Ms. Tourism Sri Lanka – International 

Promoting tourism, culture, peace and goodwill among nations 

For the first time in Sri Lanka, ambassadors of beauty from all around the world, will come together to participate at the Ms Tourism Sri Lanka – International 2016. These ladies have been invited to Sri Lanka, to celebrate and reward not mere physical beauty, but grace, intelligence, acceptance of different cultures, and to promote understanding among nations. 

Research has revealed that the best approach to fostering peace and understanding of cultures among nations is to celebrate the beauty of their people. This is the core motivation behind the staging of international beauty pageants. 

The event, to be held on 21st February at Hilton Colombo, will not only uplift the local beauty pageant industry but also boost the image of Sri Lanka. Countries participating are Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, India, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines, Poland, Russian Federation, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, UK and USA. 

Sri Lanka will be represented by Angela Jayatissa who participated at the Miss International pageant in Japan last year. This pageant will showcase both, the industry, as well as the country in the global arena and will undoubtedly further uplift Sri Lanka’s image as an emerging tourism brand. 

The sparkling crown studded with Ceylon stones, designed and crafted by a renowned jewellery company, will be worn by the winner who will also serve as a tourism promotion ambassador for Sri Lanka during her period of reign. 

In addition to the titleholder, the contest will also recognise and award eight mini pageants under the categories namely Miss Talent, Best Catwalk Model, Best in Swimwear, Miss Congeniality, Miss Photogenic, Miss Personality, Best National Costume and Best Evening Gown. 

This event will certainly bring in more awareness and interest towards Sri Lanka as contestants will tour local cities and indulge themselves in many activities which will express the rich culture and heritage of the country. Social media will play an effective role in promoting the Paradise Island. The local travel and hospitality industry, beauty industry, and many organisations which are state-owned have come forward as sponsors for this pageant. 

Given that Sri Lanka is poised in 2016 to cross the 2 million tourist mark - the‘magic number’ in tourism, the island nation will be staging the Ms. Tourism Sri Lanka-International Pageant as an annual celebration of Sri Lanka, each year inviting more countries across the globe to participate, and to truly take Sri Lanka to the world. 

"We are very grateful to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau, the travel and hospitality industry, beauty industry and state-owned organisations for the enthusiasm, encouragement and support extended to this endeavour,” says Rosita Wickremesinghe, the founder of Ms. Tourism Sri Lanka - International. 

Rosita Wickremesinghe 

We will work with determination and purpose to take this brand forward and ensure the success of this event. We intend to expand over the years, putting Sri Lanka on the map on a global scale. Through our mission of bringing nations together, we hope to strengthen relationships between nations, and to showcase our beautiful island to the world in a new light, as the pearl of the Indian Ocean. 

For more photographs, click here. 

By Niro Waidyaratne 
Photographs by Waruna Wanniarachchi