THE CROWN HAS A CREW: MEET THE MISS WORLD SRI LANKA TEAM
Sangeetha Weeraratne: Director, Modelshop and Producer of Miss World Sri Lanka
Q. Having been involved in the pageant industry and contestant development, you have seen what goes into preparing someone for a platform of this scale. What makes this particular batch interesting to work with, and how would you describe the dynamic among the contestants behind the scenes?
I think what makes this particular batch special is the individuality of each contestant. Every girl has come into this journey with her own story, her own dreams, strengths and insecurities. And for me, that is what makes working with them so interesting. No two girls are alike, and I genuinely enjoy discovering what makes each of them unique and helping them recognise the potential they sometimes don't see in themselves. Having been in this industry for many years, I've come to realise that preparing someone for a platform like this is about so much more than grooming, walking, speaking or looking beautiful. It's about building confidence, developing character and helping young women discover their own voices. And to understand how to face success and failure. Behind the scenes, there is naturally a mix of emotions, excitement, nerves, ambition, friendships and, of course, a little healthy competition! But what I particularly enjoy is watching the girls grow together. They may be competing for the same crown, but they are also sharing an experience that will shape them in ways they may only fully appreciate years from now. I always tell them that a crown is something you may wear for a moment, but the person you become through the journey is something you carry for life. And if we can send these girls back into society a little more confident, compassionate, courageous and aware of their own worth, then I believe we have achieved something far more meaningful than simply finding a winner. Because ultimately, for me, beauty is not just about creating a beautiful woman; it's about helping create a woman who can make a difference.
Dhananjaya Bandara: Director, Modelshop, Producer and Beauty Partner of Miss World Sri Lanka
Q. You are involved in both the development of the contestants and the beauty aspect of the competition. How do you balance the demands of preparing contestants for the pageant with the need to ensure that each woman develops a look and presence that feels distinctly her own?
Over the years, I have realised that true beauty is not about fitting into a particular standard, but embracing what makes each woman unique. For me, the most rewarding part is helping contestants recognise their potential and grow in confidence. My role is not to change who they are, but to bring out the best in them. I take time to understand their personalities and individual features, ensuring their styling reflects who they truly are.
Beyond beauty, I focus on confidence, stage presence and self-belief. Ultimately, I want every contestant to feel beautiful, empowered and authentically herself.
Shereen Kumaranatunga: Director, Modelshop and Producer, Miss World Sri Lanka
Every pageant has its share of unexpected moments, particularly when you bring a group of individuals together for an intensive preparation journey. What is one thing about working behind the scenes that you think audiences would be surprised to discover?
Camaraderie. I think that's something people don't necessarily expect to find in a beauty pageant, especially when there's so much competition involved. But behind the scenes, it's often surprising to see the friendships, support and genuine bonds that develop between the contestants. They begin this journey as competitors, but somewhere along the way, they start looking out for one another, encouraging each other and sharing experiences that only they can truly understand. For me, that's one of the most unexpected and rewarding parts of producing a pageant. It's a reminder that even in a competition, there's room for genuine friendship.
Athula Mahawalage: Creative and Portrait Photography Partner
Q. There is often a difference between the image someone presents in front of a camera and the personality that emerges when they are completely at ease. As the creative eye documenting this journey, which side of the contestants do you find most interesting to capture, and what are you hoping your photographs will communicate?
There is often a difference between the image someone presents in front of a camera and the personality that emerges when they are completely at ease. As the creative eye documenting this journey, which side of contestants do you find most interesting to capture, and what are you hoping your photographs will communicate? I find it most interesting to capture the side of a contestant that emerges when she feels comfortable and at ease; the moments when her genuine personality comes through. I first look for the angle that suits her best, then use lighting and direction to bring out her natural beauty, confidence, and individuality. I hope my photographs communicate that every woman has her own beauty and personality, and that both deserve to be seen.
Ramani Fernando: Hair and Beauty Partner
Q. With a competition of this scale, the beauty team is constantly working behind the scenes to ensure that every detail comes together. What is the thinking behind the beauty direction for this year's pageant, and how do you approach creating looks that work both on stage and for each contestant individually?
My vision for this year’s pageant is to create looks that are elegant, glamorous and fun, while allowing each contestant’s individual personality to shine through. The beauty direction will be about striking the right balance between sophistication and freshness, ensuring the girls feel confident and beautiful. We want every look to complement their features, outfits and the occasion, while also creating a cohesive visual impact on stage. Ultimately, it’s about celebrating individuality while bringing everything together beautifully.
Kala Suri Dr. Channa Wijewardena: Entertainment Partner
Q. Entertainment can set the mood and become one of the most anticipated elements of a pageant night. Without giving too much away, what can audiences expect from the entertainment side of this year's production, and what has gone into putting that experience together?
