OUR STORY
In 2017, our founder Nare, a Cambridge-educated entrepreneur with a background in strategy and finance, returned to Sri Lanka after years abroad. She saw a gap, not just in Pilates or barre, but in how women connected with movement, confidence, and one another. What started as a side experiment soon became a movement in itself: the country’s first boutique Pilates and Barre studio, built on discipline, integrity, and the belief that when women strengthen their bodies, they strengthen everything around them.
Over the years, Barressential has grown far beyond fitness. We’ve become a women-owned, women-run, and women-franchised network — creating pathways for female entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka to own and lead thriving wellness studios in their own communities. From Colombo to Galle, our studios are becoming sanctuaries for transformation: physical, mental, and financial.
Today, we’re reimagining what holistic wellness looks like: blending movement, mental health, and financial empowerment to help women live fully, lead boldly, and build generational change.
Barressential isn’t just a place to work out. It’s a place to rise together, through strength, through sisterhood, through the quiet confidence that comes when women choose to be essential.
MANAGEMENT
Nare Bandaranayake
Founder
Nare is a certified IBBFA Barre instructor and has completed Mat, Reformer & Trapeze Table training with the Balanced Body institute. She is also trained in Specialist Pre/Post Rehabilitation Pilates as well as Pre/Post Natal Pilates. Nare holds a BSc in Neuroscience from King's College London, a Masters in Finance from the University of Cambridge and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Dinely
Rajapakse
Co-Head of Academy, Master Instructor, Marketing Guru
Dinely is our Co-Head of Academy, Marketing guru and with 6,000 teaching hours under her belt (as at 2025), the most experienced home grown Mat and Reformer Pilates instructor in Sri Lanka. She is known for her impeccable attention to detail, imagery that connects clients to their bodies and abundance of energy! She has completed her Balanced Body Mat Pilates training and is a master trainer at the Barressential Academy.
Matheesha Udawatte
Co-Head of Academy, Master Instructor
Matheesha is our Co-Head of Academy, joining Barressential in 2020 with no prior Pilates experience but undertaking our internal training course and with deep commitment, rising up to be one of our master trainers. Matheesha's classes are exuberant, energetic and deeply challenging - her clients love her and so do we. Aside from Barressential, Matheesha is a co-founder of Voice Print Academy, Sri Lanka's leading singing school for children, and a part time model.
Shehani Gomes
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Saira Nanji
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OUR FRANCHISE PARTNERS
Shayala Jayawardena
Owner, Battaramulla
Shayala’s journey with Barressential began just before university, when she joined as a Client Advisor. What started as a part-time role quickly grew into a passion for movement and the mind-body connection that Pilates inspires. Having studied Biology for her A/Ls, she’s always been fascinated by how the body works - an interest that now deepens through her ongoing Pilates instructor training.
Today, Shayala is the proud franchise partner of Barressential Battaramulla, bringing her story full circle. Alongside running her studio, she works in corporate finance and valuations at a leading consulting firm in Sri Lanka. A graduate of Monash University with a double major in Finance and Management, she is also an associate member of CIM and CIMA (UK).
Balancing her corporate career with her love for movement allows Shayala to live a life of both discipline and creativity. For her, Pilates is not just exercise - it’s a space to reconnect with herself, and through her studio, she hopes to inspire others to do the same.
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Dulasha Fernando
Owner, Nawala
Driven by a passion for movement and community, Dulasha is the co-franchise partner of Barressential Nawala, where she blends her love for Pilates, wellness, and empowering women through mindful movement. Having practiced reformer Pilates regularly in Melbourne, she developed a deep appreciation for the discipline, and an even greater admiration for the exceptional standard of classes she experienced in Sri Lanka.
Partnering with her sister to bring that quality and spirit to Nawala, she set out to create a space where women feel supported, confident, and inspired.
With a professional background in Learning and Development, Dulasha brings her strengths in coaching, leadership, and communication to every aspect of her work. She believes Pilates is more than a workout—it’s a practice that cultivates strength, confidence, and connection, both physically and mentally.
At Barressential Nawala, she’s known for her attention to detail, warmth, and dedication to creating an uplifting client experience. Beyond the studio, Dulasha enjoys travel, good wine, time with her cats, and meaningful conversations. She brings a grounded yet joyful energy to everything she does—whether guiding clients through their wellness journey or building the vibrant Barressential community.
Chenuka Fernando
Owner, Nawala
Chenuka Fernando is the co-owner of Barressential Nawala, which she proudly runs with her sister in their transformed childhood home: a serene wellness space that beautifully balances elegance, warmth, and mindful design. Every detail reflects her vision to create a studio where clients feel at home while moving, breathing, and reconnecting with themselves.
Armed with a degree in Marketing and Business Administration and a Master’s in International Business, Chenuka brings strategic and creative insight to Barressential.
Her creativity extends beyond the studio through her thriving cake-baking business, where her love for artistry and detail shines. Passionate about fashion, travel, food, and cats, Chenuka finds joy and inspiration in the beauty of everyday life.
