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Don’t shun sunshine Vitamin

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5 years ago

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While most of us avoid the hot sun at noon, we deprive ourselves of ‘Sunshine Vitamin’ or Vitamin D which is at its peak during that time of the day. In an interview with the Sunday Island, Head of the Department of Nutrition at the Medical Research Institute (MRI) and President of the Sri Lanka Medical Nutrition Association (SLMNA), Dr. Renuka Jayatissa throws light on the latest research which has unearthed new knowledge about this natural nutrient boosting our immunity which we often take for granted.

by Randima Attygalle

Known as ‘Sunshine Vitamin’, Vitamin D is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D also functions as a hormone and every body cell has a receptor for it. Sun exposure at mid-day (from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) is the best way to boost vitamin D levels, says Head of Nutrition at the Medical Research Institute (MRI), Dr. Renuka Jayatissa. “Although morning sunlight was traditionally believed to be the best source of vitamin D, new knowledge confirms that 10 to 15 minutes of exposure to midday sun is the best time to make use of sunshine. The exposure becomes even more important as dietary intake of vitamin D is not sufficient.

The findings of local research speak for the changing nature of vitamin D intake, contrary to the popular belief that those from tropical nations are the most benefitted by this nature’s panacea. While the population from the Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces are the most vulnerable to the deficiency due to the climatic patterns, the North Central Province is the least vulnerable given the hot climate of the region and the agrarian lifestyle. “The findings also reveal that 50% of adolescents of the country and nearly 95% of women are vitamin D deficient. This situation is alarming as it is a precursor to a host of other health issues including immunity problems, loss of bone density and muscle weakness,” explains Dr. Jayatissa who warns that COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the situation with restricted movement and children being home bound.

The vitamin D intake from the sun depends on the degree of exposure to sunlight. “If you wear long sleeved shirts/ blouses and trousers, it is most likely that you will get only about 10% of exposure with only your face and neck exposed. However if you wear a short-sleeved shirt/blouse and a mid-length skirt or a frock, you will get about 30% exposed,” points out the physician. “What is recommended is about 10 to 15 minutes of exposure daily. However, overweight people and those with a darker skin complexion will require more. While peak period is between 12 noon to 1 p.m. in the afternoon, ironically this is the time that most Sri Lankans tend to avoid the sun, given the humidity of the environment, says Dr. Jayatissa.

“The school interval is limited only to half an hour and this too during mid-morning. As most children may take their first meal for the day during the interval, there is hardly time for play,” observes the nutrition specialist. Recommendations have already being made to the School Committees of the Education Ministry to give children another mid-day break so that they are exposed to the peak period of sun, says Dr. Jayatissa. “Vitamin D is crucial for children on the threshold of puberty (10-15 years) as it affects growth and immunity.”

The rising elderly population in the country too calls for interventions to mitigate vitamin D deficiency as fractures are a common repercussion. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a loss of bone density which in turn can cause osteoporosis and fractures. “With the elderly population multiplying in years, disability will be an added burden,” warns Dr. Jayatissa. Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and bone metabolism. Low bone density results in loss of calcium and other minerals in bones. Older adults, especially women are at an increased risk of fractures due to this.

Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency are many. Besides lack of exposure to sunlight, having dark skin, being overweight or obese, being elderly, lack of dairy and fish in diet, excessive use of sun screen are among them. “Obesity is a risk factor for the deficiency as increased fat cells in the body require larger doses of vitamin D,” observes the physician who goes onto note that lifestyle patterns too trigger the condition. “Although those who live far from the equator are traditionally considered to be lacking vitamin D, their understanding of this drives them to be exposed to the sun as much as possible. Walking or cycling to work, walking to a cafeteria, traveling to tropical regions during summer etc. push them to bridge the gap. Ironically in our part of the world, apart from farmers and other workers such as those in the construction industry and the manual labour force, people are deprived of sun exposure.”

Since symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are often subtle, many people will not realize that they are lacking it. “However this could affect the quality of life,” remarks Dr. Jayatissa. Height gain is seriously threatened by the condition, she says. “Compared to taller communities such as the Dutch whose average height for males is about 180 cm, Sri Lankan average height is about 168 for men and 153 for women. This may even decrease in time to come, unless the situation is urgently addressed”. Sun exposure as the vitamin D booster cannot be undermined, especially because very few foods such as fish, fish liver oils, egg yolks and fortified dairy and grain products contain vitamin D, notes the nutrition specialist.

Keeping the immune system strong is one of the key roles of vitamin D. During the pandemic, this becomes even more valid as a strong immune system can fight off viruses and even bacteria that cause illness. Studies have confirmed that vitamin D can reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections. “Migraines in young people could also be a cause of the deficiency and muscle cramps in the night among the elderly could also be a strong symptom,” points out Dr. Jayatissa. Bone and back pain, impaired wound healing and even low moods are among the other symptoms.

