Pageants aren't easy

By Menaka Indrakumar

The Miss Universe pageant is one of the most celebrated titles in the beauty pageant arena. It has launched the careers of many women in their respective fields as they represented their country with intelligence, grace and beauty.

This year, 23-year-old Christina Peiris will represent Sri Lanka at the pageant to be held in Las Vegas this November. She is a fashion designer by profession, running her own clothing brand 'XTINA'. The proceeds of the sales go to cancer care service. Having suffered the loss of loved ones to cancer, she is most passionate about a cure for the disease. The 5.9" Miss Sri Lanka is excited about the pageant and is doing all the necessary work and research leading up to the main contest. Her positive attitude and vibrant personality are the main factors which won her the 'Miss Sri Lanka' title. Christina spoke to Glamour about her preparations, passions and being a role model to the country.

How are you preparing for the pageant?

From the time I was crowned 'Miss Sri Lanka,' I was over the moon. Since then, I have been practicing questions and answers, working out, focusing on my diet, watching previous shows and reading up on the contest and contestants. Maybe I am doing more than previous contestants of the Miss Sri Lanka pageant. The preparations are going well.

Who is your favourite Miss Universe winner?

Miss Philippines, Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2015. She is amazing and handled the whole situation with grace and elegance. Pia is a strong advocate for HIV/AIDS and lends her support to very crucial causes. I look up to her.

If you are crowned 'Miss Universe,' what will you focus on?

I want to expand my clothing brand and through that, help cancer patients by conducting awareness programmes and helping families of those who are suffering from the dreaded disease.

Which contestant from the recent 'Miss Sri Lanka' do you admire?

Jacqueline Fernandez, Miss Sri Lanka 2006. I still remember her coming on stage wearing beautiful attire. She looked stunning. Today, she has achieved great heights in her career. I aspire to do that as well.

Did you always want to be Miss Sri Lanka?

As a child, I dressed up as 'Miss Sri Lanka' for a fancy dress party and here I am as 'Miss Sri Lanka'! My family encouraged me, and saw good potential. I never thought I have what it takes, yet I decided to give it a shot and felt now was the time.
Life after the pageant...comment

I will continue my work as Miss Sri Lanka. I want work with orphanages, get involved in charities and promote my country globally.

Given the opportunity, will it be Bollywood or Hollywood?

Any one of them! I am person who takes every opportunity that comes my way. Whether it's good or bad, as long as it helps me grow as a person and I learn something out of it.

Three things you have learned at the 'Miss Sri Lanka' pageant?

The first thing I learnt is that pageants aren't easy. It takes a lot of courage and confidence. The second thing is preparing physically and mentally, especially the unexpected and finally, being aware of things.

Three things about you that will make you stand out?

I am caring, passionate and persistent, and don't give up easily. I am able to communicate well with people, and team work is something that I love to do.

How will you impress the judges at Miss Universe?

I am just going to be myself and make my country proud.

What do you want to say to everyone voting for you?

I want to get the word out there as many don't even know that there is a country called Sri Lanka. I want to put my country on the map. It would be great if I can get help from fellow Sri Lankans.

Latin nations have dominated pageants. How will you make your mark?

It's about being confident with myself and having self esteem. Around 80 odd incredibly smart, intelligent and beautiful women are not the easiest to compete with. It's about having confidence from start to finish.

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