“Beautiful Sri Lanka” is my very first cake collaboration. The piece I have chosen is the main casket bearer at the Esela pageant who carries the tooth relic (Kandy Perehera Elephant) and my inspiration for the model was Raja (the tusker who carried this honour for nearly half a decade and Nandungamuwe Raja who does so at present). The Esela pageant is world reknowned to be one of the most lavish and grandest events in all of Asia. The piece bears the traditional colours of the main elephant, red and gold. I have tried to recreate the look of the old gold thread embroidery work with deep golf hand painted motifs resembling the lotus which is a key element in the Kandyan era and used all over inside the temple. 8 petal floral motifs, scroll designs and borders have also been used in the design of the elephant’s cape.
I have loved creating this piece in appreciation of the majestic Sri Lankan elephant as well as the rich culture and history of our paradise island. I have always been in awe of these beautiful creatures, ever since childhood and strongly believe that much more needs to be done for their well being and to preserve them.