LNP – You become a real queen when you fix each other’s crowns –Ishadi Amanda

Sri Lanka’s Ishadi Amanda who won first runner-up at the recently concluded Mrs. World 2024 pageant in Las Vegas spoke about the challenges she had to overcome along her journey to win the coveted title at a media briefing held yesterday (February 4) following her arrival in the country.

Amanda spoke about her roots and appreciated the support extended by her family. “Even though I was born in Sri Lanka I was raised in France. But I haven’t forgotten the Sri Lankan culture thanks to my parents. I have a very supportive family and if not for them I wouldn’t have come this far. They encouraged me to participate in beauty pageants since I was very young.”

Reflecting on her journey, Amanda recalled how she started working at the age of 16 as she wanted to become independent. “I knew that I was unique in my own ways. People said that I would be able to dress elegantly only until I get married. Once I got married they started saying that it would only be possible until I become a mother. Many educated women are confined to their households after marriage because they don’t get the necessary support from the family. As a result they would end up having depression. I always have high expectations about my life.”

In a video that went viral on social media, Amanda was seen worshipping Mrs. World Sri Lanka National Director Chandimal Jayasinghe. Responding to comments, she said that she doesn’t worship everybody but that she worshipped Chandimal because it was his brand that paved the way to her victory. “If not for Chandimal and his brand I would be just another woman doing a daily job in France. Chandimal wants to bring out the beauty in another woman. Within a week he curated outfits that wowed other contestants. He carries a wealth of experience in the beauty industry. So, I will always call him ‘sir’ and I will always worship him.”

She also expressed her gratitude to official choreographer Rukmal Senanayake and advocacy trainer Tharaka Gurukanda for their support. Speaking about her victory, Amanda further said that it was her roommate who was adjudged Mrs. World 2024. “I’m not sad about the fact that she won. I did cry because I regretted not being able to win. Perhaps the judges adjudged her for the title depending on her beauty and overall performance. As the saying goes, you become a real queen when you fix each other’s crowns,” she added.

Speaking at the media brief Mrs. World Sri Lanka National Director Chandimal Jayasinghe recalled some of the challenges that Ishadi had to face prior to her departure. “Ishadi only had couple of hours to get her passport sorted prior to departure. We had issues in getting her national costume to the venue and we had to bear our own expenses. But she faced all challenges with much strength and courage. During the entire pageant she competed well with other contestants and the pride she brought to the country is certainly invaluable. I respect her humility prior to the pageant and even after being adjudged the first runner’s up.”

He further said that they would never insult another contestant and that they accept the final judgement given by the judge board. He said that the title holder will be brought down to the country as they are planning to host the international pageant in Sri Lanka. “Having served as the National Director of the Mrs. World pageant for the past six years I’m glad that I was able to produce the first runner’s up.”

He further requested authorities to streamline functions within state institutions to ensure a smooth process when it comes to obtaining necessary documentation to travel overseas. He also thanked the Sri Lankan community in Las Vegas for their continuous support during the stay in Las Vegas and for the support extended behind-the-scenes throughout the pageant.