Certain studies have also found that vitamin D can help treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. While sunshine can do wonders to your skin and body, too much of it can be risky, points out the physician. “Sun spots as a result of sunburn, skin aging, heat stroke and skin cancer are among them.” Administering vitamin D supplements should always be done on clinical advise as vitamin D toxicity entails its own dangers, concludes Dr. Jayatissa.


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Celebration of taste, culture and elegance

Published

6 days ago

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2025/12/7

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Ambassador Damiano, Jagatheeswaran, Barbara Troila and Ambassador of Vietnam, Trinh Thi Tam

Italian Cuisine Week

This year’s edition of Italian Cuisine Week in Sri Lanka unfolded with unmistakable charm, elegance and flavour as the Italian Embassy introduced a theme that captured the very soul of Italian social life ‘Apertivo and’ Stuzzichini’ This year’s celebration brought together diplomats, food lovers, chefs and Colombo’s society crowd for an evening filled with authenticity, refinement and the unmistakable charm of Italian hospitality.

Hosted at the Italian ambassador’s Residence in Colombo, the evening brought Italy’s golden hour ritual to life, embracing the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality and sophistication of Colombo social scene.

The ambience at the residence of the Italian Ambassador, effortlessly refined, evoked the timeless elegance of Milanese evening culture where ‘Apertivo’ is not just a drink , but a moment of pause, connection and pleasure. Guests were greeted with the aromas of apertivo classics and artisanal stuzzichini,curated specially for this edition. From rustic regional flavours to contemporary interpretations the embassy ‘s tables paid homage to Italy’s diverse culinary landscape.

, Italy’s small bites meant to tempt the palate before meal. Visiting Italian chefs worked alongside Colombo’s leading culinary teams to curate a menu that showcased regional authenticity though elegant bite sized creations. The Italian Ambassador of Italy in Sri Damiano Francovigh welcomed guests with heartfelt remarks on the significant of the theme, highlighting how “Apertivo”embodies the essence of Italy’s culinary identity, simple, social and rooted in tradition.

Sri Lanka’s participation in Italian Cuisine Week for ten consecutive years stands as a testament to the friendship between the two countries. This year focus on ‘Apertivo’ and ‘Stuzzichini’ added a fresh, dimension to that relationship, one that emphasised not only flavours, but shaped cultural values of hospitality, family and warmth. This year’s ‘Apertivo’ and “Stuzzichini’ theme brought a refreshing twist to Italian Cuisine Week. It reminded Sri Lankan guests t hat sometimes the most memorable culinary experiences come not from elaborate feasts but from the simplicity of serving small plates with good company.

Italian Cuisine Week 2025 in Sri Lanka may have showcased flavours, but more importantly it showcased connection and in the warm glow of Colombo’s evening Apertivo came alive not just as an Italian tradition.

(Pix by Dharmasena Wellipitiya)

By Zanita Careem

The Week of Italian Cuisine in the World is one of the longest-running thematic reviews promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Founded in 2016 to carry forward the themes of Expo Milano 2015—quality, sustainability, food

safety, territory, biodiversity, identity, and education—the event annually showcases the excellence and global reach of Italy’s food and wine sector.

Since its inauguration, the Week has been celebrated with over 10,000 events in more than 100 countries, ranging from tastings, show cooking and masterclasses to seminars, conferences, exhibitions and business events, with a major inaugural event hosted annually in Rome at the Farnesina, the HQ of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The 10th edition of the Italian Cuisine Week in the World.

In 2025, the Italian Cuisine Week in the World reaches its tenth edition.

The theme chosen for this anniversary is “Italian cuisine between culture, health and innovation.”

This edition highlights Italian cuisine as a mosaic of knowledge and values, where each tile reflects a story about the relationship with food.

The initiatives of the 10th Edition aim to:

promote understanding of Italian cuisine, also in the context of its candidacy for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage;

demonstrate how Italian cuisine represents a healthy, balanced, and sustainable food model, supporting the prevention of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes;

emphasize the innovation and research that characterize every stage of the Italian food chain, from production to processing, packaging, distribution, consumption, reuse, and recycling

The following leading hotels in Colombo Amari Colombo, Cinnamon Life, ITC Ratnadipa and The Kingsbury join in the celebration by hosting Italian chefs throughout the Week.