Entertainment is the heartbeat that gives a pageant its atmosphere, emotion and unforgettable moments. This year, audiences can expect an experience that goes beyond performances, bringing together artistry, rhythm, movement and visual storytelling in a way that complements the spirit of the occasion. Without revealing too much, I can promise a few delightful surprises. Every element has been thoughtfully curated, with great attention to detail, creativity and precision. Drawing on years of experience, my vision has been to create not merely a sequence of performances, but a seamless production that captivates, connects and leaves a lasting impression.
Thilina Ben: Official Social Media and Photography Partner
Social media allows audiences to follow a pageant in real time, but there's a whole narrative being built behind every photograph, video and update. How are you approaching the storytelling of this year's competition, and how do you ensure that the content captures the personalities and experiences of the people involved rather than just the glamour of the event?
Our approach is to tell the story of Siyatha Miss World 2026 beyond the stage. Through photography, videography and real-time social media coverage, we want to capture the personalities, emotions, preparations and individual journeys that make this competition special. Backed by an experienced professional team, the latest camera equipment and creative techniques, Thilina Ben Photography is committed to delivering high-quality visuals while preserving genuine moments. For us, it is not just about capturing beautiful images, but about creating lasting memories and stories that reflect the people behind the pageant. We want audiences to experience the competition, rather than simply watch it.
Tiron Wickeremasinghe: Fitness Partner, Project T
Q. Training fourteen individuals with different fitness levels, routines and approaches to discipline is no small task. How have you structured the fitness journey for this year's contestants, and what has been the biggest challenge in getting everyone to find their own rhythm?
Having started my career in fitness in 2003, I've worked with everyone from professional rugby players to celebrities and pageant contestants, and one thing I've learned is that no two individuals are alike. With fourteen contestants, my approach has been to understand their individual fitness levels, strengths and limitations, while creating a structured programme that challenges each of them at their own pace. The biggest challenge has been building consistency and discipline, particularly with their demanding schedules. My goal isn't simply to improve their physical appearance, but to build strength, stamina, confidence and a healthier mindset that lasts beyond the competition.
Kumar de Silva: Personal Development, Social Etiquette and Communication Skills Coach
Beyond the usual pageant training, there is an entire process of preparing a contestant to navigate different personalities, situations and expectations. What has been your biggest focus when working with this year's contestants, and what is one quality you hope each of them carries with her long after the competition?
Yes, it is indeed a whole mental process of preparing all the contestants, and then the finally crowned winner, to handle different persons, situations and expectations, not only at a national level but also at an international level. Out there on the world stage, they represent the whole of Sri Lanka and not only themselves. They represent you and me too. My trainings are lessons for life. My biggest focus (every year) has been on content and communication. Underlying all of this, is guiding and training them to be mentally strong and confident, and financially independent women right through their lives.
Ajaz Shafeek: CEO, Voice of Asia Networks (PVT) LTD
Q. Media plays a significant role in determining how a national pageant is experienced by audiences beyond the venue. What drew Voice of Asia Networks to this partnership, and what opportunities do you see in taking the Miss World Sri Lanka experience to a wider audience?
At Voice of Asia Network, we believe a national pageant should not be limited to the people inside the venue. Media has the power to turn one night into a national moment. What drew us to this partnership is the purpose behind Miss World Sri Lanka. It is not only about beauty. It is about confidence, intelligence, talent, and Beauty with a Purpose. That is exactly the kind of content we want to champion at Siyatha TV. We see a massive opportunity here. Through television, radio, digital, and social platforms, we can take the journey of these young women to every home in Sri Lanka and to Sri Lankans living all over the world. From the auditions to the final crowning, the audience will live the story with them. For us, this partnership is about giving Miss World Sri Lanka the national stage it deserves, and giving Sri Lanka a platform to show its talent, culture, and grace to the world.
Lou Ching Wong: Production Director and Choreographer
Q. When the curtains eventually open, audiences will see a polished production, but they won't necessarily see the creative decisions and problem-solving that went into it. What has been the biggest creative undertaking for you this year, and how are you envisioning the overall stage experience?
The biggest undertaking has been transforming young women into storytellers, not just contestants. Each girl carries her district, her language, her dream. I listened first, then let movement become her voice. I envision the stage as a crown of light, not a runway. Grace meets purpose. When the curtains open, the audience should not just see beauty, they should feel Sri Lanka, proud, powerful, and ready for the world.
Ajaz
Tiron
Shereen
Sangeetha
Ramani
Lou Ching
Kumar
Dhananjaya
Channa
Ben
Athula
