Pulse Magazine Issue 08 by ianmark

ISSUE 008 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY Rs. 400/- UK Â£6.00 US $15.00

Personality Meet

Viran Jose

Health Eating for

Healthy Hair Events

Tatyana

Ajai

Weds

Rohitha

Vir Singh

PUBLISHING HOUSE: Mango Publishers (Pvt) Ltd. No. 320, T.B. Jayah Mawatha, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka. Tel: 00 94 115 882 662

EDITORIAL: Mayanthi Hatharasinghe (Events) Sachitha Kalingamudali (Digital) Aazam Ameen (Content Provider)

GUEST WRITERS: Aanisha Cuttilan Ashwini Vethakan Azam Fahmy Danidhu Vithanawasam Deana Claessen Ian Mark Subramaniam Nishara Fernando Rashmeen Perera Saruchi Dissanayake Sharleen Suwaris Thushii Liyanage Vandana Hiranand Vinuri Weerawardena

It’s the season of love and we’re loving the issue we’ve put together for you, the first for 2019! Sri Lanka’s fashion ecosystem has dramatically evolved over the last decade and Ajai Vir Singh has been a pivotal personality in that

LAYOUT: Indika Anuradha (Design Consultant) Ian Mark Subramaniam

SALES & MARKETING: Binoth Geeganage binoth@mangopublishers.lk Thouseef Hashim thouseef@mangopublishers.lk

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Luxshmanan Nadaraja

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Aruna Alwis Kasun Dheegodagamage Kaveeth Milinda Ravindra Laksiru R.P. Romesh S S L Aarachchi

SPECIAL THANKS: Janeeth Rodrigo Eric Wijeratne Lisa Perera Remauld Mack Shallen Dirckze

change. The debonair Ajai, who appears on the cover of this issue, speaks to us about his vision for the fashion industry of Sri Lanka while sharing his take on the future of fashion. In this issue, we’ve also featured the mother daughter duo of Amali and Sadhana Senanayake, who speak to us about their biofeedback practice and “Pink Angel” product range, and sisters Shyamala Pinto Jayawardane and Shermanthi Fernando who have transformed their childhood fascination with art and craft into careers they love. We also had the opportunity to chat with musicians behind Stigmata and Naadro, and the inimitable Captain Elmo Jayawardena, pilot turned writer and humanitarian. Our beauty features include interviews with Dr Shanika Arseculeratne, better known as ‘Beauty Doctor’ and much-loved make-up artist Viran Jose Peter. The vivacious Angela Seneviratne joins our list of columnists and

PRINTERS:

will keep you in stitches as she shares her uninhibited opinions

Printage (Pvt) Ltd.

CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS:

about Valentine’s Day.

Mango Publishing Pvt. Ltd. Sales Office: 45/6, Alwis Place, Colombo 03 Tel: +94 11 588 26 62 sales@mangopublishers.lk

This issue is packed with plenty more so relax, get yourself a cup of

No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission of the publisher.

Enjoy!

Pulse magazine is published in co-operation with Pulse website www.pulse.lk

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tea and read away.

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in this edition of Instafamous

Beauty

Page

76 Page

Zuri

Places

Shanika

Beautiful Inside and Out

122 Page

Geek HQ

A CafĂŠ of All Things Popculture

Music

Personality

132 Page

Stigmata

Stubborn for All the Right Reasons PAGE 14 | www.pulse.lk

58 Page

Elmo Jayawardena When the Sky is the Limit

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Shanika Beautiful Inside & Out

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The brilliant and beautiful doctor, Shanika Arsecularatne better known as “The Beauty Doctor” has transformed many Sri Lankans to become happier, and more confident individuals by helping them to look the best they can. She practices at both her private clinic Christell Skin Clinic and The Durdans Hospital’s Cosmetic Care Unit, and has a strong work ethic to complement her expert skills at cosmetic beauty. 01

Who is Shanika Arsecularatne?

Well, I like everything girly… everything pink and bling! I’d say I’m also an introvert; even though I connect well with people, I’m rather a private and introverted person which is why my husband complements me so well - he’s the outgoing extrovert so he helps balance us out. I’m also what some would call “nerdy” since I wasn’t very “sporty”; I am more into books and information and learning- which is what led me to study medicine. I love everything associated with beauty and fashion and I love to connect with people which helps me in my field of cosmetic beauty - it gave me the platform to my trade.

Can you tell us the reason behind naming your Skin Clinic Christell?

That’s a combination of mine and my mom’s names. See, my middle name Christine and my mom’s is Stella so “Christell”.

What made you choose this particular field?

My mom is a cosmetologist as well and I used to watch her work at all her shows and I used to tag along for all her training so I was surrounded by beauty and cosmetology since my younger days. As I grew up and went on to study medicine, I came across the field of Cosmetic Medicine – which was not popular in Sri Lanka at the time. We had dermatologists yes, but I don’t like the eczema-rash or rather the extreme busy side of it, I loved the cosmetic side of it and that’s why I started studying along that route.

What factors do you consider contribute to “bad skin”?

I would say, firstly, it’s not in your control because of genetics- if your parents or grandparents have acne or bad skin then inevitably you’ll have it too. Secondly, would be your lifestyle – factors like staying up too late, smoking and drinking excessively, wearing a lot of makeup and not taking it off properly or staying out in the sun all the time. External causes and your lifestyle can ruin your skin. Another important factor would be your dietary habits- if you’re into a lot of chocolatey things or dairy products, it can contribute to bad skin. I mean, even back in the day our ancestors would say drink a lot of water or eat your veggies and it’s not because they knew nothing! If anything, they were absolutely right. Lastly, a proper skin care routine is so important! You won’t believe the number of people who damage their skin simply with the use of whitening or skin bleaching creams and products. It’s insane - almost half of my clients come to me after using these particular skin creams. See, bleach creams contain large amounts of steroids and mercury- so obviously this could be harmful!

What are the top five skin care products you carry wherever you go?

Usually, I’d take my oil control cleanser and then two types of cream - one, to control oil and one to calm my skin. How I always explain this to my patients is – think of the different clothes you have – sets to go out during the day and another set to go out at night, say to a wedding. Your skin is also like that. As women, when we get our periods, our skin will most definitely break out and so during that time you’d need to use your oil

control products not your usually brightening creams. So you must have a separate cleanser and moisturiser. It’s the same when flying abroad, with the weather you need to pack accordingly, especially if you’re on a flight- this can leave your skin dehydrated so you’d need to pack a milder cleanser and moisturiser. So this is why I always pack two kinds of creams; I always pack my lip balm and I’d always have my sunscreen! Never leave home without it! And lastly- I’d say my compact powder!

Why do you think skin lightening treatments are such a big deal among Sri Lankans?

I always find this to be funny. Us lot, we try to become fair while the Caucasians - they lie on beaches or on tanning beds trying to tan themselves to a darker shade! I think this is mostly because in the ancient times there was a caste system in our island. So the richer people who didn’t have to go out and do laborious work would stay indoors and your skin would be protected, whereas manual labourers would work outdoors and obviously their skin would get dark. So, having fair skin invariably gave people the perception that you were higher up in the hierarchy. Secondly, when we were under the British, I guess fair skin must have caused a superiority complex. Why else would half the world think “white skin” is beautiful and the other half think “tan skin” is beautiful. It’s because of something that has affected you. Even if you watch the local dramas - the villain is portrayed darker and the hero is this fair good looking person. The whole perception of whiter skin being the preferred, better choice is rooted in our mentality through the ages.

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Are your treatments popular among men in Sri Lanka?

This will shock you but, 50% of my patients are men. This comes from the data that I frequently receive. The younger men come for problems such as acne or hair loss and then the older they get, say 40+, they’re more for the anti aging treatments. Most men who finally finish their education, like a PhD, and are looking to settle down and marry are all over 30. So yes, anti aging treatments are what they usually come for.

What would you say are the most common treatments you work on?

In general among the younger population the treatment is mainly for acne and towards the middle aged population, it’s mostly anti aging.

Why are anti aging treatments so popular in Sri Lanka?

I think it is all about how good they feel at the end of the day. The need to look and feel beautiful is a basic human desire. We are a species that looks for validation. You want people to notice you, you want to feel good even if you may not openly admit it, deep down you feel it. The thing is, when you feel good you automatically perform better. So it’s common to anyone; man, woman or child. Take the different jobs- say airlines, you grow older but the job requires you take care of yourself. So even for a job you need to look good, feel good and ultimately perform better. Ever for working on your insecurities: let’s take the common housewife who slaves all day at home with the kids and whose body changes due to said kids; at the end of the day she still wants her husband to notice her. So instead of growing bitter and feeling like they’ve lost themselves with their everyday routine, here is a chance to regain their confidence and work through their insecurities.

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How much of a positive impact does your treatment leave on your patients with?

Well it gives them, as I’ve mentioned, happiness and confidence with the various social pressures out there. I think my best example would be a patient I had a few years ago... A kid who was extremely bright, she had a severe case of pimples and that was it. Just acne. But her classmates would stay away, treat her as though merely touching her would make the acne contagious, and this brought her down mentally, her grades suffered when she was the best in her class. But after her treatment, her progress in college went back up again. It’s a clear example of social pressure and how these treatments leave a positive impact on my patient’s lives. Even for jobs such as airlines or modelling.

With the younger 11 generation following the footsteps of many celebrities, what advice would you give younger girls who believe plastic surgery is equivalent to looking perfect?

In my opinion being perfect is not what everyone wants. We don’t need perfect people. We need happy, confident people. It’s all about confidence. With cosmetic medicine and plastic surgery - some people get it wrong: it’s not about making you look perfect. Imagine a woman who sits at home looking perfect but doesn’t lift a finger to do anything. Where’s the point in that? She should aspire to be practical and functional and productive. It’s not about the perfect breasts, lips and body- there’s only so much “fake” a person can take. Now, say it was a woman who had just given birth to her third child, whose breasts may sag a little or whose tummy may still be a pouch - she might feel insecure in a saree- now that is something we are there to help with. It’s not to fix your breasts and have a hot, perfect body. Yes, celebrities may set the trends and do a lot to themselves - but you need to have the right mindset and be smart about what you want to do. I speak for myself and many cosmetic surgeons when I say that the first thing we do in any consultation is counsel you through every step of the process and if you still chose to do it, then we only say “ yes” if you truly need it. Not before that, we don’t just agree to whatever it is you want to do - that is not how cosmetic medicine or surgery works.

What are your plans for the year 2019? Any specific goal you have?

One thing I always appreciate about my mother is that she taught me to always have a goal in life. So one thing my mom and I do every 1st of January is sit together and write out our new year’s resolution. So for this year, our resolution is to open up two more clinics, one in Sri Lanka and one out of Sri Lanka to extend our services to a larger clientele. And we are introducing a really exciting new service it’s for nutrition; we’ll be working alongside Shayana Ameresekera to create a more holistic approach to skin care.

Location: Uga Residence

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Royal Artistry by Spa Ceylon

In an exclusive ladies-only event, Spa Ceylon launched their latest range of natural make-up. Infused with minerals, plant oils and hydrating fruit butters, the range consists of exotic shades inspired by the tropical beauty of Ceylon, and boasts the easy application of high-end brands, presented in signature Spa Ceylon packaging. Kathyusha

Shalin

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E OTIC CARS

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Natalie

Tatyana

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Kinita

Yashoda

Senali

Amaleee

Melissa

Kaylon

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Bengal

Jay

Poshia

Bunglow

Jehan Aloysius and CentreStage Productions staged the hilarious comedy â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bengal Bungalowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on November 30th and December 1st at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. Angela Kalhari

Shraddha and Shubhanga

Angelina

Keith

Kalhara

Vijith

Ravi Collins What you need: • 50 ml Sri Lankan Arrack • 20 ml lime juice • 15 ml kithul treacle • Ginger beer

How to make • Pour 50 ml of arrack in a high ball glass • Add the lime and kithul treacle and give it a quick stir • Fill the glass to the top with ice • Add ginger beer

Adventures of a

Mixologist

A few months ago I was asked help to launch the first premier beach club in Sri Lanka, bound to open in the beginning of March. The objective: take things to the next level and try to be the best. With this objective and an amazing amount of freedom to create, no idea is crazy enough for me. Whatever we can do to make it special and impressive is being considered. You see, people don’t pay for a drink when they go to clubs, they pay for an experience. The quality of what you are drinking is just one of the many factors that will make the evening a huge success or a complete failure. From the design of the club, to the smell, the lighting, the volume of the music and the smiling bartenders that greet you: it is all part of the experience. The first impression, the welcome and the service of great staff can uplift your mood and make you feel at home. In the hospitality industry you can have the most beautiful venue, great food and amazing drinks, but it is the staff that delivers the experience. Highly skilled staff, that are able to make the guests feel comfortable, is a key ingredient for a unique experience. In order to have the best people for the club, we decided on an intensive training programme of 8 weeks for the waiters and bartenders. We focused on using local and fresh ingredients. Things like cinnamon, curry leaves, kithul treacle, ginger and many other Sri Lankan spices and delicacies that are perfect to give classic cocktails that little extra Sri Lankan punch. One iconic drink, which I have twisted for Pulse before, is the Tom Collins, a gin based refreshing long drink. Making it with Cognac makes it a Pierre Collins, making it with Tequila a Jose Collins and with rum it becomes a Pedro Collins. Thus, I decided, making the drink with Sri Lankan ingredients turns the classic collins into a Ravi Collins. Creating cocktails is part about creativity and part about storytelling. The Ravi Collins was born when I promised one of my students I would name a Sri Lankan twist on the classic recipe after him if he could answer one question in class. He failed, so you will never find out what his name was, and instead I decided to name the cocktail after my good friend Ravi.

Location The Steuart by Citrus, Colombo

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Jeroen Misseghers is a mixologist, whose passion is to create distinctive customized cocktails that draw inspiration from an occasion or hosts or guests, weaving a story into the drink served. Jeroen finds Sri Lanka an amazing place for a mixologist, with its many fascinating spices, teas and tropical fruit. He runs Dash of Lanka www.dashoflanka.com

NYE at Kingsbury

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NYE at Shangri-La

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Dressing Trend setters the

Far

from

Wide

and

Hailing from one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest fashion capitals, Delhi, Amit Talwwar has created a name for himself as an extremely sought-after designer in Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fashion scene.

As part of his second event in Sri Lanka in partnership with Prithi Fernando, Amit launched his beautiful collection of cocktail dresses, sarees, and contemporary and ethnic gowns to some exclusive invitees in Colombo. Amid this hustle and bustle we caught up with him for a quick chat about his career and thoughts on fashion.

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I also always ensure that my clothes are easy to wear and comfortable, and that the fabric is smooth. I’m very keen on using pure fabrics and avoiding semi materials.

5. What fashion trends can we look forward to this year? What I’ve noticed is that people are looking for ready to wear clothes, especially when it comes to sarees and shalwars. These days most people don’t have the time to drape and pleat sarees and a lot don’t know how to either. They are moving away from heavy clothes and are looking for subtle, light and comfortable designs. So I’m mostly focusing on drape skirts and ready to wear sarees.

6. Are your designs predominantly for celebrities or for average people? For me every woman is a celebrity.

7. Tell us a little bit about your partnership with Prithi Fernando and why you decided to launch this exclusive collection in Sri Lanka? Prithi and I are very good friends and we have been in touch over the past 3 or 4 years. This is my second event in Colombo. We did a similar show sometime back and are making plans for a more exciting fashion show later on this year. In terms of the launch, the timing seemed right and I like Sri Lanka a lot. I like the place and the market, and I think the people are very nice and humble. So why not?

8. What has been the most memorable moment of your career?

1. How would you describe fashion? the London Fashion Weekend and New York Fashion is something that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Fashion Week since then.

3. What inspires your work? 2. Tell us a little bit about how you got started on fashion designing? To be honest, fashion designing is what I always wanted to do. You could say that it was my childhood dream. After leaving school, I did a course on fashion designing in Delhi and thereafter started working on my own about 12 years back. I worked hard and made use of the opportunities that came my way. I’ve participated in many fashion shows like

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Indian culture.

4. What makes ‘Amit Talwwar’ designs stand-out from other labels? I have always been inspired by the Royal Culture of India and my designs are inspired by Indian history and fables. So you’ll always see that sort of a traditional influence in my collections.

That would be when I walked the ramp for the first time in 2010. It was at the start of my career and the theme was inspired by Meena Kumari and the movie Pakeezah. I had very good success with it. The collection was unique and it sold out.

