She beat out 4 other girls to win the most coveted title amongst young Sri Lankan women, and now she’s looking forward to making Sri Lanka proud on a global platform. Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Universe 2013, Amanda Rathnayake, is more than just a pretty face. An alumnus of Lyceum International, she is currently studying for a B.A in Economics at a reputed university in America; and she feels that the Miss Universe pageant is perfect for someone with a business background like herself to voice opinions on social and economic issues.

Speaking about her decision to enter the pageant, she said while she had never thought of taking part before, she fully immersed herself in the experience and knew whether she won or not, she would do her best throughout the entire pageant. 

Describing her overall experience throughout the Miss Sri Lanka pageant as chaotic, she recalls constantly being on the move and thinking of the what do to next, all this with the added difficulty of coming to terms with the death of her beloved father, made the whole experience quite challenging.

A lover of art, poetry, dance and an enthusiastic traveller, Amanda herself can be best described an intelligent, beautiful and ‘on the go’.  A person who likes to be kept occupied, she’s continually on the lookout for new experiences to try out, one of them being, a restaurant owner. “I do love eating good food; I think it’s another way of learning about a new culture, which is why a few friends and I are planning on opening a restaurant in the future.”

On preparation for the upcoming Miss Universe pageant, she says her plan is to ultimately promote the island through a combination of her own knowledge along with marketing schemes. “The tourism and hospitality sectors are our biggest selling points, not many people in the USA know where Sri Lanka is. Tourisms is our jewel, so we need to market that in the right way. In a way I did represent Sri Lanka in college and now with a title and crown, i can take that another step forward to a wider audience.”

And to all those people who think the pageants are just about a pretty face, she vehemently states ‘it’s so much more than that!’ “I know there are a lot of feminists who don’t like the pageant but, it actually gives women a title and platform to speak out on issues, and people will listen to a role model. One important thing I’ve learnt from taking part is to never judge a person. The public don’t see what goes on behind the show, it’s never racking and they don’t understand the kind of inner strength and confidence these girls must have to put yourself out there and be judged by everyone.” Her advice for anyone thinking of taking part next year is to prepare yourself early and once you make the decision to enter, commit your time and effort entirely to the pageant.

Whether she wins the crown or not, and she is determined to win, Amanda does want to continue promoting Sri Lanka to the masses after the pageant, and will use her degree in economy to find new ways of doing so. “I think we need to develop the hospitality sector and offer incentives schemes to keep our talented workforce from looking overseas for jobs, and to encourage foreigners to come as well.” She said, explaining her plans for development.

“I’d like to thank god for giving me strength and my family and friends for continuously supporting me thought out the show; and the organizers, Rosita, Lou Ching and Ryan for all the help and support. ” She added.

By Lake Argent

Pics by Nisal Baduge