Life style

Fight like a Girl

Published

5 years ago

2020/08/16

Inspired by fellow ‘Endometriosis Warriors’ across the world and fuelled by her own struggle with the little-talked of condition, The Endometriosis Awareness and Support Foundation, the first of its kind here at home, is the brainchild of corporate lawyer, Rashani Meegama. The Endometriosis Soldier that she is, Rashani shares with the Sunday Island her chilling experience with the incapacitating condition which propelled her to reach out to fellow Sri Lankan women and young girls suffering silently …

by Randima Attygalle

“When I was 14, I almost passed out in period pain at a mid-term exam. I had to abandon the paper half way to be taken to the school sick room by my classmates where I waited for my mother to come and pick me. With the passage of time, the pain got worse and it was presumed to be just normal period pain. The obstetrician who first investigated dismissed me as a ‘fussy young girl’ who eats too much of oily food and then complains!” recollects Rashani Meegama who is a severe Endometriosis combatant.

Rashani, 41 years now, was first diagnosed with Endometriosis in her early 30s. She would go through harrowing episodes of prolonged pain, confined to bed with pain killers and heat packs. In a nerve-wracking recollection, she relives collapsing and rolling in pain in her lawn. “The washroom visits which I had to muster up so much courage to take, were agonizing due to pain and exhaustion. I would be up at wee hours in the morning with a heat pack when my mother and husband would be exhausted and flat out after attending to me and I would feel helpless, scared and desperate,” she recounted.

A painful disorder where endometrial tissue (the lining of the womb/uterus) grows outside the uterus, Endometriosis most commonly involves ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis. “An extreme case of Endometriosis”, as she calls herself, Rashani is now at ‘Stage four’ of the condition. Still very much an unspoken topic here at home, the disease itself is a mystery she says. Although several theories have been suggested including genetics, retrograde menstruation (when some of the womb lining flows up through the fallopian tubes and embeds itself on the organs of the pelvis, rather than leaving the body as a period) and problems with immune system, none of them fully explain the reason for this ‘confusing’ and debilitating condition.

From crippling pain of body to intangible fatigue and mind fog, the condition can severely affect personal and professional life, job goals, reproductive health and self-esteem. Its symptoms varying in great degree from woman to woman, makes the diagnosis difficult. According to the Endometriosis Foundation of America, the disease affects one in 10 reproductive-aged women (aged 12-52) – an estimated 200 million individuals worldwide, and many often experience a decade-long delay in diagnosis. It is also one of the leading causes of infertility.

The physical, mental and life-altering toll Endometriosis has had on Rashani’s life drove her to champion The Endometriosis Awareness and Support Foundation (EASF) under the banner ‘Fight like a girl’. A corporate lawyer by profession, this life crippling condition has robbed so much from Rashani’s life. The excruciating pain accompanied by migraines, irritable bowels, joint and back pain, nausea, brain fog, excessive mood swings, infertility related issues, weight gain, and even bouts of depression- all by products of her condition, left her professional life at the receiving end, forcing her to give up her court practice.

“Even a small court visit would keep me tied to bed with severe migraine caused by heat, stress, and general fatigue. There were times when I had to end up in Emergency Care with injections to mitigate the pain coupled with suppositories. With all this, it would still take about five days for me to completely recover.”

No longer be able to hold to a ‘regular job’, Rashani finally created her vocation around her disease and related issues by setting up two small-scale law firms. “This way, I could have my own time and take my own leave and mercifu

missed out on many personal milestones as well as my social life,” says the vivacious lady whose smile and warm persona are infectious. “I was so sick when I was sitting for my Masters in Law and I missed out my graduation as I had to go through emergency surgery.”

lly it has worked out well,” smiles the Endometriosis trooper that she is today. “In my struggle with the condition, I have

The girl who never missed a party and was often the last to leave one muses: “friends found it difficult to understand why I would go into a shell and stay away from gatherings, parties etc. Besides my pain struggles, I also found it difficult to make people understand my difficulty in coping with daily life. Even simple chores like doing groceries is impacted due to fatigue the condition entails. The biggest issue was that it was a debilitating disease which took a hit in all areas of my life but it was an unknown and unspoken disease which resulted in more frustration confusion and misunderstanding medically and personally.”

Inspired by Padma Lakshmi – model, author, actress and television host rolling into one and the Co-Founder of The Endometriosis Foundation of America, Rashani, set up The Endometriosis Awareness and Support Foundation (EASF), the first of its kind here at home to galvanize passionate individuals to rally around it and thereby lend a voice for the cause. “One need not necessarily be an Endometriosis fighter, anyone committed to this cause either at personal or professional capacity could come join hands with EASF.” Inspired by Endometriosis warriors like Padma Lakshmi whose experience drove her to take a personal shift in her battle with the condition, Rashani has devised her own coping mechanism besides clinical interventions. Eating healthy, indulging in physical activities she enjoys, meditation and music had made wonders in her life.

