Pasidu Prasad Priyadarshana was crowned Mr. Universe Sri Lanka
Malki Dissanayake was crowned Miss Worldwide Sri Lanka
In a dazzling display of talent, charisma, and raw star power, the Miss and Mr. Sri Lanka pageant took place earlier this month, crowning contestants for titles like Mr. Grand International Sri Lanka, Mr. Universe Sri Lanka, Miss and Mr. Worldwide Sri Lanka, and Mr. Universe Teen Sri Lanka.
Pasidu Prasad Priyadarshana, a proud alumnus of St. Anne’s College, Kurunegala and a graduate of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts (UPVA), emerged victorious as Mr. Universe Sri Lanka 2023.
The prestigious event, held at the enchanting Panibharatha Theatre of UPVA, left spectators in awe as Pasidu Priyadarshana clinched not only the coveted Mr. Universe Sri Lanka crown but also an impressive array of sub-crowns, including Most Popular, Best Talent, Best Catwalk, and Best Skin. This multi-talented artist, skilled in various domains like art, dance, music, acting, and announcement, showcased his immense versatility and captivated hearts.
As the curtains fell on the thrilling competition, Pasidu shared his elation and gratitude, saying: “Winning the title of Mr. Sri Lanka (Universe) is a dream come true for me. I poured my heart and soul into every aspect of this competition, and it’s an incredible feeling to see all my hard work pay off. I would like to thank my family, my mentors, and everyone who believed in me.”
The event was graced by a panel of distinguished judges, including UPVA Department of Sabaragamu Dance Head Dr. Dhanushka Washeera Salgamuwa and senior lecturer Dr. Ediriweera Gunasekara, award-winning actress Neeta Fernando, and Women and Child Affairs State Minister Geetha Kumarasinghe. The judges also included veteran models Rozanne Diasz and Jayamali Erangika, tele theatre director Saranga Mendis, lawyer Yashali Abeysundara, and veteran dancer Chandana Wickramasinghe, among others. Their collective expertise and discerning eyes ensured a fair and competitive contest that pushed the participants to showcase their absolute best.
Reflecting on the intense competition, Neeta Fernando commented: “It’s always a delight to witness the extraordinary talent our country has to offer. Pasidu Priyadarshana truly stood out with his impeccable skills and stage presence. He’s not just a winner; he’s an inspiration to aspiring artists across Sri Lanka.”
In addition to his triumph, Pasidu Priyadarshana also demonstrated his potential in the world of acting by revealing his upcoming projects. He shared: “Acting has always been a passion of mine, and I’m excited to announce that I have several teledramas in the pipeline. I believe this is just the beginning of an exciting journey in the entertainment industry.”
While the spotlight shone brightly on the male contestants, it’s worth noting that the talented Malki Dissanayake was crowned Miss Worldwide Sri Lanka, adding another layer of glamour and excellence to the event. Her grace, poise, and talent were truly remarkable, and she expressed her gratitude for the title by saying: “I’m honoured to represent Sri Lanka on the global stage. This win is not just mine; it belongs to every young woman who dreams big and works hard to achieve her goals.”
The tournament was impeccably organised and officiated, ensuring that every moment of the event was a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the team behind it.
In a world where artistry and talent often take centre stage, the 2023 Miss and Mr. Sri Lanka competition showcased the immense potential that resides within the heart of Sri Lanka. Both winners’ victories serve as an inspiration to aspiring artists, reminding them that with dedication, passion, and a lot of hard work, dreams can indeed become a vibrant and shining reality. As they look forward to their future endeavours, the world eagerly awaits to see where these multi-talented stars will shine next, lighting up the world with their remarkable abilities.
PHOTOS Lalith Perera