Cover Girl: Morina from Los Angeles

Hailing from the Southern city of Tangalle, Morina Dassanayake is a superb example of how Sri Lankans are establishing themselves and a little part of their motherland in their respective fields. Morina describes her life’s journey so far as long, not easy, yet wonderful. In 2010, during a Sri Lankan cultural dance performance for an Asian cultural event in Los Angeles, she caught the critical eye of the pageant producer of Mrs. Asia USA, who officially invited her for the competition.  She won the title of runner-up Mrs. Asia USA 2011 and brought her country into the spotlight, with immense pride, through the six categories of Personality, Talent, Popularity, National costume, Swimsuit and Evening gown, amongst 45 Asian contestants.   Morina took this opportunity in the pageant to portray how Sri Lankan cultural and traditional upbringing reflects traits of a hospitable, conservative individual who strongly believes in the significance of family ties and respect for each other.

Morina has a passion for philanthropy. In addition to enjoying the glamour and limelight that comes with being a model, Morina maintains that modeling, dancing and acting are passionate hobbies. She is employed fulltime as a senior bankruptcy specialist at Bank of America. Although modeling is not her career, she claims that a lot of time and effort has to be applied to succeed as a model in the USA and it is a great experience to be blessed with the opportunity to work with people from various cultural backgrounds.   “My Idea is to bring the Sri Lankan fashion industry to the American audience” said Morina commenting on future aspirations.

The allure of being a model, the demanding career, the many philanthropic services and being a mother of two beautiful children, Kobe and Zori, keeps her on her toes. “I’m blessed and thankful to my mother, who’s helping me and supporting me always. Without her help I would never even imagine managing my extra work”, she humbly remembers.

By Nimesha Ratnayaka