Beauty and Brains to Represent Lanka at Miss British Empire 2018
The Miss British Empire 2018 international beauty pageant is scheduled to take place in Perth, Australia in mid-September, 2018 and a Sri Lankan beauty that also happens to be a Doctor, has already been selected by the international pageant’s organizers to represent Sri Lanka at the event.
Dr. Nuwandika Lakmali Wickramarathne-Siriwardena is a Grade Medical Officer attached to the Divisional Hospital at Nawagamuwa. She is currently being trained under iconic Choreographer and Designer, Brian Kerkoven. Dr. Nuwandika is in her fourth year of practice following her graduation and is planning to move into the field of Medical Administration. Having gained exposure into the field of modelling for some years now, her involvement with the talent agency, StarNow Modeling, had allowed her with the opportunity to apply for the pageant.
Commenting on the process that got her selected to represent Sri Lanka, she said, “In Sri Lanka, unfortunately, there is no representative agent or live heat that takes place to select a beauty queen to represent the country at the Miss British Empire international pageant. However, those countries that do not conduct a live show, can still apply and participate at a photo heat where the pageant organizers would then request a full bio and photographs in order to shortlist applicants. In doing so, I got selected and I am proud to announce that I will be representing Sri Lanka in Australia this year.”
Dr. Nuwandika also disclosed that shortlisted applicants who have not been part of a live show, need to face a photo heat in order to be eligible to participate. Beauty Queens from 97 countries that were once part of the British Empire are encouraged to participate for this pageant and receive the opportunity to tap into the world of international showbiz. The ultimate winner will receive the chance to be contracted for modelling assignments in the USA.
She further added, “For my preparation process, I am currently receiving guidance directly from the pageant organizers. I am also getting the support of Mr. Kerkoven, under whom I have been receiving training. Mr. Kerkoven has agreed to choreograph me as well as design my costumes for the pageant,” Dr. Nuwandika added.
Apart from being attached to the medical field, she is also a member of the Board of Directors of Water’s Edge Hotel since 2017, and is the Brand Ambassador for Sakurai Aviation and the founder of Elegant Cleopatra, a Clothing, Beauty Cosmetics & Fashion brand. She is also an accomplished lyricist and singer. Currently, Dr. Nuwandika is working to initiate a Cancer Foundation in the hopes of generating funds for cancer treatment in Sri Lanka.
The Miss British Empire International Pageant was founded in 2011 by a former Miss Great Britain and actress, Liz Fuller, with the aim of paving a pathway of opportunities for pageant winners and help them carve out successful careers in the field of international media and showbiz. The pageant also prides itself in finding talent and nurturing individuals who are aspiring models, singers, dancers and actors for example and giving them the exposure they need.
Sri Lankans can also share and tweet their support to Dr. Nuwandika who will also take part in the Miss Popular category where fans can cast their vote for their favourite contestant. To support her via Facebook, you can visit her post – https://goo.gl/mw1Tcn.
