Ms. Aruni Ganewatte was born in Sri Lanka in 1979 and migrated to the United States with her family when she was 10 years old in hopes of achieving the American dream. She is the eldest child of Sunil and Late Chandreka De Silva, and has two beautiful children Sahan, 10, and Savanah, 9, with her husband Suranga.
Ms. Ganewatte obtained her M.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences from California State University, Northridge. She is currently working as a Behavior Analyst for children with Autism. She has always enjoyed working with special needs children and it is her passion to serve and care for them. She also takes great pride in her hobby of participating in beauty pageants during her down time well as managing a great non-profit organization that serve a great impact in the Sri Lankan Communities around the world.
As a child, Aruni was introduced to the world of beauty pageants by her mother. In 2000 Aruni won 2nd runner up for Miss Asia U.S.A. and went on to win the “Prettiest Five” Virgoa Awards in 2001 and in 2003. One of her proudest moments came when she was crowned Miss Sri Lanka/Canada/ U.S.A. in (2001). In 2011 Aruni won the “Peoples Choice award” ,in Mrs. Asia USA pageant. This was her final pageant she has done as a tribute for her mother, Chandika De Silva, who was killed in a car accident on July 17th 2010 in the US.
Ms. Ganewatte’s other accomplishments include establishing the Sri Lankan Youth Organization (“SLYO”) in 2011 and growing the organization to a global status by establishing 7 chapters in the US , UK and In Canada . Aruni’s organization has over 6000 followers on various social media outlets. SLYO was created to impact the lives of Sri Lankan youth living abroad and in Sri Lanka by providing leadership and networking opportunities. On August 15th, 2015 at the Sri Lanka Day members of the SLYO showed their dedication and hard work when they showcased the Cultural Pageant 2015 which was applauded by many spectators.
Aruni believes her growing up in dual cultures gives her a valuable balance of strength and independence intertwined with traditional values. These values combined give her the power to inspire youth and motivate them to reach as far as they dare to dream.
