From the runway to the boardroom, Sameera Weerasinghe has always believed in the power of reinvention. What began as a modelling career has since evolved into a dynamic journey of entrepreneurship and leadership.
As the Founder of Jump, a fashion label known for its bold, youthful energy, Sameera channels a passion for self-expression into every design. Today, he also serves as the National Director for Mister Global and Mister International Sri Lanka, where he is championing a new generation of Sri Lankan talent and placing them on the global stage.
Driven, visionary, and unapologetically himself, Sameera is redefining what it means to lead with both style and purpose.
You have worn many hats – model, entrepreneur, and now National Director for two major pageants. How has each role shaped who you are today?
Every role has been a stepping stone, each one shaping my understanding of identity, leadership, and purpose. Modelling taught me how to embrace discipline, refine my image, and understand the nuances of the fashion world.
As an entrepreneur, founding Jump pushed me to blend creativity with business acumen in order to build a brand that’s not only commercially viable but also deeply personal. In my role as National Director, I have discovered a deeper responsibility: mentoring young men, curating global representation, and showing the world that Sri Lankan talent is powerful, poised, and ready for the spotlight.
As the face behind Jump clothing, how do you balance commercial fashion with personal expression and identity?
Jump is an extension of my personality – youthful, unapologetic, and confident. While I’m always mindful of market trends and consumer preferences, I never allow them to overshadow the brand’s core identity. I make sure every collection tells a story – mine, Sri Lanka’s, and that of a bold new generation. Whether it’s a runway or a stage, fashion is ultimately about telling the truth of who you are.
What inspired you to take on the responsibility of organising the official Mister Sri Lanka 2025 pageant?
Sri Lanka has always had potential, but potential alone isn’t enough. I noticed that male pageantry here lacked structure, mentorship, and a cohesive global vision. I didn’t just want to host another competition; I wanted to build a legacy. Mister Sri Lanka 2025 is my commitment to finding, developing, and showcasing not just good-looking men, but leaders – men who embody intelligence, culture, confidence, and compassion.
What makes a ‘Mister Sri Lanka’ in your eyes? Is it just about looks, or is there more to it?
Looks are just the entry point. A true Mister Sri Lanka is someone who carries charisma, empathy, discipline, and purpose. He should be someone who walks into a room and commands respect not just for his appearance, but for his energy, intellect, and heart. I’m looking for modern gentlemen who can represent Sri Lanka not just in pageants, but in conversations that matter.
You have worked with international brands and now you are shaping the image of Sri Lankan men on the world stage. What message are you trying to send globally?
That Sri Lankan men are more than what’s been seen or expected. I want to push the narrative that our men are not only stylish and well-groomed, but also deeply rooted, articulate, and globally relevant. Whether through fashion or pageantry, I’m here to showcase a Sri Lanka that’s progressive, creative, and confidently stepping onto international platforms.
Jump is known for its bold and youthful energy. How does that ethos connect with your work in the pageant industry?
There’s a strong synergy between Jump and the way I approach pageantry. Both stand for breaking the mold – pushing past stereotypes and embracing individuality. The pageants I curate are not rigid or outdated; they’re dynamic, fresh, and aligned with the spirit of modern youth. I encourage contestants to express their personalities, explore their stories, and own their uniqueness. That same rebellious yet refined spirit lives in every stitch of Jump.
Many young people look up to you as a style icon and mentor. What advice would you give to someone wanting to break into fashion or modelling in Sri Lanka?
Stay true to yourself and don’t rush the process. Whether you are walking your first runway or designing your first collection, authenticity is your greatest asset. Know your angles, study the industry, invest in grooming and communication skills, but above all, be consistent and humble. I always tell my students and contestants: don’t just chase fame, chase growth. Build a brand around your truth and your values. That’s what lasts.
How do you plan to elevate Mister Sri Lanka 2025 to an international level and what new elements can we expect from the pageant this year?
This year is going to be transformative. I’m introducing a more structured programme that includes grooming camps, mindset training, mentorship from industry professionals, and content creation that tells each contestant’s story. The focus is on holistic development – body, mind, and brand.
I also plan to expand global collaborations and invite international judges to add credibility and exposure. The aim is to produce not just models, but remarkable men who can proudly carry the Sri Lankan flag abroad.
What are the biggest misconceptions about male pageantry and how are you hoping to change that?
Many still think male pageantry is just about abs and photo shoots; it’s not. It’s about leadership, personality, and being a role model. I’m actively reshaping this narrative. My pageants are grounded in real stories, emotional intelligence, and social purpose. I want to show the public and the world that these men are future leaders, entrepreneurs, changemakers. It’s time to raise the bar and redefine what male pageantry stands for.
Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave behind, both in fashion and in empowering young Sri Lankan talent?
I hope to be remembered as someone who used fashion and pageantry as tools for transformation. With Jump, I want to continue encouraging fearless self-expression and celebrating Sri Lankan creativity. Through Mister Global and Mister International Sri Lanka, I hope to leave a legacy of empowerment, inclusivity, and global recognition. Ultimately, I want to be known not just for what I built, but for how many people I helped rise along the way.