Happenings / People

Dannielle - to represent Sri Lanka

by Mahesh Perera

Representing Sri Lanka at the Miss World 2006 Pageant in Poland next month will be the lovely model Dannielle Kirkoven nominated by Ceylon Tours Ltd the franchise holder for Miss World Limited UK. The Pageant at Warsaw on September 30 will see contestants from 120 countries competing to wear the coveted Miss World crown.

Dannielle left on September 1 with a spectacular wardrobe created by Michael Wijesooriya, Purnima Abeyratne, Dhammika, Kantha Mirchandani, Ruchira Karunaratne, Sonali White and of course by her uncle Brian Kerkoven. The outfits we are told are worthy of a Queen, with the Kandyan saree chosen for the national dress segment.

Dannielle commenced her modelling career when she was just twelve years old, displaying creations for Vasana Dananarayana and has since then modelled for all the top designers and choreographers in Sri Lanka. She said she was happy to be representing Sri Lanka and hoped that Lady Luck will smile down on her at Warsaw too. It was going to be an exciting experience for her.

It was revealed at the media briefing held last Wednesday, that due to the security situation in the country it was decided not to hold the National Pageant on a large scale. Suren Ediriweera, Managing Director, Ceylon Tours Ltd, said that Glow kindly sponsored the air ticket for Dannielle.

Swiss International Airlines agreed to provide an upgrading to Business Class and for excess baggage, while SriLankan Airlines have also granted excess baggage allowance on flight from Colombo to Mumbai.

A website created by Kasu Media Lab will help fans of Dannielle to gather more information of her career by logging on to www.dannielleonline.com As for the Mr. World Pageant, Sri Lanka has not participated in this pageant previously, so the franchise holder Ceylon Tours Ltd, has nominated Shibani Shaban Basiron a popular model to participate in the Mr. World Pageant which will be held in November at the Sanya Resort, People's Republic of China. In the meantime here's wishing Dannielle all success at Warsaw.

Fashion Designer of the Year 2006

Entries for this year's contest - Fashion Designer of the Year - keep rolling in according to the presenter of the show, Chula Nanayakkara Ariyaratne. The official hairdresser and make up beautician is Ramzi Rahuman, a leading name in hairdressing and beauty culture.

The media sponsors for the contest are Sunday Observer and Daily News and would-be contestants are advised to send in their entries, (The coupons appear in these newspapers) and four sketches as soon as possible. The semi-finals will be held soon. Watch out for the date!.

A new experience

Unusual in its concept will be the show "Top Bands of the 70's" which will be staged at BMICH on Saturday September 9 at 7.00 p.m. The proceeds from the show will go towards funding those special children who need specialised attention and care at a new school - A.I.L.D.

Presented by D. K. Promotions, 'Top Bands of the 70's' will feature the hits of Abba, Bee Gees, Queen, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Lionel Ritchie, Commodores and of course, the Beatles. Corinne and Mariazelle will make Abba come alive, while Rukshan will take the music of the Beatles to great heights.

Rajitha leader of Misty will sing the hits of Lionel Ritchie and the Commodores. In fact Misty will be backing all the singers. Damien will render the best of Queen while Kevin and Udaya will delight you with the best of Creedence Clearwater Revival. The hits of the Bee Gees will see the band Misty in fine form. Make sure you are there for the experience. The show will be threaded together by Vijaya Corea.

M.P.

Jazz today

Today is the day when leading jazz musicians will meet to rapport with one another at the CR & FC from 1.30 p.m. onwards. Making an appearance at the jazz session is the talented and versatile vocalist of the popular band Sohan & the X'periments, Yasmin de Silva who will be heading the band that will open the set at 1.30 p.m.

She will have with her Rukshan Perera - guitar & vocals, her brother Rowan Fonseka on bass, Hilary Christie - piano and Shanthi Seneviratne - drums.

The featured band will be led by guitarist Revel Crake who will have with him Rodney van Heer - sax, Ray Gomes - bass, Shiraaz Nooramith - drums and Jean van Heer - vocals.