Life style
Sri Lanka Twins Organisation to take the lead in global destination

by Zanita Careem
The world’s first-ever beauty pageant for twins will be held in Sri Lanka this year, as part of the Global Twins Festival organised by Sri Lanka Twins Founders Upuli and Chamali Gamage. The organisers hope to attract 4,000 twin and non-twin participants. The event has got the approval of the Tourism Ministry and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
Recently , a press conference was held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute to provide more information on the festival. The Islamic Republic of Iran Cultural Head Bahman Moazami was Chief Guest, while Tourism Ministry Secretary Chulananda Perera was Guest of Honour. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu and other invitees were also present at the event.
Sri Lanka Twins Founder Upuli Gamage said 30 countries have confirmed their participation in the pageant. The final selection round for the local contestant for Miss and Mr. Twin will take place on May 28, the festival will be held under the theme “Green globe for pure breath” from 24-31 July. In addition to the pageant, there will be a cultural festival, a business forum, and a music festival.
The founder Upul Gamage said Sri Lanka Twins was founded in 1993, and is the first and only organisation for twins in Sri Lanka, Upuli and Chamali were made Vice Presidents of the Global Twins and Multiple Birth Forum.
Sri Lanka, having experienced a lull in tourism, was facing a setback. The economy was facing a setback, we need to to boost the image of Sri lanka in many ways than one,. This pageant will definetely put Sri Lanka on the international map said Gamage. He also said in addition to this, Sri Lanka doesn’t offer tourists many attractions like in other countries to boost the image of the country, India, for instance, attracts tourists annually for pilgrimages he pointed out.
Gamage felt that despite tourist destinations being promoted,there we dont promote enough for returning visitors. “We wanted to give tourists a reason to visit the country with so many events and attractions. This Global Twins Festival in Sri Lanka will attract many tourists and vistors .
Global Twins Festival
“Globally, there are many pageants, but this is the first time a twins’ beauty pageant is being held in the world, not just Sri Lanka,” Gamage said.
On July 25, the festival will begin with the Global Twins Cultural Festival at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. The objectives of the segment are to promote co-existence between different cultures around the globe and appreciation of others, overcome ethnic barriers, and unite globally. According to Gamage, countries like India, Australia, and Nepal will showcase their cultural acts, bringing the traditions of Asia, Africa, and Europe onto one stage.
Twins pageant
On july 26 the Global Twins Pageant will take place at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre, and the organisers hope this event will help Sri Lanka to gain global recognition for initiating this concept as a world’s first, and will also attempt to break official world records. This is the highlight of the Global Twins Festival and is expected to steal the global spotlight of Sri Lanka
The Global Twins Pageant is the brainchild of Upai and Chamali . Many countries will paticipate in this event and more than hirty countries have confirmed their participation thus far This will ensure global coverage of the pageant, which would help promote Sri Lanka, even if our contestants aren’t crowned winners that night.
In terms of the local contestants, Gamage said the three Sri Lankan contestants will be chosen on 28 May. “Sri Lanka Twins has a membership of 28,000, and our members as well as non-members have been given the opportunity to apply since our press conference last week. We already have applicants, but have not yet begun the training process, which will commence on 22 February,” she said. Bellesza Models Director Shanith Fernando will be carrying out the training for the local contestants.Forums
The Global Twins Festival will also include two forums in Kandy – the Global Twins and Multiples Birth Forum on 27 July and the Global Twins Business Forum the following day.
Through the event on 27 July, the organisers hope to find the right solutions for educational, economic, social, sports, and health-related problems twins and multiples face across the globe, while with the business forum, they hope to build vital import and export relationships between participating and visiting countries in order to help make Sri Lanka an international hub for economic relations.
“We hope that within a three-year period, we will be able to hold the world’s biggest trade festival in Sri Lanka,” Gamage added.
Tourism and entertainment
Towards the end of the festival, participants will have the opportunity to visit various tourist destinations in the country; This includes Sri Pada, for instance, and Gamage shared that she feels tour agents tend to take tourists to places that are easy to travel to, like the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, despite foreigners liking hiking and more adventurous travel as well.
On the final day of the festival, 30 July, the Global Twins Music Festival will be held in Colombo. Twins from various countries will take the stage to showcase their talents at this event.
Fashion
Showcasing the epitome of elegance and craftsmanship

