Life style
Opening of Colombo Art Gallery
by Zanita Careem
Colombo Art Gallery is a space created for authentic engagement, enabling community enrichment through a shared spaceColombo Art Gallery is the result of Dian Gomes’ long-standing passion for art, consisting of his private collection from across the globe with a fine curation of renowned local artists. A treasure trove for art enthusiasts, Colombo Art Gallery is a space created for authentic engagement, enabling community enrichment through a shared space of integrity and collaboration.
Colombo Art Galler
y is located down Sri Lanka’s only art street, Gandhara street, the history of which goes back to 2004, and the inception of lifestyle store Gandhara, housing unique pieces of furniture, art, and artefacts. Over the last 15 years, Gandhara Street has become a one-stop destination for retail and cafe culture, with the creation of a horizontal mall of over 30 art, retail, and lifestyle businesses.
Speaking at the opening, Gandhara Founder Dian Gomes shared that the vision of Gandhara Street was one that he had held dear ever since first opening Gandhara,
. “Representational art has not been very popular the last 10 years,” Gomes shared. “Abstract is preferred. The whole idea of Colombo Art Gallery is to show representational art, but this doesn’t preclude other artists with different styles from showcasing. Every month, we’re hoping to have exhibitions and have varying artists showcase their talents. As the owner, my job is to promote them all and take the opportunity to show Sri Lankan art and push it to the international arena.”
Dian Gomes has a long-standing passion for Art, consisting of his private globally sourced collection along with a fine curation of renowned local artistes.
The location of the Gallery is of equal importance to the Art space in Sri Lanka, as it is situated down Sri Lanka’s on
ly Art Street. The history of the street goes back to the inception of Gandhara in 2004, a lifestyle store that houses unique pieces of furniture, art and artifacts. Today Gandhara Street is Colombo’s go-to destination for one stop retail and café culture; creating a horizontal mall with over 30 offerings from multiple vendors. The curated mix of brands belonging to
categories such as Fashion, Lifestyle, Wellness, Dining and Art- bring to life the first dynamic ‘art street’ in the island. It is a haven for art and design lovers, boasting an incredible array of creative talents; yet until now there has not been a Gallery dedicated to Art.
The Colombo Art Gallery which was meant to open doors to the public last year, postponed its preparations due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The Opening Ceremony took place recently and its first ever exhibition was held at the Gallery named ‘Odyssey’. The exhibition was orjanised by the 2020 Group, a group of senior artists belonging to different disciplines; practicing distinctive individual styles including Realism, Impressionism, idealism, Stylization and Figurative Art. They have come together in the hope of shifting the spotlight back to Representational Art and raising the bar for local art, which would eventually construct an even playing field in the global arena. ‘Odyssey’ is a collaboration between 2020 Group and Colombo Art Gallery, an exhibition that hopes to inspire audiences and artists alike to engage in representational work, and gain an understanding on the recognition in this particular sphere of art. As a country rich in both history and talent,it was necessay to showcase talent and creativity said Dian
The exhibition was held adhering to health and safety guidelines issued by the Government, and the space itself has been designed keeping international standards and highest quality in mind.
Colombo Art Gallery houses Dian Gomes’s collection of art, acquired during his many travels abroad. This space is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts, containing art from Argentina, Spain, countries in Africa and the world over. Apart from the global selection, the local paintings and sculptures are a tribute to some talented Sri Lankan artists. Dian’s attention to detail is exhibited perfectly within the bright and airy gallery, which provides respite from the hustle and bustle outside. The fact that the space is next to some great coffee, food and a stunning courtyard is just a bonus.
Pix by Kamal Wanniarachchi
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Bungalow
The grand opening of Peace Haven Bungalow at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle was celebrated with an unforgettable evening of opera. Guests were serenaded by internationally renowned talents including Concert Pianist Jean-Marc Pont Marchesi from Paris, Soprano Chrisni Mendis from Rome and Sri Lanka, and Russian Tenor Sergei Radchenko. These acclaimed artists were joined by celebrated local performers Indika Upamali and Subuddhi Lakmali, supported by Sanithi Dias, Manoj Sanjeewa, Madhava Bandara, Tusith Simpson, and Anosh Ismail. Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, part of Minor Hotels,recently the resort’s most exclusive and luxurious event venue to date. It was a grand evening of glitz,glamour and entertainment.
Nestled along Sri Lanka’s breathtaking southern coastline, Peace Haven Bungalow offers a stunning canvas for elegant weddings, private occasions, and high-end MICE events, blending timeless elegance with signature Anantara hospitality.
