Stephanie's crowning glory

She has got the looks, she has got the heart and she has tremendous faith in herself. This five feet six inches tall slender beauty uses her influence to shine the spotlight on important humanitarian causes. That is exactly what put her in the forefront in being chosen to represent Sri Lanka at Miss Universe 2011. She clinched the mini titles Aviraté - Miss Personality 2011, JAT Holdings - Miss Compassionate 2011 and Miss Pond's Face 2011 at the event. As she preps for the international Miss Universe pageant, Stephanie Siriwardhana, Miss Sri Lanka Universe 2011 displays a fiery determination to set her mark out of 89 contestants from across the world.

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

Following are excerpts of an interview with the charming lady who boasts of beauty and brains.

Q: How has life changed since Miss Sri Lanka Universe 2011?

A: So much has changed. I am definitely learning a whole new side of myself and I am living so many new and exciting experiences. I am currently in Brazil and meeting all these great women from around the world who will take part in the pageant.

Q: Were you the sort of little girl who preened in front of the mirror with your mother's lipstick?

A: No not at all. I was more the girl who was always in her room with a book in hand or playing outside and climbing trees!

Q: What was the most difficult moment or highlight for you at the Miss Sri Lanka competition?

A: There was this one moment where everyone around me was eating all this delicious food and I realized I could not have any of it!

Q: What is the best thing about winning the Miss Sri Lanka crown?

A: I think it is being given the opportunity and responsibility to represent our beautiful and unique island in the best way I can, both in the international and national level.

Q: Did you get jitters being on centre stage?

A: No it is not scary but you definitely have some butterflies in your stomach!

Q: How are you preparing for Miss Universe?

A: I am doing so many things but I think the most important is getting myself mentally ready for the event.

Q: Now that you are actually in Brazil, what did you find fascinating or different about the country?

A: I love listening to the language and the people are amazing!

Q: What happens if you win the crown and how do you think winning the pageant will touch the lives of those around you?

A: Winning the crown will definitely help me fulfill my dream of truly representing Sri Lanka the best way I can and it would help me, help Sri Lanka and the global community, in many different ways as it opens up many different avenues and gives access to many great opportunities.

Q: Most beauty queens and models turn towards an acting career. What is your take on that and would you take up an acting offer?

A: I do not think I would as it has never really been something which I have give much thought to.

Q: What is the career that you are focusing on for the future?

A: I definitely want to be a humanitarian and I want to start this by starting a Miss Universe Sri Lanka charity.

[ A true achiever in every aspect]

A graduate of the Concordia University, Montreal with a Specialization in Journalism and Communication with a minor in Political Science, Stephanie has displayed her leadership qualities from a young age. Never one to shy away from doping what she believes is right, she had taken a less traveled path to carve a niche for herself as an achiever in everything that had caught her interest. She was the Vice president Communication - ASFA (2008-2009), Vice President Clubs and Promotions - Concordia Student Union (2009-2010), Independent Councilor (2009 - 2010), Senator ( 2009 - 2010) and Board of Governors member (2010-2011) during her stint at Concordia. She has also been engaged in several voluntary work projects in the organization and preparation of FROSH, a week of events and activities to integrate new students to the university.

She took over as Director Communications of Youth Action Montreal in 2011, and put together a conference 'Living Your Legacy: A Youth Summit on Community Engagement' with the team. Keynote speakers were imminent personalities like Dr David Suzuki, a world renowned environmentalist.

During her years as VP Clubs and Promotions, she has organized several types of events involving different personalities like Snoop Dogg, Martin Luther King Jr III, Dr. Shirin Ebadi, Wangari Maathai and others.

She, herself is an accomplished vocalist. She is a mezzo-soprano and has sung in concerts, in churches and musicals. At nine she took on the lead role in the well-loved musical 'Annie' which won raving reviews for her heartwarming vocals and performing talents. She also excels in Latin dancing. She was a student of San Tropez dance school of Montreal and had the chance to perform with the troop in Bermuda, Florida, Montreal and Toronto at international salsa conventions. All of which gave her the opportunity to dance with some of the world's top most dancers.

The 23 year old is the Deputy CEO of BBS Publications International which is developing the very first and most comprehensive travel guide of Sri Lanka on mobile. The project and its result, a mobile application, will immensely help portray the beauty, charm and splendor of Sri Lanka, its people and its businesses to the world.

She is the daughter of WPJP Siriwardhana and Brigitte Barakat Siriwardhana. She is the eldest in the family with three younger brothers: Andrew, Nicolas and Alexandre.

Embodying a face that portrays the kindness, intelligence, and competence of the nation and a personality that personifies the dreams for the future and spirit of achievement, Stephanie is poised to dazzle the world with her spirited achievements at the finals of the Miss Universe at the Credicard Hall, in São Paulo, Brazil, on September 12 where Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete of Mexico will crown her successor. Candidates only make it to the finals via online public votes. Voting is open to all the people in the home countries of the contestants.

Vote for Stephanie help her bring the energetic vibrancy, dedication and rich traditions which drive all Sri Lankans before the world.