Travel
I’m a writer with a background in media and communications, working across editorial, brand, and digital spaces. My work spans print articles, website content, long form features, and copy editing, shaped by a strong sense of audience and an instinct for what makes writing land.
My work is developed through collaboration and an understanding of how messages land with different audiences. I’ve worked across hospitality, property, lifestyle, and corporate contexts, adapting tone and structure to suit each space without losing clarity or intent.
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Travel
Discover the best ways to travel around Sri Lanka, from public transport and tuk-tuks to renting a car. Explore practical tips for a smooth journey!
Located on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, Balapitiya is a coastal town known for its pristine beaches, thriving mangrove ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage. Less crowded than Bentota or Hikkaduwa, it offers a quieter alternative for those looking to explore nature without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re looking to unwind at one of the many luxury hotels in Balapitiya, explore the region’s cultural heritage sites, or enjoy fresh seafood by the shore, there are plenty of things to do...
Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is fast becoming the quintessential destination for couples dreaming of a truly magical and unforgettable wedding. Far beyond traditional hotels, imagine exchanging your vows in an exclusive, private setting that marries unparalleled luxury with breathtaking scenic beauty. We’re talking about luxury villas for weddings in Sri Lanka, the ultimate choice for couples seeking elegance, exclusivity, and a deeply personal touch for their special day.
Craving a sense of freedom, discovery, and reconnection? Solo travel in Sri Lanka has the perfect balance of immersive cultural experiences, tranquil landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re planning your first independent escape or you’re a seasoned nomad looking for your next destination, Sri Lanka’s diversity, charm and accessibility make it ideal for a meaningful solo adventure.
Sri Lanka is a stunning island destination known for its rich cultural history, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse wildlife. One of the best ways to explore the country is by car, allowing you to navigate the island at your own pace and reach every hidden corner. However, before hitting the road, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the local driving conditions, rules, and what to expect when driving in Sri Lanka as a tourist. Get ready to unlock the best of your travels with our...
Explore Jaffna's temples, forts, beaches, and islands to uncover the region's rich culture and history. Plan your journey to Sri Lanka's vibrant north today.
Health and Wellness
In recent years, the global food industry has witnessed a significant shift towards organic produce. This change is not just a passing trend but a response to growing concerns about health, sustainability, and environmental impact. The close relationship between organic food and health has become a focal point for consumers and producers alike, highlighting the crucial role organic food plays in promoting global well-being.
With so many labels and claims competing for attention, recognising how to identify organic food can sometimes feel like a challenge. Understanding what truly sets organic products apart allows you to make informed decisions that align with your values. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about spotting genuine organic foods and products, cutting through the confusion to help you shop with confidence.
The modern consumer is not just interested in the health benefits of their food choices but is increasingly attuned to the broader plant-based food environmental impact. For businesses pivoting towards or currently operating in the plant-based sector, understanding the environmental impact of plant-based meat and other alternatives is not just good ethics—it's also good economics.
Jackfruit, often hailed for its unique shape and flavour, is not merely a tropical staple but a well-known fountain of health benefits; including antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In this article, we delve into what this incredible fruit really is, some of the key benefits of ripe jackfruit, its nutritional value, and its many versatile uses.
Managing oily skin can feel like a never-ending battle. From excess shine to clogged pores and acne outbreaks, those with oily skin know the struggle all too well. However, a dedicated skincare routine for oily skin can make a significant difference in achieving a clearer complexion.
Discover the best natural ingredients for skin that promote a healthy, lasting glow. Discover why lotus, chamomile, and more are essentials for radiant skin. Learn more...
IT / Tech
Unlock the power of custom IoT solutions to connect physical assets with digital intelligence, drive efficiency, and gain real-time insights. Explore practical applications today.
Struggling with cloud data management? Learn the key issues holding businesses back and see how to make your cloud strategy more effective.
Insurance
With the increasing prevalence of chronic and lifestyle-related illnesses, having a safety net is no longer optional; it is essential. Understanding the benefits of health life insurance helps individuals and families make informed decisions that safeguard both health and finances.
