Sri Lankan Brand Expands to Australia and Joins the Australian Fashion Council
On Saturday, September 6, the fashion world marked a defining moment as internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan designer Amilani Perera unveiled her latest collection, Kahawanu, at the grand opening of her pop-up store on Chapel Street in South Yarra, Melbourne.
Fashion’s Eternal Return
Polka dots are back. Again. Animal prints? Honestly, did they ever even leave? This is like the 20th time, give or take that I’ve watched these same “trends” reappear in my years in fashion.
The Truth That Came Too Late: A Mother’s FGC Testimony
Disclaimer: This story contains graphic descriptions of female genital cutting practices. It is based on a real survivor’s account and her mother’s testimony, shared with full consent. Names have been changed to protect their identity.
ELOCUTION IN SRI LANKA: ART FORM OR ACADEMIC RACKET
In many Sri Lankan homes, there exists a quiet desperation, the urgent need to “speak proper English.” Not just any English, mind you.
Big Bump Energy Serving Looks, Flexing for All
Some things used to be hidden in plain sight; until now, the baby bump refuses to be ignored. Scroll through your Instagram feed and you can’t miss them; glowing, styled, photographed and flaunted.
Sri Lankan Designer Amilani Perera Unveils ‘Kahawanu’ in Melbourne
Renowned Sri Lankan designer Amilani Perera unveiled her highly anticipated new collection, Kahawanu, at the opening of the Amilani Perera Pop-Up Store on Chapel Street, South Yarra, Melbourne.
Anusha David
Fame Game, the popular talk show hosted by Kumar de Silva and Rozanne Dias, has always been a platform for extraordinary individuals with unique stories to share. In one of its most engaging episodes, the spotlight was on Anusha David, a woman whose tireless work for animal welfare has touched countless lives, both human and animal. J
The Global Mahjong Boom How a 19th Century Tile Game Became a 21st Century Obsession
Clack, shuffle, snap. The satisfying sound of 144 tiles sliding across a table has long been a soundtrack of Chinese tea houses and family gatherings. But in 2025, Mahjong is no longer just a beloved pastime of East Asia; it’s a global phenomenon. From chic lounges in London and rooftop bars in New York to college dorm rooms in Sydney and Tokyo, Mahjong has stepped into the spotlight, uniting generations and cultures with its distinctive mix of s
SEASON TWO EPISODE THREE HAK IT Sakshi Chhabra Mittal in Conversation with Sadie Frost
In the third episode of the insightful series HAK IT, Sakshi Chhabra Mittal, the visionary CEO and Founder of FoodHak, engages in an intimate and inspiring conversation with Sadie Frost, an iconic figure in the realms of film, fashion, and wellness.
The Side Eye
When I joined an international service organization a few years ago, I was interviewed by two older men. They praised me for my CV and asked me if I was married. The question took me by surprise. I asked if being married was a prerequisite for joining such an organization. They said no. They stopped short of asking me why I was not married. In the years since, it has become obvious that the married status is increasingly seen not only as a statu
Theatro La Fence in Venice Most Beautiful Opera House
In the floating city of Venice, where gondolas glide through canals like brushstrokes on a watery canvas, there stands a building that embodies the city’s soul Teatro La Fenice, the “Theatre of the Phoenix.” True to its name, La Fenice has been destroyed by fire not once, but twice, only to rise from the ashes each time, more glorious than before.
Rihanna and Her Third Charm
Rihanna Fenty has once again captured the world’s attention, this time by turning fashion’s most celebrated red carpet into a stage for her latest announcement. At the 2025 Met Gala, the global icon revealed that she and A$AP Rocky are expecting their third child. The moment was quintessential Rihanna: understated yet unforgettable.
Liberté de Jayantha Premachandra An Evening of Art and Reflection
La Maison de Colombo, in collaboration with the Jayantha Premachandra Foundation, recently hosted an exclusive evening celebrating the works of the late Sri Lankan artist Jayantha Premachandra. The event, titled Liberté de Jayantha Premachandra, showcased a limited collection of his paintings, offering guests a rare glimpse into his creative legacy.
