Life style
Trailblazer in shaping her approach in etiquette and diplomacy
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Breaking through “glass celing”
Krishanti Weerakoon, is an etiquette expert dedicated to enhancing individual and corporate images through refined etiquette skills. Her journey is unique, being both the daughter and wife of diplomats. Born in New Delhi, India. she holds a Master’s Degree in Sociology from the Delhi School of Economics, She has lived and studied in countries across the globe, including Australia, Brazil, France, India, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Nepal. As a humanitarian, she has worked with the International Committee of the Red Cross, United Nations Mine Action, United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs and also as Director / Foreign Affairs at the Presidential Secretariat. Her extensive travels and experiences have significantly shaped her approach to etiquette and diplomacy.
Q. Growing up as a career diplomat’s daughter and marrying a diplomat – how has it helped in your career and life?
A.Growing up in a diplomat’s household and later marrying a diplomat has profoundly influenced my career and personal life. It has given me an unique perspective on international relations, cultural nuances, and the importance of soft power in diplomacy. It is not only the entertainment and glamour, but show casing the country and networking with people. My engagement with the international community and diplomacy has allowed me to excel as an etiquette coach and trainer, especially in diverse and multicultural environments.
Q. Tell us about your time when your professional and family responsibilities came into conflict.
A.Balancing professional and family responsibilities, especially in a diplomatic context, can be challenging. One instance was when I was conducting a high-profile training program while simultaneously managing the transition of our family to a new diplomatic posting. It required meticulous time management and clear communication to ensure neither my professional commitments nor my family’s needs were compromised.
Q. Your biggest work-life challenge?
A.The biggest challenge has been maintaining a balance between my career aspirations and the demands of being a diplomat’s spouse. Frequent relocations often disrupt professional continuity, but I’ve turned this challenge into an opportunity by adapting and contributing to different cultural and professional settings.
Q. How did you ensure your voice was heard when others were all men?
A.In environments dominated by men, particularly in diplomacy and international relations, I’ve always relied on my expertise and confidence to make my voice heard. I focus on bringing unique insights to discussions and ensuring my contributions are backed by knowledge and experience, which has helped in gaining respect and recognition.
Q. Can you share a formative experience that helped shape your leadership vision or style?
A.One formative experience was conducting a professional training program at the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) for diplomats from various countries. This experience underscored the importance of cross-cultural understanding and effective communication in leadership, which has since been central to my leadership style.
Q. What has been the single biggest factor in your success? What was your most difficult obstacle?
A.The biggest factor in my success has been adaptability—being able to navigate different cultures and environments seamlessly. The most difficult obstacle was overcoming the perception that a diplomat’s spouse should have a secondary role. I’ve worked hard to establish my identity and career independently, and it’s something I’m proud of.
Q. Can you talk about a situation in your career where you met the proverbial glass ceiling and how diplomatic training helped you to resolve it?
A. I encountered the glass ceiling early in my career, particularly in environments where my role as a diplomat’s wife overshadowed my professional abilities. My diplomatic training taught me the importance of patience, strategic communication, and persistence, which helped me break through those barriers and establish myself as an expert in my field.
Q. What do you like about what you do?
A. I love the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and help them refine their etiquette and social skills. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the transformation in their confidence and the positive impact it has on their professional and personal lives.
Q. What do you dislike?
A. The most challenging aspect is the constant need to prove oneself, especially when working in new environments where my reputation hasn’t preceded me. It can be exhausting to continually establish credibility, but it’s a necessary part of the journey.
Q. Challenges facing women overseas?
Women overseas, especially in diplomatic circles, often face challenges related to cultural expectations and gender roles. Balancing professional ambitions with the demands of diplomatic life requires resilience and a strong support system. Additionally, there’s the challenge of maintaining one’s career continuity amidst frequent relocations.
Q. Do you think women are important in the future for effective diplomacy?
A.Absolutely. Women bring a unique perspective to diplomacy, one that is often more collaborative and empathetic. As the global landscape becomes more interconnected, the role of women in diplomacy is crucial in fostering understanding and building bridges between nations.
Q. How has your experience as a woman in politics and diplomacy shaped you?
A. My experiences have made me resilient, adaptable, and deeply aware of the importance of cultural sensitivity. Being in environments where I had to assert my voice has strengthened my leadership abilities and my commitment to empowering others, particularly women, in similar roles.
Q. Throughout your career, you’ve met many influential people. Who intrigued you the most and why?
A. Throughout my career, I have had the honour and privilege of meeting many esteemed dignitaries, including His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan. His visionary leadership and commitment to his people,s well-being were truly inspiring. What struck me most was his humility and his ability to balance authority with approachability effortlessly. This experience left a profound impact on me and has significantly shaped my approach to leadership.
Q. What has been the most memorable day or event of your career to date?
A.One of the most memorable moments was conducting training for diplomats from multiple countries under the aegis of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The opportunity to share my knowledge and see the immediate impact on the participants was incredibly fulfilling and reaffirmed my passion for this work.
Latest News
Pro-euthanasia film The Room Next Door wins top prize in Venice
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Pro-euthanasia film The Room Next Door has won the Venice Film Festival’s best film award.
The feature film starring Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore took the prestigious Golden Lion award on Saturday.
Earlier in the week, the Pedro Almodovar-directed film received an 18-minute standing ovation after it premiered at the festival – one of the longest in recent memory.
The film sees Swinton play a war correspondent suffering from terminal cancer. She asks her old friend, played by Moore, to be at her side as she takes her own life.
