Anudi Gunasekara advances to Miss World Head-to-Head finals

Emerging from a pool of 107 contestants, Anudi secured her place among the top 20 after delivering a moving speech in the first round of the challenge. Her address began with a powerful verse from the Dhammapada, a revered Buddhist scripture, setting the tone for a message that seamlessly wove together themes of cultural heritage, personal experience, and global awareness.

Her focus on ending period poverty in Sri Lanka delivered with compassion, clarity, and conviction deeply resonated with judges and audiences alike. The speech reflected her strong sense of purpose and dedication to creating lasting social change, particularly for marginalized communities.

Anudi is one of only five contestants from the Asia and Oceania region to reach this stage, joining representatives from Thailand, Turkey, Lebanon, and Japan. The final 20 also includes five representatives each from Europe, the Americas and Caribbean, and Africa.

The Head-to-Head Challenge serves as a platform for contestants to discuss issues close to their hearts from personal journeys to pressing global challenges offering a rare glimpse into the passion and purpose that drive these young women.

As the competition continues this Friday (May 23), the spotlight will return to Anudi and her fellow finalists. Each will once again present their vision for a better world, inspiring audiences with unwavering poise and a shared commitment to making a difference.