Whether you’re a young professional just starting out, a parent protecting your family, or a retiree planning your legacy, life insurance provides peace of mind that your loved ones will be protected if the unexpected happens. But with so many options available, choosing the right life insurance plan can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate this important decision, here’s a detailed look at the top five things you should consider before purchasing a policy.
Discover how fire insurance safeguards your business by protecting assets and managing risks. Learn more about the crucial benefits and ensure your company's safety.
In Sri Lanka today, life moves fast— and so do its expenses. Between caring for family, planning for the future, and navigating unexpected costs, it’s no surprise that many people are looking for smart ways to stay financially secure. Having the right savings plans in Sri Lanka gives you that essential foundation for peace of mind and stability, helping you stay prepared and confident no matter what life brings.
Learn how travel insurance can protect you from cancellations, emergencies, and delays. Discover the right coverage and get expert help.
Protect your business from legal claims with professional indemnity insurance. Understand coverage, benefits, and how to choose the right policy for your profession.
Property Management
What do rental properties and plants have in common? They both need to be taken care of - to grow! Unfortunately, simply owning an investment property will not set you up for life (although we wish it did).
What you need to consider when buying an investment property Buying a property investment comes with many great benefits and is widely considered a smart way to secure your financial future. However, as with any investment, numerous risks and challenges extend beyond the initial financial requirements.
For investors looking to broaden their portfolios, turning towards real estate investing can be a great source of passive income. It seems easy enough to buy a rental property, find high-quality tenants, and then sit back and collect rental payments on a monthly basis.
Blog style columns
Watchdog Sri Lanka With fake news and misinformation being a prevalent issue plaguing the country, a 'multidisciplinary team of concerned citizens' have gotten together to make some sense of it all. Enter Watchdog Sri Lanka: the new way to debunk all those Whatsapp forwards.
This week's picks are for the tech and music geeks in your life, no doubt these picks are bound to get you on the nice list this year.
Now, we shouldn’t need annual reminders to cherish our significant others or loved ones, but any excuse to spoil them is never a bad thing. Here are a few out of the ordinary gift ideas to spread some love without breaking the bank.
Personalities
Randhula de Silva's philosophy is simply to do what excites you. As Co-Founder and Director of Good Life X, trying new things and pushing boundaries in herself and in others are what have led her to the many roles she plays, rather than following a specific path or 'career'.
Living in a country that has never elected an ethnic minority female to its Parliament, it seems that "being a woman is the first hurdle in the challenge of entering politics," says Sri Lankan-born PhD student Deena Tissera.
In an age of extreme diets and fast food, the important thing is to fight for something that makes your future look and taste better. This is the advice Italian celebrity chef Rubio has for his viewers. Besides being a renowned TV personality, Chef Rubio is also the ambassador for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
To internationally renowned property entrepreneur John Hitchcox, the founder and Chairman of 'Yoo'- a residential and hotel design company, a home is the most important place in a person's life because it represents many different things. That's just why he aims to create a space that makes you comfortable and content.
Perhaps too little is spoken of Sri Lanka's own Lahiru 'Larry' Jayasekara, whose dream of becoming a chef led him to earn a Michelin star and also work at some of the best restaurants in the world.
Looking back at her 23-year-old self and watching her struggle, Ironman veteran Julie Moss is filled with pride. "Looking at the young woman who was struggling and trying so hard - that was a moment in my life that made me who I am." But she didn't always feel this way.
Community
The abundance of vision and artistic talent in Sri Lanka comes as no surprise to anyone who has interacted with local culture. Our potential to position our island as a leading creative force can only be realised if the creative industries themselves come together as a cohesive and sustainable economy.
Slave Island is changing. The old buildings have disappeared, paving the way for new apartment complexes, office spaces and roadways. It was under these circumstances that artist Firi Rahman began collecting stories of the neighbourhood which he grew up in, from oral testimonies, to mapping the alleys and taking photos of disappearing landmarks.
