All set for CROWN Miss Intercontinental
Joyce James Gunewardena
The 18 contestants for CROWN Miss Intercontinental 2017 have been revealed. Selected from a pool of 110 applicants, the winner of the pageant on September 24 will take part in the Miss Intercontinental pageant in Mumbai, India alongside 80 other contestants from across the globe.
Speaking at a press conference held to announce the finalists, global franchise holder for Miss Intercontinental and National Director for the Sri Lanka pageant Joyce James Gunewardene explained that she expects much from the winner. “No doubt, the lady who will go from Sri Lanka as Miss Intercontinental Sri Lanka will have to be a notch above the rest,” she said. The winning contestant who will wear the crown of Crown Miss Intercontinental will receive an official residence for her year of reign, wardrobe for the final and a replica of the stunning crown alongside the prestige of winning the title.
However, it’s not all about the glamour. The pageant will support the Heavena Residential Shelter for Abused, Trafficked and Homeless Women.
Director of Development of Heavena Residential Shelter for Abused, Trafficked and Homeless Women Nirmala de Silva explained that the shelter is a temporary residential centre which houses women until they are able to re-enter society, while giving them the skills needed to be independent. Most of the women have run away from domestic violence and similar issues and therefore need a safe space to regain their lives – something which Heavena aims to provide. Nirmala is grateful that CROWN Miss Intercontinental Sri Lanka has decided to support the cause.
Committee Member of the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce Anusha Hettiarachchi Hettigoda explained that each contestant will receive entrepreneurship training during several workshops from the Chamber. Fitness partner Kinetic Fitness’s Thanuja Perera explained that their goal is to make the contestants active and healthy. “Our objective is not making them skinnier but more alert and healthier,” she said.
Lou Ching Wong
Choreographer Lou Ching Wong explained the concept behind the ‘battle of the designers’. Between 16 – 18 designers will be chosen and trained, with the winner getting to visit India alongside the contestant to see their design being modelled at the final.
Managing director of JAT Holdings Aelian Gunawardene explained why CROWN is excited to be the title sponsor of the event. “We thought it was a suitable pageant to take on as a beauty pageant because it has a crown on top of the logo,” he said, adding that the pageant will provide the contestants with character building experiences and expertise, which he feels is very important.
Joyce James Gunewardena’s interest in the Heavena home has also influenced their choice, explains Aelian, adding that this passion for the cause makes them happy to partner with her.
Director of jewellery partner TIESH, Ayesh de Silva stated that he is excited that TIESH is partnering with Miss Intercontinental. He went on to describe the crown after it was unveiled. “I think in the next couple of weeks we will see something amazing” he said. The crown, known as the Spirit of Elegance – Blue Water is worth Rs. 1.2 million and has been set in rose gold with Sri Lankan white sapphires and blue topaz.
Miss Intercontinental will be held on September 24 at the Hilton Colombo.
The 18 hopefuls meet the press. Pix by Indika Handuwala