Today on the Buzz, I have the warm and friendly Tamara Makalanda who won the Lite87 Miss International Sri Lanka 2014. She will be representing Sri Lanka at the Miss International 2014 contest scheduled for November in Tokyo, Japan. Tamara is someone who selflessly believes in dedicating her time and talent to the betterment of those around her. Since leaving school she has worked with children and is a great supporter of child education. Today she speaks about her life, and what she hopes to do with this title on my column. Have a good one!

Full Name - Tamara Shanelle Makalanda

Hometown- Kotte

Status - In a relationship

Birthday - 21 /2 /88

Idols - Mother Theresa and Heidi Baker

Passions - Adding value to the lives of the underprivileged.

Favorite Color - purple

Favorite Cartoon - Tom and Jerry

How do you feel now that you have been crowned as Lite87 Miss Sri Lanka International 2014?

I am really excited and don't won't to waste a single day of this single day. I want to make the most of every day and do all that I am supposed to to accomplish my purpose.

Have you ever had something happen to you that you thought was bad but it turned out to be for the best?

Yes almost everything in my life but the best example of that was when I went to study abroad and quit and came back during which time I didn't know what to do with my life so until I figured it out I joined the National Council for the deaf as a volunteer where I found my passion and purpose for living.

Tell me about your family?

My parents got divorced when I was just seven and my sister and I have lived with my father and grandma since. My mum lives in Australia and we visit each other and are very close with her. My sister and I owe alot to my grandma who relived motherhood for my sister and I. Coming from a broken home one would assume we lacklacked love but we have received more than I can ever say in words. Not only have both my parents loved me unconditionally they have also supported me to be all that I was created to be and added to that we had the unconditionally love of our beloved Nana who has always been by our side.

Tamara's sister and father

Who is your biggest strength?

My Lord and my God my Father and my very best friend Jesus. The only one who knows every single thing about me good and bad and has never stopped loving me and never given up on me. Definitely the reason I stand strong through every storm of life.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

I moved out on my own when I was 18 and as much as I learnt it was through hahardships not monetary but mainly trials and loneliness.

What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?

It was when my Nana suddenly had a heart attack up until then I never looked at her as an elderly person. But it was then that I had to accept that that's how life is and through out we believed in faith she would pull through and she did and as a person I think that whole experience changed me in different ways and made me stronger in a lot of ways.

What did you do growing up that got you into trouble?

I was very clumsy. Which my mum used to always scold me for I was also very slow and a real day dreamer which was really irritating to my entire family.

When was the last time you had an amazing meal?

Well to me my mum is the best cook I know. And the best meal I had was when I last saw her in December.

What do you miss most about being a kid?

I miss having the innocence of a child.

When was the last time you were nervous?

Before I walked on to the stage to be crowned.

What is something you learned in the last week?

I learnt that what ever position we are in life we should always lift others up and never step on others to get to the top. Success isn't in building a ladder it is creating a chain reaction.

What story does your family always tell about you?

How I used to be so shy and timid and fearful.

If..

If you could throw any kind of party, what would it be like and what would it be for?

It would be would be a carnival theme surprise party for a child who never expected it, didn't think they were worthy of it and who could never repay me for it.

If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?

26.

If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be? 

It would be the 2013 Colombo night race where my boyfriend had one of his most memorable races so far which he won and made a name in racing for himself.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

Drive a manual vehicle.

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be?

I would like to rebuild the hostel in Moratuwa and make it a dream home for every child who comes there.

In the Spot

Who would you crown as Miss Sri Lanka , if you were given an opportunity? 

I have been thinking of this for weeks knowing I would be asked and having read the interviews i asked mymyself one thing who inspired me the most? And my answer is Fiona. Apart from being beautiful, she is strong and persevering and has the ability to influence others and give hope.

Do you consider yourself beautiful enough to win the International Title?

Yes I do.. But that beauty is not based entirely on appearance. I really believe it is the beauty within a person that changes even the way you look. And Miss International which promotes peace and goodwill Apart from beauty makes me confident that I will definitely be competion.

Jacqueline Fernandez in Bollywood?

Great..  I'm so happy for her.

Who is your all-time favorite Miss Sri Lanka?

Nushara Fernando.

Five things that make you smile

1. When my boyfriend tells me every Sunday he is definitely going to make it to work on time this week.
2. When my sister drives in traffic.
3. When my father tries to convince me that he lives a healthy lifestyle.
4. When my grandma hides her things and forgets where she had it and accuses the servant of stealing her things.
5. When my boyfriend who can't whistle to save his life tells me that whistling is his God given talent.

Five songs on your iPod

1. The climb - Miley Cyrus
2. Believe - Fantasia Burrino
3. Came To My Rescue - Hillsongs
4. Still - Hillsongs
5. Pursuit of Happiness - kudi kid be

Just for Fun –

Share with us a fun experience you’ve had recently.

I went out of Colombo last week and my boyfriend and I went for a couples massage and we had to wear a funny funny outfit and get covered and ring the bell. And before I could get in the bed Clement rang the bell and I went running and jumped in the bed and the whole massage I kept thinking of that and was focusing on not laughing.

What’s your favorite dish to cook for friends?

Roast chicken and potatoes.

What’s the worst haircut you’ve ever had?

When I cut, coloured and styled my hair like the singer Pink.