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When style meets strength: WCIC fashion show

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Nayana leading with vision with beautician and hairdresser Lou Ching Wong

As one of Sri Lanka’s most respected women entrepreneurs, Nayana Karunaratne brings her characteristic vision and energy to the chamber under her stewardship, WCIC continues to nurture start-ups, mentor its women leaders and open avenues for young women to access global markets. It is a mission deeply aligned with Nayana’s personal philosophy that true beauty has the strength, independence and confidence to lead.

Curated under the guidance of Nayana there will be a fashion show on 09 Sept., designed and modelled by women who are not professional models but dynamic young professionals, entrepreneurs and change makers. It’s about giving women a platform to express themselves, to step into the spotlight and to inspire others. This show will help mentor young women, open doors for female led businesses and build a strong platform for women to thrive in leadership roles. Her vision is clear to see Sri Lankan women rise as innovators, risk takers, and decision makers in the global economy. She ensures professional diversity on the runaway-models are not just professionals in fashion, but also lawyers, doctors and many others.

Nayana says that her mission goes beyond glamour; it is about transformation.

This trailblazing hairstylist and entrepreneur Nayana has long been a champion of women’s empowerment. Beyond her success in the beauty industry, she played a pivotal role in the women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC). Sri Lanka’s premier organisation for women entrepreneurs and professionals.

Some of the designers who will showcase thier collection

Through WCIC, Nayana will be yet another milestone in WCIC’s continued journey to create opportunities and visibility for women across industries.

What inspired you to take an active role in the women’s chamber of commerce and industry?

I won the WCIC Women Entrepreneur Award in 2008 and was invited by the ten Board to join the WCIC. Since then I have now joined the WCIC Board and play an active role. WCIC is the National Chamber for women in business, inaugurated in 1985 by a group of enterprising women entrepreneurs. We are the first women’s chamber in the world. The WCIC logo explains it all – Engage, Empower, Enrich – We empower women, thus enriching the economy of this country. WCIC is the “think tank”, “voice” and the “platform” empowering women to be powerful nation builders, by participating in transforming the economic growth of the nation.

How has your personal leadership journey shaped the direction of the chamber?

Coming from a skilled background and being a self-developed entrepreneur, my style and leadership activities are quite different to many others especially in the corporate sector. Yet commitments and ambitions for the WCIC are the same. I headed the Capacity Building Pillar of the WCIC and under my leadership we did many small and micro level entrepreneur development programs for the West, North, North West and South regions of the country. I enjoyed that work immensely, with pride as a Sri Lankan woman. Many of these rural entrepreneurs are stronger and ambitious than us, but lack guidance and opportunity. Once shown the path, they shine with amazing spirit. My ability to teach and share, treating all levels of society equally and the personality development programs I have done for people of all walks of life helped me to do this work successfully.

Last year’s finale

How can organisations like WCIC help women scale their business globally?

We have many programs. We have noticed that women entrepreneurs need guidance on financial literacy, marketing, packaging, IT literacy etc., and guidance on new business opportunities. We are doing that continuously through the year via different programs.

What makes this year’s showcase different from typical fashion shows in Sri Lanka?

Ramp Up 25 – the brain child of WCIC was started, not as a fashion show, but to showcase the small fashion designers and also give confidence and exciting opportunities to working women like us to get on the stage, walk the ramp and have fun. The first show was a thundering success. Encouraged by that event we decided to hold this event annually, one of the most popular programs of the WCIC.

The purpose of WCIC Ramp Up is to help Women led/owned MSME businesses to build export-ready brands. We provide them an opportunity to showcase their products at this fun filled event

We believe in developing them through such exposure and the guidance to elevate them and their products. The funds raised are directed to the Special Entrepreneur Fund of the WCIC Academy both of which are dedicated for the development of women entrepreneurs.

What message do you hope every woman watching this event takes away?

The following:

1. We have amazingly creative, hard working women in this country, who will shine in any international platform, if given the opportunity.

2. Walking the ramp, feeling and looking like a supermodel, gives a completely different experience to all of us working women, mixed with confidence and fun.

3. Good work can be done in any form – not only by gruelling classroom setups, but with fun and glamour in a five-star platform.

You are well known in the beauty industry. How do you integrate their creative side with your advocacy for women in commerce?

