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Opening of Colombo Art Gallery

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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



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Dr. Sarah Fazy wins Outstanding Business Woman Award 2022

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Recognition of self-made success and dedication

Sri Lanka’s leading Cosmetic and Aesthetic Physician Dr. Sarah Fazy, also fondly known as Dr. Cherry was awarded the Outstanding Business Woman Award 2022 by CEO Magazine’s CEO Awards.

Dedicated to honouring leadership in the business world, the CEO Magazine provides a platform for all genres of corporate icons. At the recently held awards night, Dr. Fazy was honoured for her dedication and for being a self-made woman of success. Her clinic, 360 Wellness, was founded on the principle that the technology reshaping skincare today must be available to all people aiming to improve and maintain their skin and well-being.

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King Charles’s Coronation guest list: who’s who of everyone expected to attend

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The Royal family last appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee in June. They are expected to appear again for a fly-past following the Coronation ceremony in May

From foreign royals to charity leaders, the invitees are expected to reflect a modern and multicultural Britain

Save-the-date emails have been sent and preparations are underway as the countdown to King Charles’s Coronation in May begins. The final guest list is yet to be confirmed, but the attendees are certain to include an array of foreign royals, heads of state and politicians.

Charles is also understood to want a diverse congregation to reflect modern, multicultural society and ensure that his ceremony is inclusive.Representatives from his many charity affiliations and a large cross section from the voluntary sector will consequently be in attendance.

In contrast, only a small minority of politicians and peers are expected to be invited and far fewer members of the aristocracy than the vast numbers that attended Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953.While 8,000 guests crammed into Westminster Abbey for the late Queen’s investiture, the guest list this year has reportedly been cut to around 2,000.

Here, we detail all the guests who are likely to attend the May 6 ceremony.
British Royal family

While King Charles’s Coronation will be a slimmed-down event in comparison to 1953, nearly the entire Royal family will be out in force.Members from across the family, including extended cousins and grandchildren, are expected to attend the ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

Even the youngest members of the family – including Prince Louis – are expected to be involved, posing a challenge for their parents about how to rein them in.The big question that remains is whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will attend.

While the couple have stated that they have been in correspondence with the King’s office regarding the Coronation, they have not confirmed for certain whether they will attend.A spokesman said: “An immediate decision on whether the Duke and Duchess will attend will not be disclosed by us at this time.”

If either of them does attend, it is understood the visit will be brief. It is not thought that either Archie or his sister, one-year-old Lilibet, will travel to London for the ceremony.Meanwhile, the Duchess of York also revealed at an event in New York earlier this month that she had not yet received an invitation.

“I’m travelling at the moment, so maybe it [invitation] has gone to another place,” she said.

While many members of the family will attend the ceremony, just senior royals are expected to appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for a fly-past, in line with King Charles’s wish for a more streamlined monarchy.

Queen Consort’s family and friends

Camilla’s family is set to get equal billing at the Coronation, with her five teenage grandchildren expected to be thrust into the limelight for the first time with official duties. It has not yet been confirmed what roles they will carry out, but The Sunday Times reported that the Queen wanted her grandchildren to hold the canopy over her while she is anointed with holy oil. But Palace sources suggested that no such role would be given.

Meanwhile, it is likely that the Queen Consort’s six companions – her replacement to the former ladies-in-waiting – will also attend the event. They were appointed to support and accompany Her Majesty on key occasions.

Foreign royals 

Members of foreign royal families are also expected to be invited to the ceremony in an historic break with tradition. Convention dating back centuries stated that a coronation should be a sacred ceremony between a monarch and their people in the presence of God.

But King Charles is set to do away with the tradition and invite his counterparts from around the world. A source told The Mail on Sunday: “I believe the rule began because a Coronation is meant to be a monarch’s private event with God.

“At the Queen’s Coronation there were no crowned monarchs, only the protectorate rulers like the Queen of Tonga. It’s been a tradition for centuries.”

The source added: “Inviting the King of Jordan, the Sultan of Brunei, the Sultan of Oman and the Scandinavian royals – who are all friends of Charles – will be a good bit of soft power and diplomacy.”

Some international royals have already indicated that they will attend the ceremony, including Prince Albert of Monaco.Speaking to People magazine, the monegasque head of state said: “I’m certain that it’s going to be an incredible ceremony and a very moving one. We’ve maintained contact since His Majesty became King, but I haven’t talked to him personally since the Queen’s funeral.

“I’m certain His Majesty will add his own personal touches to the ceremonies, but what those will be, I’m sure I don’t know.”

British MPs and peers 

Parliamentarians have been in uproar after learning that only a minority will be invited to the ceremony itself. Members have been lobbying the Cabinet Office to argue their case, convinced that they have a right to attend.It was initially planned that just 20 MPs and 20 peers would get a ticket for Westminster Abbey.

