Anudi Gunasekara has made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to be named First Runner-Up from Asia in the Miss World Multimedia Challenge at the 72nd Miss World Festival held in Telangana, India.
Her outstanding performance placed her among the Top 20 global finalists and secured her a prestigious spot in the Top 8 global winners of the Multimedia Challenge, out of 108 contestants worldwide.
Anudi’s achievement marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka, as it is the first time the country has ranked in the Top 20 across three Miss World fast-track events — Talent, Head-to-Head Challenge, and Multimedia.
In the highly competitive Asia and Oceania region, the Multimedia Top 5 included representatives from New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. Thailand was awarded the top prize.
The Multimedia Challenge recognises contestants’ influence and storytelling abilities across digital platforms. Anudi impressed judges with her creative, authentic, and consistent content that showcased advocacy, cultural pride, and behind-the-scenes moments of her Miss World journey.
Judging criteria included engagement on Instagram, Facebook, and the Miss World app, as well as the quality of digital storytelling during preparations and the event itself.
Her groundbreaking success has not only elevated Sri Lanka’s presence on the global stage but also inspired future participants to harness the power of media for meaningful impact.
