By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe 
Pics by Waruna Wanniarachchi

The halls of the Grand Ballroom at Hilton Colombo came alive on Tuesday (24) with rich Sri Lankan music, dance and fashion as Dhananjaya Bandara, expert bridal dresser, stylist, and hair and makeup artist, celebrated 25 years of creating magic. As the founder and livewire behind Dhananjaya Bandara Salons, Bandara is best known for his passion in creating timeless elegance, celebrating individuality while blending tradition with innovation. 

The event witnessed the launch of DB Ceylon, which stands as a tribute to Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. Rooted in the island’s artistry, this brand seeks to reimagine the essence of Sri Lankan customs with a modern touch, preserving their beauty and yet crafting something entirely new. The iconic swan symbol unveiled during the event indicates a big swan and a small swan in a warm embrace. When questioned about the logo, he said that the big swan indicates his mother and that the small swan is Dhananjaya himself. His mother, Rathna Wijesinghe, has been a driving force along his journey, and Bandara takes pride in the fact that his mother was there to support him every step of the way.

The show was indeed a spectacle unto itself as it showcased several unique collections of bridal wear, elegant fashion and jewellery, further highlighting Bandara’s passion for styling and creating magic. Veteran actress Sangeetha Weeraratne was an absolute show-stopper as she added glamour to the opening act with timeless pieces of jewellery and a stunning saree. Curated in different segments, the Bridal and Fashion Couture featured timeless pieces of jewellery designed by Raja Jewellers, a unique collection of outfits by Lovi Ceylon and some of the finest craftsmanship on various saree designs. What was unique about the outfits was that they were hand-woven and designed especially for this showcase. The Iconic Ladies’ segment was one of the highlights of the event, where many ladies representing different fields walked the ramp. From former Mrs. World Rosy Senanayake to Ramani Fernando, Shereen Kumaratunga, Sujeewa Nelson, Apsari Tillekeratne, to Caroline Jurie walked the ramp in dazzling outfits and pieces of jewellery curated by Bandara himself. 

Over 90 models walked the ramp during this extravagant showcase of fashion and tradition. The show was choreographed by renowned fashion designer, choreographer and trainer Lou Ching Wong. Bandara didn’t forget to pay floral tributes to his mother and veteran designer, hair stylist and makeup artist Harris Wijesinghe. 

The outfits and jewellery showcased at the event could be purchased at www.dbceylon.com