The radiance and beauty of the fiery sunset and the gently swaying palm trees of Hotel Blue Water set the backdrop for the spectacular Lux Ruwathi Yuwathi grand finale hosted by Unilever’s flagship beauty brand, LUX.
Fifteen finalists were selected for the 2009 Lux Ruwathi Yuwathi TV series on Derana TV, and graced the ramp in all their splendour. The celebrity panel of judges comprised Brands Director of Unilever Sri Lanka Ramani Samarasundera, Model Trainer and former Miss Sri Lanka Rozanne Dias, Popular Actor Roshan Ranawana, Veteran designer Keerthi Sri Karunaratna and Choreographer Graham Hatch.
The glamorous event was undoubtedly, one of the most memorable for these 15 finalists, whose hidden beauty was brought to surface with the efforts and guidance of eminent gurus in the beauty and style industry Ramani Fernando and Michael Wijesuriya, and the talented choreography conducted by Creative Show Director, Senaka De Silva. The contestants looked elegant and glamorous in saris and evening gowns designed especially for the occasion, and paraded the ramps in all their glory, making the judges’ final decision a very difficult one.
The lead-up to the grand finale was the complete makeover for each contestant, previously nominated as a participant for the ‘Lux Ruwathi Yuwathi’ talk show which included a platform for young women to express themselves on issues relevant to their lifestyle. Lux Ruwathi Yuwathi went beyond the norms of a beauty programme and delved into a host of issues and experiences shared by all Sri Lankan women.
Lux Brand Manager, Preminda Fernando stated, “Lux has been the epitome of beauty for Sri Lankan women and through the finals of the Lux Ruwathi Yuwathi we hope to turn the spotlight on these winners and bring out the best in them. I believe that this attempt brings out Lux’s true spirit, allowing young women the freedom to seek beauty and glamour, and to openly discuss and express themselves on issues and events that mould their lifestyles and drives their dreams and ambitions”, he emphasised.
This glamorous event concluded with Ms.Tharuka Shaamindri, form Galle crowned ‘Lux Ruwathi Yuwathi 2009’, she was awarded a cash prize worth Rs. 50,000 and Yasanthika Lakmali, the first runners up and Thilini Perera, as the second runners up received cash prizes worth Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 20,000 respectively. All three winners were also presented with valuable saris sponsored by Gee Bees, gift vouchers courtesy Ramani Fernando Salon, Stone n’ String and a specially designed Lux Ruwathi Yuwathi trophy. All 15 finalists received cash prizes and exclusive Lux gift hampers.
The event, taking on from its first season, focused on highlighting the hidden beauty of each contestant, and concluded on a very glamorous note.
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