Prepare for the festive season with the crème de la crème of our designers when they give you a sneak peek of their festive collections at Gabriel’s Charity Auction and Fashion Show, which is in aid of Rescue Animals Sri Lanka [RAS] on 31 October at the Cinnamon Grand. Presenting Partner Aditi, whose founder Ramya Weerakoon is a pillar of the apparel trade, Brian Kerkoven, Charini Suriyage, Dammika Amarasekere, Jaishri, better known as Jai, Kamil / Limak and Rajni, whose label is Radisi, will feature a mix of both evening and smart casual wear, which is guaranteed to have something for everyone.

Choreography, of course, is handled by Brian Kerkoven, with models from the BK Academy walking the ramp, while Hair & Make up will be handled by none other than Hair Wizard Gerald Solomons and his team at Chagall. Entertainment is provided by Enroute, headed by Dr Gananath Dissanayake, himself an animal lover, who agreed to partner with RAS without a second's hesitation. 

This year, Lanka IOC has come on board to partner with RAS, and special mention must be made of MD, Dipak Das, whose foresight and vision were instrumental in facilitating the organisation's participation.  

As a precursor to the year-end festivities, there’s no better way to do so than to usher in the festive season, keeping in mind Man’s Best Friend, whilst embellishing your wardrobe, of course! 

Our Print media partners, Hi Magazine, Hi Online and Wijeya Newspapers, who have unfailingly extended their support to RAS, Hospitality Partner Cinnamon Grand, Advertising partners Gravitas, Social Media Partner Zelus, Videographer Proimage, and the amazing RAS team, have done wonders in putting together not just one but two events in one! An auction as well as a Fashion Show, all to support the voiceless. Yet another staunch supporter of RAS is Vrai Raymond, who will co-host the event together with Aritha Wickramasinghe, while Vrai will also handle the auction in her own inimitable style. 

Co-founder & Trustee RAS, Anusha David stressed the fact that none of this would be possible without the help of her friends and supporters, all of whom believe in her cause – namely that of helping all animals. “ Our designers Aditi, Brian Kerkoven, Charini Suriyage, Dammika Amarasekere, Jaishri, Kamil, and Rajni have never ever refused me, whether it's a raffle gift, showcasing their collections in aid of my charity or well, just about anything- they have ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR ME. Brian, Gerald, Vrai, have consistently stood by me through good times and bad, while my dear friend Mahika Weerakoon, MD of Aditi, came to our rescue and gave me nothing short of Power to go ahead with this event. I could say she ‘powered’ me to forge ahead”. 

David was full in praise of the former head of Cinnamon Grand, Kamal Munasinghe, who paved the way for RAS to stage all their events at the Hotel. “I wish more Corporations would follow in Kamal’s footsteps. He walked his talk and exemplifies Corporate Social Responsibility for all”. 

Cocktails, a four-course sit-down dinner, an auction of eclectic items, a fashion show and entertainment by En Route all combine to ensure that Friday,31st October, will indeed be a night to remember.

Our Story

Gabriel’s Rescue Animals Sri Lanka was founded by Anusha David and named after her father, Gabriel, whose lifelong love for animals and deep commitment to their welfare began over five decades ago. Coming from a family that has long cared for stray animals, Anusha has dedicated her life to helping the voiceless. Today, Gabriel’s RAS is home to over 100 dogs and 30 cats at its sanctuary, where each animal is lovingly fed, given regular veterinary care, and treated with the kindness and affection they deserve.

Beyond the sanctuary, Gabriel’s RAS feeds more than 250 street dogs daily across Colombo and its suburbs. The organisation also steps in to rescue and rehabilitate animals suffering from neglect, illness, and injury — providing full medical care and ongoing support through their recovery.

Gabriel’s RAS stands up for animals in need, no matter the species. In recent years, it has prevented the export of 300,000 monkeys to Chinese laboratories and rescued farm animals from slaughter, including 68 cattle and 124 goats, along with countless birds and other creatures in distress. The Trust currently has 3 cases in court regarding elephant abuse and the DWC’s failure to act against animal cruelty. Gabriel’s RAS operates 95% on the founder’s personal funds, the balance being given by compassionate individuals who believe in creating a kinder world for all living beings.