Online edition of Sunday Observer

The much awaited glittering night of joy, tension an tears for nineteen contestants became a reality last Sunday when the finals of the Signature Mr Sri Lanka and Optimum Miss Sri Lanka was staged by studio 9 at the Galle Face Hotel. The eleven judges had a tough task streamlining the numbers for a final 'fabulous five' as they were termed.

The chief guest was Shiranthi Rajapakse, wife of the Prime Minister who herself was a former contestant for 'Miss Sri Lanka', 'Miss Universe' and 'Miss World'. The celebrity guest was Angela Beck Miss Tourism International 2004. The opening extravaganza, in a theme of purple and white, had the usual package of colourful laser ray dance rhythms followed by an unusual and unexpected entry into the hall of the Macho Male contestants on motorbikes dressed in white and sporting dark glasses to join singer Rozette on stage for the opening anthem.

From then on the tension began to mount. A quick introduction to the audience by the nineteen contestants and quicker still the entry for the swim wear round and body beautiful and physique display for the benefit of the judges to jot down their markings.

Came the formal wear parade which echoed the purple and white theme for the evening. Questions from the judges were tough teasers which brought forth smart answers from some weak ones from some others and just mixed up thoughts from the rest.

Backstage it was nailbiting and polite conversation amongst the contestants eagerly awaiting the announcement of the fabulous five and for the tougher task of selecting your judge and answering his/her questions. The grand moment ultimately came and with it the crowns, the sashes, the bouquets, the flashing camera lights and smiles that radiated happiness and 'I cannot believe this' declarations!

	Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Asia Pacific International Vinosha Weerasinghe. Chief Guest Shiranthi Rajapakse wife of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka handing over the trophy to the winner.
	Mr. Sri Lanka for Best Model of the World - Boys - Kokila Navaratne is sashed by Chairman ANCL Janadasa Peiris
	Miss Sri Lanka for Petite Global - Harshini Perera is sashed by the Editor Sunday Observer Jayatilleke de Silva.
	Angela Beck - Reigning Miss Tourism International being welcomed at the show.
	Miss Sri Lanka for Best Model of the World - Girls - Deeshanie Kodituwakku is sashed by the Chairman Galle Face Hotel, Sanjiv Gardiner.
	Mr. Sri Lanka for Mr. Grasim International - Dushyantha Ratnasinghe sashed by Hideaki Lim.
	Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Tourism International - Tehani Perera is sashed by the Pakistan High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Bashir Walli Mohamand after she was crowned by Angela Beck.