Dewmini from Kandy off to London for Miss World pageant
It was a glamorous night at the Hilton Grand Ballroom on October 14, when amidst a rain of confetti, Dewmini Thathsarani was crowned Siyatha Miss World Sri Lanka 2019. Thulja Yang was adjudged the 1st runner-up and Deema Munasinghe emerged 2nd runner-up, sharing the glory of the night.
All smiles: Siyatha Miss World Sri Lanka 2019 Dewmini Thathsarani flanked by Thulja Yang 1st runner-up (to her right) and Deema Munasinghe 2nd runner-up.
Celebrating beauty with a purpose, the Siyatha Miss World Sri Lanka 2019 pageant is organised by Model Shop in association with Siyatha TV and Kiss FM. The coveted title was awarded after the 12 finalists had undergone eight weeks of rigorous training.
A bevy of beauty queens, Iresha Asanki – Miss World Sri Lanka 2013, Chulakshi Ranathunga – Miss World Sri Lanka 2014 and Thilini Amarasooriya – Miss World Sri Lanka 2015 graced the pageant.
The ceremony opened with a fusion dance performance of traditional Kandyan and Low Country dance by the Channa-Upuli Performing Arts Foundation.
The first segment of the night, titled, ‘Celebration of the South’ saw the 12 finalists take the ramp in reddai hatte (cloth and jacket) designed by Swarna Jayanthi accompanied by the traditional Thelme dancers. Their pearl white outfits were ornamented with delicate beeralu lace.
Dewmini in all her Rajasthani grandeur. Pix by Indika Handuwala
The 12 contestants Amali Munasinghe, Natalie Ferdinands, Deema Rupasinghe, Yasasi Kushlani, Dewmini Thathsarani, Himali Herath, Tishanie Silva, Imasha Sathsarani, Mandira Rathnayake, Charuni Silva, Chalani Shehani and Thulja Yang were formally introduced to the audience during the first segment.
The second segment, ‘Illusions of Grandeur’ saw the contestants emerge in Rajasthani style outfits of heavily embroidered and stone studded full-length skirts and colourful jackets with foot-long odhnis, worn as a veil. They sashayed onto the stage to the Bollywood cover ‘Ghoomar’. The costumes were sponsored by Sarita Textorium.
The judges for the grand finale were Creative Director of the Hilton Colombo Kay Ng, actress Sabeetha Perera, Head of Media and Activation at Unilever Channa Tennakoon, Miss World Myanmar 2016 Isabella Victor and hair, beauty and fashion expert Lou Ching Wong.
The final segment ‘Stairway to Glory’ unveiled the 12 finalists in evening dresses designed by Rona Fernando. Their jewellery was designed by Shine.
Pearly white: One of the contestants in the segment ‘Celebration of the South’
Excitement mounted when Chalani Shehani, Deema Rupasinghe, Thulja Yang, Charuni Silva and Dewmini Thathsarani were announced as the top five.
Dewmini who was crowned Miss World Sri Lanka 2019 by Amritaa De Silva, Miss World Sri Lanka 2016, will represent Sri Lanka at the Miss World 2019 pageant to be held in London later this year.
Twenty-one-year-old Dewmini is a former student of Seethadevi Girls’ College, Kandy. Following a diploma at Dreamron College of Art Beauty, Dewmini aspires to be a professional stylist and model.
Clifford Richards played host for the evening and the pageant was choreographed by Senaka De Silva while Ramani Fernando Salons was the hair and beauty partner.
| Mini pageant winners | |
| Amali Munasinghe – “Denta – Most Beautiful Smile” and “Kiss FM – Miss Popular” Yasasi Kushlani – “Development Lotteries Board – Miss Congeniality” and “NSB- Miss Personality” Tishanie Silva – “Fadna – Body Beautiful” Himali Herath – “Aliya Resort & Spa – Dances of Sri Lanka”, “TVS- Miss Talent” and “NSB- Miss Personality” Charuni Silva – “LiCC – Top Model of the Year” Dewmini Thathsarani – “National Lotteries Board – Face of the Year” |