Fame Game Featuring Bernie Balasuriya
Bernie Balasuriya joined Fame Game for a warm and candid conversation with hosts Kumar de Silva and Rozanne Diasz, sharing memories of her career, family, beauty, pageantry and the experiences that shaped her outlook on life.
Q: You have a completely new look. What made you decide to change your hairstyle and stop colouring your hair?
A: I had been colouring my hair for many years, but eventually felt it was time for a change. I had been considering embracing my natural grey hair for some time, and after seeing how much grey had grown in, I decided it was time to stop covering it. Inspired by my parents, who had also embraced their grey hair, I chose to accept it and, on my birthday, had my hair cut short without colouring it
Q: Are you comfortable with your new short hairstyle?
A: Very comfortable. In fact, it has made life much easier. Previously, after a shower, I had to dry my hair, set it, and use mousse, gel, conditioner and several other products. Now there is much less work involved. It saves time, money and stress. I feel much more relaxed because I am simply being myself. There is also much less clutter when it comes to hair products.
Q: What was your experience like competing as Mrs. Sri Lanka at the Classic Mrs. Asia International Tourism pageant?
A: Rozanne played an important role in encouraging me to take part, and I took the competition very seriously. If I set my mind on something, I want to do it properly and to the best of my ability. I prepared myself thoroughly. I prepared my clothes, my speeches and the questions that might be asked. I practiced the catwalk and everything else that was necessary. My belief has always been that preparation is important. If you prepare yourself properly, you give yourself a much better chance of succeeding. You have to do your homework. When I went to the competition, I was 50 years old and it was an Asia Classic competition in the over 50 category. There were contestants from several Asian countries, including India and Pakistan. I was confident in myself and my own personality, and I managed to get through the competition successfully.
Q: Did your husband support you during the competition and your other activities?
A: Very much. He has always been my tower of strength. He guides me, gives me advice and supports me in everything I do. He gives me the information and guidance I need, and I try my best to listen to him. His support has been important throughout my journey.
Q: Where did your interest in hairdressing and beauty begin?
A: I think it was always within me, from a very young age. My grandmother was a very good seamstress and used to make dresses. I would cut out dresses for paper dolls, colour them, and match their clothes and shoes. I enjoyed creating different looks for my paper dolls. I would make one outfit for a party, another for school, and experiment with different hairstyles. At school, I also enjoyed doing makeup for girls who were taking part in concerts. I was involved in drama as well. I simply loved makeup and anything connected with beauty and presentation. I remember an incident from my childhood when my aunt had left a small bottle on a windowsill after using it. I thought it was lipstick because I was already fascinated by makeup. I put it on my lips, only to discover that it was nail polish. My lips started burning, and my mother quickly made me wipe it off. It was a memorable lesson in the difference between cosmetics.
Q: Who was your first client?
A: My first client was actually my sister. She wanted me to cut and perm her hair before she left for Australia, so I did her hair. Later, when I opened my salon, some of my friends were there. My salon has always been focused on women.
Q: After establishing yourself in the salon industry, why did you move into teaching?
A: Hairdressing has changed enormously. In the past, going to a salon generally meant having a haircut or colouring your hair. Over time, the industry developed into something much broader, with proper curricula, syllabuses and professional qualifications. Talent is important, but eventually talent alone is not enough. You also need knowledge. People try different things with hair, and without proper knowledge, there can be mistakes, blunders and serious problems. Hairdressing involves chemicals and different techniques, so it is important to learn the correct procedures. Today, beauty education covers a wide range of areas, including hair, nails and skin. Technology has also advanced significantly, creating many new possibilities. But with those possibilities comes the responsibility to understand what is safe and what is not.
Q: Where should a beautician or hairdresser draw the line when it comes to medical problems?
A: This is extremely important. We are beauticians, not doctors. There are certain areas that must be handled by medical professionals. For example, if someone has a serious skin problem, they should see a dermatologist. For cosmetic issues, there are specialists such as cosmetologists, while serious hair related problems may require a trichologist. A beautician should know the limits of their expertise. If a problem is beyond what can safely be treated in a salon, the client should be advised to see a doctor. Unfortunately, there are occasions when people try to do everything because money becomes the priority. That is not right. When professionals attempt to handle medical problems beyond their expertise, the consequences can be serious. It can even damage the reputation of experienced professionals in the industry. People should therefore be aware of their responsibilities and understand when a client needs to be referred to the appropriate medical professional.
Q: What was life like for you growing up in Kandy?
A: I grew up in a family of six children and I was the fourth. My father worked in government service, so our family moved around the country. I attended several schools, beginning in Colombo before moving to Kandy. I eventually attended Good Shepherd Convent in Kandy, which was a very important part of my life. Unfortunately, I had to leave school in Year Nine after my father passed away. I was only 13 years old. My mother had to raise six children, and it was not easy financially. There were times when she could not afford the school fees. I remember being repeatedly asked to bring the fees, and eventually I told my mother that I could not continue at the school. My mother then went to a government department and asked for a government school for her children because she could not afford the fees. I moved to Pushpadana Girls' College, which was closer to the town. Although leaving Good Shepherd Convent was difficult, I later did very well at my new school.
Q: Did you ever feel that you wanted to give something back to the school you had left?
A: Yes. Years later, I became involved with the Past Pupils' Association of Good Shepherd Convent. I served as its secretary for two years and later became president. During my time as president, I helped raise approximately two million rupees for the school's development fund. In that way, I felt that I was able to give something back to the school. It was emotional because the circumstances that forced me to leave school were not really anybody's fault. My mother was struggling to raise six children, and she did everything she could for us. Eventually, all six children were raised well, and my mother lived to the age of 90 in Australia. I remain very proud of her.
Q: How would you describe yourself as a mother and grandmother?
A: I love my children very much. I am now also a grandmother, with three grandchildren. It is a wonderful experience to spend time with them. My eldest grandson is 15, while the others are 13 and 11. They grow up very quickly, so being able to enjoy time with them is special.
Q: You have always been described as something of a tomboy. Is that still part of you?
A: Yes, I think that part of me is still there. When I was younger, I was a tomboy. I grew up being active and adventurous, and I enjoyed climbing trees and getting involved in things. I think that attitude has remained with me. Life can be tough, but we only have one life, so we have to make the most of it.
Q: Do you have any regrets in life?
A: I do not spend time thinking about regrets. There have been many obstacles and difficult situations, but I have always tried to jump over them rather than remain focused on them. If you have a problem, there is no point in constantly talking about it or feeding it. Once something has happened, it is gone. You have to look towards the future. I have always tried to maintain a positive attitude. Even when I was young, I wanted to do things well and give my best. Life is a challenge and an experience. You have to take every opportunity that comes your way and make the best of it.
----------------------------
Bernie Balasuriya's story is ultimately one of resilience, self-acceptance and continuous growth. From discovering her passion for beauty as a young girl to building a career in hairdressing, representing Sri Lanka internationally and giving back to her former school, she has approached each stage of life with determination. Her message is simple yet meaningful: accept who you are, learn from experience, face challenges with positivity and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.
