As young Sri Lankan models sashayed down the ramp in a vibrant celebration of culture, the audience erupted in applause at Qurum Natural Park. The event brought the island nation’s rich heritage to life through a dazzling blend of fashion, dance, and artistry, captivating a diverse crowd.
The festival, hosted by Muscat Municipality, showcased Sri Lanka’s cultural treasures through mesmerizing performances at the stage of Global Village and Food Festival. Folk dances, traditional music, and elaborate displays highlighted the island’s artistic legacy.
For the first time, a Sri Lankan fashion show stole the spotlight, merging timeless traditions with modern creativity.
Supported by the Sri Lankan Embassy and the Sri Lanka Business Council Initiative (SLBCI), the event featured a range of performances, including the energetic Kapiringchcha and Kandyan dances, Tamil community dances, and the lively beats of a Sri Lankan Calypso band. Traditional acts like Sinhayo and the spellbinding Gara Yaka performance added depth to the cultural showcase.
The undeniable highlight of the evening was the exclusive Sri Lankan Fashion Show, curated by renowned designer Roshani Rajapaksha. With a stunning lineup of traditional attire crafted from handloom fabrics like the Loungi and Kaftan, enhanced by intricate batik prints, the show celebrated the artistry and craftsmanship of Sri Lanka.
Roshani’s multi-faceted talents as a designer, singer, and trainer were evident in every detail of the presentation. She personally trained the models, curated original music tracks, and meticulously designed each piece to embody the essence of Sri Lankan heritage. One standout creation was a necklace made from Omani coins, designed by her mother, Mallika Dewasinghe, symbolising the harmony between Sri Lankan and Omani cultures.
“I wanted to celebrate Sri Lanka’s heritage through fashion,” Roshani shared. “Every piece tells a story - of our traditions, fabrics, and artistry and presenting it on this global platform is a dream come true.”
Sumuduni Shashikala, a renowned Sri Lankan dance teacher, played a pivotal role in the event, embodying the traditional Sri Lankan bride. Her choreography and costume designs ensured the fashion show remained an authentic celebration of cultural heritage.
The show also featured iconic costumes, such as the Udarata Nilame (Sri Lankan King), meticulously created with the help of Roshani’s husband, Saranga Anjana Rajeewa. One standout piece was a kaftan inspired by Salalah’s Dhofari style, fusing Sri Lankan batik with gold embellishments, showcasing a creative synergy between Sri Lanka and Oman.
A standout performance featured a captivating dance routine to the Arabic version of the viral Sri Lankan hit ‘Manike Mage Hithe’, choreographed by Visharad Shashikala Abeysuriya. Youth and expatriates joined in celebrating their traditional dance forms, further amplifying the spirit of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.
Roshani’s dedication to elevating Sri Lankan fashion on the global stage shone through every aspect of the show. “Every detail, from fabrics to choreography, was carefully thought out to celebrate our culture’s beauty while blending tradition with contemporary design,” she explained.
This event marked Roshani’s second solo fashion show in Muscat, further solidifying her position as a trailblazer in cultural fashion. Over 100 Sri Lankans residing in Oman contributed to the performances, adding authenticity and a personal touch to the evening.
Anodya Chirasrie, Charge d’ Affaires (A.I) of Sri Lanka, commended the artists and models for their outstanding contributions. The fashion show left a lasting impression, with attendees praising the seamless fusion of fashion, culture, and heritage. The Sri Lankan Embassy and SLBCI extended their heartfelt gratitude to Muscat Municipality, volunteers, and all contributors who made the event a resounding success.
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