Anudi Gunasekara: Empowering Women Through the Beauty of Resilience and Compassion

Anudi Gunasekara wears the title of Miss Sri Lanka for Miss World 2024 with a sense of purpose – she has already made her mark as a model and a content creator. Her journey, however, is about much more than titles and achievements. She remains firmly committed to uplifting communities and empowering women with her title.

Anudi is from Anuradhapura, holds a degree in International Studies from the University of Kelaniya and comes from a closely knit family. She believes strongly in sharing values of compassion and purpose with everyone around her.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself, Anudi? Who are you beyond the titles and achievements?

Right now, I am fully immersed in my pageant journey to represent Sri Lanka at Miss World next year. Additionally, I am deeply involved in charity work through my organization, Saheli, which focuses on combating period poverty in Sri Lanka. I’m also a part-time fashion model and content creator. My future plans include pursuing higher studies and joining the Foreign Services of Sri Lanka, where I hope to represent my country on international platforms.”

As a pageant queen, you’ve achieved so much. Could you share some of your proudest moments or successes in your journey?

“Miss World has always held a special place in my heart. It’s not just a pageant but a platform that aligns with my values and aspirations. My journey wasn’t easy. I’d wanted to participate since I was a schoolgirl, but various challenges—including the pandemic—delayed my dream. Despite facing setbacks, I persisted.

Winning Miss Sri Lanka was the culmination of years of hard work, sleepless nights, and balancing university studies with rigorous training. It was a tough journey, but I’m grateful for the resilience and determination that helped me succeed.

What are some of the core values that guide your life and decisions? (Anudi Gunasekara)

Three key values define my journey: authenticity, compassion, and resilience.

Authenticity – Embracing your true self is crucial. When you’re authentic, life becomes easier because you’re not trying to maintain a facade. Authenticity also makes you relatable, which is vital for someone like me, representing a diverse country of 22 million people.

Compassion – This value drives my charity work with Saheli. I believe every woman deserves dignity and comfort, regardless of biological challenges like menstruation. Compassion inspires me to uplift others and stay connected to my purpose.

Resilience – Life has tested me in countless ways, but I’ve never given up. Resilience has been my anchor, allowing me to rise stronger after every setback. It’s this resilience that has brought me to where I am today.

Your charity venture has made a positive impact on society. Could you tell us more about the good you’re doing and the inspiration behind it?

Saheli was born from my research into women’s rights in Sri Lanka, where I discovered period poverty as a significant but under-discussed issue. Unlike topics like breast cancer, menstruation remains a taboo subject, limiting awareness and action. Through Saheli, I focus on three pillars:

1. Donations: We provide sanitary products—primarily sanitary napkins—to women in need. While reusable products are ideal, cultural attitudes in Sri Lanka make them less viable.
2. Sanitation facilities: We work to improve access to clean water and washroom facilities in schools and other vulnerable communities.
3. Awareness: Education is crucial. We conduct programs on topics like menstrual hygiene, menopause, and postpartum menstruation, ensuring that knowledge spreads across generations.

Our initiatives extend to women in prisons, pregnant mothers, and other marginalized groups. My ultimate goal is to break the silence around menstruation and empower women to live with dignity.

For young women looking up to you, what advice would you like to share with them as they navigate their own paths?

To every young woman, I say: dream big and never let society define your worth. No matter how unrealistic your dreams may seem, believe in yourself and work relentlessly to make them a reality. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you, and always invest in your growth—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Don’t be afraid to take up space and own your journey. Resilience and self-belief are powerful tools. Trust your path and know that you are capable of achieving everything you aspire to.

Anudi Gunasekara’s story is a testament to the power of authenticity, compassion, and resilience. From her work with Saheli to her determination to represent Sri Lanka on the global stage, she embodies the values of empowerment and purpose. Her journey inspires young women to dream fearlessly and work tirelessly toward their goals.