Sunday Times 2
Another pearl from Negombo
View(s):Apart from the golden beaches of Negombo and other attractions that make it a never-to-be-missed spot by tourists, now the talking point is the crowning of 25-year-old Sabina T Usef, from Kepungoda, Negombo, as Mrs Sri Lanka World 2025.
The Mrs Sri Lanka World pageant took place at the glittering stage of the Sirasa Stein Studio in Ratmalana.
To the question “Why do you believe you deserve to be crowned Mrs Sri Lanka World tonight?” posed by the compere, she replied: “This crown is not about beauty. This is for the people of Sri Lanka, our nation, and our women; their resilience, strength, wisdom. Because our women never give up.”
After being crowned, she was welcomed on grand scale by her villagers at St Anthony’s Church, Kepungoda. She was driven in a horse-drawn carriage, escorted by a band, and greeted by people. At the church she was blessed by Rev Fr Malaka Fernando.
A mother of 2 children, Sabina was born on March 3, 2000. Her father Yense Throsan, a Denmark national, is an engineer. Her mother Mihindukulasooriya Sunethra is from Kepungoda, Negombo. She has a younger brother. Sabina’s husband Zechariah Yousef is a well-known Muslim businessman. Sabina lives in Denmark and has dual citizenship.
At an event at The Grand Gastrobar, A Waranakumara, President of the Negombo Tourism Association said: “The tourism industry in Negombo is not thriving as before, as tourists are attracted to other places. The highway compels them to go to faraway places just as they land at the airport. Earlier they first came to stay in Negombo and then visit other places. Hence, we need to think of novel ways that will attract them.” Sabina said: “I’m from Negombo. This area is so beautiful, and we are capable of bringing Sri Lanka to an international level.” She said she hopes to raise a fund for education of children as she always says “Education is the priceless crown one can wear on his or her head”.
- By K L Richard Walter