The rise of social media has enabled people to connect on an unprecedented global scale - where ideas, opinions and observations can be shared and discussed and no topic is left unexplored. Locally, however, talking about 'taboo' subjects is still frowned upon by a conservative segment. However, BENDR is here to change that.
Throughout her illness, Indira kept a smile on her face. Widely reported in the media, the story of her battle with cancer reached other patients and gave them the courage to keep fighting. Indira’s story and all that her family underwent, led to the idea of supporting cancer patients and their families. The Indira Cancer Trust (ICT) was established in 2016 by Indira’s father Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, and today oversees nearly 27 major projects.
Violence against women has reached a dangerous new precedent with the rise of cyber stalking and cyber harrassment. A staggering majority of women and girls, from as young as eleven years old, are being targeted, defamed, and abused online. On February 28, WIN together with CID launched the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Police in Addressing Complaints on Cyber Harassment. WIN also shared key findings on their research on the Technology Facilitated Violence against Women and...
United by the common goal of providing community support during times of need, the Community Crisis Response Team - Sri Lanka (CCRT-LK) has stepped up to the challenge of helping those who are gravely affected by the Covid-19 outbreak and the subsequent quarantine measures.
Fashion
Even in his earliest memories, Amesh Wijesekera was always the 'arts and crafts kid'. From painting, playing dress up and setting up his own puppet shows, to expressing his creativity through art, dance and later theatre in school - design and creativity surrounded him, encouraged by his mother and unhindered by the rigid societal expectations for boys...
Fashion, like any form of art, has the power to influence society in many ways. It can instil or challenge opinions, express any concept or experience, and is bound only by the imagination of its creator. It can also be a vehicle for social change — and it is in this spirit that designer Amilani Perera embarked on her latest bold and empowering collection titled ‘Unbreakable’, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund in Sri Lanka (UNFPA)
Drawing CFW 2020 to a close at Hilton Colombo, Day 3 saw seven of Sri Lanka’s eminent designers showcase their latest collections created under the Responsibility in Fashion program. Versatile designs and zero-waste policies were cornerstones of each collection, heralding a new era of tried-and-true sustainability in the fashion industry of Sri Lanka.
Colombo Fashion Week now in its 16th year is looking to the next 15 years with ambitious visions of taking Lankan fashion to loftier heights. Day Two of Colombo Fashion Week saw seven designers showcase their collections in the Grand Ballroom at the Galle Face Hotel, where coincidentally CFW's journey began back in 2003.
Highlighting the innovative design talent of the next generation of local and international fashion designers, who brought fresh and often visually challenging ideas to the runway in the Emerging Talent showcase, the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka kicked off in style at the Dimo 800 Mercedes-Benz Centre on Friday, October 26.
When Ajai Vir Singh first came to Sri Lanka in the mid-90s, he was impressed with the "creative sensibility" of the country in industries like architecture and interior design. But when it came to fashion, he noticed there was no formal industry. "There was no infrastructure for it, because our retail functioned on surplus stock retail." CFW’s founder and Managing Director Ajai Vir Singh looks back at its 15-year journey and his vision to turn Colombo into a creative destination
Food
Street Burger is leading Sri Lanka's gourmet burger trend with bold flavours, unique builds and top quality ingredients. Order now or visit to try them all!
Explore the best burger place in Colombo. Discover Street Burger's top picks, unique flavours, and must-try combos. Find your nearest location today!
Since its inception in 1884, Green Cabin had been a favourite spot for countless Sri Lankans spanning five generations; so there was collective dismay when the restaurant in its original form shut down on July 31, last year.
Walking down the cobblestoned Hospital Street in Fort, a curious sight greets you if you happen to notice it at all - a small 'petti kade' with its timber shelves lined with groceries nestled between the buildings. Not a typical location for a roadside kiosk. It is all part of the experience of Culinary Ceylon, as you walk past the shelves into a room where you are greeted by your host for the evening and a team of smiling staff who are dedicated to taking you on a culinary journey through...
