Veteran beauticians recognised at glittering awards ceremony

A number of renowned and talented beauticians in Sri Lanka were recognised and rewarded at a gala ceremony held under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena at Waters Edge in Battaramulla recently. 

In the country’s beauty industry which goes back to many decades, this was the first time the beauticians were recognised at national level. 60 veteran beauticians who served the industry for more than 25 years were feted during the ceremony. 

The beauty industry plays a vital part in the day-to-day life and the beauticians have been providing a wide array of services during their careers which span over decades, involving in beauty treatments, bridal dressing, dressmaking, etc, while grooming thousands of new students who have eventually taken over the next generation of the country’s beauty industry. 

Despite years of service, they had not been recognised or felicitated at the national level, so the awards presentation ceremony was highly commended by those who are involved in the industry. 

A panel of judges which included professionals in the field, Jackie Aponso, Sheran Peiris, Chanulya Gamage, Prasanna Kolombaarachchi and Indu Attanayake were involved in the selection process.

A key figure behind this event, veteran beautician Premasiri Hewawasam made a request to President Sirisena during his speech, to conceder allocation of a Ministry to look after the beauty industry.    

Addressing the gathering, Minister of Primary Industries Daya Gamage said that the Government is ready to provide necessary assistance and support to hold the awards ceremony in a more successful manner from next year. 

Dreamron Group of Companies Chairman Dr. Priyanka Perera, during his speech said that his company was happy to support the event regardless of financial gains and pledged further assistance to uplift the standards of the beauty industry of Sri Lanka.

Minister of Skills Development and Vocational Training Chandima Weerakkody, Deputy Minister Karunarathna Paranavithana, Petroleum Resources Deputy Minister Anoma Gamage, Dreamron Group of Companies Directress Nisha Perera and Chief Executive Officer Chanaka Keppetiwalana were also among the distinguished guests at the glittering ceremony. 

The event also saw colourful dance items presented by Chandana Wickramasinghe and was compeered by Chaminda Gunaratne, Rasadari Peiris and Ranjani Rajmohan.