By Zanita Careem

Sri Lanka won global recognition at the recently concluded hair and beauty competition organised by the Hairdressers and Cosmetologist Association held in Cambodia .This prestigious event was held under the leadership of Sahan Gunasekera who led Sri Lanka’s team of hairdressers to this vibrant city.

The outstanding contributions of former President Suraj Gunasekera who served for 27 years, played a vital role in the growth of this association in Sri Lanka.

This association has 17 member nations participating, and Sri Lanka is one of the member countries along with China, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Korea, Mongolia, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Macau, Taiwan, Indonesia, Australia, Vietnam and Nigeria.

This event marked a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s hair and beauty industry, offering a global platform to showcase local talent.

This year Sri Lanka’s hairdressing and cosmetology team from different salons across Sri Lanka took part. They were namely Anita Vinayangakathan, Nitharshana Tilaxan, N. Yamuna, Suluxsana Sivakumary, Pushpalatha Vijayaranger and Sasikala Thambirajah. Anita emerged as the proud winner by becoming the second runner-up in the bridal makeup category, bringing immense pride to Sri Lanka’s beauty industry.

Hasini Gunasekera, present President of APHCA, also the brand ambassador for Seri Naturals said “Anita’s achievements to be the second runner up, showcased local talent bringing recognition and fame to Sri Lanka in the global beauty landscape.

Notable industry pioneers M/S Deepika Gunasekera, Ms Henry Vijayasingam and Hasini Gunasekera were part of the judging panel, lending their expertise to the competition and brought great admiration,honour and praise to Sri Lanka.Make-up artists and hairstylists from Sri Lanka who took part in this prestigious event in the vibrant city of Cambodia who played the host attracting delegations, contestants and judges form all over the region.

History was rewritten for Sri Lanka

as the Sri Lankan winner was announced. The beauticians who took part expressed excitement at participating in this grand finale overseas. “We considered this as a challenge and a stepping stone for all us us to qualify ourselves for other major international events”

‘We want to thank Hasini Gunasekera President (APHCA) for organising such a wonderful event. It was a new experience and a new beginning to compete internationally” said one of the competitors.

APHCA continues to be a driving force in elevating the beauty industry standards across member countries providing professionals with opportunities for learning development and innovation The 29th APHCA will be held at Taiwan on October 2025.

Established in 1997, APHCA was conceived to strengthen camaraderie among fellow hairdressers and cosmetologists in the Asia Pacific region, and helps to create an environment where member states can interact and build a network with fellow members.