Life style
The wind beneath the wings –Keshini inspires to soar through CAN
by Rochelle Palipane Gunaratne
An eagle soaring high in the sky is awe-inspiring but the wind beneath its wings deserves far greater praise for being the invisible force that lifts it higher. The inspirational Keshini Ann Seneviratne Suraweera – Founder and visionary of The Creative Isle – CAN market, resembles the wind as she enables the creative individuals of our paradise isle to soar above the rest in a limitless ocean of creativity.
Attributing the creative journey she has commenced to God’s faithfulness, Keshini herself stands amazed at the mountains which have been moved to enable this seemingly impossible space to be established. Aptly named CAN, the platform has drawn a plethora of artisans and creative entrepreneurs from across the island; giving them a platform to showcase their creative talents through their product innovations and an effort to revive and preserve traditional arts and crafts. The platform is not merely limited to arts and crafts but provides a space to display home decor, interior, herbal products, food innovations, batiks, brass wear and so much more.
The broader vision for this initiative is to put Srilanka on the map as a creative hub for the most creative people and products Branding SL as truly a creative island.
Multi-faceted prism
“I was drawn to the arts as a child and I still maintain a strong kinship with my first art teacher, Ninel Fernando of Cora Abrahams Art School. She encouraged me to pursue my passion which I did until the career I envisioned for myself as an artist had to be put on pause since I joined the corporate world immediately after leaving school”. While art was a predominant talent, Keshini had strong leadership qualities which were put into good use as the Head Girl of her alma mater, St. Bridget’s Convent. “It was during these years that we had the opportunity to delve into a world of responsibilities pertaining to organizing events at school”. Thereafter, the young school leaver was assigned the task of managing her parents garment export plant of 250 workers and she did so with gusto; getting into a world which was dominated by men. Most often than not, Keshini found herself steeped in the operational side of the corporate sector and not contend with merely dictating terms while seated behind a desk. Her resolute efforts were recognized and she received the Silver award for the ‘Woman Entrepreneur of the Year”.
A Chartered Management Accountant by profession, Keshini subsequently joined Sierra Constructions where she served as Alternate Director and Internal Consultant. After a 17 year stint in the corporate world she bid adieu to it for good and devoted her time to her growing family. Yet, Keshini was deeply involved in some aspect of management throughout her furlough as she was responsible for her parents’ retail outlet which opened a doorway to building strong rapports with a creative confluence of the most eclectic artists.
Isle of opportunities to shine
Similar to a multi-faceted prism are these extraordinary human beings and the lock down period served as an opportunity for revival, giving birth to CAN – the platform that has opened many avenues from one artist to another. “I have envisioned something far greater than my human capacity and I know that it is God who makes it possible; enthused the demure yet dynamic lady who has a fountain of ideas for the platform which has seen the birth of many enterprises.
Our country, has a wealth of treasures in its people who have an in-born talent to create passionately – from carvers, painters, artisans, dancers, among others who have taken on the challenges of shelving away their careers to tap into the realization of their life long dreams of becoming inventors, creators and designers. We are a bio –diversity hot spot, rich with natural resources which can be utilized to produce the most unique items by THE most gifted individuals and I wish to provide the opportunities for them to shine through CAN. I was once at cross roads having to choose a creative career versus a professional career for lack of market for creative people in Sri Lanka. I hope that CAN will be the catalyst for change for future generations who wish to express their creatively without inhibitions.
CAN’s Christmas Bazaar comes alive from 15 to 31st December 2020 at the Colombo City Centre.
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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