Life style
Strong,confident and good looking
by Zanita Careem
Head of the Russian Cultural Center in Colombo and First Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka, Madam Maria L. Popova, a warm persona with a genuine interest in people, which transpires through every action or word she shares. Right from the beginning of our conversation Popova revealed her deeply human, affectionate, optimistic and vibrant personality. She brought a common touch to each interaction, expressing her authentic interest in the culture of Sri Lanka. She spoke about the shared values between Sri Lanka and Russia, stating that the two countries appreciate many similar aspects like the freedom of speech, women’s empowerment, cultural activities and other important issues.
Q. Please tell us about your career
A. I came to Sri Lanka two years ago, to work as a cultural diplomat. Before becoming part of the worldwide Russian House team, I worked for a large media holding in Russia called the Moscow Media, consisting of two TV channels and three radio stations, one of which is the city’s main station Moscow FM. During those years I’ve worked in different fields – as an editor, a news producer for the English-speaking radio station Capital FM, a news presenter and interpreter for the TV channel Moscow-24, and finally, as an executive producer of the entire Radio Department. It was a truly invaluable experience, and all these skills are helping me a lot in my diplomatic career today.
Q. Tell us about a time when you professional and family responsibilities came into conflict?
A. I’m one of those lucky women who has never faced those challenges. I’m blessed to have a husband who is like a modern-day Prince Charming. I mean not only his looks, but the fact that he has always supported me in every way, especially in my career. Unfortunately, we don’t get to spend much time together as he mostly lives in Moscow because of his job. But every time we meet – it’s almost like a fairytale. And maybe that’s one of the staples of our happy marriage. Despite the fact that we’re apart, we always have each other’s backs.
Of course, juggling between personal life and a career is not always a walk in the park. It is competitive and challenging and it takes up a lot of energy, but I always try to live up to my expectation, and participate meaningfully in every facet of office work. My son lives with me in Colombo, and he somehow studies in two schools, one of which is distant learning under the Russian curriculum. My trials and tribulations echo many of the daily challenges, but on the other hand, such hectic lifestyle keeps me toned and energized 24 hours a day.
Q. Can you comment on the cultural activities in Sri Lanka?
A. I really respect and admire Sri Lankan culture. Our two nations share many values and traditions, and I made it a point to observe all the important holidays, both Russian and Sri Lankan, at the Russian Cultural Center. This year we had beautiful celebrations of Awurudu and Vesak. We are steeped in history and culture, and it’s one of the best ways to highlight and entwine the cultures of our two friendly countries.
The culture of Sri Lanka is mostly based around the fusion of traditional forms of art, dance and music. One of the spectacular events that impressed me most was the stunning Navam Maha Perahera showcasing traditional local art, colourful costumes, and intricate dance displays. It was definitely the most amazing cultural pageant I’ve seen in my life. It was like a celebration of culture and spirituality epitomizing the rich cultural heritage of this beautiful island.
I also greatly enjoyed the Colombo Fashion Week this year. The talent and artistry of local designers were so unique – each runway show reflected the authentic charm of this beautiful island. I can feel the changes in every aspect of the local fashion industry.
And speaking of runways, this April I was honoured to take part in the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations organized by the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry. It was an unforgettable experience for the diplomats – to meet with other officials representing different countries – and to walk the runway demonstrating Sri Lanka’s top designer outfits. I proudly wore a traditional handcrafted Saree.
Q. Can you share an experience professionally or otherwise that helped shape your leadership qualities?
A. As a mother with a full-time job, meetings and events, every day is a challenge! It requires courage and astuteness at all times. These positive vibes have added up to shape my leadership qualities. I believe I have to be strong, competent and create an impression. My motto is: Dedication, Determination, Drive. These combined together definitely add to my personality.
Q. Who are your role models?
A. Speaking of my real-life heroines, both of my grandmothers had a great impact on my life. I was named after my mother’s mom Maria, and she has been the trailblazer for my upbringing. Grandma Maria has given me so much love and comfort, she was the epitome of femininity, kindness and compassion. These qualities I hope I have inherited, live on even though she passed away more than twenty years ago. I still cherish her memories.
My other grandma Eugenia was a teacher of the Russian language and literature, and she had a major impact on my early education. In a way, she influenced my career. I started promoting the Russian language in Sri Lanka in honor of her memory, as well.
As for my role models – young Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve, the two iconic French actresses have become my source of inspiration over the years. I really admire their faultless style, chic elegance, and their leadership skills. I try to resemble their style and fashion.
