LIFESTYLE
A peek into the life of Shalini Seneviratne
UNPLUGGED
In conversation with Nirmali Ameresekere
What is a typical day like for you – and do you have any specific habits or routines that help you remain productive?
My day starts with clinging onto a few extra hugs with my son, then it’s the school run. I do a five kilometre run before diving into work and end the day with mindless easy TV before sleeping – I need that run and wind down TV time to keep myself productive
If your career were to be turned into a movie, what would the title be? And who would you like playing you?
Equilibrium: The Art of Having It All, starring Natalie Portman – because I’m obsessed with her; she is brilliant and uncompromising – exactly the energy I aspire to maintain
A passion project or business idea you’d pursue if you had unlimited time and resources
I’d build a platform for curated journeys that are immersive, off the beaten path experiences and connect travellers with local communities – in a way that feels adventurous and deeply personal
Your ‘go to’ song or playlist to stay happy during the day
A mellow, soulful playlist – Norah Jones meets acoustic indie with a bit of Marvin Gaye – smooth vocals, soft piano and some jazz to keep the day flowing with ease
The best piece of advice you’ve received
Say ‘yes’ before you’re ready – growth lives on the other side of discomfort
An item on your bucket list that you’d like to achieve in the next few years
Visiting 100 countries – I’m so close and hopefully, will get there by next year!
How would you spend your time if you could unplug from technology for a week?
On a beach with a nice thick romance novel
What other work do you think you would excel in – and why?
I’d love to be an event planner – creating experiences that bring people together, curating every detail so the energy feels joyful and unforgettable
And a guilty pleasure that helps you unwind after a stressful day
TV with a scoop (or two) of pistachio ice cream
Advice you’d give your younger self if you could travel back to the beginning of your career
Trust the process and stop rushing to have it all figured out – every twist, challenge and disappointment is shaping the leader you’re meant to become
If you could work from anywhere in the world for a month, where would you go?
The Greek Islands – where time slows and life feels beautifully simple; surrounded by endless blue seas, centuries of history, fantastic food and jaw dropping sunsets – it’s the perfect place to recharge and let creativity flow
And if you could collaborate with any person (past or present) on a project, who would it be? And what would you create?
Frida Kahlo – create a brand that redefines beauty and identity while celebrating the vibrancy of culture
You know it’s going to be a bad day when…
My calendar looks like a game of Tetris – and I’m losing
You’re challenged by…
The mundane – routine tasks drain me!
You recently laughed out loud when…
My five year old said: “For the love of God, please stop kissing me.’
Happiness is when…
The sun is setting, the house is full and you can hear laughter
Sri Lanka will have a chance to develop when…
Uncomfortable structural reforms are implemented
Memory skills on a scale of 0-10
It used to be 10 but after my son, it’s nearing zero!
When are you the most productive?
Jamming and creating with people
Tea or coffee
Coffee… black and strong
Savouries or sweet dishes
Savouries capped off with sweet – I’m a foodie!
Eating outside or cooking at home
Eating outside
Documentaries, fictional TV series or reality shows
Fictional TV – crime and romance
Your most used word or phrase
Rolling eye emoji
Workout preferences
Running outdoors
Motto in life
Go with the flow
