By Shannon Jayawardena

Premier Ceylon together with Miss England will be hosting Sri Lanka’s largest beauty pageant with the aim of promoting the country as a socioeconomic and tourism hub. The event is to take place on 26 May at Amari Galle.

Premier Ceylon Hotels and Hospitality Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Jagath Wijesekara said: “Premier Ceylon ventured into high end hospitality and is based in the United States of America. Premier Ceylon has partnered with Miss England is an initiative to promote Sri Lanka as a promised socioeconomic and tourism hub.”

Wijesekara stressed on the fact that this exclusive project had been endorsed by the Sri Lankan Tourism Promotion Bureau in recognition of the national interest so that the country is promoted both locally and internationally.

Ozo Colombo and Amari Galle Area General Manager Russell Cool stated: “Amari Galle and the Ozo has partnered with such a grand event to promote the socioeconomic and tourism aspects of Sri Lanka. We look forward to a bright event on 26 of May and it should be a good night.”

The event will comprise two phases, phase one which will invite Miss England organisation officials to Sri Lanka to stage Miss Premier Ceylon with Miss England which is to happen for the first time in Asia and the second phase which will offer selected local beauty queens the opportunity to walk the ramp in Miss England Finals in UK.

From left: Onyx Hospitality Social Media Manager Mohammed Ashfaq, Flipit Media Director Julian Zufer, Flipit Media Director Shamaal Panagoda, Rupavahini Working Director Amal Gajamange, Tour Blue Director Dharshana Cabraal, Premier Ceylon Managing Director Selvarajah Krishanakumar, Premier Ceylon Vice President/Chief Executive Officer Jagath Wijesekara, Premier Ceylon President Ruwan Padmawansa, Onyx Hospitality Area General Manager Russell Cool, Onyx Hospitality Sales & Marketing Director Kiran Sonawane, Scissors Salons Chairman Mohammed Afthab, Nkar Travel House Manager Nilakshi Senadeera and Nkar Travel House Executive Brian Wimalasinghe

Tour Blue Director Darshana Cabraal noted: “I would like to highlight that we are all here to promote Sri Lanka, especially within the European region. This is one of the main reasons that we are going to have this event in May at Amari Galle. We are also planning several similar events in the future that will promote the country as a tourism hub.”

Event officials said that would be the best and biggest international show in Sri Lanka with a host of several leading musical groups, dance groups and a gala black tie dinner for networking. Miss England finalists will also join hands with the contests of Miss Premier Ceylon on the ramp, experiencing cross cultural and applied professional exposure for the contestants to develop integration, personalities and their career paths.

Further the event has been scheduled during the height of the off season which will encourage tourism promotion during this period as well. The pageant will invite tourists to visit the country and experience its beauty as the contest is open to all nationalities. Tickets will be available soon.

Source : http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Miss-Premier-Ceylon-together-with-Miss-England-to-promote-SL-as-socioeconomic-and-tourism-hub/27-653492