The Most Empowering Runway Sri Lanka Has Ever Seen: Walk to Equality Shines at Cinnamon Grand

In a night that redefined fashion, courage, and community, Walk to Equality unfolded as one of the most powerful and inclusive events ever held in Sri Lanka. Hosted at the majestic Cinnamon Grand Colombo, the event wasn’t just a fashion show it was a celebration of human spirit, identity, and belonging.

Organised by The Walk Model Academy in partnership with Cinnamon Grand Colombo, the event brought together 74 extraordinary individuals from all walks of life, many of whom have long been sidelined due to conditions such as Down syndrome, Autism, or their gender and sexual identity. With the theme Life Without Labels, the event reminded everyone that beauty is found not in perfection, but in purpose.

Kamal Munasinghe, General Manager of Cinnamon Grand Colombo and Area Vice President of Cinnamon Colombo Hotels, was instrumental in steering this incredible initiative. His leadership and vision have not only elevated the hospitality standards of the Cinnamon brand but also helped position the hotel as a true beacon of social responsibility and inclusion. “At Cinnamon Grand, we do more than serve guests; we uplift communities. Walk to Equality is now part of our heart and purpose,” Kamal shared.

The venue, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, offered more than just a stunning backdrop. With its signature warmth and elegance, the hotel embodied the very message of the evening  that every person deserves to be celebrated, valued, and seen. Guests were moved not only by the designs and performances but by the powerful message of acceptance that echoed through the Oak Room ballroom.

Designs that told stories

The runway came alive with collections that were not just visually captivating, but deeply symbolic. Omi Batik’s “Scattered Fabric” brought a fresh voice to the runway, transforming fragmented materials into bold statements of identity. Era by Neranjala dazzled with garments inspired by the stars, reflecting strength and individuality. Podi Bennett celebrated freedom through free-size designs that embraced all body types and all identities. And Kanishka, renowned for his Indian-inspired aesthetic, presented pieces that honored the beauty that exists between black and white a poetic ode to the in-between.

Unforgettable performances

The evening was filled with energy and soul. Umara, together with the Umara Choir, delivered a powerful musical performance that added depth and resonance to the show. Thanuja lit up the room with her hit song I’m Unstoppable, reinforcing the message that limitations are illusions, and confidence is contagious.

A message that lives on

More than just a one-time celebration, Walk to Equality is set to become an annual initiative, with all proceeds from this year’s show going toward the Cinnamon Hotels Meals on Wheels program, which has already provided over 20,000 meals to communities in need since the COVID pandemic. This charitable endeavor reflects Cinnamon Grand Colombo’s deep-rooted commitment to empowerment and care.

Backed by an outstanding team of partners  from Million Life to Ramani Fernando Salons, Christell Skin Clinic, Barista Coffee, Giva Colombo, and many more, the show proved that when brands unite for a greater cause, the impact is unforgettable.

As Kamal Munasinghe, General Manager of Cinnamon Grand Colombo and Area Vice President of Cinnamon Colombo Hotels summed it up, “Inclusivity is not a trend, it is a necessity. At Cinnamon Grand Colombo, we are proud to be part of a movement that gives space for every voice, every story, and every soul.”

Indeed, the Walk to Equality was more than an event. It was a milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey toward a more compassionate, diverse, and beautiful world and Cinnamon Grand Colombo stood right at the heart of it.