Modeling was second nature to her. It is no wonder that Harini Silva, the daughter of former Miss Sri Lanka 1982, Chrishanthi Dias, is already making huge strides in the fashion and glamour scene. Her recent achievement of clinching the first runner up title at the Top Model of the World 2018 spells success.
The event was held in Hurghada Cit, Egypt, where Harini competed against Amazonas, Brazil, Belgium, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, England, México, Netherlands, Perú, Puerto Rico, Portugal, Russia, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Venezuela who made it to the top 16 finalists. Peruvian Janet Leyva won the title while Puerto Rico’s Natalia La Torre became the second runner-up.
Q: How has life changed for you after becoming the first runner up winner at Top Model of the World?
The exposure I got made a very positive impact on my career whereas I started getting more modeling related jobs, to feature with brands and plenty of PR. Also holding a particular title is not that easy. It has lots of responsibilities on what good we could do to the society, should be able to inspire someone, and should also be the kind of person that someone would look up to.
Q: How did you get into modeling and did you always want to become a model?
I was motivated by my mother, Chrishanthi Dias, who was crowned as Miss. Sri Lanka in 1982. She generally dressed me up elegantly and favour as far back as I was a child. Taking a look at her pictures, seeing the accomplishments she has made, I pondered inside that I will be up there some time or another simply like her. I have been working hard to make that dream come true ever since and that’s what got me into modeling.
Also, Brian Kerkoven and Kamil Hewawitharana have always showed their kind and generous support since the beginning of my career.
Q: Have you won any previous titles before?
I started off by being crowned as Miss Teen Heritage 2016, and then gradually progressed to grab some major pageant titles as runner up on Miss World Sri Lanka 2017, and Miss Grand Sri Lanka 2018. I was crowned as Top Model of The World Sri Lanka 2018 and become the runner up on its international pageant which took place the same year in Egypt.
Q: Apart from the finale in which you were selected as the first runner up, what was the most memorable moment of the Top Model of the World pageant?
To be honest, each and every day during the time of this pageant was memorable. I am sure it must have been the same for every other contestant. There were lots of challenges, fun times, laughter, and good memories after all.
Q: What was the toughest part of the whole competition for you?
Looking at contestants from over 40 countries, the greatest challenge for me was overcoming fear and insecurities and being mentally stable to face everything with a positive attitude. I did my best and I am glad about the fact that I somehow overcame all these hurdles.
Q: Which contestant or contestants were you closest to at the event?
Miss Turkey who was my roommate, was like a sister to me. Miss England, Belgium, and Sierra Leone too were very pally with me. I got to travel with Miss Maldives who also became a dear friend. Personally for me, every contest was amazing and gave their fullest in this.
Q: What is the biggest challenge you have faced in life?
It has always been staying positive and fighting over negativity.
Life is not easy for any of us. We all tend to face plenty of challenges which could come in any form. So I believe having a positive mentality would be the key to overcoming any challenge.
Q: Who are your role models?
It would be really hard for me to name only one particular person who had influenced me the most and been a role model. My life has been structured and influenced by so many people since the day I was born. My parents have raised me up by teaching what is right and wrong and to be kind, compassionate and helpful to one another. My friends and colleagues have shown me what team work and unity is like.
Great icons around the world who had everything yet embraced simplicity, helped the needy and canvassed nothing but peace, love and harmony have inspired me.
Every individual has influenced me in some way and I am thankful for all the positivity I gained through each and every one of them.
Q: Is modeling your profession?
At present I am working as a full-time professional model under Brian Kerkoven’s Academy and in the near future, I hope to launch my own clothing line and also to release a collection of my own designs.
Q:What is your ambition?
My wish is to leverage my title and utilize my skills, talents and be a voice to serve my country and to spread peace by showing love and compassion. Also, I hope to work as hard as I can to take myself to the international arena in modeling.
Q: If you were given an opportunity to fulfill a wish, what would you wish for?
I think at this stage, the only thing I would wish for is to sustain peace and harmony in my mother land. People from all religions and races need to live together as one.
Q: Are there any events that are coming up?
There a plenty of shows and shoots coming up. My plans for the future is simply to be myself, stay humble and grow further in the modeling industry. I also wish to be an inspiration for the next generation. Only god knows what’s coming next, so keeping my fingers crossed and staying positive.
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