Beauty pageants… when we are in dire straits!

Yes, life has to go on – come what may! But, all of us need to make adjustments, and sacrifices, to overcome the terrible mess our paradise island has fallen into. And, when I say terrible, it’s truly frightening…going by what some of the knowledgeable folks have to say about the crisis situation.

Quite a few readers have queried from me whether this is the right time for us to be organising beauty pageants, fashion shows, etc., indicating that such events, in no way, help the millions who are suffering untold hardships, right here, in Sri Lanka.

Thousands, they say, go without even a morsel of food to keep the hunger pangs away, and these tamashas are held, with fanfare, etc.

There were also brickbats hurdled at those who spend their time, in five-star surroundings, and then upload photos, and videos, of their lavish lifestyle.

And, these are some of the readers’ comments that have come my way…

* Kemali de Costa: In what way are these beauty pageants beneficial to the country, at this point in time? Will these events ease the sufferings of the people who have to stand in queues, for days and days?

And, aren’t the winners of these pageants sent abroad to participate in an international event? With the country having no dollars to pay for essentials, how do the winners travel abroad?

What about hotel accommodation, travelling expenses, pocket money, air ticket, etc? From where do the dollars come for such trips!

And, in what way can a Miss Tourism promote Sri Lanka when the country is in such a horrifying state?

I would say such beauty pageants, held at this point in time, are a waste of time, money and energy.

To have beauty pageants, when the whole of Sri Lanka is at its worst ever time, is utter madness, I would say.

* Hirunie Gunasekera:

What does one gain in having beauty pageants, and fashion shows, when the country is having problems galore and the people are living in misery!

Is the country, and the suffering people, going to benefit, in any way, from these high society events?

You step out and you see mile-long queues for cooking gas, fuel and other essential items, and people are desperate, with the cost of living skyrocketing by the day.

Probably, when these guys and gals, go abroad to represent Sri Lanka at the international competition, they will have to describe, to the international audience, Sri Lanka’s pathetic scene and the plight of the millions who are suffering.

One must remember that the Q&A round of a pageant, for the Top 05, is considered to be the most-anticipated segment of the competition.

* Roshantha Waduge: While the country is, literally, going up in flames, there are people who seem to get a kick out of posting pictures of themselves, on social media, taken at posh venues.

They seem to be living in a world of their own, totally unconcerned about the untold sufferings of the masses.

* Mervyn: Those who flaunt their wealth, on social media, when the country is in deep trouble, give the impression of thumbing their noses at those who are less fortunate.

It’s disheartening to see these people at holiday resorts/hotels, etc., “showing off”. By all means go on holidays, have meals at restaurants, or five-star hotels, but why rub the noses of the less fortunate in it?

Come on people, have a heart, and some feelings, for your less fortunate brothers and sisters.