To smile or not
 

by Lakmal Welabada

"I rarely smile. That would have been the only set back that lead me to lose the crown. But I'm really happy for what I've got, and would congratulate Shayana, 'Ms.Lanka 2007' whole heartedly," says Mary Gwendoleen Peiris, the First-runner-up of 'Ms.Lanka 2007' organised by the Technique International.

"But I could remember I smiled when I won. I must thank to the panel of judges for giving me good marks," she says. "I did Kandyan dancing. And in this dancing mode, we have to control our facial impressions so that we rarely even beam. That might have been the reason I do not smile so often," she says.

Q: But you became second only to Shayana. It seemed it was not that much of a set back.

Mary : Yes. I even won 'Ms.Body Beautiful' and 'Ms.Congeniality' sub titles as well.

Q : What are the qualities sought after for the title 'Congeniality'?

Mary : Pleasantness, friendliness and the ability to work together sharing and co-operating with others. I think

I've had it a lot. Chathurika ('Ms.Sunday Observer') and I were the most mischievous out of all the girls at the competition. Even the Technique International team used to wait until I arrived to have fun. I'm really thank for everybody for assisting and giving me the chance to come up.

Mary is still a 20-year-old with sharp eyes and clear mid-complexion. She studied at St.Anthony's Convent, Mutwal. "I'm the eldest in my family. My father, Ensten Peiris is a Seaman and my mother Rasika is a housewife.

My only younger brother who excels in athletics. I played Netball. Since Year 6, I did Kandyan dancing, and even had taken part in the All Island competitions as well. I play all the eastern musical instruments including 'Geta Beraya', 'Thammattama' and the flute," she says.

Mary is an artist too. She has won many art competitions. "I do a bit of fabric painting as well," she smiles.

'Ms.Lanka 2007' was not the first beauty contest she has taken part. When she first took part in one of such was when she was in the nursery school.

She won the second place due to the same factor - 'no smile on the face'... "I must change this. I know it's a draw back in such competitions. Even when I go for a photo shoot, the photographer waits until I smile. Somebody has to remind me that (smiles).

But however, it has not a problem for me when mingling with others. I do not have a lot of friends. But those who are around me know who I am. I'm frank and would tell whatever I have to say to one's face. I hate injustice," she claims.

After my A/Ls Mary joined the Call Centre of Seylan Bank. At present she works as the Customer Care Executive and Credit Officer at Abans. "I really appreciate the assistance given by my parents and my boss, Mrs.Thilini Dassanayaka," says Mary.

"My parents decide almost everything for me. And I let it happen. Even when my boyfriend proposed to me I asked him to talk with my parents.

Even my clothes, shoes and jewellery are decided by parents. They know what suit me best. I'm not only convenient over it, but also feels confident. Parents won't do anything to harm their child," she believes.

Since she was a kid, Mary used to get a lot of invitations for commercials. But it was after her A/Ls that she got permission from her parents to model. At present she models for Bernie Balasuriya at 'Nuga Sevana' on Rupavahini.

"I applied for 'Ms.Lanka 2007' at the last moment. My aim was not to win, but to learn something out of it," she says.

Q : How do you feel as a beauty queen?

Mary : Nothing special, and lead a normal life as usual. But I pay little more attention to myself. I refrain from artificial remedies and stick to natural beauty therapy. I drink a glass of warm water added with two drops of lemon juice every morning. Natural things like Papaw, lime and sandlewood are among my beauty ingredients.

I like beauty culture and my ambition is to be a beautician one day. I believe that in take of fruit juice helps to maintain my natural looks a lot. Fruits help to keep your skin glowing. It also helps the system to run healthier.

So one day, I hope to have a fruit juice joint next to my beauty parlour. A glass of juice is the most ideal thing for whoever that comes for a beauty therapy.

Q : Any message you like to give to our readers?

Mary : Be honest and genuine. Find out what's most suitable for you and get engaged in it.