October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Every October, pink ribbons, awareness walks, and social media campaigns fill our streets and screens. This is the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global initiative that aims to raise awareness about breast cancer, promote early detection, support patients and survivors, and advance research for prevention and cure. Today, we explore the origins, significance, and global reach of this movement and spotlight how Sri Lanka is taking remarkable ste
Consumers as Advocates: The Power of Conscious Wardrobe Choices
Every garment we choose to wear tells a story. It signals identity, intention, and sometimes even ideology. For decades, the fashion industry has shaped trends, pushed consumerism, and created a culture of “newness”, a cycle where clothes are bought, worn briefly, and discarded. But that narrative is slowly changing. Consumers are beginning to realize that they hold power, the power to advocate for sustainability, for fair labor, for environmenta
Two ‘Firsts’ That Change History: Women Rise to the Pinnacle of Politics and Faith
Over the past few weeks, two milestones have emerged that are at once symbolic and seismic. In Japan, a woman stands on the brink of becoming the country’s first female prime minister; in the Anglican Communion, the Church of England has appointed its first female Archbishop of Canterbury. These two developments one political, one spiritual underscore a broader shift in the global order: the breaking of long-standing gender barriers in institutio
IRONMAN 70.3 Set to Make Triumphant Return to Colombo in 2026 Global Triathlon Series Returns to Sri Lanka After Six Years
The globally renowned IRONMAN® 70.3® triathlon is officially returning to Sri Lanka, with Colombo set to host the prestigious endurance event on February 22, 2026. The announcement was made on August 21, 2025, marking the race’s return to the island nation for the first time since 2019. The 2026 edition promises a fresh experience for participants, with the course now centered around Port City Colombo, Sri Lanka’s modern urban development on the
A Budget-Friendly, Mouth-Watering Day at the Arcade, Independence Square.
As Colombo rises to become the wonder city of Asia, Arcade, Independence Square stands as a shining symbol of progress. Blending historic architecture with modern lifestyle, it’s more than just a beautiful spot, it’s a full experience. And for food lovers, it’s a paradise where you can eat to your heart’s content without emptying your wallet. So, here’s how you can spend a delicious day at the Arcade, trying some of the best food that’s flavorful
Women in Management Hosts 15th Professional and Career Women Global Awards 2025
The 15th edition of the Professional and Career Women Global Awards 2025, organized by Women in Management (WIM), was held in grand style on the 9th of October at 5:30 p.m. at Shangri-La Colombo. The prestigious event celebrated exceptional women who have made remarkable contributions in their professions and communities, recognizing their leadership, innovation, and resilience on both local and global platforms.
Are Men Scared of Successful Women? The Girlboss vs The Damsel in Distress
I’ve always wondered why a woman’s success sometimes feels like a threat rather than something to be admired. We’ve seen it play out in subtle ways: the ambitious woman who’s called “too much,” the confident one who’s told to “tone it down.” The girl who pays her own rent, buys her own shoes, and suddenly becomes “intimidating.” It raises the question, are men actually scared of successful women, or have we just been taught that a woman who doesn
THY WILL BE DONE
Death is never the closure that anyone of us imagines or expects it to be. Even when the remains of a departed soul are consigned to the earth or turned to ashes as they wished, some of their legacies have a strange way of returning to wreak havoc and destroy the peace of those left behind. I am aware of many instances where the lack of a ‘will’ has caused many conflicts and irreparable rifts within close knit families. This is less so when a wil
IN CONVERSATION EMB HASHMI From the BBC to the Boardroom How Emb Hashmi Is Teaching CEOs to Lead with Story
In a career spanning two continents and multiple media formats, Emb Hashmi has built a reputation as a consummate storyteller and communications leader. With foundational experience at the BBC, she has reported on global events, anchored flagship programmes, and interviewed high-impact figures across politics, culture, and business. Drawing on this depth of journalistic insight, she now leads Storytelling for CEOs, a pioneering programme designed
The Rehearsal of Life Where Boundaries Build Character
In an age of glittering screens, instant gratification, and rapid change, the word discipline often feels like a relic of the past, something old-fashioned, almost restrictive. Yet, when we peel back the layers of success, resilience, and respect in any thriving society, one truth remains: discipline is the root that nourishes it all.
Europe’s Gel Nail Ban The Real Story Behind the Beauty Shake-Up
When the European Union officially banned an ingredient used in gel nail polishes this September, beauty fans across the continent feared the worst. Social media was flooded with panic: “No more gel manicures in Europe!” “Goodbye to glossy nails forever!” In truth, the ban is far narrower than the headlines suggest, but its impact on salons, brands, and consumers is still being felt from Lisbon to Helsinki.
A Literary Evening with Sean Perera A Butterfly in Focus
Sri Lankan Australian author and academic Sean Perera took centre stage at Lakmahal Community Library on October 9, 2025, for a compelling conversation under the Author Talks! series. In discussion with Savithri Rodrigo, Perera reflected on his debut novel “A Butterfly”, which explores the life of a queer young adult navigating identity, relationships, and transformation across cultural landscapes.
