Celebration of Northern Sri Lankan Flavours Unveiling the Jaffna Food Festival:

Courtyard by Marriott officially launched its much anticipated Jaffna Food Festival in collaboration with renowned culinary storyteller Thushara Innasithamby, with a lively press preview recently. The event, attended by leading members of the media, influencers, and food enthusiasts, offered a tantalizing glimpse into the rich, layered, and unapologetically bold flavours of Sri Lanka’s northern peninsula. Elton Hurtis, General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, expressed his delight in hosting an event that celebrates the rich and diverse culinary fabric of Sri Lanka—where Jaffna cuisine stands as a deeply cherished and flavorful expression of the island’s many cultural influences.

“This festival is more than just food on a plate—it’s a story of families, communities, and culture,” he shared. “At Courtyard, we are thrilled to partner with Thushara and Danu to bring this vibrant celebration to life. The authenticity of the dishes, the heart behind each recipe, and the storytelling woven into every bite make this festival truly special. Our thanks also go out to the media—your continued support means the world to us.” Thushara Innasithamby, known for her deeply personal and nostalgic approach to cooking, shared the inspiration behind the festival. What began as humble meals prepared at home—often in the midst of caring for a loved one—has blossomed into a heartfelt culinary journey that connects people through food. “I’m not a professional chef,” Thushara said with a laugh. “But I am a passionate one. These are the flavours of my childhood—the ones that made our eyes water, our brows sweat, and our hearts full. We grew up with pots simmering all day, kitchens alive with spices, and meals shared with many. I wanted to bring that feeling here.” She was joined by Danu Innasithamby, who has long championed the beauty of Sri Lankan culture through his media work. He echoed Thushara’s sentiments, saying: Courtyard by Marriott Colombo courtyard.com “For years, we spoke about how the food we tasted growing up—the real Jaffna food—wasn’t quite found in restaurants. This festival is our answer to that. Each dish has a story, a memory, and a region behind it. Some guests may ask, ‘Is this really Jaffna food?’ And the answer is yes— Jaffna has many faces and flavors. We’re just serving ours.”

From fire-crackling mutton curries to lovingly spiced seafood, smoky sambols to creamy desserts, the festival’s dishes celebrate traditional methods passed down through generations—often kept secret, even within families. The menu features over 60 unique dishes, rotating through the course of the festival to showcase the full spectrum of Jaffna’s culinary richness. “It’s not fancy food, but it’s food with soul,” Thushara added. “It’s about sitting together, eating slowly, telling stories, and feeling at home. That’s what we hope to share.” Adding an even deeper layer of authenticity, the festival also welcomes three guest chefs from the Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort, all hailing from Jaffna themselves. Their presence pays homage to the roots of the cuisine and brings professional ( expertise shaped by personal heritage. Their contribution further enhances the depth and accuracy of the Jaffna culinary narrative being shared at the festival. The Jaffna Food Festival opened to the public recently and runs through Sunday, June 8 at Beira Kitchen, Courtyard by Marriott Colombo. Held nightly from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM, this celebration of Northern Sri Lankan cuisine features live cooking stations and beloved regional dishes, served just as they should be—generously, joyfully, and with heart. T This event is part of Courtyard by Marriott Colombo’s commitment to spotlighting authentic Sri Lankan experiences while providing guests with memorable dining that honours both tradition and innovation. (Zanita)

When a wish becomes more than a dreams :

Tucked away on Hospital Road in Maharagama, just opposite the Apeksha Hospital, stands a place where children battling life-threatening illnesses are reminded that they still have the right to dream.Behind its soft grey walls and surrounding greenery, Indira Cancer Trust quietly transforms lives—not only through medical and emotional care but now, through the power of a wish.

On World Wish Day, Sri Lanka officially joined nearly 50 countries across the globe in launching Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka, a programme powered by Indira Cancer Trust and dedicated to fulfilling the heartfelt wishes of children with critical illnesses—bringing moments of joy, strength, and healing when they’re needed most.

A Father’s Promise

The Trust was founded in 2016 by Karu Jayasuriya, former Speaker of Parliament, in memory of his beloved daughter Indira, who passed away from breast cancer. In the face of unimaginable personal loss, he made a quiet promise: to create a space where others would not have to walk the journey of illness alone.

Today, Indira Cancer Trust is one of the country’s leading centres of cancer support, offering over 20 free services ranging from medical and transport assistance to nutrition, counselling, livelihood support, palliative care—and now, wish granting. The addition of Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka is a continuation of this legacy of compassion: a reminder that amidst hardship, children can still hope, dream, and smile.

