Tamara & Avanti

 

Tamara Makalanda

The 26 year old went to Methodist College and Wycherley International and holds a certificate in Business and Technology as well as a Diploma in Child Care. She played Netball, did athletics and swam but preferred dedication and discipline over competition. She currently works at the National Council for the Deaf as a student welfare administrator.

“My true passion in life is to serve children who have nothing and no one, I love being their big sister. I live by the motto that “true giving is giving to those who can never repay you.
“True beauty is not what is seen on the outside but it is what shines from deep within. It is the beauty in your heart that shines on your face.”

What makes you feel good about yourself?
What makes me feel good about myself is that I have found my passion in life and I’m blessed enough to be able to live it.

What do you like to see in a person?
I like warm, compassionate people who care for others.

Why did you decide to take part in the competition?
I took part in this competition because I wanted to be the difference. I wanted to be the face and voice of the less fortunate. I want to influence others to love and care more not only for each other but also for the poor who need a little bit of what we have.

Why do you think beauty pageants are important?
I think it’s important to give young girls a platform to shine from. It builds confidence, influences young women with voices that people would listen to. And if the proper opportunity is taken and if the title is used more for what one can give rather than what one can take from it, I believe that it could be one of the things that can add to making a difference in a country.

Is there anything you wish people would stop saying?
I wish people would stop blaming the government and charities  for the poverty around us. I see it in two way we can either be the people who find fault with the system for things that aren’t done or we can be the people who actually get up, stop finding fault and be the one’s who do what is not done.

Is there anything you would like to tell the young girls who look up to you now?
I would like to tell them that true beauty is not what is seen on the outside but it is what shines from deep within. It is the beauty in your heart that shines on your face.

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Avanti Marianne Page

The CIS alumni started modelling at the age of 18, but found time to get a degree in Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Commercial Law. She loves travelling, baking and dancing (She started ballet at age 4!) and can play the piano. She one day hopes to open her own little fashion boutique in Sri Lanka. She is involved with Surol, which helps leprosy afflicted or affected persons and their families, and CCC foundation.

“I love making people smile. Sometimes we forget that bringing a smile to someone’s face is a true measure of how successful we are as human beings – not how much money we make.”    

What was your favourite movie growing up?
I had many! The two I watched the most were Pocahontas and the Hunchback of Notre-Dame. I loved Pocahontas and Esmeralda because they both stood up for what they believed in - in spite of the consequences. Watching these two movies as a little girl made me believe I would also grow up to be someone who would fight for change – I hope I will!

Why did you decide to take part in Miss Universe 2014?
After I graduated from university I decided to take on what I’m passionate about – my country! I wanted an opportunity to represent my country and showcase her diversity, uniqueness, hospitality and exquisite beauty on an international platform. This competition also provides me with so many opportunities to make a contribution to a number of worthy causes in a way that I never thought was possible.

Why do you think beauty pageants are important?
In my perspective to represent a country in a beauty pageant one requires integrity, intelligence and inner beauty. A pageant such as Miss Universe has given countries the opportunities to unite. It has become a platform to share knowledge and to showcase different cultures and ethnicities and thus bridging the gaps between countries.

Is there anything you wish people would stop saying to you and to other people?
People have a knack for phrasing compliments in a very negative way – so that you’re not sure if you should say thank you or be offended! I think instead of focusing on, and talking about, each other’s faults we should celebrate our strengths and guide, coach and encourage people to do what they are passionate about.


Text by Marissa van Eyck
Pics by Pradeep Dilrukshana