Q. What is the most memorable and cherished incident in your career?
A. What I love most about my job is that I get to meet new people every day. I could never imagine how many treasures this paradise island had in stock for me when I first came here. I have a great team, wonderful colleagues, and I continuously make new friends. My career has given me an opportunity to meet many talented people – ballerinas, film directors, musicians, writers, and businessmen. And I’m glad that all of them left a trace in the history of the Russian House in Colombo.
Q. Have you ever been faced with a proverbial glass ceiling and how has diplomatic training helped you to resolve it?
A. I have never experienced any kinds of invisible barriers in my career. I was always lucky to have colleagues who respected me and my work ethics – just as I have always respected the work ethics and the feeling of others. When being a boss, it is especially important to take emotions into consideration.
Q. Have you ever been subject to sexual harassment and if so, how did you handle it?
A. The truth is, sometimes women have to fight barriers and work harder in order to rise to top positions. As for my personal experience, I have never encountered sexual harassment in any form. I have always handled the challenges of working within male-dominated circles – diplomatic or otherwise. The key to working among men is to be professional, punctual, and simply be a good listener.
Q. Tell us about your experiences in politics and diplomacy.
A. I think that my career was predestined as I come from a diplomatic background. I’ve lived, studied and worked abroad – first with my parents as a child in Canada, later on with my husband in the US. Therefore, international environment fits me like a glove. You may say that I carried on the family tradition by coming to Sri Lanka and heading the Russian Cultural Centre. I’m also a graduate of the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Relations, and I speak two foreign languages, so it went without saying that the combination of all these factors was the direct path to diplomacy.
Like most women, I’m not big in politics – I deal with education and culture, which makes me very happy. I have an unconditional love for my country, and I’m proud to represent its rich culture and traditions, to promote its top-quality higher education and create more opportunities for the friendly people of Sri Lanka. This is me today. And this is what I always wanted to be – a cultural diplomat.
Q. How can the diplomatic service best improve their gender balance over the next few years?
A. I think the role of women in diplomacy has a lot of potential. Women form the backbone of society and play a crucial role in every life sphere. There are still structural issues that impede the promotion of women to senior positions, but in today’s complex societal challenges from climate change to pandemics, female leaders are equally represented and gender equality principles is widely integrated all over the world.
Q. Your stay in Sri Lanka and what do you enjoy most?
A. I absolutely love Sri Lanka! I call it “The Paradise Island” or sometimes “The Treasure Island” as I have found so many gems here. In a way, the Russian House in Colombo has become my second home.
I remember when I first came to Sri Lanka two years ago, it welcomed me with flowers and sunshine. Sri Lanka is well renowned for its hospitality, golden beaches, salubrious climate, cultural delights, and incredible diversity. These are the reasons I fell in love with this island.
Sri Lanka accepts me for who I am today, putting a smile on my face every morning. And that’s what I love most about this place… simply being happy!
The avurudu table of any Lankan home is complete only when it is laden with kevum. Dating back to ancient times, many types of kevum are chronicled even in our classical texts. The Dutch rulers of the island are said to have relished them, some even asking if they grew on trees… A delicacy which was offered to visiting dignitaries, kevum was revered by our kings even in the battle field not only as an energy-booster but also as a wound disinfectant.
BY RANDIMA ATTYGALLE
The culmination of Avurudu preparations in my childhood with my grandparents was marked by the ritual of Kevum-making. Athamma would ‘book in advance’ the kevum specialist Soida Hami (Soida aachchi to us children), and install a special hearth in her back verendah for the grand moment. I would watch Soida aachchi in wonderment as her thick batter of rice flour and best of kithul treacle shaping into kevums in a hot wok of coconut oil. The long kevum koora in her nimble fingers would achieve the feat of the perfect konde. It was almost a rite of reverence, so much so I was not supposed to talk to her until the first batch of Konda-kevums was completed. Like many old-folk of her vintage, Soida aachchi believed that talking while the first few kevums are done would result in a flawed product.
She would then place each perfect Konda kevuma on a banana leaf for the excess oil to drain. Once the whole exercise was completed, she would place Konda-kevum in large earthen pots and store them in the dum messa or the storage area above the main hearth of the kitchen. She would spare me only one kevuma and the rest had to wait until the auspicious time on avurudu day!
Travellers’ records
Robert Knox an English sailor who was held in captive in the court of the Kandyan King Rajasinghe II and one of the prolific chroniclers of ancient Ceylon in his famous work, An Historical relation of the Island Ceylon documents on the sweet meats of Lankans with a special account of kevum.
