INSIDE STORY
EVERY BRITNEY SPEARS’ SONG RANKED
March 23, 2022March 23, 2022
SADÉ GREENWOOD
PRINCESS OF OUR HEARTS
Meet Sadé Greenwood – the fun, adventurous, bubbly, stubborn (her words, not ours!) and courageous young woman who has taken Sri Lanka by storm. Being a student of international relations, dutiful daughter, hilarious sister and loyal friend, Sadé wears many hats...
But her most recent crown is what has garnered our interest most.
Crowned Miss Sri Lanka for Miss World 2021, Greenwood is everything we’ve been looking for in a beauty queen. While her natural beauty is quite something to behold, this young lady is much more than her good looks.
Sadé is no stranger to the world of fashion and modelling, having been the face of Cotton Collection and other well-known local designer brands since the tender age of 14.
“Modelling felt like a different identity I adopted when I wasn’t in school. From a young age, I developed the ability to balance my personal and professional lives really well – I never felt different to those around me in school and nor did they feel I was different to them,” she affirms.
But this didn’t mean that she lost out on her childhood.
On the contrary, when asked about her memories, Sadé fondly recalls: “I’d say my childhood was adventurous. I used to travel everywhere with my grandparents in summer and really step out of my comfort zone with them. In short, I had a spectacular childhood!”
Travelling to unknown places is wonderful and that’s probably where her knowledge of international affairs comes from. This also gives her a better understanding of what needs to change in Sri Lanka and how important it is to have someone who’s proud of the country to promote the island at the Miss World 2021 competition.
" At the pageant, they would refer to us by our country names only. Looking back at the first time I was referred to as ‘Sri Lanka,’ the feeling was indescribable "
“At the pageant, they would refer to us by our country names only. Looking back at the first time I was referred to as ‘Sri Lanka,’ the feeling was indescribable. At that moment, I remember thinking to myself that I was no longer ‘Sadé from Colombo but truly representing 22 million people of my country.”
So what does it mean to represent Sri Lanka?
She responds: “Representing Sri Lanka meant I’d adopted the identity of 22 million individuals. Since returning from Puerto Rico, I have made it my mission to travel around the country (up to the time I leave for the finals) so that I could immerse myself in the different cultures and heritage of our island.”
“So far, I’ve visited local communities in Mannar, Trincomalee and Dambulla, and have plans to travel to more places in my beautiful homeland,” Sadé reveals.
SOUVENIRS FROM PUERTO RICO
Q: Your most memorable mini-competition…
A: My head-to-head challenge was the most memorable mini-competition because I had the opportunity to speak about my grandfather whom I lost on the day of my crowning.
He was my greatest supporter and best friend – so when I was asked who my chief inspiration was, I didn’t hesitate to talk about my grandfather. He was my hero... and speaking so candidly about such a beautiful soul felt like I was paying tribute to his memory.
Q: The question you found hardest to answer…
A: Again, I think it was the question about who inspired me the most... because it was hard for me to keep it together as I answered.
Since his passing was so recent, talking about him was very painful. But looking back, I’m so glad I did speak – because I know he would’ve been so proud of me.
Q: Your pageant BFFs…
A: Well, this question is hard! I made friends with loads of amazing beauty queens in Puerto Rico and bonded deeply with most of the ‘red team’ members – because we spent so much time together during the course of a month.
Miss Norway, Miss Scotland and Miss Wales were three of my BFFs. All of us had very similar personalities and got along so well that it felt as if we had known each other for many years!
She takes us through her Instagram account that details her fascinating journey in Puerto Rico. Let’s not forget the many times we pressed the ‘vote’ button and eagerly watched as her number rose! Sadé eventually made it to the top 40 in the Miss World 2021 competition, which is an achievement in its own right.
Reflecting on her experiences at Miss World, Greenwood says: “I can say that ‘Sri Lanka’ had the best time of her life! I met so many amazing young women who are doing great work in their countries. It truly was an honour to hear and learn about their ‘beauty with a purpose’ projects.”
“I made many friends and memories during this journey. And I’m extremely appreciative of this opportunity, as well as grateful that I was able to represent my country further in the competition as a semifinalist at Miss World 2021. It really feels like a dream... someone may need to pinch me!” she enthuses.
" Since returning from Puerto Rico, I have made it my mission to travel around the country (up to the time I leave for the finals) so that I could immerse myself in the different cultures and heritage of our island "
As an animal lover and activist, Sadé uses her voice for those who can’t speak. She believes that actions speak louder than words, and has used her social media platforms to spell out the many ways in which we have the power to save our beautiful beaches and the island’s beloved wildlife.
As an ambassador for the youth-led marine conservation group The Pearl Protectors, Greenwood explains: “I have grown up with animals, and developed a deep fondness for all beings and species – because my family loves animals.”
“At 16, I joined Embark as a part-time volunteer where I met like-minded individuals who wanted to make a difference in the world. That’s where I met Muditha – one of the founders of The Pearl Protectors. His vision moved me and I developed a deep desire to make a difference in the world, no matter how small it may be!” she declares.
DIGGING DEEP
Q: Your most memorable moment so far…
A: I think it was a visit to Scotland with my grandparents. It was one of the last trips I had with my grandfather; and to me, it was one of the most unforgettable. He was ex-military – so we travelled all the way to Scotland to watch the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
That was an amazing show and it felt like time had stood still. The look on my grandfather’s face was one of pure admiration. It’s definitely an event I wish I could experience again.
Q: Things you’ve learned by working as a fashion model…
A: Always be punctual and neat! It’s extremely important to be well put together when working in this industry – especially when it comes to punctuality because it’s a good discipline to have.
