Sky is the limit

Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

Many of us follow the passion of our heart and try to become the person of our dreams. But Naomi Gunasekara who comes from a legal back- ground and now a renowned journalist has a different story to tell.

Well begun, half done

She followed the journalism course at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) not knowing that it would be the first step towards a glorious venture and an exciting career. She recalls the kick-off point, when she joined 'The Sunday Leader' as a journalist. "It was there that I learnt every thing about journalism." she says. The experience got through her veins and she realised that her future lies in journalism.

Jack of all trades

Yet Gunasekara was not restricted only to journalism but kept the doors open for opportunities to reach her. She obtained BA (Hons) in Mass Communication, Sociology and English from the University of Kelaniya and at the same time became an Attorney-at-Law with a first class pass.

Transcending boundaries

She excelled her skills further after she joined the Sunday Times as a reporter and a sub editor where she had to explore the business world. With her marriage she migrated to England. Her passion for journalism took a different turn as she won the Skillset Millennium Award 2003/04 in the UK for her documentary "A cure for Vitiligo" a film on a skin disfiguring disease shot in Sri Lanka.

Worked for BBC Sinhala Service and practised TV journalism at Sky News translating interviews shot in Sinhala on post-tsunami reconstruction process," Gunasekara said.

Meeting point

Her second achievement was to win Sky News Trish Ennis Bursary 2003/04, awarded annually to overseas students following the Master's in International Journalism at the City University. Without stopping there she moved further and became the first Sri Lankan to be awarded with The Sauve Scholar 2005/06 at the McGill University Canada. "It was a net work of leaders.

There were 11 scholars from 11 countries. The programme was meeting 10 other people like me and waking up to the aroma of Thai Soup or an Indian Dish was exciting," she said.

Being a producer, researcher and a journalist working with various local and international media organisations, she hasn't forgotten her role as a Lawyer and has been contributing to Commonwealth PoliceWatch and Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative. "I hope to do PhD in social policy" the Bridgetian revealed her future plans with a radiant smile.

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Bridal variations

Lakmini Rodrigo

When the season for wedding chimes just round the corner, 'Daily News Woman' thought of throwing some important tips for the brides to be. Beautician and dress designer Dhanajaya Bandara gives out some tips on how a bride should decide her wedding attire.

Style type

There are two main types of brides among Sri Lankan Buddhists- upcountry and low country brides. Western and Hindu styles are also popular.

Perfect fitting

When deciding on the bridal outfit you should mainly consider the bride's skin colour, figure, time and place of the wedding ceremony. Brides with fair complexion can go for different shades of white like pure white, off white, pearl white or sugar white. Powder pink, powder blue, silver white or ivory look lovely on extremely fair complexion.

If you are tan, then colours like beige, ivory or gold look stunning on you. For a very dark person mat colours would be the best choice. She should avoid silver white, pink and blue shades. (Picture 1)

Figure it out

For a girl with a medium figure, any material would suit. Those who are to the heavier side and plump should wear non - transparent, soft material and avoid nets or tissues as they express your body shape more.

Right time and right place

If the ceremony takes place in a hall, irrespective of the time, the bride can choose a glittering and shining material. But if the ceremony takes place in day light, out door then shining outfits might cause too much contrast. So go for as little glitter as possible then.

This or that

Another question that most brides face is whether to dress in Kandyan or Indian. Kandyan sarees suit most Sinhalese Buddhist girls. But this could differ depending on her features. For girls with non-oriental features the Indian saree with the veil might be suitable.

Bride on a ramp

Another important point is that a bride should not try to be a model. She should not showcase all fashions and styles. The attire has to be simple and elegant and should not reveal her body drawing unnecessary attention. Always remember that you are taking part in a sacred function.