Life style
“Aluxe” Azeena’s couture collection at Flower Road
Azee collection, the fashion brand of Azeena Sulaiman has made her name as an acclaimed fashion success.Her recently opened fashion boutique ‘Aluxe’ at Flower Road has now emerged as one of Sri Lanka’s most exciting place to keep an eye on.Talking about her beginning of her fashion career she says “I always had a penchant for fashion and fashionable clothing from my young days. I was hooked on colours, shapes and fine details on any piece of attire. This has helped me forge a unique signature and recognition in the world of designing
Hailing from a business family from Colombo 7 she was inspired by her father to start something of her own. She started designing on a small scale and soon her designing prowess became a talking point among women both young and old.
“I gained an eye for detail and the importance of organisation from my father that made me reliable and competent which was a good attribute to move forward and to be both personal and work life. My very first dress boutique with the brand name Azee collection managed to make a name for myself in the competitive fashion world.
And since then no looking back, I took this work seriously and today I have gained popularity and the brand name Azee collection became the talking point among fashion icons, socialites, celebrities and many others.
Her niche fashion store Aluxe which was opened recently has very exclusive ensembles keeping in mind the client’s aesthetic appeal and individuality. What sets the Azee collection brand apart from others. I queried
To that she says ‘my haute couture collection perfectly blends innovation in fashion. My designs not only give out an elegant feel, but are contemporary at the same time. I always keep the style quotient right adding my personal touches to the silhouettes, which has brought client satisfaction. Her signature silhouettes lie in highly modern cuts,fine detailing,bold lines and geometric precision which make them classy and elegant
She says with pride ‘I offer a minimalist wardrobe, focused on clean cuts and impeccable details to strong sophisticated women which make them look classy and elegant”.
Not only her fashion line is daring and elegant but also behind each pieces of clothing that the brand owns is a message on the strength and power of women. Timeless, exuding femininity her collection always resonates with style.
What makes her brand so appealing. According to some clients I spoke to, they said . Azeena’s each outfit is truly one of a kind and we are enthralled by her designs
Sporting a long tunic or any outfit from Azee’s collection from far away is not very hard to do so. They also said many of her pieces are not seasonal and can be worn year after year with style and elegance. The brand is absolutely adored by her customers and offers statement pieces that inject elegance.
Some of her evening wear silhouettes have a big celebrity base, as the designer’s aesthetic is a perfect blend of beauty, fashion and extravaganza.
The brand is also popular and trusted because of the quality it provides. Azee collection is an eponymous brand which has introduce some exciting designs to the fashion world and are perfect for the contemporary fashion forward people
“Our tailoring staff make special care of customised tailoring. They take you through every detail and customise the outfit to suit your choice” said Azeena
Talking about those who proved to be the wind beneath her wings she graciously expresses gratitude to her son for being a constant source of support and the staff who are a driving force for all her motivation.
Mount Lavinia Hotel, known as “Galkissa Maha Hotalaya had thier “Avurudu Maha Gedara” celebration for the 2025 Sinhala and Tamil New Year. This year’s festivities were spectacular, with the iconic Chef Publis Silva at the helm of the culinary offerings.
The concept of “Avurudu Maha Gedara” – the grand ancestral home where families gather during New Year – perfectly embodies Mount Lavinia Hotel’s role as a cultural cornerstone in the community. Just as in the traditional village “Maha gedara” welcomes extended families, the historic hotel opens its doors to all Sri Lankans and visitors wishing to experience authentic New Year traditions.
“Avurudu Maha Gedara at Mount Lavinia Hotel is more than just a celebration – it’s our way of preserving and sharing Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage,” says Anura Dewapura, Chief Operating Officer of Mount Lavinia Hotel Group. “We take pride in creating a space where families and friends can come together to experience the joy and traditions of the New Year in an authentic setting that honors our collective past while creating new memories.”
Grand Kavili Kade opening and Avurudu market
The celebrations kicked off with the grand opening of the Kavili Kade (sweetmeat shop) on Sunday, April 6th at 4:30 PM. Visitors were treated to a vibrant cultural spectacle featuring traditional dancing, music, games, and dramatic performances. Distinguished guests including corporate partners, business associates, ambassadors, and media representatives attended this colorful inauguration.
The hotel’s courtyard was transformed into an eco-friendly Avurudu Market, showcasing special New Year items, homeware, and decorative pieces. Following the grand opening, the Kavili Kade will welcome guests daily from 10 AM to 8 PM until April 13th.
