A dazzling night of glamour

By Mahes Perera

Last year's Miss Earth contestants

The silk white ambience was a perfect background for a Saturday night crowning party when nine contestants were selected and approved for the National Finals. It was a night for the selection of Mr. & Miss Western City presented by Big Time Image, in an evening of glamour, the first leg of Mr. & Miss Sri Lanka. The show opened with twelve contestants the girls clad in smart shorts and hats who danced to the swinging sounds of ‘Let’s Go Baby’ while the boys in trendy casuals accompanied the girls in the routine of the dance.

Once the excitement and enjoyment was hurdled the contestants faced the tough interview with the judges. They moved gracefully on the floor, the girls in beautiful gowns designed by Twinzas and the boys in slim formal suits with bright coloured scarves highlighting the casual collar. The Ice Lounge at Horton Place was an ideal backdrop which lent to the Crowning Party where the guests enjoyed the dancing and enthusiastically took part in all the competitions. With magical green lights and red lights confirming the selection, the following were fortunate to get the green light to compete in the National Finals.

They are Viraj Jayasri, Anoka Abeyratna, Shanaka Cassichetty, Denushka Weeraperuma, Gobi Rajendra, Madurangani Silva, Chaturanga Wimalasiri, Nilanka Ratnayake and Yunoos Azhar.

The panel of judges were Nimal Selvaratnam - Business Unit Head at Hayleys Consumer Products Limited, Iresha Manojani - Director Twinzas and Muad Saheed - Director Floral Concepts. Twizas Salon went all out to make the contestants look good in trendy hair styles.

The lucky contestants were given gifts by Mega Lifesciences (Australia) Pvt. Limited and Floral Concepts, while the awards were presented by Dinesh Perera and Thivanka Ameratunga, Director of Ice Lounge.

Mr. & Miss Sri Lanka 2011 will also have the opportunity to represent Sri Lanka in Miss Earth, Miss Tourism International, Model of the World, Asian Model Search and Petite International.

Mr. & Miss Sri Lanka 2011 is presented in association with the Sunday Observer, the print media sponsor. Other sponsors are the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, Real Radio and the official film FUJI.