Fashion
Legacy of beauty, innovation and timeless vision
Ramani celebrates 50 years of hairdressing
By Zanita Careem
Pioneering, inspirational and passionate for 50 years, Ramani Fernando has dominated the hairdressing and beauty industry in Sri Lanka by making exceptional waves.Her salon has grown from a single unit at her home, in Colombo, to a household name in the hairdressing industry.
Reci pient of many awards and accolades, both locally and internationally,beauty industry speaks volumes about Ramani. This fashion icon has been the official hairdresser at the prestigious Sri Lankan fashion week and has also created stunning catwalk hair for many designer shows. Her life is one of roller coaster of success, hard work and dedication and passion. I had an opportunity to talk to Ramani about her journey, and her plans for the future.
On your completion of 50 years in the beauty business is a momentous occasion. What are your feelings about it?
As I reflect on completing 50 years in the beauty business, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. It has been a remarkable journey, one that started with a passion for beauty and a dream to make a difference in this industry. Over the decades, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing and contributing to the evolution of beauty trends and standards, while also empowering countless individuals to feel confident and beautiful.
I am incredibly grateful to all the loyal clients, dedicated staff, and supportive partners who have been part of this journey. Their trust and support have been the pillars of our success. Every milestone achieved and every challenge overcome has been a collective effort, and I am deeply appreciative of everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey.
A special thanks goes to my husband, Ranjit, and my family for their unwavering support and encouragement. Their love and belief in me have been the foundation that has kept me going through all these years. I could not have achieved this milestone without their constant presence and support.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the future of the beauty industry. With new innovations and trends emerging, there are endless possibilities.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of these 50 wonderful years. Here’s to many more years of beauty, growth, and success!
Your name is a fame? Was it your childhood dream to be what you are today?
When people say my name is synonymous with fame in the beauty industry, I feel incredibly humble. It’s a testament to the dedication, hard work, and passion that have driven me throughout my career.
As for the question whether it was my childhood dream to be where I am today, I can say that my passion for beauty hair have always been a part of my life. From a young age, I was fascinated by the transformative power of beauty. loved experimenting with hairstyles and makeup, and I dreamt of creating a space where people could feel beautiful and cared for.
From one small salon how do you develop your entrepreneurial calibre?
Starting with one small salon was a humble beginning, but it laid the foundation for everything that followed. Developing my entrepreneurial calibre was a journey marked by continuous learning, resilience, and a clear vision for what I wanted to achieve.
In the early days, I focused on providing exceptional service and building strong relationships with clients. I believed that if I could create a salon experience that made people feel valued and beautiful, word would spread. And it did. The trust and loyalty of my clients became the cornerstone of our growth.
As business began to expand, I knew that I needed to constantly adapt and innovate. This meant staying updated with the latest beauty trends, investing in advanced training for myself and my team, and continuously improving our services. I also realized the importance of creating a strong brand identity, one that resonated with our clients, set us apart in the industry.
What is the philosophy of life that you will go by?
The philosophy of life that I live by is grounded in passion, perseverance, and positivity. These principles have guided me throughout my journey in the beauty industry and in life.
Could you share your earliest memories of hair?
My earliest memories of hair take me back to student days at St. Bridget’s, where I was boarded. It was during these formative years that my passion for hairstyling truly began to blossom.
I vividly remember the joy and excitement I felt when styling my friends’ hair. In the dormitory, we would often gather together, and I would experiment with different hairstyles on my friends. Whether it was creating intricate braids, elegant updos, or simple, neat styles for everyday wear, I loved the creativity and the sense of camaraderie that came with these moments.
What was being a hairstylist 50 years ago. What does it mean now and what difference do you see?
Being a hairstylist 50 years ago was a vastly different experience compared to what it means today. When I first started in the beauty industry, the tools, techniques, and even the perceptions of hairstyling were much simpler and less diverse.
Today the world of hairstyling has undergone a remarkable transformation. The industry has become incredibly dynamic and innovative, with a vast array of products, tools, and techniques are at our disposal. We now have access to advanced hair care technology, including state-of-the-art styling tools, professional-grade products, and a wealth of information and inspiration through digital platforms.
