This month, our magazine begs the question – WHAT IS LOVE? Is it a bunch of frisky chemical reactions making your mind a bit silly? Is it all sacrifice and commitment? Is it just a way of ensuring we don’t die alone in our apartments with 11 cats named after the 1996 World Cupwinning Lankan cricket team? If we’re talking romantic love, it’s probably a bit of all of the above, mixed with a few fights over bathroom tiles, prolonged periods of huffy texts and plenty of snoring. But, love is more, so much more than your relationship with your S.O (as lovely as we’re sure he/she is). It’s about the respect with which you treat yourself (even during squat day, a horrific phenomenon I just learnt about), the dinner you make for your family featuring an overdose of care and salt, and the care with which you listen to your BFF’s bad day. Whatever love is, it’s probably not whatever is on The Bachelor right now. Our Feb issue dives deep into it all, so click through for more…

We are delighted to introduce to you our first special edition for the year: The 35 Under 35 Issue! It is a list of 35 incredible young women, under the age of 35, who are movers and shakers in their own right in various industries, from entrepreneurs to eco-warriors to creative pioneers to activists and more. This list will put the next-gen trailblazers front and centre with the intention to celebrate these women doing their thing and inspire you to not let fear hold you back. The future is female! Click through for more...

This edition marks four years of Cosmo in Sri Lanka and what a ride it’s been! Over the past few years, we’ve persisted in changing the game of fashion, beauty, career, lifestyle, love and relationships and more. But, we also wanted to talk about the even tougher subjects from mensuration, birth control, FGM and sexually transmitted diseases to body shaming, suicide and depression to harassment on the streets and at work. They’re topics we’re passionate about and we know they’re just as important to other millennial and gen Z women. 

March also coincides with International Women’s Day and staying true to our ethos, we’re having more uncomfortable conversations. Gender-based domestic violence is not an old topic but it’s still very prevalent. We dove in deep. Somewhere between your teenage years and early to mid-twenties, you may have encountered aunties, wiggling their eyebrows, asking the infamous question, “So, darling…when are you going to find a nice boy and settle down?” If you’re shuddering at the mere thought, you’re not alone. We took to science to figure out: is there a good age to married? Click through for more…

The month of love always has many of you rushing to find the right gift, plan surprises, getaways and more for your significant other. While this Hallmark holiday will always be celebrated, look beyond making this day special for only your partner. Consider taking the time to bring a little love and joy to the other important individuals in your life, like siblings, besties, parents, grandparents and even yourself. Who knows, you just might have a ball of a time. Try a little karaoke—it’s never a bad idea, or if you're a leap year baby, celebrate in style (P 42). Figure out a fun present to give loved ones with our curated gifting guide (P 89). Click through for more…

Helloooo 2020!
It’s a brand new year and a brand new decade! For many of you, the past ten years have been instrumental in shaping you into who you are right now. As we start a fresh chapter, take stock of the past few years. Think about all the learnings, wins and growth you’ve gone through; heck, list them out for better clarity. Maybe you launched a new business, created a community, graduated, started a new career or discovered new skills. For most of us, it can be challenging to celebrate our achievements and be grateful for all we’ve accomplished. But the start of the year is a good time to do just that. Thank yourself and rejoice in your growth and successes. Click through for more…


It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The festive playlists are ready to go, holiday flicks are prepped for movie marathons, trees are up and decorated, and the throngs of shoppers are taking the stores by storm. December is finally here and we know many of you felt the year zoomed by far too fast. But, this month is a great time to reflect on the past 11 months and its highlights, take some time off to recharge and gear up for an extraordinary 2020.  Whether you’re celebrating away on holiday, with loved ones, or hard at work, we’ve got something for everyone within these pages. Click through for more….

Can you believe how fast the year has flown? With the holiday season almost upon us now is a good time to take stock of the past year and look at all you wanted to accomplish. If you haven’t been able to cross something off your checklist, remember, the year isn’t over yet! 
If travel is on the cards over the next couple of months, be sure to soak up every experience. Travel is a great way to expand your horizons, explore new cultures and cuisines, and meet new people. As you cross off destinations on your list, it’s important to stay present through it all. 
If you’re travelling for business, don’t freak out. It’s doesn’t have to be stressful. We have an in-depth guide on what to pack, wear and expect from your trip. Backpacking is also a great way to see the world on a budget if you’re willing to rough it out a little. Click through for more...

