Magical night as Pride without Prejudice Launched In Sri Lanka
Bernice Roche, who emceed the launch event, Sally Grero, Beverley and Susan Riley OAM.
More than fifty guests recently gathered at Barefoot Gallery for the launch in Sri Lanka of Beverley Pinder OAM’s inspiring autobiography: Pride Without Prejudice on 17 May.
On a balmy Colombo evening against the backdrop of an exhibition by fashion designer and artist Amesh Wijesekera, MC Bernice Roche welcomed guests and introduced two very special speakers, Susan Riley OAM and Sally Grero.
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Beverley with young businesswoman, Danii-elle Gomez
A speech by the former Miss Universe Australia winner Beverley, was followed by a Q&A between Susan, a former Deputy Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne and Beverley, giving guests a window into the life of “several downs and some amazing ups” of the former St Lawrence’s Convent girl who met every challenge to climb some dizzy heights, including being a businesswoman of some 40 years, a mentor and a volunteer for numerous charities.
“The audience was inspired by Beverley’s journey from Ceylon to Melbourne and her book is one from which we can all take a leaf,” Susan said.
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Nimal Gunawardena, Founder and Chair of NGage Strategic Alliance, Colombo’s leading Marketing and Communication consultancy with Beverley and Susan Riley
Sally, a close friend of Beverley since their school days at St Lawrence’s Convent, said: “There is nothing more enriching than the friendships we formed as young girls. And when you have a friend like Beverley, it is quite special.”
Beverley said the event and ambience was something extraordinary. “To have Susan and Sally by my side at the launch felt magical. The energy and the exuberance we collectively brought to the event at Colombo’s Barefoot Gallery is to be remembered for years to come.”
Safani and her mother Farzana with Beverley and Sally. It has been 57 years since Beverley last saw Farzana as schoolgirls at St Lawrence’s.
Beverley was also surprised and delighted at meeting another classmate of hers at St. Lawrence’s Convent, Farzana Kamrudeen, after 57 years at the launch.
Guests included Beverley’s only cousin still residing in Sri Lanka, Cheryl Kapugeekiyana, Tatyana Rajapaksa, Jerome Jayaratne and family, Beverley Fernando, Danii-elle Gomez, and a young Sri Lankan entrepreneur, Evangeline Stanislaus and her husband, Paranitharan Nadarajah, and more.
Beverley with young Sri Lankan entrepreneurs Evangeline Stanislaus and Paranitharan Nadarajah
A delightful young guest Luke Impett wishes Beverley all the best (Luke is the son of the St Lawrence’s PPA Colombo President, Fiona Crusz)
Beverley with her cousin Cheryl Kapugeekiyana and husband Chandana and family
Author Artika Bakshi outlines her thoughts on the book.
Beverley tells the audience, her life of ups and downs has been fulfilled through her community work and love of people
Krishani Hewavisenti – NGage Strategic Alliance – in Beverley’s words, a true professional
A special visit from Tatyana Rajapaksa and her husband Rohitha to wish Beverley ongoing success with her work
Beverley signing each book with a specific message for each reader.
Guests were treated to refreshments courtesy of Barefoot Cafe.
Amesh Wijesekera’s exhibition ‘Homecoming’ is on until June 5.
ends
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