I think coming from a creative background, we look at life and situations in a less rigid manner. Yes, my face, recognized by others, sometimes helps to get things moving. Above that, I feel, my heart and brain are both trained to look at people and improve them, somehow. I automatically look for areas of improvements and situations. (Sometimes it annoys people as I notice faults others don’t). Sinhala fluency also helps, but I wish I had a better knowledge of Tamil language

What was the inspiration behind hosting a fashion show under the WCIC banner?

We have a large number of women entrepreneurs in the fashion industry, who participate in our annual bazaars, Avurudu Udawa and Santa’s Village. Noticing their talents and the opportunities they lack, we have done many training programs to get them export ready and also planned a Ramp Up to give them an oppoutunity to shine.

How were the designers and models selected for this event?

Designers are mostly from our pool and recommendations from the members. So are the models, WCIC members and their friends and family.



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Aslam Hussein’s Couture and Trousseau

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At Colombo Fashion Week,held recently at Cinnamon Grand,designer Aslam Hussein delivered a collection that spoke the language of quiet confidence and refined glamour, positioning him firmly as a Fashion Edit, favourite this season.

‘His collection unfolded like a carefully composed symphony – each piece moving with a rhythm of elegance and poise. Aslam Hussein’s runaway was more than a presentation – it was a story of refined luxury, individuality and timeless beauty where couture met emotion and each garment became a living expression of artistry.

Colombo Fashion Week was held this November at Cinnamon Grand ,namely Couture + Trousseau . The event was part of the luxury edit focused on high fashion,bridal wear and destination wedding,celebrating CFW’’s 22 rd anniversary Aslam Hussein opened the runway and his collection balanced sharp tailoring with fluid silhouettes, creating looks that felt both modern and enduring. Clean lines, thoughtful construction and an understated palette allowed craftsmanship to take centre stage. The colour palette was muted yet rich, allowing texture and craftsmanship to speak. Luxurious fabrics caught the light with every step, revealing subtle interplay between movement and form. Each silhouette told a story of – timeless, modern and effortless elegance

Aslam Hussein redefines elegance at CFW

Fluid silhouettes, muted palettes and clean tailoring defined his collection.

On the ramp,models moved with understated confidence, their hairstyles were created by. Ramani Fernando salons,the soft luminous makeup complemented the collection’s quiet sophistication. Each silhouette reflected Aslam’s commitment to craftsmanship, versatility and timeless style. Since establishing his label, he has been a staple on Sri Lanka’s fashion calendar, consistently presenting at Colombo Fashion Weeks and earning recognition for his designs.

His collection this year re-affirmed his mastery of understated elegance and contemporary luxury. Neutral tones were punctioned with occasion, deep shades, allowing fabric, cut and texture to take centre stage. Models carried the collection with measured poise. Make up was luminous yet natural, letting the silhouettes and individual model presence shine. Through his designs, Aslam Huseein has cultivated a following among modern cosmopolitan clientele who appreciate understated glamour, versatility and the quiet power of elegance.

His contributions have solidified his reputation as a designer who bridges Sri Lanka’s rich fashion heritage with an international sensibility.

Colombo Fashion Week is Sri Lanka’s premier event, showcasing the country’s top designers alongside emerging talent and is one of the glamorous events in the fashion landscape. The visionary is Ajay Vir Singh, founder of Colombo Fashion Week, whose leadership continues to elevate Sri Lanka’s premier fashion platform to international level.

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Hairstyle maestro: Niroshan at Ramani Fernando salon at Mount Lavinia

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Ramani Fernando salons is a name that has taken men and women’s grooming to new heights since its inception at Mount Lavinia. The salon has made its mark on the locals and celebrities alike. Over the years, Ramani Fernando Salons has not just set a benchmark for luxury grooming services but has also redefined how men perceive self-care, hair styling, and professional grooming. This salon at Mount Lavinia under its Manager Kappitiya Godage, namely Niroshan known by clients has become a favourite destination for those who sought more than just a haircut. The salon introduces a range of services—from precision styling and beard grooming to men’s makeup for photoshoots. The manager at Mount Lavinia is Niroshan Suresh. His philosophy emphasized that grooming is not just about appearance but also about confidence and self-expression and most importantly – self-care. He says make-up and grooming are not just limited to the opposite gender!

