Events Lifestyle & Culture

Havelock City Mall Hosts Historic Women-Only Screening of "Gahanu Lamai" for International Women’s Day 2026

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, Havelock City Mall (HCM) hosted what is believed to be one of Sri Lanka’s first women-only cinema screenings, presenting a culturally significant and deeply meaningful tribute to womanhood.

Held at Scope Cinemas, Havelock City Mall, the exclusive event featured a complimentary screening of the iconic Sri Lankan film Gahanu Lamai, and welcomed an audience comprising corporate invitees, celebrities, female staff of Havelock City Mall, and winners of a special social media contest.

The occasion was further distinguished by the presence of Dr. Ranee Jayamaha, Chairperson of Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC, who graced the event and added significance to this special celebration.

Guests arrived dressed in purple, the internationally recognised symbol of dignity, solidarity, and justice, reinforcing the spirit and symbolism of the occasion. Through the screening of Gahanu Lamai—the acclaimed work of the late Dr. Sumitra Peiris, Sri Lanka’s first female film director—Havelock City Mall created a platform for reflection on the enduring cultural and contemporary relevance of women’s stories.

Commenting on the initiative, Mrs. Avanthie De Zoysa, Assistant General Manager of Havelock City Mall, stated:

“As a female manager of this organization, I am incredibly proud of this initiative. It is a heartfelt gesture of appreciation for the women who contribute so tirelessly to their families, to our society, and to the country at large. We wanted to provide a space that wasn't just about celebration, but about acknowledging the profound impact women have in every sphere of life.”

Also sharing his thoughts, Mr. Pravir Samarasinghe, CEO of Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC, said:

“We aimed to create something culturally significant. A women-only screening of ‘Gahanu Lamai’ allowed us to honour womanhood through one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured films in a safe, collective environment.”

The event was made possible with the valued support of the Lester James Peries and Sumitra Peiris Foundation, whose assistance was instrumental in bringing this unique initiative to life.

The collaboration with Scope Cinemas further elevated the experience, underscoring its position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading cinema operators. Located within Havelock City Mall, Scope Cinemas offers a world-class, 6-screen multiplex with a seating capacity of 1,100, including Sri Lanka’s only IMAX screen. Its contribution played a vital role in delivering a premium and immersive cinematic experience for all attendees, adding further prestige to this landmark occasion.

Beyond the screening itself, Havelock City Mall’s Women’s Day weekend also featured curated live entertainment and themed activations, further strengthening the mall’s reputation as a premier lifestyle destination committed to creating purposeful and memorable experiences for its patrons.

Havelock City Mall extends its sincere appreciation to all partners, guests, and the many women who contributed to making this celebration truly special and memorable.