‘They have several sorts of sweet-meats. One they call Caown. It is like to a fritter made of Rice-flower and Jaggory. They make them up in little lumps and lay them upon a leaf, and then press them with their thumbs and put them into a frying-pan and fry them in Coker-nut Oyl or Butter. When the Dutch came first to Columba, the King ordered these Caown to be made and sent to them as a royal treat. And they say, the Dutch did so admire them, that they asked if they grew not upon trees, supposing it past the Art of man to make such dainties.’ (Spelling as in the original Knox)
The account of Knox enables rich insights into this wonder of a sweet meat which enthralled many a traveller to the island including dignitaries. The European trader Cosmas who visited Ceylon in 545-550 AD, documents that along with gems, Kevum and Kalu dodol from Ceylon were taken to the Roman court of Emperor Claudius during the sixth century.
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- Mun kevum
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- Konda kevum
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- Athirasa
Classical literature
Kevum dates back to ancient times and our classical texts such as the Ummagga jatakaya, Pujawaliya and Saddharma Ratanawaliya bear evidence to this fact. “Originally known as poopa this sweet meat came to be known as kevum in the Dambadeniya-Kurunegala era. Jathaka atuwa getapadaya mentions 18 kinds of sweet-meats found in the ancient Sri Lanka and among them are several types of kevum such as sendi kevum, mal kevum, athirasa, pena kevum, raa-kevum,” says Prof. Kusumalatha Lankamulla from the Department of Sinhala and Mass Communication at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
This scholar with research interest in Culture, Traditional and Modern Literature goes onto note that Mahawamsa in its 32nd chapter refers to two types of kevum in the context of alms offered by King Dutugemunu. The two types- thel kevum and maha de kuvum mentioned, were fried in ghee. “Many of our classical texts mention kevum in multiple festive contexts beyond avurudu. In Ummagga jathakaya, kevum is mentioned as a fitting gift to be taken when visiting parents. Saddharma Ratanawaliya refers to boxes of kevum or kevum pesa.“
Narang kevum
An energy booster
Among the popular kevum types found today are Konda kevum, athirasa, mun-kevum, naran kevum and hendi-kevum. Although the ingredients used for each type may slightly differ, rice flour and treacle (now largely replaced with sugar) remain common to all. The much sought after Konda kevum which is relatively a later addition to the range of kevum found here at home is believed to have originated during the Kandyan period says Prof. Lankamulla. “During the Kandyan period, men were prohibited from cutting their hair off and they had to tie it in form of a knot on top of their heads. Konda kevuma is believed to have been inspired by this practice.”
Traditionally, Sinhalese soldiers were given a bag of kevum when going to war. History has it that King Dutugemunu went a step ahead and used kevum to treat wounded soldiers. His army used to prepare kevum months in advance and keep them exposed to air so that the mould can grow on them.
This mould in today’s language had ‘antibiotic properties’ and was used on the wounds of the soldiers to prevent them from festering. “In a bid to undermine the pride of place given to kevum as a super food by the locals, the British coined the famous derogatory adage: ‘Sinhalaya is a fool but is an ace at eating kevum’. (Sinhalaya modaya-kevum kanna yodaya)
Steeped in tradition
Superstitious beliefs surrounding the process of kevum-making are not uncommon and these vary from region to region in the island, says Prof. Lankamulla. Regardless of the region, several common traditions were followed by our ancestors and these still continue to be observed in several parts of the country, she says. “The frying pan with coconut oil to prepare the kevum was kept on fire at an auspicious time and village matriarchs who were highly skilled were mobilized for the occasion. Women also believed that they must refrain from talking when the first kevum is being made. For centuries, the first kevum was considered to be the ‘konduru kevum’, dedicated to the sledge-fly or the konduruwa. The village women would hang the first kevum up for the insects so that the rest would be unspoilt.”
Sybil Wettasinghe’s work celebrating kevum
Prof Kusumalatha Lankamulla
With the passage of time, many Lankans, particularly city-dwellers depend on commercially available avurudu kevili including kevum. Although kevum is synonymous with avurudu, today people get to enjoy it round the year thanks to many sweet meat kiosks found in cities. Although these outlets have best sales during avurudu, they get plenty of orders from Lankans travelling abroad or coming home for vacation at other times of the year as well.
One such die-hard kevum fan is Uthpala Ranatunga from Ottawa, Canada. “My Loku amma (oldest aunt) makes it a point to pack me a parcel of best quality Konda kevum to take with me whenever I’m in Sri Lanka for a vacation.
