Paw-Sperity Xtravaganza with 61 stalls – overwhelming success

Ishadi Amanda (second from left), Anusha David (right) and Indira Cancer Trust team at their stall at Paw-Sperity

The Paw-Sperity Xtravaganza, ushered in Avurudhu Cheer and Easter Joy, with a treat for the entire family, especially shoppers, where tradition and good cheer met a cause close to hearts – animal welfare. Held on Saturday, 29 March at the Atrium Lobby of the Cinnamon Grand, in aid of Rescue Animals Sri Lanka [RAS], with Mrs. Sri Lanka and 1st Runner Up for Mrs World 2025 Ishadi Amanda as the Chief Guest, it was a day filled with fun, fabulous shopping, yummy food, face painting for kids and portrait painting for adults, fun filled shopping, with a staggering selection of exciting goodies from 61 stalls, perfect for gift-giving and personal indulgence. In fact, there was something for everyone. Paw-Sperity which actually combines the words “paw” and “prosperity”, symbolised what this event was all about – animal welfare and prosperity for all. What’s more, the four-legged Chief Guest, Little Jax, a miniature Dachshund who is the RAS mascot, was all dressed up for the occasion in a batik sarong and Jatawa, gifted to him, from the well-known Batik Brand Cherub. 

Chief Guest Ishadi Amanda visited each of the 61 stalls, interacted with the stall holders and purchased goods from them; a wonderful example of a down to earth Beauty with her heart in the right place. Accompanied by her husband and son, Ishadi exuded the typical Sri Lankan warmth and charm, endearing herself to all.

Ladies, gents, and kids clothing, footwear, cosmetics, both Batik as well as regular saris, jewellery, skin care, handmade Designer handbags, accessories, homemade wines, chutneys and pickles, organic foods, Xmas décor, table and bed linen, cushions, arts and crafts, stationery and greeting cards, crochet and knitted products, scented candles, perfumes, health and gluten free foods, vegan foods, bath and body care, Avurudhu and Easter goodies, a range of specialty foods from the Cinnamon Grand, household items, and everything needed for a very prosperous Avurudhu and a joyous Easter were on sale.

RAS Co-Founder Anusha David said she was delighted about the fact that 95% of the stall holders were those who had taken part in RAS’ first ever fundraiser the Santapaws Extravaganza which was held on 1 December 2024. “All the hard work, effort, and late nights are worth it when you have people placing their faith and trust in you. I have always loved animals and wanted to be a Vet but could never handle laboratory work, hence I devote my energies (apart from my office work), to my passion which is Animal Welfare. In fact, we recently filed a court case regarding the recent elephant tragedy in Ella. Any animal or reptile is worthy of help, and all humans need to understand that without animals this planet cannot continue to exist. As a matter of fact, we are witnessing its destruction right now. It’s happening before our very eyes and if we do not act immediately, it will be too late; very frankly it is already too late. It is not the remedy that is called for, but prevention, and an understanding that a quick fix can never be the solution. The development of our hearts and minds is required; mere investment and bricks and mortar don’t amount to development,” she said. 

David was fulsome in her praise of the Cinnamon Grand and in particular Cinnamon Colombo Hotels Area Vice President and Cinnamon Grand Colombo General Manager Kamal Munasinghe. “The Cinnamon Grand, the Wijeya Group and Zelus Consult our Social Media partners were Simply the Best, and words are inadequate to express my thanks to them for their wholehearted support and cooperation which went beyond the boundaries. Indeed, the Cinnamon Grand is the Best Address in Town and exemplifies Corporate Social Responsibilty which encompasses not just human welfare, but the environment and animals as well,” she added.

The proceeds from the bazaar will go towards supporting RAS’ street animal welfare work as well as their shelter, and most importantly the re location of RAS to a more spacious location.

Ishadi Amanda with her son at one of the stalls  

Kamal Munasinghe lighting the oil lamp at the inauguration of Paw-Sperity

Ishadi Amanda being presented with a bouquet of flowers on her arrival by little Pia. Also present are Kamal Munasinghe, Brian Kerkoven carrying Jax along with Anusha David and two of the RAS staff

Ishadi petting Jax on arrival