ZeroPlastic University of Peradeniya made history by staging AURORA 2026, Sri Lanka's first sustainable fashion show organised by university students, at Kandy City Centre (KCC) on June 20, 2026. The groundbreaking event showcased how discarded materials can be transformed into innovative fashion, highlighting sustainability, creativity and environmental responsibility.
The event was backed by MAS Linea Clothing of MAS Holdings as the main sponsor, with the Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel serving as the academic partner and Mark and Comm providing public relations and communications support. The runway featured garments crafted from recycled, upcycled and environmentally responsible materials, challenging the fashion industry's dependence on wasteful consumption while demonstrating the potential of sustainable design.
Students from across the faculties of the University of Peradeniya collaborated to deliver every aspect of the event, including fashion design, production, logistics, creative direction and technical execution. Designers, models, organisers, volunteers and technical teams worked together to produce a professional showcase that reflected the university's reputation for academic excellence, innovation and social responsibility.
"AURORA was never just about fashion. It was about proving that young people at our university can lead on the most important conversation of our time, and do it beautifully," said Chamodi Nishshanka, President of ZeroPlastic University of Peradeniya.
More than a fashion showcase, AURORA 2026 served as a platform for environmental advocacy, encouraging conversations on plastic pollution, fast fashion and responsible consumption. Through its creative presentations, the event urged audiences to reconsider how clothing is produced, purchased and discarded, reinforcing the importance of sustainable choices in shaping the future of the fashion industry.
By combining creativity with environmental awareness, AURORA 2026 established a new benchmark for student-led sustainability initiatives in Sri Lanka, demonstrating how innovation and responsible design can inspire meaningful change.
EFC's New Chair Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening National Employment Policies at 97th AGM
The Employers' Federation of Ceylon (EFC) elected its new Board of Trustees and Council Members for the 2026/27 financial year at its 97th Annual General Meeting, held recently at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).
Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, was appointed as the new Chairman of the EFC, while Dinal Peiris, Chairman and Managing Director of the Lanka Aluminium Industries PLC Group, was elected Vice Chairman.
Delivering his inaugural address, Chairman Manatunge reaffirmed the Federation's commitment to supporting the development of progressive national employment policies and labour law reforms that meet the evolving needs of businesses and the workforce.
He emphasised that, as Sri Lanka's national employers' organisation, the EFC will continue to advocate for future-ready labour policies while promoting responsible business practices that contribute to sustainable economic growth.
Drawing on more than 36 years of experience in the financial services sector, Manatunge also highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration among government, employers and trade unions through the country's tripartite framework. He noted that constructive engagement among all stakeholders would be essential in advancing shared national objectives and building a resilient, competitive and inclusive employment landscape for Sri Lanka.
University of Peradeniya Students Make History with Sri Lanka's First Sustainable Fashion Show, Transforming Waste into Wearable Art
