LIFE.LK

“It’s not just about the looks and glamour” - Nicola Dabrera

17 October 2012
👁 11,058 views

This lovely lady pictured in today’s feature is an old girl of Ave Maria Convent Negombo.

She became the 2nd runner up at the Miss Universe Sri Lanka 2012 contest. That’s not all; she also bagged the title of “Most Popular Face of 2012” at the pageant.

She got the opportunity to model in various fashion shows including the Colombo Fashion Week Resortwear Show which was held in Negombo for the first time and she was also invited to be a TV presenter.

Nicola, an avid swimmer and a former netball player, had this to say about her experience with Miss Universe Sri Lanka.

“The overall experience was life changing as it taught me my strengths and weaknesses and showed me the hard work that goes behind the pageant. It’s not just about the looks and glamour, you have to be aware of social issues, current affairs etc. I certainly believe the training and exposure I got in participating in this beauty pageant has made a huge transformation in myself.”

Here is Nicola chatting with www.life.lk

If you had won the Miss Universe Sri Lanka, how much do you think your life would’ve changed by now?

If I had won the Miss Universe Sri Lanka title, I would have received more exposure and with it comes more opportunities and I would have had to change my normal lifestyle and adapt to my new life as the title holder. I would have to train harder in order to fulfill my responsibilities as Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Universe.

When you participated in the contest you were only 20 years old; what are your comments on the support you got from your friends and family?

They helped me from the start until the end in every possible way, mentally and physically. Today I am what I am and where I am because of my family and I take this opportunity to thank them from the bottom of my heart.

I am sure you get opportunities for modelling, acting etc., what are the opportunities you will say NO to and why?

Well I don’t have a passion for acting, so it would definitely be a ‘NO’ if I was asked.

What are your plans for the future?

Currently I’m following a Degree in Business Management at APIIT, after which I would like to enter the corporate world, and be a well-known professional in my field.

When you entered the contest, how did you forecast your chances?

When I entered the contest I felt that I could represent not just Sri Lanka but the Miss Universe organization as well, with my experience; and help to sustain our culture and raise Sri Lanka to an international platform.

What were your personal commitments during the contest?

During the contest I made many sacrifices, my focus had to be mainly on the pageant, day in and day out I had to change my plans and adjust.

The volume of concentration I put into my education and other activities had to be reduced in order to give 100% to the pageant.

Are you in love now?

Yes I’m in love, I believe for a person to succeed in life it’s necessary. I love my family and friends.

Share your tips with our readers to having beautiful skin just like you?

The key to beautiful skin is not always highly priced skin products; it’s about consuming garden fresh fruits, vegetables and natural water can make a huge difference in how you look and how radiant your skin looks.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I mainly focus on developing my fitness. Activities such as swimming and gym-training go hand in hand when developing a perfect physique. Other than that I love animals, so I use that time to play with them.

What’s your overall view of Sri Lankan beauty pageants?

Good, when compared with other well developed countries Sri Lanka has also reached a good standard. This is something we should be very proud of and thankful for the pioneers who helped the industry in numerous ways.

Text and pics by Jayantha Fernando

Please note that the views expressed by the readers by way of comments are their own and DO NOT reflect the opinions of www.life.lk

Comments (64)

