Two young models did Sri Lanka proud recently, at the International Best Female Model 2008, held in Alicante, Spain, on July 20. The International competition, which Nadeeka Perera won last year, saw contestants from about 30 countries participating this year around.
Falan Ranasinghe, was adjudged first runner up, while the winner of the contest for the ladies, was Miss. Puerto Rico and the second runner up Miss. Venenzuela while Miss. Latvia and Miss. Armenia completed the final five.
Chameera Niroshan (24), who won the Model of the year 2006, held in Sri Lanka, due to unavoidable circumstances, could not participate in the last year's competition, but represented the country this year, and was placed in the final five.
Falan who is 19-years-old, studied at All Saints Convent, Borella and comes from a family of three other girls, and one boy. According to Brian Kerkovan, the manager for both Sri Lankan participants, SriLankan Airlines sponsored Falan's air line ticket upto Paris, similar to sponsoring Nadeeka Perera in 2007.
Stone and String sponsored the jewellery, while her casual wear outfits were by John de Silva. Purnima Abeyratne assisted her with her wardrobe, and she was groomed by Cheryl Gooneratne. The national costume for the contest was by Channa Wijewardena and her portfolio was done by Prishan Panditage. Falan also wanted to extend her special thanks to Krishan Ranawaka, Kamil Hewavitharana, Aruni Rajapakse and Brian Kerkoven
Chameera, hailing from Ambalangoda, now lives in Verona, Italy. Soon after winning the Model of the Year contest in Sri Lanka in 2006, he left for Italy, but while here he modelled for the Colombo Fashion Week and also for Infinity Models.
The winner of the male category of the International Best Female Model 2008, was Mr. Spain, with Mr. Amazonia coming in second. Mr. Canary Island came in third and the other finalist was Mr. Coratia. Harry Bond sponsored Chameera’s shirts for this event.
He is at the moment, following an advanced diploma in Airline Ticketing and Airport Handling, while studying Italian and following a professional diploma in photography.
"My target is to try my best to model on a European runway and I want to do this for my country. I want to create a better demand for Sri Lankan models," said Chameera. This young man's hobbies are travelling, swimming, playing volleyball, surfing the net and spending time with his friends. |
E-mail