Looking to transform beauty pageants here
View(s):One of the world’s top three beauty pageants, Miss Intercontinental has appointed Joyce James Gunawardene, Managing Director of Exceptional Entertainment as the global franchise holder and National Director to spearhead this ‘International Festival of Beauty and Elegance’.
Looking to transform the concept of beauty pageants being held in Sri Lanka by making the participating women and the winners role models for women, the Coronation Pageant due to be held at the Colombo Hilton on September 24 aims to showcase this difference.
The national pageant, Crown Miss Intercontinental 2017 brings in a leader in finishing, furnishing and lifestyle concepts, JAT Holdings as Title Sponsor.
A former model and entertainer now businesswoman and entrepreneur, Joyce believes strongly that the perception of beauty pageants must change. “The genesis of Exceptional Entertainment brings to fruition my longstanding desire to introduce world class events to Sri Lanka and the sub-continent,” she says.
Exceptional Entertainment works with show producers, event managers and directors, creative directors, entertainers, choreographers and PR and media teams, all with significant experience.
Enthusiastic about transforming the pageant from one judged simply on beauty to a pageant where intellect, personality, confidence and a more holistic persona become key drivers, Joyce says, ““Related organisations, both public and private sector entities must realise and acknowledge the integral role that a national title holder can play in uplifting industry sectors – specifically the hospitality and leisure tourism sectors.
With the general perception of beauty pageants ebbing to low levels, the massive advantages that a collective of beautiful intelligent women’s contribution makes to the nation has been completely obscured.
The objective of Exceptional Entertainment therefore is to elevate the status of the pageant and thereby its contestants, which both public and private sector entities must assist in if the country is to benefit in the long term.”
The host hotel for the national pageant is the Hilton Colombo, official jewellery partner “Tiesh”, official photographer “Prishan Pandithage” while Daily Mirror Life, Daily FT, Life Online and the Sunday Times are official print media partners.
The electronic media partner is MTV 1, Yes FM and Legends and LIVING magazine the glossy partner.