Negombo has always been known for its mouthwatering food and fishing community. The seaside town, which is easily accessible from Colombo via the Airport highway, has fast grown into a cosmopolitan hub with a robust tourist industry. It is in this setting that Heritance Negombo recently launched their special Sunday Seafood buffet 'Let's Sea'.
The Bayleaf's Wine and Tea Room introduced an exclusively-crafted afternoon tea experience, combining an indulgent selection of treats with carefully curated tea blends in an exciting new partnership with Zesta Teas on Wednesday, August 8. The new menu celebrates the tradition of afternoon tea complemented by a selection of teas from the Zesta Conoisseur Collection.
Lifestyle
When Lanka Comic Con organised by the Geek Club of Sri Lanka took place this August at Trace Expert City, Geeks of all genres flooded the venue, took part in panel discussions, played tabletop games and visited the stalls selling merchandise. Meet Sakura, Genos, Hela, Kitana and many more as they all turn up at the recently held Lanka Comic Con
It's June - the month favoured by brides as custom decrees. Yet, weddings have come a long way over the years and while ceremonies today still capture the essence of tradition, modern day nuptials can be unique and different as couples look to put their own stamp of individuality on their special day.
"We don't have to stick to a 2000-year old tradition. That became a tradition because it was created so many years ago. Crafts need not be only traditional, they can be contemporary as well to suit this age," says well known design expert Senaka De Silva.
Theatre
The first time Nishantha Warnakulasuriya met Kevin Cruze, the only things they knew about each other were that they were from the same school and that Nishantha had a talent for music and Kevin for theatre.
Following a successful run of tackling cyberbullying in 'Chatroom' in 2017, Studiolusion is back, this time with a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Written and directed by Studiolusion's Artistic Director Tasmin Anthonisz, 'Heirs', an immersive theatre experience will be staged on July 19, 20 and 21.
'Ovaryacting!' is the story of a young girl (actually, every girl) who goes out in search of answers when she encounters that special new friend in her life: her period. Directed by Piumi Wijesudara for Methodist College, the play was staged for a second time recently after winning the award for Best Play at the 33rd Inter School Drama Competition.
Jaliya Wijewardene and Yasal Ruhunage have enjoyed British theatre and British humour from a young age. Growing up under this influence led them to direct 'Well Mudaliyar' in March last year and following its success, the duo are back with 'Yes Minister'.
Just over a year after its debut on stage, Indu Dharmasena's 65th original play Love, Lies and Diamonds returns on September 7,8 and 9 at the Lionel Wendt to hold its audiences in fits of laughter as one man struggles to untangle the convoluted web of lies he has woven himself into.
Three is a crowd but four is a party, and Cold Theatre 7's production of The Opposite Sex by English playwright David Tristam is a comical example of how badly a party can go when marriages break down and secrets old and new bubble to the surface.
Arts
The unmistakable smell of salt in the air greets you as you enter the Galle Fort. This is aside from the feeling that you've stepped into a different time. Rooted in its rich history, the Fort is redolent of tales of a once bustling port that was the centre of activities of the Dutch empire. This year, it shared more stories – of ‘Racing Demons’, murderers, Italian sons-in-law and the renowned James Bond himself with an eager public.
The ocean has always been shrouded in mystery, symbolising many things from turmoil to trade to tranquillity. The theme for this year's edition of Colomboscope (January 25-31) was 'Sea Change: As Tides Turn', and addressed the urgencies of a rapidly changing coastline and the complex negotiations that have to be carried out between communities and the capitalistic ambition.
In his first-ever exhibition in Sri Lanka, artist Nalin Indrasena brings the essence of historic places around the world as seen through Abstract Expressionist lenses, depicted through delicate yet multitudinal layers of oil and cold wax mixed media.
Entertainment
Naomi Rajaratnam's dance lessons have never been the average social dancing class. Rather, they are done for the joy of teaching dance and giving back to people. As her students relate, Naomi handpicks the dancers and never charges a cent.
