As the world celebrates the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough, tributes continue to pour in from scientists, conservationists, filmmakers, and millions of admirers whose lives were shaped by the legendary natural historian’s work.

But among the many messages shared this week, one deeply personal reflection from renowned Sri Lankan-born scientist Dr. Ruchira Somaweera has captured the true essence of the man behind the iconic voice.

“We all have people we look up to and hope to be like one day,” Dr. Somaweera wrote in a moving tribute marking Attenborough’s centenary. “For me, one of those people has always been Sir David Attenborough.”

The story dates back to 2013, when a BBC⁠ documentary crew visited to explore Dr. Somaweera’s pioneering work on freshwater crocodiles for a potential wildlife series. Although his research ultimately did not make it into the final production, the encounter led to something far more meaningful.

Through members of the crew, Dr. Somaweera sent Attenborough a card expressing gratitude for the profound influence he had on three generations of his family.

“What I never expected,” he recalled, “was to receive a handwritten letter from him just two weeks later, thanking me for the kind words.”

For Dr. Somaweera, the gesture revealed something extraordinary about Attenborough — not merely the global icon known to billions, but a deeply gracious and humble human being who still took time to personally respond to admirers, despite decades of worldwide fame.

“It said so much about the man behind the legend,” he reflected.

That quiet act of kindness perhaps explains why Attenborough’s influence extends far beyond television screens. Across nearly eight decades, he has become not only the world’s most recognisable natural history broadcaster, but also one of the most trusted voices in science communication and conservation advocacy.

From Life on Earth to Planet Earth, Blue Planet and countless other landmark productions, Attenborough transformed the way humanity sees the natural world.

He brought remote rainforests, coral reefs, deserts, mountains, and deep oceans into living rooms around the globe, inspiring generations to care about ecosystems they might never physically encounter.

Few communicators have bridged science and emotion with such extraordinary power.

For Sri Lankan scientists and conservationists, Attenborough’s impact has been especially profound. Many grew up watching his documentaries, developing an early fascination with wildlife through his storytelling.

Dr. Somaweera’s own career reflects that inspiration. Widely respected for his work on crocodilians, reptiles, and conservation biology, he has become an internationally recognised scientist whose research has contributed significantly to understanding freshwater ecosystems and reptile conservation.

Yet even accomplished scientists, it seems, can remain awestruck by the people who first ignited their curiosity.

The timing of Dr. Somaweera’s tribute also resonates strongly, following recent screenings of Attenborough’s powerful documentary Ocean, including an exclusive showing hosted by Spa Ceylon⁠ at SCOPE Cinema.

In the film, Attenborough reflects on humanity’s relationship with the sea with a sense of urgency sharpened by a lifetime of observation.

“After living for nearly 100 years on this planet,” he says, “I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.”

The documentary explores the astonishing biodiversity of oceans while warning against destructive practices, such as industrial bottom trawling, climate change, and marine habitat destruction. But even amid alarming realities, Attenborough continues to offer hope grounded in science and collective action.

That enduring optimism may be one reason why his influence spans generations.

“Happy 100th birthday to a true giant of science communication, storytelling and conservation advocacy,” Dr. Somaweera wrote in his tribute. “The impact you have had on the world, and on countless young minds, is immeasurable.”

Indeed, for millions around the world, Attenborough’s voice became synonymous with wonder itself.

He taught humanity that the planet is not merely scenery, but a living system of intricate relationships — forests breathing for oceans, coral reefs feeding fisheries, plankton generating oxygen, predators maintaining balance, and every species playing a role in the fragile architecture of life.

At 100, Sir David Attenborough remains more than a broadcaster.

He is a witness to a changing planet. A storyteller for the natural world. And for many scientists like Dr. Ruchira Somaweera, a lifelong inspiration whose greatest legacy may lie not only in the documentaries he created, but in the curiosity, compassion, and responsibility he awakened in others.

By Ifham Nizam

Limited-Time Saturday Brunch at 1864 Limited Edition

The spirit of leisurely weekend dining came alive recently as La Sérénité Saturday Brunch unfolded in elegant style at 1864 Limited Edition at the iconic Galle Face Hotel.Set against the timeless charm of Colombo’s most historic seaside hotel. guests were treated to an indulgent culinary afternoon where sophistication, flavour and oceanfront glamour blended seamlessly.

The heritage charm of Galle Face Hotel, with its polished floors, high ceilings and whisper of history, created a backdrop that is both grand and intimate.Within this setting the brunch emerges not just as a culinary offering but as a carefully orchestrated experience. At the heart of this orchestration was the vision of the General Manager Suresh Abbas. A veteran in the hotel industry, under his leadership, the culinary team delivered a menu for selected invitees, a menu that balanced European finess with contemporary flair .

From gourmet seafood and international delicacies to locally inspired creations and decadent desserts, the spread offered a luxurious journey for discerning brunch lovers.

The GM’s influence is most visible in the intangible details, The curated menu, personalised service and elegant ambience all echoed the hotel’s dedication to offering memorable gastronic experience.The brunch remained international in character while still grounded in place.

La Sérénité, a thoughtfully conceived brunch experience, at 1864 Limited Edition, brings together a sense of calm, continuity, and culinary storytelling within one of the city’s most enduring landmarks.

