Behind the Vision of the Emerging Designer Runway at MBFWSL 2025
Step into a space where the bold and brave converge. On Day 2 of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka 2025, presented by the Academy of Design (AOD) and powered by DIMO, the authorised distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Sri Lanka, at Cinnamon Life: City of Dreams in Colombo, the Emerging Designer Runway will spotlight Sri Lanka’s emerging talent - designers whose collections are energetic, futuristic, and diverse in inspiration.
Behind the Colours: How Stage Makeup Reflects Life, Identity, and the World Beyond the Spotlight.
In the dim stillness of the backstage mirror, long before the curtains rise, an actor lifts a brush to the skin and begins a transformation. This act, quiet, intimate, and profoundly ritualistic, is older than theatre itself. Stage makeup, often misunderstood as a mere cosmetic enhancement, is in fact a language: a textured, pigmented vocabulary that reveals inner truths, conceals private fractures, and mirrors the shifting masks we all wear in l
The Light in the Dark That Travels With Us
When I was a kid, I used to wonder why the moon seemed to follow our car wherever we went. I am sure you would have too. Whether we were driving through the city at night or along a quiet countryside road, I’d look out the window and see the moon floating steadily above, gliding along as if it were tagging along on our journey. It never sped ahead, never fell behind, it just stayed there, keeping pace with us. At that age, it felt magical, almost
How to Lose Yourself in Ten Days Followed by the Reclaiming of the Land
There are seasons when losing yourself happens slowly, almost politely, as if erosion could learn manners. At other times it arrives abruptly, a room going dark before you can locate the switch. For years I believed I was immune to such disappearance. I kept my life orderly, my emotions in neat stacks,
The loneliness generation: Living in a world that won’t stay still
No one warns you how much loneliness comes from change. We grew up thinking loneliness meant having no friends or sitting alone during lunch. But the loneliness most young people feel today is quitter and far less obvious. It’s the loneliness that comes from watching life shift, people leaving, routines breaking, families moving away, friendships fading without a fight. It’ not the silence that hurts; it’s the constant movement. Every year feels
A Year in a Blink
Time has a strange way of slipping through our hands. Some years arrive gently, some drag endlessly, and some disappear so quickly that we only realise their impact when we pause long enough to look back. This year has been one of those fast-moving ones, quiet on the surface, but full of subtle shifts and unexpected growth. With eleven months already behind us, it feels as if the days folded into weeks and the weeks into months before we even had
“Echos of Ceylon” Unveils New Jewellery Collection in Colombo
Echos of Ceylon unveiled its latest jewellery collection at an elegant launch event held at Swastha by Link Natural, Colombo. The showcase featured a curated selection of contemporary pieces inspired by Sri Lanka’s rich cultural elements and natural landscapes.
Neelika Tillekeratne A Journey of Purpose, Leadership, and Authenticity
With over 25 years of experience in marketing, communications, sustainability, and corporate leadership, Neelika Tillekeratne has built a distinguished career defined by integrity, purpose, and impact. As the
THE GAMES WE PLAY WHY SPORTS STILL MATTER IN AN AGE THAT KEEPS LOSING ITS BALANCE
Long before sports became a medley of branded jerseys, papare bands, and parents arguing with referees, they served a far more brutal purpose: preparing men for war. The Spartans, ever practical,
In Conversation With Fathoum Issadeen On The Intra-Community Backlash Muslim Female Athletes Face
We live in a world that loves turning women into talking points. Two mirrors held up: one showing a woman in a hijab, one without, as if a woman’s worth, her years of discipline and sacrifice, can be reduced to what
Gen Z and the Future of Work Why the 9-to-5 Is Fading
It’s Monday morning in Colombo. A friend is answering emails from a cafe, someone else is editing videos between lectures, and another is running a small clothing page on Instagram. The old “wake up, commute,
Sheikh Hasina A REMARKABLE RISE A DRAMATIC FALL
Sheikh Hasina has for decades been one of Bangladesh’s most pivotal political figures. Born in 1947 in Tungipara, she is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh. Her
A Celebratory Evening at Rhythm of the Night 2025
The Lanka Japan Friendship Society successfully hosted Rhythm of the Night 2025, an evening filled with music, fellowship and cultural appreciation. The lively performance by Nalin and the Star Combination set
THE BBC, TRUST, AND THE GREY RHINO WE ALL SAW COMING
There are very few media organisations in the world that genuinely transcend their national borders.
The Myth of “Guilt-Free” Shopping
For years, the fashion industry has been trying to soothe our conscience. With every new label promising recycled content, every neatly printed “eco” hangtag
In Conversation with Suwimal Rupasinghe
In the dynamic world of global entrepreneurship, few leaders bridge tradition and transformation as seamlessly as Suwimal Rupasinghe, Managing Director of Susiko Bakers and Srinko Group of Companies.
