Rishini Weeraratne
Editor, The Sun (Sri Lanka) Rishini Weeraratne is a prominent figure in Sri Lanka’s media industry, with an impressive portfolio spanning journalism, digital media, and content strategy. As the Editor of The Sun (Sri Lanka) and The Weekend Online at the Daily Mirror, she plays a pivotal role in shaping thought-provoking and engaging content. In her capacity as Head of Social Media at Wijeya Newspapers Limited, she oversees the social media strategy for leading platforms, including Daily Mirror Online, Lankadeepa Online, Tamil Mirror Online, HI!! Online, Daily FT Online, Times Online, WNow English, and WNow Sinhala. Beyond her editorial work, Rishini is the author of ‘She Can,’ a widely followed weekly column celebrating the stories of empowered women in Sri Lanka and beyond. Her writing extends to fashion, events, lifestyle, world entertainment news, and trending global topics, reflecting her versatile approach to journalism. Recognized for her contributions to digital media, Rishini was honoured with the Top50 Professional and Career Women’s Global Award in 2023 for Leadership in Digital Media in Sri Lanka by Women in Management. Under her guidance, her team has achieved significant accolades, including Social Media House of the Year (2020, New Generation Awards), Youth Corporate Award (2021, New Generation Awards) and the Silver Award from YouTube for both Daily Mirror Online and Lankadeepa Online. Currently, Rishini divides her time between London and Colombo, continuing to drive innovation in media while championing powerful storytelling across multiple platforms.
Dimuthu Sahabandu
Dimuthu Sahabandu is no stranger to drama, at least not when it comes to fashion. Known for his luxurious eveningwear, bold silhouettes, and signature embellishments, Sahabandu is one of Sri Lanka’s most exciting design voices. But beyond the visual impact, his work carries meaning, rooted in craftsmanship and intent.
THE MONDAY BRIEF
A dramatic rupture unfolded this week between tech billionaire Elon Musk and former U.S. President Donald Trump, as Musk fiercely criticized Trump’s omnibus budget plan, dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill, labelling it a “disgusting abomination” for its staggering spending. Trump retaliated on Truth Social, threatening to revoke Musk’s government contracts and slash subsidies. Musk then deleted a tweet alleging Trump’s name appears in the Jeffrey
The Power of Saying No
We live in a world where saying “yes” is often celebrated as a symbol of opportunity, openness, and success. Say yes to that new project.
Celeste Turns Five!
Celeste marked its 5th anniversary in spectacular style with an evening titled “Strengthening Bonds | Celebrating Milestones” at the Shangri-La Colombo on 30th May 2025 hosted by Janik Jayasuriya, Founder, Celeste. The event brought together clients, collaborators, and friends for a vibrant night of live music, DJ performances, guest acts, and immersive brand moments. Guests embraced the theme of “Sri Lankan Elegance,” adding a unique flair to th
Sirens’ on Netflix A Deliciously Dark Dive into Sisterhood, Power and Privilege
There’s something deeply satisfying about a well-contained series that doesn’t overstay its welcome. ‘Sirens,’ Netflix’s latest limited series, is just that; five taut, sun-drenched episodes brimming with psychological tension, class satire, and some of the best performances I’ve seen on screen this year. Created by Molly Smith Metzler (of ‘Maid’ fame) and adapted from her play Elemeno Pea, Sirens is both sharp and sinister, unspooling over one L
Period Proud!
In celebration of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, the “Period Proud” event marked the impactful conclusion of the Collective Action Against Period Poverty (CAAPP) project. Hosted at Galle Face Hotel, Colombo,
THE MONDAY BRIEF
On 22 May, heavy rains triggered landslides in Guizhou province, southwestern China, resulting in at least two deaths and 19 missing persons. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities navigate challenging terrain and continued rainfall. The disaster underscores the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, prompting calls for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
Dabba Cartel Netflix’s Ambitious Crime Drama That Falls Short of Its Potential.
Netflix’s Dabba Cartel, is a Hindi-language crime drama that attempts to blend domestic life with the gritty underworld of drug trafficking. Set in the Mumbai suburb of Thane, the series follows five middle-class women who, under the guise of operating a traditional tiffin (dabba) service, become entangled in a high-stakes drug operation. Despite its promising premise and
Cannes 2025 A Celebration of Cinema, Culture, and Couture
The 78th Cannes Film Festival, running from May 13 to 24, 2025, has once again transformed the French Riviera into a global stage for cinematic excellence and fashion grandeur. This year’s festival has been marked by powerful film premieres, poignant cultural statements, and dazzling red carpet appearances.
Inside the Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Trial Cassie Ventura’s Harrowing Testimony and the Fall of a Music Mogul
Combs faces an array of serious federal charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for the purpose of prostitution. Federal prosecutors allege that Combs exploited his stature in the entertainment industry to groom and abuse young women, coercing them into drug-fuelled sex acts, known in his inner circle as “freak-offs.” These events, according to testimony, often included male escorts and were reportedly recorded or wit
Walk to Equality
A night of empowerment and elegance, Walk to Equality lit up the Oak Room at Cinnamon Grand Colombo on the 19th of May 2025. Organised by Former Mrs. World Caroline Jurie in collaboration with The Walk Model Academy, the event championed inclusivity and self-expression under the powerful theme Life Without Labels. The runway celebrated beauty in all its forms; across ability, gender, and identity, welcoming a diverse lineup of models. With strong
The Royals
Netflix’s latest Indian original, The Royals, is a sumptuous blend of opulence, romance, and modern-day ambition, offering viewers an indulgent escape into a world where tradition meets
HAK IT with Sakshi Chabbra Mittal welcomes Kanjo founder Sophia Parvizi-Wayne
Sakshi Chabbra Mittal, the visionary founder and CEO of FoodHak, is on a mission to transform the way we think about health and longevity through food. Formerly a biotech investor at SoftBank Vision Fund,
Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni
In a saga more dramatic than any film script, the bitter legal feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, co-stars and collaborators of the film ‘It Ends With Us’ has escalated into a full-blown courtroom spectacle.
THE MONDAY BRIEF
On May 13, 2025, Mali’s military-led government officially dissolved all political parties and organizations, intensifying a crackdown on dissent amid ongoing pro-democracy protests. The unrest began on May 3, when hundreds gathered in Bamako to oppose President Assimi Goïta’s proposed extension of his term to 2030. The government’s actions, including arrests of opposition figures and media restrictions, have drawn condemnation from international
Gatz Cinnamon Life
GATZ’s exclusive High Tea launch at Cinnamon Life’s Level 23 brought sophistication to new heights on Saturday, May 17th. Guests were treated to an elevated culinary experience with a breathtaking view of the Colombo oceanfront. The afternoon featured an artfully curated menu of refined savouries like tuna tataki and mini beef sliders, paired with indulgent desserts including yuzu macarons and dark
A Vision Realised In Conversation with Sanjeev Hulugalle CEO and General Manager, Cinnamon Life
Rising above Colombo’s skyline like a beacon of aspiration, Cinnamon Life isn’t just a development; it’s a statement. At the helm of this transformative project is Sanjeev Hulugalle, a global hospitality veteran whose return to Sri Lanka marks more than a homecoming. With an illustrious career spanning over a dozen countries and brands such as Four Seasons and KOHLER, Sanjeev brings a rare blend of global luxury acumen and heartfelt Sri Lankan sp
