• Chulapadmendra Catwalk Academy holds graduation show

Chula Padmendra has been a prominent figure in the Sri Lankan fashion industry for almost 25 years. Her expertise has been recognised internationally, and she has worked with both local and international designers. Recently, Chula hosted the graduation ceremony for her modelling academy, the Chulapadmendra Catwalk Academy.

The show, Ramp Comes Alive, featured 10 designers and 27 models, including two children. The academy partnered with leading hairdressers in Sri Lanka to provide a complete and immersive experience. The models were given the opportunity to showcase their talent on the runway, as well as gain practical experience in quick-changing and performing live.

“The models were very happy with the show,” said Chula. “Most of the time, even though they have completed training courses, they just receive a certificate. But with our academy, we believe in providing a complete experience. Our models learn how to walk on high heels, do a catwalk, and work with leading designers in Sri Lanka. It takes a lot of time and effort to be trained as a model, and our students truly appreciate the experience.”

The guests who attended the ceremony were also impressed with the show. “Andre Stephan was one of the chief guests who attended, and he was really happy with the whole show,” said Chula. “Many industry people came together to support us, and it was a huge success. Some of our graduates have already been booked for future shows, and we are planning to send one of our students to the Man of the Globe International pageant to represent Sri Lanka.”

Chula is not resting on her laurels, however. She has received many inquiries from parents and young children who are interested in modelling. “Modelling is huge overseas, especially for catwalk shows,” she said. “I am planning to do a special program specifically tailored for kids. We also have plans to do workshops around the country because there are some requirements that students can’t come to Colombo, where we are based.”

Chula’s dedication to the fashion industry and her students is clear. She is constantly looking for ways to improve the academy and provide more opportunities for her students. “I am all alone in this, so I have to train the models while also looking for sponsors and handling everything else,” she told us. “But it’s all worth it when I see my students succeed and grow in this industry.”

One of the highlights of the graduation show was the performance by popular Sri Lankan singer Iraj. “I like to add a bit of a touch of the Sri Lankan market,” commented Chula. “It’s always English songs and very different. We wanted to showcase the talent of our local artists as well.”



Chula’s vision for the academy is to provide a complete experience for her students, one that goes beyond just receiving a certificate. “We want our students to gain practical experience and be fully prepared to enter the industry,” she noted. “It’s not just about being beautiful; it’s about having the skills and knowledge to succeed in this competitive industry.”

Chula’s dedication to the fashion industry has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and students. Her passion for teaching and providing opportunities for young models is evident in the success of the Chulapadmendra Catwalk Academy. With plans to expand the academy and provide more workshops and programmes, Chula’s influence on the fashion industry in Sri Lanka is sure to continue for years to come.