Global Sri Lankan Kumara Kumariya finale on July 31 at Ramadia Grande, Moratuwa

The grand finale of one of the world's unique beauty pageants, Global Sri Lankan Kumara Kumariya, which promotes Sri Lanka's heritage, culture and tourism, will be held on July 31 at the Ramadia Grand Hotel, Moratuwa.

The pageant is open to Sri Lankan-origin youth aged between 16 and 32 living around the world. This year's competition has attracted participants from 13 countries, including the UK, Northern Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, Australia, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, India and Sri Lanka.

The mentor behind the project, Wasanthi Gunarathna, a Sri Lankan actress, teledrama producer, writer and businesswoman known for her work in Hima Tharaka (2017) and Nohadan Amme (2004), said the event was created primarily to showcase Sri Lanka's cultural heritage and tourism potential to the world through its participants.

She said Sri Lanka Tourism has also endorsed the project. “The pageant is expected to play a significant role in promoting Sri Lanka as a tourist destination.”

The preliminary rounds are currently underway in several cities across Sri Lanka, with the most talented contestants being selected to compete at the grand finale on July 31.

The top three winners in both the boys' and girls' categories will receive prizes and gifts worth more than Rs. 1 million. In addition, the top three winners in each category will be awarded return air tickets to Thailand, together with two nights' full-board accommodation stay.

“There will be a popular voting round along with a versatile panel of judges that will select the winners.”

The main sponsor of the event is Kandy Spices Agro (Pvt) Ltd. Dr. Ruwan Herath, Chairman and Managing Director of the Kandy Group of Companies, leads Kandy Spices Agro (Pvt) Ltd. Under his leadership, the company has focused on producing and exporting premium agricultural and spice products, earning industry recognition.

Gunarathna said the newly built wing of the Ramadia Grand Hotel was selected to host the event because of its spacious pillarless ballroom, advanced lighting system and modern facilities.

"This is an event that celebrates beauty, confidence, talent, culture and elegance on one extraordinary stage of achievement," she said.