Aruni, Lanka’s new queen

By Nedra Wickremesinghe

Aruni Rajapaksa won the crown of ReeBonn Miss Sri Lanka Miss Universe 2007 at the glittering pageant held at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton last Sunday. Maria Fernando was adjudged the first runner-up while Udeshi Liyanage emerged second runner-up. Several mini-pageants were held prior to the grand finale. Miss Sri Lanka Aruni bagged the Miss Hilton Personality, while Udeshi Liyanage won the Himalaya Miss Talent contest.

Kodak Miss Photogenic was won by contestant Amanda Edirisinghe, and Harshi Rodrigo was awarded the Most Popular contestant on sms voting on Derana.

Exciting gifts awaited the winners. Miss Sri Lanka received an all-expenses paid stay at the Miss Universe site, and a return air-ticket to the international pageant in Mexico courtesy of SriLankan Airlines. Among her many prizes were cash awards, skin care products by ReeBonn, costumes and beauty products.

The panel of judges comprised Miss Sri Lanka Miss Universe 2005 Rozanne Diaz, beautician Ramani Fernando, Hilton General Manager William Costley, wife of the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Sophia Blake and architect Channa Daswatte.

The pageant was produced by Graham Hatch, with Johann Peries handling hair and make-up. Michael Wijesooriya designed the costumes with the fabrics from Fabric Gallery.

The contest was organized by Ricochet Events in association with TNL Radio.