9. If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice at the start of your career, what would it be? Keep working hard and never give up because nothing is impossible. When you start off, things will not come easy, things will not go your way, and people will try to bring you down. But stay strong and remember that hard work pays off.

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S. Thomas’ College &

Bishop’s College Class of ’08 Reunion

Shenora and Sherom

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Manjith

Suwani

Sandra

Shavidria

Lasitha

Sarinda

Sashini

The 08 classes of S. Thomasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; College and Bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College recently held a gala reunion in Colombo.

Dinusha and Saja

Ashmini

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1864 Restaurant and Wine Cellar Nestled within one of Colombo’s most historical landmarks- the 1864 Restaurant and Wine Cellar possesses the ideal romance fuelled ambience; pair it with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon and an astounding meal and you have yourself a perfect date!

The

Quiet

Place

No, we aren’t referring to the 2018 moviealthough, that was pretty amazing- we’re referring the Top 4 places in Colombo that you and your loved one can to go for a romantic and rather quiet evening for two! Be it the ambience, lighting or maybe the menu itself- these are the certain traits you would look into when it comes to choosing the right spot for your Valentine’s date. That’s why we at Pulse decided to list a few of our favourite date night hot spots. Take a look, here are the Pulse Picks for this Valentine’s Day

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Rare at Residences With their stellar menu and exceptional service Rare at Residences is date-worthy in our book! P.S.. be sure to try out the desserts- you won’t be sorry!

Gallery Cafe With their signature colonial vibe and relaxed ambience, the Gallery Cafe is another favourite of ours. Their menu is both delicious and affordable and we are sure you will have a wonderful time. P.S. we recommend sitting outdoors for there's nothing more romantic than dining under the stars!

The Bayleaf Italian cuisine at its finest! With their fantastic ambience, phenomenal food and well-stocked baritâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only obvious that they make the Pulse Pick! P.S.: They are also childfriendly (in case you find yourself without a sitter!)

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Christmas at

Kingsbury Here are some Christmas scenes from the forever timeless, Kingsbury Colombo.

Nikita

James

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Shammy

Harshi

Ranjith

Tatyana

weds

Rohitha

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Long time sweethearts, Tatyana Jayaratne and Rohitha Rajapakse had their fairy tale wedding in grace and charm. The Poruwa ceremony was held outdoors at Weeraketiya on 24th January.

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The fairy tale wedding continued with a beautiful church ceremony held at the St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church, Bambalapitiya on the 28th January.

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A traditional Hindu blessing marked the end of the wedding celebrations.

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Ajai Vir Singh

on the next 15 years of fashion in Sri Lanka

Founder and President of Colombo Fashion Week, his deep-rooted faith in Sri Lanka’s fashion design industry got him started on this journey 15 years ago. Today, Ajai Vir Singh is one of the most influential figures in Sri Lanka’s fashion industry. He is also the Founder and President of the Fashion Design Council of Sri Lanka, The Responsible Fashion Movement, Colombo Swim Week and founding member of the Commonwealth Fashion Council based in London. With the completion of 15 years, and a development plan that is actively working on impacting and enhancing every aspect of Sri Lanka’s fashion design industry, Mr. Singh has a few more things lined up!

Tell us about your beginnings

I came to Sri Lanka 23 years ago and fashion was embedded deeply in my DNA. I looked at everything through the eyes of design and fashion. I realised that Sri Lanka has a vibrant environment for any creative industry to flourish. The design sensibility in Sri Lanka was very high compared to India, in terms of architecture, photography, art; but I noticed that while such industries and others were growing, fashion as an industry was stagnant, or sometimes missing. There were various reasons, starting from surplus stock lots dominating the retail market, hardly any fashion schools, to very few fashion designers, there was little or no interest in the next generation to pursue fashion design as their profession, which I thought was sad. There was potential but it had no form and shape. And I didn’t know where to start. One of my initial thoughts was to attempt a progressive platform that could encourage and impact different aspects of the fashion industry. That’s when I carried out a hybrid model of fashion week. This was the idea that gave birth to Colombo Fashion Week in 2003.

As an industry leader, what is your role in fashion?

From the start, I’ve always tried to uplift the industry to a level where it is globally

recognised. Someone once asked me what my key achievement was, to which I replied with “being able to bring pride to the Sri Lankan fashion design industry”.

What is your vision for the next 15 years?

Fashion is an evolving industry. If you’re leading an industry, you have a big responsibility. You need to envision, align, see how the industry is moving; there’s a whole mandate behind it.

The next 15 will be the second phase of development. We need to figure out how to create a story, create global acceptance, and how to take pride in Sri Lankan design to the next level.

If you look back on the last 15 years, by God’s grace, every year the industry has moved forward, there has been a steady progress, and we know there is future for the fashion designers. I take pride in envisioning Colombo Fashion Week because it became the backbone of the fashion industry. One that mentored, groomed, marketed and showcased designers and created an ecosystem for fashion to flourish. This impacted fashion education. There was a new found desire among the young ones to take fashion as a profession. Multi brand and single brand retail stores were introduced, and fashion consumers became aware of the Sri Lankan fashion talent. There has been good progress compared to where we started. But it’s still a journey and we need to keep progressing.

People are now proud of wearing Sri Lankan designs; pride which didn’t exist before! My vision from the beginning was to make this industry globally recognised while remaining distinct.

I think it’s very important to build a generation of strong designers. Designers lack a lot of tools, so our goal is to identify what things are missing so they become stronger and are able to reach their full potential.

The next 15 years has really interesting aspects aimed at impacting certain sectors within the industry to bring about desired results for the designers and the market. I have been working on it for the last couple of years. Designer development, retail programmes and fairs will be one of the key focus areas, while others get a step up as well.

What is the next level for the fashion design industry?

The next level deals with how comfortable the industry would be in international markets and in transacting with fashion consumers beyond Sri Lanka. For example, India, China, Singapore, Australia and Africa are big markets surrounding us. www.pulse.lk | PAGE 47

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re leading an industry, you have a big responsibility. You need to envision, align, see how the industry is moving; thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a whole mandate behind it.

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Commercial success is very important for designers, so we must ask how we can equip designers and take them to a level where they are comfortable in all these marketing environments. Commerce and creativity go hand-in-hand in fashion. Some designers, being creative people, miss out on the commerce side; while others tend to become too commercial. A fine balance needs to be maintained, especially for the benefit of young designers. What do we do to take them there? How are their products accepted in those environments? Can we sustain this? How can you compete with other designers?

How have you seen the fashion industry grow during the past few years and what are your expectations for the next 15 years? In the beginning, there were no designer stores but now you can find plenty of them. Not many people wanted to invest in fashion as a career 15 years ago - everyone wanted to be a lawyer, a doctor or an engineer. I expect we have to first understand how we can make fashion merchandise a tourism product and how to sort out a supply chain. We need to ask ourselves how we can strengthen the core design competencies of our designers in order to better the industry. These are the growth factors that will hold the industry in a good state.

What is your role in positioning Sri Lanka as a destination for sustainable and ethical fashion? I feel Sri Lanka can take the lead in terms of sustainable, responsible fashion because no other country in Asia is pursuing this subject with the same intensity and vigour. I coined the phrase â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Garments without Guiltâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; back in 2015, when I was developing a global brand communication project for Sri Lanka Apparel through the company I was heading at the time. This started the journey for nurturing Sri Lanka's position as an ethical destination for sourcing. At the time, it was an aggressive stance, because we made a claim to something that was contrary to the global perception of Sri Lanka. This concept remained close to my heart, I continued to encourage designers to become part of the sustainable fashion movement and change. Two years ago I started working on creating a movement that is current and has the capacity to address and discuss issues and showcase some solutions - â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Responsible Fashion Movement' that included designers, environmentalists, apparel manufacturers and other stakeholders from the supply chain. It is designed and envisioned to have Sri Lanka lead the effort of impacting the fashion supply chain from Asia to the world.

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This movement is cutting edge in its effort as it is very relevant to the current issues faced by the global industry. In 2018, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Responsible Fashion Movement' launched the Responsible Fashion Summit, hosting two events, one in March and the second in July. We invited important stakeholders in global fashion such as the

founder of London Fashion Week to visit Sri Lanka and see what we are doing and share ideas on how can we make Sri Lanka as a shining light for responsible fashion. The Responsible Fashion Movement will host its 3rd summit in June 2019. There is a gap in Asia on this front and Sri Lanka is perfectly placed to take the lead

with real stories. This will not only build awareness but present solutions which are open source files for anyone to follow to impact their environments. This has generated a lot of interest in Asia and Europe. I am confident that if we continue on this journey, we can carve out a path for Sri Lanka. Responsibility in fashion is important for consumers around the world.

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How did your brand Pigeon Island come about?

Well you can say it’s the same stream that gave birth to the Responsible Fashion Movement and before that ‘Garments without Guilt’. Plastics and its effect on the marine environment is not a hidden fact anymore, it’s a real challenge. I am a diver and Pigeon Island is one of my favourite spots. I saw the vulnerability of that island and used to think that if I ever start another beachwear brand, it should bring awareness about the marine life and its importance around Pigeon Island and then take that format beyond it. The Arugam Bay brand was very close to my heart, it gave shape to a desire that I had of creating a Sri Lankan brand with an international outlook. My thoughts were that as an island nation, we should have had beachwear or swimwear brands and there were none at that time. I was happy it inspired and led the way in creating other Sri Lankan brands with an international outlook. We need more, and I am hopeful we will see more. Currently through the brand Pigeon Island however, we aim to positively impact the Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles and the Grey Reef and Black Tip sharks along with coral conservation. The brand is quite new and we are developing the format further. Our shorts are created by directly recycling PET bottles.

How has the appointment as a Founding Member of the Commonwealth Fashion Council helped you? This appointment has opened the way for creating more opportunities for Sri Lankan designers. Along with the Commonwealth Council we have identified six countries which are important fashion markets for Sri Lankan designers. There is more work being done to create opportunities there. Last year I was invited for a private meeting with the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton and also the Countess of Wessex, Sophie Rhys-Jones at Buckingham Palace, London. This was also to celebrate the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange. Vathsala Gunasekara got the first opportunity to showcase her creation here. I am sure more will follow in 2019 as there are many other

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interactive programmes planned with the CW council. I was re-appointed in 2018 for another two years.

How is the fashion industry related to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry?

To me, fashion plays a very important role in the tourism industry. It is a form of art that is consumed and worn on a daily basis. If you have bought an item of clothing from a country that has really inspired you, it acts as a souvenir that reminds you of the place you went to. Fashion can fulfill that, art can fulfill that. They are interconnected in that sense.

Why is it important to develop the fashion industry?

Fashion is a very important industry. Man’s three basic needs are food, clothing, and shelter. Along with food and shelter, garment merchandising is a need as well. Thus, progressing from a need, fashion becomes a point of expression when you are better off. It is almost a necessity for the fashion industry to grow. The commercialisation of fashion and the economic factors around it are important to this country.

What’s next for Colombo Fashion Week?

I’ve always structured CFW with a vision. At the beginning of last year, that’s the 15th year, I had already made a plan on what would be next and so I had a vision to launch this year, which I’ve called “The Next 15”. The single minded focus is to uplift and revive the fashion design industry of Sri Lanka by creating an eco-system that encourages fashion design and allows for the younger generation to take up fashion design. Thus we are going back to the basics by approaching students at university level and creating mentorship programmes for young designers. There will be special emphasis on design development and retail, showcasing Colombo in that week as a vibrant city. We will focus on new elements to celebrate the design and creative talent of Sri Lanka. I’m very excited

with the restructured team, management and our next level of multi-pronged development plan. By God’s grace we have come a long way to create and eco system for the industry, it’s time for the next phase now.

How will CFW and the fashion week model stay relevant in a digital age?

Fashion has completely changed now with the introduction of digital. If I can pick out a single important factor or culprit that has revolutionised the whole fashion supply chain it would be Instagram. Fashion as a medium is a very visual medium, so Instagram is pretty much now owned by fashion, and what’s happening is the entire supplier lead time of an X number of months is all gone. The concept is ‘see now, buy now’. As a result there are no more seasons in fashion. We could be entering winter season but Instagram will have posts of summer fashion. So it has made stakeholders look and relook at timing. Is the timing off? It has essentially made fashion designers wonder if there is a need for seasonal clothing. That’s why Colombo Fashion Week works well. Our seasons are essentially warm, warm and warmer. And in Sri Lanka and the region it takes less than one month for the collections to hit the stores. So now the whole world is coming to that. Digital is playing a really important role in that way. And so I find smart phones are the more intelligent way of getting consumers’ attention.

What plans do you have for 2019?

There are three strong events lined up that are going to make people look at fashion in a completely new light. Let’s leave it at that.

Photography: Luxshmanan Nadaraja Location: Mount Lavinia Hotel

I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very important to build a generation of strong designers. Designers lack a lot of tools, so our goal is to identify what things are missing so they become stronger and are able to reach their full potential.

www.pulse.lk | PAGE 53

Launch of

Golden Needle

Nabeela

Golden Needle hosted its very first open house, celebrating its new boutique along with a new collection of clothing & jewellery.

Nisha

Leena Bimali

PAGE 56 | www.pulse.lk

Sumaiya Shihaam

www.pulse.lk | PAGE 57

When the

Limit

is the

Following a remarkable career in the aviation industry which spanned over 40 years, Captain Elmo Jayawardena turned to two things his heart had always been set on - writing and helping the less fortunate.

Drawing inspiration from his daily life encounters, the places he visited and the people he met, Captain Elmo began to sketch stories as a pastime. His book about the beloved Sam in “Sam’s Story” was soon awarded the Gratiaen Prize and his historical novel “The Last Kingdom of Sinhalay” won the State Literary Award.

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However, he admits that founding the “CandleAid Lanka” organisation is his proudest achievement. This humanitarian initiative which he established based on the adage “It is better by far to light a solitary candle than to curse the darkness” has helped many underprivileged Sri Lankans achieve incredible feats over the years.

We had a chat with this phenomenal personality at his beautiful riverside home in Moratuwa; where he resides with his wife.

Captain, tell us about your early years and how your career as a pilot took off. Well, I lived a simple childhood. Growing up, we never spoke a word of English and conversing in the language at that time was a huge problem for us. It was only when we left school that we tried to learn it. Also, we were never focused on our studies and had no definite career plans or plans for university. We just tried to make a living doing whatever came our way. I earned my first salary making fan blades for 2 rupees and 14 cents a day and my first job as a flying instructor in 1975 earned me

10 rupees an hour. People I’ve met later in life find it difficult to believe I worked for such a meagre income. But I think they miss the point. I may have earned only Rs.10 a day teaching a man to fly, but I taught them against the same sky.

What piqued your interest in writing?

What also mattered was that I learnt to teach. I learnt to look at a man’s face and understand if he grasped what I was saying. The totality of that experience was a great success story as a teacher. It paved the way for me to work for Air Ceylon, for Air Lanka, and eventually for Singapore Airlines; where I served for 20 years before retiring at 60.

Quite a while back I had read somewhere that Ehelepola Nilame was exiled to Mauritius by the British. So when I flew there, I went on a wild goose chase in search of this story. Initially, I couldn’t find anything on it. I spoke to some people and visited a few places but my efforts were futile. However, at a point where it seemed like all hope was lost, I suddenly spotted a white monument on the side of a road while driving by. I had a strange hunch and immediately asked the driver to stop the car in order to examine it more closely. To my complete surprise it was Ehelepola Nilame’s grave; written on one side in English and on the other in Sinhalese. I took some pictures of the place and flew back to Singapore that night.

I loved to write even as a child and every now and then I’ve written articles to the papers. However, there is a story behind how I started writing books.

In Singapore, I wrote an article about this story and sent it to the papers. After that I started receiving letters from people who had read it and a phone call from the President of Sri Lanka. He said he read my article, and asked me to do some research on the topic and write more, and that he’ll support me in any way he could. This also got me thinking that I didn’t know enough about the history of my country. I was intrigued to learn more so I went and bought books and started reading. Most of the books were informative and factual, but not very interesting to read. So I thought why not write a book for the average person. After meeting people, reading books, and researching for over 10 years I wrote my first novel “The Last Kingdom of Sinhalay”.

What inspires your storylines and how do you draw inspiration for your characters? Almost all my characters are based on real people. It’s easy for me to describe somebody when I know a face. For instance, I wrote “Sam’s Story” because ‘Sam’ lived here. That storyline is based on this house and the river. In “Kakiyan”, there is a character called Train Crow based on my good friend Victor Melder. The character of Roy Crow was based on a brilliant man and the greatest Aviator I’ve ever known. The character of Croco Martin was based on a Swiss Banker and the character of Tony Monkey was based on a South African airline captain.