To her, wellness is about more than movement - it’s about balance, creativity, and connection. Through Barressential Nawala, Chenuka has built not just a Pilates studio, but a true labor of love: a space that blends movement, mindfulness, and meaning within the comforting walls of home.
Samudra Weerasinghe
Coming soon
Vindya Weerasinghe
Coming soon
Nilma Ekanayake
Coming soon
CORPORATE TEAM
Inaya Muhammadh
Inaya is a Client Advisor at Barressential, dedicated to making every client feel welcome and supported—from their first inquiry to finding classes that help them feel confident and strong. Drawn to Barressential’s sense of community and empowerment, she thrives on creating meaningful, positive experiences that reflect the studio’s warmth and spirit. Outside of work, Inaya enjoys relaxing with a good book, spending time with friends and family, and finding small moments of joy and balance in everyday life.
Bernadine Yuvaraj
Coming soon!
Zahra
Ismail
Zahra is Barressential’s Marketing & Client Advisory Associate, known for her creativity, reliability, and infectious enthusiasm. With a background in marketing and fashion design, she brings a keen eye for aesthetics and design to every project. From managing campaigns to ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, Zahra approaches each task with focus and flair. Her energy and positive spirit make her an integral part of the Barressential team, always ready to bring fresh ideas and a touch of sparkle to everything she does.
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Serika Siriwardhana
Serika is Barressential’s Chief of Staff to the Founder, balancing her role with her studies in law after completing a degree in Politics and International Relations. She thrives on the challenge of switching between legal research and the fast-paced world of Barressential, where she supports strategic projects and keeps operations running seamlessly. A creative at heart with a love for music, Serika brings wit, curiosity, and a touch of humour to everything she does—especially when conquering her playful fear of the reformer machine.
OUR INSTRUCTORS
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Lisa Chambers
Barre, Mat & Reformer Pilates Instructor
Lisa is an artist and illustrator whose creativity flows naturally into her love for movement and self-growth. Originally from Dubai, she moved to Sri Lanka eight years ago, embracing a slower, more mindful way of living. What began as a personal Pilates practice soon became a calling—leading her to complete her instructor training in 2025. Today, she teaches Mat Pilates, Barre, and Reformer, blending precision, flow, and warmth to help others find strength, balance, and joy in movement.
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Amra Arshad
Barre & Mat Pilates Instructor
Amra is an interior designer by day and a Pilates instructor by passion—two worlds beautifully connected by her love for flow, balance, and creativity. For her, both design and movement are about how something feels: intentional, energizing, and inspiring.
What began as a way to unwind after long design-filled days soon became a genuine love for Pilates. It’s helped her find strength, focus, and balance, both physically and mentally. Now, through her classes at Barressential, she shares that same energy with others.
Amra’s sessions are dynamic, uplifting, and full of flow - a blend of strength, control, and mindful movement that leaves clients feeling lighter, stronger, and more connected to themselves. Whether she’s designing interiors or guiding a class, her goal remains the same: to create harmony, confidence, and joy through movement.
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Nikeshala Wickramaarachchi
Barre & Mat Pilates Instructor
Nikeshala is a Pilates instructor, tech professional, and proud mom of two whose journey with Pilates began after having her children. What started as a way to rebuild core strength soon grew into a deep passion for helping others feel strong, confident, and connected to their bodies.
Her classes focus on mindful movement- creating space to clear your mind, move with purpose, and feel good inside and out. For Nikeshala, Pilates is more than exercise; it’s a moment to recharge and rediscover yourself.
When she’s not teaching or working, you’ll find her savoring coffee, exploring new restaurants, or planning her next beach getaway.
Chevonne
De Soysa
Barre, Reformer & Mat Pilates Instructor
Chevonne has been practicing Pilates for over 15 years and has always found her way back to it for its perfect balance of strength, focus, and control. She loves how each class leaves you feeling stronger, more centered, and more connected to yourself.
Outside the studio, Chevonne runs her own jewelry brand, Cher & Grace, and is a proud mom to a spirited five-year-old. Her appreciation for creativity and structure naturally draws her to Pilates, where movement becomes both art and discipline.
As an instructor, Chevonne aims to create classes that feel purposeful, strong, and rewarding - spaces where clients can challenge themselves, grow, and celebrate their progress. She’s thrilled to be part of the Barressential community, sharing her passion for movement and inspiring others to find strength through it.
Anjalika Diyawadana
Barre, Reformer & Mat Pilates Instructor
Anjalika is a former textile engineer at MAS Holdings, one of Sri Lanka’s leading apparel innovators, she brings a sharp eye for structure, precision, and creativity to her work at Barressential.
An eight-time National Karate Champion, South Asian medalist, and certified coach and referee, Anjalika blends athletic discipline with mindful movement to create classes that are energetic, challenging, and deeply empowering. Her sessions focus on strength, control, and endurance - helping clients feel powerful, grounded, and proud of what their bodies can achieve.
Whether leading a class or mentoring young athletes, Anjalika is passionate about inspiring others to embrace consistency, resilience, and joy through movement.
