New Generation Sri Lanka proudly announces the Youth Top40 Awards 2025 ignited by Soorya, to be held on 12 June 2025 at Shangri-La Colombo. This prestigious national event celebrates the vibrant spirit, talent, and potential of young Sri Lankans who are making significant contributions across diverse fields and playing a vital role in the country’s progress and development.
Now recognised as a national symbol of youth excellence and innovation, the Youth Top40 Awards has been supported by Soorya since its inception. A trusted and beloved brand found in every Sri Lankan home, Soorya has long served as a symbol of warmth and continuity. Just as a mother uses the familiar Soorya matchbox to light the oil lamp in prayer, Soorya now symbolically lights the path for the next generation, guiding them towards a future of value-driven success and purpose.
This year, the awards introduce a new dimension of impact through a collaborative initiative between Soorya and the Top40 winners, with a strong focus on personality development and mental wellbeing. In a time when youth face growing social and psychological challenges, this initiative aims to support young people in navigating their journeys with resilience, dignity, and mindful clarity.
Dr. Sulochana Segera, founder of New Generation Sri Lanka, stated that the Youth Top40 Awards are more than just recognition—they are a platform to shape the future leaders of the country. She emphasised that the awards celebrate not only achievements, but also compassion, courage, and character. According to her, the youth of Sri Lanka need inspiration that is grounded in local values while being guided by a global vision, and that is precisely what this platform stands for.
Gowri Rajan, Director of Sunmatch and a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, remarked that Soorya’s support for the Youth Top40 is an investment in the next generation. She described it as a way to spark hope and strength in young people who embody innovation, resilience, and kindness.
Yashoda Wimaladharma, Brand Ambassador for Soorya, added that the brand is proud to go beyond being a household product and actively support youth empowerment. She painted a powerful image of a mother lighting an oil lamp each evening with a Soorya matchstick, offering her prayers for her family’s wellbeing, and now watching her child receive a national award from the same brand that has lit her home for years.
Professor Ravi Dissanayake, Chair of the Panel of Judges and Head of Marketing at the University of Kelaniya, highlighted the uniqueness of the Youth Top40 Awards. He noted that it stands out for its integrity and its holistic approach to recognising youth, valuing not just conventional success but also authenticity, social impact, and personal growth.
Dr. Dilmika Srimal, Chairman of New Generation Sri Lanka, said that in a time when youth are facing immense social, economic, and psychological pressures, the Youth Top40 serves as a beacon. It not only motivates and validates, but also connects young minds across industries and ideologies.
The 2025 edition of the Youth Top40 Awards will celebrate excellence across a wide spectrum of fields, including entrepreneurship, social impact, artificial intelligence and digital innovation, arts, music and culture, business innovation, engineering and technology, school leadership, climate action, professional careers, sports, creative thinking, and community leadership.
Over the years, Youth Top40 alumni have continued to make remarkable contributions to the country’s development, from launching socially impactful enterprises and leading in global forums to pioneering grassroots innovations. These changemakers are living proof of the resilience and brilliance of Sri Lankan youth.
As the nation looks ahead to 12 June 2025, the Youth Top40 Awards promises not only a night of celebration but the continuation of a growing movement—one that uplifts youth, embraces diversity, and ignites a future filled with hope, innovation, and excellence.