PAGE 60 | www.pulse.lk

Your latest book ‘Kakiyan’ narrates the story from the perspective of a crow. What gave you the idea for this peculiar storyline? I just wanted to write about something different. People have a vehement dislike for crows. But these birds actually have some great qualities. For instance they don’t fight among each other for food. In fact, when they find food, they call out to other crows to feast. Also, crows are not caged, unlike other birds, which is fortunate for them. These and many other observations about the creatures made an interesting story.

What’s the story behind CandleAid Lanka? I think I have been very lucky and privileged in my life so I want to do what I can for others. One way I can do that is by helping the poor. I started CandleAid Lanka 24 years ago. I know it’s not solving the problems of the

world, nor is it solving the problems of Sri Lanka, but it is solving the problems of at least one or two people. At CandleAid Lanka, people’s race, caste and creed are irrelevant. It’s not right to ask a

man what God he worships when he has a problem that you are trying to help with. Also, when one reaches my age one has choices. I can go sailing on a yacht, I can play golf or I can go to my office in Rawatawatte and work with the poor.

What’s your favourite book and who is your favourite author? There are so many favourites that it’s difficult to single out one. I love the works of Russian and African authors. “To Kill a Mockingbird” would be an example if I had to cite one. I also read a lot of Sinhala books and write reviews in English.

Do you have a philosophy you live by? There is a quote in the Bible I respect a lot. It says “Whatever you do to the least of them in my name, that you do for me”. I try to look back and thank God. I look forward and trust him. I look around and serve him. I look within and find him.

www.pulse.lk | PAGE 61

Farah and Dulanga

Bavanthi

PAGE 62 | www.pulse.lk

Shamini

Lankika

Rohan

Dhunisha

Dharshika

Launch of

Discover

Your True Self ‘Discover Your True Self and Live Your Best Life Today!’ a book written by Niroma De Zoysa was recently launched, which introduced a New Concept for Living Life on Earth.

Niroma

www.pulse.lk | PAGE 63

Eating for

Healthy Hair PAGE 64 | www.pulse.lk

Just like skin, the condition of your hair is an outward sign of inner health. The cells that make up each strand of hair require a regular supply of key nutrients. This is where a daily healthy balanced diet comes into play. The hair cycle is quite an intricate process, with each hair attached to the scalp via a follicle. There are between 100,000 and 350,000 hair follicles on the human scalp. Each follicle grows its hair for an average of 1000 days (three years) and then rests for a period of around 100 days (three months) before being shed and a new hair begins to grow. This pattern of active growth followed by the resting period varies significantly from person to person and is influenced by age, our state of health and diet. Hair is primarily made of a protein called keratin that also makes nails and forms the outer protective layer of skin. Each hair strand consists of three layers: 1. The cuticle - the outer layer, thin and colourless. It acts as the protective layer. 2. The cortex, which contains melanin, and is responsible for hair colour. 3. The medulla, the innermost layer which reflects light. Eating the correct balance of protein, vitamins and minerals can help to supply the hair with all that it needs to remain shiny, lustrous, and strong. So now that we know a bit more about our hair, how do we incorporate a hair healthy diet into our daily lifestyle? Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s break it down into the main nutrients that our hair requires.

Protein As hair is made of protein, ensuring you have enough protein in your diet is crucial in making hair strong and healthy. If you are not consuming enough protein in your diet, your hair is likely to become dry, brittle, and weak. Extremely low protein diets may result in restricted hair growth and even hair loss. Choose organic chicken, turkey, fish, dairy products, and eggs as excellent sources of protein along with vegetarian sources such as legumes and nuts.

Iron Iron is an especially important mineral for hair and too little iron is a major cause of hair loss. The hair follicle and root are fed by a nutrient rich blood supply. When iron levels (serum ferritin) fall below a certain point, you may experience anaemia. This disrupts the nutrient supply to the follicle, affecting the hair growth cycle and may result in shedding. Animal products such as red meat, chicken and fish provide iron with a high bioavailability, meaning the iron is readily available to the body. Vegetarians can raise their iron stores by including lentils, spinach and other leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, kale and dark green salad greens.

Vitamin C Vitamin C aids the absorption of iron so foods high in vitamin C are good to eat in conjunction with iron-rich foods. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant so is used readily by the body. The best sources are narang, blackcurrants, blueberries, broccoli, guava, kiwi fruits, oranges, papaya, strawberries and sweet potatoes. Vitamin C helps in the production of collagen which strengthens the capillaries that supply the hair shafts.

Omega-3 Omega-3 fatty acids are important fats our body cannot make itself, and therefore must be obtained through our diet. Omega-3s are found in the cells that line the scalp and also provide the oils that keep your scalp and hair hydrated. Try to incorporate oily fish such as salmon, herring, sardines, trout and mackerel and plant sources including avocado, pumpkin seeds and walnuts.

Vitamin A Vitamin A is needed by the body to make sebum. Sebum is an oily substance created by our hairsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sebaceous glands and provides a natural conditioner for a healthy scalp. Without sebum we may experience an itchy scalp and dry hair. Include animal products and orange/yellow coloured vegetables which are high in beta-carotene (which

makes vitamin A) such as carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes.

Zinc and selenium Scalp protection involves other important minerals, notably zinc and selenium. A lack of zinc can lead to hair loss and a dry, flaky scalp. Fortified cereals and whole-grains are a good source of zinc along with seafood such as oysters, beef and eggs.

Vitamin E The sun can damage our hair just like it can damage our skin, so ensure you eat foods rich in vitamin E to provide protection for your hair. Nuts are nutritional powerhouses, providing zinc and selenium as well as vitamin E so try to include them as part of a balanced diet.

Biotin Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin. Too little biotin can cause brittle hair and may lead to hair loss. Include biotin rich foods such as whole-grains, liver, egg yolk, soy, nuts, salmon and avocado. So remember when you are trying to have good hair it means having healthy hairâ&#x20AC;Ś and healthy hair can only be achieved with a healthy diet.

By Shayana Ameresekere MHumNutr (Aus) RNutr (Aus) Nutritionist Nawaloka Premier Wellness Centre. A specialist in obesity management, gastritis, sports and paediatric nutrition, Shayana is a member of the Australian Society for Medical Research, Nutrition Australia and the Nutrition Society of Australia.

Follow her on Instagram @shayana.ameresekere www.pulse.lk | PAGE 65

A NEW ERA of

HEALING with

Pink Angel Sri Lanka’s only certified biofeedback therapist, Amali Senanayake, and her daughter Sadhana are the successful mother-daughter duo behind Pink Angel, a service dedicated to giving people a wider range of accessibility to more noninvasive health solutions that stem from the field of quantum medicine.

They shared with us the story behind Pink Angel and the ever-advancing world of energy healing, biofeedback, lifestyle changes, and much more! How did Pink Angel come to be? S.S. So it all started with my mum. Being a qualified biofeedback therapist, when she was treating her clients, we realised that back then (9 years ago) there was no proper place to help them start their detox journeys. So she started offering them detox plans and programmes. Eventually, we thought - why not do this for everyone?

What products do you offer? S.S. We have our juices (Green/Red/Orange), alternative milks (almond and soy milk), Angel broth and Turmeric tea, which is an antiinflammatory agent as well as an antioxidant so it helps immensely with arthritis and lowers your risk of heart disease. Our bone broth is actually another big hit since we’re the only people who supply it. This isn’t

PAGE 66 | www.pulse.lk

your usual stock; our bone broth is created through a long process that can take at least 24 hours.

What is your main focus when it comes to Pink Angel? A.S. We’re trying to teach people that what we eat can be bad for our body and put too much stress on our digestive system, which can then cause illnesses like gastritis, coughs, or eczema. So that’s our main focus of thinking - creating awareness on healthy lifestyles, healthy foods, cleanses, and why it’s good for you.

What set you on the path of biofeedback therapy? A.S. Growing up, I always wanted to be a doctor but I settled down early and went

down a totally different path. But then we moved to Kenya and I met some really awesome people, and so I started learning and talking to people involved in different types of healing. That’s what set me on the path to who I am today.

What is biofeedback therapy? A.S. It’s nothing mystical; it’s essentially getting feedback on your body! For example, even a thermometer is a source of biofeedback. The technology I use for my practice is called a Scio, which is one of the most advanced biofeedback machines available. Using a unique combination of personal data supplied by the client, we can carry out the scan and get our readings. So the initial scan itself reveals up to 9000 results within 20 minutes! Once we get

www.pulse.lk | PAGE 67

these results, we go into each one in-depth. The results I have gotten have been proven medically as well because I make it a point, in cases of urgency, to tell my clients to go get a medical test and come back. After that, comes the treatment options. Using biofeedback, we can also stimulate your body to treat itself. It’s essentially two-way communication!

equipment. Another challenge is getting people to realise that we don’t claim this to be an alternative solution to your usual medical tests and medications. Rather, this is a complementary form of treatment. This can easily be done alongside medications you may be taking - the choice is ultimately left to you.

Could you give us a little insight into the science behind the process of biofeedback and energy healing?

How effective is biofeedback therapy?

A.S. So it stems from quantum medicine. We are all energy-related beings. Everything we eat and drink has a frequency and it is a scientific fact that we are frequency based too. It is this fact combined with the science of a spectrometer that enables biofeedback therapy. This allows us to do non-local or distance healing, where being connected to a device is not a necessity. All you need to do is have the right combination of personal data that is unique to the client - this includes date of birth, place of birth etc. It is that specific combination that allows the system to connect to our clients.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face? A.S. I have had people who come to me because they believe that what I do is related to astrology, dealing with horoscopes and the like. In actuality, biofeedback therapy has a more specific, medicinal use and deals with technologically advanced medical

PAGE 68 | www.pulse.lk

S.S. I can personally attest to this. I had something called a histamine allergy. Histamine is a substance your body produces when you’re allergic to something. So I had really bad allergies nearly every other day; my eyes would swell up, I would throw up or break out in a rash, and I had no way to treat it since I was allergic to the tablets that could cure them. Luckily, we had biofeedback therapy and she put me on a course of treatment. And now I don’t have it anymore! A.S. My father was diagnosed with cancer. After one session of chemotherapy, he was physically unable to handle it. We put him on biofeedback therapy as well as a juice cleanse, detox, and a few other alternative therapies. His PSA levels came down from 16.9 to 0.3 and is still good today.

What is Kangen water? Kangen water is a water ionizer (not filter) that converts normal tap water into alkaline water. This helps maintain your body’s

neutrality. Unlike tap water, alkaline water is micro-clustered - meaning it has smaller molecules that makes it easier to absorb and can hydrate your body seven times faster. It also helps in detoxes and removing purifications - we use it in all our products!

You have a mother-daughter partnership. What’s it like to work with family? S.S. It’s great but it can get a little hard in the sense that you get too comfortable so we do have to catch ourselves sometimes. I let mum run the show because it’s her baby after all but I do cover social media aspects and give my two cents. A.S. She helps keep me in check because I do have a lot of new ideas that I want to get out there and things I want to do health wise. But I don’t really do so, because as she says, this is still a relatively new field to the community so we’re still working on making people aware of what we do first.

How do you come up with new products? I do my own research, based on biofeedback and customize solutions because not everyone functions the same way. So I’m always thinking of new products. We work around it and see how we can best help our clients and their individual needs.

www.pulse.lk | PAGE 69

Harshini Celebrates

Christmas

Harshini Nadesan recently hosted a festive Christmas party for her closest friends.

Harshini

Sabeetha

Hemanghie

Zarina

Koluu

Menaka

Dulanjali

Lou Ching

Niranjala and Santali

Anusha

Gerald

Namal

Chamari

Chemali

When

Creativity PAGE 72 | www.pulse.lk

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not often that you hear of two siblings that turned their passion for art into a career. That is exactly what these two sisters, Shyamala and Shermanthi have achieved; Shyamala Pinto Jayawardena is a passionate artist who pioneered her own art school and her younger sister Shermanthi Fernando has used her creative skills to become the leading name for bridal jewellery in Colombo.

runs

in the

Family

www.pulse.lk | PAGE 73

openness as only the students who perform poorly are cast away to the art rooms, almost like a punishment. They are treated as a liability. We talk of 2500 years of culture and heritage but what do we have to show for it?

Will this stigma ever change? Yes I believe it can and will change. As long as society keeps shunning those that are passionate about this field, the affected individuals will only want to prove them wrong and show Sri Lanka that yes, you can in fact make it as an artist. My hands are not enough to list out the names of students who have left this country and are now international names in the industry.

What is the most rewarding about what you do?

Here’s what Shyamala had to share with us…

Tell us about yourself I am Shyamala Pinto Jayawardena and my career started as a fine arts student. Today I am a fine arts teacher with a background in psychology and counselling. I have been running my art school for the past 18 years and personally, I am privileged to be able to do what I love, every day of my life.

Where did this passion stem from? Ever since I was a child my parents always encouraged me; any work of art that I did was lauded by the whole family. I can recall that when I would return home from school, I would role play as a teacher, teaching the araliya flowers from my garden about art; the sky and the shifting shapes of the clouds was my textbook. This was my start and ever since then I’ve always wanted to have my own art school.

Describe your artistic style I experiment all the time and I’m a person who cannot put down my signature the same way twice! I’ve even had to write a letter to the bank about it. So naturally I cannot replicate or use someone else’s work as a basis for my own. Thus, trying to describe the defining factor of my art work would be impossible because one does not exist.

What inspires PAGE 74 | www.pulse.lk

you to do what you do? My greatest inspiration has been my faith. I have come through many challenges in my lifetime and through all of them I have found that God has carried me past them. The inspiration that He has given me is sometimes overwhelming to the point that my lifetime is not enough to express all of it. What I do then is transfer the ideas on to my students.

What are your thoughts on the social stigma associated with artists in Sri Lanka? In this country, the child of every mother has to be either a doctor, engineer or lawyer. Taking these three parts aside there is no one else worthy in society. Creative children sadly have no place to go. Our education system does not allow for that

Art is extremely therapeutic. Students with dyslexia, autism and ADHD have walked through these doors into my school and have left after having returned to normalcy. Those who were very backward have become more independent and social. They have become functional members of society. Words cannot express what you feel when you see lives changing in front of you; it is extremely rewarding.

Shermanthi too, was eager to voice her story...

Introduce yourself and your discovery of talent My name is Shermanthi Fernando and I am the founder of Gitano Collection. It all began when I was just sixteen years old; my sister gifted me a bead craft book so during my free time I would follow the instructions and craft various objects. Eventually I started selling some of

my items. Soon, my skills were recognised by Mr Harris Wijesinghe. He requested me to craft some bridal items. Following that, I established connections with Ms Ramani Fernando and the like.

From where do you draw inspiration for your ideas?

Do you import items as well? Over the last 15 to 20 years I have been importing some items as well, mainly because some clients tend to want what is trending in the international arena. I make it a point to personally hand pick them, I travel once a month to make sure that my clients

can access the latest trends. I give out my creations to be manufactured on large scales.

When did you first venture into the retail space?

What is the most rewarding thing about what you do?

How did you get into Bridal Jewellery?

I just ask God to bless me for that day only. I don’t think about tomorrow. That is my secret, I love to do new things but expanding is not one of them as I am quite content with where I am. However I will always strive to create something new and introduce something never seen before to this industry.

When I don’t have anything on my mind, I usually pray for one! I don’t know how it happens but soon after an idea will plant itself in my head and I’ll get to work on it immediately. God given ideas are usually a hit for me, and many clients come back and ask for that particular set. “Ask and you shall receive”, is probably my secret.

the pieces to friends and I used that money to support my parents with my tuition and school fees. This continued until my A levels when I took a break to focus more on my studies.

In terms of retail, the first time I went commercial was at the Central Bank pola, before the tragic bombing. I was given a small table where I placed all my handcrafted items. Within the first fifteen minutes I had sold everything! As the days went by a journalist approached me and did an article on my story which was published in a local newspaper. After that, word spread and soon, I gained more traction.

What is next for Gitano collection?

Well, I’d have to say that the relationships that I have established are very rewarding. Everything from clients that have turned into friends, and associates who have now become a part of my business

At first, it was mainly fancy items. I recall that many teachers and students used to buy

www.pulse.lk | PAGE 75

The Insta Famous

Zuri

Treading on with 27.4k followers and the will to carry forward, Zurikath Noor (better known as Zuri Fitness) is a living example that hard work and determination never fails. Zuriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Instagram portrays his journey through fitness and its pulsating progress, while maintaining his humble and down-to-earth persona. Spending a lively morning at his home base, Zimantra Leisure Centre, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sneak peek into the life of a man who persevered. PAGE 76 | www.pulse.lk

What are three words that best describe you and why? Hard work. Commitment. Dedication. If you want to succeed in something, you need these three. Without them, you can’t do anything.

