Sri Lanka’s most anticipated celebration of young talent lit up the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo as Soorya, one of the island’s most trusted household brands, presented the Youth Top 40 Awards 2025 in collaboration with New Generation Sri Lanka. Eight exceptional young individuals from across the country’s provinces were recognised for their innovation, leadership, and commitment to progress, reflecting the values the awards seek to celebrate.
Representing the Western Province, Ranoja Ransarini Dickowita, an Environmental Conservation undergraduate at the University of Kelaniya, was honoured for her leadership in sustainability through her work with Wetland Watchers and bioremediation research in partnership with the International Water Management Institute. She received the titles of Most Outstanding Undergraduate (Female) and Soorya Provincial Winner.
From Sabaragamuwa Province, Dilanka Sanjaya, the founder of FONIX Software Solutions, was recognised for revolutionising digital education through his bilingual learning app ExamHUB and AI-powered platform FEDES. He was named Youth Techno Entrepreneur of the Year and also awarded the Soorya Provincial Winner title.
Chathura Madusanka, representing the Southern Province and a PhD candidate in Industrial Technology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, was celebrated for his groundbreaking innovations in sustainable biofabrication and his ventures, Raindrop Designs and SINC Agriculture. He received the Young Pioneers Award and the Soorya Provincial Winner title.
From the North Western Province, P. D. Maheesha Gimhan Jayasooriya, Head Prefect of Parakkramabahu National School, was recognised for his outstanding school leadership. He received the School Leadership Award and was named a Soorya Provincial Winner.
Chanith Minthaka De Silva from Uva Province, a law student at the University of Peradeniya and national tennis champion, was acknowledged for his achievements in both sports and social advocacy. He was awarded the Emerging Youth Leader of the Year title and recognised as a Soorya Provincial Winner.
In the Central Province, Jananga Damsith Dharmarathne from Vidyartha College was honoured for his achievements in ICT, tech innovation, and student leadership. He earned a place among the Youth Top 40 and was named Soorya Provincial Winner.
Mathura Arunthavam, from Vembadi Girls’ High School in the Northern Province, was celebrated for her innovative lime-free toddy collection method, which has gained national and international recognition in the fields of food technology and chemistry. She received the Emerging Innovator Award and was named Soorya Provincial Winner.
Representing the North Central Province, Anudi Gunasekara, an alumna of Anuradhapura Central College and founder of Saheli Sri Lanka, was honoured for her work in addressing period poverty and promoting menstrual health across the country. She 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 that the youth are the future of Sri Lanka and that witnessing the brilliance and energy of this year’s awardees was truly inspiring. She noted that Soorya’s commitment goes beyond being a market leader—it reflects a socially conscious brand invested in national progress through youth empowerment, innovation, and leadership recognition.
Dr Sulochana Segera, Founder of New Generation Sri Lanka, added that these awards are more than just accolades. They honour character, compassion, and courage, and celebrate youth who are rooted in Sri Lankan values while being ready to lead on the global stage.
