- Nirmal Bandara secures the national franchise for Miss Universe for the 2nd consecutive year
- Unprecedented worldwide media coverage for Miss Universe -a global tourism boost for Sri Lanka
- Auditions scheduled at Minor Hotels’ 5 star NH Collections, Colombo
Sri Lanka has won the excellent opportunity this year to participate in the International Miss Universe pageant 2025. All credit for it goes to versatile Nirmal Bandara, entrepreneur, musician, film director and a holder of multiple franchises for International beauty pageants, who was awarded the Miss Universe Franchise for the 2nd consecutive year, this year.
The auditions for the Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Universe will get underway next week (Sunday16th March) at the Minor Hotels’ flagship hotel in Colombo, NH Collections which was recently declared a five star.
Sri Lanka has been participating in this international contest since 1953 but did not have the chance for participation since 2018 up to 2024 with no national franchise holder for Miss Universe. It was Nirmal Bandara who vied for the license and was successful in being awarded the franchise last year (2024). Therefore it is after a lapse of 6 years Sri Lanka got the chance to participate again in 2024.
Nirmal, who has 14 years experience in the modeling Industry held the pageant successfully and the Sri Lankan representative participated in the international Miss Universe pageant. Although the participant did not get a placing on the world stage, it was an achievement for Sri Lanka to have, the least, re-entered the contest after so many years.
Nirmal Bandara thus holds the distinction of being one who forged ahead amidst the hurdles and emerged triumphant in this sphere and says his only motive was to regain this for Sri Lanka. He is all set now with his team to hold this year’s pageant with equal ease and confidence, to see to its success and determined to bring home a winner at the Miss Universe pageant scheduled to be held in Thailand this year.
Unprecedented media coverage worldwide – a tourism boost
Deputy National Director – Manori Dayaratne the Deputy Director of the Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Universe holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and is a committed lecturer specializing in English teacher training and exam preparation for IELTS and PTE with expertise in Classroom Management. She has completed the DIP programme in the USA. Her mission is to shaping future educators and language learners.
Miss Universe which holds an esteemed position as one of the oldest and most prestigious international beauty contests is recognized as the largest pageant in the world due to its TV coverage across 190 countries worldwide and an audience of 500 million. These statistics alone display how important it is for Sri Lanka to be represented on that world stage especially at this time. It is indeed considered to be an event where Sri Lanka has an opportunity to secure a global tourism boost.
Beauty Queen Maureen Hingert – unparalleled and unmatched since
History records that Sri Lanka’s participation in this esteemed pageant is one of honour prestige and much success. All this has to do with a beauty queen par excellence, unparalleled and unmatched since, who gracefully represented our country in 1955, namely Maureen Hingert and she emerged the 2nd Runner up in the international Miss Universe pageant to the delight of the people of our isle.
(Please see more on the graceful Beauty Queen Maureen Hingert in the opposite page- Page 6)
The Miss Universe was first held in 1952 and has since grown into a globally recognized event watched by millions. Each year, women from nearly 90 countries compete for the title, showcasing their talent, intelligence and advocacy efforts.
Nirmal speaking exclusively to the Sunday Observer said that he takes pride in the Ms. Universe particularly because it’s a highly esteemed beauty pageant where it goes beyond physical beauty and requires traits like self confidence, intelligence and leadership qualities. “The contest empowers women to become influential voices in society. Contestants from across the world participate using this platform to promote social causes, cultural exchange and international goodwill.” he said. Speaking of the immense benefits of Sri Lanka having this franchise he said firstly “it can be considered a golden opportunity to position our country on the global stage. It’s is a dream- come- true for one lucky lady of our country too to represent Sri Lanka there.”
Nirmal Bandare
The Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Universe pageant is an excellent opportunity for all our ladies to participate in. Even the local contest gives one good grooming thus being a participant itself empowers them in many ways.
“Winning Miss Universe title is a life- changing opportunity. Title holders receive global recognition & career opportunities. Winners often step into careers in modeling, acting, business and social -activism. They get scholarships & brand collaborations; many receive educational opportunities and work with leading fashion and beauty brands. It is widely considered a platform for Advocacy; winners use their influence to raise awareness for social issues, empowering communities worldwide.” he added.
What are the benefits that await the chosen representative?
“Sri Lankan women who participate in Miss Universe have the chance to represent our nation’s strength, beauty and culture. By training and competing at an international level, they can elevate Sri Lanka’s presence on the world stage. This will inspire future generations and encourage more young women to dream big and achieve greatness.” explained Nirmal.
Nirmal Bandare with 2024 Miss Sri Lanka for
Miss Universe pageant winners
Looking forward to the auditions next week, Nirmal shared his hope that Sri Lankans will unite in not only supporting the eligible ladies presenting themselves for the contest but all sectors that want to promote what is indigenous to Sri Lanka can each in anyway unite with him to stage a united front to the world to make the best presentation possible in Sri Lanka to the class and quality expected to host a grand finale befitting the standards required to showcase what Sri Lanka can and is capable of.
Determination written on his face, Nirmal indicated he has only one goal, -selecting the best at the auditions and a real winner on a grand stage presentation in Sri Lanka, thereafter ensuring the participant chosen will get the best training possible to bring the glory that comes with the win of the international contest Miss Universe, to our country. With so much for Sri Lanka to benefit, all Sri Lankans should join hands to make it happen and give all the support possible to get this recognition for Sri Lanka to hoist another achievement that will bring the required attention to boost our tourism potential even further in the world.
