Samoa made history with a fairytale ending to Miss Samoa Global Haylani Pearl Kuruppu's conquest at the Miss Global 2023 pageant in Cambodia on Friday morning after ending up as the first runner-up, the highest achievement yet by Samoa at an international beauty pageant. 

The former Miss Samoa from Melbourne Australia and Moata'a in Samoa immediately acknowledged the support of her home country which has been supporting her throughout her Miss Global journey. 

"In the depth of my being I want to give a big fa'afetai tele lava Samoa for being my source of strength and perseverance throughout this journey," Ms. Kuruppu wrote on her official social account, hours after the pageant. 

"From the bottom of my heart thank you for letting me represent you on the global stage, my journey has been nothing but delightful and most memorable."

She also acknowledged Vodafone Samoa and Miss Global organisation for the opportunity given to her to represent her culture and her people. 

"My gratitude knows no bounds. Congratulations to our new successor Miss Global Puerto Rico, you deserve to be right where you are queen. 

"My heart is with you Samoa, the globe has heard us."

Despite falling just short of the coveted title, Ms. Kuruppu's performance was characterised by an impressive showcase of her abilities and a deep connection to her cultural identity.

This accomplishment marks a significant milestone for the modest Pacific nation of Samoa, representing the inaugural instance in which the country has secured a prominent position on the global stage of beauty contests.

Ms. Kuruppu is of Samoan descent and has Sri Lankan roots as well.

Her father flew to Cambodia to join Vodafone Samoa Chief Executive Officer, Rana Bose and his team in Cambodia to cheer and support Ms. Kuruppu. 

Ms. Kuruppu was crowned the Miss Samoa 2022, and the first runner-up in Miss Pacific Islands 2023. According to Vodafone Samoa Ms. Kuruppu is a social worker, a fitness trainer, and an author. 

She is also studying physiotherapy at the Australian Catholic University.

Telecommunication company Vodafone Samoa sponsored and initiated the idea to send a local candidate to the Miss Global pageant. 

Initially, Vodafone Samoa said they were hoping to send a candidate and if the representative made it to the top 20, they will consider sponsoring another candidate to the next Miss Global.