by Nilma Dole
Gamya Wijayadasa is definitely one of those rare Miss Sri Lanka
beauties who never went by her pretty face to bag the prestigious title.
Whole heartedly deserving the crown, Gamya is not one of those
stereotype beauties whose sole purpose was to win the recently concluded
Derana Veet Miss Sri Lanka for Miss World 2009.
Studying at Musaeus College until Grade 6, Gamya found herself in
Singapore studying at the Marsiling College, after which she went to
Australia to study at Stratmore and then gained entry at the renowned
University of Melbourne for higher studies.
 “My mother’s engineering career took us places and even though I
might not be a typical Sri Lankan girl with a rooted tradition, I have
always maintained that Sri Lankan essence in me.” She studied for her
BSc in Psychology and is planning to complete her Masters in Applied
Commerce in a couple of months.
“I am planning to study for my PhD in another country so I hope it
works out for me.” In addition to her brains, she is also qualified in
traditional Kandyan dancing where she opted to harness the best of her
talents.
“I didn’t have any problems of stagefright during the pageant because
my dancing background gave me confidence” she commented.Another cap she
wears with pride is her creative writing and presentation skills where
Gamya said, “I was a presenter at Melbourne’s community Radio station
‘Radio 3 ZZZ’ where I also dabbled in journalism by producing a Sinhala
magazine with another partner at Showtime. When I have more time to
write in the future, I might consider publishing a book.” Gamya is a
voracious reader who said that she wants to do humanitarian services as
much as possible.
“I’ve been studying Tamil to go to the North and East to help the
IDPs there but with my Sinhala knowledge I had a workshop for the armed
forces on ‘Coping with post-traumatic stress’ and I hope to do more work
of that nature.” Gamya is a fitting example of modern womanhood where,
in an industry hampered by beauty only, has overcome obstacles to
succeed by showing that intelligence is what makes you win.
“The rigorous interviewing by the judges during the pageant was a
determining factor in choosing the right girl to represent Sri Lanka on
the international platform and during my question round, I felt it was
having substance and inner beauty than external beauty that made me win”
said Gamya. Winning mini-titles like Veet Miss Beautiful Legs, Miss
Personality and Veet Miss Beautiful Skin, Gamya said that it was hard
work and determination.
Advising potential Miss Sri Lanka beauties, Gamya highlighted, “You
should dream big otherwise you won’t reach your goals. However, when it
comes to a competition, everyone will make comparisons and you should
take even losing in your stride because everyone is beautiful in their
own ways. You should aim to achieve but losing will only make you
achieve higher.” Further adding, she advised, “If you aim for a goal,
make it part of your routine life.
For example, like getting that perfect figure, eat healthily and on
acquiring intelligence, read as much as you can.” Gamya will head to
Australia after the pageant to finish her Masters but she will take fond
memories of her win.
For the first time in Miss Sri Lanka history, she will get to keep
her crown and a special silver sceptre sponsored by Bullion Exchange
jewellers where Derana, Veet and other sponsors helped make Miss Sri
Lanka a big success. Gamya Wijayadasa will represent Sri Lanka at the
Miss World Pageant in South Africa this year and the Sunday Observer
Magazine wish her good luck! |
