Being silent like the sky, being stunning like a thin ivory statue delicately chiselled, being the cynosure of all eyes like a princess who wears moonbeams and whose feet are of silver, she has come under the spotlight as a fashion designer, actress and model. Yes of course, she is none other than Yenara Sanuki Weerasingha.The Youth Observer, Sri Lanka’s flagship youth magazine, met Yenara to discuss her journey.
Born and bred in Colombo, she entered the modelling field after completing her studies. She studied at Sumedha College, Gampaha and Yasodara College, Colombo.
At present, she is pursuing a fashion design degree and an airline diploma at a private university. In 2017 she began to participate in pageants and fashion shows. “When I participated for the first time, I did not know anything about the field. I had no idea about how to walk and how to perform. Later, I explored many models on YouTube to sharpen my skills. Even today, I follow celebrities and some other prominent models. Then, I found that it was a vast area. I am still new and have many things to learn from others,” Yenara said.
Acting
Yenara is not only a model but also an actress. In 2014 as a little girl, she portrayed minor roles in several teledramas with the hope of embarking on a long journey in the field. However, at present, she has played main characters in films and teledramas.
Speaking of teledramas, we can enjoy her chic performances in teledramas such as ‘Murugasan Warusa’,’Lokkaiya’, ‘Akuru Meki Nehe’, ‘Maha Wiru’ etc.
“‘Murugasan Warusa’ was special in my life because I could work with veteran artistes. It was a great thing in my life. I could learn many things from them. Honestly, they were supportive of me,” said Yenara. Except for teledramas, we can focus on cinematic creations in which she has displayed her thespian skills.
For instance, ‘Vijaya Kuweni’, ‘Mahinda Gamanaya’, ‘Adare Namen’ and so on. It is evident that social media plays a vital role in any field irrespective of boundaries.
To my question about the significance of social media platforms as a tool, Yenara said, “We have to expect both good and bad influences when using social media. After entering the modelling field, I upgraded my Instagram profile. When I upload my photos on Instagram, followers comment on them and share them. Some comments are completely uncalled for and some are positive. However, I can boost my Instagram reach with the support of their comments. Therefore, I do not worry about bad and negative comments. I can attract the attention of those in the modelling field,” Yenara said.
Suggestions
Being an enthusiastic and experienced model, she said that there should be a transformation in the field. As pointed out by Yenara,cultural restrictions also can impact on the country’s modelling field in a negative manner.
“Our cultural norms can hamper the modelling field. That is why Sri Lanka’s modelling fied does not flourish like in other countries. The ideal countries for models are America and Dubai. Such countries have taken steps to uplift their industry.
“Apart from that, sadly in Sri Lanka most people have failed to understand that modelling is an art. They don’t know that it is an art. They have a negative image about models. Unfortunately, some photographers and models in a loose sense, in the modelling field are exploiting the field.
“First, they should be brainwashed and a certain level of education should be stipulated for them. Because of them, many talented models cannot showcase their skills. That is the weakness which I notice in the country when compared with other countries like France, Dubai and America.
“The other problem is that no one encourages girls to enter this field. They think that modelling is for actors and actresses. Majority of Sri Lankans don’t like to think anew and come out of the shell. So how can we develop our industry amid a sea of problems? That is the issue,” said Yenara.
Giant pillars
“ I broke down after my father passed away. Now I am a strong girl and have strengthened myself to bear any pain. My mother is always with me. Whenever I go for a photoshoot, my mother comes with me. Her being with me like a shadow is a great strength in my life. There are many people who helped me. I thank my photographers Dushan Illangakoon and Sandeep Allawara. Rukmal Senanayake should deserve credit for training me,” Yenara said.
Turning point
To my question about the turning point in her life, her reply was interesting.
“Even my decision to enter the modelling field was a turning point in my life. I could participate in many events and act in several teledramas and films. It was unthinkable for me. I have to thank God for perfectly planning my destiny. I have a perfect balance in my life. Already I have set out on a long journey through my efforts. I have both sorrow and joy in my life journey. My goal is to be a professional fashion designer in my field. Obviously, there are many things to learn. I am not perfect. To achieve that goal,I have to do so many things,” Yenara revealed. with pride.
Her message
There is no doubt that Yenara’s message is useful for anyone who increases the risk of cancer just for the sake of beauty. Most girls seem to be oblivious to the permanent scars left by such cosmetic products. Some models and actresses tend to use products at the expense of their skin health. Indeed it is not advisable to use them without good knowledge about the product.
“There can be cosmetic products which can harm your skin and cause skin cancers. So my advice is to refrain from using cosmetic products. If you want to use them, you must seek medical advice first. What has been done can never be undone. We should not risk our lives for the sake of skin colour. I personally do not use any cosmetic products because I am satisfied with my natural skin colour. I do not want to change it,” she said.
Undoubtedly, her message will be important for those who have enslaved themselves to cosmetic products.
Pix: Sandeep Ellawela and Malan Karunaratne