Was it a passion or was it a profession to make money?
My journey into the beauty industry began with a passion rather than a desire to make money. From a young age, I was deeply fascinated by the art of hairstyling and the transformative power it held. It was this passion that drove me to experiment with different hairstyles and to eagerly learn as much as I could about beauty and grooming.
Of course, as with any profession, financial considerations were important. However, the foundation of my career has always been built on passion. The success and financial stability that followed were natural outcomes of dedication, hard work, and a genuine love for what I do.
How did your clients react?
Overall, the positive reactions from clients have been a major source of inspiration and satisfaction throughout my career. Their support and appreciation have driven me to keep striving for excellence and to continuously enhance the salon experience.
What was your source of inspiration back then?
In the early days of my career, my primary sources of inspiration were my deep passion for hairstyling and the reactions of my clients. I was fascinated by the transformative power of hairstyling and loved experimenting with new techniques.
Where do you see the future of hairstylists with a profile of 50 years and What would you tell the young generation?
The future for hairstylists is extremely promising.. For young stylists, my advice is to blend traditional skills with innovation. Stay passionate, keep learning, and embrace both classic techniques and modern technologies. The industry is evolving, and there’s a bright future for those who stay dedicated and creative.
What does hair mean to you?
To me, hair represents more than just a physical attribute; it’s a form of personal expression and confidence. Hair has the power to transform how we see ourselves and how others perceive us. It’s an art form that combines creativity and technique, and it plays a significant role in our identity and self-esteem. Styling hair is about enhancing individual beauty and making people feel their best. It’s a passion that connects me deeply to my clients and their personal stories.
Nethara Collection ,is a world of export quality garments in Diulpitiya, Boralesgamuwa, is infused with an ultra festive spirit this season catering to the women of today. Unbelievable offers and discounts from Nethara for Sinhala anTamil new year. On selection of women’s clothing, ranges from casual options to formal occasion wear,all at friendly prices,to enhance your wardrobe this festive season.
Nethara collection, started small in 2017, but soon it outgrew, today with an ever increasing customer base, branded and non branded clothing this shopping centre has become very popular. Export quality , stylish dresses, crop tops, fancy blouses, trousers and many more to flaunt yourself and enhance your wardrobe.Their extensive collection, maintain low pricing allowing everybody to have a chance to shop till they drop dead. From casual wear to formal wear,they have women to men’s items like tee shirts, shirts for every occasion.
Nethara clothing has long remained a name that has struck a chord with Sri Lankan shoppers. “We believe our success has been based up on the premise that absolute sincerity towards customers and no matter what the economic situation that prevails, we try our level best to keep our prices low and within everybody’s budget, said managing director, Nethara Collection Sampath Kumara.
This April season Nethara collection brings an all new collection of export quality seasonal wear. Celebrate the season with exclusive offers made just for you! Dresses, blouses, casual, formal wear denim, men’s shirts and many more… world of limitless style and joy!
This festive season Nethara unwraps a celebration of warmth, style and sophistication. Immense yourself in a vibrant festive atmosphere as you explore thier collection under one roof 345 Boralasgamuwa With a focus on quality, affordability and customer satisfaction, Nethara export quality boutique invites you to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in style.
(Zanita)
Charming Anudi Gunasekara (25y) is the reigning Miss World Sri Lanka 2024/25. Hailing from Anuradhapura where she studied at Central College, Anuradhapura, she is a graduate from the University of Kelaniya with a Second Upper BA (Hons) degree in International Studies.
She also holds a Diploma in International Relations from the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS)
An Honorary Member of Rotary International 3220, Anudi is the Founder of Saheli, a non-profit organization to combat period poverty in Sri Lanka.
She represents Sri Lanka at the Miss World grand finale in India in May this year.
Begun in 1951, the Miss World pageant is the world’s oldest beauty pageant. In 1972, Miss World became the first major international pageant to feature a dedicated charity program, “Beauty with a Purpose,” which has since raised millions of dollars for causes such as education, disaster relief, and child healthcare.
Excerpt of interview with this ethereal beauty.
We can see a glow in your face and it looks like you are excited to be part of the Miss World Contest?