Shenuka
Silva
Barre & Mat Pilates Instructor
Shey’s love for movement began with dance, where she first discovered the joy of expression and body awareness. After a knee injury, she turned to yoga and Pilates for rehabilitation and soon found her mat to be a place of healing, strength, and self-connection. What began as recovery evolved into a lifelong passion and purpose.
A Yoga Alliance-certified teacher and Reiki practitioner with over 6,500 teaching hours, Shey blends mindfulness and intelligent movement in every class. Her sessions focus on functional strength, alignment, and awareness-helping clients move with confidence, grace, and ease.
After a successful corporate career at MAS Holdings, Shey transitioned fully into wellness, combining her background as a Chartered Marketer (MBA, University of Wales) with her deep commitment to holistic health. Her teaching style is grounded, empowering, and heart-centered, encouraging students to honor their own pace and find joy in consistent, curious, and compassionate movement.
Bushra
Hussain
Barre & Mat Pilates Instructor
Bushra is a Junior Instructor at Barressential, where she teaches some fun Barre and Mat classes. Outside of Barressential, she works as a Program Manager and is currently completing her final year of a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering.
Percy
Jaimin
Barre, Reformer & Mat Pilates Instructor
Percy wears many hats, and thrives in all of them. Before joining Barressential, she built a vibrant career as a graphic designer, social media content manager, and model who’s graced Colombo’s runways - embodying confidence, balance, and movement in every part of her life.
Adding “Pilates Instructor” to the mix came naturally. For Percy, movement is more than fitness - it’s how she stays grounded, focused, and full of energy. Her classes are upbeat, motivating, and filled with good vibes, yet always challenge your core and emphasize precision. She encourages clients to return to the fundamentals: Alignment, Breath, and Core - while moving mindfully and with purpose.
Whether she’s designing, modeling, or teaching, Percy brings her signature blend of creativity, confidence, and warmth - helping others feel strong, centered, and inspired through movement.
Aarthie Kandasamy
Barre, Reformer & Mat Pilates Instructor
Aarthie is an instructor at Barressential Battaramulla, teaching across all three formats while balancing a full-time role as a Business Operations Specialist for a US-based finance company. With over seven years of experience in leadership and operations, she brings focus, structure, and dedication to everything she does.
Her Pilates journey began as a client at Barressential, where she quickly fell in love with the practice and the transformation it brings - physically, mentally, and emotionally. Inspired by the community, she trained as an instructor to share that same experience with others.
Through her classes, Aarthie blends mindfulness and precision with warmth and encouragement. She loves helping clients build strength, confidence, and balance—both on and off the mat—proving that mindful movement can truly empower every part of life.
Subeektcha Sivakumar
Barre, Reformer & Mat Pilates Instructor
Subeektcha is an instructor at Barressential Battaramulla—often recognized as the one in the pink ballerina pants on our socials. With a background in law, she’s currently preparing for her bar exams, driven by a passion for women’s rights, health, and fair trade. Her belief that wellness shouldn’t be a privilege fuels both her teaching and her purpose.
Drawing from her background in dance, Subeektcha’s classes blend mindful precision with playfulness. She focuses on alignment, breath, and awareness -creating a space where clients can move with intention, laugh, and grow stronger together. Her teaching philosophy is simple: movement should reconnect you with your body and remind you of your strength, inside and out.
Outside the studio, she’s often found running around the Diyawanna Track, exploring hidden corners of Colombo, or deepening her own practice. For Subeektcha, law taught her about justice -but Pilates continues to teach her what true balance feels like.
Ayanthi Perera
Barre & Mat Pilates Instructor
After nearly a decade as a UI Engineer, Ayanthi made a meaningful career shift—from designing digital experiences to guiding people through movement. What began as a personal passion for wellness evolved into her professional calling as a freelance yoga and Pilates instructor.
At Barressential Battaramulla, she combines structure, breath, and mindful movement to help clients feel stronger, more aligned, and deeply connected to their bodies. Her classes are supportive and energizing, offering variations to suit every level - whether the goal is strength, recovery, or overall well-being.
For Ayanthi, fitness is not about
appearance but empowerment: feeling balanced, pain-free, and fully at home in your body.
Chamoda Munaweera
Barre & Mat Pilates Instructor
Siyathi
Ilayperuma
Barre, Reformer & Mat Pilates Instructor
Siyathi is an undergraduate who discovered her love for movement right here at Barressential.
Once someone who didn’t enjoy working out, she found her perspective completely transformed by the supportive, energizing community and the joy of Pilates. What began as a personal journey quickly became a passion for helping others feel the same strength and positivity.
Her classes are fun, dynamic, and designed to give that deeply satisfying full-body workout- leaving you feeling stronger, energized, and proud of what your body can do.
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Poornima
Kulatunga
Barre, Reformer & Mat Pilates Instructor
Poornima is a corporate marketing girly who fell in love with Barressential in 2023 - and loved it so much she became an instructor! Expect an infectious smile, high energy, and feel-good vibes in every class.
This could be YOU!
Wanna join these amazing group of ladies and be a part of a movement that is changing lives for the better?
Email us your CV at hello@barressential.com