How did you get into fitness? I used to play rugby as a sport since my childhood days. When playing rugby, you need stamina and your fitness levels should be ‘on-point’.

What inspired you to get into fitness? My dad was a boxer ever since I remember, and he inspired me to get into fitness. I’ve always been fond of bodybuilders since day one! When someone has a good physique, I really love it. This is how I gained the motivation to begin building a good physique myself.

What is your story? I was a normal guy - a normal human being just like everyone else. I had a goal to be successful in my life and I thought that was going to be through piloting. However, I chose fitness. Currently, I handle many businesses in relation to fitness and I want to continue doing what I love.

Why did you choose fitness as a career over piloting? Simple: you have to do what you love. That’s how you will end up successful. If someone forces you to do something you don’t like, you won’t be successful. You’ll be a part of the norm.

Who is Zuri Fitness? If I’m describing myself, then I’d say hard work, commitment, and dedication. I’m someone who will never give up.

What is the theme of your Instagram handle? Everything is related to fitness.

How long have you been into fitness? Almost 8 years now!

Tell us about your brands I own quite a few brands and businesses: ZF Clothing, ZF Supplement Factory, and SF Pro Grip to name a few.

Do you consider yourself Insta Famous?

What advice do you wish you had heard when you first started?

I guess so. I’d say yes. I didn’t want to get famous; I was simply doing what I wanted to do and suddenly people made me famous!

People will say you can’t achieve a good physique, you can’t go there, you can’t do this, you can’t do that; it’s normal. If you have a dream, NEVER give up. If you never give up on your dream, you can achieve everything. People will say many things and try to put you down; just NEVER GIVE UP.

What plans do you have for the future? I want to introduce something big to the fitness industry. I know how hard I had to work to get into this industry and I want to help enable the poor to get into fitness. I have a goal. I want to open my gyms all over Sri Lanka and I want to be able to provide the right food, clothing, and equipment to those who can’t afford it. Everyone should have the right to get into fitness.

What tips would you have for the newbies? You can’t get a good physique in just 1-2 years. You have to work hard for it. You need a lot of commitment and dedication. Don’t choose shortcuts, learn everything you can about fitness, and always seek the advice of trained professionals. Follow those who have a good physique. You can even use Google! Google everything you need to know about fitness. Building a good physique is not easy, so make sure you are consistent with your plan.

Who are you away from fitness? I love my parents and my family. Family is number one! I’m thankful for my parents, and without them I wouldn’t be here. I’ve got my friends as well, and I’m grateful that I get to spend my time with them. Other than fitness, I also follow rugby as a sport. I want to remain active and play anything. I’m rather sporty; I can play football, rugby, cricket, etc. but fitness is the most important to me.

What final message would you have? Everyone can be successful. Never give up. If you have something you love, work hard towards it and you will be successful one day.

www.pulse.lk | PAGE 77

The Mews

Light Up The annual light up of the Park Street Mews was held with friends and family coming together to celebrate Peace, Love, Friendship and the Season. The guests enjoyed an evening of good food, fine wine and lots of joy.

Tanuja

Swyree

Priyanthi

PAGE 78 | www.pulse.lk

Jeewan

Yehali

Amyna

Kavith

Kumar

Sheeni and Thanuja

Chandula

Jamie

Susan and Nimesha

Randima

Hasna and Ayesha

Sandy

Jayani and Himashi

Harpo

Shirlene

Ramona

Charini

Dinal

Upeka

Nara and Krishana

www.pulse.lk | PAGE 79

Thiyasha

tiesh Launched at

CCC

Tiesh recently opened an all-new store at Colomboâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest and most happening mall, Colombo City Centre.

Mihiri

Ayesh

Bryony

Prithi

LONDON

71-75 Shelton Street Covent Garden London WC2H 9JQ UNITED KINGDOM PAGE 82 | www.pulse.lk

DUBAI

THE DISTRICT Contemporary Concept Store Shop No 14 Al Athar Street, Jumeira 3,Dubai UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

www.emaanqirat.com

odest fashion has been around for a while now, but it's rise from a niche market to a mainstream fashion option has been steady and progressive. The modest market is now claimed to be a multi-billion-dollar market. It is no longer conﬁned to religious needs but is actively sought after by the fashion-conscious consumers.

The Emaan Qirat story... Not just another little girl’s dream story….. The owner and Creative Director of Emaan Qirat didn't start out as a designer, but then life happened! Having trained in teaching and child phycology, when she moved to the UK, she found it challenging to find the right style of clothing. Sure, there were some lovely selections out there, but there was always something missing. Sometimes, what you really want is never out there! You know the feeling? As the saying goes, if you can’t buy it, design it (kidding…we just made that up!). She took it upon herself to design her own clothes in her own unique and quirky style. These designs drew quite a bit of attention, mostly positive, sometimes less so, with the occasional bewildered stares from an ‘old school’ fashionista…. you girls know what we mean. Looks turned in to enquiries which led to small orders and before we knew it, a hobby turned in to a mini adventure of sorts. We established Emaan Qirat in the UK in 2017 to formalise this little adventure (and also so that we don’t break the law). Since launching our online boutique, www.emaanqirat.com, the brand has quickly grown from designing Limited-Edition pieces for the UK market, to serving customers from the US, Canada, UAE, Australia, South Africa and various parts of Asia. While the Emaan Qirat brand essentially still is a Limited-Edition designer wear label, we have recently introduced a second brand, ‘AWRAH by Emaan Qirat’. AWRAH was created to make most of our designs more widely accessible at more competitive prices. Our clothes are manufactured in Sri Lanka and in Dubai. In our last collection, aptly named ‘The Heritage Collection’ we introduced six Limited-Edition designs that were inspired by traditional art. We used Dumbara weaving and Batik to give the designs a vibrant and ethnic look. These have been quite popular with our customers in the UK and Australia. The next step of our journey is to bring our designs to back home. We look forward to introducing both our brands to Sri Lanka and would love to welcome you all to join the Emaan Qirat family!

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Hike Walk Swim A

A day in Kanneliya

If you are looking for a quick getaway from the busy life of Colombo without breaking your bank or planning a 2-3 day trip, you might want to consider Kanneliya, especially if you are the adventurous type.

Kanneliya is located in the Galle district and is a two and half hour drive (according to Google maps at least) from Colombo. There are a couple of roads you can take but the Pinnaduwa-Thawalama road off the Baddegama exit of the Southern Expressway is recommended because of the good road conditions all the way to Kanneliya. The Kanneliya Forest reserve is part of the Kanneliya-Dediyagala- Nakiyadeniya forest complex which was designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2004. It is considered to be the most bio diverse location in South Asia. Kanneliya is green as far as the eye can see with a touch of the Gin river flowing beside the reserve. In fact having your breakfast with feet dipped in the cold water is a great way to start your Kanneliya experience. There are a few little shops outside selling everything from full meals to lime and soap for the leech problem you'll be facing inside. After paying a Rs. 30 entrance fee, you can decide on one of the four trails to follow inside Kanneliya. There are guides available and you will have to pay between Rs. 400 - 1000 for their services depending on the trail that you want to take. The 'Narangas Ella Trail' and the 'Kabbale Kanda Trail' are the more popular trails over the other two. If you are visiting with family, then the 'Narangas Ella Trail' will be the ideal choice for you. The road conditions on this trail are better and there's plenty to see. There are plenty of stops where you can rest as well. You'll pass the 'Bat Cave' (no pun intended) and 'Anagimale Falls' on your way. The surrounding is beautiful with a lot of photo opportunities and chances are you might get to pet an indigenous snake as well. Another highlight of this trail would be the 'Giant Nawada Tree' which is about 5m in diameter and about 250 years old. This trail is about 8km back and forth and takes about 3-5 hours to complete. If you are looking for a challenge then then Kabbale Kanda trail is for you. It is an approximate 10km hike that will take you to a height of 400m. This is a natural trail so don't expect any help from mother nature. Leeches will tag along for the journey so be mindful. Although the journey maybe difficult, the destination is worth it. The view from the top of the mountain is breathtaking and on a clear day you'll be able to see as far as Galle and the Indian Ocean. A swim in the cold waters of the Gin river is the ideal way to end your adventurous day at Kanneliya. The Kanneliya Forest Reserve Bungalow is available at an affordable price if you decide on an overnight stay where you can end a perfect day with nature under the starry skies listening to an orchestra of fire flies and monkeys. Kanneliya is indeed one of the true enchantments of nature. Special thanks: Mr. M.H. Asitha de Silva - Rainforest Officer, Kanneliya

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Red Hot

Valentine’s Day at

Aria can create your own private experience!

Amagi Aria, a hotel that embodies the heart and soul of the Negombo surroundings, sits right by the beautiful lagoon; if you’ve visited before, you would know that their simply isn’t a more idyllic location to celebrate Valentine’s day with the one that means the world to you. Amagi Aria has created a name for itself by always standing out from the offerings no matter the occasion. Daring to move away from the norms while still being traditional is exactly what they plan to do on the day of the celebration of Love. It’s red. It’s hot, it’s Valentine’s Day at the stunning Amagi Aria Hotel. To keep things traditional, every couple that arrives at the hotel on this special day will be given a glass of sparkling wine, together with a fresh rose for the lady; what better way to symbolise love and affection? You and your partner can then expect a dinner dance on the vast lawn overlooking the picturesque lagoon. In terms of cuisine the offerings have been thoughtfully put together by the chefs at Amagi Aria.

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With a lavish buffet spread and live actions stations featuring only the freshest seafood and more, your taste buds will be more than satisfied. The DJ too, will only play a curated selection of music to match the ambience perfectly. The icing on the cake will have to be the free corkage, so use this as an opportunity to uncork that Cabernet Sauvignon you’ve been saving. If you prefer something even more private for that special someone, Amagi Aria has a host of other locations for you to dine at and the management would be happy to oblige. From their intimate tree house to the unique floating pontoon, or even their fine dining restaurant with sweeping views, Amagi

However, probably the most unique reason to celebrate this day of love at Amagi Aria would have to be the Valentines Trophy that is to be held by the Lanka Power Boating Association. Featuring 25 teams from 8 countries, they are all set to race around the Negombo Lagoon to qualify for the Final. You will have a front row seat to get in on the action! You can also feast your eyes on a scaled replica of a power boat constructed entirely out of chocolate. Never before has romance and adrenaline been combined to create such an experience on Valentine’s Day, thus breaking away from the norms. Be sure to take advantage of the special promotions on rooms, running throughout the month of February. So once you and your partner have finished dining and experiencing the thrill of the Valentines Trophy, you can retire to either their wellappointed suites or rooms; each with a choice of a lagoon or city view. All that’s left to do is wake up to that perfect illy espresso! No, you do not have to leave your room for that morning cup of coffee.

Making it as a

TOP MODEL PAGE 88 | www.pulse.lk

Here is the story of yet another example of our home-grown talent that represented Sri Lanka internationally. Read on to find out the makings of the 1st runner up of Top Model of the World 2018, Harini Silva Harini, what is your story? My name is Harini Silva, and I’m a product of Gateway College. Though I come from Moratuwa, I reside here in Colombo. I have always been a chubby kid, so for me to get to where I am now, I’ve had to go through a transformation. As I used to be a national level swimmer, I couldn’t lose weight due to certain competitive restrictions. I also went through a phase of depression; this is when I decided to follow through with my passion of becoming a model and sure enough, I overcame it.

to. If you can’t help yourself, how can you help others?

What is the most challenging thing about pageants? Instead of looking at it as a challenge, I see it as a chance for me to be myself.

Pageants help with taking you out of your comfort zone and polish your personality and communication skill. I always find myself pushing myself to see what I am really capable of, so at the end of the day, all participants are winners as they come back with a host of memories and learning

How has your career been so far? My first show was with Brian Kerkoven, who has been there right from the get-go. It’s been almost two years since I started my career and I have to say it was quite tough. I’ve learned that it isn’t only about looking pretty. Personality building and being accepted play a big role. In essence, you have to be real.

What are some of your hobbies? Sketching, singing and dancing. I would say modelling too, back then I used to model and pose at home! Apart from that, I love socialising and I also have my own foundation called, ‘Ray of Sunshine’ which I started in 2016.

Where do you draw inspiration from? Inspiration can come from anyone and anything. The learning process never stops. Although I must say that my initial inspiration was my mother. She was a model herself and in fact, was titled Miss Asia Pacific in 1987. This certainly pushed me to be up there, I guess it’s true when they say that you often carry your parents’ genes!

If you weren’t a model today, what would you be? I’ve always wanted to be a psychologist but because I’ve had a tough time, I wasn’t able

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experiences. Most winners usually never expect that they would win!

What would you change about the industry locally? I get annoyed when people say this, as the world itself has to change. There is corruption in every industry so I would want to change something that will look into everything. Rather than the modelling industry itself, the mindset of people has to change. Because, after all, we are professionals providing a service.

Any advice for those who aspire to be like you? My biggest piece of advice would be to not take shortcuts. We tend to get lost along the way when we love our passion so much. But then again, if you know where you want to be, the road you take to get there should always be the right one. Don’t get into this for the fame. Today it’s all about the likes, shares and comments. What would happen when all of that dies down? Be loyal to the ones that help you on your journey. Finally, don’t worry about your skin colour, you should be accepted for who you really are!

What about those who have helped you along the way? I want to thank brian Kerkoven and Kamil Hewavitharana, they’ve always been like fathers to me. My mother too, has always been supporting me; she’s been at every

show and shoot, and of course, my boyfriend for being my pillar of support. Sri Lanka as a whole needs to be thanked as well, for loving me for who I am and for all the positive comments that helped me become the first runner up of Top Model of the World.

3 quick beauty tips 1. Don’t overdo things. Keep it minimal even if it’s with skincare products. 2. Showcase you inner beauty. For if it’s from within, it’ll last forever. 3. Always smile, it doesn’t cost a penny.

3 things you cannot live without 1. My mother. 2. My loved ones. 3. Money – Being realistic, finances are critical to survive today.

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The

Little Sopranos

Anniversary Concert In celebration of their anniversary, The Little Sopranos organised a lively concert to mark the occasion.

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MEET

Viran Jose PAGE 96 | www.pulse.lk

With his boyish good looks, charming smile and amazingly artistic hands- Viran Jose Peter has become a sought after name when it comes to the world of make up! The self taught freelance makeup artist has some of Colombo’s elite under his clientele and continues to grow a band of followers who come after his gifted craft. Pulse was able to nab him after hours from another tedious day of dressings and had a delightful chat about his work, love for makeup and future goals.

Could you describe who Viran Jose Peter is in your own words? I am a professional makeup artist who deals mainly in bridal makeup. I do deal in fashion as well but the fashion industry is not as big as it is worldwide and therefore I prefer to focus on bridal makeup for now. But what many don’t know about me is that my background is in finance! I studied finance and worked in a bank for nearly two years! However, anyone who really knew me could tell that I was not very happy. I was always very creative and so, I quit the bank- learned the makeup trade all by myself and here we are today!

What is the one product you cannot work without? Concealer! There are a lot of products I wouldn’t be able to work without but concealer is one of my must haves.

In your opinion what three make up products should one NEVER leave the house without? Those would be blotting powder, a lipstick and mascara.

Who would you say inspires you in your line of work? There are a few people; I look up to quite a few artists who are internationally reputed so the first would be Kevyn Aucoin- who is by far the most celebrated makeup artist of the 21st century and the second would be Pat McGrath those would be the two people who inspire me to date.

suddenly doing this was very challenging. People didn’t really respect this as a career and many didn’t believe in me in the beginning. It’s much better now- but there are times I still don’t think people truly respect this form of artistry as a career yet.

If you were given the opportunity to work with any international celebrity- who would be your top 3? I’d love to do makeup for Beyonce, Arianna Grande and Bella Hadid because their features are amazing!

Working as a bridal makeup artist have you ever been challenged by a typical “ Bridezilla” ?

Can you explain your experience as a No, I don’t know how but for some reason I makeup artist in Sri Lanka? have the ability to calm them down- so, so far It has been very challenging. I am a freelance makeup artist so when I first started off it was very difficult without a steady clientele. Coming from a 9 to 5 work environment to

it’s been rather good and easy to work with brides.

