Leisureplus

23/06/2024

Dubbed as a love letter to summer, designer Anavila Misra wove her ode to the Franco-Tamil culture of Puducherry in the second of the Textile Talks series at the Rithihi flagship store at Alfred House Gardens recently.

Dubbed as a love letter to summer, designer Anavila Misra wove her ode to the Franco-Tamil culture of Puducherry in the second of the Textile Talks series at the Rithihi flagship store at Alfred House Gardens recently. Mesmerised by the heady scents and palette of the hues of French influence t

22/06/2024

The Body Shop Sri Lanka recently held its first Fragrance Carnival at The Body Shop store located in Colombo City Centre.

Themed around fragrance, the Fragrance Carnival featured expert tips on all things perfume. It also included fun games and VIP goodie bags for influencers. From layering perfumes and choosing fragrance families to how to pick a fragrance that suits you, customers were able to engage with experts who could guide, and educate on-ground visitors, and helped them expand their fragrance knowledge.

22/06/2024

The Body Shop Sri Lanka recently held its first Fragrance Carnival at The Body Shop store located in Colombo City Centre.

The Body Shop Sri Lanka recently held its first Fragrance Carnival at The Body Shop store located in Colombo City Centre. Themed around fragrance, the Fragrance Carnival featured expert tips on all things perfume. It also included fun games and VIP goodie bags for influencers. From layering perf

22/06/2024

MAC lovers rejoice as Exclusive Lines proudly announces the arrival of the world’s leading professional makeup brand in the heart of Sri Lanka. MAC, a flagship brand of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., is set to revolutionise the beauty landscape of Sri Lanka with its iconic products and immersive retail experience.

22/06/2024

MAC lovers rejoice as Exclusive Lines proudly announces the arrival of the world’s leading professional makeup brand in the heart of Sri Lanka. MAC, a flagship brand of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., is set to revolutionise the beauty landscape of Sri Lanka with its iconic products and immersive retail experience.

MAC lovers rejoice as Exclusive Lines proudly announces the arrival of the world's leading professional makeup brand in the heart of Sri Lanka. MAC, a flagship brand of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., is set to revolutionise the beauty landscape of Sri Lanka with its iconic products and immersive ...

22/06/2024

World Volkswagen Day 2024 was a resounding success, uniting over 60 VW enthusiasts in a rally that celebrated the timeless spirit of the Volkswagen Beetle.

World Volkswagen Day 2024 was a resounding success, uniting over 60 VW enthusiasts in a rally that celebrated the timeless spirit of the Volkswagen Beetle. The organisers thanked the VW Owners' Club, Legends 96.6 and BMICH for their invaluable support in making this unforgettable event possible!

22/06/2024

20/06/2024

Donald Sutherland, the beloved actor who starred in scores of films from The Dirty Dozen, MASH and Klute to Animal House and Ordinary People to Pride & Prejudice and The Hunger Games franchise and won an Emmy for Citizen X, died Thursday in Miami after a long illness. He was 88.

Donald Sutherland, the beloved actor who starred in scores of films from The Dirty Dozen, MASH and Klute to Animal House and Ordinary People to Pride & Prejudice and The Hunger Games franchise and won an Emmy for Citizen X, died Thursday in Miami after a long illness. He was 88. The 2017 Hono

19/06/2024

The brand SHISEIDO, operating in 88 countries and regions around the world launched its Eudermine + ASR at ODEL One Galle Face Mall, Level 1 – Beauty Department, and on the SHISEIDO official Website.

The brand SHISEIDO, operating in 88 countries and regions around the world launched its Eudermine + ASR at ODEL One Galle Face Mall, Level 1 – Beauty Department, and on the SHISEIDO official Website. Eudermine was the first cosmetic product launched by Shiseido in 1897. It was formulated using th

19/06/2024

The brand SHISEIDO, operating in 88 countries and regions around the world launched its Eudermine + ASR at ODEL One Galle Face Mall, Level 1 – Beauty Department, and on the SHISEIDO official Website.

Eudermine was the first cosmetic product launched by Shiseido in 1897. It was formulated using the most advanced Western pharmaceutical technology of the time. Eudermine, named using the Greek words “eu” and “dermine”(derma), meaning "good" and "skin,"

Pics by Nilantha Anuruddha Michael

18/06/2024

The actress who voiced Marge Simpson in Latin America has died.

The actress who voiced Marge Simpson in Latin America has died. Nancy MacKenzie, who voiced the beloved cartoon character in the first 15 series, died aged 81. The Peruvian-Mexican voice-over artist also dubbed Trinity in The Matrix amongst her other roles. Her death was announced on social

17/06/2024

In the spirit of wellness and wellbeing, Mount Lavinia Hotel is thrilled to announce a special Sunset Yoga session with Yoga Alliance Certified instructor Shabna.

