Sunday Times 2
20 global beauties at Sri Lanka’s first Ms. Tourism pageant
View(s):An ornate Ceylon stone studded crown is being crafted for the prestigious Ms. Tourism Sri Lanka International 2016 pageant that will be held in Sri Lanka for the first time in February. Ceylon stones in the sparkling crown will be among the unique facets inherent to the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ that the world will come to know through the pageant, as the winner who walks away with the crown will serve as a Tourism Promotion Ambassa-dor for Sri Lanka during her period of reign.
An international beauty pageant designed to showcase the splendour of the island, the event will see the participation of 20 gorgeous global ambassadors. The participating nations include Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, India, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines, Poland, Russian Federation, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States of America. The contestants are nominated by the Directors of beauty pageants of the respective nations and representing Sri Lanka will be Angela Jayatissa who participated at the Miss International pageant in Japan last year.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, the Founder of Ms. Tourism Sri Lanka International Rosita Wickremesinghe says the orgnisers intend to make the pageant an annual event to take Sri Lanka to the world by inviting more countries across the globe for the pageant. “This is the first time that we have created this event for Sri Lanka whereas countries like China, Malaysia, UK, USA have their own pageants to promote tourism,” says Rosita who is working with Lou Ching Wong, the pageant’s Producer/Choreographer to make the event a success.
Rosita who has been in the beauty pageant industry for the past 33 years, took over as National Director for Miss Universe in 2005. She says she had the inspiration to create an event of this nature for Sri Lanka following her tour to Singapore in 2010 to direct the Bride of the World Pageant which brought together contestants from 38 countries. The network of National Directors who participated at this event, suggested that Rosita create an event for Sri Lanka, and she has been hard at work to get the project off the ground, seeking the support of Sri Lanka Tourism.
In the run up to the final of the Ms. Tourism Sri Lanka International pageant on February 21 at Hilton Colombo, will be eight mini pageants – Miss Talent, Best Catwalk Model, Best in Swimwear, Miss Congeniality, Miss Photogenic, Miss Personality, Best National Costume and Best Evening Gown.
Parallel to the pageant, the contestants will tour places such as Nuwara Eliya, Kandy and Chilaw.
“This is to make the world aware of what Sri Lanka has to offer. This way, we can promote our country through the participants – especially through social media. We will be having cookery demonstrations, cultural shows etc to showcase Sri Lanka to the world,” Rosita explains.
“We are grateful to the Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau, travel and hospitality industry, beauty industry, and state-owned organisations for the enthusiasm, support and encouragement extended to this endeavor,” Rosita adds.
Sponsors of the event are the Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau and Hilton Colombo (Gold Sponsors), Mobitel, Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, National Savings Bank, People’s Bank, Litro Gas and National Lotteries Board.
While Essential Entertainment serves as the franchise organization, other event partners include Tree of Life Kandy, Blackpool Nuwara Eliya, Ananthaya Resort and Spa, Mal-Key Rent-A- Car, Linea Aqua, Mclaren’s Holdings, Silverline Tours, Ironne, Ramani Fernando Salons and Cutting Station.
The official crown is designed by Fine Jewellery Company while Event Production manages the stage, sets and lights. Production and choreography are by Lou Ching Wong.