Okay, let’s talk career. Show of hands: how many of you have been strongly considering ditching your day job and jumping into the deep end of working for yourself?
 If you raised your hand, then we applaud you for knowing what you want and being willing to chase after it. 
But, hold off on handing in your resignation just yet. While working for yourself can be rewarding, it is not without its challenges, many of which will revolve around money (or lack thereof) at the onset. Many successful HBICs initially kept their day jobs and worked on their biz post-6 PM. It’s hard work (sleepless nights and zero social life), but well worth the hustle in the long-run. 
To help you on your startup journey, we called in the pros to help you figure it all out.  Click through for more…


Ashanthi, our cover star this month, is always ready to try just anything. Team Cosmo had her trying crazy hair-dos and looks, and she was all in! “I’ll give it a try and see!” she said. If it worked, great! If it didn’t we just went back to the drawing board. It’s safe to say that everyone had a blast on set! 

In the spirit of trying something new, we’ve explained exactly why you and your Significant Other could connect better through a little tantric sex. We also have a special feature on surrogacy. It’s on the rise in Sri Lanka and happens more often than you’d expect. Click through for more...

Social media is where most of us now reside, glued to our phones, scrolling aimlessly through feeds, consuming information differently. It’s an ever-changing realm of possibilities available for those who want it. Plus, it’s always great stumbling upon an aesthetically pleasing feed and a bonus if the owner’s content is honest, thought-provoking or funny. 
The concept of influencers or content creators is still relatively new on this island, and while many are still trying to find their footing (no easy task, mind you), some have figured it out. Ultimately, what’s important to remember is not placing a high value on follower count or the number of likes per post, but on the quality of the content and engagement generated. 
We spoke to 24 incredible women across varies niches, currently making waves online. They care deeply and they love what they do. They’re also mad hustlers and growing into a fairly new industry. Plus, they have gorgeous feeds! Click through for more…



It’s important to take care of yourself. Not just in the pamper yourself kinda way, but also in terms of ensuring your immune system is strong and capable of fighting off most sicknesses. To keep every avenue of your life working like clockwork, taking the time to look into your wellbeing is very important. 

No one knows this better than the power women gracing the pages of our Mind & Body section this month. They’ve made sport and fitness a part of their lives and shared the deets on how you can incorporate a little bit of it into your life. We also served up dope athleisure looks to help you looking your best, both in and out of the gym. If you’ve been feeling particularly stressed out lately, we may have the answer you’re looking for: a pet! Having a furry friend has all sorts of perks. Click through for more…


Summer wedding season is here and it’s all sequins, shimmers, high heels, perfectly styled hair and waterproof make-up! At Cosmo, someone invariably always has a wedding to attend right around now and the whole team gets super excited! At any given moment, you’ll find them discussing engagements rings, outfits, sari jacket styles, what gifts to get the couple and what wild eye make-up to sport next. To celebrate all the brides-to-be, bridesmaids and guests, we’ve got a jam-packed edition complete with engagement ring options (it’s totes okay to drop your fiancé hints!), the perfect little gifts to give your girl squad, and very much on trend boho-music-festival-inspired looks for the bride. Impeccable, glowing skin is important for all brides as is finding the right gift for the couple. We’ve got you covered with a stellar beauty gift guide that’ll be unique and useful for the couple! Click through for more…

In this edition, we talk sustainability and how millennials and Gen Zs are becoming more conscious. We’re reducing our use of plastic, recycling, reusing, helping the community and so much more. We chatted with 3 ladies who are also doing their part in the community with their businesses. They’re spreading the word and impacting those around them to be more conscious. As you deal with all that has happened, it’s essential you find ways to cope with grief, loss or fear. Carving out time for yourself can make all the difference. And, sometimes all you need is a quick pick-me-up in the form of a dope rice and curry. Fortunately, we’ve got the perfect recipe for the spiciest (and the most delicious) chicken curry you’ve ever tasted! Click through for more…

You’ve probably heard of the saying ‘Fake it till you make it’. The theory is that by imitating confidence and optimism, you can eventually change your own behaviour with better qualities. In the spirit of forging ahead and living your best life possible, we talk about a subject a lot of millennial women struggle with: not being able to say ‘no’ often enough, thanks to FOMO. On a new spin on things, we’re shedding light on what it means to feel joy at missing out (JOMO, yup, it’s a thing).

