• How hosting Manhunt Int’l can boost SL’s image

Many of us have grown up watching our favourite pageants. From the inspiring questions and answer rounds to the awe inspiring talent segments, pageants have long inspired a sense of artistic expression and national identity.

In order to showcase the best of the pageant world as well as the natural beauty and hospitality of Sri Lanka, the Manhunt International World Finals 2026 will take place in Colombo on 26 May 2026.

“We are honoured to be hosting such a spectacular pageant because not only is it such a well known international pageant, but it is also an opportunity to showcase our country to the world,” Event Director Jagath De Almeida, said at a press conference held on 5 December at Cinnamon Life. 

An int’l pageant

Manhunt International has long been associated with fashion. Starting in 1993 in Singapore, this pageant has been on the lookout for the best male supermodel across the world.

“Our hunt for the best male supermodel of the upcoming year has just got started,” Manhunt International President Rosco Dickinson said. “We have had many talented models in the past and each of them have had something to offer.”

Dickinson expressed his excitement of hosting the finals in Sri Lanka as it will expose the contestants to an environment filled with peace, harmony and great natural beauty.

“I’m excited and optimistic for the finals as it will be a chance to showcase Sri Lankan talent and artistic flair to the world,” he said. “Sri Lanka is filled with great beauty and I’m sure that this would be the perfect place to host this prestigious pageant.” 

A local touch

Despite its natural beauty, Sri Lanka has faced a unique sense of challenges over the years. From the recent destruction caused by cyclone Ditwah to the economic crisis in 2022, our country has seen the worst.

“Despite it all, Sri Lanka is a nation of resilience,” Event Director Johann Peiris said. “It has always bounced back and emerged stronger than it has been before so hosting the finals of Manhunt International 2026 will be a step in the right direction.”

Peiris said that this pageant will showcase Sri Lankan hospitality and encourage people to come to Sri Lanka to see more of it.

“This is not just any pageant, but one that is known and watched all over the world,” he said. “Several models from nations all over the world compete to bring glory and prestige to their home and there would be so many visitors from all over the world coming to watch.” 

This year’s Manhunt finals took place in June at Bangkok, Thailand and saw contestants from 36 different countries compete in various categories such as Swimwear and Evening Wear.

The first runner up this year was Sri Lankan model Piyumal Sithum Pattuwearachchi, who showcased Sri Lanka’s aspirations for pageantry. 

“We already know that Sri Lankans are capable of making some unique magic whether it be through participation, design or hospitality,” De Almeida said. “This is why we are so excited to show the world what Sri Lanka can achieve.” 

Despite the hard times, Manhunt International reminds us of our immense potential for creativity, commitment and courage that would take our talent to the world stage.

A hope for new beginnings

While Sri Lanka has performed relatively well with the achievements of Pattuwearachchi, our country has often been overshadowed when it comes to international pageants.

“Sri Lanka has an immense amount of talent and potential,” De Almeida said. “We hope that our well known Sri Lankan hospitality will show the world what we are capable of. We are already joined by so many partners who have come together and continue to strive to make this upcoming event a grand success.”

The event features renowned Sri Lankan brands such as The Cutting Station as the hair and makeup partner and Muthukaruppan Chettiar Jewellers as the jewellery partner.

“The success of this event will be because of our collaborative spirit and strong drive to see Sri Lanka succeed,” Almeida said. “It’s time to boost our country and our communities by working together to make Manhunt International 2026 not only a reality but something that would be talked about.”

To many of us, hosting this pageant is not only a nod to Sri Lankan culture, tradition and hospitality but also a message that there is hope even amidst the darkest of times.