Apr 22 2014.
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About a year ago, I met Hirunika for a chat with www.life.lk
Back then she was just Hirunika – a girl fighting for justice for her father.
Today, she stands as Colombo District’s most favourite candidate with 139,034 votes. I met up with her again to see how she’s doing..
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Hirunika, congratulations on your latest achievement. Has life changed now since the last time we met?
Thank you Life Online for the best wishes. Yes, life has changed. I am now busier. People are relying on me as I am now a political figure. I need to make sure that everyone's voice is heard. I may have lost some free time compared to two years ago but it’s a blessing. I take it very positively. They see me as their leader and I need to live up to their faith in me. However life is smooth and I am enjoying the new things I experience every day.
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What are your goals?
The theme of my election campaign was to be a voice. And that's what I want to be right now. I want to be the voice and feel the pulse of my people who trusted me and voted for me. I want to be their faithful leader. I want to be the voice for the poor people and I will stand by my word. For this I need to be organised and I believe I am.
It seems that with the elections, pictures of your pageant days started springing up on social media. How do you face individuals or groups who set out to tarnish your image in this way?
It’s simple. I ignored all of them and did not pay any attention to any of them. I do understand that this is the digital age. Social media has taken over our lives and social media plays a big role in everyone's lives now. I do know all the bad things which went around against me but I did not pay any attention to it. I have chosen the people to associate with closely and they know who I am. They believe in me and that's all the strength I need to stand up and fight for my people.
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Will you do something for the beauty industry of this country?
People know me as a former beauty queen. And now they know me as an activist. I can’t deny that I was once in a pageant. I will do something for the industry when the time comes. I believe that personality is an important part of our lives. I will help anyone in educating to build their life and to represent Sri Lanka.
Now that a political goal has been achieved, is it time for marriage and children for you?
Maybe in another four or five years..
Your formula for the big win?
I worked hard.
I met everyone personally.
I did exactly 2,437 pocket meetings. I met everyone, I talked to everyone. I did not give anyone any materialistic gifts. I did not promise anything that I can’t achieve on behalf of them. I only listened from my heart and everyone believed in me.
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On a lighter note, the T20 win, did you have a chance to watch it?
Like I said life is smooth, life will be smooth if you are well organised. If you are an organised person you have time for everything in life. So yes - I followed the match and I must say the boys played well. And I’m glad Sangakkara ended his T20 career in style.
Pics and interview by Jayantha Fernando
0 Comments
typical says:
Apr 22, 2014 at 12:00 amshe does have a ravishing beauty - hope she will live up to her words
Jihansu says:
Apr 22, 2014 at 12:00 amWonderful to see Hirunika on a casual chat. Knowing her personally, she is such a great lady, all the best to you! Also great work Jayantha, as always a leading from the front. Simply awesome!
willows says:
Apr 22, 2014 at 12:00 amI'm sure one day she will become the President of this country and will do a very good job.
c ratnavadivel says:
Apr 22, 2014 at 12:00 amCongratulations on ur success! May God bless u with the courage to stand up for justice
Sadarana says:
Apr 23, 2014 at 12:00 amCongratulations Hirunika we the people are with you and I know you are a determine young lady who will not let us down but instead go hire and hire in your political carrier as one of the best politicians. We don't care the color of the party what we want is young honest politicians. May God Bless you
Arshad Wazhar says:
Apr 23, 2014 at 12:00 amBest of luck Hirunika! The deeper you go its harder in politics, You had a unbelievable start but, remain as same forever.
don says:
Apr 24, 2014 at 12:00 amShe forgot to mention about her dad. At least his name..
Anuradha says:
Apr 24, 2014 at 12:00 amFor the record, it's not just Sangakkara that bid farewell to T20I career. Mahela also made his last appearance for Sri Lankan T20 team.
Sesath says:
Apr 24, 2014 at 12:00 amMarry me Hiru!
Sesath says:
Apr 24, 2014 at 12:00 amMarry me Hiru!
Jude says:
Apr 24, 2014 at 12:00 amJust bcoz she is good looking she cannot be a president, what the hell is wrong with our people,
Richie says:
Apr 24, 2014 at 12:00 amHello, Hirunika, I am bemused with your ravishing appearance. If your dad was alive, he wouldn't believe his eyes to see his favorite daughter grown and the achievements you have had in the recent past. I agree with so many writers that you have a bright future ahead and you will work for the common people who voted for you and others who look to you to clean up the mess the country is in at the moment. Your political career has just started and you have lot of hurdles to clear, and
Teacher says:
Apr 24, 2014 at 12:00 amI thought spelling and grammatical errors were corrected by the Editor of these blogs. I am sorry to point out that Sadarana's comment has many spelling mistakes; "determine should be determined., hire and hire s/b higher and higher, carrier s/b career.
bin jayah says:
Apr 24, 2014 at 12:00 amU are beautiful. All the best.
Anon says:
Apr 24, 2014 at 12:00 amDamn! She's one fine-looking lady!
Rodger Williams says:
Apr 25, 2014 at 12:00 amMy dear Hirunika, I did follow all the ghastly involments, surrounding the murder of your dad. This apparently continues to be the daily shameful acts of a sick, power hungry group of Sinhala politicians that ride rough shod over basic human rights of our own country citizens. My counsel to you would be to disassociate yourself from the political party and continue to work in more practical ways to help the growing poor in our land. A beeter time and oppertunity will come and all that was lost w
Leena says:
Apr 25, 2014 at 12:00 amNot only do they not correct grammar mistakes, they also get annoyed and block out regulars who point them out. Nice to see Hirunika in the papers, but what's with the harry potter glasses ?
SABRY SHAMSUDEEN says:
Apr 25, 2014 at 12:00 amYou are a very good lady.I like you very much,because your a very decent lady. Some people trying to damage your image. But they cant,Because your are honest and true. That strenth protect you. You know, When I was working in Galadari Hotel in the Lobby Jewellery Shop, I saw you, When you were celibrating your 21st birthday. You were very pretty. But you dont know me. I saw your Father, came to Galadari Office to pay the money. Thatday onwards I know you. I like your Father also. He has done l
Abdul Fathah Shamsudeen says:
Apr 25, 2014 at 12:00 amYou are very nice and good. Good Luck
undefined says:
Apr 25, 2014 at 12:00 amYou are very good. Later I will comment on you Thank you
Cuthbert Seneveratne says:
Apr 27, 2014 at 12:00 amHirunika is in the wrong place at the wrong time..
jayampathi says:
Apr 28, 2014 at 12:00 amhirunika is wonderful lady wish u all the best
Gamini Perera says:
Apr 28, 2014 at 12:00 amwish you all the best