Life style
INTERVIEW – ANNE RANI: Danish Superstar of Lankan descent
BY Tharishi Hewavithanagamage
Music transcends time and borders. The variety of genres available today caters to everyone’s tastes in music, from classical music to rock, R&B, rap and more. Accessibility to songs today comes at the touch of a button, all provided by streaming giants like Spotify and Apple Music. But the 90s era was very different and produced many songs that are considered timeless classics today. Apart from hip-hop and rap, genres like R&B and urban music became extremely popular in the 90s. Ground-breaking and eclectic most songs from the era were outcomes of bold experimentation and creative fusions.
Trends picked up with teen-pop and dance-pop music from boy bands and girl bands such as ‘NSync, The Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, TLC and Destiny’s Child to name a few. They topped charts around the world and their releases continue to transcend generations of avid listeners. Anne Rani— a successful singer, songwriter, producer and budding actress— spawned from the trendy 90s era. Sri Lankan by birth Anne was adopted by Danish parents in 1976, from an orphanage in Panadura at just eight months old. She was too young to have any recollection of her childhood and birth in Sri Lanka, she was fortunate enough to start her life in Denmark. Shooting to fame at a young age, Anne has seen and experienced it all. The Island was fortunate enough to speak to the Danish pop star who had very valuable insights to share based on her many experiences, especially as a female POC (person of color) making it big in the music industry. Her reputation in her native Denmark is based on her phenomenal success as a member of R&B trio “JUICE”.
Q. How did you get into the music scene?
From a very young age she was already gifted with the art of music. She started taking piano lessons at the age of six and looking back she says, “I loved music, and I was able to play by ear, so I often had trouble remembering notes.” She continues, “I was also part of the choir and I remember the teacher telling my parents that I should take singing classes”, which became the foundation for her career. Anne also went to America for eight months as an exchange student, which is where she was able to develop her English language skills. In the time she spent in America, she recalls the most amazing experiences that expanded her taste for music. She goes on, “In those eight months I had an amazing choir teacher. She was truly an inspiration and I still remember her to this day. She runs the most amazing choirs even today. To experience music like that, it was simply beautiful. I learned a lot about singing in harmony.”
She returned to Denmark to complete her education, but on the side, she would continue to make music. “After school I used to meet up with music producers, I would play in bands and go out performing too. I also used to make demo tapes with my producer back then”, Anne says. Her hard work paid off when, unbeknownst to her, one of her friends played her demo tapes for a producer from the leading record label in Denmark – EMI-Medley. “After hearing my demo, the producer contacted me, and that magical phone call completely changed my life”, Anne recalls.
The record label was already working on putting together a girl group and invited Anne to join. “I was only 19 years old at the time and I went to meet the team and the other girl who was chosen to join the project. I took the opportunity and my life changed in a flash.” Anne became a member of the Danish girl band JUICE alongside Lena Tahara and Maria Hamer. The group became very popular with their debut album and were instant chart toppers, both domestically and internationally. “We toured all over the world and performed at big venues like the Wembley arena in the UK. We also went on tour with the British boy band Five,” Anne says.
The group lasted for five years and released two albums in their active years. The trio also collaborated with songwriter Remee, S.O.A.P and Christina Undhjem on the song ‘Let Love Be Love’, which Anne says is ‘the biggest Christmas song in Denmark to this day’.
Q. What were your experiences like as a female artist and POC in the music industry?
While Anne considers herself very lucky to have received the opportunity to enter the music industry so early on in life, but also shared the less glamorous side to having so much fame at a very young age. “We were very young, and we didn’t know much about the industry. We were constantly traveling and promoting, and the experience was unique, but it was also hard. Not everyone gets to see the more difficult days we go through,” she says.
Going further, we discussed her experience as a female artist in the music industry and the difficulties she faced. “When I was young, I definitely had to prove that I was more than just a pretty face. Having a pretty face is said to be a good thing in showbiz, but sometimes you need to prove that there is more to you than just that. You need to carve out an identity for yourself and show that you are talented and capable of putting in the hard work and effort that goes into creating music. Regardless of gender people will always be quick to judge and question your abilities, so it’s important to prove yourself.” She was often told that as a female artist she had to work harder to ensure she could leave her mark in the industry.
The music industry has always wrestled with inclusion, diversity and gender disparity. Many POC musicians have been subject to marginalization, despite being highly talented and widely popular among listeners. In addition, female artists in particular have been treated differently in comparison to their male counterparts.