In the spirit of wellness and wellbeing, Mount Lavinia Hotel is thrilled to announce a special Sunset Yoga session with Yoga Alliance Certified instructor Shabna. This unique event, aimed at promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle through yoga, mindfulness, and breathwork, will take place on

16/06/2024

Gitanjali Chakravarthy, General Manager, Hilton Yala Resort, Sri Lanka says there is a slow but sure shift towards gender diversity, inclusivity and equity.

By Easwaran Rutnam Gitanjali Chakravarthy, General Manager, Hilton Yala Resort, Sri Lanka says there is a slow but sure shift towards gender diversity, inclusivity and equity. In an interview with Colombo Gazette, Chakravarthy says the evolving societal perceptions around gender roles, couple

10/06/2024

Thema Collection proudly announced the grand unveiling of its newest addition, ‘Waraka,’ an eco-luxury boutique hotel nestled amidst the enchanting landscapes of Udawalawe.

Thema Collection proudly announced the grand unveiling of its newest addition, 'Waraka,' an eco-luxury boutique hotel nestled amidst the enchanting landscapes of Udawalawe. The hotel opened its doors to the public on the 1st of June 2024, with the opening ceremony graced by the esteemed presence of

25/05/2024

The glamourous world of fashion came alive at the highly anticipated Chokolaate Mother Daughter Fashion Designer (MDFD) competition 2024.

The glamourous world of fashion came alive at the highly anticipated Chokolaate Mother Daughter Fashion Designer (MDFD) competition 2024. This prestigious event, held at the iconic Taj Samudra, Grand Marquee, showcased the immense talent and creativity of emerging designers while celebrating the

22/05/2024

A British Sri Lankan, Veterinary surgeon, Brin Pirathapan, has claimed the prestigious title of MasterChef Champion 2024, triumphing at the end of the 20th series of TV’s biggest cooking competition.

A British Sri Lankan, Veterinary surgeon, Brin Pirathapan, has claimed the prestigious title of MasterChef Champion 2024, triumphing at the end of the 20th series of TV’s biggest cooking competition. Brin was awarded the coveted MasterChef trophy by judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace on BBC On

20/05/2024

Sri Lankans are taking a keen interest on expressing their solidarity with the people of Palestine since the 07 October 2023 events and recently organised an event that reflected on the first Nakba that took place on 14 May 1948 under the theme ‘All Out for Palestine’.

By Sarah Hannan Sri Lankans are taking a keen interest on expressing their solidarity with the people of Palestine since the 07 October 2023 events and recently organised an event that reflected on the first Nakba that took place on 14 May 1948 under the theme ‘All Out for Palestine’. Among th

11/05/2024

Swiss performer Nemo has won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest, pipping Croatian artist Baby Lasagna to the post in what was perhaps the most divisive competition in its history.

Swiss performer Nemo has won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest, pipping Croatian artist Baby Lasagna to the post in what was perhaps the most divisive competition in its history. The nonbinary singer, representing Switzerland, won with their track “The Code,” collecting 591 points from a combinat...

03/05/2024

Businesswoman, philanthropist, and social activist Farida Lukmanjee celebrated her birthday in Colombo in grand style with friends and special invitees

30/04/2024

Cinnamon Colombo Hotels recently hosted an exclusive appreciation event to celebrate the invaluable contributions of its vendors, wedding concierge services and banquet-associated partners.

The event was a significant opportunity to recognise and acknowledge the support received from its partners and its ongoing commitment to elevating the guest experience and safety standards.

In an era where hospitality norms continuously evolve, ensuring guests' safety, comfort, and satisfaction, the attendees were also presented with Cinnamon Colombo Hotels in-depth safety standards and guidelines implemented throughout the three properties. In ensuring a seamless and secure experience for all its guests, knowledge was shared through a panel discussion led by industry leaders, which delved into the dynamic hospitality landscape and the critical need to adhere to robust safety standards and guidelines. The panellists shared insights on adapting to changing standards while maintaining a harmonious relationship with protocols to enhance the overall guest experience and safety.

The event provided a platform for collaboration and appreciation and reinforced Cinnamon Colombo Hotels' commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry and to guest safety.

26/04/2024

The luxury hotel ITC Ratnadipa was declared open by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo, Thursday.

The flagship hospitality icon of ITC Hotels was inaugurated in the presence of Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dinesh Gunewardena, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha and Sanjiv Puri, Chairman and Managing Director, ITC Ltd, India.