COMMUNICATION IS NOT THE KEY, EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IS!
Ever wonder why you lose every negotiation or argument, feel that you’re not heard enough, escalate conflicts, or find it almost impossible to get people to understand your point of view?
Girls Bosses to Working Mothers: Betting on the Value of Women
Lately, Taylor Swift’s most recent album, “The Life of a Showgirl”, has been playing on repeat in my head. Of all songs one line in particular stood out, “Did you girl boss too close to the sun?”.
“The Abeyesundere Family of Galle” Book Launched in Colombo
The launch of “The Abeyesundere Family of Galle” by Nirmala M. Pieris was held on Friday, 14th November 2025, at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI), Colombo 7.
Featuring Jehan Aloysius
In the latest episode of The Fame Game, hosted by Kumar de Silva and Rozanne Diasz, audiences were treated to an inspiring and deeply personal conversation with acclaimed theatre director, actor, composer, and playwright Jehan Aloysius. Filmed at the elegant La Maison de Colombo on Stratford Avenue, Colombo 5, the discussion explored his upcoming full-length adaptation of A Christmas Carol, his extensive theatre journey, the challenges of the ind
Amila Perera Fashion Designer and Founder of AMIRAN
From a childhood steeped in colour, texture, and design to creating a signature fashion brand celebrated for its bold colours and intricate embellishments, Amila Perera has always turned imagination into art. Inspired by his creative parents, nurtured through early mentorship, and honed at AOD, he brings a distinct voice to every collection. Today, as he presents his latest work at MBFWSL 2025, he shares the journey behind AMIRAN, the stories tha
The Courage to Be Imperfect: Inside Nawodha Bandara’s MBFW Collection
As Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2025 approaches, attention turns toward one of Sri Lanka’s most distinctive creative voices, Nawodha Bandara, the designer behind NAO.
Holy Dumpling Your go-to spot if you’re a true dumpling addict
Tucked away on Torrington Avenue in Colombo 7, Holy Dumpling opened its doors in September 2023, quickly becoming a destination for anyone seeking authentic Asian comfort food. Founded and operated by Jehan Jayakuru, the casual dine-in restaurant has since expanded to Crescat Boulevard and Rajagiriya, bringing its signature dumplings, wontons, noodles, and bao’s closer to more diners. What sets Holy Dumpling apart is its dedication to freshly ma
Urban Island Brings Palmyrah Craft to Life Through Design and Photography
Urban Island hosted the launch of its newest Palmyrah Collection alongside a special photography exhibition, an initiative made possible with the generous support of the Embassy of Switzerland. The event highlighted the artistry and skill of local craft communities, shining a light on the stories and traditions behind Palmyrah weaving.
Are the Arts Dying?
It feels like everywhere I look; people are losing touch with the things that make them feel alive. When we were kids, everyone wanted to be something creative, a singer, a dancer, an actor, a painter, a designer, or even a princess. We dreamed big, but somewhere between childhood and adulthood, those dreams got replaced with “real jobs.” Suddenly, being an artist isn’t considered a career, it’s a hobby. And honestly, it’s sad to see how somethin
A NIGHT AT THE BALLET REFLECTIONS FROM THE STAGE AND BEYOND
As the soft chatter of the audience filters backstage and dancers fill the wings, excitement thrums through the air, for a long-awaited performance is about to start. When the bell rings, a last set of high fives and whispered “good lucks” make their rounds until that all-important moment when you take your place on stage, nerves shaky, heart fluttering, chest pounding, and the curtains finally pull apart.
My Life on a Plate By Yasara Abeynayake-Marija
I’ve always absolutely loved food; everything about it. I’m one of those people who looks forward to lunch while still eating breakfast. Food has always been the true essence of my life. I eat to celebrate, to comfort myself when I’m feeling low, to socialize, and simply because something just tastes good. To my misfortune (or perhaps balance!), I married someone who doesn’t share the same passion for food.
TASTELESS TRAVEL TRAVESTIES
Good taste is subjective I do agree, but sensibility should not be. Being considerate of others, keeping in mind that we are part of a collective and not an individual on our own planet, means that one should be aware of where one is, and with whom one is interacting. Unfortunately, when traveling one sees some of the most obvious cases of selfishness and obliviousness of the collective and this happens quite often and in the tackiest forms.
Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony at Zest Metropole
Zest Metropole celebrated the spirit of togetherness with its annual Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony, an event that brought guests, associates, and the culinary team together in a joyous tradition. The ceremony highlighted the hotel’s belief in creating experiences that unite people and remind us of the sweetness of sharing festive moments.
THE FINE ACCIDENT CALLED SUHEL SETH WIT, WISDOM AND A DASH OF PROVOCATION!
Few figures in India’s public life straddle as many worlds with as much flair and fearlessness as Suhel Seth. A man of many avatars; advertising maverick, brand consultant, theatre enthusiast, author,
