Dhanteras: The Auspicious Prelude to Diwali.
Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day festival of Diwali, one of the most significant and widely celebrated events in the Hindu calendar. Observed on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi Tithi) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Kartik, Dhanteras sets the tone for the festivities that follow. It is a day steeped in mythology, symbolism, and ritual, celebrating both material prosperit
Coming Home to the Body: Why Identity Matters in Weight Management
Whenever I hear people talk about weight, the conversation almost always circles back to diets, exercise, and discipline. But the more I’ve explored this on The Wellness Algorithm, in the episode How to Lose Weight Without Losing Your Mind, the more I’ve realised that those are only pieces of a bigger picture.
The Dark Side of Cancel Culture: How Public Shaming Silences Growth and Damages Reputations.
In the age of social media, outrage has become a sport. A single tweet, a resurfaced video, or an ill-phrased comment can ignite a firestorm, setting in motion what has come to be known as cancel culture, a form of public shaming that often results in professional ruin, social ostracism, and emotional devastation. While its defenders argue that “cancelling” holds people accountable, its detractors insist it promotes mob justice
Caramelo (2025)
Caramelo (2025) is a touching Brazilian drama film directed by Diego Freitas, released on Netflix on October 8, 2025. The film beautifully blends elements of drama, comedy, and family emotions to tell a story that feels both personal and universal. It follows the journey of a young chef whose life takes an unexpected turn after a difficult diagnosis, and how a stray dog helps him find hope and purpose again. At its core, Caramelo is about resilie
Admirably Artistic: Senuri Perera, Co-Founder, Ammiro
Senuri Perera never sees herself as a traditional designer. Instead, she is a curator of feeling and function, creating clothes rooted in simplicity and real life - pieces that let you feel like yourself, but a little more elevated. Her approach to design mirrors her approach to life, what she calls Beautiful Chaos, trusting that everything happens for a reason, even when it doesn’t make sense in the moment. Optimistic,
AIS Annual Fashion Show Showcases Student Talent and Style
The Asian International School recently held its much-anticipated annual fashion show at the Taj Samudra Colombo. Organized by the outgoing students, the event was a vibrant display of creativity, confidence, and teamwork.
The Stories That Bind Us
From ancient myth to modern cinema, the same universal story continues to unfold. What Joseph Campbell called “the hero’s journey” is not only found in books and films, but also in the lives we live and the stories we tell in Sri Lanka and beyond.
What the World’s Talking About: Fashion That’s Finally Growing Up
This week the fashion world handed us a neat little exam: are we going to treat clothes like magic disposable things, or like the small, expensive decisions they actually are? From Paris runways to new industry clubs in Europe, the headlines are all nudging the same idea, less waste, more care. For those of us in Sri Lanka who love fabric, craft and story, these changes are both a nudge and an invitation.
Kosh Hewage
Fame Game welcomed a truly exceptional guest this week, Kosh Hewage, a name that resonates with fashion innovation, pageantry excellence, and talent management in Sri Lanka and beyond. Renowned for his distinctive style, visionary approach, and dynamic leadership within the modeling and pageant industry, Kosh shared a rare glimpse into his multifaceted world. He spoke about managing an extensive roster of models, overseeing international pageants
Prince Andrew’s Relinquishment of Royal Titles: The Monarchy’s Moment of Reckoning
In one of the most consequential moves in modern royal history, Prince Andrew, the Queen’s second son, has agreed to stop using his peerage titles and honours, including the title Duke of York. The decision follows renewed public scrutiny and private discussions with King Charles III. Buckingham Palace confirmed the change on 17 October 2025, describing it as a step intended to protect the integrity of the monarchy and draw a definitive line unde
In Conversation with Faraz Khan MBE: What COP30 Really Means for Sri Lanka | Part One
You’ve been involved in sustainability long before it became a global buzzword. What first drew you to this field, and how has your definition of sustainability evolved over the years?I believe my sustainability journey began with a desire to solve real-world problems I witnessed early in my career. Working as a banker in Pakistan, and then decades in impact investment through one of the first indigenous impact funds and ecosystem developer
A Beautiful Fusion of Cultures: Sean and Daniella’s Wedding Celebration
Sean Mara and Daniella celebrated their wedding in a memorable event filled with love, joy, and cultural harmony. The groom, of Sri Lankan heritage, and the bride, from a Chaldean background, combined their traditions to create a wedding that honored both cultures.
The Romanticization of Killers, Criminals and Its Consequences
In recent decades, society’s fascination with murderers, serial killers, and other criminals has gone beyond horror and shock. They have become characters in pop culture, often glamorized, romanticized, fetishized, or made into objects of fascination. Ted Bundy, Richard Ramirez (“The Night Stalker”), Jeffrey Dahmer, all are infamous not only for their crimes but also for having a large number of admirers, fans, and even romantic relationships cre
Silk Café Resto by Gees
Tucked away on Kirula Road, Silk Café Resto by Gees is a refreshing new gem in Colombo’s dining scene, a place where elegance meets comfort, and where every dish tells a story of craftsmanship and care. The moment you step inside, the world outside seems to slow down. The calming palette, warm lighting, and inviting layout together create an atmosphere that feels like a stylish escape from the city’s chaos. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick
When Tea Meets Tension Watawala Advertisement That Stirred a Nation
For decades, Watawala Tea has been a household name in Sri Lanka. Its golden packets and warm family-oriented commercials have been associated with comfort, tradition, and national pride. Few brands occupy the emotional space that Watawala does in the Sri Lankan imagination. It is the tea that sits on breakfast tables from Jaffna to Galle, the tea offered to guests, the tea that evokes home. Which is why the storm that brewed this October around
Art in Circulation
At 41 Horton Place, A familiar circle of generosity begins again. From the 17th to the 19th of October, the third edition of the A4A (Artists for Artists) Production Fund Annual Fundraiser opens its doors an annual celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the enduring spirit of artists lifting one another.
