Words by Easha

A former national swimmer and now a full time digital marketer with a great love for modelling, Harini Silva has become truly sensational among her people for being the first sri lankan woman to land 1st Runners Up at Top Model of The World 2018 held in Egypt. She is also one of the Co-founders of ISLAND Inc, an arts an entertainment brand thats also a media news company which provided a platform for all artists internationally to bring fresh concepts and unique experiences into reality.

Her mother , a beauty queen titled as Miss Sri lanka for Asia Pacific in 1982, proved to be a great friend and her biggest motivation lighting the spark in her from the beginning allowing her to successfully rise up in the industry. Since then she has now worked with big brands in Srilanka such as ODEL, KESS, Lois London and has walked for Colombo Fashion Week for continuous 5 years along with the Dubai Expo Fashion Show which was held in December & January 2022. One of her favorite designer wear brands to work with is Limak by Kamil.

Harini is one that almost seems to effortlessly breeze through the tireless work and effort that comes with such a competitive industry. preparing for busy working hours prior to shoots and learning to work with different kinds of people, keeping track of a balanced diet abundant with greens and working out at least twice a day are just a few examples amongst the many more work ethics that Harini carries out responsibly and with ease.

Committing to these important routines and daily lifestyle changes it allowed her to exude pure confidence during hectic runway shows and busy catalogue shoots, a trait that Harini claims is the most important part of the job. “Confidence is what matters. That way, even if I win or lose, I will still be remembered. I will still have left a mark.” Of course, confidence isn’t her only secret as she states that listening to her favorite Music genre (Melodic and Progressive House) with a cup of coffee also helps her get by such stressful schedules and events!

Confidence allowed her to rise up in the industry, but Harini claims that what truly helped her become a great model is because she was always herself and believed that she has what it takes. “In an industry like this, there will be so many doubts. You need to believe that you are beautiful and unique. Stop doubting yourself and tell yourself that you have it in you.” Being forever grateful for this career for allowing her to find herself through all of the successes and obstacles she has faced, she encourages every other talented model starting out to do the same thing. Finding out who they are.

With her daily routines, beliefs and noticable charisma combined, Harini has already come so far but still remains just as ambitious and excited for what the future of the Srilankan Modelling Industry holds for her and all the other models. “I would like to see Srilankan models represent bigger brands around the world”.

Let’s hope that one day we will have a very talented, down to earth and beautiful woman visiting our country. Loving tropical themed shoots along her curiosity for our culture, Harini hopes to come to Maldives to experience our lifestyle and we just might get to see her collaborate with some of our talented models here as well!