• Megha Sooriyaarachchi on placing in the top 10 at Mr. World 2024

For the very first time in the history of male pageantry, Sri Lanka made it to the top 10 at the Mr. World 2024 pageant in Vietnam on 23 November. 

Representing Sri Lanka, Megha Sooriyaarachchi carried the Lankan flag high, placing as a top 10 finalist, winning the National Costume People’s Choice Award (voted in by an international audience), placing as a talent show finalist, and also placing within the top 30 of the ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ category. 

In a competition where every contestant is judged as a complete package – personality, intelligence, fitness, and cultural representation – Megha’s accomplishment is a testament to his dedication and hard work. 

Chatting with The Sunday Morning Brunch following his wins at Mr. World 2024, Megha shared: “It feels great to be among the best in the world. This isn’t a victory that’s mine alone – it’s a great team effort by the Mr. World Sri Lanka team and Sri Lankans, both in the country and abroad. It’s something we can all be proud of together.”

An unconventional beginning

While many now recognise Megha as a top-tier pageant contestant, his primary identity lies in his creative pursuits. Megha is an accomplished actor, director, and lecturer. 

“It was my passion to be a director, honestly,” he explained. “I’ve had that dream since I was a child. Sharing the knowledge I’ve gained with the next generation is also something I’m passionate about. It gives me solace to be able to do that.”

Despite his expertise in filmmaking and teaching, Megha also appreciates the privilege of being an actor. “Acting allows me to express myself in different ways within the field I’m passionate about,” he added. “It’s a blessing to explore film, the media, and the medium I love.”

Stepping into the world of pageantry was a significant shift for Megha, requiring him to embrace new challenges and push his boundaries. He recalls the journey that began with competing in Siyatha Mr. World Sri Lanka, the national competition that selects Sri Lanka’s representative for Mr. World. Mr World Sri Lanka was produced by Model Shop and directed by Sangeetha Weeraratne, Dhananjaya Bandara, and Shereen Kumaranatunge.

“I prepared for nearly a year, maybe more,” he said. “Modelling was outside my comfort zone. Even though I’m an actor, director, and lecturer, I had to make myself ready for the different aspects of pageantry – both physical and mental. I gave it my all and I’m proud to say that.”

Megha’s determination and the support of the Siyatha Mr. World Sri Lanka team were instrumental in his success. “They trained us really well,” he noted. “They gave us the ammunition to carry ourselves as the best representatives of Sri Lanka. It was a privilege to win the local competition and then go to the world stage, representing Sri Lanka to our best potential.”

Becoming a contestant in a global pageant like Mr. World involves far more than good looks and charm. Megha explained that pageants demanded a multifaceted approach to personal development, and also that beauty pageants and modelling pageants were inherently different in what they looked for in contestants. Modelling pageants, for instance, focus heavily on contestants’ modelling abilities, but beauty pageants tend to look at the bigger picture. 

“Beauty pageants judge contestants on the full package – intelligence, behaviour, teamwork, personality, and how you represent your country. It takes a lot to prepare yourself to be a worthy contestant. 

“You have to polish yourself, understand the DNA of the pageant you’re participating in, and focus on every aspect – physical, mental, and how you carry yourself as a brand ambassador for Sri Lanka.”

Megha’s preparation for Mr. World extended beyond traditional training. It involved understanding the cultural nuances of the competition and committing to a rigorous regimen that honed his physical fitness and mental resilience. “It takes a lot of enhancement in every regard to climb that mountain and be on top,” he emphasised.

The world of male pageantry

Male pageants, especially Mr. World, have unique challenges and opportunities. Megha highlighted the differences between male and female pageants while underscoring their shared goal: identifying well-rounded representatives. 

“Mr. World is one of the highest and most prestigious pageants,” he explained. “It evaluates contestants on their overall package and the standards of judging are different from pageant to pageant.”

The Mr. World pageant also stood out for its structure and duration. “The competition lasted for a month,” Megha noted. “It takes a lot of work, resilience, and reliance on your training to give your best throughout that period.”

The demands of pageantry for men often went underappreciated, Megha observed. “People believe it’s an easy thing to compete in a pageant, but it isn’t,” he said.  

This is also one of the biggest misconceptions Megha has encountered surrounding male pageants. Many people assume these competitions are superficial or require minimal effort. 

Megha is quick to dispel this myth. “It’s a misconception to think that representing your country at a global level is easy,” he shared. “It takes a lot of preparation, polishing, and hard work on your part and from the teams that support you.”

He also stressed that pageants were not just about physical appearance but about embodying qualities that inspired and uplifted others. “You have to assess yourself carefully and make sure you’re polished and prepared in every way.”

As someone who has successfully navigated the competitive world of global pageantry, Megha offers valuable advice to other men considering this path – assessing yourself and the areas you need to improve in is key, as is understanding the DNA of the pageant you’re applying for and tailoring your preparation to match those requirements. 

And, of course, Megha stressed the importance of believing in yourself, taking pride in where you come from and who you are representing globally, and bringing that pride and passion back into your daily life. 

As he continues his journey as an actor, director, lecturer, and now a celebrated pageant contestant, Megha remains committed to inspiring others and sharing the knowledge he has gained along the way.