I deep-freeze them for longer use and eat them sparingly,” says Uthpala to whom kevum is always a strong reminder of home. “Each time I indulge in them I feel nostalgic and miss home.”
Kevum is an integral part of the Lankan culture, finding its way from ancient classical literature to that of the contemporary including children’s literature and arts. The much-loved sweet meat is celebrated in the work of Sybil Wettasinghe – the iconic story teller and illustrator.
Come avurudu, we often hear the intonation of Lionel Ranwala, the eminent musician, vocalist and an authority on Sri Lankan folk music, whose tribute to the enduring legacy of this delicacy is one of the best in our times:
Me avurudu kale -sinaha weyan rale
Thel ihirunu kewum gediya wage…
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)
Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau hosted a landmark event at cinnamon Life for an ambitious campaign to spotlight Sri Lanka as a top travel destination. This initiative hosted international influencers and local media to capture the unique charm of Sri Lanka’s destinations. These travel influencers will share thier real time content across platforms like Instragrams Tik Tok and youtube amplifying Sr Lanka as a must visit destination. Many media personal, bloggers and influencers participated in this event which will take them on a tourism travel featuring some of Sri Lanka’s top destination.
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) hosted a landmark event at the Cinnamon Life Hotel, Colombo. The event was led by . Deputy Minister of Tourism, Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, with the participation of SLTPB Chairman Buddika Hewawasam, officials, travel influencers and their families, as well as journalists specializing in tourism sector reporting. The gathering set the stage for transformative initiatives aimed at bolstering Sri Lanka’s tourism sector and redefining its global image.
In his opening remarks, Buddika Hewawasam underscored the challenges facing the tourism sector, particularly the seasonal dip in arrivals during the summer months. “The next few years will be the most challenging period for all of us,” Hewawasam stated, emphasizing the need for international collaboration and strategic development. He further highlighted the critical role played by international travel influencers and media professionals in raising awareness of Sri Lanka’s hospitality and inspiring tourists worldwide to visit.
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- Dileep Mudadeniya
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- Deputy Minister of TourismProfess or Dr Ruwan Ranasinghe
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- Guests
The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, detailed the innovative nature of the campaign and its importance in showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich heritage, natural beauty, and diverse travel experiences to mainstream and emerging tourism markets.
During the event, several prominent travel influencers shared their thoughts about Sri Lanka’s uniqueness as a destination. They highlighted that Sri Lanka is a country where travellers don’t need to worry about finding incredible experiences—nature has already done the hard work. The influencers remarked on Sri Lanka’s unparalleled diversity, noting that it is possible to experience a range of climates within just a few hours by travelling to different parts of the island. From sun-soaked beaches to misty highlands, and from lush forests to cultural treasures, Sri Lanka offers a world of adventures in a compact and accessible setting.
In comparison to destinations like Bali, which some influencers noted as overcrowded, Sri Lanka stands out with stable and balanced tourism activities. The event attendees were thrilled by the country’s warm hospitality, authentic DDirector cuisine with an impressive variety, long history, and rich culture. These qualities make Sri Lanka not only inviting but genuinely unforgettable for visitors.
Buddika Hewawasam, Chairman (SLTDA)and Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau
The travel influencers in attendance expressed strong confidence in their ability to share this powerful message with the world. They were determined to shape international travel trends by showcasing Sri Lanka’s unique appeal, while also helping to attract new types of guests. The influencers represented a diverse range of travel segments, including family travellers, solo female travellers, honeymooners, and adventure seekers. Their efforts were supported by Sri Lanka Tourism officials and journalists representing both local and international media agencies.
The ‘Sri Lanka, A Story for Every Season’ campaign represents SLTPB’s first large-scale effort to boost summer travel through digital storytelling and influencer collaboration.
Featuring a curated destination familiarization tour, the campaign will spotlight wildlife safaris, cultural heritage, spiritual pilgrimage sites, scenic landscapes, and adventure tourism. Influencers will produce high-impact content for platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, reaching over 2.2 million travel enthusiasts globally.
Sri Lanka Tourism shared impressive winter peak season results, with international arrivals reaching 665,295 by March 23, 2025—a marked increase compared to the previous year. These figures illustrate the sector’s potential for growth, and the campaign aims to sustain momentum throughout the summer months.
The event was a call to action for stakeholders to unite in elevating Sri Lanka’s global tourism appeal. With plans to generate over LKR 32 million worth of media coverage and connect with diverse travel segments, the campaign underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to redefining itself as a leading destination for year-round travel.
By Zanita Careem
Pix by Darmasena Welipitiya
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