For the first time in the history of the New Zealand beauty pageants, a Sri Lankan has won the Mrs. Universe New Zealand title.
Accordingly, Nimakshi Sachindri Ranatunga (Nishi) will represent New Zealand in the Mrs. Universe pageant to be held in Bulgaria next year.
Since the pageant was not held last year due to COVID-19 pandemic, it has been held this year to cover both the 2021 and 2022 pageants.
Accordingly, two winners have been selected. One of the winners has been qualified for the 2022 Mrs. Universe to be held next month in South Korea, and Nishi has been qualified for the 2023 Mrs. Universe to be held in Bulgaria.
Nishi, who received her primary education from Bomiriya Central College and tertiary education from Visaka College, Colombo, moved to New Zealand in 2015.
She currently resides in Auckland and runs a dance academy called NZSL.
While in Sri Lanka, Nishi has worked as a teacher at Vidura College, Museus and Kotikawatta Asian Grammar School and is currently working as a teacher at a school in Auckland.
She excelled in badminton and basketball during her school days and acted in school plays as well.
“I also worked as a dancer in Sri Lanka. I learnt dancing from Channa Wijewardena. Later on, I acted in many music videos. I also participated in dance competitions in other countries representing Sri Lanka,’ she said.
Nishi, the younger daughter of Sri Lanka’s former ‘Miss Ceylon’ Chithra Kantha Ranatunga and businessman R.A. Premaratne, also wors as a fashion model.
She has acted in many short films in New Zealand, including international award-winning films.
