From Los Angeles to Colombo: A Wedding Rooted in Tradition and Heritage
By: Thasmina Sookoor
For Dasith Warawitage and Nithya Bamunuarachchi, their wedding in Colombo was more than simply a glamorous celebration; it was a heartfelt tribute to heritage, identity, family, and the enduring connection to home. Although the couple have built their lives together in Los Angeles, they chose to return to Sri Lanka to celebrate the most meaningful day of their lives surrounded by loved ones and immersed in the traditions that shaped them. Held at the elegant ITC Ratnadipa, the wedding beautifully blended timeless Sri Lankan customs with modern sophistication, creating an unforgettable experience for both local and international guests. From the breathtaking décor and traditional Poruwa ceremony to the emotional family moments and vibrant entertainment, every detail reflected the couple’s deep pride in their roots while embracing the global lives they now lead as Sri Lankan-Americans.
Why did you both choose Sri Lanka as the destination for your wedding instead of Los Angeles, where you currently live?
Dasith and Nithya: We chose Sri Lanka because it’s where we were both born, and no matter where life takes us, it will always feel like home. It was incredibly important for us to celebrate such a meaningful day surrounded by our family and loved ones, most of whom still live in Sri Lanka. Having the wedding in Colombo made it much easier for everyone to attend and be part of the celebration. At the same time, it allowed us to create a beautiful destination wedding experience in a place that holds so much emotional significance for us. Many of our friends travelled from overseas, so for them it became a memorable December trip on a tropical island as well. Choosing Sri Lanka allowed us to celebrate our love in a place that reflects our roots, our culture, and our identity.
What drew you specifically to ITC Ratnadipa as your wedding venue?
Dasith and Nithya: When we visited Sri Lanka in the Summer of 2024, we toured several venues in Colombo, including Cinnamon Life and ITC Ratnadipa. We knew we wanted a venue with high ceilings, elegance, and a beautiful view. The moment we stepped into the Sangham Ballroom at ITC Ratnadipa, we instantly felt it was the perfect fit. It checked every box on our list. The space felt luxurious yet warm, and we could immediately envision our wedding day coming to life there. It had the atmosphere we were looking for - timeless, elegant, and grand without losing its intimacy.
You worked with celebrated beautician and designer Dhananjaya Bandara. What made him the right choice?
Nithya: Choosing Dhananjaya Bandara was honestly one of the best decisions I made for the wedding. I had admired his work for years and loved the way he transforms brides while still enhancing their natural beauty rather than overpowering it. What truly sets him apart is his ability to understand every bride individually. He tailors each detail specifically to her features, complexion, personality, and overall vision. I felt completely confident in his hands, and he brought my bridal vision to life beautifully.
Could you walk us through your wedding looks, from the Poruwa ceremony to the reception and going-away outfits?
Nithya: Our wedding honestly felt like a fairytale brought to life. The décor was curated by the Shine by Sanjeewani team, and they did an absolutely breathtaking job. I shared my inspiration images with them, and they transformed every detail into exactly what I had envisioned, bringing elegance, warmth, and magic into the space. I personally chose all of my outfits with the guidance of Dasith’s mother, Neranja and my mother, Prabha. From the Poruwa ceremony look to the reception and the going-away outfit, every ensemble was selected carefully to reflect tradition, elegance, and my personal style. The Nilame outfits and colour palettes were also selected with the support of both our mothers, to ensure harmony and authenticity throughout the ceremony. The outfits were created by Kulagedara. The Poruwa ceremony itself was conducted by Ranjith Priyanga, which made the experience feel deeply meaningful and authentic. We were overwhelmed by the love and compliments we received from our guests. Many people told us they had never seen décor quite like it before, and hearing some guests say it was one of the most beautiful weddings they had attended meant so much to us.
Why was it important for you to host a traditional Sri Lankan wedding rather than a Western-style celebration?
Dasith and Nithya: It was important for us to have a traditional Sri Lankan wedding because it truly reflects who we are and where we come from. Our culture, traditions, and values mean a lot to us, and we wanted to honour our families, elders, and heritage through meaningful rituals like the Poruwa ceremony. For us, preserving those customs was deeply important. Choosing a traditional celebration allowed us to celebrate our roots proudly while creating memories that connect generations. It was our way of celebrating our identity and sharing the beauty of Sri Lankan culture with everyone who joined us.
How did you balance Sri Lankan customs with your Sri Lankan-American identities throughout the celebrations?
Dasith and Nithya: We wanted the wedding to genuinely reflect both sides of who we are. The ceremony itself remained fully traditional because we wanted to honour our culture and heritage properly. But for the reception, we incorporated more modern touches through the music, styling, entertainment, and overall atmosphere. Being Sri Lankan-American means we naturally live between both worlds, so blending those elements together felt effortless and authentic to us. Most importantly, we wanted every guest, whether they travelled from Sri Lanka or the United States, to feel included and experience something meaningful and memorable.
Were there any rituals or symbolic moments during the Poruwa ceremony that felt especially meaningful to you as a couple?
Dasith and Nithya: There were so many emotional moments throughout the Poruwa ceremony. Walking onto the Poruwa together felt incredibly powerful because it symbolised stepping into a completely new chapter side by side. Exchanging betel leaves and offering them to our parents and elders was especially emotional because it represents gratitude, respect, and commitment.
One of the most meaningful moments was when our fathers tied our little fingers together with the sacred thread. It’s such a simple gesture, but it carries so much symbolism about unity, family support, and togetherness. Even the water-pouring ritual felt deeply symbolic of blessings, prosperity, and continuity. We also gifted our parents during the ceremony, which was our way of thanking them for everything they’ve done for us throughout our lives.
Many of your guests travelled from overseas. What was it like introducing them to Sri Lankan culture and wedding traditions?
Dasith and Nithya: It was honestly such a special experience. December is one of the best times to visit Sri Lanka, so our guests were able to enjoy the island while also being part of our wedding celebrations. It felt like one big international reunion, with our American friends meeting our Sri Lankan family and vice versa. Watching everyone experience the traditions, food, hospitality, and warmth of Sri Lanka made us incredibly proud. It reminded us how beautiful and welcoming our culture truly is.
What were some of the most emotional or memorable moments during the celebrations?
Dasith and Nithya: Dancing the night away surrounded by all our family and friends is something we’ll never forget. There’s nothing quite like looking around the room and seeing everyone you love celebrating together in one place. The father-daughter dance was especially emotional because it created such a quiet and meaningful moment in the middle of all the excitement. But overall, just having generations of our families together under one roof felt incredibly special. The night became even more unforgettable thanks to performances by Bathiya and Santhush and Iraj, all backed by Doctor Band, which brought so much energy and excitement to the celebrations.
Looking back, what does getting married in Sri Lanka represent for you both as members of the global Sri Lankan diaspora?
Dasith and Nithya: Getting married in Sri Lanka represented honouring where we come from. Even though we’ve built our lives abroad, our roots and connection to Sri Lanka remain incredibly important to us. We’re proud of our culture and heritage, and it’s something we hope to carry forward and eventually pass down to our future children, just as our parents did for us. For us, Sri Lanka was never just a wedding destination. It was a celebration of identity, family, culture, and belonging.
