Model Sayuri Jayarathne, who was recently crowned Top Model Sri Lanka, will go on to represent her country in the 27th edition of the “Top Model of the World” pageant. Jayarathne is a past pupil of Lexicon International School in Kurunegala and has attended the International Institute of Health Sciences in Welisara. She is at present working as a model for designer, choreographer, stylist, and model manager Brian Kerkoven.
Speaking to The Morning Brunch, Jayarathne told us that growing up, she never had a dream to become a model or do pageants. “I was more like a tomboy growing up, but my sister was studying fashion designing at that time and she wanted me to be the model for her portfolio and I didnt have a choice.” She added that once she saw how nice the pictures turned out, she was captivated and slowly realised that that was where her passions lay.
In order to pursue her newfound dream, she joined BK Model Management, where she was mentored by Brian Kerkoven. Going into detail on her first modelling experience, she added: “When I started, I was so confused and I didnt know how to walk on a ramp, or pose for pictures, but after a lot of training sessions, Brian trained me to be who I am today.”
Even though she is not actively engaged in it currently, she is also a talented athlete and dancer.
Jayarathne noted the Miss Sri Lanka pageant as her big break: “When I joined Miss Sri Lanka for the Top Model of the World 2019, I came second runner up and won two titles to represent my country in two different pageants,” adding that this feat was something she never expected to happen, but she gained an immense amount of confidence and opportunities along the way. She commented: “Even though I couldn’t win the title for the Top Model of the World 2019, I’m representing Sri Lanka in the Top Model of the World 2020.”
Sharing her thoughts on representing Sri Lanka at the Top Model of the World pageant, she said: “I think this is a very good opportunity for me to gain a lot of experience and it’s a very big responsibility to represent a country because I am not just representing myself, but 21.8 million Sri Lankans. So, I will do my best to bring the title to my country!”
She also explained that due to the prevalent pandemic, there will be new rules and regulations in place during pageants, enforced while travelling and during her stay for preparations. She commented that it will be very challenging, but challenges are something that she loves and learns from, so she is looking forward to the pageant while taking precautions against Covid-19 and coming back safe.
She also added that due to this pandemic, there are very limited opportunities in the field: “I think it’s not just the modelling industry that has been affected, but every other industry is struggling too.”
She reminisced her favourite moment in her modelling career to be when she was crowned as the second runner up of Supermodel International World in Thailand, when she was just 17 years old, noting that it was a magical moment that she is sure never to forget.
Sharing her hopes for 2021, she noted: “So 2021 just started and the world is struggling because of this pandemic. I’m happy to represent Sri Lanka in the Top Model of the World pageant which will be held on 5 March in Egypt. I’m looking forward to giving my 100% and winning the title!”