If your profesh life needs a little TLC, we’ve got a few tips to rekindle the fire within. Plus, our phenomenal cover star this month, Stephanie Siriwardhana, slays and shows young women that it is possible to do it all, no matter what obstacles life throws you. 
With April comes holidays and what better time than to head outta the country and explore! We’ve got everything you need to know about travelling to two very different cities: Bali and Brussels. And, if your April plans involve making the most out of all the sales and offers, we’ve got the latest trends to help you make the right purchases! Click through for more…


As women, empowering each other is the ultimate goal—lifting each other up to greater heights and always having each other’s back. This edition is packed with inspiring women who have rebuked the notion that women can’t do it all, they’ve shattered stereotypes and continue to inspire other women. We’ve also broken down the two major movements of our time: #MeToo and Times Up in an easy guide, and we investigate why being female has pulled many women and girls back from realizing their full potential. Tackling sensitive subject matter and getting the word out is part of what we do, and this month we’re discussing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and how real issue of an issue it is in Sri Lanka. This month, make the decision to be your most fearless self yet. Being an agent of change isn’t easy, but when you come out swinging, it’ll be worth every moment. Click through for more…

The month of love is officially here and while not everyone looks forward to this Hallmark holiday, it’s a fantastic time to rekindle love with a partner, sibling, friend or even yourself. After all, who said you’ve got to be in a relationship with a Significant Other to enjoy this time? This month, we want you to have fun, irrespective of what your relationship status is. We want you to take some time out for yourself and the special women in your life. Whether you do in solo or team up with your besties, set some time aside for a little TLC, and perhaps gift each other a little something with the help of our sweet gift guide.

 We also want you to look beyond the surface of your existing relationships and delve deep. We chatted to 3 dynamic couples who dished the deets on what makes them so successful as duos. Their stories will have you laughing, cheering and maybe even tear you up a little. But rest assured, you’ll leave inspired. If you’re planning a quick romantic getaway with boo, we’ve rounded up a comprehensive list of spots to hit up or if you’re itching to take to the skies, read our guide to exploring India on a budget. In the mood for a quick drink and chill sesh? We teamed up with King Of The Mambo to give you a fun take on the classic Cosmopolitan cocktail. Click through for more…

The start of the year always brings with it new possibilities and opportunities to wipe the proverbial slate clean and start again. For some, this may mean spending more time with loved ones, kicking a bad habit or making it a point to hit the gym more often. For others, the New Year may be taking on challenges that are bigger than anything you’ve dealt with before, like dropping whatever that doesn’t spark joy and chasing after something that does. We’ve got #6 kicka$$ women who’ve done just that — followed their dreams and passions no matter what. 
We also learned the style secrets of another dynamite go-getter, Chassie Cortes and had a blast with her on set (look out for our BTS video on Cosmo TV!). Learn how to keep your resolutions realistic this year, and update that bucket list and try something new. Click through for more…

At Cosmo, December is one of our favourite times of the year! Yes, it’s possibly our most hectic time of year and we’re usually swamped rushing to finish everything before everyone breaks for the holidays. But, it’s the season of gifting, giving and merriment and sharing the love with each other is always fun, from sharing the latest products on how to make that glow pop to vacation tips to secret Santa gifts! 
We love our make-up and beauty products and while some choose to not wear any, we see absolutely nothing wrong if you want to wear a little or a lot! You do you, girl! After all, ‘tis the season, so you may as well experiment with all things sparkly and brilliant. 
As we gear up to take on a fabulous season, we’ve put together a holiday guide for all the boss babes (and dudes) in your life. Put your best face forward and treat your skin to much needed TLC before the mayhem begins! Click through for more….

The holidays are right around the corner and we cannot be more excited. It’s a time to get out your organizer and plan your vacaying destinations. Travel, for me, is the greatest form of relaxation — you get to immerse yourself in new experiences, meet new people and expand your horizons, and hopefully, return well-informed, inspired and ready to take on a brand new chapter.

No matter where you’re headed to, remember to double check important documentation to ensure nothing is amiss. And, to ease your mind, we’ve got a list of characters you may encounter onboard and how to deal! As you fly out and gear up for a fantastic journey, be sure to enjoy every single moment. You can learn a thing or two from the 3 vibrant women we spoke to who gave us a whole lot of insider tips into travel. If you’re going to be riding solo, learn which destinations are perfectly safe for women and if you’re hitting the coast on holiday, consider body bounce to help you get bikini bod ready. Click through for more…


We’ve all had snide comments directed at us by nosy aunties — the furrowed brows coupled with a poke in your belly or squeeze of your arm followed by “Ahh, you’ve put on weight, noh”. But, what most fail to realize is just how much it affects us deep down. As a teenager, you’ve got a plateful of things to deal with (exams, impending university applications, boy trouble, parental differences etc) and when you throw insecurities and low self-esteem to the mix thanks to mortifying comments, it can become too much to handle. 

