12 Jul 2026 | By Nuskiya Nasar Aakhir
Viyana Pietersz is a Sri Lankan model, environmental advocate, and beauty queen who was crowned Miss Earth Sri Lanka 2023. Committed to using her platform for meaningful impact, she is a passionate champion of environmental conservation and youth empowerment, believing that influence is most valuable when it inspires positive change.
Beyond the world of pageantry and fashion, Viyana is driven by a love for learning, travelling, and immersing herself in diverse cultures. Her journey reflects a balance of elegance, purpose, and authenticity, making her a role model for young people who aspire to create a difference while remaining true to themselves. Through her work and advocacy, she continues to demonstrate that true beauty is defined not only by appearance but by compassion, integrity, and a commitment to serving others.
Winning Miss Earth Sri Lanka 2023 placed you in the spotlight. What has been the most transformative lesson you’ve learnt about yourself since earning the title?
The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is that a crown is not about perfection. It’s about responsibility.
Before winning the title, I focused on achieving personal goals. Afterwards, I realised that my words and actions could influence others. That shifted my perspective completely. I’ve learnt to embrace growth, accept criticism as part of the journey, and understand that true leadership comes from serving others with humility rather than seeking recognition.
You have walked runways across Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam, and Thailand. How have these diverse fashion industries shaped your understanding of beauty, culture, and representation?
Working in different countries has shown me that beauty is wonderfully diverse. Every culture celebrates its own traditions, styles, and values, and that diversity deserves to be appreciated rather than compared.
These experiences have taught me to respect different perspectives and to recognise that representation matters. When people see someone who looks like them or shares their story, it reminds them that they belong. Fashion has become more than clothing for me. It has become a language that connects cultures .
As someone who describes herself as both a fashion enthusiast and an environmentalist, how do you reconcile the glamour of the fashion industry with its growing responsibility towards sustainability?
I believe fashion and sustainability can coexist when we make conscious choices. The industry is evolving, and as models, designers, and consumers, we all have a role to play. I support ethical brands, encourage mindful consumption, and advocate for quality over quantity. Sustainability doesn’t mean giving up creativity or elegance. It means creating beauty in a way that respects both people and the planet.
Receiving the Global Icon Award 2026 is a remarkable achievement. What does being a ‘global icon’ mean to you beyond recognition and accolades, and how do you hope to live up to that title?
To me, being a global icon isn’t about fame. It’s about impact. Recognition is meaningful, but it becomes truly valuable when it allows you to inspire positive change. I hope to live up to that title by remaining authentic, continuing my environmental advocacy, empowering young women to believe in themselves, and using every opportunity to promote kindness, responsibility, and purpose.
Many people see the polished images on social media but rarely the challenges behind them. What personal struggles or moments of self-doubt have contributed most to the woman you are today?
Like many people, I’ve experienced moments of self-doubt, especially in an industry where you’re constantly being evaluated. There were times when I questioned whether I was enough, but those moments taught me resilience.
I’ve learnt that confidence doesn’t come from always feeling perfect. It comes from believing in your values even when challenges arise. Every setback has made me stronger, more compassionate, and more determined to keep growing.
The modelling industry often promotes perfection. Have there been moments when you felt pressured to fit a certain standard?
Absolutely. The pressure to meet certain expectations exists in every competitive industry. However, I’ve realised that authenticity is what makes each person memorable. Instead of trying to become someone else, I focus on becoming the best version of myself. I remind myself that confidence comes from self-acceptance, continuous growth, and staying true to the values that define who I am.
You balance modelling, academics, and advocacy work. What motivates you to keep pushing forward, and how do you maintain focus when expectations from different areas of your life compete for your attention?
Purpose keeps me motivated. Every role I take on contributes to a bigger vision of making a positive impact. Balancing different responsibilities isn’t always easy, so I’ve learnt to prioritise, stay organised, and give each commitment my full attention. I also remind myself that success isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about consistently moving forward while staying true to my goals.
Environmental advocacy has become central to your identity. If you could inspire one meaningful behavioural change among young people across South Asia, what would it be and why?
I would encourage young people to embrace conscious living through small, consistent actions. Whether it’s reducing plastic waste, supporting sustainable businesses, conserving water, or planting trees, every choice matters. Collective action begins with individual responsibility. If millions of young people make even one environmentally conscious decision every day, the impact on our future could be extraordinary.
Success often changes relationships and perspectives. Since becoming a public figure, how has your definition of success evolved, and what legacy would you like to leave behind beyond the fashion world?
My definition of success has shifted from personal achievement to meaningful contribution. Today, I measure success by the lives I’ve inspired, the causes I’ve supported, and the positive change I’ve helped create. Beyond fashion, I hope my legacy is that I encouraged people to believe in themselves, care for the environment, and understand that true beauty lies in compassion, integrity, and purpose.
If we were to interview you again 10 years from now, what achievements would make you feel that you truly fulfilled your purpose – not just as a model or beauty queen, but as Viyana Pietersz?
Ten years from now, I hope to say that I used every opportunity to make a lasting difference. I would love to have established impactful environmental initiatives, mentored young women, and contributed to projects that improve communities both in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Awards and titles are wonderful milestones, but the greatest achievement would be knowing that my work inspired others to dream bigger, lead with kindness, and create positive change. If people remember me as someone who lived with purpose, remained authentic, and left the world a little better than she found it, I would consider that my greatest success.
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