Being judged as the sole representative for your country is not exactly a commonplace occurrence for anyone and certainly wouldn’t be considered easy; but for Miss International 2012 Madusha Mayadunne, it’s something she’s been doing all her life and plans to continue for as long as she can.
The daughter of an admiral in the navy who was posted around the globe due to his position, Madusha can easily identify with the term ‘global citizen’. Having been educated in Sri Lanka, India, England and USA, she credits her diverse upbringing for exposing her to various cultures; which in turn taught her greatly about people. She believes that diversity in education is very important, more so than a textbook education.
It was while schooling in England that Madusha, being the only Sri Lankan, found herself educating people about her beloved homeland. She recalls patiently explaining details about the country and culture to those who were curious. “I have always felt that I have been an ambassador of sorts for my country because the alumni would come and ask me about Sri Lanka, and they would then judge the country through me, so I always felt I had to uphold the right image for them.”
After completing high school in England, she made the transition to St. Louis, USA to pursue a degree in bio-medical research. It was there that her initial career in modeling took off.
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“I never actually thought of modelling but then I was approached by scouts who said I should. Even in England, I was approached but at that time, I didn’t have the right attitude for it and my parents were not with me. The second time around, I was more mature and educated, so once I started I was able to balance it with my studies.”
Madusha describes the experience as life changing for her as modelling made it possible for her to meet and mix with influential people, along with gaining good exposure. As a scholarship student who was supporting herself through part-time work, modelling came as a lucky break for her. She is particularly grateful for the scholarships she received for her education in both USA and England as believes she wouldn’t have been able to achieve all that she has today if it wasn’t for them.
While schooling in England, the statuesque beauty took part in extracurricular activities such as canoeing, archery and kayaking, which she credits for keeping her slim figure and says if she had the time she would like to continue that again. For now, to keep in shape she follows an exercise regime of yoga and pilates but believes in simply eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle to stay fit.
After modelling for several months under a contract, alongside writing a thesis on psychology, Madusha decided to return to Sri Lanka and eventually entered the Miss Universe Sri Lanka 2012 pageant.
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It was a life changing experience for her. “The pageant teaches you to trust in yourself and know that if you work hard things will come to you. We formed such a tight bond that even after the pageant, most of the contestants do keep in touch; I’m definitely close with a lot of them.”
These days between interviews and basking in some of the post pageant glamour, she is hard at work preparing for the upcoming Miss International pageant in Okinawa, Japan this October.
Currently brushing up on her communication skills under corporate communications trainer Lorreta Gunawardene, Madusha says it’s vital to learn how to answer questions clearly in the small period of time given to speak to the judges. Notable designer, Andre Stefan is also working alongside her to create all the dresses she will be wearing at the pageant.
“My goal for the Miss International pageant is to portray the strong women and culture in this country. We have proven ourselves so much already and we as a country have so much to offer. This pageant really is about world peace and Sri Lanka can play a great role in that because we have achieved peace and we have sustained it. So my main message will be to promote unity among cultures and ethnic groups.”
As for future goals, she says, “I think my dream career would be to have a diplomatic position though my ultimate dream would be to travel to all the countries while representing Sri Lanka. So maybe even a position with the tourist board. Right now, I just want to savour the Miss International experience, and live this year to the fullest before going forward. That’s my rule in life, when I take up a task; I finish that before I start another.”
Interview by Lake Argent
Pics by Waruna Wanniarachchi
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0 Comments
Sunny Boy says:
Aug 17, 2012 at 12:03 pmFather is Admiral, Daughter is Admirable !
YO says:
Aug 17, 2012 at 12:04 pmNo offence to this girl. But we should seriously think about selecting good judges to officiate these events. Don't we have anyone better than this to represent SL.
Uk citizen says:
Aug 17, 2012 at 12:29 pmDon’t we have better-looking ladies in SL. Can see the veins on her feet?
Uthum says:
Aug 17, 2012 at 02:23 pmWow, the authentic Sri Lankan look. Good luck girl, way to go!
keth says:
Aug 17, 2012 at 02:55 pmwhere are the nice looking girls in SriLanka?
Lucky says:
Aug 18, 2012 at 09:22 amher skin tone is nice [Authentic Sri Lankan look]. In recent past, mostly we had imported looking girls, whom we can not say even Sri Lankan; and compare to them she is much better!!! However she needs to put up little bit...
Branu says:
Aug 18, 2012 at 11:07 amWho has selected this girl? dont you have any beautiful one in sri lanka, may be some one political power she may selected.
Dinesh De Silva says:
Aug 18, 2012 at 05:04 pmIf her father was an admiral in the navy, I really don't think it would be hard for her to get into a diplomatic mission.
Prasa says:
Aug 20, 2012 at 06:40 amIm sorry girl,
You are not anywere closer to be a Beauty !!
thusitha says:
Aug 20, 2012 at 10:21 amdo you my friend have a fiance
G L Weerasinghe says:
Aug 20, 2012 at 10:32 amYou can found few betTer sri lankan looking girls at Rakwana Plantation.. trust me..
Observer says:
Aug 21, 2012 at 12:02 amI guess it is difficult to find both "beauty and the brains" in one package in Sri Lanka.
bernard says:
Aug 22, 2012 at 01:19 amdurate appel lagate papole
champi says:
Aug 22, 2012 at 08:29 amIs your father Admiral in the Navy? I don't think so.
champi says:
Aug 22, 2012 at 08:31 amHey Judges! Are you'll crazy to selecting like this?
champi says:
Aug 22, 2012 at 08:36 amCan't we find anyone better than this one?
Rickshow says:
Aug 23, 2012 at 09:37 amThis is very Bad.... she would have had some talent, we as human beings desgracing anather person in this manner is very bad
demel says:
Aug 24, 2012 at 05:48 pmA woman representing the country need not necessarily be a a stunner. As long as she can represent the country and we can keep our heads high. If looks are all u look for then we can see how narrow minded u are. She is a beautiful woman, hopefully a good role model for the country on an international stage. Comments as to beauty from you people are uncalled for. If ur opinions are worth two cents then u'd have been called to be a judge. U haven't been. They made a choice, respect it.
GhostLanka says:
Aug 25, 2012 at 07:40 pmI agree wit u...but I would love if she could have done something on her dress sense choice for a slim frame and perhaps a more attention to her cheeks and wrinkles on her forehead indication of good wits? Ideal working girl I'd say...