Hirunika

About a year ago, I met Hirunika for a chat with www.life.lk


Back then she was just Hirunika – a girl fighting for justice for her father.


Today, she stands as Colombo District’s most favourite candidate with 139,034 votes. I met up with her again to see how she’s doing..



Hirunika, congratulations on your latest achievement. Has life changed now since the last time we met?

Thank you Life Online for the best wishes. Yes, life has changed. I am now busier. People are relying on me as I am now a political figure. I need to make sure that everyone's voice is heard. I may have lost some free time compared to two years ago but it’s a blessing. I take it very positively. They see me as their leader and I need to live up to their faith in me. However life is smooth and I am enjoying the new things I experience every day.

What are your goals?

The theme of my election campaign was to be a voice. And that's what I want to be right now. I want to be the voice and feel the pulse of my people who trusted me and voted for me. I want to be their faithful leader. I want to be the voice for the poor people and I will stand by my word.  For this I need to be organised and I believe I am.


It seems that with the elections, pictures of your pageant days started springing up on social media. How do you face individuals or groups who set out to tarnish your image in this way?

It’s simple. I ignored all of them and did not pay any attention to any of them. I do understand that this is the digital age. Social media has taken over our lives and social media plays a big role in everyone's lives now. I do know all the bad things which went around against me but I did not pay any attention to it. I have chosen the people to associate with closely and they know who I am. They believe in me and that's all the strength I need to stand up and fight for my people.



Will you do something for the beauty industry of this country?

People know me as a former beauty queen. And now they know me as an activist. I can’t deny that I was once in a pageant. I will do something for the industry when the time comes. I believe that personality is an important part of our lives. I will help anyone in educating to build their life and to represent Sri Lanka.

 

Now that a political goal has been achieved, is it time for marriage and children for you?

Maybe in another four or five years..

 

Your formula for the big win?

I worked hard.

I met everyone personally.

I did exactly 2,437 pocket meetings. I met everyone, I talked to everyone. I did not give anyone any materialistic gifts. I did not promise anything that I can’t achieve on behalf of them. I only listened from my heart and everyone believed in me.


 

On a lighter note, the T20 win, did you have a chance to watch it?

Like I said life is smooth, life will be smooth if you are well organised. If you are an organised person you have time for everything in life. So yes - I followed the match and I must say the boys played well. And I’m glad Sangakkara ended his T20 career in style.



Pics and interview by Jayantha Fernando