More than a coveted Title
One moment that stands out was when I had the opportunity to proudly say ‘Sri Lanka’ with pride and love
At just 25 years old, Melloney Dassanayake has mastered the art of balancing ambition with grace – her journey is one of perseverance and endurance. The young banker and professional model triumphed over 17 other contestants to claim the coveted title of Miss Universe Sri Lanka 2024.
With this victory under her belt, Melloney proudly represented the island on the global Miss Universe stage in Mexico – a feat that reflects her commitment to celebrating Sri Lanka’s beauty and culture.
And yet, this milestone is just one chapter in her multifaceted story…
As a banker, she empowers individuals through financial literacy, advocating for economic independence and informed decision making. Melloney’s achievements as a national basketball player instilled a sense of discipline, teamwork and resilience in her – qualities she seamlessly carries into every endeavour.
Beyond her professional and sporting pursuits, she plays the role of a model, exuding confidence both on and off the runway.
Her journey to the world stage was driven by a firm belief in the power of dreams. With a heart full of purpose, Melloney has used – and indeed, continues to use – her platform to advocate for women’s empowerment and highlight causes close to her heart.
She embodies the spirit of the modern Sri Lankan woman; and her story is a testament to the extraordinary achievements that are within reach when passion combines with perseverance, making Melloney an inspiring representative of our paradise island.
Tamara Rebeira sat down with the young beauty queen to catch a glimpse of her experience on the Miss Universe stage and the invaluable lessons she gained along the way.
ABOUT MELLONEY
BIRTHDAY
7 July
EDUCATION
St. Lawrence’s Convent
Holy Family Convent
Bachelor’s in Business Administration (Metropolitan University – UK)
FAMILY
Mother, father, brother, grandparents and four dogs
HABITS
Exploratory
Organised
Self-care
DRIVEN BY
My passion
YET TO TRY
Camping
FUTURE GOALS
To be a prominent voice for women in Sri Lanka
LOVE
Trying new food
Animals
Travelling
PET PEEVES
Dishonesty
Littering
Being harmful to animals
MUST-HAVE THINGS
Water bottle
Phone
Sunglasses
FAVOURITE PASTIMES
Playing basketball
Star gazing
Learning about Sri Lankan history
THE PAGEANT JOURNEY
Q: What inspired you to participate in the Miss Universe Sri Lanka pageant and how has the experience shaped you as a person?
A: From a young age, I was inspired by women representing their cultures and showcasing their talent on a global stage. I often imagined myself in their shoes, wanting to make a mark and highlight Sri Lanka’s beauty. I aspired to represent my country while raising awareness for causes I believe in, for a better future.
As I grew older, this dream evolved, shaping me into a confident and authentic individual. Competing in Miss Universe Sri Lanka allowed me to embrace who I truly am, stand tall and fight for what I believe.
Q: What challenges did you face during your time at the Miss Universe contest in Mexico City? And how did you overcome them?
A: I had an incredible support system, including the pageant’s national director Nirmal Bandara, my choreographer and former Miss Universe Sri Lanka Rozanne Diasz, my family and close friends. They provided everything I needed to compete at my best.
I also struck meaningful friendships with foreign delegates and the [Miss Universe] organisation, which supported me immensely, helping me prepare and be ready for each challenge.
A major challenge I faced was not receiving sufficient votes and likes, despite completing all my tasks and performing well. Most of the top 30 contestants were selected based on these numbers; and while I did have support, it wasn’t enough compared to the overwhelming numbers that other contestants garnered.
The time I had to campaign and garner support was also limited. However, I chose to stay focussed and used this challenge as motivation to remain determined and resilient. Even though the votes didn’t reflect my efforts, I kept pushing forward, knowing that the journey was more than rankings or numbers.
It was about personal growth, building relationships and representing my country. I brought back invaluable lessons and confidence to continue pursuing my goals.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment from your experience at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant?
A: Every moment at the competition was special as it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. However, one moment that stands out was when I had the opportunity to proudly say ‘Sri Lanka’ with pride and love.
Seeing so many cheer for our country was incredibly moving and unforgettable.
Another memorable moment was walking the stage in the beautiful national costume, an honour that enabled me to showcase our rich culture and heritage. The pride I felt wearing it was indescribable.
FAVOURITES
HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS
Kandy
Maldives
Australia
CUISINE
Sri Lankan
Indian
Cantonese
BUCKET LIST
Hot air ballooning
Go-karting
Sky diving
PERFECT WEEKEND
Staying at home and spending time with family
THE SPORTSWOMAN
From a young age, I was inspired by women representing their cultures and showcasing their talent on a global stage
Q: As a banker by profession and being a national basketball player, how did you manage the physical demands of pageantry?
A: Balancing my career as a banker, part-time TV host and basketball player, while holding the Miss Universe Sri Lanka title, is about setting clear goals and staying focussed. I even played in the mercantile basketball finals a day before the Miss Universe Sri Lanka competition.
Though my schedule is constantly packed, I embrace it, driven by the power of passion and purpose. Each role has different demands; and despite these differences, passion fuels my energy and drive to move forward.