Pure Gold by Tiesh has a well renowned Sri Lankan actress Yehali Tashiya Kalidasa as its brand ambassador. She is a multi-faceted young personality who has made her international debut in Pakistani cinema, and perfectly embodies the essence of the Pure Gold by Tiesh brand.
Tiesh, recognized for its exceptional craftsmanship and timeless designs, launched thier latest filigree collection under its subsidiary, Pure Gold by Tiesh. Imported from the best jewellery houses in Europe, Italy, Turkey, and Dubai, this collection features a stunning array of Italian 18-karat jewellery and 22-carat gold pieces adorned with pearls.
The newly unveiled filigree collection showcases a range of breathtaking earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings that exude elegance, dynamism, and vitality. With pieces available in tri-colours, rose gold, white gold, and yellow gold, Pure Gold by Tiesh has curated this collection with careful attention to detail, catering specifically to the wedding season.
Director Thiyasha expressed the brand’s dedication to excellence, stating, “Our jewellery stands out compared to other bridal jewellers. We are deeply invested in every aspect, from design to quality and craftsmanship. Our customers have repeatedly expressed their satisfaction, stating that our collections surpass those of many leading jewellery houses.”
What sets the filigree collection by Pure Gold by Tiesh apart is its versatility, allowing each piece to be worn in multiple ways. With a commitment to inclusivity, Tiesh caters to diverse cultures and ethnicities, offering something for everyone, from beautiful Hindu brides to Muslim brides and traditional Kandian brides.
Director Ayesh De Fonseka elaborated on the collection’s uniqueness, saying, “Each piece is distinct and one-of-a-kind. What’s truly captivating about this collection is its transformative aspect. We are reintroducing our special ring that transforms into a bangle, a design we first introduced in Sri Lanka in 2015.”
The dazzling filigree collection showcases the sheer intricacy and timeless allure of filigree work through an exquisite range. The inclusion of transformative jewellery adds an innovative touch to the collection, setting it apart from Tiesh’s other offerings. Every piece of jewellery from Tiesh is a fusion of traditional and trendsetting elements, allowing customers to express their individual preferences. This exclusivity distinguishes the brand from its competitors, while the meticulous attention to detail adds a touch of modern luxury to each creation.
“We wanted a collection that could complement any look: beautifully paired with your favourite watch, worn as a classic stack of bangles, or simply worn alone for a more subtle appearance,” Thiyasha further added.
The campaign surrounding the filigree collection not only celebrates the grandeur and glamour of modern Sri Lankan women but also pays tribute to the rich culture and bridal market. Tiesh continues to be at the forefront of the jewellery industry, offering exquisite designs that capture the hearts and desires of jewellery enthusiasts worldwide.
Life style
Fellowship and networking

Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The Institute of Hospitality, Sri Lanka International branch had their 31st Annual General Meeting recently meeting at Movenpic Hotel Colombo followed by cocktails and fellowship.
This is an annual event, organised by the President Dr. Harsha Jayasinghe and Executive Committee of the Institute.This event is organised for members of the Institute of Hospitality who have shown their dedication and commitment to the tourist industry.
The evening started with a speech from the President of the Institute Dr. Harsha. He spoke about the challenges ahead for the hospitality industry. Sri Lanka is making progress and economy is slowing signs of settling down. There are many tourists to Sri Lanka and this is definitely positive signs for the country said Director/CEO of National Development Bank Dimantha Seneviratne.
It was an entertaining evening with many members of the hospitality industry in attendance. The General Manager of the Movenpick hotel Roshan Perera gave his unstinted support to make a successful event The Chief Guest Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management Shirantha Peiris also spoke
Fashion
Denara Eid Durbar

The Denara Vocational Training Institute a subsidiary of the All Ceylon Muslim Women’s Association is for the first time conducting a full day’s programme comprising a mini Eid Bazaar, Sale of items produced by the students of Denara and Cuty Rose and an evening of entertainment. It will be open to the public on Saturday,17th June from 9 am to 5 pm and entrance tickets to the exhibition are priced at Rs. 100/- .
Denara was established in October 2021 where courses in dressmaking, needlework, computer classes, cookery classes and Mehendi Art have been carried out. Despite the economic crisis, and all the challenges endured during these past few years, Denara has been able to still conduct the above classes giving many opportunities to the youth. The Vocational and Training Institute is supported by the All Ceylon Muslin Women’s Association, a reputed charity organization of 70 years history to date!
More than 200 items will be exhibited and available for sale, in addition to bed linen, table linen, cushion covers, cloth bags, and others lovingly crafted with beautiful hand embroidery.
Different to regular exhibitions and sales, a second part is being introduced to the day’s activities where a complete Moghul feel will take over! Ambassador for Turkey Demet Sekercioglu, Ambassador for Turkey in Colombo will grace the exhibition at 4 pm.
A spokesperson from the organising committee said that it will be a festive occasion in keeping with Eid, where an evening of music and games, a fashion show by the students of Denara and Cuty Rose showcasing their creations will be held not only to encourage the talented students who have worked hard to showcase their talents, but also to create an entertaining afternoon. The widely acclaimed Muslim Chorale Choir will make a guest appearance complementing the occasion. The day’s proceedings will conclude with a light dinner where tickets for this are priced at Rs. 3,000/- and already available for sale at the Denara Vocational Training Institute Office located at 191/50, Mangala Gardens, Colombo 5. . Please call on 077 853 9890 for further details.
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