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Make up trends evolve over timeare there any trends you still keep or believe never go out of style? I think the smoky eye has been in trend for the longest and I still do smokey eyes, in fact it’s one of my most favourite things to do and I don’t think it will ever go out of style.

Who are some of the talented individuals in this industry that you work alongside? That would be Shane Perera, Leena Hariram, and Indi who’s a designer- I mean I really like working with all of them so yeah.

You recently started putting up make up tutorials on social media- is there anything new we can expect for the year 2019? I’m looking into teaching- I’d like to train people on the art of putting on makeup. I have so many who have encouraged me to do so- so I think that is something I’m looking forward to doing this year.

Now we’ve got a quick round of questions so answer off the top of your head! Bold lip or dramatic eyes? Dramatic eyes

Contour or no Contour? Contour

Your favourite make brush? The blending brush

Nars or Mac? Nars

Natural glowy look or full on glam? I would do both- but my preference is a natural glowy look.

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loved ones

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All about the

Bangs! When it comes to hair, we all know that it can make or break you. When done right, good hair days boost your confidence and help you express yourself. Who doesn’t like enhancing their features every now and then? Probably the most adaptive hair trend that is all set to take 2019 by storm would have to be bangs! Haircuts with bangs are just a classic. In addition to being able to take five years off your face, over the years they’ve developed a cult following, and hair stylists are reinventing them so that they stay modern and up to date. Whether they are blunt, asymmetric or angular they can no doubt give your face a new look. As they are so versatile, bangs with short hair are ideal to enhance the neckline and layers are ideal for those who enjoy the volume. As there is such a diversity when it comes to bangs, we’ve compiled a list to help you figure out which would suit you best.

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Wispy bangs Ideal if you want a lot of texture. This feathered look is ideal for the girl that doesn’t want it to seem that she tries too hard.

Long hair with bangs Long hair adds to that feminine flair, but it can get quite boring after some time. Incorporating bangs can give you a fresh and youthful look.

Side bangs

Hairstyles with bangs can be accessorised! Even though this trend started in 2018, there’s no slowing down on that style soon. So go on and give yourself a makeover, New Hair New me, ladies!

If you have a circular face, this would be most flattering as a defined angle sharpens the face a bit.

Vertical bangs Best suits those with broad foreheads.

Blunt cut bangs A blunt cut in a straight line just below the eyebrows. It softens a pointed chin making it ideal for heart shaped faces.

Written by Rashmeen Perera Fashion Blogger

Gamini Mr. Rathanapala

Prithi

Devika

Happy Birthday

Dr. Esiri Kanthi

Sandamali

Dr. Esiri

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Dr. Esiri Karunaratne recently celebrated his birthday in style at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo.

Chandrika

Panitha

Shavendra

Kanthi

Sujee

Pulathisi

Kamini

Tanya

Anslam

Anil

Shanthi

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Foundation

mistakes that are ruining your

Makeup

Forget mastering a razor-sharp eyeliner flick or being able to chisel your cheekbones with the perfect contour; the most important part to any makeup look is your foundation. Achieving a flawless yet natural-looking base is the best starting point to any beauty look but yet, many of us fall into bad habits that could be putting our handy makeup work to waste. From picking the wrong shade to seeing your foundation gather into dry patches, here are the common mistakes we all commit. PAGE 106 | www.pulse.lk

1. You’re not picking the right foundation shade From being too orange to making your complexion look grey; the wrong foundation shade can completely ruin your makeup look. Therefore, it’s important to make sure your base is the perfect match for your skin tone. The best way to test a foundation shade is in natural daylight. Swatch it from the top of your cheek to your jawline to ensure it's the perfect tone throughout the face. It’s also handy to let the swatch sit on your skin for a little while, as some foundations tend to oxidise on the skin, making them change in colour.

2. You apply too much foundation Many of us think that we should apply foundation all over the face, but this isn’t actually the case. Foundation should only be applied where needed. It is used to even out the skin tone and applied directly to the areas of concern (redness, pigmentation, shadows and blemishes), then blended out across the good skin. When it comes to application, always start in the centre and work outwards so that you don’t get a build up at the hairline. Foundation should be buffed into the skin so that the texture of the skin can be seen.

3. You don’t consider if your skin tone is warm or cool As more and more beauty brands expand their range of foundation shades, we’re finally seeing products that consider if your skin is warm or cool. Cooler tones often tan a pink/cinnamon shade, and should opt for cooler foundation shades, including cinnamon tone bronzers and even grey tones in the eye shadows. Warmer tones rarely burn, and should opt for yellow undertone foundation with golden shades in bronzer and taupe tone shadows.

4. You don’t prep your skin properly before applying foundation Ensuring your skin is prepped properly will make it easier to achieve a flawless finish. If your skin is dry, foundation can cling to the skin and settle into patches. Always clean every remnant of yesterday’s makeup and pollution in the night, before moisturising and any concerns treated.

Foundation blends much smoothly onto well prepped skin. When it comes to applying your makeup, one key tip is to be patient. And apply any serums, moisturiser and eye creams before applying foundation and let them sit for a minute which is a good time to wash your sponge! You need to let your skincare product rest and sink into the skin first. If you don’t, too much product will cause product piling, which is when the product rolls into little balls. Additionally, if you have a special event in the evening, don’t feel the need to overload your skin. If you are retouching your foundation at the end of the day, a light spritz of a hydrating skin spray first will prep and pep up the skin surface so the fresh application of foundation will blend easily in; avoiding a thick, cakey base.

5. You don’t apply primer before your foundation Primer is important to ensure your makeup not only lasts all day, but that it looks fresh throughout the day too. Primer acts as a barrier between skin and makeup, so if you're oily it will stop the oil from seeping through and making make-up slide. And if you're dry, it will stop your skin from almost 'drinking' the foundation which can make skin look patchy and uneven.

6. You don’t set your makeup properly Setting your makeup is important in ensuring that your base lasts all day. Use a powder puff and press a loose powder into the T-zone as this is the oiliest area. However, it’s important to make sure you only set on areas that need it. To keep natural highlights on the high points of the face, i.e. on top of the cheekbones, apply less powder in the areas. You can choose a foundation which also has properties which work with your skin concerns albeit oily, dry, combination and/or acne, meaning you can set your base accordingly. But if unwanted shine does rear its head around the face, make sure you have blotting paper at hand. Use blotting paper to remove excess dewiness while you avoid adding another layer of a product to your skin.

7. Your foundation doesn’t match your neck Most of us are told that we should be blending our foundation down our necks, but this isn’t actually the case. If you are choosing the correct shade of foundation you shouldn’t need to take it down onto the neck. The skin tone needs to match so you are looking flawless and glowing all over, not just literally ‘wearing a mask.’ www.pulse.lk | PAGE 107

There is nothing worse than having your face one shade and neck another. Neither do we want makeup all over our necklines and collars. So always match your foundation to your skin on your cheek near the jawline. You should never go darker because you want more colour. The skin can be warmed up afterwards with bronzers or blushers. By matching the foundation to the skin in this area, you should have a seamless uniform shade from face to neck.

8. You’re not using the right tools to apply your foundation It’s important to consider which tools work best with the type of foundation that you’re using. Brushes give you the best application; they don't soak up the product like sponges tend to do, which also make them the most hygienic. However, it’s important to take a few extra steps to ensure your finish is as flawless as can be. As a top tip, whether you prefer brushes or sponges, always press your foundation in with your fingertips after application. Nothing imitates skin more than your own hands, so by pressing the face gently, this will melt the makeup into the face for an even more natural look.

9. You don’t consider the best formula for your skin type The shops are awash with various foundations formulas, from liquids and powders to mousses and gels. However, your money could be going to waste if the formula doesn’t sit well with your skin type. For dry skin, always opt for liquid or cream products. These give so much hydration and lock moisture into the skin for all day wear. For oily/ combination skin types, opt for powder or oil-free/water-based liquids. These are perfect for absorbing excess oil and balance the skin throughout the day. Waterbased products are important because they boost the water in the skin which in turn balances oil and controls it.

10. You don’t consider the best finish for your skin type From matte or satin to dewy or sheer; there’s a range of foundation finishes available in the market. Most oily skins prefer a matte finish, and drier skins prefer a dewy look, but what's great is

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that you can get any look you want as long as the products are best for your skin type.

any product under the eyes where the skin is thinner can be cakey.

When selecting your preferred finish, it’s important to recognise if your skin is oily or dry, then use products to give the look you want that work best on those areas. For instance when looking at highlighters, people with dry skin should opt for liquid formulas and people with oily skin should opt for powders.

If you apply concealer first, you will remove the concealer when you apply foundation. Don’t ever mask the skin with too much foundation, think enhancement. By applying after foundation you can see where you need that extra help as the foundation will have masked the shadows a little.

11. You’re not cleaning your tools often enough

And if you feel like you are looking a little cakey under the eyes, place a little eye cream on the back of your hand, warm it up with your finger, then gently tap over the concealer under the eyes.

Neglecting to clean your foundation tools can cause bacteria to spread, which consequently results in spots and a dull complexion. It is recommended to wash your brushes and sponges after every use. Brushes and sponges will harbour bacteria so it’s important to keep clean. What’s more, it’s difficult to get a flawless finish with a dirty tool. A clogged brush or beauty blender does not perform as well as a clean one. Forget special potions and cleaners, use an antibacterial washing up liquid as it will remove the oil from the foundation easily. Foundation brushes should be synthetic so washing these in washing up liquid is fine. For real hairbrushes treat them like hair and shampoo and condition.

12. You apply your concealer under your foundation A pile up of foundation and concealer under the eyes can not only look cakey; it can also draw attention to fine lines. Think of foundation as an all over airbrushed retouch and then concealer to pinpoint any particular isolated concerns. Too much of

Written by Liyana Jay

506, New Galle Road, Weligama T:+94 (41) 225 4422 E: reservations@w15.lk www.w15.lk

Mahavihara Road, Ahangama Kanda, Ahangama T: +94 (91) 228 3672 E: reservations@w15escape.lk www.w15escape.lk

Alexandra Villas No 18, Alexandra Road, Colombo 06 T: +94 76 898 5922 E: reservations@av15.lk www.av15.lk

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NYE Citrus at

Hikka

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NYE

GFH

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Ashani weds

Ranushka Ashani and Ranushka tied the knot in style on the 16th of January at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Sri Lanka. The homecoming ceremony was held at Waters Edge on the 19th of January.

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ADVERTORIAL

www.ijinteriors.com

“

ART OF STYLISH LIVING IS IN THE

“

ESSENCE OF DESIGNING isuru sandeepa jayathilaka

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ADVERTORIAL

“Unique” is an overworked

word, but this new generation interior designer Isuru Sandeepa Jayathilaka is just that. A dyed-in-the-wool artist whose eccentricities are as distinctive as fingerprints. Anyone who has paid a visit to Bay Villas will vouch for this description of young Isuru.

The décor is simply awe inspiring. Globular large cane basketry wall hangings, native traditional Sri Lankan art designs painted on furniture, clay pottery used as lamp shades, breathtakingly beautiful colours of handloom curtains and rich Teak furniture are just a few of the many that strikes the eye. Knowing that Bay Villas designing project is a spot on shot for him, this gifted designer was glowing with liveliness when he explained a bit about this successful project: One of the many aspects I love about being an interior designer is that, not only I get to enjoy doing what I love doing the most – designing of course! but also getting to enjoy and experience breath taking views and place as part of my work. Being the interior designer for Bay villas was one such joyous on the job moments. I love it when Oscar Wilde says “Art is the only serious thing in the world and the artist is the only person who is never serious”.

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ADVERTORIAL

I was at full liberty to plan, select and execute design directing at my free will. The customer had placed her trust in me completely and I was free to do whatever I wanted with decorating the property. To me, decorating a Luxury Boutique hotel is like mentoring a baby. They need special care and proper planning with what you are going to make of it. Interior decorating is when the property will be personalized and it’s when the property will get its unique identity. This was my task - to turn the hotel into a one-of-a-kind host. Location, purpose and audience – these aspects are critical for me to decide what type of magic I must cast to get the look and feel that will not only compliment the property but also enchant the customer. Occupying a 68 perch land, Bay Villas envelopes 03 villas – Aralu, Erabadu and Kokum. It is nestled in the serene bay at the brink of Balapitya beach with a magnificent view of the Blue Indian ocean, found between Benotata and Galle. Part and parcel of the serene quietness that Balapitya offers also includes an exciting array fun and exciting activities and easy access to historic city of Galle. With this in mind, I decided that this is a perfect opportunity for me to make history meet elegance and to blend it seamlessly into the surroundings of rich nature and culture all at once. To achieve this fusion of history and elegance in modern terms, I aimed at using total Sri Lankan artistry. There’s a poetic beauty in local handcrafts and when they are mixed and matched with a modern atmosphere with a bit of effortful colour blending, anything is achievable. For me, I find immense joy when I have the opportunity to design crafts and liaise with local artisans to execute my projects. I am not in this business to merely make a living, It’s my passion and I take every step possible to live my enthusiasm responsibly. At times, going down this road is a bit tedious than to opt for something less expensive or to just go and buy something already available in a show room but I prefer to work this way. Working this way gives me the opportunity to create possibilities to be gentle on earth, socially responsible and sustainable. Here at Bay Villas, 95% of the material I’ve used are artisan made local handcrafted master pieces.

“DIFFERENT DESIGNING IS A

“

WAY OF TELLING A STORY.

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ADVERTORIAL

My view of the completed products was of a contemporary background. A style that isn’t tied down to one specific rule. I wanted the design charm to be very much in the present moment while borrowing bits and pieces from different ages in the culture and tradition. I decided to display Sri Lankan traditional folk art designs like Mandalas, floral paisleys, kandy Perahera and animal symbols with painting colours carefully selected to give the impression of the rich sense of the Sri Lankan history. You could see these at the reception, on the bed heads, mirror frames and so on. Furniture like Sofa, chairs, cabinet doors etc. are done in cane as well as some wall hangings in the bed rooms. The contemporary simplicity of cane craft adds a sense of harmony to the historical art designs and they complement each other. Both coarse and fine warp and weft textures of hand woven fabric that are characterized by vivid hues of rich colours that I have used to furnish the curtains, cushion covers, beds includes embodiment and character to even the empty space. Sri Lankan Teak wooden tables and other furniture that gives a rich blend of locality. Use of Sri Lankan clay pottery give the décor a touch of charming rural beauty and simplicity which is very soothing to senses. I have designed the lampshades in clay as well as dining utensils, pots, pans and mugs etc. Everything is decorated in such a way that they look astonishingly simple but breathtakingly modern and this fusion presents a rich historical and a cultural openness into the modern beauty of the property. In an era of globalization, sticking to our local cultural artistry as much as possible helps me present our cultural diversity into the public square and its understanding develops mutual respect and renewed dialog amongst different cultures as it suits both local and international visitors alike. At times it’s not the easiest thing to explain in worlds what you feel inside your mind. I get lost for worlds. It’s easier to do it rather than speaking about it, I guess its what passion is all about. Living it! Text Chethinie Gunaratne PAGE 120 | www.pulse.lk

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GEEK HQ A CAFÉ OF ALL THINGS POPCULTURE

Sri Lank a being th people can lite e small island rally sa y “Ah, fi that it is-it is r are tha nally!” That pr t we com etty mu e acros ch sum Pop cul s a plac s up wh ture. Bu e where a t t t he Gee how did happen k ?P HQ is- a it m Colomb ulse was lucky come to be? W ho were uch needed sp o’s lates enough t and ex a t citing n to speak to th he people to fi ce for all thing e aweso ew han s n ally ma g out sp me trio k e i t that bro ace…Th ught ab e Geek HQ. out PAGE 122 | www.pulse.lk

in life, is sitting with friends and discussing the latest movies and going to the theatres with the gang. We wanted this experience to last. In addition to this, we find statues and figures have a way of transporting us back into the worlds they are based on and recreating the iconic moments in the movies and comic books. This brings us so much joy. We wanted others to share in that joy.

Can you tell the readers of Pulse a little bit about each of you and how you guys all know each other? My name is Angelo Pereira and I am an avid collector of Action Figures. I always wanted there to be a place where one can sit and be surrounded by nostalgic images and collectibles from all the movies we love. The cafe idea came along as the most obvious way to make this idea work. I have known Liam Senathirajah for most of his life as he is a family friend. I was introduced to Shafeek Shuail through our collectibles community as we both somehow had a similar idea of starting up a cafe that would be pop culture themed. Over the course of two years working on getting this project off the ground, we have become as thick as thieves one would say.