From big names like Missy Elliot and J-LO, to popular boy and girl bands, the music industry in the 90s saw an insane influx of music and a variety of artists. “In the 90s when R&B music broke through, artists like Missy Elliott and Jennifer Lopez, were thrust into the limelight. There was this explosion of Black and Latin music culture, All of a sudden, it became ‘cool’ and ‘trendy’ to be someone of color and people became swept up in it. This worked to my advantage as I actually had some skin color,” Anne says. Diversity played a key role in their group as well, seeing as the JUICE trio came from mixed cultures and backgrounds. “None of us looked Danish and we sort of became part of the trend. At the time we were truly fortunate as female artists from varying backgrounds to get our foot in the door,” Anne adds.
The changing times and ensuing digitalization has pushed topics of discrimination, gender disparity and lack of diversity in the industry to the forefront. Fans and critics have been vocal about such injustices via social media platforms. Anne agrees that people today are very socially aware and are having more open discussions about such subject matters, that would not have seen the light of day in the past.
Q. After bidding goodbye to your days as a group, was it difficult to find your footing as a soloist?
Although she had already formed an identity for herself and a reputation in the industry, as she embarked on her solo career, she found herself being too dependent on finding a producer to help construct her visions. “It is wonderful to work with others and as a team. But as an artist, being able to pen out what’s on your mind is important. Nobody can ever really understand what you mean until you show it yourself. Producers cannot read minds and how everyone experiences music is very different,” she says. “I grew up listening to artists like the late Prince, Michael Jackson and Madonna. I grew up dreaming of achieving such success. Artists like Prince were really inspirational, because he could play instruments, write and produce too. To be an artist capable of doing many things is exciting,” Anne adds.
With help from her friends in the industry and tons of YouTube tutorials she felt liberated as she was now able to create and manifest her own sketches before handing them to a producer who could fine-tune her work. Anne released her first debut single in 2009 called ‘Fall’. Since then, Anne has collaborated with various artists such as Andy Taylor (Duran Duran), performed at famous venues like Pacha Ibiza and even released five singles.
The music industry today has expanded, and the market has expanded greatly in comparison to the 90s. Bigger labels have more money involved and are taking on more chances of discovering talented individuals who can create unique pieces of music that will stick around for a long time. The digital age has also given people more access and options to create music and express themselves freely. Anne believes that it is a great opportunity for budding young talent to make their way into the industry
“Music can be enjoyed in many different ways, despite the changing times”, Anne concludes.
Q. Have you visited Sri Lanka? How have you approached the idea of reconnecting with your roots?
“To me everything Sri Lankan is interesting as I didn’t grow up there. I haven’t been able to make frequent visits, but I aim to do so in the future. I’m always looking to meet more Sri Lankans and experience the culture and learn more about its history as well,” Anne says. She also hopes to connect with her fans in Sri Lanka and welcomes the idea of working and collaborating with Sri Lankan musicians in the future.
Q. What are you up to these days?
While she isn’t currently working on any music, she is exploring the world of film and acting. “I played a small role in a Danish TV series and since then my curiosity has piqued. I’m enthusiastic about exploring the world of acting and I hope to see where it will take me. It’s refreshing to do something else,” Anne says.
Celebrating ‘Our Children’ on International Day to End Corporal Punishment
An event to mark the International Day to end corporal punishment was held at the public library recently. Organised by the Stop Child Cruelty Trust and the Child Protection Alliance it was an compelling advocacy iniative to combact violence against children.
Dr Tush Wickramanayaka, Founder Chairperson of SCC and Co-convener of CPA, shared her disappointment that the delay the submission of the Bill in parliament, which was already passed in Cabinet by the previous government on 2024 “Physical abuse of children is a preventable crime that has been normalised in society. Each day, there are horrendous incidents reported in the media. GOSL has a national and international obligation to fulfil its promises to eradicate this menace towards the dawn of a happier and safer future for the true beneficiaries of the future, our children”, said Dr Wickramanayaka.
Prof Savitri Goonesekere, Emeritus Professor of Law, Faculty of Colombo, was the chief guest. She delivered a powerful message on the implementation of the law. Whilst highlighting the shocking 40,000 cases of child abuse awaiting justice for years, Prof Goonesekere warned, the law is not for the people who respect it; the law is for the people who violate it. When there is impunity and a lack of prosecution, then you give a powerful message of legitimacy.”
The event also featured an expert forum on child protection strategies and celebrated the winners of the ‘Me Unhurt – Stop Child Abuse’ art competition, amplifying youth voices in the fight for their rights.Speaking at the event, Dr Tush Wickramanayake said “Physical abuse of children is a preventable crime that has been normalised in society. Each day, there are horrendous incidents reported in the media.
