I experience the generation gap big time. They live in a world which is closely knit and can approach anything anywhere in the world with their fingertips. They want instant things. Be it fame or money. Less work and more rewards.
Working on time is priority for me and I know many youngsters today are not punctual. But at the same time I have worked with some newcomers who are very professional.
What is the flip sides being in the limelight?
I don’t see a flip side. It’s all positive. When you are known you have to be at your best behavior but I don’t mind that.
Do you even go on social media detox?
No. I am not a social Media addict so I don’t need to
Advice to the youngster’s?
Be yourself. Do not imitate or copy any one’s style or personality. You are You and everyone else is taken.
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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