Pageants have always played a large part in our entertainment and culture. Many of us have tuned in to see our models represent Sri Lanka on regional and even global stages. 

For Sri Lanka’s Miss Intercontinental representative Hansana Balasuriya, pageantry wasn’t something she entered with a fixed plan. It developed gradually, shaped by early exposure, creative interests and opportunities that arrived unexpectedly.

“I never thought that I would get into modelling when I was a child but it has always been my dream,” Balasuriya told The Daily Morning Brunch.

A familiar start

Her introduction to modelling came through her mother, who had taken part in local pageants and small-scale modelling assignments. Growing up, she saw her mother’s photographs in newspapers and magazines and heard stories about those experiences. While she didn’t initially imagine herself becoming a model, those memories stayed with her.

“Seeing my mother’s photos got me interested in modelling and pageantry from a very early age,” Balasuriya said.

Her first entry to professional modelling was modelling with her mother at the Mother Daughter Fashion Design show, a platform where designers showcase their work using professional models.

“Through that experience I was able to get the attention of a modelling agent and I even did a modelling diploma,” she said.

Soon after, she entered Miss Nature Queen, a local pageant she says she didn’t see coming. She applied without overthinking it and finished as the runner-up. The experience gave her confidence and clarity rather than pressure.

She says she had always wanted to apply for Miss World Sri Lanka but was waiting for the right time. That opportunity came in November last year, when she applied and took part in the competition.

Her journey with Miss Intercontinental followed shortly after. The National Director reached out to her and asked if she would like to represent Sri Lanka at the international pageant, which she immediately accepted. 

Beauty with a cause 

Beyond the glamour and visual appeal of pageantry, advocacy plays a central role in her participation. Her chosen cause is water safety and drowning prevention, an issue she believes is often overlooked despite its seriousness in Sri Lanka.

“A lot of us are not aware of the number of accidents caused by drowning,” she said. “I want to bring awareness to these causes and how drowning can be prevented.” 

Her advocacy initiative, Wave of Safety, began as a stepping stone for safety in the water. 

She is also an  executive committee member of the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASSO), through which she has helped organise programmes in vulnerable communities. With Miss Intercontinental being an advocacy-based pageant, she sees this platform as an opportunity to highlight a local issue on a global stage.

“I’m so happy to take this message to the global stage,” she said. 

Her involvement in water safety also connects to her professional life. She is a director at The Deep End and Glory Swims, a family-run business focused on swimming and aquatic training. After completing her degree in Business Administration four years ago, she began working closely with the family business.

Future plans 

At present, she says she feels content with her academic path, though she remains open to further studies if she feels motivated in the future.

As she prepares to represent Sri Lanka internationally, she remains realistic about expectations. 

“I would love to do my best and represent Sri Lanka,” she said. “And I would also love to showcase what I am passionate about to the world.”

For the talent segment, she said that she looks forward to relying on her musical background and singing; something she feels comfortable with, given her long-standing relationship with music.

“Singing is my life,” she said. “I’ve been involved with singing from an early age and I would love to keep on exploring it.”

Looking ahead, she does not see modelling or pageantry as something limited by age. 

“I would love to continue with modelling because it has always been a dream of mine,” she said. “I don’t believe anyone is limited by age because age is just a number. I am also focused and open to anything new that comes my way.” 

For now, her focus is clear: representing Sri Lanka, using the platform responsibly, and bringing attention to an issue that matters beyond the stage.