Sri Lanka’s most anticipated celebration of young talent lit up the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo as SOORYA, the island’s trusted household brand, ignited the Youth Top 40 Awards 2025, presented by New Generation Sri Lanka. Eight extraordinary provincial stars emerged as trailblazers for the country’s youth, each embodying the spirit of innovation, leadership, and purpose that exemplify the values that the Awards seek to honor.
Representing the Western Province, Ranoja Ransarini Dickowita, an Environmental Conservation undergraduate at the University of Kelaniya, was honored for her sustainability leadership through Wetland Watchers and bioremediation research with the International Water Management Institute. She received the titles of Most Outstanding Undergraduate (Female) and Soorya Provincial Winner.
From Sabaragamuwa Province, Dilanka Sanjaya, founder of FONIX Software Solutions, was recognized for transforming digital education through his bilingual app ExamHUB and AI platform FEDES. He was named Youth Techno Entrepreneur of the Year and Soorya Provincial Winner.
Chathura Madusanka from the Southern Province, a PhD candidate in Industrial Technology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, was recognized for his innovations in sustainable biofabrication and ventures Raindrop Designs and SINC Agriculture. He received the Young Pioneers Award and Soorya Provincial Winner title.
P. D. Maheesha Gimhan Jayasooriya from the North Western Province, Head Prefect of Parakkramabahu National School, was recognized for exemplary school leadership, earning the School Leadership Award and Soorya Provincial Winner title.
Chanith Minthaka De Silva from Uva Province, a law student at the University of Peradeniya and national tennis champion, was honored for excellence in sports and social advocacy, receiving the Emerging Youth Leader of the Year award and Soorya Provincial Winner title.
Jananga Damsith Dharmarathne from Central Province, from Vidyartha College, was recognized for his achievements in ICT, tech innovation, and student leadership. earning a spot among the Youth Top 40 and the Soorya Provincial Winner title.
Mathura Arunthavam from Northern Province’s Vembadi Girls’ High School was honored for her innovative lime-free toddy collection method, that has received national and international acclaim in Food Technology and Chemistry, earning the Emerging Innovator Award and Soorya Provincial Winner title.
From the North Central Province, was Anudi Gunasekara, an alumna of Anuradhapura Central College, who is the founder of Saheli Sri Lanka, a non-profit organization dedicated to combating period poverty and promoting menstrual health across the country. Shre was also crowned Miss World Sri Lanka 2024 and represented the nation at the 72nd Miss World pageant held in Hyderabad in 2025.
Gowri Rajan, Director of Sun Match Company, stated, “The youth is the future of Sri Lanka. We’ve supported the New Generation Awards since the beginning, and witnessing the brilliance and energy of our young leaders this year was truly uplifting. This reflects Soorya’s broader vision—not just as a market leader in its category, but as a socially conscious brand deeply invested in the country’s progress through youth empowerment, innovation, and leadership recognition.”
Dr. Sulochana Segera, Founder of New Generation Sri Lanka, added “These awards are more than accolades; they honor character, compassion, and courage. Our mission is to celebrate youth rooted in Sri Lankan values yet ready to lead globally.’
Photo Captions –Anudi Gunasekara (Winner of Inspirational youth of the year and Soorya North central province winner) being presented the awards by Soorya Brand Ambassador Yashodha Wimaladharma