In February 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that ending corporal punishment was a public health priority. Each year, 1.8 million children worldwide are subjected to corporal punishment. In some countries, violence against children costs up to six times what is invested in health. Countries that have enacted comprehensive prohibitions against corporal punishment are granting children the same protective legal framework against assault as adults.
Recently forty countries made the first-ever joint statement on corporal punishment to the Human Rights Council, declaring that ending corporal punishment is a human rights priority for children. Children have the fundaShockingmental right to protection from all forms of violence. This right is essential for their well-being, safety, survival and development. It recognises the severe and lasting consequences of violence against children, not just for the individual child but for society as a whole.
Despite being recognised in 2017 as the sole Pathfinding country in South Asia committed to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.2 (ending violence against children), Sri Lanka’s efforts have faltered. The National Partnership to End Violence Against Children (NPEVAC), established to drive this agenda, dissolved in 2018. At the 2024 Bogotá Ministerial Conference, the government pledged to enact the Penal Code Reforms Bill to Abolish Corporal Punishment, a long-overdue measure and to implement teacher training programmes by mid-2025. However, legislative delays and inadequate enforcement undermine these commitments.
Om Prakash Sen Thakuri, Executive Director, Legal Literacy, Nepal, was a special invitee and child rights advocate who spoke on Nepal’s efforts to stop child marriages, a critical issue relevant also in Sri Lanka. Whilst Nepal banned corporal punishment in all settings in 2018, the implementation of the laws was still challenging.
Saranga Disasekara, actor and brand Ambassador of #NOguti awaitingexplained, “At a time when Sri Lanka is crippled in many aspects of society, parents must improve communication with their children and ensure their children can come to them without fear if there is any concern relating to their well-being; child protection is a collective social responsibility.”
Dr Gehan Gunathilake, Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), reiterated that children need to be recognised as rights holders and their welfare and safety should be at the heart of governance mechanisms. He informed that HRCSL has established a special child rights section to better focus on these issues.
Rtd DIG Priyantha Jayakody, a respected figure in law enforcement, explained, “Child abuse is now one of the top grave crimes in Sri Lanka. The Police must act more vigorously to ensure the evidence is submitted to the courts without delays to avoid the burden on law and order and the judicial services. He was particularly concerned about the 40,000 cases of child abuse awaiting justice and encouraged the government to act swiftly.
Prof Sarath Wijesuriya, renowned author and social activist, spoke on the collective responsibility of society in protecting children. He too insisted that children are the most vulnerable community in any country and the government should act beyond the rhetoric to ensure safety and welfare as a priority.
A key highlight of the event was the award ceremony for the winners of the ‘Me Unhurt – Stop Child Abuse’ art competition and the forum discussion with some of the winners on their views and expectations of a country that promotes and protects child rights.
The ‘Me Unhurt’ competition, judged by Shyamala Pinto Jayawardena (Shyamala School of Art) and Mihiri Devendra (Leap), received over 500 submissions nationwide. The winning designs by Chathuni Sandaleka and David Suarez (both 17) will grace the cover of ‘Our Children’, a forthcoming anthology of survivor narratives. Seventeen additional entrants earned high commendation for their artworks. In an interactive youth forum where the participants were asked to imagine they were President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, winners proposed bold reforms including Child-inclusive policymaking (e.g., youth advisory councils). Safer schools with anti-bullying protocols and Adult accountability through community monitoring. Their ideas resonated with attendees, including families and educators, underscoring the power of youth leadership.
Dr Tush Wickramanayaka, who turned adversity to advocacy and is a staunch advocate of child rights, explained that ‘Our Children’ book was a labour of love, a deep love and decades of hope. The art competition provided an opportunity for the young citizens to express their thoughts and feelings in creative masterpieces. The expressive images empower the voice of the victims and the public, highlighting the collective social responsibility to protect children. “The book is in the final stages of editing, and we hope to publish it in 2026. For now, we have created a leaflet of the artworks so that you can enjoy the visual tapestry of the young minds that tells us of the world they envisage. It is a sneak preview of the stories to follow…”, explained Dr Wickramanayaka.
For further information, media inquiries, or to get involved with the Stop Child Cruelty Trust, please contact www.stopchildcruelty.com or 077-1656867. (ZC)
Charming with an affable demeanor is the Italian Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Damiano Francovigh.
A long standing career diplomat, he is a graduate in Oriental languages and literature from the University of Venice in 1991. With a distinguished career spanning diverse diplomatic roles , he brings a wealth of experience to his role in Sri Lanka.
His innate charisma has unsurprisingly, grown quite popular in the social and diplomatic circles of Sri Lanka ever since he arrived in Sri Lanka 2023. In his current role he is dedicated to strenghening the diplomatic relationship between Italy and Sri Lanka.
