This week, The Sunday Morning Happinez shines its spotlight on Miss International Sri Lanka 2024 Maya Dmitri. As both a model and a tech enthusiast, Maya is passionate about giving back to the Sri Lankan community through causes that are close to her heart.
What inspired you to pursue a career in software engineering and how did your interest in cybersecurity develop?
It was all quite random. When I stumbled across software engineering, it felt like the ultimate puzzle to solve, and I was hooked. As for cybersecurity, that interest developed later. I realised that all these cool tech solutions also needed protection from the not-so-cool side of the internet. It’s like being on the frontlines of a digital battleground, and I thought, ‘Hey, that sounds pretty thrilling!’ So I dove into cybersecurity to keep the tech world safe and sound.
How do you balance your demanding software engineering studies with your part-time modelling career? What skills have you gained from this experience?
Balancing software engineering with part-time modelling is a tightrope walk, but it’s manageable with solid planning. I rely on to-do lists and calendars to keep track of everything and ensure I’m on top of both worlds. Through this juggling act, I’ve picked up some excellent skills. I’ve become good at prioritising and managing my time efficiently.
Additionally, modelling has helped with my self-discipline, which is handy in my tech studies and beyond. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where creativity and analytics meet.
Can you share a specific instance from your childhood where your family’s emphasis on volunteerism influenced your passion for helping others?
When I was growing up, my family actively supported orphanages and educational facilities, and we also dedicated our time to caring for and fostering animals in need. These experiences were transformative, showing me that genuine compassion means supporting all living beings, not just people. This understanding has been a driving force in my life, fuelling my commitment to making a meaningful impact wherever possible.
What motivated you to establish the Atman Association and what were some of the most rewarding experiences from your travels and projects?
I founded the Atman Association with my mom a while ago to drive impactful change in communities. Over the years, we’ve worked on various projects and seen firsthand the difference our efforts can make. Recently, we decided to take our mission to social media to expand our reach and gather support through donations and funds. The idea was to leverage the power of social platforms to amplify our impact and involve more people in our cause.
Travelling across Sri Lanka for projects has been incredibly rewarding. Some standout moments include working with local communities to improve educational resources and collaborating on environmental conservation projects. Witnessing the tangible results of our efforts and the positive impact on people’s lives has been profoundly fulfilling, reinforcing my commitment to this cause.
Tell us about the process of building a school in Avissawella. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
Building the school in Avissawella is a challenging yet enriching journey. The process began with extensive planning and coordination with local authorities to ensure the project met community needs and complied with regulations. However, our excellent partners made it all possible because the foundation of our partnership was strong. I look forward to seeing them later this year for the opening ceremony.
We maintain clear communication and adapt to unforeseen issues to ensure the building will be completed very soon. The community in Avissawella, including students, teachers, and parents, has become incredibly close to us. This connection has made the process much more fulfilling, bringing a sense of warmth and joy to every step. Their involvement has infused our efforts with love and laughter, making the journey truly rewarding.
Why do you believe education reform is crucial for progress, and what specific changes would you like to see implemented in the education system in Sri Lanka?
Education reform is essential for progress because it directly shapes the future of individuals and communities. A strong education system equips people with the skills and knowledge to drive innovation, improve living standards, and foster economic growth.
I’d like to see several fundamental changes in Sri Lanka. First, integrating more practical and technical skills into the curriculum would better prepare students for the evolving job market. Expanding access to quality education in remote and underserved areas is vital to ensure that every child has equal opportunities. Additionally, enhancing teacher training and support to improve teaching methods and classroom environments can significantly boost student learning outcomes.
How do you plan to use the Miss International platform to amplify your voice for education reform and other causes close to your heart?
Using the Miss International platform, I plan to amplify my voice for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which focuses on ensuring quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. I’ll use the platform to highlight the need for education reform and advocate for practical solutions that can make a real impact.
Additionally, I want to support causes close to my heart, such as environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and cancer awareness. By sharing compelling stories, partnering with organisations, and engaging with a global audience, I aim to inspire action and drive meaningful change on these critical issues.
What inspired your vision to raise awareness about cancer prevention and what specific initiatives or events do you have in mind to support this cause?
My vision to raise awareness about cancer prevention was inspired by seeing the widespread impact of the disease and recognising the need for more focused education on prevention. To support this cause, I plan to organise awareness campaigns and educational workshops to inform people about early detection and preventive measures.
I also want to collaborate with healthcare organisations to host fundraising events and support cancer research. I aim to make a significant difference in cancer prevention by leveraging various platforms to spread knowledge and engage communities.
Beyond your reign as Miss International, what are your long-term goals for the initiatives you’ve started and how do you plan to ensure their sustainability?
Beyond my reign as Miss International, I am committed to ensuring that the initiatives I’ve started continue, grow, and evolve. My strategy includes forming solid partnerships with organisations and community leaders to create a robust and enduring support network.
I also focus on implementing sustainable practices, such as establishing long-term fundraising mechanisms and training local champions to lead these projects. By setting up a clear framework and empowering others to take ownership, I aim to ensure that these initiatives achieve a lasting, transformative impact well into the future.
How have your diverse experiences shaped you as a person and what aspirations do you have?
My experiences have shaped who I am today. From volunteering and working on community projects to pursuing software engineering and modelling, each experience has broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of different worlds. These varied roles have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of balancing creativity with analytical thinking.
Looking ahead, I aspire to merge my passion for technology with my commitment to social causes. Professionally, I aim to drive innovations that solve real-world problems and promote positive change. On a personal level, I hope to continue supporting causes close to my heart, such as education reform and cancer awareness, while maintaining a balanced life that allows me to grow and contribute meaningfully to both my community and the world at large.
I am grateful to have a fantastic support system; my family, friends, and agency have been a rock throughout all of this, and I am thankful for every opportunity I have received to make a difference.
PHOTOS © THE AGENCY, MAYA DMITRI