Challenging the odds, she came up smelling roses. Apannaka Kuliyapitiya took a gamble by taking pa rt in Miss Sapphire World 2021. Little did she know that she would clinch the first runner up title at the event.
A professional beauty contest which covers all of Europe, the whole of Asia and the United States of America, Miss Sapphire World shines it’s spotlight on the most outstanding beauties in Paris, London, Miami and Hong Kong. This year’s pageant was held in St. Petersburg, Russia on April 25. Around 75 contestants took part in the pageant. The pageant in Russia was organised by Ksenia Lavad while Alona Roshal was its director.
“I wanted to be selected for at least the top ten. That was my aim. However, my Mom believed that I would get first or second place. Her faith never wavered at any point. Though I love Sri Lanka a lot, I didn’t get any opportunities to take part in such glamourous events or to model in my country. They had problems with my skin colour, teeth etc. Therefore, taking part in the competition was more about building my confidence than winning,” Apannaka said.
She stresses that though she had not been looking forward to bagging the crown, she did strive to present the best version of herself for the beauty pageant. She had been modeling on and off during her stint in Russia.
She notes that the contestants were given a training session on how to do the catwalk and how to compose their speech. There was a psychological session too. Those were like stepping stones for the youth as she had her hands full with her university work and profession.
 With the winners of Miss Sapphire World 2021
|
She revealed that the toughest part of the competition for her was the language barrier.
“Only two out of 75 contestants spoke English. Therefore, it was very hard for me to understand what is going on and what is going to happen next. I had to observe what others did and go with the flow,” the 29-year-old explained.
The pageant consisted of many memorable moments – too many to mention. Apannaka was touched by the support she got from her fellow contestants. The girls had bonded well and keep in touch long after the pageant concluded.
“Though we could not communicate well due to the language issue, the girls did their best to bond using translators. Inna and Nadia became my buddies because they could speak English. Sasha too helped me in many ways throughout the event. I am so grateful to each and everyone of them,” she said.
One of Apannaka’s passions is working with children. Due to this feature she had earned the qualifications to be around children and to work with them.
“Kids are pure and gentle. That is one of the reasons why I chose to become a teacher. Lately I also developed a flair for cooking. I find the task of trying out new dishes interesting,” she added with a smile.
St. Petersburg changed Apannaka’s life. She was delighted to meet people from diverse cultures. Learning a new language from scratch was a challenge but she enjoyed it thoroughly. The most difficult part of the move was learning how to adapt to the new climate. The city also helped her mature and identify her talents, weaknesses and strengths.
“It taught me that when something comes easy, the value is less,” she pointed out adding that unfortunately she lost one year at university due to the pandemic. However, she says that juggling her academic work and profession as well as some modeling assignments keep her busy.
Apannaka believes that beauty comes in all forms.
“If you can be beautiful in and out, it doesn’t matter what colour skin you have or your size. This is something which I thoroughly believe in,” she opined, citing how many dusky skinned contestants have made it to the fore at International beauty pageants in recent years.
Apannaka comes from a family of three. Her father, Kuliyapitiye Sri Prananda, is a well known writer, instructor and lecturer. Many dub him as a walking encyclopedia. Her mother, Amitha Dodanwala, is a housewife. Before moving to St. Petersburg, Apannaka used to live in Kadawatha. She is an old girl of Holy Cross College, Gampaha.
Another interesting fact about Apannaka is that her name derives from the Apannaka Jathakaya. Just like the trader who overcame obstacles on a land of sand, Apannaka is destined to take on barriers on a land of snow.
Her ambition is to open a center where she can help children with special needs. This is a subject which is close to her heart and she is determined to see that her dream turns into a reality. She also looks forward to succeeding as a model and taking on more shoots and fashion shows.
“ I am grateful to my parents for their support and endless love. I wish to thank aunty Prishanthi and uncle Mudalige for helping me on this journey to success. My best friend, Randeepa, was a pillar of strength to me. Without all these people I won’t be here in the spotlight today,” Apannaka said.
Her message to other youth is to believe in themselves and their capabilities.
“People can say many thing to let you down. Give them a smile. Sharing a smile does not cost you anything. Build confidence in yourself. It is not easy. It takes a long time to come out from the box but when you do, you will realize how free you are!”
Short questions
* Describe yourself in three words: Kind, grateful and positive
* Favourite colour: Blue
* Favourite vacation spot: Karelia, Russia
* Greatest strength and greatest weakness: Courageousness and caring too much
* Your style mantra: Tribal fashions (Eg: jewels with shells and pebbles)
* Best beauty tip you can give another person: Drink water and have good thoughts ( inner beauty never needs makeup)
* First celebrity crush: Ian Somerhalder
* Three things that make you smile: Family, love and peace
* Slogan in life: Never back down!
Winning the first runner up title
Add new comment