Caroline Jurie is a Sri Lankan icon, entrepreneur, and beauty queen who gained international recognition by winning Mrs. World 2020, becoming only the second Sri Lankan to hold the title. She was recently recognized as one of the 100 iconic women in Sri Lanka. Celebrated for her elegance, confidence, and resilience, she has built a reputation beyond pageantry as a voice for empowerment and authenticity. Beyond the crown, Caroline has pursued business and philanthropy while inspiring women balancing ambition, family, and societal expectations. Her journey, marked by both triumphs and controversies, continues to spark admiration and conversation. In this edition of Legacy Builders, we sit down with Caroline Jurie to explore her path of ambition and resilience and uncovering the drive and vision shaping her legacy while inspiring women across Sri Lanka and beyond. From pageantry to entrepreneurship and philanthropy, her story reflects authenticity, courage, and a commitment to meaningful impact.
Could you take us back to your early years and share how your education and upbringing influenced the person you’ve become today?
I come from a humble background where life was never easy. I studied in a government school, and for much of my childhood I struggled with poor health, which often kept me away from classes. It was not an easy journey, but it was one filled with lessons. My parents instilled in us values that became the foundation of my life they taught me never to compare myself with others, to always be grateful for what I had, to do my best, and to help one another. Those simple yet powerful teachings shaped me into the person I am today. As I grew older and began to explore the world, I realized how much those values carried me. They gave me confidence, taught me never to give up, to pursue my dreams with determination, to work hard, to remain 100% honest, and to give back to society. The challenges I faced rejection, sickness, being bullied were not setbacks, but steppingstones. They built my strength and resilience. I stand tall today not in spite of those struggles, but because of them. They made me who I am.
What first inspired you to step into the world of pageantry, and what did winning Mrs. World 2020 mean to you personally?
From a young age, I dreamed of becoming a supermodel. In 2019, I pursued opportunities in Europe such as sending portfolios, attending auditions, and waiting for the right call. None came, and life moved on. I married, became a mother, and for a while thought my dream had slipped away. An unexpected chance arrived when I was invited to feature in a music video in Dubai. But learning it was a swimwear shoot crushed me, I was struggling with stretch marks on my body after entering into the lovely motherhood and feared that door had closed forever. Around this time, I discovered the Mrs. Sri Lanka pageant. Though I’d missed applying in 2018, my husband urged me to use 2019 to prepare. I did, and stepping on that stage changed everything. Winning Mrs. World 2020 was not just about the crown it was about reclaiming my voice. I had grown up facing rejection, bullying, and even moments of despair, but those struggles shaped my resilience.
On the Mrs. World stage, I transformed pain into power, becoming a voice for the voiceless and an inspiration to women and children. The title opened doors as an entrepreneur, mentor, and advocate. Today, I run my own business, support charities, coach aspiring individuals, and organize fashion shows. Mrs. World was more than a pageant it was a turning point that helped me live my dream in a new way and dedicate my success to uplifting others.
Pageantry is often seen as glamour on the surface, what are some challenges or sacrifices people don’t usually see behind the crown?
When people look at pageantry, they often see only the glamour the gowns, stage lights, and crown. What they don’t see are the sacrifices and struggles behind the scenes. For me, the journey was far from easy. When I applied for Mrs. Sri Lanka and later Mrs. World, I faced obstacle after obstacle. My visa was rejected three times, delaying me and leaving me constantly racing against time. Unlike contestants from other countries, I had no sponsorships or government support. Every expense, from travel to costumes, was my responsibility. I even had to leave parts of my national costume behind at the airport because I couldn’t afford the excess baggage fees. Imagine carrying the pride of your country in your heart but being told you cannot carry its symbol on stage. Even the gifts for 52 contestants usually sponsored I prepared and funded on my own.
This is the side of pageantry people don’t see: the sacrifices, resilience, and emotional toll. Yet I kept reminding myself that I wasn’t just representing me, I was carrying “Sri Lanka.” That responsibility gave me strength. Even after winning Mrs. World 2020, the joy was short-lived when the pandemic hit just months later. But instead of breaking me, it became another moment to reflect and adapt. Pageantry is far more than beauty; it’s a platform that can benefit entire nations. Countries like the Philippines use it to showcase pride and promote tourism. I hope Sri Lanka too will one day build a stronger, more supportive system for future contestants, so they don’t face the same struggles I did. Behind every crown lies sacrifice, financial strain, and rejection but also the strength to rise above it. For me, those challenges made the victory even more meaningful, because I know I fought for every step of it. So yes, behind every crown there are sacrifices, financial struggles, emotional challenges, and countless rejections. But it is also in those struggles that true strength is built. And for me, those sacrifices made the victory all the more meaningful, because I know I fought for every step of it.
Beyond pageantry, you’ve ventured into business and philanthropy. Could you share more about your current projects and goals?
To be honest, I never initially planned to go into business it became a path after certain life experiences made me realize I needed to build a platform, not just for myself, but for those who need it most. I founded a non-profit organization called Jataa, which supports unbranded cancer patients by turning scarves into a fashion statement, helping normalize their journey with confidence. Through this, I wanted to promote life without labels, where people are seen for their strength and individuality rather than their circumstances. I had a strong motive to support differently abled individuals, creating opportunities and giving them a voice. Recently, I organized a fashion show titled “THE EQUALITY” at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, which featured individuals from marginalized communities, including people with disabilities, dermatological conditions and members of the LGBTQ+ community, hence it can be celebrated as a milestone of diversity, inclusivity and empowerment.
My goal moving forward is to continue building platforms that empower, uplift, and inspire people beyond boundaries.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years as a professional, a public figure, and as an iconic woman?
In the next five years, I see myself giving back more to my country and creating platforms for people who don’t have the privileges or opportunities that many take for granted. I want to be a voice for the voiceless, breaking barriers that hold individuals back and opening doors for them to shine. My vision is to build a lasting legacy a one that’s not just about titles or recognition, but about empowering others, fostering equality, and proving that with courage and compassion, real change is possible.
Outside of the spotlight, what grounds you the most, what’s a day in the life of Caroline Jurie like?
A typical day for me begins early in the morning with quiet time spent with God, which keeps me centered and grounded. I then focus on preparing my daughter for school before moving on to my work, meetings, and other commitments. No matter how busy life gets, I always prioritize family time it’s the foundation that keeps me balanced. Even when it comes to events, I choose carefully, because I’m not chasing fame or publicity. For me, it’s about quality, not quantity, and ensuring that my family always comes first.
Who do you look up to as your own role models, and why?
For me, God is the greatest role model. I look to Him for guidance, strength, and wisdom in every step of my journey. His example of love, patience, and compassion inspires me to stay grounded, remain humble, and continue working hard while holding on to faith. In moments of success and in times of challenge, I remind myself to trust His plan, because He sets the best path for us all.
Finally, what message would you like to leave for young women in Sri Lanka and beyond who see you as an inspiration?
Be yourself. Don’t rush the process or chase publicity building a legacy is like building a house, and it takes time to create a strong foundation. Success is visible at the end, but the hard work, rejection, and sacrifices behind it often go unseen. Don’t give up when faced with challenges; instead, stay humble, learn from rejection, and keep moving forward. Identify what truly excites you, dream big, believe in those dreams, and work hard to achieve them. And when you do, remember to give back to society that’s where true fulfillment lies.