John F.Kannadi
Oct 17, 2012 10:37 am
pretty cute from face to feet
Lanka Lion - Sydney
Oct 17, 2012 12:25 pm
The most charming Sri Lankan girl I have seen.How come she wasn't crowned "Miss Sri Lanka"? May have won the "Miss Universe" title too.
prasad
Oct 18, 2012 03:49 am
Yes, truely tip to the toes !
Nishantha Ranatunga
Oct 18, 2012 04:48 am
Recently, we can proud about our women in Sri Lanka as well as the past. They are always rising up with various talents. Hope you will find a top place in MISS UNIVERSE competition. If it is, don't forget to express your great thoughts to the world about our most beautiful mother land. It will create a good relationship with whole world and then only we all can live as quality people. GOOD LUCK.
Faqi
Oct 18, 2012 06:27 am
Some people [Mr, Ranatunga] make comments before reading and comprehending what they have read. It clearly states in the article, that Nicola was the 2nd runner up in the contest. What that means is, she is not representing S/L at the Ms.Universe contest Besides that, Nicola is a very pretty young lady, with a beautiful smile. I wish her success in what ever she chooses to do with her life.
shannon croze
Oct 18, 2012 07:28 am
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SRILANKAN GIRL I HAVE COME ACROSS IN THE RECENT PAST. SHOULD HAVE WON THE TITLE WITH HER GOOD LOOKS.ANY WAY ALL THE VERY BEST AND GOOD LUCK FOR YOUR FUTURE.
Alan Pannam
Oct 18, 2012 10:44 am
She wasn't chosen because she is a Burgher. The racism continues.
MILINDA DHARMADASA
Oct 18, 2012 03:17 pm
Are you dumb or are you dump Alan, The winner is a burgher too, there is no racism in the competitions, sinhalese rarely win these contests, burgher girls have it all! Think before you write stupid comments!
spice
Oct 18, 2012 03:56 pm
mixed sri lankans are alot prettier than full bloods
Faqi
Oct 18, 2012 04:52 pm
It appears there are more readers of this paper who do no comprehend the English language. I see there are 3 negatives for my valid comment. That proves they cannot understand what they read. Thank you.
Rosie R
Oct 19, 2012 12:56 am
She is really a stunner .. she has the looks of Jacqueline.... Wish Her good luck..
Clive USA
Oct 19, 2012 02:31 am
She looks amazing and what she had describe here is very sensible !!!!! I hope she will get a chance to represent Srilanka and bring Honor to her motherland.
charlie kukula
Oct 19, 2012 04:00 am
Dear Nicola.
Those who are last will be first and those who are first will be last.
You have a greate future, good luck and god bless you.
stefan
Oct 19, 2012 04:15 am
hey nico,
FOR US ITZ U THE MISS WORLD THERE IS NO 1 CAN COMPETE U!!BEST OF LUCK!!
Jacqueline
Oct 19, 2012 04:24 am
I have Just 2 words for her,,,, "Natural Beauty" Thank you Jayantha for posting this Photos and the Interview,,,
Jayantha Fernando
Oct 19, 2012 06:37 am
Thank you everyone, Thank you jacqueline
Vinu S.
Oct 19, 2012 11:18 am
Yes she is the Most Charming Girl.. you are very Right Lanka Lion.... I think when it comes to Judgement there are many ups and downs and Barriers in Srilnaka,,,, In the the previous contest they Gave the Crown and reverted back the Crown to another winner... which was very Unfair,,,,
we all can see how pretty this Young lady is .. but she became 2nd..Its good by this Media when they put pic like this for People to see,,,,
Sandun
Oct 19, 2012 12:59 pm
Its really Natural Beauty u look amazing wish u good luck in future n keep up all the good stuff ........ super awesome
Romesh Pathirane
Oct 20, 2012 04:09 am
Nicola ,,, Good luck and all the best for your future ......
Ramani
Oct 20, 2012 09:25 am
Yes you very Right Vinu,,,Nicola is a Very very pretty lady I have seen her many times in Ramps, She also won the Miss Ray Ban Model of 2012 which held at Galadari..
I wish Her all the Best,,,, Be proud of your self and Go ahead Nicola
Bathiya
Oct 20, 2012 02:47 pm
she is very pretty.... My guess was Nicola to win the crown caz she has got everything what is required to be a Queen,,,, I agree what Charlie Said in this Forum..... wish you good Luck Nicola.. Good Photographs taken by Jayatha Ferando once again,
Well done!!!! Put more of this hidden Talents in the Future to the Public to View,,,
Daniel
Oct 21, 2012 03:11 am
Now wonder she won the LUX Most Popular Face of the 2012.She has the got the Natural Beauty...
Kolu
Oct 21, 2012 09:34 am
She looks amazing......she should be the Next queen...
fiona
Oct 21, 2012 11:47 am
There were lot of girls who are so beautiful than this girl. U can even check it through the photos of miss universe pageant. Out of the final five 1st runner up and the 3rd runner up were the prettiest , interlligent,well answered and performed. Nicola was ok we but she needs to imporve her personality.

