Sri Lankan-origin actress Bhavithra Gananathan made her professional acting debut as Sita in the major arena production Diwali Story: The Journey of Ram – a musical at OVO Arena Wembley recently

The 19-year-old multidisciplinary artist and university student will appear opposite Kiran Kaanan, who plays Ram, in the large-scale musical retelling of the Ramayana. The professional cast will be joined by approximately 100 community actors and dancers. The production follows the success of the show’s sold-out 2025 staging at the Royal Albert Hall and will feature new material and original music.

Bhavithra is an actoress, writer and classically trained Bharatanatyam dancer. She began acting at the age of five, when she played Ursula in a production of The Little Mermaid. During the ensuing 14 years, she trained and performed with organisations, including the National Youth Theatre and the Rose Theatre. She currently trains at the Collective Acting Studio and won the National Iris Breuer Writing Award in 2024.

She began learning Bharatanatyam at the age of seven under her aunt, Smt Meena Elankumaran, and completed her Arangetram in March 2025. Bhavithra has also trained in Carnatic vocal music since she was 12.

Commenting on Sita’s connection with Sri Lanka, Bhavithra said: “As a young woman, it is especially meaningful to portray Sita. An important part of her journey unfolds in Sri Lanka, and the island’s landscape, history and traditions retain a powerful connection with the Ramayana. Playing Sita allows me to explore that connection while helping to bring this timeless story to a new generation.”

The musical begins in the home of a contemporary British family, where a teenager, named Luv, is introduced by his grandparents to the deeper meaning of the story of Ram and Sita. The production explores exile, sacrifice, duty and difficult choices while presenting the Ramayana in a way designed to engage audiences across different generations.

The Wembley production included original songs and music by Indian composer Rahul Ranade, with celebrated playback singer and Padma Shri recipient Kavita Krishnamurthy contributing to the new score. A newly created third act explored the five days of Diwali and the continuing influence of the Ramayana’s values on contemporary family traditions.

Directed and co-written by Sâmir Bhamra, the production was presented by Sanatan Events Ltd in partnership with The Palan Foundation and Golden Tours.

Cinnamon Grand Colombo invites diners to discover the diversity of Filipino cuisine ‘Taste the Philippines’, a three-night culinary experience at Plates, from 6 to 8 October 2026, led by visiting Filipino Chef Hernan Christian A. De Jesus.

Taking place from 7PM to 11PM, the promotion will bring together much-loved Filipino favourites and regional specialities, offering guests an opportunity to explore the flavours, ingredients and culinary traditions that have shaped the Philippines.

At the heart of the promotion is Chef Hernan Christian A. De Jesus, currently Partner and Executive Chef of Casa Mojica Restaurant, as well as Executive Chef and Owner of HERNAN, his private dining and kitchen studio. His career has also included roles as Executive Chef and Director of Provenciano Restaurant and Head Chef of Victorino’s Restaurant, alongside his work as a restaurant concept, food and catering consultant.

Chef Hernan’s culinary journey extends beyond the restaurant kitchen. He is a member of the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement and was a Co-Founder and former Board Director of KAWA Pilipinas Foundation Inc., a humanitarian food programme. His international culinary experience includes representing Filipino cuisine at events in China and Malaysia, including the Filipino Food Festival at Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou in 2025 and the World Tapas Asian Exhibit, Festival and Competition in Malaysia in 2025 and 2026.

For Kain Tayo, Chef Hernan will present a selection that reflects different regions and traditions of Filipino cooking. Among the dishes featured is Daing na Bangus, a traditional preparation of butterflied milkfish marinated in vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper before being pan-fried until crisp and golden.

Guests can also discover Inasal, a grilled chicken speciality associated with Western Visayas and particularly Bacolod City, marinated with calamansi, vinegar, garlic, spices and annatto before being grilled over hot coals. Another highlight, Kare-Kare, brings a rich peanut-based stew traditionally prepared with meat and vegetables and accompanied by bagoong alamang.

The menu also journeys through regional Filipino favourites such as Dinakdakan, an Ilocos speciality combining grilled pork with onions, ginger, chilli and calamansi, and Kansi, a Western Visayas beef shank soup featuring unripe jackfruit and batwan, a native fruit used as a souring agent. Guests can also experience Sisig, originating from Pampanga, and Bulalo, a comforting beef shank and bone marrow soup associated particularly with Batangas and Southern Luzon.

Sheraton Colombo Hotel has appointed Imran Noordeen as its new Director of Sales and Marketing. Imran has more than two decades of experience across Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry and international markets.

Imran’s career reflects a steady progression through sales, marketing and commercial leadership roles across some of the country’s most recognised hospitality brands. Having started his career at Galle Face Hotel in 2006, he built his experience with Cinnamon City Hotels, Premier Inn Middle East in Dubai, Browns Hotels and Resorts.

He commenced his journey with Marriott International in 2017 with his appointment as Sales Manager for Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa, and continued to serve as the commercial leader for Courtyard by Marriott Colombo and Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort. Most recently, he served as Director of Sales and Marketing for Cinnamon City Hotels.

In his new position at Sheraton Colombo Hotel, Imran will lead the hotel’s sales and marketing strategy, with a focus on strengthening its market presence, developing strategic partnerships and driving meaningful commercial opportunities.

“I am delighted to return to Marriott International and be part of this exciting chapter for Sheraton Colombo Hotel. Sheraton has always represented meaningful connections, and I look forward to working closely with our associates, partners and guests to create experiences that resonate, while strengthening our position within Colombo’s dynamic hospitality landscape,” said Imran Noordeen.

Imran’s appointment reinforces Sheraton Colombo’s commitment to strengthening its commercial capabilities while delivering meaningful experiences for guests and partners in line with Sheraton’s purpose as The World’s Gathering Place.