The First Faces of the Island: Veddas, Yakkhas, and Nagas in Sri Lanka’s Forgotten Prehistory
When the Mahāvaṃsa opens its tale with the arrival of Vijaya in Tambapanni, the narrative does not merely begin; it overwrites.
Why We Need to Ditch the Fake Smiles Today
In today’s world, many people talk about finding “peace.” We often hear phrases like “inner peace” or “peace of mind.
The Iran, Israel War
In June 2025, the long-simmering hostilities between Iran and Israel escalated into an open military conflict, shaking the foundations of Middle Eastern geopolitics and capturing global attention.
Feel-Good Movies That Will Touch Your Heart
Movies have the power to make us feel happy, hopeful, and emotional. Some films leave a lasting impact, not just because of the story but because of the way they connect with our emotions.
A Taste of Legacy Nihonbashi Turns 30 in Style
Nihonbashi, Sri Lanka’s iconic Japanese restaurant, celebrated an incredible milestone, 30 years of culinary artistry, at an elegant evening hosted on the 28th of June 2025 at Port City, Colombo.
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF BODY TRANSFORMATION: Why Motivation Alone Is Insufficient and What Really Brings About Long-Lasting Change
In the coming weeks on Raise The Bar, we’ll be joined by Tiron Wickramasinghe, founder of Project T. With over 20 years of experience in strength and conditioning, body transformation, and managing elite gym facilities across Colombo, Tiron is a respected name in the fitness industry.
Princess Diana The People’s Princess and Her Enduring Legacy
Princess Diana of Wales, born Diana Frances Spencer, remains one of the most beloved and iconic figures of the 20th century. Revered for her grace, compassion, and vulnerability, Diana captivated the world not only as a royal but as a humanitarian and modern woman navigating immense public scrutiny. Known as the “People’s Princess,” she redefined what it meant to be a royal in the contemporary era, bringing emotional intelligence and empathy into
Desi Girl Dressing Diaries
India is known for its rich culture, colorful traditions, and unique style. One of the most beautiful parts of Indian culture is the way girls dress up in traditional outfits and accessories.
Why Talking About FGM in Sri Lanka is So Hard
In Sri Lanka, we love the idea of peace. We’ve paid for it dearly, through war, displacement, distrust, and loss. Today, the language of reconciliation and unity is deeply stitched into our political fabric. But when peace becomes a reason to stay silent, especially about harm being done in the shadows, we have to ask: what kind of peace are we really preserving?
FROM SHATTERED CLAY TO SHAPING DREAMS THE STORY OF CHROMA
In the coastal town of Negombo, where tradition breathes through every street corner, one man’s dream was shaped not by comfort, but by the unexpected pause brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
F1 THE MOVIE
F1 (also known as F1 the Movie) is a 2025 American sports drama that combines high-speed racing with emotional storytelling. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and written by Ehren Kruger, this film brings together thrilling action and heartfelt moments.
Wycherley Marks 40 Years with Grand Graduation and Awards Night
Wycherley International School marked a significant milestone with its Graduation Ceremony and Prize Giving 2025, held on Thursday, 26th June at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).
Parallel Parenting Patterns
It seems to me that people are angrier, and more volatile, prone to the side of aggression, more than I remember. We are of the times, where all the social media outlets, and also the mainstream media continuously highlight the virtues of moderation (in all areas of life) and showcase many avenues of getting the guidance one may need when feeling like fury is bubbling. With amazing professionals giving free advice on handling many of the situatio
Celebrating Friendship, Fashion & FEARLESS FIRSTS!
Colombo is still abuzz after the dazzling celebration of Dhananjaya Bandara’s 25 years in the fashion and beauty industry. Held in the Grand Ballroom of Hilton Colombo, the event was nothing short of a spectacle. Bridal and fashion couture took centre stage, and Dhananjaya Bandara’s signature craftsmanship brought the night alive with elegance, tradition and bold statements. Adding to the magic, a number of iconic women and celebrities made surpr
ATHLETES SPOTLIGHT FEATURING MATHILDA KARLSSON
I was born in Sri Lanka and adopted into a loving Swedish family. When I returned to Sri Lanka for the first time in 2017, it was a deeply emotional experience, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and belonging.