His first impressions of Sri Lanka have been overwhemingly positive and his remarkable tenure is defined by unmatched activity of showcasing many socialand cultural events in Sri Lanka .Effortlessly chic and elegant at all times, he fulfills his roles with aplomb and epitomises the traits of a quintessential diplomat, with grand finesse. Since fashion is synonymous with Italian culture,Ambassador Damiano plays out the role of being a strong emblem of style. In this interview with ‘Sunday Island’ the Italian envoy shares his views on the naunces of diplomacy, his aspirations for fostering stronger ties between the two countries.
A great art aficionado, Damiano has brought many artists,musicians, chefs and designers to Sri Lanka.
Could you briefly describe your career path and the road you travelled to become Ambassador to Sri Lanka?
I joined the diplomatic service in 2002 and, as it happens for every diplomat, during the years I served both in our Headquarters in Rome and abroad. I was posted to Syria, as head of the commercial section of the Embassy, Vietnam, where I was Deputy Head of Mission, and India, where I was Consul General. After this last posting I served four years in Rome and I think that the experience I had in my previous postings in South-east Asia and in South Asia helped me a lot for being selected as Ambassador to Sri Lanka, a Country I had already visited as a tourist while I was posted in India, prior to my assignment here.
Ambassador Damiano Francovigh
How did your journey into relations between Italy and Sri Lanka begin and how has it evolved since your arrival?
We can say that this journey started, as it happens for all Ambassadors, the day I presented my credentials to then President Ranil Wickremasinghe, in a fascinating ceremony that mixed the ancient tradition of the Country with its rich cultural heritage. Since then, I have met many persons: politicians, civil servants, businesses, artists and also common people, trying to know better this Country, its history and its culture. I also engaged with local communities and institutions, which deepened my understanding of the political, social, economic and diplomatic connections. Our daily work is to see how shared values, mutual interests, and a growing Italian presence in Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan presence in Italy can help foster stronger ties. I have learnt that Sri Lankans take pride in preserving their traditions and the nation’s unique identity while embracing modern innovation, an approach which is very similar to what happens in Italy. This combination of historical depth and cultural richness makes Sri Lanka not just an interesting place but a nation with a soul—one that captivates those who take the time to understand it.
What does being the Italian Ambassador to Sri Lanka mean to you?
Being the Italian Ambassador to Sri Lanka is both an honour and a great responsibility. Italy and Sri Lanka enjoy a long-standing and friendly relationship, built on decades of cooperation across many sectors. This partnership is enriched by the vibrant Sri Lankan community in Italy —the largest in continental Europe— and by the presence of Italian businesses in Sri Lanka, particularly in the garment, tourism, and hospitality sectors. My role is to work closely with the Sri Lankan Government and local authorities to further strengthen these ties, creating favourable conditions for individuals and companies from both countries to thrive. The fact that the well-being of so many people depends, in part, on the quality of this relationship makes my role deeply meaningful. It’s a daily reminder of the real impact diplomacy can have on people’s lives.
Design, fashion and wine-how is the Italian life style perceived in Sri Lanka?
Italian lifestyle is widely appreciated in Sri Lanka, as in many other parts of the world, for its elegance, quality, and craftsmanship. Italian fashion brands are well recognized and sought after, symbolizing a refined and timeless style. The same can be said for Italian design, which is often associated with excellence in furniture, architecture, and automotive. In recent years, Italian wine has also been gaining popularity, with an increasing interest in its rich variety and heritage. The growing number of Italian restaurants in Sri Lanka contribute to spreading the culture of Italian cuisine and lifestyle, making it accessible and enjoyable for many.
What do you love about this country and your special likings?
Sri Lanka is a country of incredible diversity, offering a fascinating blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality. I have been particularly captivated by its stunning landscapes, from the beaches of the south to the tea plantations of the hills. The historical and archaeological sites, such as Anuradhapura, Sigiriya and Dambulla, are simply breathtaking. The local markets, bustling with activity, are a perfect example of energy, where traditional spices, handcrafted goods, and fresh produce showcase the richness of the land and its people’s ingenuity. On a more personal note, I have a deep appreciation for Sri Lankan seafood and I enjoy trying different local curries. The warmth of the people makes this country a truly special place to live and work.
What are the places and experiences not to be missed for those who want to travel Sri Lanka from Italy? Your favorite food and destinations in Sri Lanka?