Giorgio Armani A Life in Elegance, A Legacy Remembered
On September 4, 2025, the fashion world lost one of its greatest visionaries. Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer whose name became synonymous with understated elegance, passed away in Milan at the
Autumn’s Jewellery Trends 2025 From Grandma’s Heirlooms to Raw Stone Charms
This autumn, jewellery is leaning into femininity with intent. Not the delicate kind that whispers, but a bolder expression that owns its history while rewriting its future. Oversized brooches, pearl strands, and pavé
Divorce in Sri Lanka The Stigma and Why It Sounds Like a ‘Dirty’ Word
I never really understood why “divorce” carried the weight of a whisper in Sri Lankan society until I found myself in awkward conversations, where nobody says it outright, but everyone knows it. The idea that
When Privilege Ends and Pressure Begins The Making of Resilient Success Featuring Andy Andrews
At Raise The Bar, we’re relentless, pushing past colonial narratives to bring you unfiltered stories of athletic grit, coaching brilliance, and lives transformed through discipline and resilience. In this edition, we shine a
Slithering Societal Snobs
Snobbery is one of the most base and despicable traits a person can have, especially as it so often stems from a false sense of superiority over others. Most tragically, it is usually directed at those who have no
A Glamorous Evening of Fellowship and Celebration at Double Blue Ball 2025
The Wesley College Old Boys’ Union, through its vibrant arm known as the Old Wesleyites Sports Club, hosted the much-anticipated Double Blue Ball 2025 on the thirtieth of August at the Oak Room in
Alone in the PingAlone in the Ping The Loneliness of Always Being Available
It usually starts with a sound, an almost invisible vibration that breaks into dinner, study, or that hazy space between sleep and waking. The phone, lying face down, insists you check it. A WhatsApp ping, a
The Heartbreaking Reality of Elderly Abandonment
In many cultures, parents are revered for their wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support. They are honoured for the sacrifices they make, the wisdom they impart, and the unconditional love they provide
The Joys of Solo Female Travel Freedom, Discovery, and Empowerment
Traveling alone is one of the most liberating experiences a person can have, and for women in particular, solo travel has become more than just a trend, it’s a declaration of independence, resilience,
You’ll Fall in Love With Teen Romance Films
Teen romance movies are all about first love, friendship, heartbreak, and the joy of growing up. They take us back to those days when every feeling felt bigger than life itself. Whether it’s a story set in the late
Dementia Myths That Need Busting In Partnership with the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation to Mark World Alzheimer’s Month
Dementia is often spoken about today, but at the same time, it is one of the least understood conditions. Many myths and half-truths surround it, and these create fear, stigma, and delay in getting proper help. It is
The Dawn Dispatch
What a most curious season this is turning out to be. One cannot help but observe that every tale of consequence seems to involve a lady at its heart, whether it be her dazzling achievements, her delicate troubles, or, most dangerously, her enchanting
Fellowship Reunion of Trinity 1987 Alumni
Trinity College Batch of 1987 came together for a memorable fellowship reunion held on August 30, 2025, at Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo.
Cocktails with Valerie Sasala Dissanayake
In Colombo’s ever-evolving social scene, where fine dining and nightlife often follow familiar rhythms, one woman has shaken things up in her own way. Meet Sasala Dissanayake, the creative force behind Cocktails with Valerie. Once a seasoned Human Resources professional with a 15-year career at the John Keells Group, Sasala never imagined that her second act would take place behind a bar, mixing drinks, and hosting experiences that have become so
Can ChatGPT Really Replace Your Therapist?
As we bear witness to the rise of the digital age, it almost seems like there’s nothing AI cannot do. Its ability to synthesise immense amounts of information in mere seconds, at any time and in many cases, at no additional cost, paints it as the panacea for all the world’s ills. But can a machine really replicate human connection? Let’s find out. The rapid, global escalation in mental health challenges is mirrored in the increased demand for psy
Paradise in Peril? Overtourism in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is, without a doubt, a paradise. From secluded beaches wrapped by coconut groves to misty, terraced tea plantations, or wild jungles where leopards prowl, to ancient sites that droop with history, Sri Lanka certainly “has it all.” In a recent blog post written by Big 7 Travel, a global travel organisation, our country was crowned as the most beautiful island in the world. Of course, I agree with that, and it is a well-deserved accolade;
The Stone Bureaucracy Anuradhapura’s Epigraphic Order Land, Law, and Language in Anuradhapura
If Anuradhapura was a kingdom of stone, then its truest record is not its towering stupas but its carved inscriptions, hundreds of them, scattered across monastic caves, ruined vats, boundary stones, and ancient reservoirs. These short texts, often overlooked by popular memory, are the archival bedrock of the Sinhala polity. Long before the Mahāvamsa curated memory into myth, these epigraphs chronicled a living kingdom: naming donors, taxing land
