My grandfather was my biggest cheerleader. I know he would have wanted me to carry on. That thought gave me the strength I needed
The Fame Game, an exclusive podcast series by The Sun – Daily Mirror, is hosted by the dynamic duo Kumar de Silva and Rozanne Diasz. Offering a rare glimpse beyond the limelight, the show features candid conversations with Sri Lanka’s most celebrated personalities, uncovering the real stories, challenges, and milestones behind their fame. This week’s guest is Sade Greenwood, who proudly represented Sri Lanka at Miss World 2021. Join us as we take a closer look at her journey from her early start in modelling to life after the crown.
Q Sade, welcome to Fame Game! You represented Sri Lanka at Miss World five years ago, quite the milestone. What do you remember most about that journey?
Yes, it all started in 2021, right in the middle of COVID. I was fortunate enough to compete not once but twice. I returned in 2022 when I made it to the Top 40 quarter-finals. The experience was surreal, but also incredibly intense. The first time around, we had just a month to prepare, and things took a wild turn the night before the finals as several contestants tested positive for COVID. It became like Russian roulette, wondering who would get it next. If you tested positive, you had to quarantine in Puerto Rico for weeks and miss Christmas and New Year’s. Thankfully, I didn’t catch it there, but three days after I got back to Sri Lanka, I tested positive!
Q That must have felt like such an anticlimax.
It really was! After all the hard work, things just shut down. But in hindsight, I treated it as a second chance. The first time, I had barely two months to prepare. The second time gave me room to improve my skills and especially my walk. So, I made the most of it.
Q Let’s rewind a bit. You started modelling at just 14. How did that happen?
It’s a funny story! Jacquie Mei, discovered my sister first. She saw her out in public with my dad and approached her about modelling. But my sister was just about to leave for university, so that didn’t work out. Then, my dad turned to Jacquie and said, “Don’t worry, I have another one! He called me immediately, told me to come meet Jacquie, and that’s how it all began.
Q What was your first professional shoot?
It was a campaign with Cotton Collection. But before that came a year of rejections. I was either too young, too inexperienced or surprisingly too fair. It was tough, but I kept going.
Q Is that the period you first met Anudi Gunasekara?
Yes! We met at a casting where we all had to bring pearl earrings. She had forgotten hers and asked to borrow mine and I gave it to her. We connected right away, and it’s amazing how our journeys have run alongside each other since.
Q How did the Miss Sri Lanka title come about?
Completely by chance. I had just finished school and was about to go to university in Japan on a scholarship. But then I was contacted by the Miss Sri Lanka team. They’d seen my work and asked me to come in for an interview. It was surreal, the whole judging panel was there. I wasn’t too nervous; I’ve always believed that if something’s meant for me, it’ll happen. But yes, it was intimidating to be judged from head to toe!
Q What’s the biggest difference between modelling and pageantry?
They’re two completely different things. As a beauty queen, your personality, beliefs, confidence, and communication skills matter so much more. Models can be introverts and still succeed. But as a beauty queen, you need to be confident, bubbly, and consistent in how you present yourself. It’s a product vs person scenario.
Q Worst shoot experience, no names, but spill the tea!
Oh gosh. I once did a commercial for a beverage and had to take dozens of sips for multiple takes. I ended up with a full-blown sugar rush; it was coming out of my ears! They eventually gave me a bucket to spit it out between takes. I haven’t touched that drink since!
Q Jacquie Mei has clearly been a big part of your journey.
Absolutely. Jacquie is like a second mother to me. She’s protected and guided me from the very beginning. Even when I told her I wanted to try beauty pageants, she supported me like family would. I’ll always be grateful for her presence in my life.
Q Your dad also played a huge role during Miss World?
Yes, he was amazing. He helped find sponsors, arranged my travel and everything. Competing in Puerto Rico was expensive, and we had to do it all ourselves. But we received so much support, even from strangers who believed in me. It reminded me how beautiful Sri Lankan generosity can be.
Q On a more personal note, your grandfather passed away on the day you were crowned. How did you cope with that?
It was a lot to process. My family kept the news from me until after the crowning. I was in shock and couldn’t grieve right away. Later, everything hit me at once. I spiraled emotionally when I returned from the pageant. But my family helped me through it. My grandfather was my biggest cheerleader. I know he would have wanted me to carry on. That thought gave me the strength I needed.
Q You just returned from studying in Japan. Tell us about that.
Yes, I moved back in December with a degree in International Relations. While I was there, I also taught English to Japanese professionals, which was a crazy but fulfilling experience. But as beautiful as Japan is, Sri Lanka is home. My heart is here.
Q When Anudi competed at Miss World this year, what did you feel?
I was so proud. I messaged her constantly, probably more than I should have! I just wanted her to know I was there if she needed anything. That final week of the pageant is so special, it’s when real friendships are made.
Q Unfortunately, your name also came up recently during some negative comparisons. How did you deal with that?
It was disheartening. People questioned my identity, my heritage, even my family. But let me be clear: I was born and raised in Sri Lanka, schooled here, and I’m very much Sri Lankan. Anudi and I are friends. There was never any rivalry between us. These comparisons only hurt the women involved and don’t help anyone. We should be celebrating every girl who represents Sri Lanka, not tearing them down.
Q Would you ever consider competing at Miss Universe?
Never say never! I won’t say yes or no, if it’s meant to be, it’ll happen. For now, I’m focused on advocacy work and starting a small business of my own.
Q You’re also part of some amazing charitable initiatives.
Yes! I work with Pearl Protectors, and recently I was appointed Goodness Ambassador by the Foundation of Goodness. I’m deeply passionate about giving back and using my platform for meaningful causes.
Q Any advice for young women hoping to join Miss World Sri Lanka 2026?
Be yourself! that’s my biggest advice. Don’t try to fit into anyone’s definition of “beauty queen material.” There’s no such thing. Bring your personality, your values, and your confidence.
Beauty isn’t a specific look, its courage, empathy, Kindness and authenticity. Let that shine, and the rest will follow.
