The event “Style Surge,” organised by the Lions Club Elevate, was an evening filled with glamour, leadership and purpose collided in a spectacular fusion. The grand Ballroom at Galle Face Hotel became a canvas of fashion; every detail, from the floral centrepiece to the curated lighting, whispered elegance, while glamour set the stage, purpose was the back bone.

The show featured a curated selection of Sri Lankan designers, each bringing their signature styles to the stage.

The designers captivated the audience with bold, contemporary silhouettes that fused modern trends with traditional influence, creating pieces that were both sophisticated and wearable.

The batik ensembles by doyen of Batiks, Eric Suriyasena, were masterpieces, demonstrating the designer’s mastery in balancing artistry and practicality. Each piece told a story, highlighting the cultural nuances of Sri Lanka, while contributing to the glamour of the event.

The hair and make up for the models were curated by Salon Avra by Thushari de Silva and was nothing short of perfection,

From sleek, modern looks to elegant textured styles, Salon Avra ensured every model complemented the designer’s vision, highlighting the intricate details of each ensemble. The artistry on stage reflected a seamless collaboration between fashion beauty and presentation.

Style Surge unfolded an evening of elegance, creativity and purpose. It brought together Colombo style conscious crowd, social leaders and fashion enthusiasts and transformed the venue into a vibrant celebration of couture and compassion.

As the lights dimmed,the runaway came alive with a striking showcase of designs, ranging from contemporary chic to timeless sophistication, by designers like Eric Suriyasena, Anushko, Azeena Sulaiman and Jaywanthi Panibharatha. Leading fashion brands showcased were Aluminium, Disala, Eriq and Elegant Closet, and they presented a blend of contemporary and traditional fashion. Jewellery for the show was designed and sponsored by Blue Majestara Ceylon, . The Chief Guest was District Governor Lion Mahesh Borolugoda and his wife Lion Lady Sunethra Borolugoda.

Beyond glamour, this event, Style Surge, carried a meaningful mission to help rennovate two schools and improve educational facilities for future students

Lions Club of Colombo Elevate district 306D6, the organisers of this event, have been long synonymous with community development .The event underscores the power of fashion as a force of good.

Proceeds and awareness generated though the evening will be directed towards the clubs ongoing humanitarian initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to uplifting communities while engaging the public in an inspiring way.

In every sense, the event was more than a fashion show, it was a statement. This event reaffirms that glamour can also carry a purpose, creativity can spark compassion, and a runaway that can become a powerful platform for social change. This fashion show was graced by distinguished guests of honour , including designers Aseka Wijewardena, Michael Wijesuriya, Yolande Aluwihare, and Shyara Mendis

This event was organised by Lion Diana Nilanthi, Shen, Lion Thushari de Silva and Lion Shashika Hettiarachchi, whose commitment to creativity and attention to detail transformed the event into a truly memorable evening. They were the driving force that brought the vision of the show to life. Their meticulous planning, conceptualising the theme, coordinating the designers ensured the show ran seamlessly, from start to finish Pix by Thushara Attapathu

By Zanita Careem

A four-decade journey on the small screen is not just a celebration of years. It is a legacy shaped by charisma and personality -both on and off screen presence. That is Kumar de Silva.

When speaking of “Bonsoir,” it is impossible to separate it from the Kumar de Silva brand. He began his journey on the small screen, exactly 40 years ago, in 1986, with “Bonsoir.” It became an extension of his voice, his passion and his unique signature style of conversation.

“Bonsoir” means Good Evening in French and was never just another talk show. Presented by the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka, it began at a time when Sri Lankan television was still largely new and very predictable.

What both Yasmin Rajapakse and Kumar did at that time was revolutionary. They transformed their shows into a near-theatrical experience, much to the delight of the viewers, where guests often revealed sides of themselves rarely seen elsewhere.

