Shivani Vasagam Wedanayake, born on February 25, 1971, is a renowned Sri Lankan model, entrepreneur, and beauty pageant titleholder. With a legacy rooted in the entertainment and arts, thanks to her father, the cinematographer A. V. M. Vasagam, Shivani has made significant strides in multiple fields, including fashion, beauty, and business. Her multifaceted career highlights her versatility and commitment to excellence.
Early Life and Education
Shivani Vasagam Wedanayake was educated at Bishop’s College, Colombo. Her foray into the modeling world began in 1991 when she was discovered by a fashion photographer while walking in Colombo. Encouraged to pursue modeling, she enrolled in Senaka De Silva’s School of Catwalk and Photographic Modeling, laying the foundation for a successful career.
Modeling Career
Shivani’s modeling journey took off when she won the Model of the Year award in 1992, which established her as a prominent figure in the fashion industry. She has worked with esteemed designers and photographers, including Senaka De Silva, Lou Ching Wong, Chrys Fernandopulle, Dinesh Chandrasena, Andre Estefan, Dhammika Amerasekera, Mangala Innocence, and many others. Notably, she served as a fit model for Victoria’s Secret.
Throughout the 1990s, Shivani was a leading model in Sri Lanka, often gracing the covers of magazines and opening major fashion shows. She played a crucial role in promoting Sri Lanka’s Batiks, Silks, and Handlooms industries through international fashion shows like ‘Shades of Sri Lanka,’ traveling to countries such as Belgium, Italy, France, Abu Dhabi, and Oman. Her work extended to India, where she modeled for Tex Linen.
Shivani’s print and television modeling portfolio includes campaigns for brands like Odel Elephant Orphanage, Axe Oil, Lakme Cold Cream, Lipton Tea, and Janome Sewing Machine. She collaborated with leading photographers such as Gamini Saparamadu and Athula Mahawalage.
Pageantry Success
Shivani’s beauty and poise led her to represent Sri Lanka in various international beauty pageants. In 1993, she competed in the Miss Asia Pacific Quest held in Manila, Philippines. In 1995, she won the Miss Universe Sri Lanka title, earning the opportunity to represent her country at the Miss Universe 1995 pageant in Windhoek, Namibia. She achieved notable scores in the preliminaries, placing 22nd out of 82 contestants.
Her success continued in 1999 when she won the Mrs. World Sri Lanka title and competed in the Mrs. World pageant in Jerusalem, Israel. Among contestants from 48 countries, Shivani secured the 4th runner-up position, showcasing her grace and charm on an international stage.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Beyond modeling and pageantry, Shivani Vasagam Wedanayake has made significant contributions to the business world. In 1996, she co-founded WEB Syndicate, Sri Lanka’s pioneering web design and development company, coinciding with the advent of the Internet. Under her leadership, the company provided cutting-edge technology solutions to prominent clients, including exporters like Ceylon Black Tea, hotel chains such as the Confifi Group, conglomerates like the Stassen Group, and multinationals such as Unilever.
WEB Syndicate was instrumental in launching Sri Lanka’s first fully integrated shopping cart facility for Dilmah Tea and establishing a state-of-the-art design studio. These innovations positioned the company as a leader in the web development industry in Sri Lanka.
Published Poet
In addition to her achievements in fashion, pageantry, and business, Shivani is also a published poet. Her work has been recognized by the National Library of North American Poets, showcasing yet another dimension of her creative talent.
Legacy and Impact
Shivani Vasagam Wedanayake’s journey from a model discovered in Colombo to an international beauty queen and successful entrepreneur is a testament to her determination, talent, and versatility. Her contributions to the fashion industry, her representation of Sri Lanka on global platforms, and her pioneering work in web development have left an indelible mark. Shivani continues to inspire many with her multifaceted career and commitment to excellence in all her endeavors.