Cult Status Inside the World of THE Cult Original
In an industry often ruled by fleeting trends and mass appeal, Cult Original dares to take a different path. It’s more than a fashion brand; it’s a movement built on individuality, intention, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. Since its inception, Cult Original has become a quiet but powerful force in Sri Lanka’s fashion landscape, drawing in a loyal following of creatives, artists, and rule-breakers who dress to express, not conform. Befor
The AluthPola Returns Shop Local, Save Lives
Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 29th, when The AluthPola, a vibrant pop-up market and fundraiser organised by Justice for Animals, will be held from 10:00am to 6:00pm at Body Bar,No. 3 Jawatte Avenue, Colombo 05.
Celebrating Women and Modernism
On the evening of June 26th, ARTRA Magazine unveiled its 69th edition - Women & Modernism (2025) at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia. The event honoured pioneering female artists who shaped Sri Lanka’s modernist movement in the early to mid-1900s. Surrounded by art enthusiasts, cultural dignitaries, and thought leaders, the evening celebrated bold expression and timeless creativity. With powerful visual narratives and scholarly reflection, the l
Where Wellness Meets Wardrobe
Once upon a time, buying a dress meant buying into a look. Now, it means buying into a lifestyle. In the post-pandemic era, where fashion’s purpose has been thoroughly re-evaluated, a new breed of
Counting Calories on Menus A Step Towards Healthier Eating or a Step Too Far?
Walk into a restaurant in London or Sydney, and you’ll likely spot a number beside your burger or kottu - not the price, but the calories. It’s a nudge, a quiet reminder of what you’re about to eat. Now, Sri Lanka is
South Asian Actuarial Conference 2025: A Global Success in Colombo
The South Asian Actuarial Conference 2025 (SAAC 2025), hosted by the Actuarial Association of Sri Lanka (AASL), took place from June 18th to 20th at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo. With over 270
Beyond Hunger The Deeper Meaning
Food is essential to culture, health, and social interaction, it is much more than just fuel for our bodies. Food has a significant impact on how we experience our everyday lives and how we feel,
Kuberaa (2025)
Kuberaa is a 2025 Indian crime thriller directed by Sekhar Kammula, co-written with Chaithanya Pingali. The film dives deep into human greed, the lust for power, and the moral struggles that come with ambition.
Holy Family Convent Celebrates 90 Years of Legacy and Sisterhood
In celebration of an incredible 90-year journey, the Past Pupils’ Association of Holy Family Convent, Dehiwala, hosted a glamorous dinner dance, ’’Dancing Through the Decades,’’ on the 21st of June 2025 at
Kolhapuri Goes Catwalk Prada’s SS26 Homme Puts Indian Craft on the Map; But Forgets the Mapmakers
From the bustling streets of Kolhapur to the polished runways of Milan, the Kolhapuri chappal just made its high-fashion debut at Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show. Except, the spotlight came without a label - or a lineage. Appropriation or appreciation? Borrowing or stealing?
Meteora, Greece Where Monasteries Float in the Sky
High above the plains of Thessaly in central Greece, beyond winding roads and sleepy villages, an ethereal sight emerges a cluster of colossal sandstone pillars stretching toward the heavens. Perched precariously on their peaks are centuries-old monasteries, seemingly suspended between earth and sky. This is Meteora, one of the world’s most otherworldly, awe-inspiring destinations.
From Employee to Entrepreneur The THREE Corporate Lessons That Built Me
Let me get one thing straight, I didn’t wake up one day, post a few Reels, and suddenly become an “entrepreneur.” This journey wasn’t just built with aesthetic pitch decks and digital buzzwords. It was built on lessons learnt the hard way: through clocking in, staying back, getting feedback that stung, and learning to play the long game.
Understanding and Overcoming a Functional Freeze
Have you ever felt like your productivity is a ruse? Like you are able to do just enough to appear as if you are organized and efficient and yet on the inside you are entirely disengaged? Are you doomscrolling on your phone, making mental lists of everything you need to do but never quite getting round to doing it? You may be experiencing a functional freeze.
Sri Lanka’s First Conveyor Belt Hotpot Arrives WE AI FAMILY Brings a Bold New Chinese Dining Experience to Colombo
On June 15, 2025, something quietly remarkable and new unfolded in the heart of Colombo. At Arcade Independence Square, WE AI FAMILY a Chinese restaurant opened its doors with a concept never before seen in Sri Lanka: a conveyor belt hotpot.
Dhananjaya Bandara Celebrates 25 Years of Creative Excellence in Style
Dhananjaya Bandara, one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated names in bridal and fashion couture, marked a significant milestone, 25 years of creative excellence, at a grand event held on the 24th of June 2025 at the Hilton Colombo.
