Life style
Yoland Aluwihare – the legend and icon of the batik industry
With more than 30 years of design experience, the name Yolanda Aluwihara has always been synonymous with fashions in Sri Lanka. An icon in the batik industry, she has taken the Sri Lankan batik designs to the world by showcasing her designs on the runway on international platforms like Germany, Italy, Australia, Switzerland among others. Her main aim is to make batiks internationally recognised.
by Zanita Careem
How did you start a career on batik fashion?
Fashion has always been an important part of who I am. As I was good in art and designing I followed a course in Batik and a diploma in scientific dress making. I thereafter started doing it as a hobby.
You are known not only locally but internationally too, what is the secret behind it?
I never dreamt that my label will be a household name in Sri Lanka and in many other parts of the world. It was not an easy journey. Hard work, strong passion and team work brought the Yoland brand to the top of the competitive world in fashion. When I am with my team, it is extremely inspirational as we complement each other and create amazing designs.
What’s your favorite part of the design process?
As I have travelled to many countries with my products and worked with renowned international designers I had the opportunity to learn many techniques. We used to exchange ideas and knowledge. This helped me to incorporate different techniques. The result then is amazing. The feeling of your creation coming to life is inexplicable.
If you were to relate your personality with a specific batik technique or pattern, what would it be?
The technique that best describes my personality is the incorporation of our local tradition of batik making together with a twist which creates my signature look. The Yoland brand name is synonymous with femininity and elegance. It is a perfect harmony of traditional and innovative ideas from the west.
Where do you see batik fashions in the long run.
I am extremely delighted that finally we have a Minister who has been assigned the task of promoting and helping our industry. So I see a very bright future for our artisans. In the near future, Sri Lanka will be well known for batiks and other traditional crafts like in Indonesia.
Last but not least what’s next for Yoland collection?
In the future I would like to bring together my iconic art form with 21st century sensibility. Therefore, I intend making my silhouettes and designs on par with new innovative ideas.
Year, awards and achievements?
Awards and Certificates
INTERNATIONAL AWARDS & CERTIFICATES
1984 – Marble & Bronze Trophy for Export Performance – Barcelona Spain. 1987- American Gold Star for quality – (BID Award) (Business Initiative Directions), 1988 – Diploma Fira de Barcelona Fib ‘88- (Spain), 1988 – Certificate of participation – awarded by The Australian Department, for the Sri Lanka Trade Display at the international Trade Development Centre, Sydney, Australia. 2010 – IIFA –Only person in the apparel industry to represent Sri Lanka. 2011 – Asian Awards, China – Asian Top Fashionable Selling Brand of the Year.
NATIONAL AWARDS AND CERTIFICATES
1993 – Sri Lanka Apparel -best stall display certificate, 1995 – Sri Lanka Apparel Institute certificate of participation, 1997 – Sri Lanka EXPO – certificate of participation, 2000 – Silver Award – The Women’s Chamber of Industry & Commerce, Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, 2001 – SAARC Women’s Exhibition & Trade Fair – Award for best stall display, 2002 – Represented Sri Lanka at “COLOURS OF LANKA” Fashion show in Tokyo, Japan in view of 50th anniversary celebrations of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan & Sri Lanka. 2005 – Pantene Miss Sri Lanka World – Second place awarded for the design & creation of National Costume for Pantene Miss Sri Lanka World 2005 Pageant. 2006 – Sri Lanka Chamber of Small Industry in recognition of Yolanda’s achievements in the Apparel Industry, 2007 – Hair & Beauty fair – certificate for the fashion extravaganza. 2007 – Woman Entrepreneur of the year – Silver Award -2007 Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce, 2007 – Industrial Excellence Award- 2007-Bronze Award by Sri Lanka Chamber of Small & Medium Industry for bringing credit to the nation. 2008 – Industrial Excellence Award – 2008- Awarded by Sri Lanka Chamber of Small & Medium Industry for bringing credit to the nation. 2009 – Industrial Excellence Award — Bronze Award- by Sri Lanka Chamber of Small & Medium Industry for bringing credit to the Nation. 2009 – Certificate of participation presented by President Mahinda Rajapaksha & members of the Seva Vanitha Army Committee. 2010 – In Vogue Style Award 2010, 2010 – HSBC Colombo Fashion Week “Life Time Achievement Award”, 2013 – Gold Award (Large Business Category) Woman Entrepreneur of the Year-2013. Awarded by the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC), 2013 – Gold Award “Winner” Women Entrepreneur of the Year-2013 (Large category) Awarded by the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC), 2014 – 2015-Gold Category Woman Super Achiever – Awarded by Women for Governance professional and Career Women Awards – 201412015.
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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