Regarding touristic destinations to recommend, this is a very hard choice to make because I should mention so many places which I visited and liked very much, like the southern beaches, or trekking in the Pekoe Trail, or the hills, or the magnificent sacred sculptures of Dambulla, or the experience of playing golf in one of the marvelous courses present in the island. There are indeed so many things which could be listed, but if I have to select only one place, I would then mention Sigiriya, whose visit was, for me, a breathtaking and fascinating experience. Regarding food, I have a special preference for sea food and Sri Lanka is blessed with a great production of wonderful prawns, crabs, lobster and other delicacies of this kind, which I love cooked in any style.
How do you boost cultural co-operation and heritage between the two countries? What are some recent initiatives from the Italian Embassy?
The Embassy organizes a number of initiatives to make Italian culture and lifestyle better known and visible in Si Lanka. I am also very glad that we have recently launched two new social channels, where the Embassy communicates the organization of events or main facts of our bilateral relations that can be of general interest (https://www.facebook.com/ItalyinSriLanka/ , https://www.instagram.com/italyinsrilanka/). The focus of our initiatives is on many different sectors, spanning from fashion and design, to food, culture, science, sports and others: I am glad here to mention the celebration of the worldwide week of Italian cuisine in November, when we invited, with the collaboration of some of the most important hotels in Colombo, five chefs who have presented to the local public Italian delicacies for the entire week, the concert we have organized in Galle in occasion of our national day in June, when we presented the latest creation of the Italian author Nicolò Faraci. And we will have more during 2025, with a concert by a renown Italian violinist in September and a contemporary art performance before the end of the year.
Can you discuss some of the challenges you encountered coming from a country where everything is different, food, language, social ethos, and temperature?
When reaching a new Country diplomats always face challenges, which involve not only our self but all of our family. As a matter of fact, while we maintain a continuity in our work (our procedures and business environment remain always the same in all Italian Embassies worldwide), for our family members the horizon changes totally: new house, new friends, new school for the children, new climate and environment. Moving to Sri Lanka has brought us to an environment that was not unknown since, as I said, I was posted previously in South Asia. Language and food weren’t such a big challenge since English is widely spoken in the region while we started to know and appreciate in our previous posting the use of spices and cooking style typical of the area. Concerning food, I have also to confess that we cook daily original Italian cuisine in my residence, not to miss too much the original flavors of Italy.
Finally, what impression has Sri Lanka left on you? And what message would you like to share with its people?
After almost two years in Sri Lanka, allow me to say that, beyond its economic and cultural strengths, Sri Lanka stands out for its resilience. The country has faced so many challenges, from civil war to economic hardships, yet its people have remained strong, adapting to challenges with determination and optimism. I think that the Country, while completing the journey to come out of the economic crisis, is discovering its great potential, which is still untapped: it’s an island state in a critical junction of the Indo-Pacific area, an area which has been the driver of global growth in the last 20 years; is a country that, since the end of the colonial period, has always enjoyed a democratic political system, a condition which has been strengthened by the results of the very peaceful elections and transition of power carried out in 2024; is a Country rich of wonderful tourist destinations, with a tropical climate allowing to welcome tourist 12 months a year. These are all conditions indicating that Sri Lanka should not implement inward looking policies but should instead continue in the path that it has recently started, strengthening investments in tourism and infrastructures and opening up the economy, and its manufacturing sector, to foreign investments and trade. This will increase the touristic presence in the island and will link up more strictly local industries to global value chains which will lead to an increase of business opportunities, exports and growth.
The Kingsbury has appointed Nandana Wirasinha as its new General Manager. This pivotal appointment heralds an exciting chapter in the hotel’s journey as it continues to redefine excellence and innovation in Sri Lanka’s luxury hospitality landscape.
Wirasinha brings with him nearly three decades of international hospitality experience, having held senior leadership roles with some of the world’s most esteemed hotel brands. His distinguished career spans all facets of hotel management, including operations, revenue strategy, guest engagement, culinary excellence and operational efficiency. Of particular note are his accomplishments at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where he played a key role in delivering benchmark-setting service and guest satisfaction.
Renowned for his ability to build high-performing teams and drive sustained revenue growth, Wirasinha has a proven track record of elevating service standards across the board. During his tenure in the UAE, he led multiple award-winning restaurants in Abu Dhabi, four of which received the coveted Triple Black Hat status in the prestigious ‘What’s On Abu Dhabi Black Hat Guide’—widely considered the region’s equivalent of the Michelin Guide. His leadership has consistently translated into enhanced guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and outstanding business performance.
A committed lifelong learner, Wirasinha is an alumnus of Cornell University with a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management. He also holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Tourism and Hospitality from The Emirates Academy, has completed the Cornell CXO Leadership Programme, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Management at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, Sri Lanka.
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