Life style
Viyana’s inspiring vision for environment
By Zanita Careem
Growing up, she used to be a nerdy and camera sky kid. Today she is Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Earth 2024 and will represent Sri Lanka at the pageant in Vietnam. Viyana Pietersz shares with the ‘Sunday Island’ on what it would mean to win the title and the cause close to her heart.
Viyana Pietersz who clinched the coveted Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Earth title at a glittering pageant held at Water’s Edge, exude grace and radiance. Sporting a casual ensemble, and a warm smile, she effortlessly and proudly spoke of her mixed heritage, attributing her striking beauty and unwavering character to her parents, her father is a Burgher and mother, a Sinhalese.
Her aversion to falsehoods and her commitment to positivity have remained steadfast thoughout her life career. Her transformative journey to stardom and beauty began at the tender age, but very soon she was on the path to becoming a rising star under the guidance of her parents especially her mother, a beautician by profession.
Viyana loved her natural charisma and impeccable silhouette. She reminisces about her debut of modelling experience while at school in minor pageants and commercial advertising campaigns.
However after claiming the title of Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Earth, she has already captured the attention of many. Her fate was decided by a distinguished panel of judges at the event at Waters’s edge.Viyana’s avant-grade fashion statements on the night of the competition, at Water’s Edge, dressed in a beautiful silhouette, designed by well known designer Kanishka Sangabo Dias made a standout contender from among the rest of the contestants. Among the many beautiful contestants, she won the title of Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Earth, She recalls the moments of her triump, when she sensed that victory was within her grasp. During the Q and A segment, to which she responded eloquently, emphasising the importance of safeguarding the environment and Mother Nature. Her genuine and heartfelt answers resonated with her true character as someone not seeking fame but embracing the authencity of the moment.
Her humility and down- to-earth persona have remained unchanged despite her remarkable life experiences. For Viyana beauty is not confined to physical attributes; it also emcompasses the qualities of one’s soul, intelligence, knowledge and good manners. Most of all she always believes one should protect the environment and value nature.She loves her freedom and take pleasure in simple habits like home-cooked food, local vegetables and fruits. While she keeps abreast with contemporary fashion trends. Her timeless fashion choices reflect her personal style and appreciation for beauty. She affirms that beauty may initially attract, but it is one’s soul, intelligence knowledge and manners that truly captivate others. Her journey has been remarkable, marked by authencity and a commitment to her true self.
Q : What is your vision as Miss Earth Sri Lankan 2023?
A: I am want to become an environmental ambassador on the global stage. During my childhood, I was always fascinated with nature around me. I am lucky to be born a Sri Lankan sorrounded by the beautiful ocean and trees around us. I feel I have a strong bond towards nature and my focus in life is act as a voice to mother nature.
Q : You love dancing? Can you tell us about journey in dancing ?
My mother used to say that I danced before I crawled. I loved Kandyan and low country forms of dancing but had a strong bond towards Kathak dancing , the traditional form of dancing as well and I obtained the title of ‘Vishard’ from a University in India . I am currently following a course in performing arts at the University of the Visual and performing Arts. Dance rhythms are always in my soul. I also learnt drumming at the age of 12. Today I am a traditional dancer.
Q: How are you preparing for the international pageant.
A: Representing Sri Lanka at Miss Earth pageant is a huge honour and I am immensely, grateful for the opportunity.My preparation has been focused on grooming, walking and most importantly my beauty routines. Every day my life is filled with new learnings and I enjoy myself in the hectic process.
Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Earth
Viyana”outfit for the event at Waters Edge designer – Kanishka Sangabo Dias
Makeup – Lanka Fernando
Chief Advisor – Chandimal Jayasinghe
Official model Choreographer – Rukmal Senanayake
Official Advocacy trainer – Tharaka Gurukanda
National costume for the international pageant in Vietnam- made from recycled products and wood, designed by Kanishka sangabo dias
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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