Siyatha Miss World Sri Lanka: Mini Pageants 

The Siyatha Miss World Sri Lanka pageant has created much interest among the fashion arena with its anticipated pomp and show yet to unleash in a couple of weeks. While the mini pageants are under way, the 15 contestants are getting ready to do their best to grab the title for this year. Much work is being done behind the scene as the organisers are planning to pull out the show in a grand scale this time as well. 

Last week, three other mini pageants were held to give as much prominence to the contestants’ individual looks and appearance as possible. As such the mini pageants for Denta Beautiful Smile, British Cosmetics Face of the Year and Kamsins Best Dressed in Eastern Wear got much attention from the crowd while they were made more glamorous with the performances choreographed by veteran dance personality Channa Wijewardena.

The judge panels consisted of veteran personalities representing different fields from modelling to singing and business. The Brazilian Ambassador for Sri Lanka Madame Elizabeth-Sophie Balsa was a consistent judge for the three pageants while Channa Perera, Michael Wijesuriya, Rozanne Diasz Leanage and Sabeetha Perera and a few others joined in as well. 

Speaking to Life Online, some of the judges had this to say: 

Adjudged as the Best Model in 1997 and Miss Sri Lanka for Universe in 2005 Rozanne Diasz Leanage is a popular face in the Sri Lankan fashion arena. In her comments she said that from the times when she participated, the industry has come a long way. “We had certain criteria like the techniques, expression etc. Techniques haven’t changed but I guess the attitude and the overall look have changed. But it’s more glamorous now and the organisers are doing a good job and I feel that people are more interested in these pageants.” 

Veteran actress Sabeetha Perera said that the competition is a bit tough as always. “From then to now there is a tremendous progress that has taken place on the ramp. These types of pageants give much support to girls from rural areas and that is one of the biggest advantages.” 

Veteran actor and film director Channa Perera said that smiling is one of the most difficult things to judge. “It has to come wholeheartedly. The fashion industry has changed a lot over the years. We have been influenced by what happens globally because there is more variety. The most difficult part is to choose what is suitable for them. I think pageants like these improve one’s personality. They get a chance to face challenges which in turn enhances the ability to project their voices.” 

Photographs by Waruna Wanniarachchi