In a dazzling celebration of youthful brilliance, Women in Management Sri Lanka (WIM) New Generation Chapter, in an inspiring partnership with the National Youth Services Council (NYSC), has once again set the stage ablaze with the ‘New Generation Awards 2023’ ignited by Soorya.
An Evening of Elegance and Inspiration
The prestigious event, which took place on the 3rd of October 2023 at the iconic Galle Face Hotel, was a grand convergence of luminaries, dignitaries, and the nation's brightest young talents, all united under the resounding theme, ‘Daring to Differ.’ The ceremony, brilliantly inaugurated by Mr. Kasun Sigera, Chairman of New Generation Sri Lanka, underscored the pivotal role of youth in the nation's growth and recovery.
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including H.E. Mr. Badli Adam, High Commissioner of the High Commission of Malaysia; Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative of UNDP Sri Lanka; Alejandro Alvarez de la Campa, Country Manager of the International Finance Corporation Sri Lanka and Maldives; K. Mahesan, Secretary to the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs; and Senior DIG Ajith Rohana. Notably, corporate leaders and officials from The National Youth Services Council also joined hands with private sector corporate leaders to make this celebration truly remarkable.
Celebrating Thirty-Eight Exceptional Youth
The New Generation Awards 2023 shone a spotlight on 38 exceptional young individuals who have emerged as luminaries in diverse fields such as leadership, entrepreneurship, politics, technology, media, arts, social media, innovation, sports, agriculture, tourism, education, and various other professions.
The visionary Founder of the New Generation Awards, Dr. Sulochana Segera, expressed her heartfelt joy at the remarkable journey of this platform over the past four years. What began humbly with eighteen award categories has now evolved into a prestigious platform acknowledging 38 outstanding young individuals who have exemplified excellence in their respective domains. Dr. Segera encouraged the youth of Sri Lanka to embrace diversity comprehensively, transcending gender, and embracing individuals from all walks of life, including those from diverse social backgrounds and ethnicities. Notably, this year's awards cast a spotlight on remarkably resilient and heroic young individuals with disabilities who have achieved remarkable success despite the challenging environment in Sri Lanka.
A Record-Breaking Year
This year's event witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 350 applications submitted. Through a rigorous selection process, led by an esteemed panel of judges chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Ravi Dissanayake from the Department of Marketing Management at the Faculty of Commerce & Management Studies (FCMS), University of Kelaniya, 100 finalists were shortlisted.
Honouring the Influencers
The event was brought to life by the distinguished panel of judges for NG Awards 2023:
- Prof. (Dr.) Ravi Dissanayake - Chairman of the Department of Marketing Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies (FCMS) University of Kelaniya.
- Pasindu Gunaratne - Chairman National Youth Service Council.
- Ms. Thamari Senanayake - Director Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Coca Cola Sri Lanka.
- Mr. Rohan Masakorala - Chief Executive Officer Shippers Academy.
- Ms. Zahara Ansary - Country Manager, CIMA Sri Lanka.
- Dr. Yashoda Velananda Wayz - Founder / CEO, Inexis Consulting.
- Mr. Sudarshana Gunawardana - Chairman, ITN.
The Future Shapers – NG Award Winners 2023
- Abdul Munas Mohamed Mirshad - Most Promising Rising Star in Employment.
- Akindu Athauda - Student of the Year.
- Anagi Thanuja Gunasekera - The Well Being Award.
- Aruna Darshana - Sportsman of the Year.
- B M Madushani Samudika Jayathilake - Most Outstanding Undergraduate of the Year.
- Chanaka Pathum - Innovator of the Year.
- Charitha Minipuraarachchi - TV Presenter of the Year.
- Commercial Bank - VIBE AI CAMPAIGN - Youth Campaign of the Year.
- D M Nimesha Kaushani Perera - Inclusivity Award.
- Denathi Pussegoda - Art and Theatre (Dancing).
- Fathima Zahra Nisfer - Special Appreciation Award.
- Finds Diamond Team - Most Outstanding WINSPIRATION Mentorship Team of the Year.
- Gangulee Walpola - Young Positive Influencer of the Year.
- Geilee Geenadi Skandakumar - Young Leader of the Year.
- Gethmi Thimethma Algama - Most Promising Rising Star in Employment.
- Hirantha Basnayake - Young STEM Personality of the Year.
- IAS Holdings (PVT) Limited - Outstanding Contribution to the Community.
- Kamanthi Wickramasinghe - Print Media Youth Journalist of the Year.
- Kethaki Dananjana Kapuru Bandara - Young Artist of the Year.
- M Prasangi Ravishani Fernando - Judges' Special Award.
- M.G.Tharindu Lakmal Pushpakumara - Youth Agro-Entrepreneur of the Year.
- Mandapa Pandithage - Youth Professional of the Year.
- MJF Foundation - Organization Empowering Youth.
- Nilupuli Nayanathara Jayathilaka - Positive YouTuber of the Year.
- Nishadi Gurusinghe - Youth Entrepreneur of the Year.
- Onaya Kulatunga - Student of the Year.
- Rishma Rizvi - Start-up of the Year.
- Sayumi Rovinya Jayawardene - Outstanding Contribution Young People Award.
- Sharoni Nirmali Anthony - Techno Entrepreneur of the Year.
- Shenuk Dilishke Wijesinghe - Arts and Culture (Music) Award.
- Suddirikku Dulanjali Ariyatilaka - Courageous Youth of the Year.
- Vimoshi Nehasha Weerasinghe - Sports Woman of the Year.
- WP/Jaya/Dharmawijaya Vidayalaya - Educators Empowering Youth.
- K.K.G.Ashan.S.Wijetilleke - Youth Travel and Hospitality Award.
- Fathima Shirafa Siddeek - Best Mentee - WINSPIRATION '23.
- D. W. O. J. Amaratunga - Best Mentee - WINSPIRATION '23.
- Dr. K. H. S Dilmika - New Generation Sri Lanka - Member of the Year
A Night of Gratitude
The evening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Tamara Perera, Vice Chair of the NG Chapter, who invited NG Award Winners to join the New Generation Chapter and actively contribute to the country's economic transformation.
Award Winner 2023