What makes Ramani Fernando Salon at Mount stand out. It is its innovative style and technique to men and women’s grooming. This branch prides itself on using cutting-edge tools and premium products that ensure every client leaves with a polished, customized look. The salon focus is on continuous learning and staying ahead of trends has earned it the loyalty of a discerning clientele.

Working at Ramani salons, Niroshan has spent many years perfecting the craft of styling, cutting and grooming men’s and woman’s hair, blending technical skill with a keen understanding of contemporary fashion trends. With years of experience, he guides clients on hairstyles and on the selection and proper use of styling products. His presence at Ramani Fernando salon at Mount Lavinia reinforce the brand’s reputation for excellence but also highlights the vital role of a skilled male stylist in shaping men and women’s grooming culture in Sri Lanka.

In the evolving world of men’s grooming, where style isn’t just about guiding a haircut but crafting a confident identity Niroshan at Mount Lavinia represent more than just a stylist or a place to cut hair. With Niroshan at the helm, this salon has become a place where style, innovation and meticulous grooming are curated for any client who walks in.

He is part of Ramani Fernando salons creative team, and brings creativity and precision to every look reflecting the high standards of Ramani Fernando’s renowned beauty collection

Niroshan has been with Ramani Fernando for several years and he is popular among his clients for those seeking sharp, modern and personalised hairstyles. With many years of experience, he has combined technical expertise with an eye for current trends ensuring each client leaves the salon looking confident and polished, Niroshan begins with a consultation, he carefully considers face shape, hair texture and personal style before recommending a look: He tailors each style to suit individual preferences, while ensuring easy to maintenance.

Beyond haircuts and grooming, his services include beard shaping, scalp and hair treatments and guidance on styling products. He makes each client of his leave the salon not just with a haircut but walk with confidence. He enjoys seeing his clients happy and self-assured. His experience, professionalism and knowledge make him a standard stylist in Colombo’s competitive grooming scene. He is very grateful to his senior and dynamic hairdresser Kamal for his guidance and expertise and who has been instrumental in shaping his approach to styling and artistry

by Zanita Careem ✍️

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The Kingsbury, Colombo, Welcomes Season of Splendour

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Seasonal cheer wrapped in tradition and luxury

The Kingsbury, Colombo, welcomes the festive season with a spirit of warmth, elegance and celebration. This year’s Christmas and New Year offerings have been curated to bring guests together through moments of comfort, connection and shared joy across the hotel.

Harbour Court sets the tone for the season with its Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet, Christmas Day Brunch and Christmas Dinner on 24th and 25th December, followed by the New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet on 31st December and the New Year’s Day Lunch and Dinner Buffets on 1st January. Kings Steakbar brings festive fine dining to Colombo with its Sunday Gourmet Carvery every Sunday in December, the Christmas Gourmet Carvery on 24th and 25th December, an á la carte Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day and a Seven-course Gourmet Dinner on New Year’s Eve.

Yue Chuan offers authentic Chinese cuisine with its signature Peking Duck Experience throughout December, daily Dim Sum and a special All You Can Eat menu on 24th, 25th and 31st December. At Tenk?, guests can enjoy elegant Japanese cuisine with the daily Teppanyaki Show, festive á la carte menus on 24th and 25th December and a New Year’s Eve Tasting Menu. Ocean highlights the best of coastal cuisine with festive á la carte menus on 24th, 25th and 31st December. Bringing Sri Lankan authenticity to the season, Tavern presents an Arrack Tasting Experience throughout December.

Festive cheer continues outdoors at Honey Beach Club with live music from 19th to 23rd December, poolside Festive party packages, and the signature New Year’s Eve celebration “Dancing Into 2026,” featuring Infinity and DJ E2. At Sky Lounge, guests can enjoy elevated festivities with Corporate Celebration packages, festive set menus, seasonal cocktails and the New Year’s Eve event “Party in the Sky,” featuring The Kingdom. Seas

For those celebrating at home, The Kingsbury offers Seasonal Roasts and festive hampers, available both ready-made and customisable, while Indulgence provides five-star delivery throughout the season. Families can also enjoy special offers, with children below six dining free and children aged six to ten receiving 50% off buffet dining. Seasonal cocktails, wine menus and bottle deals are available across all outlets.

This year, The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites guests to embrace the season with kindness, hope and cherished moments. Whether dining out, gathering with loved ones or gifting thoughtfully, we are honoured to share a season of splendour with you.

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