Dance is a therapeutic form of self-expression. As the Principal of The Deanna School of Dancing Natasha Jayasuriya observes, the students seem happier when they engage in it. This is why she and her sister Natalie Jayasuriya (the Vice Principal), along with their mother the founder and Managing Director, Deanna Jayasuriya, have put together ‘Aladdin’ the ballet, which will take place from May 31 to June 3 at the Bishop’s College Auditorium at 4pm.
The holiday season is fast approaching — signalling both the end of a year as well as the start of something new and the hope for a better future to come. Here to usher in the Christmas feeling in style and song are eight of Sri Lanka’s leading musicians who will join forces at ‘Christmas is Here’, organised by Sound Scope at the Russian Cultural Centre on December 1 from 7 p.m. onwards.
Sri Lanka is slowly on its way towards achieving greater heights in the gaming industry. Earlier in March, this year, tech startup Prodigi Interactive released the trailer for 'Threta'. The game, as they defined it, "is the Asian equivalent of 'God of War', and is aimed to be released in 2020.
Arimac Digital is making news again. This time with 'Nero', a multi-platform, third-person shooter game that is purely Sri Lankan. Get ready to dive through a 3D journey amidst cinematic swamps and thick forests, set in Sri Lanka, through the eyes of 'Nero' as he moves towards his targets.
In its inception in 1988, during the tumultuous years of the war, the Country Music Foundation's (CMF) Country Roads concert for children was a beacon of hope and real positive change for the neglected and disadvantaged communities in parts of the country no one else thought to go to.
Features
Framed within the tunnel, its appearance is first heralded by two long and loud toots, while in reply there are two whistles from the ground. As the blue train from Colombo to Badulla rumbles along at 3.20 in the afternoon, navigating Demodara's curvy nine-arch bridge, many on the train and the ground gaze in wonder at an engineering marvel.
The eyes said it all - yes, they were very sad, but this is absolutely not the time to move Bandula from his home of long years to a strange abode. Sri Lanka needs to do what is best for Bandula, the zoo elephant.
Halloween is nearly upon us and we thought it would be fitting to explore Colombo and its suburbs for any haunted spaces. Despite some of them rumoured to be filled with all kinds of paranormal activities, most houses were abandoned due to mundane reasons. However, we did find a few spaces that had an eerie feeling to them. It was only after talking to some of the occupants (previous and existing) that we realised these dwellings were out of the ordinary.
Academic Writing
The particular focus of this essay in relation to The World’s End (2013) is the force behind the global Armageddon in this film: a homogeneous alien force called The Network, a metaphorical satire of the technological and Internet revolution that has, for all intents and purposes, taken over the world.
Understanding the implications of the risk society and the rise of activism on both a local and global scale through analysing the public relations response of the Japanese Government and TEPCO to the Fukushima nuclear power station incident, by using the theories of Beck and Habermas to argue a position.
In an age of post-war reckless jubilance, morality and traditional values take a backseat while greed, decadence and the demand for instantaneous pleasure take over in a way that epitomises what this age was known for. ‘Can’t repeat the past?’ says Gatsby, ‘Why of course you can!’ (2012, p.141). In a microcosmic sense, Jay Gatsby embodies all the shortcomings of this lifestyle, as he centres his entire life on a lost ideal best left in the past.
The term ‘surveillance’ itself is an inherently negative one. Oxford Dictionaries gives that definition of the word as ‘close observation, especially of a suspected spy or criminal’ (Oxford Dictionaries 2015). Yet we are all under surveillance in a myriad of ways. Things like security cameras, Myki readers on public transport, and GPS in cars and mobile devices are some of the usual, less deceptive means of this. There are, however, other ways that we are being monitored that we may not even...
The differences between Perrault’s “original” Red Riding Hood and Dahl’s adaptation are marked, but there are notable and often surprising similarities as well. Though they follow the same story and share a few basic details, the plots are different and have arguably opposite endings. By analysing narrative and genre conventions, as well as historical representations of children and childhood, we can observe the progression of fairy-tales through time and cultural changes.