By Zanita Careem

Dr Ifthikar Shine Nissar is an accomplished early education specialist whose professional journey has taken her from Sri Lanka to the United States, where she has dedicated decades to shaping better educational experiences for young children. She has more than two decades of experience in early childhood education and holds advanced qualifications in Early Education and Educational Administration and leadership. Her doctoral research focused on creating more inclusive preschool classrooms, particulary for children with special needs whose journey reflects a blend of professional achievement, international exposure and a deep connection to her Sri Lankan roots. With her inspiring outlook and multifaceted experience, she brings a refreshing perspective to every conversation, while remaining closely connected to the people, culture and values that have shaped her journey. But behind her international career is a very peronal connection to Sri lanka. Having migrated from Sri Lanka, Dr Shine has carried her Sri Lankan roots with her throughout her journey. Her connection to the country remains strong always. Her visit to Sri Lanka recently have given her an opportunity to reconnect with its people while sharing her experience and knowledge in early childhood education.

A Sri Lankan American Muslim, who has built a successful career in educational leadership in the last 36 years in the United States, is known as Dr. Shine. According to Dr. Shine, her nickname was given to her at birth by her maternal aunty because she she saw in her a bright and radiant child. What began as a family endearment, stayed with her, eventually becoming the name by which she is known – a fitting reflection of the warmth, energy and positivity she brigs to those around her

The conversation with Dr. Shine was inspiring and empowering. She said, “My personal, educational, and professional journey has been rewarding, challenging and everything in between.” The love and support of family and friends, along with great mentors, has been the foundation for my overall success. None of this would be possible without God’s help. I thank God for my challenges as it continues to make me resilient.

During her recent stay in Sri Lanka, Dr. Shine experienced the island’s warm hospitality, vibrant culture and breathtaking natural beauty. She said, “I explored some of the country’s nature and scenic attractions while enjoying the rich cuisine.” The warmth of my family and friends and the diverse charm is what I take back with me as fond memories.

Dr. Shine earned her doctorate from California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) in Educational Leadership. Her research focuses on inclusive practices in Early Childhood Education Settings. She holds two M. A. Degrees – one in Educational Administration and the other in Early Childhood Special Education. Her undergraduate degree is in Child development. She holds teaching and administrative services credentials.

(Q) What inspired your interest in contributing to Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Sri Lanka?

(A) I have always carried a lifelong dream of giving back to Sri Lanka. The time is now, as there is a need for my educational background and expertise in ECE in Sri Lanka.

My connection to Sri Lanka has never left me. It is where my educational journey began. It remains very close to my heart. My primary education was at Southlands, Galle and secondary at St. Pauls’ Milagiriya, Colombo.

Dr Shine Nissar: An accomplished professional whose journey reflects dedication, knowledge and commitment

I built my career in educational leadership in the United States along with my education, one degree at a time.

(Q) If you get an opportunity to serve Sri Lanka in Early Childhood Education (ECE), how will you contribute?

(A) I would be honoured to serve as a professional partner for any organisation, government/private, in strengthening the profession of ECE.

My contribution could include professional development, conference presentations, leadership training, advisory or board/committee service, mentoring, workforce development, and volunteer initiatives. I would especially like to support not only teachers, but also ECE and Child Development administrators, principals, directors, government and private agencies, university students, and parents.

(Q) You have also served as an Adjunct Professor in the United States. How could that experience contribute?

(A) This is an area I am particularly passionate about. Through my work as an adjunct professor. I have had the privilege of preparing university students who are entering the education profession. I see tremendous potential in creating stronger connections between universities and the ECE workforce with recruiting, inspiring, mentoring, and preparing young people to enter the field while simultaneously strengthening the skills and capacity of educators already serving children.

My personal, educational, and professional journey has taught me that workforce development is one of the most powerful ways to create sustainable educational change.

(Q) Why is this mission so personal to you?