Supporting Dreams through Art SJDSF Annual Sale Opens This October
Art and purpose come together once again as the Shiranee Joseph de Saram Foundation (SJDSF) hosts its much-anticipated annual art sale on October 11th and 12th at Radicle Gallery, 103 Chatham Street,
DIOR REBORN JONATHAN ANDERSON’S ERA OF ELEGANT REBELLION
Paris Fashion Week 2025 didn’t simply debut a new Dior; it detonated a revolution. When Jonathan Anderson presented his first womenswear collection for the house, he didn’t just turn a page; he tore it out
Journey of Nilma Dole-Williams
Nilma Dole-Williams is a cricket coach, humanitarian, and the wife of the British Ambassador to Cambodia, Mr. Dominic Williams. Her journey in sports and service has taken her across the globe, from playing for
Belle Colombo Debuts an Unforgettable Chef’s Table Experience
The newly opened restaurant elevates Colombo’s dining scene with an exclusive eight-course tasting menu and curated wine pairings; offering guests a journey of exquisite flavours and refined hospitality.
Baihu Launches in Colombo
Colombo’s ever-evolving dining landscape has welcomed a powerful new contender with the launch of Baihu, a Pan-Asian restaurant that celebrates bold flavours, cultural connection, and
Wasim Thajudeen Deserves Justice Not Rumours
On May 17, 2012, 27-year-old rugby player Wasim Thajudeen was found dead in his burning car near Shalika Grounds in Colombo. The initial story? Car accident. Case closed. Move along. Except his body
Singalong Fundraiser by Challenged Children’s Aid Association of Sri Lanka
The Challenged Children’s Aid Association of Sri Lanka (CCAASL) successfully hosted its annual Singalong Fundraising Event at the Waters Edge Hotel on the 21st of September. The evening brought
The Currency of Influence In everyday life, persuasion, not power, moves the world forward.
Last week in New York, I found myself watching the dance of influence at the United Nations General Assembly. Delegations swept into meetings with carefully chosen phrases. Leaders leaned into the right photo opportunities. Civil society groups worked the corridors, and corporate chiefs reminded everyone that markets can move faster than treaties.
The Sunshine Vitamin: Why Sri Lankans Are Running Low and What To Do About It
As a nutritionist, if I had to pick one vitamin that’s causing a surprising amount of buzz (and concern) in clinics across our sunny island, it would be Vitamin D. We often joke that we have sunshine on tap here in Sri Lanka, so how could anyone possibly be deficient? Yet, the numbers don’t lie, we’re seeing a quiet but steady rise in Vitamin D deficiency, and it’s impacting our health in ways we can’t afford to ignore. Today, we’re pulling back
Intimacy in Installments: The Economy of Human Connection
We learn early that the self is too much. Too earnest. Too frightening in its fullness. So, we learn to offer it in fragments, measured doses of laughter, rehearsed politeness, small talk fine-tuned for comfort. A smile here, a touch there. Everything becomes currency, every gesture a careful transaction. We give just enough to be accepted, never enough to be known. This is the first economy we enter, not of money, but of selfhood. Childhood teac
Anjana Heenatigala: Miss Teen Sri Lanka 2025
From the bright lights of pageants to the everyday creativity of social media, Anjana Heenatigala is making her mark as a model, content creator, and Miss Teen Sri Lanka 2025. Her journey is about staying true to herself, growing through every challenge, and showing that real success comes from doing what you love with purpose.
The Fast Fashion Blame Game: Us or Them?
Fashion isn’t just about clothes - it’s a personality test you wear. And lately that test has come with a timer. Everything’s fast now - fast food, fast WiFi, fast replies and of course fast fashion. One week it’s Barbie-core, the next it’s clean girl, and somewhere in between we’re all just trying to keep up when really, you’ve already missed three micro trends and a Zara drop. But as the shelves overflow and the planet pays the price, one quest
‘BailaMo’ A Night of Rhythm and Purpose
Music lovers were treated to an enchanting evening of melody and harmony as The De Lanerolle Brothers took the stage for their concert “ගඟ අද්දර” (Gaga Addara) at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. The duo, accompanied by the DLB Squared Band, delivered a captivating performance that blended soulful vocals with rich musical arrangements, leaving the audience deeply moved.
IN CONVERSATION WITH JANANI WIJETUNGE
In a world where the lines between profit and purpose are increasingly intertwined, few voices articulate the case for responsible business leadership as eloquently as Janani Wijetunge, Head of Programmes
The Caste That Refuses to Die Stories, Data, and Wounds from India
India was meant to outgrow caste. When the Constitution came into force in 1950, it outlawed untouchability under Article 17 and promised that no person would be judged by birth. It was the promise
Weight Loss Myths and Truths Cold Plunges Oxygen Chambers Injections and More
Weight loss has always been one of the most confusing areas of wellness. For every solid piece of science, there are ten marketing claims that promise a quick fix. From cold plunges and oxygen chambers
THE DEATH OF OLD-FASHIONED ROMANCE: WHAT GEN Z NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LOVE
A generation or two ago, romance was similar to a quiet flame, tended to with care. Today, it tends to be more akin to a firework that fizzles out the moment the spectacle is over. What happened to good old-
Cinematic SAARC A Reel Ride from Kabul to Colombo
The SAARC Women’s Association, Sri Lanka Chapter, hosted a vibrant evening titled “Cinematic SAARC – A Reel Ride from Kabul to Colombo” at Cinnamon Life, celebrating the magic of cinema across the SAARC
