Tourism is very much in the news these days and it’s certainly a good sign to see lots of foreigners checking out Sri Lanka.

With this in mind, Ruki’s Model Academy & Agency recently had a spectacular event to select Mrs. Tourism Sri Lanka in order to promote Sri Lanka in the international scene.

Nimesha Premachandra was crowned Mrs. Tourism Sri Lanka 2026.

She says she owes her success to Ruki (Rukmal Senanayake), the National Director and model trainer, and personality and advocacy trainer Tharaka Gurukanda.

Nimesha is a school teacher by profession, an actress and TV presenter by passion, and an entrepreneur by spirit.

She believes in balancing grace with purpose, and using her platform to inspire women, while promoting the beauty and culture of Sri Lanka to the world. And this is how our Chit-Chat went:

Nimesha Premachandra: Mrs. Tourism Sri Lanka 2026

01. How would you describe yourself?

I am a passionate, disciplined, and people-oriented person. I love learning, performing, and guiding others, especially young minds, through education.

02. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would probably try to be less self-critical and allow myself to celebrate achievements more often.

03. If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?

Nothing major. I am grateful for my family’s love and support, which has shaped who I am today.

04. Is Mrs. Tourism Sri Lanka your very first pageant?

No. I have been part of pageants before, but Mrs. Tourism Sri Lanka is very special because it represents purpose, culture, and global representation.

05. What made you take part in this contest?

I wanted to represent Sri Lanka internationally and use this platform to promote tourism, culture, and women’s empowerment.

06. Obviously, you must be excited about participating in the grand finale, in Vietnam; any special plans for this big event?

Yes, I am extremely excited. My focus is to showcase Sri Lankan elegance, hospitality, and authenticity, while building meaningful connections with participants from around the world.

07. How do you intend promoting tourism, in Sri Lanka, during your rein?

I plan to highlight Sri Lanka’s diverse experiences in culture, heritage, wellness, nature, and local hospitality through media appearances, digital storytelling, and tourism collaborations.

08. School?

Kaluthara Balika. School life played a big role in shaping me. I actively participated in sports and performing arts, which later helped me build confidence as an actress and presenter.

09. Happiest moment?

Being crowned Mrs. Tourism Sri Lanka 2026 and seeing the pride in my family’s eyes – definitely one of my happiest moments.

10. What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Peace of mind, good health, and being surrounded by the people I love while doing work that has meaning.

11. Which living person do you most admire?

I most admire Angelina Jolie because she beautifully balances her work as an actress with meaningful humanitarian efforts. She uses her global platform to support refugees, advocate for human rights, and inspire women to be strong, compassionate, and independent.

12. Which is your most treasured possession?

My memories and experiences because they remind me how far I’ve come, and keep me grounded.

13. Your most embarrassing moment?

Like everyone, I’ve had small on-stage mishaps, but they always taught me to laugh at myself and move forward confidently.

14. Done anything daring?

Participating in pageants while balancing teaching, media work, and family life has been one of the boldest and most rewarding decisions I’ve made.

Keen to use her title to promote Sri Lanka globally

15. Your ideal vacation?

A peaceful destination surrounded by nature; somewhere I can relax, reconnect, and experience local culture.

16. What kind of music are you into?

I enjoy soft, soulful music because it helps me relax and stay inspired.

17. Favourite radio station:

I enjoy stations that blend good music with meaningful conversation and positive energy.

18. Favourite TV station:

Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation. It’s where it all began for me. It played a significant role in my journey as a TV presenter and helped shape my confidence and passion for media.

19 What would you like to be born as in your next life?

Someone who continues to inspire others because making a positive impact is what matters most.

20. Any major plans for the future?

I hope to expand my work in media and entrepreneurship while continuing my role as an educator and using my title to promote Sri Lanka globally.

The girls, especially, would love to take care of their face.

Yes, of course, we’ve all got blackheads and blemishes that make our skin seem drab and lifeless.

Well, this week’s beauty tips should help you achieve all that is good for your skin.

*  Cucumber and Lemon to Treat Blemishes:

Apply equal parts cucumber and lemon juice on your face (avoiding your eyes) before taking a bath. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it off. This natural face beauty tip will brighten your skin tone and lighten blemishes, if used on a regular basis. The best aspect is that it is appropriate for all skin types!

*  Papaya Helps Get Rid of Dead Skin:

Blend 1⁄4 cup papaya with 01 tablespoon fresh pineapple to produce a smooth combination Apply evenly and allow to sit for 05 to 15 minutes before rinsing.

*  Tomatoes to Reduce Excess Oil from Skin:

Scoop up the pulp from 01 tomato and apply it evenly on your face. Allow it to dry for 15 minutes before removing it with warm water to reveal a naturally radiant skin.

*  Chilled Tea Bags Help Reduce Dark Circles:

A chilled green tea bag does wonders for your skin. This natural face beauty technique may rapidly reduce puffiness around the eyes, making them appear brighter and more alert. Place the tea bags on your eyelids and relax for 05 to 15 minutes while they perform their magic.

*  Honey Can Help Achieve Glowing Skin:

Applying a small amount of honey to your face every day is an excellent approach to getting healthy, bright skin. Honey’s absorbing properties draw out pollutants from skin pores and help completely cleanse your skin. Honey has remarkable moisturising effects and is also a terrific relief for dry skin.

The catholic church and the country lost a pastor, mentor and ayurvedic doctor in Fr. Wickrema Fonseka, a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Colombo whose life committed to the poor and the marginalised ended on February 23rd.

Controversial by nature and a person who provoked new thinking Fr. Wickrema believed always in swimming against the tide and trend.

It is easy to go with the accepted standards and norms in life where one would not have to encounter rejection. One who toes the line with the rest and feels accepted cannot be a Christian.

This is how many identified Fr. Wickrema who was fondly called ‘Wickrema Aiya’ (Brother Wickrama).

He entered priesthood after completing his studies in medicine at the University of Colombo as a result of his search for meaning in life.

For him priesthood was not what he saw in his childhood days as an attractive person in white robes with all the comfort and positions.

He was ordained a priest during one of the most tumultuous times in the country- the 1989-1990 era of violence and whether to side with the poor or not. Tose who took the side of the poor were expelled by the church hierarchy.

Fr. Wickrema just manage to escape ‘the jaws of termination’.

While in priestly formation he followed a progressive life style unique to him.

He took special interest in teaching poor children during his formative years at the Ampitiya National Seminary.

Fr. Wickrema was actively involved with the ‘Kithusara’ group and moved with youth who held progressive views about life.

He spent the money he inherited from the family to free those suffering from financial burdens.

His contemporaries recalled the commitment of Fr.Wickrema towards students who fell ill during his days at St. Joseph’s College where he served in several capacities. He was remembered as a mentor and formator who encouraged critical thinking among students.

He lead a simple lifestyle despite his academic and professional excellence.

Wishing a ‘ Prophetic Church of the poor’ he uttered the penitential verse-Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima cupla during sermons for failing to respond to the social realties outside the church.

The struggles of the fisheries community, free trade zone workers, the plantation workers and university students were part and parcel to him.

He engaged with civil society groups and n confronted local politicians when they tried to silence him advocating for social and economic justice.

He had good hands for both care and healthcare which he did while serving the community in Diyalagoda. He healed both those who were mentally and physically ill and helped build houses for those displaced by Tsunami.

Though he had to retire and rest due to the illness he remained the ‘Unretired servant of the Lord’ till the last day.

Fr. Wickrema was interred at St. Joseph’s Church, Thillanduwa on February 25th following the requiem Mass celebrated at the church.

By Lalin Fernandopulle