The Queen of the World Pageant was introduced to the world in 2022 as a pageant not merely focusing on beauty but also seeking ladies with exceptional talent and charisma. Therefore four ladies who have won the prestigious titles will represent their respective country for the ultimate crown under four prestigious divisions at the global competition which will be held in New York, USA from the 18th to 25th of April 2024. We had a chat with the four of them.

VIYANA COORAY
Miss Queen of the World Sri Lanka 2023

Q HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT WINNING THE PAGEANT? It was such a huge accomplishment for me, and one of the unforgettable moments in my life so far. The feeling of being crowned as the Miss Queen of the World Sri Lanka 2023 and receiving all the love and support from everyone was truly incredible and mesmerising.

Q APART FROM TAKING PART IN THE PAGEANT ARE YOU WORKING AND IF SO HOW DO YOU JUGGLE SO MANY THINGS TOGETHER? Yes, Juggling multiple things can be a bit challenging apart from the pageant, but I find that staying organised and time management is really important to streamline my day-to-day work. I currently work as a full-time Quantity Surveyor at a private renowned Road Construction Company in Sri Lanka. Apart from that I work as a freelance radio personality at Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation

Q WHAT WERE YOUR REASONS FOR PARTICIPATING IN A PAGEANT OF THIS  NATURE? Participating in a pageant of this nature was a decision that stemmed from a combination of personal motivations and aspirations. The Queen of the World Sri Lanka pageant provided a platform for me to showcase my talents, skills, and unique qualities, allowing me to grow personally and gain confidence in the process.

Q WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF BEAUTY? To me, beauty is not just about physical appearance, but it is also about inner qualities and uniqueness. It’s about being confident in who you are and embracing your character. Beauty is found in kindness, compassion, and the ability to uplift others.

Q WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU HAVE LEARNED BY PARTICIPATING IN THE PAGEANT? By participating in the pageant, the most important thing I learned is to believe in myself and embrace my own uniqueness. It taught me the value of self-confidence and self-expression. I also learned the importance of supporting and uplifting others in any given situation, as we all have our own journeys. 

MASHA WICKRAMARATNE
Mrs Queen of the World Sri Lanka 2023 

Q HOW HAVE YOUR EXPERIENCES IN THE LOCAL PAGEANT HELPED YOU PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY? On a personal level, participating in the pageant has boosted my confidence and self-esteem. I’ve learned to embrace my strengths and overcome my weaknesses, ultimately becoming more resilient and self-assured. Professionally, the pageant has provided me with invaluable skills in public speaking, networking, and time management. As a contestant, I have had the opportunity to engage with diverse audiences, refine my communication skills, and build meaningful connections within the community.

Q HOW DO YOU THINK THESE EXPERIENCES WOULD HELP YOU IN THE INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT? My experiences in local pageants have provided me with a solid foundation that I believe will greatly benefit me in an international pageant setting. Also, the challenges and competitions I’ve faced in local pageants have taught me how to stay composed under pressure, adapt to unexpected situations, and continuously strive for improvement.

Q  WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION  OF BEAUTY? Beauty, to me, transcends physical appearance and encompasses a multifaceted spectrum of qualities that inspire admiration and appreciation. While physical attributes certainly play a role, true beauty emanates from within – from one’s character, kindness, authenticity, and resilience.

Q HOW DO YOU FEEL THAT YOU CAN HELP OTHERS WHO ASPIRE TO BE BEAUTY QUEENS LIKE YOU? One way I believe I can support aspiring beauty queens is by sharing my own experiences and insights gained throughout my journey. I would be committed to serving as a mentor and providing guidance on various aspects of pageantry. Overall, I am deeply passionate about empowering others to pursue their dreams with confidence and integrity. By sharing my experiences and offering support, I hope to inspire the next generation of beauty queens to reach their full potential.

Q WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO THE WOMEN IN  SRI LANKA? My message to the women in Sri Lanka is one of empowerment, resilience, and solidarity. In a society rich with diversity and cultural heritage, each woman possesses a unique strength and beauty that deserves to be celebrated and nurtured. I encourage women across Sri Lanka to embrace their inherent worth and potential and to pursue their dreams with courage and determination. 

THUSHARI JAYAKODY
Elite Queen of the World Sri Lanka 

Q HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT WINNING THE TITLE AND WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE BY IT? Winning the title of Elite Queen of the World Sri Lanka is an incredible honour and a dream come true for me. I hope to inspire women of all ages to embrace their age with grace, beauty, confidence, and wisdom.  Also, it's never too late to pursue their dream and anything is possible if you try.

Q WHAT DOES BEAUTY MEAN TO YOU? Beauty, to me, is not just physical appearance. True beauty comes from within and is reflected in one’s character, kindness, and compassion. The kinder the heart the more it puts a glow on you.

Q HOW ARE YOUR PREPARATIONS GOING FOR THE INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT, AND WHAT DO YOU FEEL YOUR CHANCES ARE AT IT? I am dedicated to perfecting my presentation, honing my skills, and representing Sri Lanka with grace and pride. While the competition will undoubtedly be fierce, I am confident of my abilities and believe that with hard work, determination, and a positive mindset, I have a strong chance of making an impact on the international stage.

Q CAN YOU BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE AT THE LOCAL PAGEANT? It has provided me with the opportunity to connect with incredible women, showcase my talents, and grow both personally and professionally. The journey was filled with memorable moments, challenges, and lessons that have shaped me into the woman I am today.

Q WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR YOUR FUTURE, AND WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO OTHER ASPIRING BEAUTY QUEENS? In the future, I aspire to continue advocating for causes I’m passionate about, using my voice and platform to make a positive impact in the world. My advice to other aspiring beauty queens is to stay true to themselves, believe in their abilities, and never underestimate the power of hard work and perseverance.  

JAYANI PERERA  

Ms Queen of the World Sri Lanka 2023  

Q WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR BEST MEMORIES ABOUT THE LOCAL PAGEANT?   An important lesson from this competition is the realisation that our primary competition lies within ourselves rather than against others. Despite being in a competitive environment, we endeavoured to support and assist each other, fostering an environment of camaraderie and growth.

Q WHAT MADE YOU PARTICIPATE IN IT AND HOW HAVE YOU BENEFITTED BY IT? Beyond the tangible accolades, this journey has ushered forth numerous opportunities and blessings. Pageants serve as platforms to showcase the unique abilities of women, empowering them to emerge as influential leaders poised to make a positive impact on the world.

Q HOW DO YOU FEEL THAT YOUR EXPERIENCES WILL HELP YOU IN THE INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT? I am confident in our ability to compete on the global platform. However, realising our aspirations of securing victory, demands relentless dedication to honing the members of our team.

Q HOW ARE YOUR PREPARATIONS GOING FOR THE INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT  AND DO YOU FEEL THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO BRING BACK THE CROWN? We are determined to showcase our nation’s strength to the world, building upon the legacy of Sri Lankan queens who have left an indelible mark. We are committed to adding another illustrious chapter to the annals of our nation’s history by bringing these crowns home and adorning our motherland with pride.

Q WHAT  IS THE MESSAGE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO GIVE THOSE WHO WANT TO FOLLOW IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS? Ultimately, we alone are accountable for our lives, transcending external factors or divine intervention. Taking proactive steps towards realising our fullest potential and embodying kindness in every endeavour will invariably lead to the universe bestowing its blessings upon us, akin to a crown adorning our heads.

By Kshalini Nonis