The Woman in Cabin 10
Netflix’s latest psychological thriller The Woman in Cabin 10 opens with promise: a glamorous yacht, a stormy night, a journalist who swears she’s seen a woman thrown overboard, and an atmosphere thick with dread. Directed by Simon Stone and adapted from Ruth Ware’s bestselling novel, the film positions itself as a stylish mystery in the mould of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train. Starring Keira Knightley as Laura “Lo” Blacklock, a travel write
Bishop’s College Marks 150 Years of Legacy with a Grand Gala Dinner
Bishop’s College celebrated a historic milestone marking its 150th anniversary with an exclusive Gala Dinner organized by the Bishop’s College Past Pupils’ Association (BC PPA). The event took place at the Shangri-La Colombo and brought together over 600 distinguished guests, including esteemed alumni, corporate leaders, and prominent figures from Sri Lankan society. The evening was filled with nostalgia, celebration, and pride as generations of
Zephyr Ceylon Honoured with Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025
Zephyr Ceylon, one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved dining destinations, has been honoured with the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025, a distinction that places it among the top 10% of
The Glowing Heart of Bangkok
There are cities that pulse with modern energy, where every street corner hums with life and then there are places that whisper stories of the past while still embracing the present. Bangkok, Thailand’s
Everyday Minds - “Because every mind matters, every day.” Why We Feel Alone in a Connected World
It’s strange, isn’t it? We live in a time when it’s easier than ever to reach each other . We can message anyone instantly, scroll through countless updates, and stay “in touch” without leaving our chairs. Yet more
When Access Becomes The Story The New Wave Of Authorised Access Documentaries
Once upon a time, the documentary was journalism’s purest form. It was built on distance and discipline, not access or charm. Film-makers like Michael Moore and Molly Dineen treated the camera as a mirror for
Nicki Minaj vs Cardi B A Rap Rivalry that Won’t Take a Backseat
In hip-hop, rivalries are as old as the genre itself. But few are as persistent, complex, and loaded with both personal and professional tension as the feud between Nicki Minaj and Cardi B. Over nearly a
St. Bridget’s Convent Hosts Luncheon Honouring Senior Alumni and Retired Teachers
The Past Pupils’ Association of St. Bridget’s Convent organized a special luncheon under the theme “Embracing Our Evergreens – celebrating grace through the years” to honour the Senior Alumni and
Diane Keaton, 1946–2025: A Portrait of an Icon
Diane Keaton was one of the most distinctive and enduring actors in American cinema. Over a career spanning more than five decades, she brought an unmistakable blend of wit, vulnerability, and style to the screen. Her passing at age 79 prompted an outpouring of tributes and renewed appreciation for her remarkable legacy.
From Bean to Brew: Sri Lanka’s First Coffee Experience Studio ‘Soul Brewology’ Opens on Chatham Street
There’s a new name brewing on Chatham Street, or rather, a familiar one with a bold new direction. Soul Brewology, Sri Lanka’s first coffee experience studio, has officially opened its doors in Colombo 01, redefining how the island experiences coffee, from bean to brew. More than just a showroom, Soul Brewology is a one-stop destination for anyone passionate about coffee. From sourcing specialty beans and selecting world-class coffee machines to
“Passport Bros” in Asia: The Manosphere’s Global Migration and the Politics of Desire
Over the past few years, the term “Passport Bros” has evolved from a niche internet meme into a full-blown global discourse about gender, dating, and power. It refers primarily to men, mostly from Western countries, who travel abroad in search of what they describe as “better,” “more traditional,” or “more feminine” women. Nowhere is this phenomenon more visible than in East and Southeast Asia, where many of these men claim to have “escaped” the
Building Resilience: Amari Colombo and Wijeya Newspapers Limited Lead Sri Lanka’s World Architecture Day 2025 Celebration
In celebration of World Architecture Day 2025, Amari Colombo, in proud collaboration with Wijeya Newspapers Limited (WNL) as Title Partner, will lead Sri Lanka’s official commemoration through an exclusive panel discussion themed “Design for Strength.” The event will take place on Thursday, 16th October 2025, at the Saffira Ballroom, Amari Colombo, bringing together some of the country’s most visionary minds in architecture, design, and sustainab
Diwali: The Festival of Lights. History, Significance, and Contemporary Perspectives.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and Sri Lanka, as well as among the Indian and, Hindu and Buddhist Sri Lankan diaspora around the world. Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Observed by millions of people from diverse faiths, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, the festival spans fiv
The Mayfair Times Diwali Party 2025
The Mayfair Times celebrated Diwali in dazzling style at The Dorchester, London, hosted by Editor-in-Chief Selma Day. The glamorous evening brought together distinguished guests, industry leaders, and friends of the publication for a night of light, laughter, and luxury in true Mayfair fashion.