Celebrity and entertainment spotlight at FT-Interbrand IWD gala

The Interbrand in association with the Daily FT last week celebrated the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023 with a gala at the host hotel Cinnamon Grand. The evening’s exciting line-up included a unique fashion show and performances by several renowned artists.

The curtain raiser was a walk on the ramp with a difference. Famous names personifying themselves and their individuality and talking of how they #EMBRACE EQUITY in their personal and professional lives. It was designed and choreographed by Brian Kerkoven, the founder of the Brian Kerkoven Academy and BK Model Management.

Following the opening song by British born artist Tanuja Perera, a host of celebrities, fashion, entertainment and beauty care industry icons walked the talk that night for women empowerment and gender equity. 

Among them were Heineken Lanka Managing Director Maud Meijboom-van Wel and her husband Maarten van Wel; medical professionals Devaan and Shanelle Hallock; Legal eagles Ruven and Venuri Weerasinghe; British Sri Lankan Master Life Coach and artist Yasodhara Pathanjali, and her husband entrepreneur Ruki de Silva; Master hairdresser and stylist Gerald Solomons, Equal Ground Founder and Executive Director Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, T&A Fitness founders Tarja de Silva and husband Alberto; Silvacos, Sothys Sri Lanka and The Estheti Centre Director Soraya De Zoysa, Trail blazing fashion designer Kamil Hewawitharana; PR specialist Nadiya De Lanerolle, popular Model and make-up artiste Saji Darke and gender fluid model Shan; Canvas CEO/Principal Designer’ Chamika Wickremasinghe, ‘U’ by the Wax Museum Founder Nadiya Fernando, Movement Artist Rangi Fernando and Singer Tanuja and her husband Hasitha Raymond of Kinetic Fitness.

Other performers at the well-attended gala were Tarja and her dancing partner Bharatha and the doctor with the Sax as he is known, Gananath Dasanayaka.

The Daily FT-Interbrand IWD 2023’s Strategic Partners were Mastercard and Heineken and other partners were Triumph-Sloggi, Sothys Estheti Centre, Serenia Residences Talpe Galle, Supreme Flora, Link Natural Earth Essence, and Cinnamon Grand. 

– Pix by Upul Abayasekara 

and Ruwan Walpola