Day one in Vienna concludes with a soak in a large bath in my spacious Astoria Hotel bedroom. Ironically, I never have a bath at home. A private moment to consider my options for day two as Jezzabel, my wife, has already declared it ’’another shopping day’’.

Earlier this month, millions of fans around the world rejoiced as BTS, the global pop sensation from South Korea, were reunited after completing their mandatory military service. All seven bandmates appeared together for the first time in 18 months — a moment of light-hearted, affectionate camaraderie from a group who’ve not only reshaped pop music but redefined what global cultural power can look like. For many, it was a moment of joy.

From telcos that ghost you mid-bill cycle to Facebook groups where kindness still comes with a trigger warning, it’s been another week of “only in Sri Lanka” moments. Oh, and the internet found a plane seat with freaky survival energy. Let’s get into it.

A person’s bookshelf tells a story of interests, inspirations, and ideas that have shaped them. In Pages & Perspectives, we ask people to share what they’re reading, their all-time favourite books, and the ones that have left a lasting impact. This week, Raffealla Fernando, fashion and celebrity photographer, takes our Q&A.

The familiar panic is setting in. Your A/L examination is just weeks away, and you’re staring at a mountain of syllabus content that seems impossible to conquer. Your phone buzzes with notifications from study groups sharing three-hour YouTube lectures on economic theories, but who has time to watch those when you’re juggling tuition classes in Colombo, part-time work to support your family, and the endless pressure to perform?

Aqua Pazza may be relatively new to Colombo’s restaurant scene, but it walks in with the quiet confidence of a place that knows exactly who it is. The interiors are sleek and sculptural, with warm lighting, curved European furniture, and tableware so chic I found myself running my fingers along the bread basket. It’s modern, yes, but never sterile. The kind of space where you want to linger, preferably with good company and a lot of food. Fun fac

On the evening of June 7, 2025, the MJF Centre Auditorium in Katubedda, Moratuwa, transformed into a powerful symbol of inclusion, determination, and musical brilliance. The debut performance of Bright Light—Sri Lanka’s first musical band formed entirely by visually impaired young musicians- was not only a showcase of talent but an unforgettable evening that stirred hearts and redefined perceptions.

Today on Buzz with Danu, I spotlight a marketplace that’s doing more than just selling products—it’s selling purpose. Athwela Marketplace brings together Sri Lankan artisans, survivors, and change-makers to create sustainable, meaningful products that empower communities and protect our planet. It’s not just commerce—it’s conscious living. Let’s dive into the story behind this inspiring initiative

Recently, a local influencer posted a video of herself eating a burger in a crop top. Harmless, right? Except the comments section lit up like it was the second coming of the apocalypse. “No shame!” “Think of the children!” “This is not our culture!”. Never mind that the burger was from a global chain and the crop top probably from ODEL. The point wasn’t food or fashion, it was rage.