Anudi Gunasekera speaks of her journey thus far Crowned Miss World Sri Lanka 2025, Anudi Gunasekera is redefining what it means to be a beauty queen. While she began modeling at 19, she never saw it as a long-term career. Instead, her true passion lies in advocacy and social change—an ambition she pursues through Saheli, the non-profit organization she founded. With a strong academic background and a commitment to making a difference, Anudi envisions a future where her work extends far beyond the runway, proving that impact, not just image, defines success.

 

Q: You hail from Anuradhapura, a city rich in history and culture. How has your upbringing influenced your journey to becoming Miss World Sri Lanka ?
Anuradhapura, the first kingdom and capital of Sri Lanka, is a city rich in cultural and religious significance, drawing visitors from around the world. Growing up there, I deeply felt its religious influence, though it was never imposed upon us. As a Buddhist, I believe that being raised in Anuradhapura played a meaningful role in shaping my spiritual journey.

 

At the same time, I’ve encountered many misconceptions about my hometown, some see it as a rural, underdeveloped place, and because of that, many didn’t expect me to win Miss World Sri Lanka. In a way, I think I always had the quiet determination to challenge those stereotypes and prove them wrong.

Q: Your academic background is impressive, with a degree in International Studies and a diploma in International Relations. How do you see these qualifications shaping your future aspirations?
My degree in International Relations has greatly complemented my pageant journey. Throughout my academic life, I learned the importance of diplomacy, understanding and respecting differences, and coexisting with diverse nations. These lessons will be invaluable as I represent Sri Lanka on an international stage alongside contestants from over 100 countries.

 

Advocating for human rights, especially women’s and children’s rights, has always been a passion of mine, and it’s the core mission of my organization as well. My education has provided me with a global perspective on human rights, reinforcing my commitment to this cause. This is why advocacy is not just something I do now, it’s what I see shaping my future career as well.

Q: Winning Miss World Sri Lanka is a significant achievement. What was the most challenging part of the competition, and how did you overcome it?
I would say the biggest challenge in pageantry is the uncertainty. Every contestant works incredibly hard, they’re all intelligent, talented, and stunning. At the end of the day, it’s a competition, and no matter how much effort we put in, the outcome remains unpredictable.

But I’ve always believed in one thing: when you give your absolute best, even if things don’t go your way, there are no regrets. The uncertainty may be unavoidable, but knowing I gave it my all is what helped me overcome that challenge.

Q: The Miss World pageant places a strong emphasis on “Beauty with a Purpose.” Can you tell us about your advocacy and how you plan to use this platform to create meaningful change?
My Beauty with a Purpose Project is dedicated to tackling period poverty in Sri Lanka. Even in 2025, many women still struggle due to a lack of access to sanitary products, proper knowledge, and essential sanitation facilities like washrooms. I want to use my platform to raise awareness and ensure that these women have the resources they need for a healthy menstrual cycle. I founded my non-profit organization, Saheli, in 2024, and through it, I collaborate with like-minded organizations to empower women and work towards sustainable solutions for period poverty.

Q: Some critics argue that beauty pageants are outdated in today’s world. How do you respond to those who question their relevance, and what do you believe modern pageants contribute to society?
I don’t believe beauty pageants are outdated, but it really depends on how they operate. I can only speak for Miss World, as it’s the only pageant I’ve been passionate about for a long time. Pageants like Miss World give young women a powerful platform to amplify their voices, not just for themselves, but also for important social causes. The Beauty with a Purpose project is at the heart of Miss World, emphasizing compassion and kindness. These values are far from outdated, on the contrary, they’re exactly what we need today.

Q: You founded Saheli to combat period poverty in Sri Lanka. What inspired you to take up this cause, and what impact has your organization made so far?
My final year research focused on the criminalization of marital rape and women’s rights in Sri Lanka, with period poverty emerging as a secondary finding. Unfortunately, period poverty has often been treated as a taboo topic in Sri Lankan society, and as a result, it hasn’t received the attention it deserves. This motivated me to address the issue through my platform. Over time, we’ve been able to help thousands of women through donations, raising awareness, and providing support. My goal is to shine a light on women who are often neglected and overlooked by society, such as those in prisons. Through Saheli, I aim to continue advocating for these women, ensuring they have access to the resources and support they deserve.

Q: How do you plan to expand Saheli’s reach and sustainability, especially in rural areas where period poverty is most prevalent?
Sustainability is a key focus of my work right now, and while I’ve been committed to promoting sustainable menstrual products, it has been challenging to get women to adopt alternatives like menstrual cups due to cultural stigma. To overcome this, our plan is to introduce reusable cloth pads, which offer an accessible and environmentally friendly option. By educating women about these products and their benefits, we aim to shift perceptions and help break down the barriers to sustainability in menstrual care. Our goal is not only to reduce environmental impact but also to provide women with more affordable and practical options.

 

Q: As an honorary member of Rotary International 3220, what role has community service played in your life, and how has it shaped your leadership style?
As an honorary member of Rotary International 3220, my involvement in community service has profoundly influenced my leadership style. The hands-on experiences and collaborative projects have taught me the value of empathy, accountability, and leadership. I’ve learned that effective leadership is rooted in listening to the needs of the community, empowering others, and working together to develop sustainable solutions.

Q: As you prepare to represent Sri Lanka on the global stage at Miss World, what aspects of Sri Lankan culture and heritage do you hope to showcase?
Sri Lanka is a country with a vibrant and diverse culture, and I am passionate about showcasing this rich heritage.