People around you, particularly clients, will greatly appreciate this. And be kind and stay humble, no matter what and wherever life takes you.
Q: Most embarrassing moment so far…
A: I don’t think anything too embarrassing has happened to me recently. Even if something awkward does happen, I tend to laugh about it and move on!
Q: Your purpose in life…
A: I believe my purpose in life is to help people and motivate them to be the change they want to see in the world.
In this belief, I hope to inspire more youth into volunteerism, and help them build confidence and start their own charitable organisations someday.
In the meantime, I’m presently reading for my degree and eventually want to use the knowledge I gain to help people.
Q: Best advice received…
A: Always stay humble and grounded, and be kind... no matter what!
This is something my mother used to tell me all the time when I was growing up. I never realised the importance of this piece of golden advice until much later. So listen to your elders, folks!
Q: Yourself in the next 10-20 years…
A: Probably owning an animal sanctuary somewhere or perhaps working at the foreign ministry! I’d also love to have completed my PhD by then. Fingers crossed!
But there’s something you may not be privy to…
Sadé Greenwood is also a singer – an amazing singer at that! During her schooling at Asian International a.k.a. AIS, Sadé took part in various musical programmes and ended her high school tenure as the lead actor in her alma mater’s rendition of Rock of Ages, for which she received a standing ovation every night of the performance.
" My head-to-head challenge was the most memorable mini-competition because I had the opportunity to speak about my grandfather whom I lost on the day of my crowning "
So has she set her sights on returning to the stage?
The beauty queen laughs, responding: “Yes, most definitely! Acting and theatre were a huge part of my childhood, and I hope to continue doing the things I love well into my adulthood.”
A singer, a dancer, a model and an advocate, Sadé is a truly remarkable young woman who’s still on the cusp of glory. A university student right now, we wonder whether her ‘college girl’ experience will be anything like normal.
SADÉ’S FAVOURITES
COLOURS
Blue
White
Red
HUMANITARIANS
Audrey Hepburn
Jane Goodall
Mahatma Gandhi
MUSICIANS
James Brown
Sade
Luciano Pavarotti
LOCAL DESIGNERS
Aslam Hussein
Amilani Perera
Radhika Perera-Hernandez
INTERNATIONAL DESIGNERS
Calvin Klein
Coco Chanel
Donatella Versace
SONGS
Lovely Day – by Bill Withers
Everything in Its Right Place – by Radiohead
Our House – by Madness
MOVIES
Pride & Prejudice
Lilo and Stitch
Blended
DAYS OF THE WEEK
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
TRAVEL HOTSPOTS
Galle
Berlin
London
CUISINE
Italian
Sri Lankan
BRANDS
Charles & Keith
Revlon
Embark
GLOBAL ICONS
Elon Musk
Keira Knightley
Henry Cavill
FILL IN THE BLANKS
When you dance, you look like…
Dancing spaghetti – because of my long limbs
If you were a superhero, your superpower would be…
Reading minds
A good theme song for life would be…
You Get What You Give – by New Radicals
The first thing you notice in a first encounter with someone is…
Their eyes and smile
You recently laughed out loud when…
I accidentally tripped and nearly fell flat on my face during a shoot
You know it’s going to be a bad day when…
The last doughnut is eaten
Social media is…
Not real
Once more, she laughs good-naturedly at the question and replies: “I think I’ll be able to do so! Many of my university friends were supportive on this journey but still see me as ‘the same old Sadé.’ You can fit in anywhere as long as you’re being your most authentic self.”
Wise words, indeed!
" It’s extremely important to be well put together when working in this industry – especially when it comes to punctuality because it’s a good discipline to have "
As the media has published bits and pieces about this multi-talented beauty queen already, we decided to dig a little deeper and highlight some little-known aspects of a young lady who wears the national crown.
Ashwini Vethakan goes behind the scenes with Miss Sri Lanka for Miss World 2021 to learn about her background and journey, as well as her preferences, hopes and aspirations.
ABOUT SADÉ
BIRTHDAY
14 May 2002
EDUCATION
Asian International School (AIS)
Tokyo International University (TIU)
FAMILY
Dad (Patrick)
Mum (Samanthie)
Sister (Sabrina)
Pets (Lola, Hunter and Blue)
HOBBIES
Singing
Reading
Writing poetry
ALWAYS WANTED TO BE
A singer
AMBITION IN LIFE
To be a diplomat
LOVES
The smell of rain
Evening jazz sessions
Unabashed laughter
HATES
Impatience
Rudeness
PET PEEVES
People chewing with their mouths open
Folks talking with their mouths full of food
Loud conversations in public
MUST-HAVE THINGS
Family
Friends
Dogs
ROLE MODELS
Her parents – “They’re the perfect example of what it means to possess a balance of strength and perseverance.”
MOTTO IN LIFE
Always stay humble and be kind
QUICK-FIRE ROUND
Sunrise or sunset
Sunset
Beach or mountains
Beach
Ride or drive
Ride
Fight or flight
Flight
Truth or dare
Truth
Dogs or cats
Both
Chocolate or vanilla
Vanilla
Mocktail or cocktail
Mocktail
High heels or flip-flops
High heels
Cook or foodie
Foodie
Diamonds or pearls
Diamonds
Work or play
Work
Radio or Spotify
Radio
Online or offline
Offline
Instagram or TikTok
Instagram
HAIR
Razeen (Luke)
of Chagall
MAKEUP
Jacquie Mei
of the Model Atelier
DESIGNERS
Black tux (The Model Atelier)
Green gown (Limak by Kamil)
Red jumpsuit (L’Atelier Touché)
White gown (Limak by Kamil)
