Ms. Lanka 2010 for Ms. Asia 2011 in association with SUNDAY OBSERVER:

Sameeri crowned Ms Lanka 2010

By Mehes PERERA

Glamour, glitter, glitz, confidence and smiles combined together to make the pageant Ms. Lanka 2010 a never-to-be-forgotten event for the fifteen contestants who vied for the sparkling crown. Amidst all the anxiety of looking good in their colourful heavily embroidered saris, walking the stage so many times and answering the questions posed by the judges Sameeri Perera sailed through with confidence to win the hearts of the judges and to be crowned Ms. Lanka 2010, from the shortlisted eight finalists. Her dreams came true!

Sharmila Kantha, wife of the High Commissioner for India in Sri Lanka lighting the ceremonial oil lamp.

Vladimir Mikhaylov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation lighting the ceremonial oil lamp.

The first runner up was Anushka Padukka, the second runner up was Agatha Ranasinghe, the third runner up was Nadeeka Senadeera and the fourth runner up was Krishani Palihawadana

The evening commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by 14 guests who included Sharmila Kantha, wife of High Commissioner for India in Sri Lanka, Ashok Kantha, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation Vladimir Mikhaylov, the Deputy High Commissioner of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Sri Lanka Farouk Ali and Dinesh Weerawansa, Editor-in-Chief, Sunday Observer and K. Kuhatheva, Chairman, Technique International (Pvt) Ltd.

Ms. Asia launch commenced with the Formation Dance by the contestants led by Shyana Seneviratne, a former Ms. Lanka. A lit candle changed hands from Krishani Hewavisenti, Shamila Khan, Ramya Weerakoon to Rochelle Fox, Ms. Lanka in 1995 who took it to the stage and lit the Ms. Asia lamp held by Shyana Seneviratne.

The judges who were entrusted with the hard task of selecting the winner were Dr. Subash Chawla former honorary Royal Nepalese Consul General to Sri Lanka.

Anne Gunasekera, President of Lions Club of Mahabage, Ramya Weerakoon, Chairperson of the SAARC Chamber of Women Entrepreneur Council, Shanthi Konghage, Member of the Provincial Council in the Central Province, Kushil Gunasekera, Social Entrepreneur, Angela Seneviratne, Ms. Sri Lanka 1975 and Rosy Senanayake, Member of Parliament and winner of the first Mrs. World competition in 1985.

Ms. Lanka 2010, Sameeri Perera being crowned by Dinesh Weerawansa Editor-in-Chief Sunday Observer.	Ms. Lanka 2010 Sameeri Perera flanked by the Anushka Padukka, Agatha Ranasinghe, Nadeeka Senadeera and Krishani Palihawadana.

The Chairman of Technique Internationl Pvt Ltd, K. Kuhatheva presenting the trophy to Ms Lanka 2010	The Sunday Observer Most Popular Contestant Apsara Senanayake being crowned by Dinesh Weerawansa Editor-in-Chief, Sunday Observer.