If not dealt with, your 20s may be no better. While some of you can push past the unpleasant statements and come out on top, others may flounder so much so that it affects the moves they make in their career, love and life. Women will always be subject to body shaming at one point or another irrespective of dress size, life achievements and overall health. 

But, in this issue, we’re embracing our flaws and spreading the word that we’re all beautiful. We dug deep with 4 incredible women who’ve dealt with some of the worst kinds of shaming, and team Cosmo got real and revealed their own insecurities and how they cope. What’s clear is that loving yourself no matter what the haters say is vital. Click through for more…


As you prepped for your advanced level examinations, you probably had an idea of what you wanted to do once you graduated, and chances are your options were limited to three: get into university, find a job, or (for some) get hitched. University is often the no-brainer choice and more women are venturing into different, more male-driven, fields of study.

This month, we had the opportunity to meet some remarkable women who have broken away from the pack and taken on professions so unconventional that they’ve set the bar high. If you’re ever in doubt wondering if you should head down a rockier path, we hope their stories will give you the strength to follow your passions no matter how OTT they may be. Read all about these phenomenal women who dared to go against the grain chasing their dreams, and while you’re there, celebrate in their triumphs and learn from their mistakes. One thing is for certain: loving what you do is paramount. Click through for more…





Our professional career isn’t always as cut and dry as you might imagine. In fact, it’s very often far from it. When you start off you may think you know exactly what you want to do. But chances are you’re in for one rollercoaster of a ride. The thing is, there may be countless times you’ve held your head in your hands wondering if you made the right decisions. But do yourself a solid and shake yourself off and tell tell yourself that everything truly does happen for a reason, no matter how crappy your day is. 

Sometimes, it’s the little things in life we never truly appreciate, like finding a partner who respects and loves you enough to never cheat on you discovering a career path that works for you or simply hopping on a train to witness a sunrise all the way on the other side of the country.

In this issue we also talk about the pitfalls of cultural marriages, conquering horrible period pains, tequila cocktails you can whip up at home, and dealing with skin discolouration. Click through for more…

Is it ever too late to ride the learning curve? As we get older, self-care should be non-negotiable, even if it just means slapping on a face mask and an Ella Fitzgerald record. In this issue, we’ve together an exciting selection of how-too and guides ranging from a look at what your EPF and ETF is, what level of SPF you need or even what kind of laser treatment you should try! As always, we can’t get enough of self-made women like Huda and Luvvie Ajayi who are hustling hard and speaking their truth. Click through for more…




It’s smack bang in the middle of the year, which is a great time to invest in a little mid-year break. Sure, that break could mean a baller holiday, but it could also entail a face mask, a mimosa, and Harry Potter reruns (i.e every long weekend we’ve had since 2009). When it comes to self-respect, Aretha Franklin had it down – make your own money, and make sure you’re treated right. This month, we’re helping you tell toxic influences to hit the road - like the classmate you haven’t spoken to in 15 years asking you about your weight gain (P 59) or the scrub boyfriend who tries to isolate you from your loved ones (P 117). We’re so excited to share our June issue with you, and all the incredible women and movements afoot. Whether we’re learning how to invest our money with Cardi B (P 72) or learning how to wear a blinging glitter lip in our gorge beauty spread (P 96), we’re going all out. Click through for more…


Is it just us or is it getting hot in here? The temperatures are rising, the big holidays are behind us, and we’re looking forward to the steaming summer and of course, Sri Lanka’s big fat wedding season! Whether you’re one of the few peeps actually getting married, a bridesmaid, or just attending around 37 weddings in the coming months IRL or via your Instagram stories, it’s inescapable. So in this issue, we’re telling you to embrace it all. Who doesn’t want an excuse to eat well, dress like a walking chandelier, and people-watch? Click through for more...

April’s here, and on the paradise island, that means a stream of sun-kissed holidays, the beginning of the East coast season, and more food than is humanly necessary. For us, it mostly means kokis! With all the flurry, you may sometimes find that carving out some me-time gets tricky. That’s where your local girl gang (i.e Team Cosmo) steps in!