Exquisite Kavili hampers
For those looking to bring the flavors of Avurudu home, Mount Lavinia Hotel has curated three distinctive kavili hampers named after beloved Sri Lankan flora:
The premium Erabadu Hamper – the most comprehensive sweetmeat collection
The Ehela Hamper – a delightful mid-range offering
The Bakmee Hamper ) – a perfect introduction to traditional treats
Each hamper can be delivered directly to your doorstep, making them ideal both for family celebrations and as meaningful gifts during the New Year season.
“Feast of the Nation” – A Culinary Journey Across Sri Lanka
On Avurudu Day, Mount Lavinia Hotel will host its renowned “Feast of the Nation” lunch buffet, celebrating Sri Lanka’s diverse culinary heritage. At , this extraordinary buffet transcends ethnic boundaries, offering a comprehensive journey through the island’s rich culinary landscape. The feast features authentic dishes from every corner of Sri Lanka, bringing together the distinct flavors and cooking traditions that represent the country’s multicultural identity in one magnificent spread.
“The Avurudu celebration at Mount Lavinia Hotel represents the true spirit of Sri Lankan unity,” Dewapura continued. ” Through our traditional foods, we honor the cultural tapestry that makes our nation so special.”
Mount Lavinia Hotel’s “Avurudu Maha Gedara” welcomes Sri Lankans of all ages and backgrounds to experience the rich traditions of the New Year in the magnificent setting of this historic landmark.
For reservations and inquiries, contact Mount Lavinia Hotel at 0112 711 711.
This April, Cinnamon Grand Colombo brings the joyous essence of Avurudu alive with a line-up of delightful culinary experiences, cultural festivities, and memorable moments for the whole family. Here’s how you can celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with flavour, tradition, and warmth said the press release.
New Year vibes
The release said experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a truly Sri Lankan New Year from 12–15 April 2025, starting from 5 PM onwards at the Lobby.
Watch live demonstrations of traditional sweetmeats being made, like kawum and kokis, and enjoy the rhythmic beats of raban drums as the hotel lobby transforms into a celebration of Avurudu culture.
Lobby – Cinnamon Grand Colombo
12–15 April, from 5 PM onwards
Call +94 11 247 3494 for details
Celebrate Avurudu Tradition and taste at Nuga Gama
On 14 April 2025, step into a truly authentic village-style Avurudu celebration at Nuga Gama. Starting at 8 AM, guests can enjoy a lavish Kavili Table and Lunch Buffet filled with traditional sweets and festive Sri Lankan dishes.
There’ll also be Avurudu games and vibrant activities to keep the whole family entertained.
This Sinhala and Tamil New Year, step away from the ordinary and embrace the spirit of Avurudu at Sun Siyam Pasikudah with the joyous rhythms of tradition, community, and coastal serenity, under the vibrant theme, Festival of the Sun said a press release
Set along the golden shores of Pasikudah, the luxury five-star beach resort transforms into a festive haven where timeless rituals meet joyful recreation. From traditional ceremonies to fun-filled family games, guests are promised an unforgettable experience that captures the heart of Sri Lankan heritage, celebrating the essence of togetherness, gratitude, and renewal release said.
As the sun rises to mark the dawn of the New Year, guests will witness the symbolic milk boiling ceremony—a sacred ritual signifying prosperity and new beginnings. The preparation of the Kavili Mesaya, or traditional sweet table, will follow—featuring a colourful spread of mouthwatering Avurudu treats like kokis, mung kavum, aluwa, and konda kavum. The celebration continues with a ceremonial oil lamp lighting, setting the tone for a day rooted in cultural elegance and island warmth.
The Kids’ Corner is all set to light up with playful delights such as Breaking Balloons and Placing the Eye on the Elephant, promising giggles and memories for the little ones. Families and groups can bond over light-hearted yet lively games including Fill the Bottle by Hand, Sack Races, and the ever-popular Musical Chairs—guaranteed to spark friendly competition and lots of laughs.
For those seeking a thrill, competitive events like Tug of War (Ladies vs Gents), Pillow Fight, and the classic Blindfolded Pot Breaking are sure to bring out the festive spirit in full force.
While the Avurudu festivities steal the spotlight, Sun Siyam Pasikudah continues to charm guests with its signature blend of tropical luxury and authentic Sri Lankan hospitality.
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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North-western, Uva and North-central provinces during the afternoon or night
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