Shereen Kumaranathunga, Gayathri Jayasinghe and Awanthika Malimaarachchi Walk the Ramp for Dhananjaya Bandara’s 25-Year Milestone
- He’s truly one in a million. No one else can match his traditional styles.
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 surprise appearances on the runway, many of them walking for the first time. Among the names turning heads were Sujeewa Nelson-Silva, Dilki Weerasinghe, former Mayoress Rosy Senanayake, Ramani Fernando, Dedunu Upasena, Sangeetha Weeraratne, Sachini Ayendra, and Caroline Jurie. But perhaps what truly captured hearts was the trio of Shereen Kumaranathunga, Gayathri Jayasinghe, and Avanthika Malimaarachchi; three best friends and familiar faces in Colombo’s social circles, who graced the ramp together, embodying friendship, grace and courage. We sat down with each of them to talk about the experience, the bond they share, and what it meant to be part of this historic evening.
Shereen Kumaranathunga
Q What was your initial reaction when you were asked to walk the ramp, and how did you prepare mentally and physically for the show?
I was so happy. I honestly didn’t expect Dhanu (Dhananjaya) to invite us on stage for such a grand event.
Q Was this your first time walking the ramp?
Yes, it was my very first time.
Q What was your routine like leading up to the show?
I worked out at Breakthrough Studios and went for skincare at Derma Plan Academy with Deesha.
Q Was there a particular moment during the show that felt empowering or memorable?
Yes, seeing my family in the audience supporting me. That made me so happy.
Q How did it feel to share the ramp with your best friends?
We were like one big family. It was so much fun. All fourteen of us who walked the ramp under the theme ‘Iconic Ladies of Colombo’ shared a real sense of unity. Backstage, we helped each other get dressed, fixed outfits and gave last-minute encouragement before stepping onto the ramp. We still keep in touch through a WhatsApp group and plan to meet for coffee once a month. There was no envy or competition; just pure fun, laughter, and joy.
Q What drew you to Dhananjaya Bandara’s aesthetic?
He’s truly one in a million. No one else can match his traditional styles.
Q How involved were you in the design process?
Everything was done by Dhanu.
Q Was there a defining moment during fittings?
Yes. When I saw my final look in the mirror, I was thrilled and thought, «Is that really me?»
Q How did he translate your personality into your look?
It was all about our friendship; me, Gayathri, and Kumari (Awanthika). That bond was reflected.
Q Did the three of you work with DB to create a visual theme?
No, everything was done by Dhanu.
Q Why did you agree to walk the ramp?
Purely for friendship and love. According to my age, I wasn’t mentally or physically ready. But Dhanu and Lou Ching supported me throughout. I am deeply grateful to them.
Q If you could relive one part of the show?
Honestly, I was nothing without Dhanu and Lou Ching. Whatever they chose for me, I trusted completely. The entire experience was unforgettable.
Gayathri Jayasinghe
Q What was your initial reaction when you were asked to walk the ramp, and how did you prepare mentally and physically for the show?
I was so happy that Danu (Dhananjaya) invited me to walk the ramp in celebration of his 25 years in the industry. I have done this before, so I wasn’t really nervous. I was mentally ready for it.
Q Did you have any runway experience before this, or was this your first time?
Yes, I’ve done this before, so I wasn’t scared. But stage fright did sneak in on the day of the show!
Q What was your routine like leading up to the show?
Frankly, nothing at all. While the others were busy getting ready, I was scolding them asking what was wrong with them!
Q Was there a particular moment during the show that felt especially empowering or memorable?
Yes, when I was walking the ramp, I saw my husband, my two daughters, my mother and friends cheering and clapping. It was a moment to cherish. And I must mention Harris Aiya (Hasis Wijesinghe) sitting right in front of me, looking at me with bright eyes and a smiling face, his encouragement really boosted my confidence.
Q How did it feel to share the ramp with your close friends?
It was definitely special. We had such a wonderful time together. So much fun.
Q What drew you to Dhananjaya Bandara’s aesthetic?
He is undoubtedly the master of bridal fashion. His talent and artistry are evident in every creation. His hands are blessed.
Q How involved were you in the design process for your outfit?
We didn’t get involved much, but Danu did check with me about how I’d like my jacket designed. He and his team were very flexible and made sure we felt confident in our looks.
Q Was there a defining moment during your fittings?
Yes, definitely. The final look felt so right.
Q How did he translate your personality into your look?
He read me perfectly. In fact, many people asked if I had designed the outfit myself. That’s how well it represented me.
Q Did the three of you have conversations with DB about creating a cohesive visual theme?
Not really, but just the fact that we were seen as the best buddies created its own visual story.
Q What made you say yes to walking the ramp?
I love accepting challenges and hardly say no. And how could I possibly say no to Danu?
Q If you could relive one part of the show again, what would it be?
I would love to relive the entire show. I loved every bit of it.
Awanthika Malimaarachchi
Q What was your initial reaction when you were asked to walk the ramp, and how did you prepare mentally and physically for the show?
I was excited but nervous because of stage fright. My family, friends, Dhanu, and Lou Ching encouraged me, and that gave me the strength and confidence I needed.
Q Did you have any runway experience before this?
This was my first time. I was scared, but walking with my two best friends made me feel confident.
Q What was your routine like leading up to the show?
I didn’t follow a special routine. I eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, always use sunscreen, and jog or walk when I get the time.
Q Was there a particular moment during the show that felt especially empowering or memorable?
Yes! Seeing familiar faces cheering me on made me feel so proud and happy.
Q How did it feel to walk the ramp with your close friends?
That was the main reason I said yes. It will remain one of the most special and unforgettable memories of my life.
Q What drew you to Dhananjaya Bandara’s aesthetic?
He is the most talented designer. I really love his traditional Kandyan styles.
Q How involved were you in the design process?
Dhanu designed everything. He knows what suits me best.
Q Was there a moment during your fittings that stood out?
Yes, I loved the material, the colour, and especially the trendy jacket design.
Q How did he reflect your personality in your outfit?
He’s like family. My daughters call him a magician. He always brings out my personality through his work.
Q Did the three of you collaborate with DB on creating a group theme?
No, it was all Dhanu’s vision.
Q What made you agree to walk the ramp?
The strong friendship and love we all share.
Q If you could relive one part of the show?
Walking with my best friends. It felt powerful and emotional. Seeing the final look, feeling confident in it, working with Dhanu, Lou Ching, and all the beautiful ladies; it was an unforgettable experience.
Gayathri, Sangeetha, Rosy, Ramani, Caroline, Dedunu and Apsari
As the lights dimmed on Dhananjaya Bandara’s anniversary showcase, it became evident that the show was not just a celebration of fashion but a celebration of relationships, between designer and muse, between friends, and between women and their own power. In the case of Shereen, Gayathri, and Awanthika, their walk down the runway was more than a fashion moment. It was a tribute to friendship, courage, and timeless style.