Kumar de Silva didn’t just host, he performed. His deliberate pauses, his curated eye contact, and carefully phrased questions were all part of a performance that was sophisticated and classy. Kumar was probing but never loud. He allowed moments of silence and subtle nuances, thus creating deep mystique, too.

Even today “Bonsoir”, with Yasmin Rajapakse and Kumar de Silva, is remembered not just as a programme but as a mood, a style and a benchmark.

Kumar’s journey on the small screen, however, went far beyond “Bonsoir.”

The doors opened and brought him programmes on ITN, TNL Television, Prime Television and Rupavahini (SLRC)

There was also the very popular “Fanclub” music programme over ITN which ran for 14 consecutive years and won him an award for Best TV Presenter of the Year.

Added to this were News Reading, Business Talk Shows, Celebrity Chats, and Dhamma discussions on Poya days, to name a few.

Then came the Internet and Social Media. On Pulse Online he hosted three successful talk shows – “Anything But with Kumar de Silva”, “The Lockdown Diaries” (during Covid) and “Aperitifs with Kumar.”

Currently there’s “Rendez-Vous with Yasmin and Kumar” on French Embassy YouTube Channel and also the hugely popular “Fame Game with Rozanne and Kumar” – on Daily Mirror Online, Hi Online and The Sun Online.

In 2012, in recognition of his contribution to promoting the French language and culture in Sri Lanka, the title of ‘Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres’ (Chevalier in the Order of Arts and Letters) was conferred upon Kumar by the Government of France.

The Kumar de Silva I have known personally for 40+ years has worn numerous hats: Journalist, Compere, Media Strategist and PR and Media Consultant. He is currently a much- sought-after Personal Development and Corporate Etiquette Trainer.

Yet it is “Bonsoir” that remains his most iconic avatar – a platform that defined his career and shaped generations of viewers. This is a four-decade celebration across the small screen shaped by Kumar de Silva’s charisma, refinement and diplomacy.

By Zanita Careem

A specially curated limited edition “Aluth Avurudu Gift Packs” by Atlas Axillia in celebration of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, offering a meaningful and educational gifting option for children across Sri Lanka. Timed for the festive season, the initiative encourages parents, relatives, and well-wishers to move beyond conventional gifts and select options that support children’s learning and development. Anchored by the tagline “Podi weddange dhenuma wedena hodhama thegga,” the initiative highlights the importance of nurturing knowledge during moments of celebration, while staying true to Atlas’ core purpose of making learning fun and enjoyable for every child.

Designed to bring together the joy of Avurudu and the value of education, the Atlas Aluth Avurudu Gift Packs include a range of quality stationery and learning tools that inspire creativity, curiosity, and productivity among children. Built on Atlas’ belief that learning should be engaging and fun, the pack transforms everyday learning into a rewarding experience. At a time when gifting often centres on short-term excitement, Atlas offers a thoughtful alternative that supports long-term learning and skill development, helping children remain meaningfully engaged during the festive holidays. Some of these gifts are specially designed to be used during the auspicious time for commencing work, seamlessly integrating educational moments into festive rituals and enriching the overall experience.

Commenting on the launch, Kasuni Bandara, General Manager – Marketing of Atlas Axillia Co. (Pvt) Ltd., stated, “At Atlas, making learning enjoyable lies at the heart of everything we do. The Aluth Avurudu Gift Packs are designed to celebrate the spirit of the season while bringing added value to a child’s learning journey. This initiative reflects our commitment to ‘Making the learning journey fun and joyful’ and encourages children to explore, create, and grow with enthusiasm. Children learn best through hands-on experiences, and our activity kits are designed to support that process.”

Available at leading retail outlets, stationery stores islandwide, and leading e-commerce channels from early April, Atlas Aluth Avurudu Gift Packs reinforce the brand’s promise of delivering innovative, high-quality educational solutions for Sri Lankan children. As families come together to celebrate the New Year, Atlas invites them to make gifting more meaningful by choosing gifts that inspires young minds, where learning is not only valuable but truly enjoyable.