Raffles Design Institute holds ‘Saviskara’ Graduation, Exhibition and Fashion Show 2017

Raffles Institute of Higher Education Colombo, the premier design education provider in Sri Lanka celebrated its fourth graduation ceremony, exhibition and fashion show ‘Saviskara’ recently at the Ramada Hotel Liberty Ballroom.

Raffles University Iskandar President and Raffles VP Professor Doctor Graeme Britton, who flew in from Singapore for the occasion, was the Guest of Honour and reiterated the quality of Raffles education in all departments, and the highlighted future plans for growth in Sri Lanka including the addition of a UK degree from the globally-recognised Sheffield Hallam University. 

Johannes Silaban, the College Director, speaking to the audience underlined the importance of continuous learning, and also the necessity to take all experiences as part of the growth process in self-actualisation. The graduating cohort included Bachelor of Design Degrees (B. Des) Majoring in Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, Multimedia Design, Graphic Design, and Interior Design, awarded by Raffles College of Design and Commerce (RCDC) Australia. Sarath Kahapalaarachchi, President and Ajith D. Perera, Secretary General of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka also attended and presented a special award to Aqla Mizveer. Mizver was the recipient of the prestigious award based on the successful completion of her degree and for entrepreneurial skills shown in the creation of her own design label and start up business. Through this award, the FCCISL has shown excellent support for the design driven entrepreneurial youth of Sri Lanka in both the creation and presentation of this award.  

The departmental industry awards began with the Fashion Design department, and included the MAS/Victoria’s Secret award for ‘Creative Excellence’ presented by Parveen Herat, General Manager Victoria’s Secret Sport, to Thamasha Rodrigo. This was followed by the Buddhi Batiks award for ‘Fabric and Textile Innovation’ presented by the Fashion Design Program Coordinator Dinesh Chandrasena to Christina Rodrigo. 

Moving on to the Graphic Design/Multi Media Design department award, Stein Studios presented the ‘Creative Excellence’ award to Malintha Gunawardena, presented by Lakshmi Jayasinghe, Director General Manager Stein Studios. From the Interior Design Department, A.J. Malhari presented two awards, the first for ‘The Best Furniture Collection’ went to Nichola Packaniathan, and the second for ‘The Best Major Project in Interior Design’ went to Amanah Mohideen.

The Fashion Show was of international standards and presented the final collections of the graduates at both Advanced Diploma and Degree level.  The exclusive collections of student work were showcased on the runway by both international and local professional models and highlighted the unique talents of the Raffles graduates in both men’s and women’s wear. The audience comprising honoured guests, faculty, support staff, parents and other students were treated to an innovative show with an exciting array of creative graduate work. 

Dinesh Chandrasena, Fashion Design Program Coordinator who leads the Fashion Design department, was proud of the graduates’ collective efforts, and led the rest of the faculty in congratulating and wishing them the best for their futures. The exhibition showcased work from graduates in interior design, graphic design, fashion marketing and multimedia design. 

Guests were taken on a visual journey that tantalised the senses with technologically advanced spheres of creativity, and market viable products that showcased the multiple designers’ skills. These programs were led by Albert Malhari, Nicola Govoni, Manisha Silva and Samal Bandara respectively. 

Special mention that ‘Saviskara 2017’ was yet another milestone in Raffles’ history while Raffles Group still makes its journey forward as the largest private education provider in the Asia Pacific region. The group has a wide and ever expanding reach with 26 colleges in 24 cities across 14 countries. 

Raffles Institute of Higher Education, the representative college in Sri Lanka, delivers a range of programs that lead to fully-accredited design degrees. ‘Saviskara 2017’ showcasing pure talent stood as testimony to the quality education provided by Raffles Institute of Higher Education.

-Pix by Ruwan Walpola