We were invited to the grand finale. Most of us expected the 1st runner up to win. She is qualified in CIMA and undergraduate in university of sri jayawardenapura. However we heard th
Cher
Oct 22, 2012 04:31 am
The above comment of Fiona justifies pure Jealousy .. Its really great to know that there are few jealous people who does not want someone to do well....No one can take away this Girls achievements by casting Low grade cheap remarks.Judges Know the Best that"s why they have selected the top 5 in that order...No one cant erase that,,,,
rebecca minoli
Oct 22, 2012 05:55 am
hey u silly gal....who r u to criticise the judges... if u wrer so eager y didnt u sit at the judge table in future...ur comments show hw lowly gal u r.. nicola is truly lucky to be beautiful as well as wealthy... thats gods gift to her....looking at her she witness she is stunning beauty who has everything to reperesent our country oneday...
Sabrina Fan
Oct 22, 2012 07:04 am
Please Do Not sling Mud @ Sabrina she is our queen..,,No Political Influenced required for her to win,,, she was Far Better than Ausahni who was the First Runners Up,,, she had only CIMA which is not required to win a beauty Contest.... it was a great Mistake By Judges to select Aushani as first Runner up,,,,
Chris
Oct 22, 2012 07:12 am
Fiona you are making Her Nicola Popular and famous by Casting Negative comments,,,, we all all know who is the best,,,, No one can undo Nicolas Achievement .... you are the Best. Nicola . and good luck,,,,
shervin
Oct 22, 2012 10:46 am
what u have told is very true Minoli.This shows the low quality.for us u r d best. nicola.
Nayana
Oct 22, 2012 11:03 am
Fiona i have witness d contest and what u hv said is not true.nicola got what she shoud get.dont condem others.grow up .learnt to accept defeat.U R THE BEST NICOLA
Ranjan R
Oct 22, 2012 05:46 pm
wow this gal is a stunner .. good luck for the future... you should think about joinin the movie industry
miss srilanks
Oct 22, 2012 06:02 pm
wow its a big story fiona. i have just one word for u.Jelousy.dont get upset we all saw the top five n nicola is the best.....its our choice n judges choice not yours.
Purnima
Oct 22, 2012 06:42 pm
Nicola you are the Prettiest of all No wonder there is a huge drama written against you.... below by your own contestants who lost the battle.... 1st Runners has only her CIMA who care for that.... we all know the person who is Jealous of you caz you are the best out of all.... if you are Ugly looking this space will be empty,Sabrina got so much criticism against her,, but who cares...still she is the best and she will remain a Queen....
sabrina supporter
Oct 22, 2012 07:08 pm
Well Said Sabrins Fan I second you.....who cares about CIMA and all those Crap.... written by Fiona.... .... Learn to appreciate people who do well in life poor Girl.....well done Sabrina & Nicola..... don't get carried away by reading cheap comments from Fiona who supports Ausani.... we are with you .... always God Bless you.... Grow up Fiona feel sorry for you!!!!!!!
Daily Mirror Reader
Oct 23, 2012 01:41 am
Thanks you Daily Mirror for Publishing a picture of a such beautiful and a very charming Lady... every time when I come on line to read the head lines on Life online I feel so Relaxing to see this lovely Lady"s photos popping of on the left Corner which takes My stress off..... Good Luck Nicola you are a winner and a Stunner
rohan
Oct 23, 2012 08:44 am
wow.. so many comments about dis girl......y didnt the judges notice her beauty...it,s a query....??????
chichee fareeda
Oct 23, 2012 08:54 am
ooopsss y dis kolawari kolawari adi.....
Henry
Oct 23, 2012 09:05 am
she is indeed beautiful but why so much bragging and boasting of her beauty ?I mean after all we know competition is over the winners already took part in the international arena and brought sm fame to the country...so lets cheer them.lets leave these left behinds till next year.you all talk as the judges were blind and wrong in their decisions.Didnt Sabrina prooved dat they were right.This is not only about beauty.I get pissed seeing these comments.silly folks.
Sheerine
Oct 24, 2012 12:08 pm
Dear Henry ... No Bragging No Boasting... all Readers has the choice to do what they Like or wish in this open Forum.... yes we saw the Winners from the media....Its a great to see theses left Behinds caz We do get a chance to see them if they don not come Like this for interviews and also we could get their feed back... Thank you Jayatha Fernado for bringing left behinds for people to see,,, we don't need to wait until Next year.... if some one is pissed dont read these comments,,, no one is Fo
Reader
Oct 24, 2012 05:59 pm
She looks Amazing....
F B Reader
Oct 24, 2012 06:24 pm
w.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150915569661674.405722.104694756673&type=1&comment_id=22689793&offset=0&total_comments=41
Shane
Oct 25, 2012 02:10 am
Hey Henry this is an open Media Free to every one to write and comment what we like,,, don't get pissed to see comments if you don't like ...don't open this Page if you hate... Look for a another Page,,, why waste your time Man!!!!! we love to see More & More Pretty Girls like this not only the winners over & over .... Well done "Life online" for bringing up Girls like Nicola to show the Viewers how pretty she is..... Good Job Jayatha of Tribe!!!!!
Reader
Oct 25, 2012 05:18 pm
Thanks F B reader for the above Link,, I saw all the contestant and Figured out who is the Best.... Nicola you look Great there
Athula
Oct 26, 2012 12:06 pm
woowwww This Girl Has so many web comments no wonder she was chosen as the Most Popular Face of the year for miss Srilanka 2012....
She Has got the Glamour & the Natural Beauty....
Sangeth
Oct 26, 2012 12:14 pm
Nicola you are so Popular on the web why don't you consider acting???
Boy Next door
Oct 27, 2012 08:35 am
In My Opinion this interview is fully worth to read and the Viewers have something to share...... also photos are taken very well....
reader
Oct 27, 2012 09:00 am
WE love to see you Nicola on life on line.. you are best....you have got everything!!!!
reader
Oct 28, 2012 05:55 am
Nicola you are a winner and you Look great....We do not Believe what Fiona Has said.. Its not true as we were also invited for the Final...
reader 1
Oct 28, 2012 06:24 am
I 2nd what Rebecca Minoli has very clearly explained. to Fiona... which is very True....its good to know that some Girls are jealous of some ones achievement...

