Sri Lanka Wins Title at Miss Grand International 2015!
Ornella Mariam Jayasiri Gunesekera, 23, represented Sri Lanka at the Miss Grand International 2015 in Thailand. Placed in the Top 10, she won the People’s Choice Award and was given the title of ‘Miss Popular’.
Currently in between studies and working part time, she returns from Thailand and speaks to us about what it was like to represent her country on an international platform.
Tell us something no one would know about you.
Hmm… not many people know that I have had two major spine surgeries done by the excellent Dr. Sunil Perera. I walk around with titanium rods and screws in my spine!
Do you have a history in pageantry?
Pageants have a special place in my heart because they allow a representative to showcase their personality, intelligence and interact with the rest of the representatives from all over the world! My first ever taste of a pageant was at the Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Universe at the age of 18 in 2010 where I placed 3rd and was awarded ‘Miss Personality’. In the same year, I represented Sri Lanka as Miss Sri Lanka for Miss International 2010 held in Chengdu, China. The following year I was also nominated as Sri Lanka's representative and sent to Malaysia for Miss Tourism International 2011 where I placed in the Top 15 among 54 countries and was awarded the title of "Miss Friendship."
Three years later, I represented Sri Lankan at the Miss Grand International pageant held in Bangkok, Thailand where I placed in the Top 20 in both mini competitions: Best in Swimsuit and Best in National Costume. I further placed in the Top 10 and also won the Miss Popular Award among 78 countries. Major Pageant Gurus Global Beauties also awarded me the titles for "Best Interview" and "Beauty with an Aura."
Congratulations in winning Miss. Popular at Miss Grand International 2015! How did it feel?
The winner of the Miss Popular Vote was automatically placed in the Top 10 as she is considered the People's Choice. When the compere announced ‘Sri Lanka’ as the winner and the first to make Top 10, I was in shock... I kept thinking "Is this really happening...?" It is the greatest honour to know that God has allowed who I am to be found favourable to people from all around the world. Thai people are some of the nicest, warmest and loving people and the support I had was incredible. ‘Sri Lanka’ was the only country whose name was up in neon lights in the front row and there were people waving our flag and calling out “SRI LANKA!.”
How did you get selected to represent Sri Lanka for this pageant?
I actually have to give special thanks to Kamil Hevavitharana who’s a long-time friend who urged me to try out for the pageant! There was this mini pageant held by the National Directors of Miss Grand International Sri Lanka, Asanka Atapattu and Brian Kerkoven where 12 girls were chosen and we had to go through a series of interviews in which I was selected to represent our country.
How was the competition overall? Was it tough?
A pageant is one of the most physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually demanding events one could take part in and no one will ever know the extent except for those who have actually been in one - especially one on an International scale. When you're on a stage, standing in front of thousands of people and judges in four pieces of triangles asking them to judge you, it's hard. If you can do that with a smile and grace, you can do anything!
The first week was especially difficult, between photoshoots, rehearsals, shows, gala dinner events and others we would have a maximum of 3 hours of sleep per night, be up early to be camera ready (hair, make up, outfit) and hop on to the bus for all the activities planned. The competition is tough because everyone is trying their very best to make themselves stand out and be noticed. It is hard to stand out when there are 80 other beautiful girls also pressing hard to stand out.
What was your biggest strength and your biggest weakness in this pageant?
My biggest strength is first and foremost God, my family and my boyfriend, friends and National Directors who would text me every day to help me stay strong mentally and emotionally. When you're alone in a foreign country surrounded by such a competition, it gets pretty overwhelming. For me it was twice as hard because I took a huge risk being at this pageant given I had faced almost being paralyzed years earlier and just as recent as last year I had major spine surgery and I am not supposed to be in such physically demanding activities.
My biggest weakness was that I had less sleep because I had to focus on keeping my back muscles strong so I felt tired more than the other contestants but this only fueled me to push myself further because I had come so far I did not want to give up. There was a day during the pageant where I told my family I wanted to leave and come home because I could not physically handle it, but I guess sticking it out and being brave was worth it in the end.
How do channel your confidence when onstage?
I channel a totally different woman when I am onstage because I am very shy and reserved to the point of being a homebody. I am so shy that if I could hide away in my room all day, I would (and most days I do!) I become someone else on stage. I embody a model or an actress that I like and I try to be like her. When it comes to confidence some say "fake it till you make it," but I have heard better - “confidence - fake it, till you become it!".
The most annoying misconception about pageantry that irks you?
Despite having the opportunity to educate themselves, there are people who in this century still bash women in swimwear or see them in a vulgar light due to their very closed, uninformed mindsets! Also a beauty queen is not stupid, she’s someone who is under a large amount of pressure, battling insecurities, fears and more, to be where she is. Yet, some people take the liberty to bash and humiliate those who sacrifice so much to put their country out there. As a victim of such bullying and as sad as I was, all I could think of was how much better we could do as a people if more minds were opened and mouths were closed.
Your best memory at Miss Grand International?
I cannot pick just one! It's only been about a week and a half and I miss every single moment of it. If I could turn back time and re-live it all over again, I would do so in a heartbeat. The entire experience of being at the Miss Grand International pageant 2015 is THE best memory.
What’s next?
I want to complete my education and focus on my future endeavours with my family life. This pageant made me re-discover and therefore re-consider what I would like to use my life for and I know I would end up doing something that is in the service industry because I have always had a heart to help or make someone's life better. I know what it is like to have people help me when I could not even walk and so I wish to pursue a career that gives me the chance to give back the same.
The one thing you would say for anyone hoping to take parts in events like these?
Remember WHY you decided to take part in the first place and this reason will keep you going to the end. My well wishes to you and God bless you throughout your journey.
Interviewed by Panchali Illankoon
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