Lakmali: Beauty Queen turned super model | Sunday Observer

Lakmali: Beauty Queen turned super model

9 August, 2020

Lakmali Maladugala is a willowy beauty who won the glittering crown of Mrs. Sri Lanka for Mrs. Asia International in 2016. She also competed in the Mrs. Sri Lanka for Mrs. Globe pageant in 2015 and won the mini title of Mrs. Photogenic. At the 2016 Mrs. Sri Lanka pageant for Mrs. Asia International she not only won the grand title but also won the Best Catwalk and Mrs Elegant mini titles. At the Mrs. Asia International Pageant Lakmali again bagged the Miss. Photogenic title.

Though born in the historic city of Polonnaruwa in the cradle of Sri Lankan civilisation, Raja Rata Lakamali grew up and studied in the bustling metropolis of  the capital city, Colombo as both her parents worked in the Department of Prisons. As the youngest child and only girl in the family Lakmali was lovingly protected and sheltered by her parents and two older brothers.

 She attended Sanghamitta Balika Vidyalaya  and on completing her schooling she studied IT and obtained a  Diploma in IT. She also followed an English Language Course.

Wedding bells pealed for Lakmali at the age of 24 when she married Lasantha Perera who serves in the Merchant Navy

From a sheltered young girl Lakmali became a wife and mother. As husband Lasantha was over the waves most of the time Lakmali learnt to be independent and self-sufficient. Living with her parents is a great help for her, especially, with the care of daughter Kenoli Hiranya.

Way to stardom

In 2015, Lakmali spotted an advertisement  for the Mrs. Sri Lanka for Mrs Globe beauty pageant. Organised by Rozanne Dias Liyanage and Vasana Danthanarayana. A sudden temptation to compete  took hold of her and she spoke about it to husband, Lasantha. He though somewhat reluctantly gave her the go ahead  and gave her all the support she needed. Her parents and siblings were not too happy at the thought of their lovely daughter and sister walking the ramp but came around when they saw that  Lakmali had a vocation for it.

She entered the contest and though she missed the crown she won the coveted Miss. Photogenic contest. And this was the catalyst which changed Lakmali Maladugala from ‘ an ordinary person’ (her words)  to a  super model. Opportunities for modelling and photo shoots started to flow and Lakmali Maladugala was on her way to stardom.

The wise girl that she is Lakmali joined the modeling academy run by Sri Lanka’s ‘Angel of Fashion’ – Brian Kerkoven and still to date  is one of Brian’s models.

Then came the winning of the Mrs. Sri Lanka for Mrs. Asia international. She also won the Best Catwalk and Mrs. Elegant mini titles. Her experience in the 2015 contest  helped her  much and the experience gained at both local contests  was invaluable to her at the Mrs. Asia International contest in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She brought glory to Sri Lanka by winning the Mrs. Asia International Ambassador title. Her dance with her daughter Kenoli wowed the audience and it was choreographed by Thilak Indika. Her stunning costume was by Michael Wijesuriya and Brian Kerkoven and Vasana Danthanarayana trained her.

Lady boss and dear mom

Now, Lakmali Maladugala is a top model and is involved in the fashion industry. She has a tee shirt business under the brand name Mark. All the designing is done by her and she markets them in the Maldives. She hopes to expand  her business in the near future to encompass a wider market including the local market.

She has also acted in two teledramas.

Lakmali is a model mom and her daughter Kenoli comes first in her life. Therefore, she always thinks of her and is very selective about the assignments she undertakes.

A fitness fanatic Lakmali loves to workout and visits the gym early morning daily.

With her busy schedule time management is essential and she is adept at that. Her professional work  as a model, Kenoli’s classes, her garment  industry all  have to be balanced within the day. She always tries to attend to eight year old Kenoli’s needs personally but if unable to do so seeks her parents’ help.

Beauty with a purpose

A Catholic,  Lakmali is heavily involved in charitable work with the Catholic churches and charity certainly plays a big part in her life.  The cause of parentless children is something which is very close to her heart.

Modelling  and fashion are passions with Lakmali. The only thing that irks her about modeling is that sometimes she is restricted in what she eats. To Lakmali, fashion does not mean following trends blindly. She always tries to design creations which are uniquely hers – creations which reflect her personality. Her winning the Miss. Elegant title at the Mrs. Sri Lanka for Miss. Asia International is a clear indication of her superior fashion sense.

Lakmali loves to travel and she does this very much when Lasantha is at home on holiday.

Polonnaruwa is a favourite place.

Lakmali extends a big thank you to all those who have helped her to reach the pinnacle of success including her parents and brothers, Brian, Vasana, Rozanne, Michael and Thilak Indika.

Images: Prishan Pandithage

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