Rashmi Wijesekara, Miss Sri Lanka Australia 2017 and Face of Savish, Bridal Collection House

Story by Marie Pietersz (Melbourne)

Pictures courtesy of MSLA

Rashmi, a rising star…

Rashmi Wijesekara is the holder of the prestigious title, Miss Sri Lanka Australia 2017, winning it from other entrants in the annual Miss Sri Lanka Australia Pageant, which attracts participants from all Australian states.

A High School student from Glen Waverley, Rashmi was born in Sri Lanka and moved to New Zealand when she was three years old, settling in Australia in 2013.

Rashmi has always been very keen to participate in the Miss Sri Lankan Australia Pageant and has followed it since it commenced. She finally decided to take part in 2017 and does not regret starting this journey.

Rashmi enjoys fashion and modeling and hopes to work the catwalk at national and international pageants in the future with the guidance of MSLA Pageant officials. However, at present she is concentrating on her studies.

She is very thankful to the Pageant Director, Ms Dilkie Perera, and her team for their commitment to provide a platform for young adults of Sri Lankan heritage to showcase their culture.

Rashmini lets us into her world with these candid responses:

In my life before the MSLA Pageant:

My life before the pageant was not too different to what it is now. However, by joining this pageant, it has allowed me to take on more responsibilities, get more involved with the Sri Lankan culture and give back to the community.

My future aspirations:

I aspire to be a biology lecturer and educate young minds. I also wish to explore new countries and embrace myself in different cultures.

Friends say I’m:

Bubbly, outgoing and that I’m always looking for the positives in a tough situation.

In the movie of my life I’d be played by:

Lily Singh (YouTuber) as she would perfectly capture my quirky mannerisms.

I wish I had:

Made more memories with the ones who are not around today.

I wish I didn’t:

I don’t have any regrets in life as everything I have done up until this point has shaped me to be the person I am today.

If I was a drink I’d be:

A sweet and refreshing fruit juice.

On my iPod you’ll find:

A variety of songs to suit any occasion.

My ideal dinner guest would be:

Will Smith, as he is a very talented man who could make the evening highly enjoyable.

After the MSLA Pageant I hope to:

Take on my responsibilities as an ambassador with great pride as well as becoming a role model to younger generations.

What I think about the Pageant:

I think that the Pageant has allowed me to gain an unforgettable experience. It embraces the roots and culture of Sri Lanka, bringing it to light in a society where many may have lost touch with their traditional backgrounds.