Young and versatile

Demi HEWAMANNA

Starting off our segment of One on One, I sit and talk to a lively young boy, who has smile that never seems to fade a heart that wants to help every needy person in the world and a mind that has many ideas wanting to be put in action. So let's get to know him without further ado.

Q: Who is Treshan Weerasooriya Pereira?

A: An adventurous, passionate, dynamic 22 year old guy who has a thirst to exploit good things and even some bad things which comes his way.

Q: Right now, what are you doing - studying, working or just lazing around?

A: I just sat for my CIMA finals and pursuing a HR degree as well. Although at the moment yes I am enjoying my little free time until I start my career in management. I am thinking about lot of interesting and exciting things in the future, some I will tell you the rest are secrets. But you will know eventually! At the moment, I have been called to act in two teledramas (still not decided whether I will be acting) and soon I will be doing a music video as well.

Q: What do you feel when you see yourself in an advertisement or hanging from a board?

A: I like it obviously to see my self like that...I mean to see your self larger than life. Who doesn't like? I'm just 22 and I suppose If I say I don't enjoy seeing my self like this ...I'd sound really hypocritical, isn't it?

Q: True enough. So tell me, have you always wanted to be in commercials or did it happen by chance?

A: Actually it happened by chance. I went to meet a friend at Invogue and that's where I happened to accidentally meet Brian Kerkoven. The moment he saw me he wanted me to go for a screen test then and there and that is how it all began. I wish to thank Brian for giving me this opportunity (something which I really enjoy) to thrive.

It was a happy accident, :) I should say! My dream is to one day model for an international brand like Prada, Dolce & Gabanna or something else - so lets see where life leads.

Q: So how many commercials have you done so far?

A: I have done seven commercials - first was Dialog then HNB, Dillys, Koththu Mee, Link Kesha and Cargills. I have done cover pages and magazine shoots too.

Q: Other than being in this industry of fashion, who do you really want to be?

A: Well I have done only commercials and shoots this year and one fashion show. I want to concentrate more on my studies and finish it off this year so that I could concentrate more on ramp next year. I always believe that people should prioritize their life and do what ever they have to do accordingly. Fashion will always be my hobby and my main stream is to rise up in the management arena,

Q: In your career, has anything ever happened that you couldn't even tell your best friend about it?

A: No, not really. I'm a person with principals and I tend to stick to them and I would never do things which I would regret in the future.

Q: From what I hear, when it comes to models and the fashion industry - there is a lot of jealousy and cat fights - is that true and have you experienced any of it?

A: Well that jealous part high five to that. It's really hard to trust people in the industry. As some of my friends always say - you have only colleagues not friends in the industry. Although sometimes you also come across really nice people as well and to answer your question nope...I have not got involved in fights.

Q: Do you think a person should be given a second chance?

A: Well yes, everyone deserves a second chance. Although I have realized that many people don't really change how ever much you give them chances. As Winston Churchill once said Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened. But some people who do are intelligent. They notice what happened and why and they correct themselves accordingly...I 'm like that...I think :)

You have to be really careful in whom you trust and get close with over the years.

Q: Who is your idol?

A: Well I would have to say Richard Branson. He is a very diversified person and a risk taker. I strongly believe that higher the risk the higher the reward will be. I admire him for exploiting new opportunities and thriving on the success factor :)

And another person would be my grandfather - late Hubert Weerasooriya. He was a great lawyer and a magistrate who was passionate about his job and a very learned person who knew just about any thing.

I strongly believe in taking risks and also being passionate about what ever I do. This I believe would be the key to a successful future.

Q: In your 22 years, did anything happen that changed the way you think about life?

A: Well yes. Over the years I have realized that people are not what they seem to be outside and are very cruel (mean) and also have realized that it is difficult to trust people and people who try to get close with you too soon always comes with an agenda. I've also realized that how ever much people try to put you down, if you have the will power and the determination you can reach your goals.

Q: What kind of a friend are you?

A: I am always there for my friends. I am very helpful and always there no matter what. Being the only child, I value my friends a lot. I have a selected close bunch of really great friends. If you ask them who I am they will tell you.

Q: Do you get jealous?

A: Not really. I don't at all...I am a type of person who sees someone else's success and be genuinely happy about it and I always help people expecting nothing in return. But I know for what ever I do that God will bless me.

Q: Where are you the most happiest?

A: I think am happiest at home. I am very close with my family especially with my mother. Although we have huge fights and arguments over silly things, I just can't live without her. Also I really love to travel and learn about cultures and different people. I should thank my father specially for giving me the opportunity to travel all over.

Q: If you had only one day to live - how would you live it?

A: I will probably throw a huge party for my family and close friends and I would have a blast with them and pray before I go to bed.

Q: If you got a chance to be someone else - who will you be?

A: Nope...I don't think I want to be anyone else. I'm happy for the person who I am and thankful to God for creating me the way I am.

Q: So to wrap it up, how are you going to celebrate Christmas?

A: Well I have already organized some charity projects with the Italian Embassy together with the Wattala Leo Club and the Rotary clubs in aid of children at the Shanthi foundation and will be distributing gift items to about 150 children in Hikkaduwa on Christmas Day.

Apart from that I will be doing the usual things I always do such as going out, putting out the decorations, Christmas shopping (always gets me excited) and get the feeling of my favourite time of the year - Christmas.