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Life style

Ethical beauty takes centre stage

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6 days ago

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2025/12/7

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Body Shop team

The Body Shop marked a radiant new chapter in Sri Lanka with the opening of its boutique at One Galle Face Mall, an event that blended conscious beauty, festive sparkle and lifestyle elegance. British born and globally loved beauty brand celebrates ten successful years in Sri lanka with the launch of its new store at the One Galle Face Mall. The event carried an added touch of prestige as the British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick to Sri Lanka attended as the Guest of honour.

His participation elevated the event highlighting the brand’s global influence and underscored the strong UK- Sri Lanka connection behind the Body Shop’s global heritage and ethical values.

Chief guest British Ambassador Andrew Patrick at the Body Shop

Celebrating ten years of the Brand’s presence in the country, the launch became a true milestone in Colombo’s evolving beauty landscape.

Also present were the Body Shop Sri Lanka Director, Kosala Rohana Wickramasinghe, Shriti malhotra, Executive chairperson,Quest Retail.The Body shop South Asia and Vishal Chaturvedi , Chief Revenue Officer-The Body South Asia The boutique showcased the brand’s

complete range from refreshing Tea Tree skin care to the iconic body butters to hair care essentials each product enhancing the Body Shop’s values of cruelty ,fair trade formulation, fair trade ingredients and environmentally mindful packaging.

The store opening also unveiled the much anticipated festive season collection.

With its elegant atmosphere, engaging product experiences and the distinguished present of the British High Commissioner, it was an evening that blended glamour with conscience With its fresh inviting space at Colombo’ premier mall, the Body Shop begins a a new decade of inspiring Sri Lankan consumers to choose greener beauty.

 

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Life style

Ladies’ Night lights up Riyadh

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6 days ago

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2025/12/7

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Queens of grace

The Cultural Forum of Sri Lanka in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia brought back Ladies’ Night 2025 on November 7 at the Holiday Inn Al Qasr Hotel. After a hiatus of thirteen years, Riyadh shimmered once again as Ladies’ Night returned – an elegant celebration revived under the chairperson Manel Gamage and her team. The chief guest for the occasion was Azmiya Ameer Ajwad, spouse of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to K. S. A. There were other dignitaries too.

The show stopper was Lisara Fernando finalist from the voice Sri Lankan Seasons, wowed the crowd with her stunning performances. The excitement continued with a lively beauty pageant, where Ilham Shamara Azhar was crowned the beauty queen of the night. Thanks to a thrilling raffle draw, many lucky guests walked away with fabulous prizes, courtesy of generous sponsors.

The evening unfolded with a sense of renewal, empowerment and refined glamour drawing together the women for a night that was both historic and beautifully intimate. From dazzling couture to modern abayas, from soft light installation to curated entertainment, the night carried the unmistakable energy.

Once a cherished annual tradition, Ladies’ Night had long held a special space in Riyadh’s cultural calendar. But due to Covid this event was not held until this year in November. This year it started with a bang. After years Ladies’ Night returned bringing with a burst of colour, confidence and long-awaited camaraderie.

It became a symbol of renewal. This year began with a vibrant surge of energy. The decor blended soft elegance with modern modernity cascading its warm ambient lighting and shimmering accents that turned the venue into a chic, feminine oasis, curated by Shamila Abusally, Praveen Jayasinghe and Hasani Weerarathne setting the perfect atmosphere while compères Rashmi Fernando and Gayan Wijeratne kept the energy high and kept the guests on their toes making the night feel intimate yet grand.

Conversations flowed as freely as laughter. Women from different backgrounds, nationalities and professions came together united by an unspoken bond of joy and renewal. Ladies’ Night reflected a broader narrative of change. Riyadh today is confidently evolving and culturally dynamic.

The event celebrated was honouring traditions while empowering international flair.

As the night drew to a close, there was a shared sense that this event was only the beginning. The applause, the smiles, the sparkles in the air, all hinted at an event that is set to redeem its annual place with renewed purpose in the future. Manel Gamage and her team’s Ladies’ Night in Riyadh became more than a social occasion. It became an emblem of elegance, and reflected a vibrant new chapter of Saudi Arabia’s capital.

Thanks to Nihal Gamage and Nirone Disanayake, too, Ladies’ night proved to be more than event,it was a triumphant celebration of community, culture and an unstoppable spirit of Sr Lankan women in Riyadh

In every smile shared every dance step taken and every moment owned unapologetically Sr Lankan women in Riyadh continue to show unstoppable. Ladies’ Night is simply the spotlight that will shine forever .This night proved to be more than an event, it was a triumphant celebration of community, culture and the unstoppable spirit of Sri Lankan women in Riyadh.

In every smile shared, every dance steps taken and every moment owned unapologetically Sri Lankan women in Riyadh continue to show that their spirit is unstoppable. Ladies’ Night was simply the spotlight and the night closed on a note of pride!

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