Set against the pace of a restless world, La Sérénité is designed as a quiet counterpoint, an invitation to pause, to gather, and to ease into the weekend with intention. Since 1864, Galle Face Hotel has existed within this paradox, offering a sense of stillness and reassurance even as the world around it has continually evolved. This brunch extends that legacy, creating a space where time softens, conversation flows unhurriedly, and presence takes precedence.

At its core, La Sérénité is not only about the experience of slowing down, but also about the stories we return to through food. The menu is conceived as a subtle journey through culinary history, drawing from moments across continents and generations, where dishes have been shaped by instinct, refinement, and time.

There is a quiet familiarity in this approach. Classics are not reimagined for novelty, but carefully refined, preserving their essence while elevating their form. The experience moves between contrast and balance, simplicity and indulgence, tradition and gentle reinterpretation. In doing so, it offers something both recognised and rediscovered.

In this way, La Sérénité becomes more than a brunch. It is a curated timeline of taste, an experience that brings together memory, familiarity, and thoughtful refinement within a setting that invites calm.

Presented as a limited-time experience, La Sérénité commenced on 2nd May and takes place every Saturday at 1864 Limited Edition.

Ministry of Brands opens second store at One Galle Face Mall

Inside Colombo’s evolving luxury retail landscape, a new name has stepped confidently into the spotlight at one Galle Face: Ministry of Brands, a concept store that is quietly reshaping how the city shops for global fashion. Positioned as an off price fashion and lifestyle destination, the new store brings together internationally recognised labels and designer finds, under one roof, offering shoppers access to premium brands at more accessible prices. Now local consumers can now encounter globally recognised brands in a setting less intimidating than traditional luxury boutiques. In essence, what was once out of reach is now becoming possible!

For a long time in Sri Lanka, many international brands carried an almost symbolic distance from the average shopper. Global designer wear and premium lifestyle brands were visible in magazines or airports or in ovrseas shopping malls but this space reflects a contemporary shopping atmosphere, blending high street sophitication with the thrill of discovering premium labels at competitive prices!

Sri Lanka’s first off-price retailer expands footprint with a 7,000 sq. ft. store at Colombo’s premier lifestyle destination.

Ministry of Brands (MOB), Sri Lanka’s first off-price retailer, has officially opened its second outlet at One Galle Face Mall, marking another major milestone in the company’s rapid expansion, since launching earlier this year. The new store, located on Level 4 of the mall, welcomed shoppers on 26 April, 2026, and has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about retail openings of the year.

Ministry of Brands introduced the globally successful off-price retail model to South Asia for the first time. The concept enables customers to purchase genuine luxury, premium and high-street brands at significantly  reduced prices, while also contributing to more sustainable retail practices by giving excess inventory a new route to market.

Following the successful debut of its flagship store, on Duplication Road, in February, 2026, the company says customer response has exceeded expectations, driving momentum for further local and international expansion. MOB is now preparing to launch its next store in Pakistan, with plans underway for additional outlets across South Asia and Australia.

Ministry of Brands offers more than 2,000 international and designer labels across womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, homeware and accessories. Brands available in-store include Gucci, Valentino, Zara, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Farm Rio, Alice + Olivia, Lacoste, On Running, Pull&Bear, Puma, UGG, HOKA, Brooks, Air Jordan, Brooks Brothers, Carter’s and The North Face, among many others.

Aamir Akbarally, Director of Ministry of Brands, said the strong response from shoppers reflects growing demand for accessible global fashion in Sri Lanka. “Customer feedback for Ministry of Brands has been promising, and we’re focused on earning trust and building a lasting relationship with our ‘MOB’ community. Through our off-price model, we’re removing the barriers that have traditionally limited access to authentic international designer brands, making them available at affordable prices, right here at home. As a new entrant to the local retail landscape, we remain guided by our values of integrity in business and are very actively listening to our customers. Their insights are shaping how we refine our offering and elevate the in-store experience to meet international standards,” he added.

MOB’s off-price model also offers a treasure-hunt-style shopping experience, with fresh collections arriving daily but with limited quantities of each style. In many cases, only one or two pieces of a design are stocked, creating a sense of exclusivity and discovery for shoppers. Each outlet carries a distinct merchandise mix, ensuring a different experience across both locations.

The new One Galle Face Mall store spans 7,000 square feet and has been designed to deliver a spacious, premium retail environment. Merchandise is carefully organised by category and size, allowing customers to browse with ease across fashion, accessories and home essentials.

Ramzey Hammoud, Director of Ministry of Brands, said the new location would further strengthen awareness of the concept among Sri Lankan consumers. He expressed, “We are delighted to open at One Galle Face Mall, one of the country’s leading retail destinations. Its strong footfall gives more people the opportunity to experience the off-price retail concept for the first time. By making some of the world’s most sought-after luxury and designer brands accessible to Sri Lankan consumers, with every product guaranteed to be original and authentic, we are pleased to play a role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s appeal, not only as a premier tourist destination, but also as an emerging shopping destination.”

In addition to fashion and accessories, Ministry of Brands has now introduced a dedicated homeware and bedding collection, further positioning the store as a one-stop shopping destination. Customers can shop for everything, from partywear, casualwear, and intimate apparel to swimwear, athleisure, sportswear, children’s wear, baby accessories, jewellery, and more. Across all categories, prices remain highly competitive, with discounts of up to 90 percent off original retail prices.

With two successful openings, in under three months, and international growth already underway, Ministry of Brands is poised to redefine value retail across the region.

(Zanita)