Miss Puerto Rico crowned Dulux Ambiance Miss Intercontinental 2016

Sri Lanka successfully hosted the star spangled international beauty pageant Dulux Ambiance Miss Intercontinental 2016 conceptualised by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and powered by EGB and Litro Gas Lanka in Colombo on 16 October at Stein Studios. 

The event held for the 45th consecutive year saw Miss Puerto Rico, Heilynar Rosario Velazquec, being crowned Dulux Ambiance Miss Intercontinental 2016 while Miss Sri Lanka, Tracy Anne De Zilva, was the first runner of the pageant with Miss Ghana, Syliva Commodore, coming up as the second runner up. 

The versatile panel of judges who flew in to the country for the pageant had the tedious task of choosing winners for a number of titles from over 60 contestants during the finale. 

Miss Thailand Atitaya Kunnalaphat won the Best National Costume title which was presented by Wasantha Heenatigala, General Manager – Sales and Marketing for AkzoNobel Paints Lanka (Dulux), while Miss Costa Rica Maria Amalia Matamoros was chosen for the title ‘Best Body’. 

Miss Bangladesh Fatimatu Zohra was crowned Miss Congeniality, Miss Puerto Rico Heilynar Rosario Velazquec won Miss Photogenic, Miss Venezuela Amal Karina Nemer was chosen as Biona Miss Beautiful presented by Romero Lindel, Country Manger – Natures Only – Biona, and Miss Seychelles Isabel Lavigne was crowned as Miss Hospitality

The voting was not left for the judges alone, with Miss Myanmar Ni Ni Naing Vin being crowned Cinnamon Miss Popularity after a landslide vote on social media. This was presented by Krishan Balendra, President – Leisure Sector, John Keells Holdings 

The final round however had judges choosing the Top 5, which is a round that chooses a the best representative from each continent; Europe – Italy, Asia and Oceania – Sri Lanka, Africa – Ghana, North America – Puerto Rico and South America – Venezuela

The high profile panel of judges consisted of CEO for Miss Intercontinental Europe Detlef Tursies, Miss Intercontinental 2010 Maydelise Columna, reigning Miss Intercontinental 2015 Valentina Rasulova, Dr. Yasar Sariguel, Chief Surgeon for the aesthetic beauty clinic Lacomed in Berlin, celebrated television host and actor Carlos McConnie, Sabrina Schepmann German fashion model, beauty queen, photographer, singer and actress, Jacqueline Aguilera, Venezuelan model and beauty queen who became the fifth woman from Venezuela to capture the Miss World crown, Rajitha Perera, Marketing Manager for AkzoNobel Paints Lanka (Dulux). 2016 Grammy Nominee Jim Beanz and British singer/song writer and Reggae DJ, Apache Indian were also part of the judging panel and also doubled as performers that night. Sri Lankans were also privy to an exciting performance by international artiste Apache Indian who’s extremely popular for his hit ‘Boom-Shak-A-Lack’, together with Destiny. 

The exclusive after party for the pageant, which was for invitees, sponsors and contestants, also saw performances by Apache Indian and an amazing lineup of local DJs.

Dulux Ambiance Miss Intercontinental 2016 was conceptualised by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and powered by EGB and Litro Gas. 

The event was hosted in partnership with together with Exclusive Electronic Media Partners - MTV and MBC, Venue Partners – Stein Studios, Beauty Partners – Biona, Eye Care Partners – Vision Care, Hair and Make Up Partner – Ramani Fernando Salons, Print Media Partner – Wijeya Newspapers, Transport Partner – Malkey, Photography Partner – Nadun Baduge Photography, Swimwear Partner – Wild Images, Catering Partner – Mount Lavinia Hotel, Outdoor Media Partner – Emerging Media, Creative and PR Partner – Leo Burnett, Flip-Flop Partner – WAVES and supported by Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. with exclusive Silk Route facility.