She a beauty, a singer, entrepreneur and a true fashionista – she is Chatz Fernando. Whilst doing justice to the popular term ‘beauty with brains’, Chatz, a graduate from Greenwich University of London, made it as the 1st runner-up at the Miss Sri Lanka 2006 pageant where Sri Lankan Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez emerged as the winner.
At present, Chatz is in Sri Lanka running her own leisure company ‘Cattleya Leisure’. She is occasionally roped in for many TV commercials by ad agencies in the island.
At home she’s an akki (big sister) to her brothers, enjoys being the pet of her mum Sharmalie who is the directress of K.S. Hurricane Entertainment (PVT) Ltd and her dad Keerthi Fernando, Managing Director and the famous singer for the rock bands Rattlesnake and VENOM. He is renowned for having won a Golden Clef award for best rock singer during the 90s.
Let’s meet Chatz.
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Full Name |
Chathurika Fernando |
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Nick name |
Chatz |
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Status |
Single |
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Hair Colour |
Dark brown |
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Eye Colour |
Dark Brown |
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Height |
5’7 |
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Life’s motto |
You Live, You Learn |
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Education in brief |
AMI Montessori, Bishop’s College, Alethea International, University of Greenwich, London. |
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Life’s biggest achievements |
Winner of TNL Onstage ‘Best Soloist’
Miss Teen Sri Lanka 2005
1st runner up, Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Universe 2006
Graduating from University of Greenwich with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Hon)
3rd Runner up for ‘Face of Asia’ 2009 Britain’s competition
Founder of Cattleya Leisure 2013
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When I see any pic of you on FB or your pics in the magazines, I always find you smiling and cheerful. What’s your secret?
Thank you for your observation. Well I am an incorrigible optimist. No matter what ups and downs I face in life I have the self-confidence and belief in myself that I can overcome any challenge or obstacle. I face anything with a smile on my face. I think those are my ingredients.
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You went head on with Jacqueline Fernandez in the 2006 Miss Sri Lanka pageant, what made her the winner and not you?
I must confess I am happy that I got an opportunity to compete. However it is the verdict of the panel of judges, which I respect and accept.
You are doing a lot of things in your life and you manage it well, especially with your personal business. Tell us more about it.
I take one day at a time. I certainly have plans to diversify my business. My love for music, which is in my blood, cannot be surpassed. In due course I am hoping to release my third single. Fashion is another area, which I am looking at. These are my mid to long- term plans, but right now my priority is to get ‘Cattleya Villa’ operation off ground. Therefore to get back to your question as to what the future holds for me, it’s one hell of a rollercoaster ride and I am so excited about it.
So is Sri Lanka the land of opportunities for you? Or you think otherwise? What are you missing here?
There is nothing to be missed. Sri Lanka presents unprecedented opportunities for personal and professional advancement. Looking at the macroeconomic picture I see great potential for the country’s tourism industry. If the economic fundamentals are managed properly, if destination marketing is handled correctly, Sri Lanka will be one of the hottest destinations which will attract guests. I am positioning my business to reap the benefits accruing from the above. We belong to a fortunate generation that can look up to a brighter future. Sri Lanka can’t go wrong.
What’s the biggest life opportunity you missed and how did you make up for it?
Participating in the ‘X Factor’ opened a door of dreams for me. In retrospect I was able to participate in two rounds until my dream was abruptly cut short due to my not being a citizen of the United Kingdom. Nevertheless I made up for it by releasing two of my original songs and I continue singing although simultaneously I am pursuing other dreams as a businesswoman.
How qualified do you think you are to run your leisure company?
Well to begin with I have acquired a Business Administration degree from the University of Greenwich in London that has given me the confidence to get into any business. But the brains behind my involvement in the hospitality industry to a large extent has come from my father Keerthi and his brother Asoka Fernando, who was the last chairman to administer the Ceylon’s Hotel Cooperation profitably. They are my Mentors, Guides, Teachers and Advisors. Without their support, guidance and professional advice I would have been lost. On a personal note I wish to add that I am a third generation hospitality practitioner. My late grandfather who was the ex-mayor of Mount Lavinia Mr, Andrew Fernando, was instrumental together with three of his friends, in starting Sri Lanka’s first officially recognised travel agency, namely The Ceylon Travel Service.
Interview & pics by Jayantha Fernando
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0 Comments
Kevin says:
Jun 06, 2013 at 12:00 amAlthough she is one of the most wonderful girl ever, we can't stop our thoughts just on that. Chatz is definitely this kind of person full of hope
vérité says:
Jun 07, 2013 at 12:00 amAttractive young lady. Wish her success in life. We need more young people such a her to develop Sri Lanka.
shehan anderzen says:
Jun 07, 2013 at 12:00 amI'm wishing All dreams come true ...
rizwan says:
Jun 07, 2013 at 12:00 amdisgusting! only in sri lanka can such a girl become runner-up in a beauty pageant.
nicky karunarathna says:
Jun 07, 2013 at 12:00 amIsn't she beautiful!
vérité says:
Jun 07, 2013 at 12:00 amrizwan- Can you elucidate more on your disgusting comment? What is disgusting about this young woman, we see only a beautiful young woman with a lot of promise. For a PLEB like you only see the negative in any forward thinking modern woman, Why dont you go back to the cave you emerged from, without making such nonsensical, derogatory comments on people you know nothing about.
Asitha says:
Jun 08, 2013 at 12:00 amSuch a beautiful girl..wish you all the very best life has to offer you..
rosukush says:
Jun 14, 2013 at 12:00 amshe is as fit as a fiddle. Looks stunning here and I can remember seeing her at Appit about 12 years ago and then in London several times. I can see she is very passionate about what she does and has a great future ahead of her. I must admit I still has a crush on her.
tariq.z says:
Jun 25, 2013 at 12:00 ami've been so attracted to chaturika from the day i saw her. seh is absolutely gorgeous, and a cheerful, bubbly personality. what a babe. i was soo wishing and hoping she would win miss sri lanka, but just lost out.
Anna says:
Jul 03, 2013 at 12:00 amChatz is definitly beautiful, but nothing compared to Jacquline who won the Miss SL title...she is by far gorgeous!
Randy says:
Aug 13, 2013 at 12:00 amMust every article about Chatz have to revolve around Jacqueline and the Beauty Competition? Can we give this lady a break and respect and accept her for coming up as a modern business woman? Our Country needs strong women like this to inspire us. Very Proud of you Chatz