• Sri Lanka’s hope for Top Model of the World 2023

Sadani Peiris is a multi-talented individual who has made a name for herself as a professional ballet dancer, teacher, and model. At the young age of 22, Sadani is already making waves in the modelling industry as the current representative candidate from Sri Lanka for the Top Model of the World 2023 competition, which is taking place until 6 March in Egypt.

With nearly four years of modelling experience, Sadani has honed her skills and has been guided by her second family, The Agency Sri Lanka. The Daily Morning Brunch had a chat with her where we delved deeper into her journey as a model, her preparation for the competition, and her future aspirations in the modelling industry.

How did you become interested in modelling, and how did you become the representative for Sri Lanka in the Top Model of the World competition?

I have always loved doing artistic activities, such as dancing, drama, and anything to do with creativity. I think modelling came to me because of my height and unique looks; everyone I’ve known told me that I should be a model and I finally got the courage and signed up with The Agency Sri Lanka.

How I got into the competition; Brian, the National Director, and Kamil asked Kosh – my stylist – whether I can take part in it, and Kosh spoke to me and I said yes. Then Brian and Kamil both helped me a lot with everything to do with the competition.

It’s truly a blessed, amazing life experience and a one-time thing for me. I’m so thankful to both Kamil and Brian for thinking of me and putting faith in me for this competition.

What kind of preparation did you have to do for the competition, both in terms of your physical appearance and your performance skills?

It’s a huge process. I didn’t have much time to get ready, but followed the guidelines of The Agency Sri Lanka, as we are actively working models we have to follow the rules of maintaining ourselves, body, and our skin for work. Therefore, I didn’t have to prepare separately for this. I was already ready!

But apart from that I had to do so many fittings, meetings with designers and meeting with my national director, and my TAS team for better preparation to give it my all in Egypt.

It’s all about the presentation: How you carry yourself, what you wear, the way you walk and talk, your body language – all this is very important. I’m nervous but I have a strong feeling about this competition.

Every night before bed, I have to do research about what to do tomorrow, what to wear, and what kind of hair style and makeup look, so it’s all about working my very best to present myself extremely well.

 What has been the most challenging part of the competition so far, and how have you dealt with it?

From the moment I landed in Egypt, the responsibility that I had on my shoulders was the most challenging thing ever. I realised that I’m not Sadani here, I’m the candidate from Sri Lanka; basically, I represent the whole nation, and Brian, Kamil, and The Agency Sri Lanka.

Also, less sleep; we have our whole day scheduled and we have to be punctual and well prepared. So it’s kind of hard to balance everything. But I think I have got the hang of it.

 How would you describe your personal style, both on and off the runway?

As a model and an individual, I think my personal style is minimalistic and chic. I like to play around with tomboyish clothes, chic and sexy. But as a runway model, I basically have to wear what the designers give me, so I have no say in it.

I love most of the local designers – some of them have the true essence of Lanka and some create amazing international looks. So personally I prefer chic, sexy, and minimal looks.

What advice would you give to aspiring models who want to follow in your footsteps and compete in international competitions?

It’s all about your research, preparation, having a good relationship with your national director, and having the best management team. Always pay attention to your path and what’s next in your life and career.

Annual/monthly meetings with your manager is important. Tell them what you want next, get them to work for it and make your portfolio strong and have everything in it.

 How do you think your participation in this competition will help to promote Sri Lankan fashion and modelling on a global scale?

I think competitions like this give young girls/boys like us a platform to enter the world of business, politics, entrepreneurship, and it gives us the exposure to be recognised globally – so we can use our voices to create awareness, and try to gain attention to help our country to get through this hardship.

We meet lots of candidates from all around the world; we can speak and promote our country in a very positive way and make them, in turn, speak about Sri Lanka and spread the word via social media, and convince tourists to visit our country.

 How has your experience been in Egypt so far, and what have you enjoyed most about the country and its culture?

The country is beautiful, beautiful, beautiful – the people are nice, warm, kind and helpful. I love the hotel, it’s very beautiful. So far I’m having an amazing time and experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and I’m so thankful.

 What are your future career aspirations in the modelling industry, and how do you plan to achieve them?

I’m very proud to say that my agency The Agency Sri Lanka and my manager Kosh managed to get me an international model placement with an international talent agency in India called Toabh. So right after this competition, I’ll be leaving for India for at least 3-5 months. And I hope that I’ll be able to work in India and get more attention to our fashion industry in Sri Lanka.