Effective time management, prioritising tasks and staying disciplined motivates me to give my best to each endeavour. As long as I approach everything with passion and determination, my journey remains fulfilling and rewarding.
Q: Did your background in sports have any influence on your journey in the world of pageants?
A: While both require discipline, dedication and hard work, the skills and experiences I gained from sports were not specifically related to pageantry.
However, the mindset of perseverance and striving for excellence, which I developed through sports, certainly helped me navigate the challenges of pageantry with confidence and determination.
Q: If you could draw attention to one aspect of basketball here in Sri Lanka, what would it be – and why is it important?
A: Sri Lanka has great potential; but to unlock it, we must nurture young talent, provide resources to train the players and excel. By focussing on these imperatives, we can improve the quality of our game and inspire future generations to pursue basketball at higher levels.
This is important as it helps build a strong foundation for the sport, promotes teamwork and discipline, and provides opportunities for young players to grow on and off the court. With stringent support, basketball can become a prominent sport in the country.
Q: Having excelled in basketball and now pursuing a career in banking, what advice would you offer young females aspiring to balance their work and ambitions?
A: Pursue whatever your heart desires. As women, we’re often confined by society’s expectations but it’s important to break free from those constraints and live life fully.
Be the change you want to see: take risks, try new things, and follow your heart and mind.
You can wear many hats and still excel, if you put your heart and soul into everything you do. The key is to manage responsibilities effectively while staying true to yourself.
MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES
Winning Miss Universe Sri Lanka and representing my country on an international platform
BEYOND BEAUTY
Effective time management, prioritising tasks and staying disciplined motivates me to give my best to each endeavour
Q: You’ve been involved with the Rotaract Club. How do you balance your philanthropic work with modelling and other commitments?
A: Effective time management and focussing on priorities are key. I’m passionate about giving back to my community, and my involvement with the Rotaract Club reflects my values of service for making a positive impact.
While my schedule is busy, I plan and organise to dedicate time for philanthropy without feeling overwhelmed. Every role I take on – whether it is modelling, philanthropy or other pursuits – contributes to my personal growth, making each experience meaningful.
Balancing commitments is driven by purpose, passion and a clear sense of responsibility.
Q: What are the misconceptions about pageant title winners that you’d like to dispel on the basis of your experiences?
A: A common misconception is that pageants primarily focus on physical beauty… but this is only a small part of the big picture. Pageants assess qualities such as confidence, intelligence, emotional intelligence and leadership.
Another myth is that the final day’s performance determines the winner, which isn’t true. Judging begins from the moment contestants enter with significant weight given to the personal interview round. This crucial segment reveals a contestant’s depth, beyond appearance or stage presence.
Viewers often base their judgements on the finals alone, unaware of the prior interviews and evaluations that shape the results, further fuelling misunderstandings about the selection process.
Q: What advice would you offer to young girls who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
A: Always listen to your inner voice – trust that inner guidance that believes in you and encourages you to chase your dreams.
Never let anyone dim your light or make you doubt your potential. Strive to be the best version of yourself and remember that true success comes from staying authentic to who you are.
Be courageous and take risks; don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. Embrace challenges, love and trust yourself, believe in your abilities and don’t seek validation from others.
Q: And what would you consider your greatest achievement so far?
A: Winning the Miss Universe Sri Lanka 2024 title – it was a moment that validated all the hard work, dedication and passion I put into the journey; and it also gave me the opportunity to represent my country on an international stage.
The title holds immense value to me as it signifies overcoming challenges, embracing my true self, and inspiring others to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. It has shaped me in ways I never imagined.
DESCRIBE SRI LANKA TO FOREIGNERS
Sri Lanka is a land of natural beauty, rich culture, warm hospitality, diverse landscapes and great cuisine, offering something for everyone
Knowing that I’ve been a source of support, love and happiness to the people around me is what defines success for me
THE PERSON
Q: What does ‘success’ mean to you?
A: Success is about staying connected with my family and friends. True success lies in being present in the lives of the people I care about and creating lasting memories with them.
It’s not merely about personal achievements but also about the relationships we build and the positive impact we have on each other’s lives. Knowing that I’ve been a source of support, love and happiness to the people around me is what defines success for me.
Q: Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?
A: I live by the teachings of the Buddha.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
A: I see myself being the humble and grounded person I am. I hope to expand my advocacy efforts towards financial literacy, reaching even more people and making a significant impact by creating awareness about its importance.
And I want to be known as someone who empowers others to make informed decisions about their financial future, especially in underserved communities. I’d also love to be involved in the tourism industry and extend my support to promote Sri Lanka to the rest of the world.
Q: Who has been the biggest influence in your life – and why?
A: My biggest influence is my family; we are closely-knit, and every step I take is guided and supported by them. Their love and encouragement keeps me going and I’m grateful to them.
My family always encourages me to be the best version of myself and most importantly, they have instilled in me the values of kindness, integrity and being a good human being. Their influence has shaped who I am today… and I continue to carry their lessons with me.
Never let anyone dim your light or make you doubt your potential
