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Tracy
Tracy
Sep 04 2026
22Sri Lanka’s representative at the 73rd Miss World pageant, fashion designer and model Prathibha Liyanarachchi, has secured multiple top placements in the fast-track rounds of the competition, strengthening Sri Lanka’s presence on the international pageant stage.
Competing against representatives from around 100 countries and territories, Liyanarachchi has placed in four major fast-track challenges. She was named among the Top 24 in Beauty With a Purpose (BWAP), Top 23 in Talent, Top 24 in the Sports Challenge and Top 60 in Top Model.
The placements recognise her performance across a diverse range of challenges that form an important part of the Miss World competition. They also highlight Liyanarachchi’s ability to represent Sri Lanka beyond the traditional pageant platform, combining fashion, creativity, purpose and advocacy throughout her journey in Vietnam.
A fashion designer, model and founder of HOOP The Label, Liyanarachchi has built her Beauty With a Purpose project around the empowerment of underprivileged women in Sri Lanka through craft. Through HOOP, women artisans are provided with training, mentorship and income-generating opportunities, while their traditional and creative skills are developed into products with the potential to reach wider markets.
The initiative has become a central part of Liyanarachchi’s Miss World journey and was shortlisted among the Top 24 Beauty With a Purpose projects worldwide. It was also recognised among the top six representatives from the Asia and Oceania region, placing her work among a select group of purpose-driven projects presented at this year’s competition.
Beyond the competition itself, Liyanarachchi has used her time in Vietnam to promote Sri Lankan creativity and craftsmanship, wearing and carrying products created by local designers and artisans as she takes part in the various events and challenges.
“I am incredibly proud to represent Sri Lanka on a global stage. Being part of the Miss World competition has always been a dream, and it is both an honour and a huge responsibility to represent my country here. I am delighted with these placements and will continue to work hard to make Sri Lanka proud,” said Fashion Designer and Model Prathibha Liyanarachchi.
She said one of the most meaningful aspects of the experience had been the opportunity to meet women from different parts of the world and share Sri Lanka’s culture, creativity and talent. Through HOOP, she hopes to draw greater attention to the capabilities of Sri Lankan artisans while creating opportunities for women to build sustainable livelihoods through craft.
The 73rd Miss World pageant is currently taking place in Vietnam, bringing together contestants from around the world for a series of cultural, charitable, talent, sporting and fashion-related events ahead of the final.
The grand finale of the 73rd Miss World pageant is scheduled to take place on September 5, 2026, in Nha Trang, Vietnam, where contestants will compete for the Miss World crown.
