Ramani’s story more than skin deep

By Tharooshie Mahahewage

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Ramani Fernando, the undisputed legend when it comes to beauty culture, launched her biography titled, “A Journey with Style” last

Strong bond: Ramani and Ranjith. Pix by Indika Handuwala

Tuesday at the Colombo Hilton presenting the first copy of the book to First Lady Shiranthi Wickramasinghe Rajapaksa.

We are proud of her: Ramani’s daughter Rashika

The glamorous event was attended by many well known society personalities- understandably, as Ramani is undoubtedly one of society’s leading ladies. Ramani’s family, husband Ranjith, children and grandchildren were all by her side as she marked another milestone in her life.

The book is written by Dila Hettiaratchy, a long standing client and good family friend and edited by Dr. Dinali Devendra. “After many edits and re-edits, drama and hard work the book is finally out,” said author Dila. “When Ramani told her grandson that she was ‘launching’ a book written about her, little Rithesh asked in wide-eyed wonder “your launching it in the sea?”, and it felt exactly like that. Though I have written all my life, after I started working on the book it made me realize how difficult it is to be a writer, not just a person who writes. Through the story I wanted to introduce the real Ramani to society, not just as a beautician but as a woman who achieved many things in her life time.”

“It’s a story about a lady who truly was the centre of our family,” said Ramani’s eldest daughter Rashika. “With a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck, she has come to achieve her dreams. She has an amazing ability to attract

Outlining a success story: Unilever chairperson Shazia Syed

people and pay attention to detail. She’s a natural leader but doesn’t realize it and that’s where her beauty

Introducing the real Ramani: Author Dila Hettiaratchy

lies. Aside from us, her four children, her main strength, harshest critic and biggest friend is our father, Ranjith Fernando. He was always her pillar of success and the strength of their bond was the reason for her success. We are very proud of her.”

Annika, Ramani’s grand-daughter spoke with great pride of her ‘Achchi’ because “she deserves it with all her hard work”. If she doesn’t end up being a good cook, it’s because her Achchi can’t cook at all, Annika said, leaving the audience in laughter.

Addressing the audience, the first lady Chairperson of Unilever Shazia Syed said that when she first came to Sri Lanka from Pakistan, she was having a bad hair day and she went in to a good-looking salon which made her feel at home instantly. Coincidently it was a Ramani Fernando salon. “I stepped in and a short while later I walked out feeling like a million dollars. Hers is a success story that young ladies of Sri Lanka should take as an example.” Ramani is the brand ambassador for Unilever’s popular shampoo brand Sunsilk.

Rosita, Niraj and Rosy

It had been Lucky Lenagala, the Managing Director of the Ramani Fernando Sunsilk Training Academy who had come up with the idea of putting Ramani’s life story in the form of a book. Ranjith, Ramani’s husband had suggested Dila and the foundation was laid for the book.

“Dila has beautifully written everything. The book contains so much of happy memories- meeting Ranjith, bringing four children to this world, watching them grow up, improvements to my work, everything. My children, their spouses and my grandchildren are my biggest blessing and my staff is my biggest strength. I know my parents and my brother Sanath are looking down on me and smiling. My sisters Shirani and Dharini have been my guardian angels every step of the way. I’m thankful for everyone who helped me come to this day,” Ramani said.