Perched on a cliff with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, this bungalow offers a unique setting for up to 200 guests. As the only venue of its kind along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, it answers the growing demand for world-class luxury event spaces in the region with bespoke event planning and immersive culinary experiences.
Following the magnificent performance, guests enjoyed a lavish dinner and wine pairing experience, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
“This evening marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey for Peace Haven Bungalow,” said Erik Billgren, General Manager of Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort. “This venue is not just a space; it’s a catalyst for change in how we envision luxury celebrations, stories, and moments. Our signature Anantara hospitality is geared to uniquely cater to each guest from this stunning vantage point on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.”
The creation of Peace Haven Bungalow represents a shared vision with Hemas Holdings PLC, a partnership that harmoniously combines heritage, innovation, and a deep appreciation for Sri Lanka’s natural beauty. Offering panoramic ocean views, impeccable design, and tailored service, the venue is poised to set a new benchmark for premier events in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort is set within a 22-acre coconut plantation, The resort is the only property in Tangalle situated on a rocky outcrop, offering a secluded and scenic retreat along Sri Lanka’s rugged southern coastline. The resort features 152 rooms and villas, including 14 Garden Pool Villas, 10 Ocean View Pool Villas, six Beach Pool Villas, and two -bedroom garden pool villas.
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- Arrival of Ranil Wickremesinghe and Maithree Wickramasinghe
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- Barbara Segal and Hemant Dadlani
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- General Manager of Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort – Erik Billgren addresses the gathering
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- (L to R) Tasneem Moosajee, Shyamalee Tudawe, Kishore Reddy, Champika De Silva and two other guests of the event
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- Dinner followed by the Opera event
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- The team who performed at the Opera event
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- Event setup
Cinnamon Lakeside , the epitome of luxury and refined hospitality hosted a spectacular two-day dining experience at its acclaimed Royal Thai Restaurant to commemorate Songkran, the cherished Thai New Year Festival,recently
This exclusive event was graced by the esteemed presence of ambassadors, high-profile media representatives, dignitaries, and distinguished guests who gathered to immerse themselves in a sumptuous celebration of Thai culture and cuisine. Kamal Munasinghe, Area Vice President, warmly welcomed attendees, setting a tone of elegance and cultural reverence.
The evenings unfolded in a spectacular tapestry of flavours and traditions, masterfully curated by the culinary team of The Royal Thai Restaurant. Guests were delighted by an exquisite menu, reflecting authentic Thai culinary artistry, presented with flawless sophistication and meticulous attention to detail.
The vibrant ambiance was accentuated by opulent décor reflecting the essence of Songkran. Guests were enchanted by captivating traditional Thai performances and authentic rituals that beautifully symbolized the renewal and prosperity at the heart of Songkran.
Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo continues to be celebrated as a beacon of glamour and hospitality, curating unforgettable experiences that blend rich cultural traditions with modern elegance.
Pix by Darmasena Welipitiya
“Walk to Equality” – A Fashion Show Celebrating Life Without Labels was held recently, media representatives and distinguished guests gathered at Cinnamon Grand Colombo for the official press conference of the Walk to Equality fashion show It was an inspiring initiative presented by The Walk Model Academy in partnership with Cinnamon Grand Colombo. With the powerful tagline “Life Without Labels,” this event aims to redefine fashion by championing inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment.
Set to take place on May 19th, the Walk to Equality fashion show will feature a groundbreaking lineup of models, highlighting their confidence and individuality on the runway. This bold move challenges conventional beauty standards while providing a platform for often underrepresented voices in the fashion world.
The press conference offered a heartfelt look into the mission behind the show and the stories of the individuals involved. Organizers emphasized the transformative nature of the initiative—not just as a show, but as a movement. With a strong focus on social impact, the event seeks to promote empathy, equality, and acceptance through the universal language of fashion.
Collaborating closely with the Equality team and a host of creative partners, the show has become a beacon of what’s possible when communities unite for a common cause. The behind-the-scenes journey, from training to fittings, has been designed to uplift and empower each model, making the event more than just a moment on the runway—it’s a celebration of strength and self-expression.
Tickets for the Walk to Equality fashion show are now available for purchase online, with proceeds going toward the Meals on Wheels charitable cause, supporting rural children in need. Those interested in attending, contributing, or simply spreading awareness are encouraged to visit our social media channels for updates, ticket information, or to become a well-wisher for this important initiative.
The Academy extended thier deepest gratitude to all who have helped bring this vision to life. They shared a special thank you to Cinnamon Grand Colombo, title and hospitality partner, for their continued belief in the power of inclusion. They extended thier thanks for all their generous sponsors for thier support and help
Together, we walk toward a world where every life is valued, and every person is seen—a life without labels sums up thier motto
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