Nadeeka the natural

“This title would be a great opportunity for me to enter the international field to develop my modelling career after which I could make use of that knowledge to serve the country,” said a starry-eyed Nadeeka Perera, who returned to Sri Lanka earlier this month with the coveted title of International Best Female Model for 2007.

Twenty- three-year-old Nadeeka, Miss Sri Lanka for Miss World 2005 outshone 48 contestants vying for the title at the contest held in Spain on July 23. Most were representing European countries with Taiwan and Sri Lanka being the only Asian countries taking part. First runner-up was Miss Gibraltar with Miss Spain being placed second runner-up. The Best Male Model title was won by Mr. Spain while Mr. Morocco and Mr. Gibraltar emerged the 1st and the 2nd runners-up respectively.

“I never felt it was a competition; I decided to face this particular pageant the way I face a normal fashion show. I was not feeling nervous or excited, but was quite relaxed and confident. That must have been the reason for my victory,” said an elated Nadeeka in an interview with The Sunday Times.

Nadeeka also won four mini titles, Miss Glamour, Miss Photogenic, Miss Catwalk and Best National Costume. Her national costume was designed by Lyllian Perera and evening dress by Michel Wijesooriya.

What made this particular competition different from those she has hitherto participated in, was that the judging process even for most of the mini titles had taken place during the pageant and not before. “While the pageant was going on, there was also a fashion show of some of the designers for whom we modelled, and there I even had the privilege of bringing the designer on to the ramp at the end of the show,” she says.

Though only five days, her stay in Spain was memorable, as apart from the rehearsals, the contestants also enjoyed sight seeing and dinner parties, says Nadeeka.

Confident and poised with some four years in the field, Nadeeka says the experiences of the past have stood her in good stead. “The experience that I possess by being in the field for four years and my exposure at the Miss World pageant made this victory possible,” she says.

“This pageant helped me enhance my knowledge because I could learn a lot by observing other contestants and collecting minute but vital hints such as the way they pose, the way they walk, how they maintain eye contact with their audience etc,” she adds.

Although they had make-up artists and hairdressers for the finals, Nadeeka preferred to do her own make-up. “I even did hair and make-up for two of my friends, Miss Dominican Republic and Miss Puerto Rico,” she smiles.

The eldest in the family, with two younger brothers, Nadeeka also has a passion for designing costume jewellery. She plans to start a modelling school in the future and hopes her achievement would also serve as a gateway to enter the international field as a model, which has been her dream throughout. “I hope especially to lend a hand to promising young people who have the potential and the interest, but who are left behind for want of resources,” she adds.