Aruni in the limelight

The friendly First runner-up:

by Anushka Nanayakkara

What is modelling? It is a showcase to capture the constantly changing fashions or trends together with human personality. Aruni Rajapaksa a professional model who represented Sri Lanka for Miss Tourism Queen International was able to bring the honour to mother Lanka by winning the two titles Miss Friendship and First Runner-up for Oceania Miss Tourism Queen.

Aruni reminisced about her foot steps in the fashion world to Sunday Observer recently. The super model received her education in Swarnamali Girls College, Kandy. Aruni is the youngest of the family with one elder sister and one elder brother. She said the passion took over before her aim to become a professional model from the time of her childhood.

When she turned 19 years through a friend she got a opportunity to join a model bank. According to Aruni the first pageant she competed in and won was "Udarata Manike" organised by the Lions Club, Kandy. From there the door way was open to her more brightly and that's how Aruni got the chance to work for the leading Sri Lankan designers Michael Wijesuriya and Premasiri Hewawasam.

In the year 2005 Aruni became the Carpi Queen and though she wanted to contest for Miss Sri Lanka Pageant in the year 2006, she took a step back to gain more experience and confidence. Ultimately she was crowned as Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Universe 2007.

Aruni also represented Sri Lanka for Miss Tourism Queen International which was held in Shanghai, China. 108 countries participated and was categorised into five sections such as Asian, American, Africa, European countries and Islands. She said the experience she gained from the pageant, people and China are tremendous.

Miss Friendship said, modestly she felt glorious for having been able to bring fame to the country. Even in future all effort would be given to mark the prestigious name of our country in the world, when representing any International pageants.

She also said in the month of October she will get the rare opportunity of representing Sri Lanka for Miss International.

Further more Aruni said it would be a definite advantage if the country gives a better boost to these kinds of pageants. If not, by the time participants leave the country the attitude there are in does not suit the competitiveness needed to face the pageant.

Especially the hassle the model has to go through when leaving the country does not seem right Aruni said. Anyhow, with a positive mentality the chances of winning are greater and the moral spirit comes along with it.

Aruni said she is well satisfied with the position she is holding right now in the industry though it was not an easy task. With the right kind of support from the family, superiors and colleagues she said the achievements were gained. Aruni said, she would definitely use the knowledge and experience gained for the betterment of the Sri Lankan fashion Industry.

[email protected]