“By raising awareness in terms of the disease, its symptoms and treatment options, EASF aspires to let the rest of society know how much women with Endometriosis go through and thereby create better communication and support at the school, family and public level, to let women in this predicament know that it’s normal to feel this way and that they are not abnormal or alone in this battle and to initiate a strong support network and improved coping mechanisms.”

Although the world is yet to find a cure for Endometriosis, it could be successfully managed, notes Rashani, if diagnosed accurately with the right team of medical practitioners on board- be it western, Ayurveda or alternate medicine. Yet it is never on a platter, says the ‘Endo-Fighter’ whose platform seeks to be a harbinger of hope and guidance in disease recognition

, treatment options and lifestyle enhancement. Empowering women with Endometriosis and their families to make informed decisions on medical and child bearing options, to help them improve their quality of life are also on EASF’s mandate.

Passionate to ensure that both our young girls and older women are aware of Endometriosis and that period pain may not always be a trivial ‘girl issue’, Rashani urges to be mindful of heavy periods, unusual weight gain in young years- early markers which ought to be flagged and investigated as she says. EASF, although still in its infancy, is confidently positioned to make a positive change in the lives of Sri Lankan women silently suffering with Endometriosis and its ripple effects. EASF also hopes to facilitate more research studies on the subject locally.

Enabling better understanding of the condition at family and corporate level is also envisaged by the Foundation. While encouraging women battling with it to ‘listen to their bodies’ and afford ‘plenty of ME time’, EASF’s founder avers: “don’t build walls around you, talk to someone about your condition outside your doctors. Never let the condition control your life, goals and dreams. Most importantly, don’t let it steal away the woman in you….”

For those who would like to rally around The Endometriosis Awareness and Support Foundation, please write to LankaEndoWarrior@gmail.com

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Life style

Aslam Hussein’s Couture and Trousseau

Published

3 days ago

2025/12/21

Thilina Walpola

At Colombo Fashion Week,held recently at Cinnamon Grand,designer Aslam Hussein delivered a collection that spoke the language of quiet confidence and refined glamour, positioning him firmly as a Fashion Edit, favourite this season.

‘His collection unfolded like a carefully composed symphony – each piece moving with a rhythm of elegance and poise. Aslam Hussein’s runaway was more than a presentation – it was a story of refined luxury, individuality and timeless beauty where couture met emotion and each garment became a living expression of artistry.

Colombo Fashion Week was held this November at Cinnamon Grand ,namely Couture + Trousseau . The event was part of the luxury edit focused on high fashion,bridal wear and destination wedding,celebrating CFW’’s 22 rd anniversary Aslam Hussein opened the runway and his collection balanced sharp tailoring with fluid silhouettes, creating looks that felt both modern and enduring. Clean lines, thoughtful construction and an understated palette allowed craftsmanship to take centre stage. The colour palette was muted yet rich, allowing texture and craftsmanship to speak. Luxurious fabrics caught the light with every step, revealing subtle interplay between movement and form. Each silhouette told a story of – timeless, modern and effortless elegance

Aslam Hussein redefines elegance at CFW

Fluid silhouettes, muted palettes and clean tailoring defined his collection.

On the ramp,models moved with understated confidence, their hairstyles were created by. Ramani Fernando salons,the soft luminous makeup complemented the collection’s quiet sophistication. Each silhouette reflected Aslam’s commitment to craftsmanship, versatility and timeless style. Since establishing his label, he has been a staple on Sri Lanka’s fashion calendar, consistently presenting at Colombo Fashion Weeks and earning recognition for his designs.

His collection this year re-affirmed his mastery of understated elegance and contemporary luxury. Neutral tones were punctioned with occasion, deep shades, allowing fabric, cut and texture to take centre stage. Models carried the collection with measured poise. Make up was luminous yet natural, letting the silhouettes and individual model presence shine. Through his designs, Aslam Huseein has cultivated a following among modern cosmopolitan clientele who appreciate understated glamour, versatility and the quiet power of elegance.

His contributions have solidified his reputation as a designer who bridges Sri Lanka’s rich fashion heritage with an international sensibility.

Colombo Fashion Week is Sri Lanka’s premier event, showcasing the country’s top designers alongside emerging talent and is one of the glamorous events in the fashion landscape. The visionary is Ajay Vir Singh, founder of Colombo Fashion Week, whose leadership continues to elevate Sri Lanka’s premier fashion platform to international level.

Life style

Hairstyle maestro: Niroshan at Ramani Fernando salon at Mount Lavinia

Published

3 days ago

2025/12/21

Thilina Walpola

Ramani Fernando salons is a name that has taken men and women’s grooming to new heights since its inception at Mount Lavinia. The salon has made its mark on the locals and celebrities alike. Over the years, Ramani Fernando Salons has not just set a benchmark for luxury grooming services but has also redefined how men perceive self-care, hair styling, and professional grooming. This salon at Mount Lavinia under its Manager Kappitiya Godage, namely Niroshan known by clients has become a favourite destination for those who sought more than just a haircut. The salon introduces a range of services—from precision styling and beard grooming to men’s makeup for photoshoots. The manager at Mount Lavinia is Niroshan Suresh. His philosophy emphasized that grooming is not just about appearance but also about confidence and self-expression and most importantly – self-care. He says make-up and grooming are not just limited to the opposite gender!

