Stars come alive at Ranaviru Real Star

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The glittering finale of the world’s first military reality show’s second mission was held on a grand scale at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium yesterday.

Commander in Chief President Mahinda Rajapaksa was the Guest of Honour at the finale of Ranaviru Real Star (RRS) mission 2.

The five finalists for RRS Mission 2 were Sergeant Asela Manukulasuriya, Lance Corporal Kavinda Dumindaraj, Ayomi Perera from the Sri Lanka Army, Gayan Arunapriya of the Sri Lanka Navy and Imali Anuruddhika of Sri Lanka Air Force.

The panel of judges comprised Visharada Edward Jayakody, Jackson Antony and Yashodha Wimaladharma.

The Defence Ministry set off on this historic journey on November 5, 2010 on a concept of Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and was made into reality with the sponsorship of Dialog.

The second mission of RRS commenced on October 21, 2011.

The winner of Ranaviru Real Star - Mission 2 received a brand new house worth Rs 17 million while the runner up received a car worth Rs 4 million.

The third place winner received Rs 1 million. The fourth and fifth place winners received Rs 500,000 each.

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Defence Ministry Seva Vanitha Unit Chairperson Ioma Rajapaksa, Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasooriya, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Somatilake Dissanayake, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrema and Media Centre for National Security Director General Laksman Hulugalla also participated .