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THE ENDURING INSPIRATION THAT IS NIHAL FERNANDO

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10 months ago

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Herd of elephants at Handapanagala by Nihal Fernando

Rohan Wijesinha

 “One thing can certainly be said of Nihal Fernando.  Despite his many years of photographic adventure in the receding past, he fixes his eyes firmly on the future and the task that faces the next generation…

‘All my work has been for the children of Lanka,’ he says.  ‘I hope it will help them on their way, as they become the leaders of the next millennium.’

Charith Pelpola, Serendib, Vol. 17 No. 3, May-June 1998

 Everyone needs something or someone to inspire them, to reach out from their comfort zone for something or somewhere new. Mine came through my love for wildlife and the wilderness. My inspiration – Nihal Fernando (NF). Unbeknown to me this legend of Sri Lankan photography and conservation had been reading my published scribbles and had decided that he possibly had a more worthy role for me to play. From that moment my approach to wildlife and the wilderness changed from merely being an observer, and sometimes recorder, of its beauty, to that of joining in the fierce fight for its preservation for the future. No more time to wonder but the passion to protect it, for present and future.

I had heard of NF, not just as one of the finest photographers this country has ever had, but who also engaged in many campaigns to conserve areas of environmental importance that were coming under threat from the increasing, unplanned, and often illegal, development.

Eppawela

 I soon discovered that there was more to the man than merely a taker of exquisite pictures. After just a single meeting with him, I was plunged into the campaign to protect Eppawela from a proposed mineral investment agreement for exploration and mining of phosphate. The said agreement between the Sri Lankan Government and a foreign company would have had many adverse consequences on the environment, the rich archaeology of the area, and on the people who lived there. Phosphate reserves which are available to Sri Lanka for several centuries would have been taken out in a matter of 30 years, with little overall benefit to the country.

Winnowing paddy, Polonnaruwa by Nihal Fernando

Much has been written about this landmark case and judgment but it was during this time that I realized that NF was not only a fount of knowledge, but also a supreme organizer, and motivator. He brought together people from diverse backgrounds who all had a common interest in preserving the environment; there was a role for each to play, every one, and they were made to feel comfortable in being a part of the process. He engaged with the religious community, academics (from Sri Lanka and elsewhere), lawyers, conservationists, journalists, and even Trade Union leaders. For the first time in the history of the Trade Union movement in Sri Lanka, and possibly the World, a half day General Strike was called in support of an environmental cause – Eppawela. Thousands attended the accompanying rally outside the Fort Railway Station. All of this thanks to the amazing organizational and leadership skills of NF. The judgment of this case, too, made legal history and is worthy of a read by any who has a love for this land and its people, and for Conservation Law.

Vadai Parties

 NF hosted weekly strategy meetings at his home at which ginger beer and vadais (a savoury snack made from lentils) were served. Knowledge was shared and the next steps planned, including that of a necessary Court Case. My talents were used in joining those of the team whose task was the dissemination of knowledge to the public on how damaging the rape of Eppawela would be to the country and its people. This was in the form of articles in the newspapers, not just in English, but in all three languages.

NIHAL FERNANDO

Foremost of these writers was Selvam Canagaratna (SC). In fact, SC was at the heart of many of the conservation campaigns organized by NF. With a journalist background and a career in publishing, he had a supreme command of English, and of its pertinent use, to fire the reader with the same fervor he had for the subject. A ferocious champion of the cause, if NF was ever looking for a more loyal deputy and friend, he could have not had any better than SC by his side.

There were many others, too numerous to mention, who were part of this and other campaigns. One other, however, who is deserving of special mention, and who was always up for the fight, was that legend of Sri Lanka, Iranganie Serasinghe. Always there, whatever her other commitments, and ever courageous in expressing her feelings, she is still a spur to all who love nature and environment, and artistic talent, of this blessed isle.

painting by kavindu sathsara

A Man for all

 Should history write more of NF, as it has and no doubt will in the future, but only as a supreme photographer whose mastery of light was unsurpassed, then it would just be describing a part of the man; a mere chapter of an epic tale. NF loved Sri Lanka, almost all aspects of it, with the passion of a true patriot, though he would cringe at the term as it has come to be used today. He collaborated with writers to compile works on its history, on its culture and lifestyle, he compiled a travel guide, the earliest of its kind in Sri Lanka, and a Handbook for the Ceylon Farmer, another passion of his, among other things. It was his way of sharing of the beauty of this land.

Above all he admired this Island’s Nature, its culture, its history and its people. For them, he was willing to fight fiercely, and attract others to his cause. This despite being a man of few words, who would rather observe and listen, but with the talent to almost immediately assimilate and analyze all of the information that was being shared. This was why the room would fall silent when he spoke, for his words were always few, to the point, and showed the way forward, for all. For NF was never one who willingly sat at the head of the table but would rather be a part of the team, provided the group achieved its purpose, albeit unconsciously guided by him. For his greatest talent was his ability to converse with anyone, and his extensive travels throughout Sri Lanka meant that he met many.

Apart from the Eppawela Campaign, he was a campaigner for the banning of mechanized logging in the Kanneliya and Sinharaja Rainforests. He served on the Board of Ruk Rakaganno, the Environmental Foundation and the Fauna & Flora Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Environment. He was involved in public interest litigation, seeking court rulings with regard to the Intellectual Property Bill and the Water Reforms Bill, the former ensuring that Sri Lankans would have access to quality drugs at affordable prices and the latter which ruled against the privatization of water.

His inspiration lives on

NF was always generous not only with sharing his knowledge, art and skill, but also in encouraging budding photographers and artists to practice their talents. This is best demonstrated by the wealth of outstanding photographers who learned from him, worked with him, apprenticed under him, and with his blessing, made names for themselves thereafter. With other artists, he organized exhibitions so that they could show off their skills and genius. As such, in a celebration of the photographic art of NF, it is fitting that along with his pictures, those of the other photographers who came under his influence should also have their work shown. Not only photographers, but artists and sculptors too, all who were inspired by him and his work, have a place.

The exhibits will feature the work of NF, Pat Decker, Maxi Decker, Mithra Weerakone, Luxshmanan Nadaraja, Charith Pelpola (all formerly of Studio Times Ltd.) as well as the talents of contemporary artists and sculptors Asela Abeywardene, Channa Ekanayake, Sumudu Ellepola, Chandika Gunasekara, Nimalasiri Jayasena, Hiranya Malwatta, Salome Nanayakkara, Thisaru Prabashwara, Ruwan Prasanga, Dominic Sansoni, Kavindu Sathsara, Kasun de Silva, Charlene Thuring, Sarinda Unamboowe, Shane Walgama and Karunasiri Wijesinghe.

An Exhibition of Photographs by Nihal Fernando, and others, will be held at the Barefoot Gallery, 706 Galle Road, Colombo 3, from 31 January 2025 – 06 February 2025, between 10 am-6.30 pm daily. Entrance is free and all exhibits will be available for purchase.


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Celebration of taste, culture and elegance

Published

3 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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3 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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3 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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