We wish you Niola many people in this Forum Support you....
Chethana
Oct 28, 2012 03:55 pm
She is one of the Most beautiful charming ladies I have seen on Life onLine... her interview is very impressive... I wish her all the Best.... She has a very Natural look..... No artificial Makeups and hairdo this is called Beauty!!!!
michael
Oct 29, 2012 03:25 am
She is truely preety.
manpei
Oct 30, 2012 01:27 am
Who cares who came first or econd or fourth. None of them can really compete with other international contestants they are not trained properly and don't have the life experiences or exposure from early days to be able to mix with people. This is just what i have seen of our Srilankan girls they live such sheltered lives.
Feleix
Nov 01, 2012 05:44 pm
Mr Manpei.... I do not agree with you at all.. do not condemn Srilnkan Girls,,,, Rosi won the Mrs World and Last week Madusha was the 2nd runners up at the Miss International Pagent which was in Japan,,,,Do not Under estimate our own Girls,,, Always be Positive... Try to have a Winner behavior... Praise your County people....Be proud of your motherland and culture.... Respect your sisters... Good Luck Nicola....
Carol
Nov 02, 2012 05:44 pm
Manpei do not give Dumb comments ,,, I totally agree what Feleix says.... your level of thinking is Very poor Mapei and i feel pity on you,,,, you should go and live in a western country.... we are proud of out srilanka Beauties,,,, they are the best in the world...you get lost...........
Rosi
Nov 03, 2012 09:48 am
Well Said Feleix and Carol.... we should put Manpei on a Trawler and send him to the chrismas Island in Ausatalia....He shouldn't live in out Beautiful Island Srilanka with all the beauties...
Brian
Nov 05, 2012 06:09 pm
its a very good Plan Rosi..... Manpei is Talking full of Bull S.... & Crap.....
Anura
Nov 07, 2012 03:53 pm
ohhhh this Girl so pretty.. no wonder she has so much of comments .... Good Luck to you....
George
Nov 08, 2012 10:42 am
How come she did not win the Title Being so Beautiful ???? Any where I wish her all the Best.....
Ryan
Nov 10, 2012 07:11 pm
No, the Winner is a Burgher.You are
in gaga land.
Madusha
Nov 11, 2012 04:35 am
Nicola is one of the the prettiest Girls whom I admire and think that she should be the Next Queen...... I wish her all the Best!!!
chyristine
Nov 13, 2012 03:55 am
Yes i also think the way u think.. .
Grham
Nov 14, 2012 09:59 am
Woooow what a Beauty?????? she has got the looks for a Queen
MIss Srilanka Fan
Nov 19, 2012 06:09 am
I am a well known fashion designer, Former Judge of many beauty Pagents .I was also an invitee for this event which this girl Nicola took part.... I thought this Girl & Madusha Mayaduna will win the contest,,,,but organizes select judges and according to their wishes they win,,,, may be they have done the right job....who knows????Beauty contest are always manipulated according to the wishes of the Organizers...because all mini titles are given by the organizers,, they just invite some of their
jessi
Mar 08, 2013 12:00 am
ur awsm ma siser..lv u