My journey as Miss Sri Lanka for Miss World

by Zanita Careem

Selections for ‘Siyatha Miss Sri Lanka for Miss World 2021’ took place at the Hilton Colombo on Sunday (07).

The pageant is the utimate launchpad for young women to realise their dreams and get the opportunity to make use of their beauty and charm to serve the community rather than be simply idiolised and admired.

This year the pageant was held sans all it’s glamor and glitter due to the covid pandemic and strict health guide lines which are in force.

The Directors of Model Shop Sangeetha, Sherine and Daranage Bandara named Miss Sade Greenwood as ‘Siyatha Miss Sri Lanka for Miss World 2021’ and she will represent the nation at the Miss World International Pageant which is to be held in Puerto Rico on 16th December.

Siyatha Miss World Sri Lanka has emphasssed on its beauty with a purpose project. Past contestants have done several projects with a lot of passion.

The Miss World Pageant itself talks about beauty with a purpose organised by Model Shop Shereen Kumaratuga and Sangeetha Weeraratne said “This time we have to select the Miss World contestant” , we could not have the final pageant as earlier on a grand scale’ Due to the country’s situation we were doing this contest amidst many challenges.

I grew up in Colombo Sri Lanka to a biracial family. My mom being Sri Lanka and my dad a British/ German. My home life was quite normal, I grew up on Buddhist foundations and teachings alongside my elder sister Sabrina. I schooled at Asian international school all my life and I recently received a scholarship to study at Tokyo international University in Japan where I’m currently studying international relations.

What prompted her to apply

I’m someone that loves to explore life outside my comfort zone. So when the opportunity arose and applications were released to the public, I decided that I was just going to give it a go and see where life takes me!

Were you optimistic about winning

I think part of me just always believed in myself and trusted the timing of the universe. I always told myself that if it was meant for me it would happen and the universe would allow it into my life and if it didn’t happen then maybe the timing was wrong and it wasn’t meant for me it at that exact moment in time. So at the end of the day I think I took it as something I would work hard to achieve someday, whether it be now or a couple years later.

What will be your contribution to society if you win the title

I’m hoping to work for a number of charity organizations here in Sri Lanka. So I’m currently working with Pearl protectors on marine conservation which is also my beauty with the purpose project that I’ll be taking to the global platform. After I come back from Puerto Rico I’m hoping to work with Tokyo cement on a number of projects such as foundation of life and foundation of goodness. Two amazing projects that help our people greatly by providing access to clean water and the opportunity to further their life skills and education. These are just a few of the things I have in store for my beautiful country but I’m currently in the process of working with a number of companies in terms of charity. I’d love to make the most of my reign as Miss Sri Lanka for Miss World 2021.

Who influences you in your life

I think my biggest influences are definitely my family members especially my parents who have been extremely supportive in my journey as Miss Sri Lanka for Miss World. My grandfather, Brian Greenwood also was my biggest inspiration. He recently passed away on the night of my crowning ceremony and was a pivotal figure in my life. He was extremely supportive and he has always been there for me, every step of the way. I hope to honor his name as well on this journey.

Your success and failures in life

I think my biggest success is that I was quite independent from a young age and over the years I’ve been growing as a person which I think is my biggest success because growth is always something that should be considered a success. My biggest failure is nonexistent because I don’t view anything as a failure because I think even the ‘failures’ still teach you something and they still make you grow as a person. So I wouldn’t call them failures but I would say that they are learning curves, that help you become a stronger and better person in life!

What was the first thought that came when you were selected

I think more than anything I was just really really surprised and shocked. I just remember feeling so elated and excited and I just couldn’t wait to represent my country! It was a very proud moment for me.

How did your family and friends reacted to the victory

My family and friends

couldn’t believe it! My family actually knew that I had applied so they were just really really excited for me and honestly they’ve been my biggest supporters and my biggest fans on this journey. Even my friends have been so so supportive and honestly they couldn’t believe it because we had all grown up together as children and it was amazing I think to see how far all of us had come in life!

Do you always wanted to be a beauty queen

It was always something that I considered because I believe that it’s a wonderful opportunity to bring awareness on a number of causes for one’s country. And I always wanted to do something for my country and for my people so I made it a point to consider it in the hopes of bringing awareness to the many causes in Sri Lanka. So in short, yes I did want to be a beauty queen!