In a country where comic book lovers are rather a niche market, did you guys face any challenges during the initial start up period? Well contrary to common belief, our cafe caters to pop-culture lovers in general, which includes movies and television shows. And most of Colombo loves the movies. So from the get-go we have had a steady flow of customers wanting to re-live their favourite experiences in pop-culture.

What do you offer a comic book â&#x20AC;&#x153;virgin" when they enter the Geek HQ? in terms of ambience and food? Well we have had people come into the cafe, who were not originally interested in pop culture, but they leave being converted into pop culture fans. They have mad respect for the concept and love the interior. We have had amazing feedback regarding the food and this is something we maintain.

How do you personally feel about people who claim â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Marvel or DC movies are pretty much the same as the comics"? I think those people don't read comics. Haha. But the essence is the same and that's what's important. Anyone who loves pop culture is a friend of Geek HQ.

If you guys could pick ANY comic book /science fiction or anime hero or heroine- who would you want to be? We would never want to be any of the heroes we love. Their lives are tough. But we have mad respect for Daredevil and Punisher â&#x20AC;&#x201C; because they fight the same fights as every other superhero but without the powers or the money and even with weaknesses and in certain ways, we are the same.

What plans have you guys got in store for 2019? 2019 is a great year for the movies and television. Some of the most anticipated movies are coming out and some of the most popular television series are having their finale this year. So we have events lined up for all of them.

What was the inspiration behind Geek HQ? Well, we love pop culture and we love being surrounded by things that inspire us. Pop culture has been something that inspired us and some of the best memories we have

www.pulse.lk | PAGE 123

WAN GE DI YA Street food from eight different Asian nations! Wan Ge Di Ya is the latest addition to The Promenade at Odel. The interior evokes a street food vibe, with the roof adorned with colourful Chinese lanterns and action stations lined up, each catering to a different cuisine. The space is not air conditioned, but large industrial fans do help somewhat in beating the heat. Wan Ge Di Ya offers popular street food from Japan, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea and Vietnam. We chose the Thai Iced Tea (LKR 200) which had strong notes of clove and start anise and was gently sweetened. The Vietnamese Salty Lemonade Tea (LKR 200) is made with preserved lemon and lemonade over ice and was a good option to cool down with. The Malaysian Syrup Bandung (LKR 300)is akin to our local faluda and we loved it.

For appetizers, we picked Kung Pao Chicken(LKR 1200) which we loved. The tasty chicken and crunchy peanuts went well with sticky rice (which came with another dish we ordered). We found the Chicken Satay (LKR 550) a bit dry but loved the peanut sauce that came with it. We also tried the Goi Cuon Vietnamese Summer Rolls (LKR 650) which were packed full of flavour from the shrimp, pork, vegetables, rice noodles and herbs in it. The Chicken and Shrimp Siu Mai (LKR 600) is also a must-try if you like dim sum. Our choice of mains included Char Kway Teow (LKR 1200) which was the best part of our meal. Embedded in smooth flat noodles were plenty of shrimp, bell peppers, chilli, bean sprouts and BBQ pork. This is highly recommended! We found the Chinese Roast Duck (LKR 1400) to be quite bland but the dense sauce was packed with flavour. The duck is served with sticky rice. The

Prawn Pad Thai (LKR 950) was a generous portion but quite disappointing. The Korean Bibimbap (LKR 980) was presented beautifully and was worth the price considering the rainbow of sliced vegetables, tender strips of beef and other ingredients in it. No Asian street food experience is complete without an Ice Kacang (LKR 400) and this was a great rendition. A giant, yummy brainfreeze. We also tried the Thai favourite Kanom Tuay (LKR 300) which was to die for! The steamed, coconut custard was topped with a salty coconut cream plus slivers of mango and dollops of honey. All in all, we were pleased with our Wan Ge Di Ya experience and recommend the place to anyone who wants to try some great Asian streetfood. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great option for a late night out in Colombo because it stays open till midnight.

LOCATION:

5, Alexandra Place, Colombo 07

OPEN FROM: 11am to 12am

CUISINE:

South Asian

PRICE RANGE Rs. 1500-2500

RATING Read the full review on pulse.lk

PAGE 124 | www.pulse.lk

FIT MEALS Healthy and Delicious! Fit Meals has been around for a while as a homebased health food delivery business and now they’ve opened a very central restaurant down Arunachalam Avenue. The restaurant is situated behind a tea shop and has indoor and outdoor seating options. All items on the menu carry nutritions details such as calories and protein content so if you’re counting your macros, this place makes your life that much easier. The drinks are all sugar-free and are sweetened with honey and dates. We had the Mango Juice (LKR 350) which was thick, rich and a hefty portion, and the Avo-Banana Smoothie (LKR 550) which was a delicious blend of avocado, banana, honey, milk, and dates.

We tried the Roast Pumpkin Dip (LKR 300) together with Grilled Beef (LKR 250), the velvety smooth pumpkin was topped with pomegranate and gotukola and served with flat bread.

a delight to our taste buds. It comes with steamed basmati rice and some pumpkin dip. The vegan dish is a perfect rendition of ratatouille, which is not commonly found on menus in Colombo.

Of the mains, we tried the Chicken and Peanut Wrap (LKR 550) which was served with a side of fresh house salad and pumpkin dip. The chicken was tender and well-seasoned but we would have liked the peanut flavour to be more pronounced. The wrap too was a tad dry but the house salad was a delicious mix of fresh and crunchy greens.

The Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Bowl (LKR 850) was the star of our meal - the whole affair bursting with flavour because each element was nothing short of amazing! The classic pairing of broccoli and beef with peppers, onions and mushrooms with a teriyaki glaze offers up a symphony of flavours; the dish is served with steamed basmati rice.

The Health House Ratatouille (LKR 650) was a delicious combination of eggplant, pumpkin, bell peppers, and onions cooked in a tomato sauce. The sophisticated tastes and textures of the dish were

The service at Health House is friendly and quick the food arrived at our table in about 10 minutes. When you visit, even if you aren’t vegan, try their ratatouille.

LOCATION: Horton Place, 08 Arunachalam Ave, Colombo 07

OPEN FROM: Monday to Saturday (Delivery: 11.00 am - 1.00 pm) (Pickup: 10.30 am to 2.30 pm)

CUISINE: Healthy

PRICE RANGE Rs. 500-1500

RATING Read the full review on pulse.lk

PAGE 126 | www.pulse.lk

NEXT INNINGS The newest sports lounge in Colombo Next Innings is the newest venture of Ministry of Crab collaborators Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Dharshan Munidasa. Promoted as a sports lounge, Next Innings occupies the former Semondu premises at the Dutch Hospital. It’s the perfect spot for game night with plenty of seating, 14ft video walls and six 55” screens each displaying a different sporting channel. The place also has a live band playing from Monday to Saturday and a DJ on Sundays.

Drinks Next Innings has an extensive beverage menu and of the drinks we tried, we loved the Small Island Iced Tea (LKR 500) cocktail which was a concoction of interesting elements such as arrack, peach tea and soda. You should also try the ‘Shooter Sixers’ a presentation of six shots of your choice on a cricket bat. Each shooter ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 1500 so the final price is made up of the combination you pick. Our choices were Sambuca (LKR 500, Brain Damage (LKR 1000), S.O.B. (LKR 1000), B52 (LKR

1500), Tequila (LKR 500) and Blue Kamikaze (LKR 1500). (See picture below).

Appetizers The Bacon Spare Ribs (LKR 1500) was hands down the best dish we had off their appetizers menu. The melt in your mouth ribs were slathered with a delectable glaze. The Hot Wings (LKR 1200) too were an absolute treat, and were served with a curd dip that contrasted perfectly with the heat of the chicken wings. A must try is their Cricket Ball (LKR 600) from a section of the menu cleverly titled ‘Bails and Balls’. The scotch egg is encased by a tuna filling and has a perfectly runny yolk. The Thin Skinned Patties (LKR 500) come in a choice of either, mutton, beef, tuna or potato and leeks; we opted for the mutton and were treated to a warm and crispy patty with a scrumptious and generous filling of mutton. Of the mains, we tried the Bone Marrow Curry (LKR 1500) which was served in a hollowed out loaf of wood fired bread. The aromatic curry with tender beef was let down by a bitter aftertaste; we hope it

improves. The Oval Burger (LKR 1500) comes with a succulent beef patty and the works plus perfectly done potato wedges on the side. The Foot Long Hot Dog (LKR 800) is made of a great tasting jumbo sausage made especially for Next Innings; but we did find the toasted bun to be a bit dry. The desserts we tried were the Kade Paan French Toast (LKR 800), an absolutely yummy treat which came with diced strawberries, whipped cream and a drizzle of kithul treacle. The Chocolate Cake (LKR 1200) was rich and decadent but the price seemed too steep. We visited three weeks after their opening and found their staff to be super friendly and accommodating, while the bartenders clearly knew what they were doing. We felt they could improve on the presentation of their dishes to make it an even better experience.

LOCATION: 2, Old Dutch Hospital, Bank of Ceylon Mawatha, Colombo 01

OPEN FROM: 5pm – 12am

CUISINES: Multicuisine

PRICE RANGE Rs. 1500-2500

RATING Read the full review on pulse.lk

PAGE 128 | www.pulse.lk

SANTINA Santina is the recently launched Mediterranean offering at Mövenpick Hotel, Colombo, which offers an extensive Mediterranean menu in a warm and rustic atmosphere with perfect lighting. The drinks we tried included El Classico (Virgintail) (LKR 690) a revitalizing combination of passion fruit, strawberry and ginger with Cachaça, a distilled spirit made from sugarcane. The Green Lantern (LKR 1090) was a concoction of rum, green apple, green grapes and lemongrass – which overpowered the rest of the ingredients. We loved the Winking Pinky (LKR 990) which was a perfect balance of vodka, pink guava, strawberry liqueur and lime juice. Santina offers a nice selection of tapas, of which we tried the Mozzarella and Mushroom Arancini (LKR 585), deep fried little risotto balls served in a miniscule saucepan and the Empanada (LKR 495 with a chicken and olive filling. However it lacked flavour and we found the dough to be rather

powdery. The vegetarian Parmigiana (LKR 565) was absolutely delicious and is a must-try. The Croquetas (LKR 495) were filled with cheese and ham and came freshly fried. It’s a deceptively filling dish. The Paella ‘Valenciana’ (2 pax) (LKR 4100) can easily feed three and is bursting with chorizo, chicken, squid, prawns, rosemary and olives. The Paella was a good rendition and certainly did not disappoint! The Crispy Spinach Gnocchi (LKR 1200) was an earthy tasting and filling dish topped with crispy bacon, and accompanied by garlic bread was a nice touch. The Linguine (LKR 1400) was decadent with strands of linguine and porcini mushrooms bathed in truffle infused cream and topped by dollops of baby mozzarella. The Beef Saltimbocca (LKR 2400) was skilfully made – the medium rare steak was perfect with just the right amount of white wine sauce. Parsley potatoes were a fine

accompaniment but the highlight of the dish was the thin layer of prosciutto resting atop the steak. We also had the classic Coq au Vin (LKR 1850) which was rich and aromatic. For desserts, we had the beautifully presented and delightful tasting Italian Baked Apple Gateau (LKR 580) and the light and tasty Leche Frita (LKR 580) – a crumbed custard rolled in cinnamon sugar served with a side of orange preservatives. We were not too impressed by the firm texture of the Panna Cotta (LKR 580) but taste-wise, it was lovely. Santina Colombo is worth a visit and must especially be praised for their attention to the great vegetarian dishes on their menu. The Santina staff is friendly and courteous, well versed with the menu and make prompt recommendations so let them guide you and your ordering process will be a cakewalk.

LOCATION:

1st Floor, 24, Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 03.

OPEN FROM:

12pm – 3pm / 7pm – 10:30pm (last order)

CUISINE:

Mediterranean

PRICE RANGE Rs. 1500-2500

RATING Read the full review on pulse.lk

PAGE 130 | www.pulse.lk

Stubbornness is the mark of a true trailblazer. Stubborn to not give up or give in to the norm so that they can fit in better. It is this stubbornness that gives birth to greatness.

Stigmata

Stubborn for all the right reasons

This was no different in the case of Stigmata when they started back in 2000, when batch-mates Suresh de Silva and Tennyson Napoleon along with three others started their musical journey. They were the trailblazers who were introducing a heavier form of music along with the heavy metal lifestyle to Sri Lanka. Looking back, the band remembers how they started. “Our first official gig was at S. Thomas’ College hall with about 20 people from outside of school. There were three girls from AIS, about 10 boys from the Hindu College with a teacher who ran outside the moment we started playing,” said Suresh.

Nineteen years, four highly successful albums and numerous line-up changes later, Stigmata still remains resolved to be original, passionate to make timeless music and a stubbornness to give in. The band’s current line-up consists of Suresh and Tenny, two of the founding members and the three new members, bassist, Thisara Dhanajaya, guitarist, Shafeek Shuail and drummer, Hafzel Preena. Brand Consultant and a Creative Writer by profession, Suresh de Silva is one of the founding members and vocalist of the band. He also has a passion for stage drama and animals. He is also an author with ‘The Eternal Dark: Requiem’ being he’s most recently published work.

Although divided by a generation, the band members are united by the passion to create music and roast each other at every possible opportunity. The ‘Stigs’ paint the perfect picture of metalheads, ‘soft on the inside and tough on the outside’, to the uninitiated. “We goof around and crack jokes at each other all the time because it is important for us to keep things a bit chilled, because the subject matter and the music we deal with is so serious and complex,” Suresh pointed out. “Tenny and I come from an era of hard-hitting and sarcastic comedians like Robin Williams and Don Rickles and we can be very harsh on the newbies,” said Suresh with a smile. “And we all take it like Kevin Hart,” replied Shafeek.

From humble beginnings, Stigmata has put Sri Lanka on the map and has become the face of the ever growing Sri Lankan Metal community with their unique ‘Pure Sri Lankan Metal’ sound. But both Suresh and Tenny, remember times being much different from what they are now. “It was challenging. When Tenny and I started back then people thought rock music was satanic, evil and a negative influence on the society. It was a time when heavy metal was a term that you couldn’t speak out loud. We had religious groups praying for us, we faced lot of prejudice from school and society. But at the same time we had a lot of support from our peers and teachers at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, which is something we are grateful to our Alma Mater. Even the local media refused to give us publicity because we were a heavy metal band. But we were stubborn from the beginning and we refused to be known as anything other than a heavy metal band,” said Suresh. “Yeah, we couldn’t go anywhere without being stopped at check-posts during the wartime because we looked so different with our long hair and black clothes,” Tenny said with a smile.

collectibles; he’s also a part owner of Geek HQ. Thisara Dhananjaya is a soft-spoken person with a passion for videography. Hazfel Preena is also a gamer, football player and a kart racer. Although Sri Lanka is embracing metal music now, it was a different story 20 years ago. When asked why they chose metal as a genre, the band simply answered “why not”.“Metal was a new thing back then. We felt that metal is the most versatile, eclectic, interesting in terms of storytelling, taking fans on a journey and it is the most powerful thing to watch live. It was not for everyone but it was for the people who don’t fit in. What we do is pure Sri Lankan metal and it is equal to everyone,” Suresh added. Tenny further added saying that “the message metal music delivered had more depth. Also there were no rules in creating metal music which gave us freedom as musicians”. An Art Director by profession, Tennyson Napoleon is one of the guitarists of Stigmata and the person who would likely to crack a joke at any given time. Father of two, Tenny is also an avid lover of movies, cartoons, TV series and passion fruits.

“But the hardships were good. Without those hurdles, I don’t think we would’ve lasted this long. It has given us a whole new appreciation for what we have built,” added Suresh.

Stigmata is persistent on creating a sound that is unique to Sri Lanka. They incorporate traditional musical elements of rhythm and percussion in their music as well as lyrical themes that address issues of the Sri Lankan society. When asked about their creative process, the band simply answered, “truth to be told we do not have a creative process” followed by a laughter.

Shafeek Shuail is one of the three new additions to Stigmata. A die-hard fan of comic books and a massive collection of pop culture

Although majority of their musical inspirations are international artists, both Suresh and Tenny points to the local band

The new members thank Stigmata for creating a metal culture in Sri Lanka. “We just have to wear it and walk out, because they built it for us”, said Shafeek.