What makes Ramani Fernando Salon at Mount stand out. It is its innovative style and technique to men and women’s grooming. This branch prides itself on using cutting-edge tools and premium products that ensure every client leaves with a polished, customized look. The salon focus is on continuous learning and staying ahead of trends has earned it the loyalty of a discerning clientele.

Working at Ramani salons, Niroshan has spent many years perfecting the craft of styling, cutting and grooming men’s and woman’s hair, blending technical skill with a keen understanding of contemporary fashion trends. With years of experience, he guides clients on hairstyles and on the selection and proper use of styling products. His presence at Ramani Fernando salon at Mount Lavinia reinforce the brand’s reputation for excellence but also highlights the vital role of a skilled male stylist in shaping men and women’s grooming culture in Sri Lanka.

In the evolving world of men’s grooming, where style isn’t just about guiding a haircut but crafting a confident identity Niroshan at Mount Lavinia represent more than just a stylist or a place to cut hair. With Niroshan at the helm, this salon has become a place where style, innovation and meticulous grooming are curated for any client who walks in.

He is part of Ramani Fernando salons creative team, and brings creativity and precision to every look reflecting the high standards of Ramani Fernando’s renowned beauty collection

Niroshan has been with Ramani Fernando for several years and he is popular among his clients for those seeking sharp, modern and personalised hairstyles. With many years of experience, he has combined technical expertise with an eye for current trends ensuring each client leaves the salon looking confident and polished, Niroshan begins with a consultation, he carefully considers face shape, hair texture and personal style before recommending a look: He tailors each style to suit individual preferences, while ensuring easy to maintenance.

Beyond haircuts and grooming, his services include beard shaping, scalp and hair treatments and guidance on styling products. He makes each client of his leave the salon not just with a haircut but walk with confidence. He enjoys seeing his clients happy and self-assured. His experience, professionalism and knowledge make him a standard stylist in Colombo’s competitive grooming scene. He is very grateful to his senior and dynamic hairdresser Kamal for his guidance and expertise and who has been instrumental in shaping his approach to styling and artistry

by Zanita Careem ✍️

Life style

The Kingsbury, Colombo, Welcomes Season of Splendour

Published

3 days ago

2025/12/21

Thilina Walpola

Seasonal cheer wrapped in tradition and luxury

The Kingsbury, Colombo, welcomes the festive season with a spirit of warmth, elegance and celebration. This year’s Christmas and New Year offerings have been curated to bring guests together through moments of comfort, connection and shared joy across the hotel.

Harbour Court sets the tone for the season with its Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet, Christmas Day Brunch and Christmas Dinner on 24th and 25th December, followed by the New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet on 31st December and the New Year’s Day Lunch and Dinner Buffets on 1st January. Kings Steakbar brings festive fine dining to Colombo with its Sunday Gourmet Carvery every Sunday in December, the Christmas Gourmet Carvery on 24th and 25th December, an á la carte Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day and a Seven-course Gourmet Dinner on New Year’s Eve.

Yue Chuan offers authentic Chinese cuisine with its signature Peking Duck Experience throughout December, daily Dim Sum and a special All You Can Eat menu on 24th, 25th and 31st December. At Tenk?, guests can enjoy elegant Japanese cuisine with the daily Teppanyaki Show, festive á la carte menus on 24th and 25th December and a New Year’s Eve Tasting Menu. Ocean highlights the best of coastal cuisine with festive á la carte menus on 24th, 25th and 31st December. Bringing Sri Lankan authenticity to the season, Tavern presents an Arrack Tasting Experience throughout December.

Festive cheer continues outdoors at Honey Beach Club with live music from 19th to 23rd December, poolside Festive party packages, and the signature New Year’s Eve celebration “Dancing Into 2026,” featuring Infinity and DJ E2. At Sky Lounge, guests can enjoy elevated festivities with Corporate Celebration packages, festive set menus, seasonal cocktails and the New Year’s Eve event “Party in the Sky,” featuring The Kingdom. Seas

For those celebrating at home, The Kingsbury offers Seasonal Roasts and festive hampers, available both ready-made and customisable, while Indulgence provides five-star delivery throughout the season. Families can also enjoy special offers, with children below six dining free and children aged six to ten receiving 50% off buffet dining. Seasonal cocktails, wine menus and bottle deals are available across all outlets.

This year, The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites guests to embrace the season with kindness, hope and cherished moments. Whether dining out, gathering with loved ones or gifting thoughtfully, we are honoured to share a season of splendour with you.