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World AIDS day

Published

5 years ago

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by Dr. Sujatha Samarakoon

First recognized in 1988, World AIDS Day falls on December 1 each year. Every year, on December 1, the world commemorates World AIDS Day. On this day, people around the world unite to show support for people living with and affected by HIV and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS.

An estimated 40 million people worldwide have died of AIDS since 1981, and an estimated 38 million are living with HIV by end 20191 and 1.7 million became newly infected in 20191 making it one of the most important global public health issues in recorded history. Despite recent improvements in treatment, the AIDS epidemic still claims an estimated two million lives each year, of which more than 250,000 are children1.

Since 1988, Sri Lanka has been commemorating World AIDS day which is dedicated to spreading awareness of the AIDS pandemic and the need to prevent and control of HIV in the country and to remember those who have died of the disease.

The red ribbon has become an internationally recognized symbol for AIDS awareness, worn by people throughout the year in support of people living with HIV and in remembrance of those who have died.

Sri Lanka is categorized as a country with a low prevalence of HIV infection as the HIV prevalence among adults above 15 years of age was 0.1% as of end 20192. At the end of 2019, it is estimated that around 3,600 people are living with HIV in the country2. The main mode of transmission is through unprotected sex2. The National STD/AIDS Control Program (NSACP) of the Ministry of Health, which spearheads the national response to HIV/AIDS commenced interventions even before the first HIV infection was diagnosed in the country in 1986. The initial programs were mainly to create awareness among the general population especially the youth and women on methods of prevention. Concomitantly HIV testing services were introduced free of charge in the government sector where people were able to get the HIV test done to know their status maintaining confidentiality.

A policy decision was made to screen all donated blood for HIV infection in the public sector and also the private sector. The outcome of this timely decision was that since year 2000 no blood transfusion associated HIV infections have been reported to the national programme. This was a great achievement for the health sector and the people of Sri Lanka. Awareness programs were then expanded to involve the key population groups or populations most at risk to HIV infection due to a variety of reasons including high risk sexual behaviors. The highest prevalence of HIV is reported among men who have sex with men (MSM) at 1.5%2. HIV prevalence is also reported among trans-gender women (TGW), female sex workers (FSW), beach boys (BB) and injecting drug users (PWID)2. Other high-risk groups include prisoners, drug users and migrant workers. Between 2011 and 2019, new HIV infections among adult males have been increasing exponentially from 78 cases to 359 cases, which is a 460% increase2. Currently, the national programme is reaching out to key population groups using several approaches especially to reach the hidden high risk populations.

In 2004, a policy decision was made to provide anti-retroviral therapy (ART) to people living with HIV (PLHIV) through the national programme. As of end 2019, a total of 2,302 (64%)2 knew their HIV status and 1,845 (51%)2 registered for treatment which is offered free of charge.

AIDS Foundation Lanka (AFL) was established in 2008 after the Eigth International Conference on AIDS in Asia & Pacific (ICAAP) was held in Sri Lanka. The objectives of the AFL is to support the National STD/AIDS Control Programme in conducting awareness programmes to educate the general population and key population groups on basic facts of HIV/AIDS, access and availability of services and support people living with HIV.

Throughout the years, AIDS Foundation Lanka has reached out to several population groups such as out-of school youth, formal and informal sector workers and healthcare workers in educating them on basic facts of HIV which includes the methods of transmission and prevention, availability of services and the need to dispel stigma and discrimination. Several awareness programs were held at workplaces, hospitals and communities. These programs are conducted to support prevention efforts and also the “test and treat” policy of the national program by encouraging those who are living with HIV and do not know their status to get themselves tested for HIV. People with HIV who are aware of their status, take ART daily as prescribed which helps to control the replication of the virus and keep an undetectable viral load which enables to live healthy lives and have effectively no risk of sexually transmitting HIV to their HIV-negative partners.

Every year, AFL commemorates the World AIDS Day by conducting awareness programs for the general public including women and youth.

Although a non-profit organization, AIDS Foundation Lanka, continuously supports people living with HIV by providing them a nutritious food package monthly, educational grants, book vouchers, school bags and shoes, tuition and transport fees for children infected and affected by HIV. Some are supported in initiating self-employment income generating projects and by paying overdue housing loans. One objective of these support schemes is to strengthen the link of PLHIV with the national programme as around 10-20% of patients registered with the national program defaults attending services.

During the COVID-19 period, the national program has made every effort to provide HIV testing services, treatment and care. The AFL has supported these endeavors by increasing the food package allowances, transport allowances to travel to HIV service providing clinics and on-line tuition fees for students.

AIDS Foundation Lanka is supported by several well-wishers who have undertaken to look after an individual or a family. The well-wisher provides the nutrition package or tuition fees to AFL and AFL handles all donations maintaining confidentiality. Some school children through their social clubs, interact clubs have come forward to donate nutrition packages, school books and other utilities. HIV positive pregnant women are provided with additional nutrition support and a maternity kit which contains baby clothes and other utilities for mother and baby worth SLR 8,000/=. All PLHIV related support activities are carried out maintaining confidentiality of donors and recipients. AFL is located at the first Floor of Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), No 6, Wijerama Mawatha Colombo 7. Phone number 011-2690230.

(The writer is a Consultant Venereologist and President AIDS Foundation Lanka)


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Life style

Celebration of taste, culture and elegance

Published

6 days ago

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2025/12/7

By

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

Published

6 days ago

on

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

Published

6 days ago

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2025/12/7

By

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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