The battle of the beauties vying for this year’s prestigious Avirate Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Universe title came to an end with stunning Stephanie Siriwardhana lifting the crown at the contest’s finale held at Hilton Colombo last Monday. The first and second runner-up positions were won by Hiranthi Warusevitane and Angela Jayatissa respectively.
It was a show that had its share of disappointments with organizing glitches, notably on the sound front marring the audience enjoyment. The evening began with a beautifully choreographed western dance act, the conclusion of which brought the contestants on stage for a brief first appearance. When they appeared on the catwalk for the second time flanked by the dazzling dancers of the Channa and Upuli troupe, the audience was able to have a closer look at the beauties, who were a picture of sophisticated glamour in saree.
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| Starry eyed: The top three (l-r) second runner- up Angela Jayatissa, Miss Sri Lanka Stephanie Siriwardhana and first runner-up
Hiranthi Warusevitane |
The contestants returned from time to time in different attire- from saree to swim suits to evening wear- backed by song and dance items while the entertaining comperes too added their own bit of spice to the evening.
Then it was time to announce the winners of the mini pageants which were held prior to the main event. Stephanie Siriwardhana was in for a pleasant surprise when her name was announced as the winner of three mini titles namely Avirate Miss Personality, JAT CSR Miss
Compassion and the Ponds Face of 2011. Noshin De Silva won the JAT Miss Photogenic title while the Vaseline Miss Body Beautiful went to Hiranthi Warusevitane. Gayesha Perera won the Miss Congeniality 2011 title.
Meanwhile, the 12 contestants who made it to the finals were presented with their certificates, flowers and gift packs before they left the stage to the top five contestants Hirunika Eranjali, Angela Jayatissa, Hiranthi Warusevitane, Noshin De Silva and Stephanie Siriwardhana.
The question round took place next, handled by the five in a confident and intelligent manner for the most part.
The panel of judges comprised Managing Director Avirate Arshad Sattar, former Miss Sri Lanka Nushara Atapattu, former Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Universe Jacqueline Fernandez, CEO TNL Radio network Niraj Wickremesinghe and former Head of Securities and Exchange Commission Aritha Wikremanayake.
Then came the big moment – as the final five clutched hands on stage the winner was unveiled… Stephanie Siriwardhana in her moment of glory took the ramp once again to be crowned by the outgoing Miss Sri Lanka Ishanka Madurasinghe amidst cheers and applause by the audience.
While the show lacked for nothing by way of glamour, it dragged on for way too long as evidenced by certain sections of the audience leaving before the end, a point that future pageant organizers should take heed of.
Photographer Mettasena captured the glamour on and off stage. |
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