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Aldo’s timeless designs

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by Rochelle Palipane Gunaratne

Aldo’s timeless designs have bewitched many fashionistas and brides for decades. The famous designer who hails from the salubrious hills of Kandy, has not lost his sparkle and his love for creating and not even his age has diminished his verve. Having heard of him decades ago and seeing some of his unique designs kindled my curiosity but the legendary designer remained elusive. This was until the year 2017 when I interviewed Bryony De Fonseka, the multi-talented wife of Lasantha De Fonseka of Tiesh by Lakmini fame. Upon interviewing them, I had found a gem (pun intended) which was the fact that Bryony was the niece of Aldo and was closely connected to his work. I was thrilled when Bryony was keen to organize a rendezvous but it took two years to actually meet Aldo in person and I was in awe!

After all, Aldo’s contribution to fashion is colossal and the fact that his work is celebrated from generation to generation lays claim to his boundless passion to enhance the beauty of the wearer; from brides, to models, celebrities, foreign nationals and many others from various ethnic backgrounds. His fame had spread far and wide.

In retrospect

At the interview were his beloved nieces, Bryony and Annemarie, who had been his assistants and his source of pride and joy as they flaunted many of his creations at various milestones in their lives. Recollecting his journey was a cause for much gaiety among the uncle and nieces who had been instrumental in causing quite a stir with their eclectic designs. Aldo began his illustrious journey into the world of designing through the sheer love for it, after all,his nimble fingers and creative flair could not be suppressed. Hence, it began for the young school boy, yet in his teens who stitched to his heart’s content and was thrilled when he gradually gained a fan following. His eye-catching designs gained momentum and he expanded his portfolio to include bridal designs, wardrobe designs for stage drama and movies and haute couture for many reputed fashion shows among others. His customers included the celebrities of yesteryear and even the more recent star-studded casts of the island. His popularity spread internationally, even among the Sri Lankan diaspora living overseas.

In an era, when designing and stitching your own clothes were common place and retail was unheard of, Aldo shot to fame as his designs were appealing and unique. His signature were the Kandyan bridals which had traditional motifs and included the best of our heritage intertwined with a modern touch, making it a family heirloom even to be passed from mother to daughter.

Continuing a tradition

Currently, Aldo enjoys relative ease as an octogenarian and refrains from stitching but his mind is sharp and his creativity and meticulous attention to detail is sharper. He enjoys overlooking the design element of the stitching which continuous unperturbed as many who appreciate the value of quality above all else seek him even though he prefers to remain aloof from the limelight.

Aldo was also instrumental in designing the wedding saree for my mother-in-law, Lalani who is the wife of the famous rugby player, Viper Gunaratne (Sr.) which adds a sentimental value to the article.



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Life style

Put your body at the top of your beauty agenda

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In a world where skin and hair care are often the main focus, maintaining a consistent body care routine is just as important—not only for looking good, but for overall wellbeing. That’s where The Body Shop Bath & Body Range comes in, offering everything you need to nourish and pamper your skin from head to toe.

From the basics (moisturisers and shower gels), the extras (hand and foot creams), right up to indulgent (body butters, yoghurts, and body oils) – what excuse have you for not loving and nourishing your body like never before?

It’s not just the assortment of bath and body products to choose from, it’s the Body Shop’s wide selection of flavours that will have your body spoiled for choice too! Choose from the legendary luxurious Shea Butter range (we recommend the Moisturising Body Butter), gloriously scented Strawberry selection (the Shower Gel is our fave), citrussy and vibrant Satsuma collection (we say start with the cleansing Face & Body Bar), the melt-in-the-skin goodness of the Moringa family (the Hand cream is a clear winner), or even the Almond Milk hydration heroes (psst…pick the Body Yoghurt).

With the year-end celebrations just around the corner, why not even share the gift of body-care? With far more than just a handful of products to pick from, and a little something for every skin type, you can check off most of your gift list already! The British Rose body care range will have one smelling like roses blooming in summertime (even when it’s winter and you’ve forgotten what sunshine feels like) and gives that beautiful body a healthy-looking glow.

The skin-loving formulas of The Olive body care products -infused with Community Fair Trade organic olive oil from Italy- with every refreshing squirt will almost instantly serve that Mediterranean glow-up and signature smile. The Body Shop’s not-so-well-kept secret of its Argan body care collection is like gifting a Moroccan hammam in itself. Or choose from the indulgently creamy and refreshing Avocado body care range for some head-to-toe pampering.

All products are made with over 90% ingredients of natural origin, certified by the Vegan Society, and sourced through the brand’s Community Fair Trade program—bringing some TLC not just to your skin, but to people and the planet too.

Why not get a head start on preparing your body for the most social season, and also get your hands on those festive gifts by visiting your nearest The Body Shop store?

Shop your old favourites or discover some new ones, at The Body Shop flagship store on Bagatalle Road, Odel in Alexandra Place, the Kandy City Centre, and the Colombo City Centre.

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Can Prostate Cancer be cured ?

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Dr. Wong Siew Wei, from Parkway Hospital visited Sri Lanka to attend the Annual Academic Session at College of Oncology which was held recently at Galadari Hotel. He spoke on Prostrate and Lung Cancer in two symposium sessions to a large audience.

