Life style
Thanuja makes promising acting debut with ‘Podu’
Well-known television personality Thanuja Jayawardana has won the hearts of millions as a gifted presenter and host, in her career spanning more than two decades.
This charismatic girl has never hesitated to take up new challenges.
For the first time, Thanuja is now playing the character of a journalist called Vasugi in TV Derana’s newest television mini series ‘Podu’ which is being telecast every Saturday and Sunday at 8.30 pm.
We spoke to her about her newest experience in the small screen as an actress.
What do you love most about being an actor?
The most rewarding factor about being an actor is the unconditional love you receive from the masses. As a TV presenter I have been blessed with this unconditional love for the past 23 yrs. I am used to that life. Also, the kind of experiences that you get to live as an actor is unparalleled. You live different lives. You travel, you learn so many skills personally and professionally, but I don’t think that I will go to that extent in acting. In Podu, as an actor, I feel like a child left in a playground to play and explore. A good director and team won’t let you fall off that swing. There’s a sense of both freedom and challenge. It’s like working in wonderland.
What were your biggest pointers that made you say yes to Podu?
The main reason was director Sharmila Dharmarasa Fonseka, my keenness to learn something new, to have a brand new experience with the character and with the other actors and the crew. Initially, I was worried if I could act but Randika Gunathilaka and Sham instilled the confidence in me making things easier for me.
Tell us about your first day on the sets…
The first day on the ‘Podu’ sets was special and unique too, with goosebumps and nervous red ears. I didn’t prepare the way I prepare myself as a TV presenter. I was a bit worried about my hair. I missed my blowdry hair with a volume. ha ha…
When I walked towards the sets for my first shoot at Derana head office, I thought I would need some 7-8 takes for each shot. After Sharmila okayed the take I swiftly walked upto the playback monitor and checked. The director was ok with that and paused for a moment and looked me in the eye with a settling smile. I remember only that moment.
What was the one most difficult thing you had getting used to when on the sets?
Nothing. I enjoyed the whole process. It was a huge production and I took that time to learn something new. it was a fulfilling and enriching experience for me.
How has life changed after Podu?
Not changed in any way. I’m still the same person. My sense of security and confidence is the same. I’ve always been assured about my choices. Because they weren’t choices with any agendas. The thrill comes from the work and not from the result. The success was a pleasant surprise but I’m not charmed by the idea of being popular. I just want to be inspired and feel that fire.
Who’s your biggest critic?
My sister is my biggest critic. She says it bluntly – what’s right, what’s not.
What does success mean to you?
Success is a fine balance between contentment and ambition. You can’t be over-ambitious or over-contented. It has to be somewhere in the middle.‘Rasa Rasi Gee’ to the present-day ‘Thaala Baashana’ and ‘Ape Sinduwa’, not forgetting ‘Cash Taxi’.
Tomorrow her name will perhaps emerge on top when we talk about the success story of TV Derana’s mini series ‘Podu’ too.
– Zanita
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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