25/04/2024

President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared open the luxury hotel ITC Ratnadipa in Colombo, Thursday, in the presence of a number of distinguished invitees.

ITC Ratnadipa, a jewel in Colombo’s skyline, promises to enrich the tourism and hospitality landscape of Sri Lanka.

This flagship hospitality icon of ITC Hotels was inaugurated by the President in the presence of Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dinesh Gunewardena, Santosh Jha, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Sanjiv Puri, Chairman and Managing Director, ITC Ltd, India.

This luxury destination draws inspiration from the national flower of Sri Lanka, the floating water lily, which is a recurrent motif across the hotel.

ITC Ratnadipa or “Island of Gems” offers 352 guest rooms, suites and service apartments, each adorned with private balconies with breath taking waterfront views.

This landmark complex situated along the shores of the Indian Ocean on one side and Beira Lake on the other, comprises two stellar towers that stand gracefully together presenting impeccable hospitality at both ITC Ratnadipa Hotel and the luxurious Sapphire Residences.

Connecting the two towers at a height of 100 meters, is the first of its kind, state of the art ‘Ahasa’ sky bridge, an architectural marvel.

Commenting on the launch of ITC Ratnadipa, Sanjiv Puri, Chairman and Manging Director of ITC Ltd. said, “ITC is one of India’s foremost multi-business conglomerates with businesses in Consumer Goods, Hotels, Paperboards & Packaging, Agri Business and Information Technology. The Company has over the years, built iconic properties across India that are inspired by the
ITC Hotels’ philosophy of being rooted to the soil and reflect the unique architecture, vibrant culture and grandeur of the region. These world-class hotels offer globally renowned signature cuisines, best-in-class services and have pioneered an ethos of Responsible Luxury.

23/04/2024

Savindri Perera, or Sav as she is best known, drew the applause of the judges on the latest season of MasterChef Australia for her Sri Lankan dish.

Born in Colombo where she lived until moving to Adelaide aged 18, food permeates Sav’s childhood memories, growing up with older sister Chethanee, her late Mum Chandrika and Dad Chethiya.

Citing her beloved mum as her food hero, Chandrika was an exceptional cook, and the family lived within a culture that valued both the act of cooking and eating together. Memories of eating from roadside stalls with cousins or unforgettable crab curry Sunday lunches are just part of what forms Sav’s “family food map”.

The loss of her vivacious mother in 2017 left a void in Sav that has been understandably difficult to overcome. Accepting her Mum’s passing has been a long road through the many stages of grief, but through this, Sav has built a deep resilience and finally feels ready to take on the MasterChef Australia challenge, in part to honour her mother’s memory and the indelible mark she has left on Sav.

Describing her cooking style as rustic, generous and colourful, Sav’s love of cooking amped up around age 12 after discovering Nigella. She lists onion, garlic and curry leaves as her holy trinity, nothing happens in Sri Lankan cooking without them!

Friendly, fun, strong-willed and sassy, Sav has a steely determination that she will bring to each cook, competitive to the core and born with the will to win. Having quit her job to focus on the competition, she is ready for her next phase of growth which begins now in the MasterChef Australia kitchen.

With a deep understanding of flavour, Sav thinks her use of spices and ability to balance the six tastes will give her an edge, as will her baking expertise. However, she knows she’ll need to keep her overthinking in check in order to stay on track.

Hoping to become a permanent fixture on the Adelaide food scene, Sav’s ultimate dream is to one day have a brunch café celebrating Sri Lankan flavours. (Colombo Gazette / 10play)

20/04/2024

In true Sri Lankan spirit, Cinnamon Grand Colombo hosted an Avurudhu event at Nuga Gama. Festivities included Sri Lankan food, sweets, beverages, and traditional activities that remind us all of our youth, a lovely introduction to anyone experiencing their first Avurudhu.

13/04/2024

Deakin Avrudu ‘24 organized by the Deakin University Sri Lankan Association (DUSLA) was held at the Vermont South Neighbourhood House, in Victoria, Australia.

12/04/2024

The MLH Avurudu Maha Gedara Kavili Kade 2024 was held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel.
The Kavili Kade 2024 was declared open by Chief Guest Ratnapala Samaraweera - Chairman of Maliban Group.

The MLH Avurudu Maha Gedara Kavili Kade 2024 was held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. The Kavili Kade 2024 was declared open by Chief Guest Ratnapala Samaraweera - Chairman of Maliban Group.

12/04/2024

The MLH Avurudu Maha Gedara Kavili Kade 2024 was held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel.
The Kavili Kade 2024 was declared open by Chief Guest Ratnapala Samaraweera - Chairman of Maliban Group.

Mount Lavinia Hotel