WNL shines at 2025 Golden Business Excellence Awards with Multiple Prestigious Wins

By Thasmina Sookoor 

Wijeya Newspapers Limited (WNL) marked a momentous evening at the 2025 Golden Business Excellence Awards, securing multiple prestigious accolades that underscored its leadership, innovation, and enduring influence within Sri Lanka’s media landscape. The awards ceremony, held at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, brought together leading figures from across industries to celebrate excellence, impact, and forward-thinking leadership.
One of the most significant highlights of the evening was the recognition of Rishini Weeraratne, Editor, The Sun (Daily Mirror), HI!! Online and Head of Social Media, who was honoured with the coveted ‘Media Personality of the Year 2025’ award. The accolade acknowledged her outstanding contribution to Sri Lankan media, her professional integrity, and her influence in shaping digital media. The award reflects not only individual excellence but also the broader standards of credibility and innovation upheld by Wijeya Newspapers Limited across its platforms.
Further reinforcing the organisation’s digital leadership, Sirikatha Online and Lankadeepa Online were jointly recognised for ‘Excellence in Digital Journalism and Lifestyle Media Innovation.’ The award celebrated the platforms’ ability to adapt to evolving audience needs while maintaining editorial depth, relevance, and creativity in the digital space. Over the years, both brands have successfully expanded their reach through dynamic storytelling, audience-centric content, and innovative digital strategies that resonate with readers across generations.
The awards were accepted by Ashanthi Warnasuriya, Editor of Sirikatha, who represented the editorial teams behind the two platforms. Her leadership and commitment to progressive storytelling have played a key role in strengthening Sirikatha’s position as a trusted lifestyle media brand while driving meaningful digital innovation.
Adding to the evening’s achievements, Danu Innasithamby, Head of Channel, HI!! TV, was presented with the ‘Global Excellence for Media Leadership, Cultural Diplomacy and Humanitarian Impact’ award. This honour recognised his multifaceted contributions as a media personality, advocate, and author. He was commended for his work in purpose-driven storytelling, cultural dialogue, and humanitarian advocacy, particularly through his longstanding involvement with World Vision Lanka.
Collectively, these accolades reaffirm Wijeya Newspapers Limited’s position at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s media industry. The multiple wins reflect the organisation’s continued investment in journalistic excellence, digital transformation, and socially impactful storytelling. As the media landscape continues to evolve, Wijeya Newspapers Limited remains committed to setting benchmarks that inspire trust, innovation, and meaningful engagement across platforms and audiences.