Joining us in our fun, and fearless journey are a few absolutely fab women this month. Firstly, our very own cover girl Christina Peiris answered all our nosy questions with her signature million-watt smile and candid answers about everyone from her main squeeze to her veritable zoo of animals! We also tried an Avurudu special with Masterchef contestant and Lankan chef, Jessica Heath, as well as a fashion callout with bespoke bridal bigwig, Amilani Perera. Flip through for more…

It feels like living as a woman in South Asia is a bizarre obstacle course, whether it’s tuning out men on the street hissing at you, avoiding wild crotch thrusts on the bus, or pole-vaulting over society’s view of us as demure baby-makers. We like to think of it as the Takashi’s Castle of misogyny! It’s made us learn that the battle for equality is hard, but inequality itself is a hell of a lot harder. So this issue, we celebrate women – especially women who empower! From our brilliant cover star Laverne Cox who is a vocal advocate for LGBTIQ rights, to the four incredibly driven women featured, these are individuals who aren’t just successful on their own merit. They are also successful as leaders and supporters by leveraging their positions and power to give people in their communities’ voices and opportunities. Click through for more…

There’s something delectably liberating about starting afresh. Imagine crisp new lavender-scented sheets, a clean notebook with no ink splotches or torn off pages, a lovely morning of fresh clean snow (not that we’d ever experience that in this 500 degree weather). This need for a clean slate probably explains our weird fascination with the New Year and our insistence on making resolutions we probably won’t keep beyond January 15th. But, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to better yourself. Trying new things, adopting better habits, being nicer to people and also nicer to yourself are impressive feats—and even if you’re just doing it for 15 days, that’s 15 days more than nothing at all!

This month, we’re focusing on things that are good for you, like standing up to sexual harassment in the workplace, building a better relationship with your ageing Lankan parents, or stopping to smell the roses. If all else fails, get yourself a book by the hilarious Mindy Kaling, make yourself some gourmet popcorn, and drive down to Galle for some sunshine and beach time. We’re also focusing on the fresh new Cosmopolitan Sri Lanka – empowering, powerful and experiential. Stay tuned for more events, panels and giveaways as we jump into the coming months

December in Colombo is usually a fuzzy haze of parties, shows, drinks and weddings. That equals to a mélange of hangovers, shoe bites and pants that don’t fit anymore (thanks, Lankan buffet culture). This month, don’t stress about what you’re going to get your loved ones. Most of the time, a cute personal gift goes further than an extravagant bauble. If you think this is terrible advice, head to page 111 for our ultimate December gift guide for all the bling you need. It’s bound to help you find something for every price point, for everyone from your co-worker to your main squeeze. If all else fails, just take them out for a bottle of wine, or two, to really get into the spirit of the season, or join us at our lush Cosmo Glow Up event at The Design Collective on the 6th. Flick through the magazine for more…


This month, we’re trying to take some time to revel in the imperfections - the extra bit of chocolate biscuit pudding we shouldn’t have had but definitely deserved, the hair that’s just a bit too frizzy thanks to a bleach job gone wrong, the bank account statement that glares balefully back at us.
In the spirit of honesty, we’re looking at real women and real feels with our cover girl Nicole Scherzinger — her raw truths and her tough journey to starhood. We also discuss the pros and cons of being furry in Sri Lanka, and concluded that being a hairless and sleek baby seal isn’t always worth the effort.
Because this month (and hopefully every month from now on) is about being kinder to ourselves. After all, as Bossypants author and all-round HBIC Tina Fey once said, “Perfect is boring, perfect is overrated.” So, join us on this strange and spotty journey of bad days; let the mistakes flow like cheap mascara in one of our crazy inter-monsoons; and let the tropical cocktails flow like it’s your birthday.

Cosmopolitan Sri Lanka  Cover - April - June 2020 Edition

April - June 2020

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At the heart of every feature, column, tweet, and post is the ethos that Cosmo must inspire women to be the best they can be — on their terms. Whether that’s by empowering them through campaigns, giving them the confidence to ask for that pay rise, offering them honest relationship advice, or helping them hunt down those heels, Cosmo engages with the reader on an emotional level deeper than any other magazine, providing solid, intelligent advice she really trusts.

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Cosmopolitan Sri Lanka - February 2018

Cosmopolitan Sri Lanka - February 2018

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