Anudi Gunasekara returned home today after a standout performance at the 72nd Miss World pageant, held at the HITEX Convention Centre in Hyderabad, India. While she didn’t make the final Top 40, Gunasekara left a lasting impression on the international stage, becoming the first Sri Lankan in recent memory to qualify for the finals in three of the pageant’s key fast-track events.

“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a truly beautiful memory,” Gunasekara said, speaking to reporters at Bandaranaike International Airport. “All I wanted was to bring pride to my country — and I believe I achieved that.”

During the competition, Gunasekara emerged as a finalist in the Multimedia, Talent, and Head-to-Head Challenge segments — a first for any Sri Lankan contestant. Her First Runner-Up finish in the Multimedia Challenge marked the highest placement ever secured by Sri Lanka in that category.

The 2025 Miss World crown ultimately went to a contestant Gunasekara described as “truly deserving,” adding, “Winning that crown is no easy feat. Personally, I’m proud of what I accomplished.”

Reflecting on her journey, Gunasekara shared the emotional toll and determination it took to represent her country. “It wasn’t an easy road, but the love and support from Sri Lanka carried me through. I wasn’t there as Anudi — I was there as Sri Lanka. That’s what mattered most.”

She also confirmed that Miss World was her one and only pageant dream. “I have no intention of entering any other pageants. This was my goal, my passion, and I gave it everything I had.”