Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Wednesday, 17 September 2014 01:47 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Following the successful completion of the Miss Universe China pre-pageant tour which took place in Sri Lanka in August, which already created a mammoth value of publicity for the country as a destination, both Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and SriLankan Airlines represented Sri Lanka and made great efforts to highlight the country on stage at the final crowning pageant, held in Shanghai on 13 September.
Amongst these efforts was an exciting raffle-draw prize of a one-week’s stay for two in Sri Lanka, including accommodation on full board basis at any property belonging to the Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts chain, along with return air-tickets courtesy SriLankan Airlines. It was evident that for those who had followed the finalists’ experience of Sri Lanka during the pre-pageant tour, Sri Lanka has now become ‘a must see’ destination, and hence, this prize was probably the most-looked-forward-to win of the night.
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts also facilitated the auctioning of a Royal Blue Sapphire, said to be one of the most precious stones in Sri Lanka, which was the most expensive item auctioned at the grand finale and took the highest bid of Rs. 10 million. The five karat gem was generously sponsored by Karadana Gems, and the proceeds will be donated towards charity.
What’s more, Sri Lanka took centre stage yet again during the night, when the Chandana Dance Troupe dazzled the entire audience with an amazing display of culture and tradition through a colourful dance performance, highlighting the great talent that the country has to offer. This act was also made possible by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and SriLankan Airlines who made all necessary arrangements for the group to travel and perform at the gala event in Shanghai.
The Sri Lankan presence at the grand finale was immense as it generated the highest amount of publicity for Sri Lanka when compared to any other event in the past. The Consulate General for Sri Lanka in Shanghai Hasanthi Dissanayake commented: “This is the highest publicity Sri Lanka has received from a single international event. I highly commend the efforts of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and SriLankan Airlines in promoting Sri Lanka as a destination to the audience and China as a whole.”
“With the visit of the President of the Republic of China Xi Jinping to Sri Lanka, there is no doubt that the bond between Sri Lanka and China would further be strengthened. We, as private organisations, share in the sentiment that initiatives such as these are important for the development of tourism and national interest. We hope to continue to build and maintain these ties between our two countries,” said Dileep Mudadeniya, Head of Brand Marketing of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.
Nora Xu, who was the youngest finalist in the pageant, was crowned Miss. Universe China 2014. The grand finale was attended by many elite guests including the likes of Miss Universe 2012, who was also part of the eminent judging panel.