PAGE 134 | www.pulse.lk

‘Independence Square’ as one of their biggest influences in creating original music. They also mention musicians like Tyronne Silva and Hussain Jiffrey, Clarence Wijewardana, Pandith W.D. Amaradewa and Victor Rathnayaka as inspirations. “But to be absolutely honest we didn’t start playing metal music because of any of these guys,” said Suresh finally. All three new members cite Stigmata as their inspiration for getting into metal music. As a band creating a sound that is unique to our country, Stigmata feels that the Sri Lankan music community can do more in raising a voice about the issues in Sri Lanka. “It’s about your purpose as a musician. Music is the voice and it’s what we choose to communicate with that is what matters. True, there are people who have written great songs and gotten famous and there’s nothing wrong about it but how rarely do you see that happen. With regard to addressing social issues, musicians aren’t the only ones with a voice. Anyone who is patriotic should raise their voices,” said Suresh. Throughout their trailblazing career, Stigmata have managed to enter the record books several times. Their debut album, ‘Hollow Dreams’ was the first heavy metal album in Sri Lanka and the first concept album to be released in Southeast Asia. Their sophomore effort, ‘Silent Chaos Serpentine’ was the first Sri Lankan music album to be reviewed globally. Their recent music video for ‘An Idle Mind is the Devil’s Workshop’ won the Asia Music Video Awards, 2018. “Winning that competition has to be one of the greatest achievements we had as a band. We had to battle against 250 music videos all over the Asian continent. And we’re

to themselves and to never give up. And it was in that stubbornness, greatness was born and that’s what makes Stigmata true trailblazers of Sri Lankan music.

1. What would your choice of music be on Sunday evening? Our own music because we practice on Sunday evenings 2. What would make you cry? Suresh: Questions like this Tenny: If I had to stop eating ice cream for the rest of my life... Thisara: I don’t cry that easily proud to represent our country and show the international music community, this is what we, Sri Lankan musicians have to offer,” said Thisara. Collectively, the band thinks that their greatest achievement is that they are still here as a band making original music even after 19 years. “Not many people get to do what they love for over 19 years,” said Tenny. Stigmata is optimistic about their future as a band and as individuals. They are planning to work on their fifth album as well as touring around the world. As individuals, each have

big dreams pursuing their passions and to grow as musicians as well. Through hardships and criticism, Stigmata has managed to etch their mark in Sri Lankan music history. Looking back, they are grateful to those who loved them and hated them. They are especially thankful to their loyal fanbase for their support throughout the years. Stigmata have become a part of the lives of its members as much as it is a part of the Sri Lankan music legacy. With no plans to slow down, they will keep making pure Sri Lankan metal music to the misfits and to the masses alike. Many people and trends came and went but Stigmata was stubborn to be true

Shafeek: Losing a pet Hafzel: Romantic movies 3. What local artist (past or present) would you collaborate if you get a chance? Suresh: Hussain Jiffrey, Tanuja Perera Raymond, Nadeeka Guruge and Jerome De Silva and the Workshop Players on a theatre production Tenny: Drill team - Westnahira Thisara: Maestro Premasiri Khemadasa Shafeek: Nadeeka Guruge Hafzel: Thurya

www.pulse.lk | PAGE 135

Ratanapala

Sidath

Kumudika

Prithi

Tharangitha

Christmas Party with

Prithi Kamil

Nadeera

Roshan

Romesh

Hesangi

PAGE 136 | www.pulse.lk

Harshini

Kinkini

Nadeera

Kings

Sujee

Kinkini

Priyantha

Niranga

Kalum

Sumedha

Nelum

Rashmeen

Mayanthi

Tharangitha

Sisil

Anitha

Dinesh

Prithi Fernando, celebrated Christmas in grandeur with her friends and family Zarina

Thushari

Sujee

Vindya

Susana

Isharq

www.pulse.lk | PAGE 137

D Day The

Loving PAGE 138 | www.pulse.lk

As Pulse takes me on as its latest columnist, and ironically for the February issue, the month of romance, all things hearts, flowers and chocolate, or at least only till the 14th which is just half way through the month. I thought I should address this irksome matter that has tormented so many lovers for so long. If there are any gentlemen out there, reading this, and taking a panicked double take as they glance from this column, to the calendar, and then back to the column, I will give you just a few moments to brace yourself for the inevitable backhand that is coming… it may not come in the next three seconds, or in the next two hours, but it is coming!!! Smack!!!! Not for nothing. You deserve the little flick of the elbow across your flaming cheek if you overlook the most important day of a couple’s love calendar, or even if you forgot it in the past. I am not the one to promote domestic violence in the shape of heart shaped boxes of chocolate mind you, but I have not been able to get over the fact that the card shops have already started displaying these mushy verses of ardent forever devotion and my hair has got entangled in cardboard cupids hanging from the ceiling. Ten different types of chocolate hearts tempt me, eager to wipe out my New Year Resolutions before I have even committed them to paper!!! Birthdays and anniversaries may be another story, but you have literally got an international billion-dollar industry pushing the day to the forefront. If you cannot manage remembering the day with the red and pink on every website, roses on every banner on the internet and page you have visited for the whole of the month since Christmas, then I just do not know how to tell you.

only to wake up not much after the V Day to realise reality plastered between my eyebrows, also perhaps in a sort of broken heart shape!!! But then I should not dampen your spirit. Just go buy her the roses and a sweet stuffed bear. If you can afford it throw in a little something special like a piece of jewellery. I saw lots of tiny gold and silver hearts on display. You will be good as gold for the next 364 days. Please note that, in the highly likely possibility that you do not receive a gift, don’t make a fuss about it. Just consider it a one way display of love and affection, purely for the enjoyment of your dear darling. You will be fussed upon, for certain, so you can enjoy the pampering. For way of attention, please check your dear darling’s social media pages. You, your flowers and gifts will be splashed with love, hearts and emoticons in the newsfeeds and you will feel fuzzy around your ears. Do NOT, I repeat do NOT forget to acknowledge those posts in the comments. It is important that you let the world know that you love your dear darling!! For those who are in multiple relationships, like a wife, and a girlfriend, I guess you will have to see double for the day. But two of everything. The dinner date, I am afraid will have to be a choice. I don’t think you can post pictures of the girl friend on social media, so I’m guessing it will be with the wife. For those who are currently with a wife, a girl friend and a mistress, three of the mush, and a choice of breakfast in bed with the latter I think. Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

It is certainly no secret that the ladies look forward to this day. I confess that it would have a little more spring in my arthritic limbs if I knew I would be showered with chocolate and cute little animals holding little signs saying “I wuv you thiiiiiiisssss much “from sun up until wine/ champagne down!! There is really no sense in resisting it all at this point. Valentine’s Day has become a part of the social contract that those of us on the civilized world are bound to. So, unless you are planning on packing a bag, leaving your smart phone and moving to the Knuckle’s Range, a single annual embrace of commercialised affection seems a small price to pay for keeping your dear darling off the warpath, now does it not? Yes, I know that the food and beverage industry also capitalises on the day and hoodwinks couples to pretend to stare at each other’s eye in besotted mesmerism for as long as the aphrodisiac on the plate has not been devoured. I have relented to many of these when I was younger, and mistakenly thought I was “in love”,

By Angela Seneviratne

www.pulse.lk | PAGE 139

I N CO N V E R S AT I O N W I T H

NAADRO NAADRO is a seven – member percussion ensemble headed by founder/ leader Rakitha Wickramaratne and his fellow percussionists Gayan Kumara, Ranga Nawantha, Shashi Chathuranga, Nupathi Nilambara, Nuwan Liyanage, and Lahiru Fernando. We got up close and personal with them to find out more about their musical journey!

PAGE 140 | www.pulse.lk

What’s behind the name 'Naadro'? Naadro means “those who draw the sound from The Sun.”

How did the formation of the group come about? ‘Naadro’ is a percussion ensemble. We started off as a bunch of friends with a passion for percussion, but every single member of the band is trained under the likes of well–known names of the field of music such as Mr. Piyasara Shilpadhipathi and Mr.Ravi Bandu Vidyapathi.

At present, new members join the band after going through auditions and are given the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and talent.

What styles of music/compositions are the most popular with your audiences? We’ve noticed that Latin American and Indian percussion are currently the most popular. These mainly upbeat styles are a crowd favourite.

What are the group's favourite compositions/styles personally? It varies from one member to the other but since we are all driven by the passion for percussion, be it traditional Sri Lankan, Latin American, Indian, Japanese, Arabic or African, we all enjoy what comes out when we all put in our efforts and knowledge, one hundred percent. So generally, we love all percussion styles and especially the challenging ones which require a good amount of experimentation, practice, and knowledge in order to deliver a successful performance.

Who is your inspiration? There is a long list of people who have not only inspired us but have taught us, guided us and helped us to reach where we am today. Starting from Guru Maestro Piyasara Shilpadhipathi, there’s a very long list of local and international percussionists such as Giovanni Hidalgo, Trilok Gurtu, and Stomp to name a few. We are grateful to have crossed paths with such artistically inspiring people.

What is the group's most memorable performance? As a percussion band, we’ve had many memorable occasions where we’ve felt privileged to have had the opportunities to play with the world’s most popular percussionists and the world’s largest and most sought after shows. There are beautiful memories from every single one of these events and shows.

and engaging. We simply loved being there and learnt so much in the process.

Tell us a bit about the group's social service projects. So far, we’ve been engaged in two different social service projects. One is The Music Project in 2015; this aims to change the life trajectory of children through music. We worked with 6 schools in the North and South, using music as the link language. The other has been Let’s do it with NAADRO in 2012 which was one of the projects initiated by Naadro to inspire and educate school children (on percussion), from different areas in the country. The project concluded with 150 students from various schools, who were trained and taught by Naadro, coming together to perform in one finale concert at the Nelum Pokuna theater.

What are the biggest challenges you face as a group? Well nothing good comes out without a bit of challenge, but in a group where there’s good understanding about the vision of the group, good discipline, and a shared passion for something, most challenges are already met. We are unique and we always trying to do something new, therefore most of our time together is spent on research and experimenting. We have the largest drum collection in South Asia with us, and an extremely talented group of members who are passionate about what they do. The aim is to produce tasteful percussion music that we ourselves can enjoy.

Where would your dream performance be?

all posted when the time’s right.

Where do you see the group in five years? We share a dream of a day when we could bring our traditional percussion to the international music market. This is one of our goals to be achieved within the next five years.

What would you say to young artists who aspire to create as you do? Please don’t stop. Being a musician or being a percussionist does not happen overnight. It requires hard work – just hard enough to keep you pushing when things don’t go the way you want them to. You have to believe yourself and keep your mind open. Don’t forget that practice is the key to success. Respect your gurus and the people who had supported you at some point. Be humble to give credit to what you’ve learned from them. Always challenge yourself, beat your best and not others. Keep the dream alive. If someone copies you, that means you’re good. Our founder Rakitha became the 2nd endorser in Asia for the brand Latin Percussion (LP - USA) in 2007. It’s always been an honor. Now he holds four other international endorsements. If all this was possible through experiment, learning and passion, there’s no reason for it to be impossible for anyone out there. Remember, all this won’t happen overnight. Chase your dreams hard enough. Good luck!

There are a few, that in fact may come true in the near future. We will keep you

The Rajasthani Folk music Festival (RIFF) is one the events that touched our hearts deeply, as the audience there was deeply engrossed in the music. They had a very good understanding of music and percussion and were extremely receptive

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A New Direction

Sri Lankan Movies on New Routes

The year 2018 saw the release of two highly anticipated movies showcasing the talent of Sri Lankan movie makers. Both 'According to Matthew' and 'The Frozen Fire (Ginnen Upan Seethala)' tell stories of two controversial characters in Sri Lankan history. While both movies were well received, Frozen Fire went on to make history by becoming the first Sri Lankan movie to enter in mainstream "Best Picture" category of 2019 Oscar Awards. Here's what the directors of the movies have to say about their work.

The Frozen Fire On addressing his first open political speech as party leader of the JVP after being released from the CID on 14th of July 1970, Rohana Wijeweera paves the way to what fabricates a narrative that drives through the very foundation of an organised, bureaucratic institution. “We are not conspirators. We are not going to stage a revolution without the knowledge of the people. It is the people who will stage a revolution”, were the asserting words of Rohana Wijeweera, relayed to the crowd gathered at the Vidyodaya University (extract from “Failed Revolts in Sri Lanka” by Godahewa Indradasa). Thus began a journey of a man who compiled a few iconic chapters on the brief political history of this country. Rohana Wijeweera, (alias Patabendige Don Nandasiri Wijeweera) like most political leaders, opted to gather large crowds through flare and sheer oratory capacity. But unlike most political leaders, he took to the streets to establish the growing frustration amongst the youth and integral discrimination of the working class, all on a political platform. His staunch leadership powered the drive of the youth, which

resulted in a large number of unplanned deaths. The Frozen Fire is a movie that attempts to capture a few segments of this grand sequence of events, and put into perspective the character of this frankly remarkable man. We spoke with the director of “The Frozen Fire”, Anuruddha Jayasinghe, to shed some light on the journey and what it took to create a piece of art which was this controversial yet necessary. Mr. Jayasinghe approached every question with a drive that reflected the importance and pride he personally had for this movie, which is steadily shaking the record number of box office ticket sales in Sri Lanka. “No one seemed to take an interest in an event of this importance”, says Mr. Jayasinghe as he takes us through the one and a half years of research that was required to bring it to the big screen. He mentioned that the very foundation of the movie was to portray the real experience of what actually occurred within the 1986 -1989 period. He further mentioned that a huge misunderstanding about the uprising exists based on “fake” news spreading across the

country, putting into context exactly why today’s politics differs to that of back then, given the simple fact that the problems faced during the two eras are very different. While speaking of how he gained this strong attachment to the real historic incident, Mr. Jayasinghe mentioned that a lot of the individuals attached to the activists, and in some instances the activists themselves, were alive and well today (for example, Rohana Wijeweera’s wife). This made it easier to remake the dark and dusty incidents of the past, and contextualise it in a way a modern audience would understand. “The responsibility of an artist is to look into important social incidents that shaped the future as we know it. That is what we build for a name. I could have done a soppy romance movie, with a few jokes and made money. But that is not what I can offer to the next generation”. The movie speaks to an audience that lived through these depicted times and to an audience that might be clueless about the immediate history of this country. The movie is contemporary as it adopts the modern articulation of theatre in bringing to life incidents of an unspoken history.

According to Matthew An Eye-opening Cinematic Experience The Gospel according to Matthew is the first book found within the New Testament, thereby making it the first of the 4 gospels. The gospel holds a very important place in Christianity as it puts into perspective the sanctity of the journey of Christ, in terms that a layman can understand and a religious pundit can scrutinise. The brilliant Chandran Rutnam employs this specific phrase to give leeway to his controversial movie, famously titled “According to Matthew”. “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:9) were the revered words of Jesus Christ. In addressing the public, both Chandran Rutnam and lead actor Alston Koch (Father Matthew Pieris) spoke of how important it is to hold people in power accountable, even if “they are put to power by man, or by god” as said in the words of Alston Koch when he exclusively spoke to Pulse during the movie premiere at the Regal Cinema. The movie features international superstar Jacqueline Fernandez as the mistress who aids in the murder of her husband. The acting performances coupled with iconic videography bring to the conservative Sri Lankan audience a movie that examines the blurry lines that exist within the chambers of religious institutions. The power held by a religious leader in society is put on full display as Chandran Rutnam cuts through the layers of a specific historical incident that took the entire country by shock. Father Matthew Pieris is a “keystone” individual, so to speak, within the community. He has managed to change the lives of most of his advocates, some for the worse. The specific incidents quoted in the story show how Father Matthew Pieris murders his wife (Eunice Pieris) and subsequently murders the husband (Randy Reynolds) of his mistress (Daphne Reynolds). Light is shed upon the Father’s abuse of authority, ironically given to him by the church itself. Viewers are brought to question how far this manipulation may have affected many people’s lives. Chandran Rutnam has gone on record to mention that he personally knew the father, and had inquired about making a movie about his story (given that he was released during the year 1997). The priest was formally Chandran Rutnam’s pastor at St. Paul’s church.

“It is a true story, it really happened. The court records are present and available publicly” says Chandran Rutnam during the premiere. The strong attachment to the real story, which was well-known by the public back in the day, gave an automatic well-established reception to the movie. Chandran Rutnam went on record to mention the difficulties he had to face to bring this movie to the big screen, given that it agitated certain religious factions.

In a world where “Spotlight” wins best picture at the coveted Oscar awards ceremony held in United States of America, it is truly extraordinary to see the contemporary efforts of Sri Lankan theatre directors in bringing to life the rugged reality of our country. “According to Matthew” champions that effort enormously, a definite must-watch for every Sri Lankan.