(A) My journey has taken me from Sri Lanka to the United States, where I have had the privilege of becoming an educator, administrator, educational leader, and university professor. Earning my doctorate and serving in UNICEF Sri Lanka in some capacity has been a lifelong goal.

I see this opportunity not simply as another professional accomplishment, but as a way of bringing my experience home and contributing to the country that shaped my earliest years. My education and expertise in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), School Administration, Special Education, Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) and Instruction Leadership can be an asset to the youngest scholars, families and educators in Sri Lanka.

(Q) Would you be willing to work anywhere while continuing your career in the United States?

(A) Absolutely. I would welcome the opportunity to begin contributing now through collaboration, professional development, conferences, advisory work, committees, boards, or volunteer service while continuing my professional responsibilities in the United States.

I believe meaningful service does not always require us to be in one place. Technology and international collaboration allow us to share knowledge, mentor others, and build partnerships across borders.

(Q) What is your long-term vision?

(A) My vision is rooted in service. I hope to continue the community leadership services that I began in Sri Lanka over 30 years ago. Now I am ready to take this to the next level and allow the journey to unfold naturally.

When I eventually retire from my career in the United States, I would love to devote even more of my time, experience, and knowledge to Sri Lanka. Whether that takes the form of advisory work, volunteer service, leadership, or another opportunity to contribute, I would consider it an extraordinary privilege.

My vision and mission in life are simple: to serve and to open doors that create opportunities for others. The way I hope to fulfill that mission is by using what I have learned through my personal, educational, and professional journey to strengthen the people who shape the lives of our youngest children.

Education has a ripple effect that reaches far beyond one child and can influence generations. When we empower educators, administrators, university students, and families, we strengthen the children they serve. When we strengthen children, we strengthen families and communities. And when we strengthen communities, we strengthen the future of Sri Lanka.

For me, this is not simply about education. It is about creating opportunities, building capacity, opening doors, and leaving a legacy of service.

If there is an opportunity to connect, collaborate volunteer, advise, present, mentor, or contribute to Sri Lanka’s ECE vision. I would be honoured to have that conversation.

My experience is rooted in Sri Lanka, strengthened through education and professional service in the United States, and guided by a deep belief in the transformative power of early childhood education.

I have served in Community Leadership Roles in Sri Lanka since I migrated to the US in 1990. From providing radio/TV interviews to share my knowledge and expertise, providing Professional Development training for the staff at Sumaga Special Needs School, participating and collaborating in Child Development Conferences with The International Institute of Knowledge and Management (TIIKM), mentoring and supporting university students, collaborating with professors from the Education Department and Special Education Professors of Open University and finally to partnership with the ECE Inclusion Conference in CA to provide scholarships to ECE staff in Sri Lanka.

Perhaps the seeds we plant through service today will grow into something much greater tomorrow.

“Every child deserves not only access to education, but an exceptional beginning.”

In the heart of Colombo, on the city’s most recognisable dining lane, AQUA Pazza brings together Italian soul and Spanish spirit under one roof. Part modern Italian restaurant, part Spanish tapas and wine bar, the newest chapter of the AQUA Family story is located strategically at Park Street Mews, a destination where design, flavour, and togetherness meet in a setting that is at once sophisticated and delightfully unexpected.

Dressed in signature hues of red and ivory white and anchored by abstract art, AQUA Pazza is the Colombo expression of a culinary journey that began on Sri Lanka’s southern coast and the capital’s newest destination for wine-led Mediterranean dining.

The AQUA journey began in 2019 with AQUA Forte, an authentic Italian fine-dining restaurant housed in a beautifully restored Dutch colonial building in the heart of UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. Founded by four friends, united by a shared dream, Roberto Vicario, Paolo Gavioli, Ian Fernandez, and Anna Lelia — AQUA Forte set out to deliver true Italian cuisine: not adapted, not diluted, and not commercialised, but grounded in tradition, craftsmanship, and premium ingredients.

