Her preparations for Miss Universe lasted for two and a half months. "Physical preparations are fundamental to achieving success in a beauty pageant as it displays your discipline and drive. However, that said, it is imperative to train yourself mentally as competition requires a lot of will power. I've been reading up a lot because you need to be updated on current affairs, national and international issues. I feel that this will help immensely by building up my confidence as a person."

The only Sri Lankan contestant to ever have a spot in the Miss Universe Pageant was Maureen Inghert (Miss Ceylon then). She placed as Miss Universe 1955's 2nd runner-up and that was 51 years ago! Sri Lanka doesn't consistently send their delegates to Miss Universe. "We only held a Miss Sri Lanka for the Miss Universe pageant for the first time in 8 years last year. However, I have noticed that we have been given a lot of support by various people," Jackie confessed.

A welcome distraction to the attention of the usual favorites, she acquaints us with the real meaning of being a beauty queen. "As a beauty titleholder, you've got to feel like a queen inside you. You have to feel for your country. That is the main idea of going for an international pageant because you are acting as an ambassador for your country. You have to do it with confidence, grace and charm, and not forgetting the intellect. The noblest kind of beauty is the one that slowly filters into the mind. It's not about physical beauty anymore. It is how you radiate your beauty from within and how effective it is to someone."

Sri Lankans have for themselves a fulfilled candidate with a brain, a heart and a brilliant mind which could spell success in the end. Whether she will be crowned Miss Universe, only time can tell. But one thing that we can answer right now is that she proves that pageant contestants need more than just a pretty face. Jackie spoke with knowledge and purpose. She oozes charisma, vows to work hard and this is what MUO is looking for this year. She is very much a woman in charge!

Good luck to Jackie as she readies for her Miss Universe quest.

 

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Missosology would like to thank Miss Sri Lanka Universe organizers, Poornima Weerasekara, The Trillium & everybody who sent photos & essentials on Jackie.

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