By Kay Alahakoon, author of ‘Chasing a Boomerang’ and ‘The Bridges We Cross’
Stepping into the Ivy Sunroom on George Street, Sydney, on Saturday, October 12, felt like entering a world alive with colour, lively chatter, and electric anticipation.
Representatives from 15 countries arranged stalls in every corner, each team
collaborating with dedication and pride. Among them stood the Sri Lankan corner, a vibrant display proudly waving the Sri Lankan flag.
Nalika Padmasena OAM and the team from the Sri Lankan Australian Women’s Network (SLAWN), Shivani and Dheeraj (Raj) from Saree Selection, Sepali Malalasekara from Stitches by Vedette, and batik artisan Gayani De Alwis from Nimreka Batiks—who couldn’t attend in person but contributed by creating material for the event—worked tirelessly to bring Sri Lankan craftsmanship to the Fabric of Modern Australia (FOMA) runway. Despite limited resources and no support from the Sri Lankan authorities, their determination shone through.
FOMA is more than a runway; it’s a platform showcasing voices from over 36 countries. This year, SLAWN’s immense effort secured a debut presence for Sri Lankan fabric artisans. They fused cultures through a unique collaboration between SLAWN,
Saree Selection, and renowned Aboriginal artist Dr Leonard Smith, a Biripi Elder. The partnership combined Australian native gum tree flowers with Aboriginal artwork—such as Emus and Kangaroos Dreaming, Sun Blast Dreamtime, and Bora Circles—printed on pure silk, cotton, georgette, and viscose using traditional Javanese and Sri Lankan batik techniques. These vivid fabrics celebrated 65,000 years of Aboriginal heritage
intertwined with Sri Lanka’s 2,500-year history.
“I was privileged to attend the FOMA fashion show in Sydney in November 2024. Witnessing Sri Lankan creativity and design on such a prestigious stage was exceptional. The fusion of fashion with Aboriginal art, accompanied by traditional
drumbeats, was captivating. Kudos to the team that worked so hard to make this day possible,” said spectator Nayomi Munasinghe.
Yvonne Bandara’s mesmerising dance, synchronised with Shane
Edippuliarachchi’s drums, bridged tradition and runway elegance, affirming SLAWN’s vision.
Nalika Padmasena said, “presence at FOMA means, Sri Lankan women’s small business entrepreneurs shone internationally. SLAWN collaborations are to bring maximum impact. This time teamed up with Saree Selections, Stitches by Vedette, Nimreka Batik, S. K. Wickramasinghe Masks, Thaushi Dimantha Designs, and Dr Leonard Smith to blend Aboriginal arts with Sri Lankan Batik for our debut.”
By evening, the Ivy Ivy Sunroom was buzzing with Sydney’s fashion elite. As
models showcased batik sarees and modern beachwear to the beat of Shane’s drums, each garment embodied the essence of Sri Lankan culture. Among the standout pieces was a saree inspired by native Australian flora, alongside Thowshi Dimantha’s youthful, fresh creations. Together, these designs symbolised a seamless cultural exchange, with their elegance further exemplified by a standout saree in the classic Kandyan Osariya style.
“It was a pleasure to witness cultural storytelling, collaborative cultural design with modern adoption while creating a platform for emerging designers,” said a local radio show host and producer, Pri Abayakoon.
Behind the glamour, however, were significant challenges. Despite repeated requests, the Sri Lankan authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Sri
Lankan High Commission in Australia, and Sri Lankan Airlines offered no support. Yet, SLAWN’s perseverance, drawing on personal resources and community collaboration, empowered women entrepreneurs and celebrated Sri Lankan heritage.
FOMA promotes cross-cultural engagement and diversity in fashion, uniting
communities and empowering local talent. This aligns with SLAWN’s mission: to mentor women and inspire young Sri Lankan girls to embrace their heritage and dream big.
Reflecting on the event, SLAWN’s platform for Sri Lankan fashion, trade, and tourism showcased the resilience and talent of women entrepreneurs, proving that dedication and community support can overcome any obstacle.
