Daily Mirror Life had a chat with Thushari Jayakody who won the “Directors Queen” title at the International Queen of the World Pageant in New York, USA.

Q HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT  WINNING A TITLE AT THE INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT?  Winning the “Directors Queen” title at the International Queen of the World Pageant in New York, USA, was an incredibly humbling and exhilarating experience for me. It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion I’ve poured into my journey as a contestant. This achievement not only fills me with immense pride but also serves as a reminder of the limitless opportunities that come with perseverance and determination. I feel deeply honoured to have been recognised on such a prestigious platform, representing not just myself, but also my country, Sri Lanka, with grace and pride.

Q BRIEFLY TELL US YOUR EXPERIENCE AT THE INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT. Participating in the International QOTW pageant was a whirlwind of unforgettable moments and remarkable experiences. From the electrifying atmosphere backstage to the camaraderie among contestants, every moment was filled with excitement and anticipation. The opportunity to showcase my unique qualities and talents on an international stage was truly empowering. Meeting people from diverse backgrounds and cultures broadened my perspective and enriched my journey as someone of this age. Overall, it was an incredible adventure filled with glamour, challenges, and lifelong memories that I will cherish forever.

Q DID YOU FEEL THAT YOU HAD A GOOD CHANCE AT THE PAGEANT OVERSEAS OR WAS IT A SURPRISE? Being chosen among all 37 contestants to win the “Directors Queen” title was truly a surprise. While I believed in my abilities and preparation, the level of competition was exceptionally high, making the victory even more gratifying. The recognition was based on various aspects, including poise, charisma, community service and personality, making it a testament to my dedication and commitment to the pageant journey. Winning this title filled me with immense pride and affirmed that hard work and perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements on the global stage.

Q HOW DO YOU PLAN TO HELP OTHER BEAUTY QUEENS WHO ASPIRE TO BE LIKE YOU? I am deeply committed to empowering and supporting aspiring beauty queens on their journey to success. My plan is to establish mentorship programmes and workshops where I can share my experiences, insights, and expertise with young women who aspire to follow in my footsteps. Through these initiatives, I aim to provide guidance on various aspects of pageantry, including grooming, public speaking, and personal development. Additionally, I will use my platform to advocate for inclusivity, diversity, and the importance of self-confidence, inspiring others to embrace their unique qualities and pursue their dreams fearlessly.

Q FINALLY, HOW DOES SRI LANKA COMPARE TO OTHER COUNTRIES WHEN IT COMES TO BEAUTY PAGEANTS? Q BRIEFLY TELL US YOUR EXPERIENCE AT THE INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT. Participating in the International QOTW pageant was a whirlwind of unforgettable moments and remarkable experiences. From the electrifying atmosphere backstage to the camaraderie among contestants, every moment was filled with excitement and anticipation. The opportunity to showcase my unique qualities and talents on an international stage was truly empowering. Meeting people from diverse backgrounds and cultures broadened my perspective and enriched my journey as someone of this age. Overall, it was an incredible adventure filled with glamour, challenges, and lifelong memories that I will cherish forever.

By Kshalini Nonis