A Cricket Wish: Matheesha’s Moment

Eight-year-old Matheesha is full of life—and loves cricket. His greatest wish was to own a tablet, not for games, but to explore, learn, and re-watch his favourite matches.

But what happened went far beyond the tablet.

In a moment orchestrated by Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka, Angelo Mathews, one of Sri Lanka’s most admired cricketers, surprised Matheesha by personally handing over the tablet—along with words of encouragement and a heartfelt smile. For Matheesha, that day was not just about receiving a gift. It was about being seen, uplifted, and reminded that dreams do come true.

A Wish in Harmony: Rasindu’s Dream

Thirteen-year-old Rasindu finds peace in music. His constant companion through treatment has been the voice of his favourite singer, Amisha Minol, whose songs brought him strength on the hardest days.

His only wish was to meet the person behind the music.

And then one day, there he was—standing before him, smiling, ready to turn his wish into reality. As Amisha gently spoke with him, the joy on Rasindu’s face said it all. It was not a concert. It was not a performance. It was something far deeper—a moment of recognition, connection, and pure happiness.

More than a programme—A philosophy

At Indira Cancer Trust, Make-A-Wish is not a luxury. It is an expression of care. While ICT continues to support children with medicine, investigations, and practical help, a wish is the extra step—the emotional lift that says, you matter.

And our children’s wishes aren’t grand or out of reach. They are beautifully simple: to meet a hero, to own a toy, to eat their favourite food again. And every wish is prepared with quiet, loving attention by a team that leaves no detail untouched.

Because that’s how we do things at Indira Cancer Trust—not just with efficiency, but with heart.

To the stars, leaders, and Wish Makers of Sri Lanka

If you are a film star, singer, cricketer, artist, entrepreneur, or politician—you may one day hear from us. Not for the spotlight. Not for publicity. But because you are a child’s wish.

And when you give even a few minutes of your time, you don’t just make a dream come true. You change a life.

Come and See What hope looks like

We invite you to see it for yourself.

Visit us at Indira Cancer Trust, No. 63, Hospital Road, Maharagama, and experience firsthand the work being done—inside a building designed not for illness, but for healing. See how resilience, joy, and care come together under one roof.

To support, volunteer, or learn more, call us on 0112 363211 or visit

www.makeawishsrilanka.orig
Dr Lanka Jayasuriya-Dissanayakas
Chairperson
Indira Cancer Trust

Cinnamon Life, City of Dreams, presented its latest artist spotlight—a celebration of Sri Lankan creativity hosted by Sanjiv Hulugalle, Cinnamon Life’s newly appointed CEO and General Manager.The evening featured the acclaimed contemporary artist Firi Rahman, whose work challenges perceptions of space, memory, and the body.

Cinnamon Life is more than a destination—it is a living gallery, home to over 1,000 pieces of commissioned artwork created by Sri Lankan artists. This immersive collection is interwoven across the hotel, restaurants, and public spaces, giving form and soul to the architecture, and offering every guest a journey through the island’s creative heartbeat.

“Art is not an accessory at Cinnamon Life—it’s at the very core of who we are,” says Sanjiv Hulugalle. “We are deeply committed to creating a space where artists are not only celebrated but integrated into the guest experience. Every brushstroke, every installation, has a story—and we are proud to tell these stories every day during our property show rounds with journalists, partners, and curious guests.”

Firi Rahman

Having spent decades leading hospitality giants across five continents, Hulugalle returns to his native Sri Lanka with a vision to elevate the city as a global cultural and lifestyle destination. His leadership marks a new chapter in Cinnamon Life’s artistic journey, one where Sri Lankan voices take centre stage on a global platform.

As part of the artist spotlight series, Cinnamon Life continues to foster creative dialogue between art and the audience. Firi Rahman, whose multi-disciplinary work explores the anatomy of place and identity, remarked: “I’ve always believed that art is meant to live, breathe, and provoke thought within public spaces. I appreciate Cinnamon Life’s attempt to connect with the surrounding communities and existing city fabric through the medium of Art and happy to be able to be part of that endeavor.

From conceptual sculptures to immersive installations, the art at Cinnamon Life is curated with purpose—not just to decorate, but to inspire, challenge, and connect. In hosting these intimate conversations with artists and the wider creative community, Cinnamon Life stands as a dynamic canvas where hospitality and humanity converge.