Almodovar said he made the film to communicate his belief euthanasia should be available around the world. “It is not a political issue, but a human issue,” the Oscar-winner Almodovar said. The film is his first feature film in English.
Almodovar also thanked Moore and Swinton for their performances.
“This award really belongs to them, it’s a film about two women and the two women are Julianne and Tilda.”
![Getty Images Pedro Almodovar poses with the Golden Lion Award](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/99ea/live/e8e58660-6d8c-11ef-b704-61de7f4e6a57.jpg.webp)
President of the jury, French actor Isabelle Huppert, said the film tackled important issues thoughtfully and without melodrama.
The Room Next Door is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of awards season.
The 81st edition of the world’s oldest film festival wrapped up on Saturday night, with international celebrities flocking to Venice’s red carpet.
Among the other award winners was Nicole Kidman who won the best actress award for her role in Babygirl, in which she plays a high-powered CEO putting her career and family on the line to begin an affair with her much younger intern.
Although Kidman was in Venice for the film’s premiere last week, the Australian actress did not attend the awards ceremony after learning her mother had died. “My heart is broken,” Kidman said in a statement read out onstage on her behalf. “I’m in shock, and I have to go to my family. But this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me, and she made me,” she said.
France’s Vincent Lindon received the best actor award for French language film The Quiet Son, about a family torn apart by extreme-right radicalism.
The best director award went to American Brady Corbet for The Brutalist, recounting the tale about a Hungarian architect and Holocaust survivor played by Adrien Brody, who seeks to rebuild his life in the US.
Queer with Daniel Craig playing a gay drug addict, and the Maria Callas biopic Maria, starring Angelina Jolie as the celebrated Greek soprano did not get any awards.
The festival marks the start of the awards season.
[BBC]
Fashion
An evening with enchanting Jazz music coupled with business
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Expatkey (EK) Properties hosted Sri Lanka’s first exclusive open house event for potential buyers, unveiling the luxurious presidential suite at The Residences by One Galle Face (OGF) with an evening filled with live jazz and stunning views of Colombo’s skyline and Indian ocean.
It was a beautiful evening in the presidential suite hosted by Expatkey, featuring live saxophone performance, and an array of delicious food and drinks which created a fantastic atmosphere. The stunning four-bedroom penthouse with four bathrooms a private swimming pool and a rooftop terrace is now exclusively available for sale through Expatkey Properties. Invitees were given a tour and got to have a glimpse of the stunning properties while overlooking the stunning sunset and city view.
Expatkey Properties started in a modest office and has now blossomed into a renowned name in the Colombo real estate market. Over the years, EK Properties has expanded its services and broadened its reach. Adapting to the changing market demands, integrating new technologies, and always staying true to their mission of delivering exceptional value to clients.
With a mission to revolutionise the real estate experience through innovative technology, personalised service, and deep market insights. they aim to empower clients, making property transactions not only seamless but also a truly rewarding journey.
Their exclusive preview event of a breathtaking Presidential Suite was a massive success, demonstrating their commitment and dedication to their lead and passion for offering luxury real estate. (Pics by Dharmasena Welipitiya)
Life style
Hilton Yala Resort commemorates first anniversary
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In honor of the resort’s first milestone, Hilton Yala is launching two impactful community outreach initiatives aimed at enhancing the local environment and supporting the
Hilton Yala Resort, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s renowned Yala National Park. Hilton Yala celebrated its first anniversary recently.In commemoration of this milestone and in alignment with its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement, the resort tolled out a series of activities to improve public amenities at two iconic locations within Yala National Park: Patanangala, a scenic rock outcrop along the Yala coastline, and Parana Thotupola, a popular camping site. These efforts focussed on improving cleanliness, functionality, and the overall visitor experience, ensuring that these natural attractions remain pristine for both local residents and international visitors.
“We are committed to making a positive impact on our community and the environment,” said Gitanjali Chakravarthy, general manager of the Hilton Yala Resort. “By enhancing facilities at key locations in Yala National Park, we hope to contribute to the park’s sustainability and improve the overall experience for visitors. These initiatives are a testament to our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the area while supporting local tourism,” she added.
Celebrate with immersive workshops and culinary experiences
Guests crafed t their own pottery pieces through traditional pottery techniques guided by the property’s Master Potter The anniversary-exclusive session was suitable for all skill levels and offered a relaxing and educational glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage. The resort l also offered an interactive wildlife session with its park rangers on the day, where guests learnt about local wildlife, including snake species native to the region. This session also included valuable advice on snakebite management, engaging discussions, and hands-on demonstrations, all designed to enhance understanding and promote safe interactions with these remarkable creatures.
Rounding off the celebratory experiences, Hilton Yala’s renowned culinary maestro Chef Jerome Tissera presented a special high tea experience for two, featuring an array of delicacies such as Strawberry Mimosas, Mississippi Mud Pie, Classic Fruit Pavlovas, Prosciutto Crostini with Compressed Apples, Braised OX Sandwiches with a French Dip, and Chili Jaggery Rooster Wings. This exclusive culinary experience were available at Vanya
Celebrating Service Excellence and Innovation
Hilton Yala Resort also took this opportunity to recognize the achievements of its dedicated team members. The resort’s team members who have been instrumental in delivering exceptional service were recognized in various industry competitions. Notably, Adhil Sama was named the Most Promising Bartender of 2024 at the 29th National Bartender’s Competition and also won the Bar Champs Regional Competition, and Chef Ruchira Siriwardane was lauded through Hilton’s global Hospitality Heroes program for his intuitive customer-oriented service, where he customised a chocolate bar for two Australian children with severe allergies, which transformed their stay into a memorable experience.
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