A beauty pageant celebrating Sri Lankan cultural heritage will bring together contestants of Sri Lankan origin from across the globe for a competition on July 31 in Moratuwa, with the aim of promoting the country's tourism and cultural identity internationally.
The Global Sri Lankan Kumara Kumariya pageant will hold its grand finale on July 31 at the Ramadia Grand Hotel in Moratuwa, drawing competitors from 13 countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania. According to organisers, the contest will feature participants with Sri Lankan heritage from the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, Australia, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, India, and Sri Lanka itself.
The pageant has been designed with a dual purpose: to provide a platform for diaspora youth to celebrate their cultural roots while simultaneously promoting Sri Lanka as a global tourism destination. Project mentor Wasanthi Gunarathna, a Sri Lankan actress, producer, and entrepreneur, explained that the initiative aims to transform participants into cultural ambassadors capable of representing the country's traditions and values to international audiences. She highlighted how the competition creates an opportunity for overseas Sri Lankans to reconnect with their heritage while introducing the nation's attractions abroad.
The Sri Lanka Tourism board has officially endorsed the competition, viewing it as a valuable opportunity to enhance the country's international profile as a tourist destination. Through this pageant format, organisers intend to leverage the global Sri Lankan community as a vehicle for showcasing the island's distinctive cultural identity, historical heritage, and tourism potential to audiences worldwide.
