It can be truly said that Deepthi Shanika Jayarathne epitomizes the saying ‘beauty and brains’. She was ranked among the 12 finalists in the Mrs. Sri Lanka for Mrs. Universe 2019 contest, the Grand Finale of which was held at the Hotel Galadari in Colombo on October 1, last year.
Deepthi also bagged the mini title of Mrs. Intelligent having impressed the judges with her knowledge and acumen about the topics discussed. Deepthi is also the nominee for Mrs. Sri Lanka for Mrs. Universe 2020.
Beauty pageant
It was quite by chance that Deepthi came across an advertisement calling for applications for the contest and was tempted to send in an entry with the blessings of her husband, parents, friends and relatives. Deepthi Shanika Jayarathne made an indelible mark in the world of Sri Lankan beauty pageants with this, her first entry into this glamorous and highly competitive field.
For the mini pageant, Mrs. Intelligent, the judges engaged the contestants in a discussion about three highly topical and burning issues - Sri Lankan tourism, empowerment of women and global warming. Deepthi with her spot-on contributions to the discussion won the title.
A past pupil of Girls’ High School , Mount Lavinia, Deepthi passed her GCE Ordinary Level Exam with flying colours obtaining nine distinctions. She was also a keen student of Kandyan dance while at school. Today, she is in the world of high finance as a staff member of a leading international bank and has been in the banking profession for over 10 years. Deepthi commutes daily from her home in Piliyandala to the heart of Colombo’s business district either in her own vehicle or by staff transport.
It is a long commute for Deepthi and when asked about it she said that the morning run was not so bad if she starts early. The evening commute does cause traffic problems, she said, but she overcomes it by heading home a little later.
To the question as to how she juggles her professional and home life, Deepthi said that she receives much support from her husband and parents and therefore, it is not too much of a problem. She also tries to keep to an organised schedule.
Devoted mother
She is a devoted mother and her pride and joy in life is her seven-year-old son Jenul Gunathilake, a student at Brisbane International School. She tries to spend as much quality time with her son overseeing his school work and helping to develop his personality, intellect and fitness. One of their favourite pastimes is storytelling. Deepthi often gets Jenul to make up stories as it exercises his creativity and intellect.
Her favourite and most indulged form of exercise is walking and Jenul accompanies her as she feels it is good exercise for him and believes that it will make him strong.
This award winning beauty does not follow a rigid diet but is careful to have a low sugar diet. She also does not fail to include fresh vegetables and fruit in her and the family’s diet.
Casual and relaxed clothes such as denims, t-shirts and frocks are favoured by Deepthi. For the 2019 Mrs. Sri Lanka for Mrs. Universe Grand Finale she dazzled in a silver, floor-length evening gown sponsored by Osaka Fashion. Her use of make up is discreet and to maintain the beauty and glossiness of her curly hair she depends on coconut oil treatment. For other beauty products her preference is for natural or organic products. She believes in Ayurveda treatment too especially for certain ailments.
Music and travel
Classical songs Western and Eastern are Deepthi’s favourite genre of music. A firm favourite is Shania Twain’s From this moment and locally Ridma Weerawardene’s Kuveni is top of the pops with her.
Other than Shania Twain and Ridma Weerakoon she likes Amaradeva and Harsha Vidanage. His Sandaranee is another well loved song. On the big screen Deep’s popular favourites are Will Smith and Priyanka Chopra.
An avid traveller, Deepthi proudly says that she has visited all districts in Sri Lanka except Jaffna. The cool climate of Nuwara Eliya and the historic majesty of Sigiriya really appeals to her and so, she never tires of visiting and re-visiting those places.
Concerns
The empowerment of women is a subject very close to Deepthi’s heart. She wants women, especially Sri Lankan women to think positively, be independent, strong and articulate. She says that women should come out of their shells and make themselves heard in this male dominated society.
She also said a great number of women have achieved much locally and globally and that all women can be proud of them and think of them as role models. Deepthi feels that financial independence and stability would play a major part in the emancipation and empowerment of women.
Global warming too concerns Deepthi and she says that the planting of trees, abstaining from using materials such as plastic and destroying forests would go a long way to curb environmental pollution.
Where Sri Lankan tourism is concerned with the current restrictions on foreign tourist travel to the island the domestic travel sector should be sought by the travel and leisure industry, says Deepthi. But she says that there should be systematic and attractive packages and programs to draw tourists to the country post pandemic, especially the high-end ones.
According to Deepthi, the pandemic has had negative and positive effects for her. On the plus side it has given her more time to be with Jenul and family. On the minus side, it has affected her fledgling modeling career which she embarked on after winning the beauty pageant.
As for the future, Deepthi has no big plans but as usual helping people remains a major factor. Developing her modelling career and helping Jenul to become a good citizen are other future goals.
A practicing Buddhist, Deepthi believes that simplicity in life is the best way to happiness, health and contentment.
