20 girls all set for grand finale of the Miss World Sri Lanka pageant

Get ready to mark your calendar as Model Shop in association with Siyatha TV and Kiss FM presents the grand finale of the Miss World Sri Lanka pageant on Monday, September 18. This year marks the fifth edition of the pageant and with over 500 applications received, the organisers at Model Shop had the mammoth task of selecting the top 20 who will vie for the crown.

With the aim of making their contestants to be on par with those at The Miss World International pageant, the organisers have ensured a strict regimen for the 20 young hopefuls who have undergone two months of rigorous training in fitness, catwalk modelling, posture, fashion, communication and personality grooming – moulding well rounded young ladies the country can be proud of.

Model Shop director and actress Sangeetha Weeraratne with two guests at one of the many mini pageants

The build-up to the final show is heightened by the several mini pageants. Although dubbed “mini pageants” these are shows that can stand on their own. Director of the Model Shop and acclaimed silver screen star Sangeetha Weeraratne states “we have the end goal in mind” this being preparing all the girls for the ultimate international event. Although each year the organizers strive to maintain the set high standards of the pageant, this year’s mini pageants are designed to help boost the confidence of the contestants and prepare them for the final show. Each mini pageant is set on a different day in front of a diverse audience, thus giving the girls a chance to get over any nerves and prepare themselves for the big day.

The final Mini Pageant is said to be a presentation of issues that each contestant has taken under their wing aptly titled “Beauty of Purpose” and will take place on September 15. “The organizers and contestants are using the pageant to give a voice for the people who need it,” Sangeetha says. Over the years these beauties have been ambassadors for local and universal problems mainly in relation to women, children and families and this year Miss Sri Lanka for Miss World will highlight that talent goes beyond looks,” she explains, adding “The girls aren’t just beautiful faces but have a stronger purpose.”

The  Siyatha Miss World Sri Lanka will be held on September 18 at the Grand Ballroom of the Colombo Hilton.

Come Sept 18, who will be the lucky winner? The contestants strike a pose

A mini pageant: Dances of Sri Lanka held at Jetwing Amaloh at Matara