These numbers have now been more than doubled, according to those with knowledge of the event. On top of this, there will be extra places reserved for former prime ministers, Cabinet ministers and some members of the Privy Council.An extra event for MPs and peers has also been added to the Coronation line-up – a special reception in Westminster Hall which will take place on the Tuesday before the Coronation and will be attended by the King.

The final decision about which peers and MPs will make the cut will be made by the Cabinet Office, which is keen to ensure that attendees are representative of all parties, geographical locations, ages and backgrounds.

Foreign heads of state

The heads of state and representatives from a number of key British allies and Commonwealth nations are expected to attend the ceremony.Andrzej Duda, the Polish president, is the first head of state to be confirmed as attending the event.

Meanwhile, the most noticeable abscence may be US President Joe Biden, whose attendance is reportedly in doubt. One official suggested it was “unlikely” Mr Biden would be present, while another senior administration official only said the United States would be “represented”. However, they could not yet say whether Mr Biden would go personally, or send a delegation.

Members of the public

Representatives from many of the King’s charity affiliations and a large cross section from the voluntary sector are set to be present at the ceremony. It has already been revealed that refugees and the NHS will be at the heart of the star-studded concert taking place at Windsor Castle on May 8, the day after the Coronation.

One of the highlights will be the performance of the Coronation Choir, a diverse group drawing together singers from the nation’s community choirs, including refugee choirs, NHS choirs, LGBTQ+ singing groups and deaf signing choirs.

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Butterflies and dinosaurs, spaceships and girl-power this avurudu

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Hold onto your hats, kiddos! The much-anticipated 2023 Avurudu Collection for kids by Tropic Of Linen has finally arrived – and it’s packed to the brim with quirky prints and playful detail.With its reputation for unique and adorable festive outfits that are a cut above the rest, Tropic Of Linen has earned a name as the go-to destination for Avurudu kids wear – outdoing themselves year after year. This year is no exception, for the 2023 Avurudu edit features not just one-of-a-kind designs, but also incorporates a ‘play’ element in all of its exclusive, two-piece sets.

For the little ladies, Tropic Of Linen has taken the classic redde and hatte designs of vintage Ceylonese tradition and spun them in to something truly unique. The result is a stunning collection of outfits that pay homage to the beauty and charm of traditional Sri Lankan fashion, while still being perfectly on-trend for today’s festivities.

The auspicious ‘multi-colour’ theme for this year was what influenced designer Minha Akram to seek inspiration from the vibrant butterfly, with its beautiful myriad of colour. “We wanted to create something different, while also bringing a sense of play to our outfits,” she said. “Butterflies are spirited, light, fun, and filled with beauty in every combination of colour. So, we created very wearable, play-centred outfits by building in beautiful 3D butterfly wings on to the backs of the tops, resulting in a cross between costume and everyday clothing.”

Girls aged 2 to 9 are in for a treat with five exciting designs to choose from. Little mermaid fans can go pretty in pastels with a seashell motif that will make them feel like a true sea princess. For the bright and bold personality types, ‘Fly High Butterfly’ is the perfect fit, with its 90s girl-power and retro pop art-inspired prints.

Heralding a changing of seasons and the essence of springtime, the lovely ‘Birds and Blossoms’ beige ensemble is for the true flower child, dancing and twirling through the festivities in style.The serene island girl, amidst sunny lemons and the blue ocean will be fresh, bright, and beaming in the Santorini-inspired vintage style set.

Tropic Of Linen has also crafted a delicate and whimsical outfit filled with old world charm and a more elegant quality -the ‘Avurudu Rose’-, featuring exquisite red roses and flowers on a dreamy soft blue background.Avurudu may only come once a year, but all girls’ tops have been designed to be worn over and over again, when paired with other shorts, skirts, or trousers.

Tropic Of Linen has not forgotten the little gents of course, with sarong-shirt sets featuring lively and contemporary prints and designs. For the toddler age group the sarongs come in fun and cutesy prints, while the older ‘big boys’ can rock more modern and edgy motifs. Blast off into unknown galaxies or astro surf to the stars with out of this world space-inspired sets. Even unleash their inner dinosaur with some rock n’ roaring outfits. Easy-to-wear expandable hidden belts come built in to each sarong, so both kids and parents feel secure in knowing the sarong will hold up to all play!

With Tropic of Linen’s attention to detail and unwavering commitment to bringing only the best and most stylish designs to the fore, it’s no wonder parents and kids alike flock to the store at #1 Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 every April. Kids will love Tropic of Linen’s play centred designs and its characteristically comfortable cotton and linen wear, with also a strong chance to be the best dressed kid on the block this Avurudu season.

 

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