Today, AQUA Forte is widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s finest Italian restaurants, recognised internationally as a World’s 50 Best Discovery, nominated by Lonely Planet as the best Italian restaurant in the country, and featured by Condé Nast Traveller, The Telegraph, and other leading international publications. It is also home to one of the most extensive Italian wine collections in Sri Lanka.

From this foundation the AQUA Family grew: AQUA Pizza, serving authentic Neapolitan pizza in Galle Fort and at Park Street Mews, Colombo; AQUA Forno, an Italian bakery and café in Galle Fort and Weligama; and AQUA Pazza, the group’s boldest concept yet, in the heart of Colombo.

AQUA Pazza is shaped by its founding trio namely, Roberto Vicario (Executive Chef & Managing Director), Paolo Gavioli, and Ian Fernandez who have created a menu that honours their Italian and Spanish heritage to deliver a dining experience that is unique and bold.

Chef Roberto’s journey is central to the brand’s identity. Originally trained as an oil and gas engineer, he left the corporate world to return to Italy and formally study cuisine, bread, pastry, and gastronomy. His technical precision, classical training, and deep respect for Mediterranean culinary heritage are reflected in every dish, from refined Italian classics to expressive Spanish tapas.

Why “Pazza”?

“Pazza” means crazy in Italian, a name that captures the restaurant’s willingness to blend traditions, challenge norms, and cultivate an atmosphere where food becomes a shared adventure.

Colombo’s dining scene has welcomed a new addition with the opening of Tamarind Multi Cuisine Restaurant at 09 Kinross Avenue, Colombo 04. Spread across more than 6,000 square feet, the two-storey restaurant brings Indian, Chinese, Sri Lankan and popular Western favourites together under one roof.

Designed as a versatile dining destination, Tamarind can accommodate approximately 100 diners in one seating. Its extensive menu features a selection of familiar favourites and signature dishes, including Tom Yum soup, sizzling platters, butter chicken, hot butter cuttlefish, Kerala parotta, chop suey rice, nasi goreng and an array of dishes.

The concept is built around variety, allowing diners to enjoy different cuisines in one place. The extensive selection also makes Tamarind particularly suited to families and larger groups looking to share and sample a range of dishes.

Managing Director Farahan Hameed marks the grand opening in celebrating a new chapter in hospitality

Founder Farhan Hameed said the restaurant was created with the modern diner’s desire for variety and convenience in mind. “Diners today want to enjoy a little bit of everything in one place, while still having good food and value for money. That was the idea behind Tamarind. I am passionate about serving food that people enjoy, and we have brought together experienced chefs, including four chefs from India, specialising in Indian cuisine, along with expertise in Chinese cuisine, to create a memorable dining experience.”

The food is complemented by an interior that combines contemporary design with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Rich forest-green hues, wooden accents and mural artwork create a sophisticated yet relaxed setting, while the subtle fragrance of cinnamon that greets guests adds a distinctly Sri Lankan touch.

Tamarind offers a choice of indoor, outdoor and balcony seating, along with an outdoor Indian pod featuring a live open kitchen. The restaurant also includes a dedicated children’s playroom and two private dining rooms, providing more intimate spaces for celebrations, family gatherings and corporate dinners.

The restaurant’s design is intended to transition naturally from relaxed daytime dining to a livelier evening experience, with different spaces allowing guests to choose an environment suited to the occasion.

At the heart of Tamarind is its multi-cuisine approach, bringing together Indian, Chinese, Sri Lankan and Western dishes while encouraging guests to share and explore. The Indian kitchen is supported by chefs from India, adding specialist expertise to the restaurant’s Indian offering, while its Chinese and international selections further broaden the menu.

With its combination of varied cuisine, spacious interiors and flexible dining options, Tamarind aims to offer something for everyone, from a casual meal with family to a celebration or evening out with friends.

Tamarind Multi Cuisine Restaurant is open daily from 11.30 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. at 09 Kinross Avenue, Colombo 04.