Absolutely! Competing in Miss World has always been a dream of mine. Wearing the Sri Lankan sash with pride and representing my country on such a prestigious stage is truly a dream come true. I’m incredibly excited for the main competition!
What made you choose your journey in the world of beauty pageants?
I’ve been modelling since I was 19, and Miss World was always a milestone I aspired to achieve. It wasn’t an overnight decision but rather something I’ve been preparing for over the years. What truly drew me to Miss World is its purpose beyond physical beauty, it made me realize that this is my calling.
Did your parents appreciate your choice of entering into pageantry. If no how did you convinced them?
They have always been incredibly understanding and supportive. As the eldest among my siblings, I grew up as an independent child, and that has built a strong sense of trust. They believe in me and know that I can handle whatever comes my way.
You are not only representing Sri Lanka, but the entire world which also adds responsibilities on your shoulders. One such responsibility will be your association with humanity. Tell us how you will deal?
As Miss Sri Lanka and a participant in Miss World, I recognize that my role extends beyond representing my country, it is also about embracing the responsibility of being a global advocate for humanity.
One of the most effective ways to uphold this responsibility is by using my platform to address pressing social issues, particularly those affecting marginalized women. Through my Beauty with a Purpose project, I have already committed to tackling period poverty in Sri Lanka by raising awareness, improving access to sanitary products, and advocating for policy changes. However, the issue of menstrual equity is not confined to one country; it is a global concern that affects millions of women.
Whether it is period poverty, gender inequality, or access to education, my approach will always be rooted in compassion, action, and sustainable solutions.
Who would be your role model from Miss World pageantry?
Manushi Chhillar was the Miss World who truly inspired me to pursue this journey. Her story and purpose resonated with me, reinforcing my desire to be part of Miss World.
Could you walk as through your prep routine diet, fitness, personality training etc. What will you do if you win the title?
The Miss World Sri Lanka team and I work tirelessly to ensure that I represent myself in the best way possible. Fitness has been a key focus as I prepare for the sports and fitness segment, and while I’m mindful of my diet, I make sure not to restrict my body to the point of discomfort. Balance is important. Additionally, I undergo daily training to refine my personality and overall presentation, ensuring I bring my best self to the competition.
What is beauty according to you and how do you drive purpose in beauty?
To me, beauty is not just about appearance, it is a reflection of one’s character, values, and the impact they create in the world. True beauty lies in kindness, resilience, and the ability to uplift others. I drive purpose in beauty by ensuring that my voice, actions, and platform contribute to meaningful change. As Miss Sri Lanka, I have used my role to advocate for menstrual equity through my Beauty with a Purpose project, addressing period poverty and empowering women with knowledge and resources. Beauty becomes purposeful when it is used as a force for good, when it inspires confidence, creates opportunities, and fosters a sense of belonging.
There are many who debate whether beauty pageants are still relevant or not, what is your stand on this?
Beauty pageants, particularly Miss World, remains highly relevant because they have evolved beyond physical appearance to become platforms for advocacy, empowerment, and social change. When done right, pageants are not just about crowns and titles, they are about purpose, passion, and making a difference. That is why I stand firmly in support of their continued relevance.
Lastly your message for all those aspiring girls who wants to win a beauty pageant?
Don’t approach it as a race, but see it as an opportunity for personal growth and transformation. You don’t need to win a title to make a meaningful impact on society. What truly makes you a queen isn’t the crown you wear, but how you treat others and the positive changes you bring to the world.
By Zanita Careem
By Zanita Careem
CHARINI is a well-known brand renowned for its bold yet elegant statement designs and unique concepts. This season,popular designer CHARINI will be presenting a collection that gives Sri Lankan traditional art a contemporary twist, bringing the mythical creatures of Sri Lankan history to life, beautified with floral elements from ancient paintings.
Each element has been meticulously hand-drawn with intricate details, staying true to the rich heritage of Sri Lankan artistry. These hand-drawn illustrations have then been carefully transformed into artworks, which are printed onto fabric to seamlessly blend tradition with modern design. This fusion of craftsmanship and innovation brings a unique depth to each piece in the collection. This is… the Mythical Ceylon Collection by CHARINI.’’
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