By: Michelle Alles
Chandi’s amiable disposition makes her very much at ease meeting people from all social backgrounds. She’s really easy to talk to and a very fun person with a wacky sense of humour, even when you meet her backstage at a pageant where nerves and emotions are running high (which is where we first met!) She is currently very busy preparing for the Mrs International 2016 pageant but graciously took time off her busy schedule to answer some questions for us.
Tell us about yourself, your family and why you love what you love?
I am light-hearted and simple…confidence could be my middle name. I am married to Muditha Weerasooriya and I have a son. My almost lifelong dream was to help children that need a family and to help them find a happier tomorrow. I am so deeply touched when I see the way they feel about me. They love they exhibit actually touches me to the core and sometimes it pierces my heart to feel all the pain and love when I work with them. But believe me, it is one of the most fulfilling experiences and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What is your purpose as Mrs Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is a brand in itself and we have not fully understood our potential or learnt how to use our uniqueness in a way that matters. As Mrs Sri Lanka International, my prime focus would be to show the world the true meaning of the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’. I want to use the individuality of our own mixed cultural heritage which is not found elsewhere in the world to highlight and show the world that living in peace, harmony and mutual understanding is not just a mere dream, but an achievable goal in our conflict ridden world. I want the world to sit up and take notice of Sri Lanka, as we have something that they all will want to emulate.
What are your interests other than modelling?
I completed my diploma as a fashion designer at The Academy of Design and then did my Advanced Diploma at the London Fashion School, graduating as a fashion designer. I went on to work at many different fashion houses and while doing so, I took up studying all about makeup which was an added advantage to my design capabilities and career. Furthermore, I graduated from the Scandinavian Makeup Studio in Thailand as a professional makeup artist and gained work experience in there. It was a very triumphant moment for me when my makeup work was published in the prestigious fashion magazine ‘Rare’ in 2015. I also love sports and have participated in many different sports activities while in school; basketball, netball and athletics were among my favourites. I won national colours in basketball by representing the national basketball team at the age of 17 and count it as one of my key achievements in my sports career. I also represented the central province netball team and the school athletic team in my journey in sports.
Who are your heroes/heroines?
The heroine of most women is their mother, as is mine. She has done her best to raise me, she made sure that I valued myself and that I should never let anyone walk over me. She is one of the most strongest women I know and the bond between us is pure and everlasting.
What are the most memorable moments in your life?
Definitely becoming a mother because it is the only way I have realized the depth of fulfilment in a woman. When you become a mother, you are no longer the centre of your own universe. You relinquish that position to your children.
Who are the 3 most important people in your life and why?
My son and my parents; they are precious and important because nothing of blood can be replaceable.
Describe your personal style.
I’d definitely say that the best way to describe my personal style is versatile. I hate conforming to a specific style because I’m always open to stepping out of my comfort zone and switching up my looks.
What are some of your main interests and hobbies?
I enjoy music and dancing. My hobby would be gardening as I love the smell of soil and watching plants grow. It is very rewarding to see the results of my work. Gardening makes me happy in so many ways.
Name 6 things that you hope to have or accomplish during your lifetime?
- Eat all types of different food from around the world
- Start a movement in Child Protection
- Learn to shoot a gun
- Fulfil what I have carved in the woods
- Raise a happy and healthy child
- Grow old with the person I love
What’s the one item of clothing you wear the most?
My jeans
What are your 3 biggest achievements?
- My son
- Becoming an ambassador to represent my country
- To be able to bring a smile to another person’s face just by my presence
What’s planned for the future?
The future is never just one choice…it’s a thousand and they never stop. I will choose my future every day of my life. And if I wake up one day to find that I regret the choice I made the day before, then I make a new one. I don’t worry about whether I might be wrong someday; I worry about whether I’m right now. Tomorrow can wait.