Nataliya

Christmas

at Taj

The Taj Hotel in Colombo was lit up for the season with tasteful contemporary decor. Harshini

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Nishi

Thisal

Jayanti

Onitha

Ruwani

Kaveetha

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The humanitarian solution to a life of contentment has almost always been sourced within materialistic gains. In pursuit of these gains, a culture of sordid and foul attitudes has bound itself close to the moral fabric of our civilization. This fact is quite prevalent within all tiers of society, especially within Sri Lanka. On the 21st of December 2018, we were invited to witness the effort of an individual who planned on shedding some light upon the greasy, self serving orientations of the Sri Lankan people. That individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name is Niroma De Zoysa.

Discover

your true self and live your

BEST LIFE

TODAY! PAGE 146 | www.pulse.lk

Niroma compiled a rather interesting collection of thoughts that she credits to have been bestowed upon her through a higher authority. As far-fetched as the scenario may appear to some, as you flip over the pages of her rather illustrious book, you immediately feel the need to sit down in a quiet corner and absorb the content. Added to the very happy-go-lucky identity Niroma portrays, she constantly implored to the audience, who are now in awe and interest of her beautiful temperament, to give the book a try and conclude for one’s own self the value behind it.

Who is Niroma De Zoysa? Niroma was born into a seemingly successful family, where both parents were well educated, and grew up among the milieu of the central Colombo social circuits. Although she didn’t expose a lot about her private life, she shared with her audience the brilliance of the most heart wrenching experiences she had to go through, such as losing friends and family within the breakdown of her marriage. She mentions to Pulse that at one point in her life, she had to cope with a downfall reaching to a point closing on poverty. She moved to Canada to expand the opportunities that were once pushed upon her. This spectacular journey makes her the ideal individual to receive the spiritual outreach that can create real difference in peoples’ lives. In Canada she receives an absolutely profound level of identity for her work as a life trainer, which is quite prominent when browsing through her personal website, www.coachniroma.com. She believes in her ability to “light a candle in the dark”. (The book is available online on www. amazon.org ) Speaking exclusively to Pulse, Niroma suggested that this book was launched primarily in Sri Lanka due to her vested interest in the people of this country. She further went on to mention that the Canadian people were not new to the subject of spiritual development and tend to be more receptive when faced with such encounters compared to Sri Lankans. “I feel like I am breaking ice here in Sri Lanka”, she mentions with a glow in her words, credited to the absolutely authentic goals she put forth during the book launch. Niroma mentions that she is also a product of the public education system of Sri Lanka, and wishes to see the inculcation of awareness of the spiritual well-being of an individual within such curriculums. When asked about what inspired her to put her experience into words, she answered with a laugh that in her opinion, the Sri Lankan people have an inherently vested interest in the external environment and not in the internal and spiritual wellbeing of an individual. Niroma is on a journey, and she intends to take all of Sri Lanka along with her!

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Sujeewa

Deepani

Shani

Anusha

Prithi

Himali

Amit

Amit Talwar

Fashion Show Prithi Fernando presented the launch of Amit Talwwarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive collection of cocktail dresses, drape sarees, contemporary and ethnic gowns at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo.

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Techtubers for the uninitiated

From cat videos to Ted Talks, YouTube is becoming a second ‘Google’ for people who are looking for anything and everything. The ‘Techtuber’ community on YouTube has created ways to make tech-y things much easier to digest and to learn. If you are someone who likes to be up to date and doesn’t mind a sizable internet bill, here are some YouTube tech channels worth checking out. Unbox therapy If you are addicted to know about the latest tech and gadgets, this is the place to be. From flamethrowers to the latest iPhones, this channel covers them all. Hosted by Lewis Hilsenteger, a former computer repair guy, this channel has over 13 million subscribers. The channel mainly focuses on unboxing a nd first impressions of what’s new.

MKBHD When the Senior Vice President of Social for Google calls someone the “best technologybased reviewer on the planet”, you know that’s something to look out for. Hosted by Marques Brownlee, MKBHD is best known for it’s content on smartphones, especially reviews and first impressions. The content is in-depth and informative which can help you greatly in making your gadget decisions.

Randomfrankp This channel is all about computers. Although the channel does a few product reviews here

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and there, it is mostly famous for the ‘room tour setup’ series where the subscribers can send their own computer room/mancave setups to be featured on the channel. These can be great for inspiration if you are planning on making your own setup. Another fan favourite from this channel is ‘cool tech under $50’ series, where the channel features products you can buy for under $50 dollars online. This may not be the channel for great reviews but it is where you can find that little piece of tech that’s been missing from your life.

Techquickie This one is for the noobs. You’ll be able to find an answer to all of your simple techrelated questions. Hosted by Linus Sebastian, another YouTube success, the channel’s ‘As fast as possible’ series is popular among its subscribers for it’s quick and simple explanations on tech-related questions, such as the difference between a USB-a and USB-C.

Techlinked This is where tech news meets stand-up comedy. Presenters Riley and Justin’s biweekly tech news update comes with a healthy dose of comedy which makes seemingly boring subject matter more digestible.

Noteworthy mentions • Bitwit • Linus tech tips • Gameranx (for gamers) • Hardwarecanucks So there you have it! These are some of the Techtubers worth looking into if you are a techy and don’t want to be outdated.

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Launch of

Anantara

Sports Bar Anantara Kalutara Resort recently launched their show stopping upper deck Sports Bar & Lounge.

Darren

Dinesh

Asanka

Pramodya

Hashan

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Nikhil

Ritesh

Alexa

Maya

Harini

Manish

Avanthi

Yassendra

Avanthi

Saurabh

Richard

Anna

Entrepreneurs

Meetup

at GFH PAGE 154 | www.pulse.lk

A gathering for entrepreneurs was recently held at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo.

Overcoming Mental Illness The Story of Shmana Whittall Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions - disorders that affect your mood, thinking, and behaviour. However, it has not been a topic that was openly discussed in Sri Lanka. The largest barrier between a person suffering with a mental illness and getting the help they need is the stigma and shame surrounding it within our society. PAGE 156 | www.pulse.lk

Shmana Whittall lived a relatively normal life as a Sri Lankan living in Australia. However in 2017, she faced a wide range of difficulties pertaining to her mental health which she now shares with the general public. Hoping to end the stigma surrounding mental health and mental illnesses, Shmana mentioned that she too found it difficult to reach out and speak openly of her drawbacks even though being vocal was among the few things that helped her revert to a normal state of mind.

"Mental health is a taboo subject. It is not something people want to talk or open up about. People don't want to admit that they have mental illnesses or know someone suffering with them. Even in my case, it wasn't something we opened up to the public about because it was not that easy. We need to change that." Suffering from depression, anxiety, paranoia, and bipolar disorder, Shmana Whittall described that the person she used to be was

simply morbid. With a condition as severe as hers, Shmana was hospitalised twice; first at Park Hospital Colombo, before being transferred to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - Angoda. "For me it took a lot of motivation, a lot of talking, waiting for people to come and see me, a lot of food, and basically a lot of love and kindness. NIMH is a really good place contrary to popular belief and I think it needs a lot more support from us to develop further." The public perception of NIMH, referred to as a 'lunatic asylum' where crazy people are sent to, is largely skewed. It is far from a 'madhouse'. According to Shmana, "people who get treatment at Angoda and leave are labeled - it's something that always happens". Due to these labels and misconceptions, many people who require the right consultation and treatment are in fact afraid to get the help they need. What many fail to understand is that NIMH employs consultant psychiatrists who undergo specialised training to fully take care of their patients. Since its renovation in 2008, the conditions of NIMH have improved vastly. The immense plot of land is filled with airy spaces, gardens, and greenery with many areas for outdoor seating and relaxation. The conditions within the buildings have improved as well, with emphasis on the furniture, freshly painted walls, and reduction of a dreary atmosphere. Yet even with these renovations, NIMH still has a long way to go to improve. Except for NIMH's psychiatrists, its many medical officers and support staff lack specialised training, which is a rather pressing issue. Although the consulting psychiatrists assess and diagnose each patient, there is a serious lack of psychological care available in the form of therapy or counselling needs. Patients often undergo largely used methods at NIMH such as drug medication and Electro Convulsive Therapy, which Shmana herself was no stranger to. The inclusion of psychotherapy, counselling, and other forms of therapy will provide a healthier and more effective method of treatment. Cue 'Fearless Charities', a charity run by Shmana Whittall, raising funds for many causes; NIMH being one. As a healthy individual, Shmana focuses on giving back to the place that helped her and encourages

the local public to help aid her cause as well, enabling NIMH to introduce new facilities and enhance its existing services. You can find them on both Facebook and Instagram on @fearlesscharities. Mental health is not something that should be taken lightly. All in all, take care of your body, mind and soul. Educate yourself and your loved ones of the dangers of mental illness, spread love and kindness wherever and whenever you can, and uplift those who need a helping hand.

If you or someone you know is facing difficulties, NIMH - Angoda has a mental health hotline for the public of Sri Lanka. The toll-free number '1926' (used to commemorate the year of establishment of NIMH) can be used to receive mental health assistance from the doctors at NIMH. You can also contact CCC line on '1333' or Sumithrayo on 011 2 696 666.

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NYE

Hilton

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NYE the

Steuart

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The

Scarlet

Letters

Abandoned with the basics and nowhere to go, mother and baby start reaching out for help and discover what society is really like. The baby slept and cried nonstop that first month. I slept and cried too. There was nothing else I could do. It might be possible that my tantrums were more intense and unnecessary than the baby’s. I didn’t know how to cope with all the emotion that I was pumping out and I didn’t see anyone at all to talk to except for the delivery guy that brought me a $5 Chinese special everyday from our local takeaway joint. He didn’t seem like the talkative type. We spent all our time huddled on a mattress on the floor and watched whatever we could find online. But as the hours went on, I got bolder as a mother and those initial anxieties and questions of whether I was doing it right or not wasted away and I started taking control and doing things my own way. Without the anchor of old wives tales and handbooks, I concocted various means to manage. Very soon I started wanting to get out of the apartment and get some fresh air. I couldn’t take living like a prisoner anymore. So, one day, when it finally stopped snowing, we bundled up with layers of all the clothes we had and went out in the evening for a walk around the neighbourhood. The crisp air felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders and that walk was the best thing that happened to me in weeks. It’s amazing how you start appreciating the simple things when you are at rock bottom. I gulped in the cool, light air and by the time I returned to the apartment, I had worked up the courage to call whoever I knew in the area. I needed to be in the company of people and now that the dust of the pregnancy was settling, I was starting to crave a life again. Still to this date, I am acutely aware, that in this world, there is no one that you can count on. Everyone has their own issues and while people are certainly well intentioned, and they make the right sounds to a sensitive story, at the heart of it, they really don’t want any part of it. I don’t blame them though. I didn’t know myself what to tell them. I didn’t have my story straight. I didn’t know where I was going to end up with this baby and faced with the questioning stares of strangers, I realised I needed to invest in a more stable situation for ourselves. We spent a few weeks at different homes of people we semi-knew and while they were very kind to us, I knew it wasn’t an open-ended invitation. I realised that if the baby and I were going to stay in the US, I would have to put her in a daycare so that I could go to school and work. I didn’t like the thought of it though. It felt safe when we were together and I had purpose. Purpose to look after myself, to cook, to be healthy, to be happy and to start living again. The innocence and purity of the need that the baby created was a platform that I desperately needed for the sort of fresh start that I had to make. There were no judgements, no complaints, no guilt. Just a baby that needed nothing but me. The thought of leaving this precious bundle in a daycare and the astronomical cost were not options, but alternately, it would have been a damn shame to give up a college education that had barely started. At 20 years old, I was faced with some serious questions and while a pregnancy is something you can rest your Hail Mary’s and your youth on, providing for another life, in addition to your own, was something I knew I could not do on my own. I needed help and I didn’t know whom to ask. I was filled with so much agony and humiliation about the toll my news and my decision must have taken on my family. I couldn’t face it. Thank god, my mother was being supportive and kind over numerous frantic calls and Skype sessions of spineless tantrums and self pity. I felt like I didn’t deserve her support, but without it I wouldn’t have made it through those days and nights where the crying didn’t stop. Her support led me to the inevitable decision that, at that point in time, America was not the place for us. We needed the proverbial village to raise the baby and alone, the land of the brave and the free was not enough. When you are faced with challenges that you have no idea how to solve, you tend to break them down. It seemed to me that leaving the baby with my mother was better than leaving her with strangers. My mother seemed eager and excited for our return and to see her grandchild. God knows, I was desperate to be in her company and her powerful motherly calm. My father’s silence in this whole saga had gone unnoticed in my chaotic mind. I knew something was wrong back at home but I had no idea how devastating the end of my parents’ marriage and their bitter and vile divorce had been on my mother. It had left her in tatters. We didn’t know at the time, but this baby was more than just our family growing. It was a blessing sent to hold us together in a time when we were falling apart. Relieved as I was to be retreating home, at the back of my mind, I knew there was a court of judgement, that I was too naïve to face, waiting for me. Instead, the preparations for a journey across the world with a 6-month-old, took precedence over my impending doom.

The Realist’s Guide to

Shedding Any parent who has ever sat down to do math homework with their child has come across a scenario that goes something like - Tim had 24 cupcakes. Sally ate 6 of them and Mark ate 3. How many cupcakes does Tim have left? Simple enough, except that questions like this always reminded me of a math problem of my own i.e.: a now 30 something woman had three babies in eight years. How does she lose the 12lbs of ‘baby’ weight that never seems to go away? Yup, that one wasn’t so easy to solve. Maybe the cupcake eating Sally knew the answer. Seriously though, despite my determination not to burden myself with New Year Resolutions, those 12lbs were way too apt to bulge in all the wrong places. So I figured 2019 was the year to minimise unhealthy edible temptations, stock up on more fresh fruit and veg, dive into homemade soups and green smoothies, swap in the Greek yoghurt and… you get the gist. Determined not to suffer alone, I informed my husband that he too would be joining me in my endeavour. I spoke eloquently about the benefits of cutting down on carbs and opting for more salads. The fact that he was consuming a large bowl of strawberry jelly and

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condensed milk when I broached the topic was perhaps slightly unfortunate, but I felt, justified my point. The children took to the new regime with a fair amount of ease, and eager cries of “Yay! HULK soup” (i.e. green vegetables) and there was undeniable satisfaction in realising that everyone’s crunchy TV snacks were organic carrot sticks instead of chips. I admit my husband and I both sighed a bit over our grilled chicken and salad when the kids were tucking into hot, hot hoppers with lashings of butter, but, for the most part the first couple of weeks passed relatively easily. When things started to pall I decided to crank up the pressure with some intermittent fasting. I told my husband that 16 hours of fasting would be a breeze; after all we would be asleep for almost half of that time. As it turned out the eating wasn’t the issue, but for two people who value milk in their morning beverages? The plain tea and coffee options took some serious getting used to. My husband was getting decidedly maudlin. I heard him tell our daughter that when he met me he had a ‘six pack and good arms’ and that I must miss those since all he got for lunch was a slice of seer and three celery sticks. When I

indignantly chipped in that he also got a large portion of spinach, he informed me (in an unusually acerbic tone) that his name was not Popeye. Marital bliss somewhat dented by our diet, we decided that exercising together may bring about the desired endorphins. An evening walk seemed like the most viable option, and we set off on this with determined enthusiasm. We are proud of ourselves. 2019 is going to be the year of fitness and health and looking like we did before we began reproducing like rabbits. Yay us. Three nights into this new regime and I woke up with a start. Was that my whistling kettle? The clock informed me that it is midnight. I stretched an arm over to my husbands’ side of the bed and found it empty. Ah ha! I would catch him red handed! And I did, with one hand deep in the kids’ tin of Milo. “But I am SO hungry” he said plaintively. “It’s midnight, does it even need to count as a cheat day?” I gave in, because honestly, I was hungry too. We sat side by side in the kitchen, patted our happy tummies and enjoyed every drop. And really, nothing says restoration of marital bliss quite like a stolen Milo at midnight.

19, St. Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road, Colombo 03. Tel.: 2343100-1/2 Fax: 2343103 E-Mail: info@packsco.lk www.pulse.lk | PAGE 163

Supirivicky

wins at the

Gayan

International Innovation Awards Supirivicky toothpaste, one of Sri Lankaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home-grown products, won an award in the product category at the International Innovation Awards 2018 conducted by Enterprise Asia.

Saroja

Dilanka

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Chandana

Ravi

Lankani

Fouzal

Asoka