In an interview, Dr. Wong from Parkway Cancer Centre shared the cause, side effects and the varied treatment methods of advanced Prostrate Cancer He shared his view how robotics have influenced prostate cancer surgeries. Using the advanced surgical systems,miniaturized robotic instruments are passed through several small keyhole incisions in the patient’s abodomanto allow the surgeon to remove the prostate and nearby tissues with grat precision.Then the prostate is eventually removed through one of the keyhole incisions. Benefits of robotic surgery are less blood loss, less pain shoter hospital stay, faster recovery. The rates of major side effects from robotic surgery are about the same as as open surgical approaches.

Dr. Wong Siew

Can prostrate cancer be 100% cured?

With early diagnosis treatment of prostrate cancer is often highly curable. Many people diagnosed with prostate cancer can live a normal life when the cancer hasn’t spread beyond their prostrate for several years following treatment.

What is prostrate cancer?

According to Dr. Wong prostrate cancer develops in the prostrate, a small walnut shaped gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men.

Is prostate cancer, a serious disease and what are its symptoms?

In early stages, prostate cancer symptoms are rarely visible. But as the disease progresses, complicated symptoms may surface, making the patient uncomfortable . He will always be in discomfort and uncomfortable.

Some of the symptoms noticed are pain in the the lower pelvic area,frequent urination,trouble urinating, burning sensation or weak urine flow.Sometimes he may find it difficult to control his movements. Blood in the urine,painful ejaculation,pain in the lower back,hips or upper thighs or even bone pain are some of the symptoms.

There are several modifiable and non modifible risk factors that might affect the risk of prostate cance. Modiafiable factors can be the diet,obeisity,smoking,chemicalsubstances (men working in factories and sex transmitted infections. The non modifiable factors include age, family history. If the cancer is limited to the prostate it is considered as curable. If the disease has spread to the bones or elsewhere outside the prostate, it is considered stage 4 cancer, This is treated with pain medications,hormonal treatment, chemotheraphy,and radiopharmaceuticals,radiation and other targetted therapies. The outcome is associated with age and other associated health problems

Are prostrate problems always a sign of prostrate cancer?

Not at all. Not all growths in your prostate are cancer Luckily prostate cancer usually grows slowly. Most tumors are diagonised before the cancer has spread beyond your prostate >prostate cancer is highly treatable at this stage

There is another greater risk for prostate cancer,if you’re a black origin or of African ancestry. Family history is also one of the risk factor, this person is more likely to get prostrate cancer, family

Dr. Wong pointed out, screening can help diagnose prostrate cancer early. Most cancers diagnosed in the early stages can be cured with proper treatment.

Is prostrate cancer curable?

Finally Dr. Wong mentioned prostrate cancer awareness, coupled with early detection and advance in treatment, makes managing the disease more effective. Men should be proactive about their health, understand the risk factors, and a better quality of life. Stay informed, stay healthy, and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and loved ones from prostrate cancer.

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Ringing in the festive season with Italian pop star Matilde G and Sri Lankan DJ Rapa

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Matilde G (left) and DJ Rapa

Located on the unspoiled eastern coastline of Sri Lanka with the region regarded for lesser-known cultural and natural wonders, Sun Siyam Pasikudah invites guests to discover an extraordinary festive season filled with cultural charm, natural beauty, and unforgettable celebrations. Headlined by Italian pop singer and songwriter, Matilde G, and Sri Lankan DJ and music producer DJ Rapa, the recently refurbished resort that is part of the renowned Maldives-owned hospitality group Sun Siyam Resorts, is gearing up to deliver a December to remember said a press conferemce.

Guests are in for a big treat. On 21 December, Sun Siyam Pasikudah will host Italian pop singer and songwriter, Matilde G, based in Singapore, who has performed on major stages worldwide, earning the “MUSIVV Award 2023” in Dubai as the best singer residing outside the Middle East. An independent artist distributed by Universal Music Group, her music has garnered over 10 million streams and eight million YouTube views. Matilde has collaborated with Sun Siyam Resort in the Maldives and performed at high-profile events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix Singapore 2023, cementing her status as a rising international star.

Matilde G will also join again on Christmas Eve at Sun Siyam Pasikudah putting up a performance together with Sri Lankan multi-genre DJ and music producer DJ Rapa known for seamless blends and diverse sets, in celebrating the countdown with firework displays. Earlier that day, the hotel will also have a Xmas cookie-making class for kids and adults.

The release said on Christmas Day, guests can indulge in a delectable festive lunch before enjoying lively DJ sets by local talent DJ RAPA by the pool. As evening sets in, a BBQ dinner with live entertainment will set the stage for Santa’s much-anticipated arrival. Meanwhile, guests can savor a selection of cocktails during sunset at the Aqua Lounge, adding a magical touch to the celebrations.

As the year comes to a close, Sun Siyam Pasikudah offers a day filled with festivities. Children can kick off the celebrations with a fun-filled treasure hunt, while everyone can enjoy a relaxing DJ set by the pool. The evening features a grand New Year’s Eve gala dinner on the beach, culminating in a countdown to welcome 2025. To mark the start of the new year, guests and staff come together for a traditional Sri Lankan celebration, including a milk-boiling ceremony, followed by an authentic New Year’s breakfast that highlights the island’s rich culinary heritage.

Sun Siyam Pasikudah is known for its sustainable luxury hospitality, boasting over 34 individual villa rooms and some with private plunge pools. Each restaurant at the property serves as a gateway to the flavors of the island, whether it’s fresh seafood at the Beach Shack, an intimate dining experience at The Cellar, or Sri Lankan classics at the Tea House​. It also has the biggest wine cellar in the Eastern coast. The resort also has a kids play area and a karaoke room.

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