New Generation Youth Top40 Awards 2026 Returns with a Vision for Ethical Leadership
By: Rishini Weeraratne
The New Generation Youth Top40 Awards will return for its seventh edition on the 28th of July 2026 at Shangri La Colombo, bringing together some of Sri Lanka's most promising young leaders under the theme, "Future Forward Integrity First."
Over the past seven years, the awards have evolved far beyond a traditional recognition programme. What began as an initiative to celebrate exceptional young people has grown into Sri Lanka's first and only professional youth recognition platform, identifying young leaders who demonstrate excellence through leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, professionalism and social impact. Organised by New Generation Sri Lanka, the awards have become a respected national platform that recognises young people who are making meaningful contributions across a wide range of industries and communities while encouraging a culture of ethical leadership among the country's next generation.
Since its launch in 2019, the Youth Top40 Awards has recognised 260 outstanding young Sri Lankans between the ages of 15 and 30. Many recipients have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, innovators, educators, athletes and changemakers, establishing careers both within Sri Lanka and internationally. This year's awards have attracted their largest and most diverse response to date. Nominations opened nationwide in May and welcomed applications from every province of the country. A total of 192 nominations were received, reflecting the increasing number of young Sri Lankans who are creating impact through their professions, businesses, social initiatives and community leadership.
The growing popularity of the awards reflects a wider shift taking place among Sri Lanka's youth. Young people are increasingly seeking opportunities to lead, innovate and contribute to national development while building careers that create long term value. The timing of this year's awards is particularly significant as Sri Lanka continues its economic recovery and looks towards sustainable national development. Young people represent one of the country's greatest strategic assets. Approximately one quarter of Sri Lanka's population consists of youth, with nearly six million people between the ages of 18 and 35. Their contribution to entrepreneurship, employment, technology and innovation will play a decisive role in shaping the country's future competitiveness.
At the same time, considerable challenges remain. Youth unemployment continues to be significantly higher than the national average and nearly 700,000 young people are classified as not being in education, employment or training. These figures underline the importance of creating stronger pathways into meaningful careers through education, mentoring, professional development and entrepreneurial opportunities. The increasing number of young Sri Lankans pursuing education and employment overseas also presents an important opportunity. Rather than viewing global mobility solely as migration, initiatives such as the Youth Top40 Awards encourage young people to see international markets as platforms for careers, innovation, investment and business growth while maintaining meaningful connections with Sri Lanka.
The central message of this year's theme places integrity alongside ambition. While innovation, intelligence and technical capability remain essential qualities for future leaders, organisers believe that ethical leadership has become equally important in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. The Youth Top40 Awards was established with a clear purpose. Rather than simply recognising achievement through a single awards ceremony, the platform aims to build a long-term community of young leaders who continue to support one another while contributing positively to society throughout their careers. Recipients become part of an expanding professional network whose members continue to collaborate across industries and disciplines, sharing knowledge, mentoring future applicants and supporting initiatives that contribute to national development.
The awards recognise excellence across 23 categories, reflecting the diversity of modern leadership. These include School Leadership, Corporate Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Technology and Innovation, Sports, Arts and Literature, Social Impact and Community Service, Sustainability, Media and Communications, Public Service, Education and Emerging Leadership, among many others. The breadth of categories reflects the belief that leadership exists across every sector of society and should not be limited to traditional business or political roles.
Maintaining the credibility of the awards remains a central priority. This year's judging panel is chaired by Dr. Nirmal De Silva, one of Sri Lanka's most respected business leaders and a long-standing member of the Youth Top40 judging panel.
Reflecting on this year's theme, Dr. De Silva believes the future demands a new standard of leadership. "Sri Lanka's future will not be shaped simply by intelligence or innovation, but by the integrity with which young leaders choose to lead. The Youth Top40 Awards continues to identify individuals who combine competence with character, young people who are prepared not only to succeed professionally but also to build institutions, communities and a nation grounded in trust and ethical leadership. Future Forward Integrity First is more than a theme. It is the leadership standard our country needs."
Joining Dr. De Silva on this year's judging panel are Mr. Udana Wickramasinghe, Founder of Advantis Technologies and Director of Sri Lanka Tourism, Ms. Summaiya Macan Markar, Chief Compliance, Data Protection and AI Trust Officer at Allianz Insurance Lanka Ltd, Mr. Shamal Gunawardena, Chief Operating Officer of CEAT Kelani Holdings, Mr. Michael Vandort, Managing Director of Yusen Logistics Kushura Lanka Pvt Ltd, Ms. Nilushi Kumaradasa, Director of Supply Chain at Gamma Pizzakraft Lanka, and Mr. Denver De Livera, General Manager of International Freight Forwarding at KLN Logistics Pvt Ltd. Collectively, the panel brings together decades of experience across corporate leadership, governance, logistics, technology, compliance, manufacturing, tourism and international business, ensuring a comprehensive and transparent evaluation process.
For Founder of New Generation Sri Lanka, Dr. Sulochana Segera, the awards were never intended to be measured simply by the presentation of trophies. She believes that recognition should create responsibility as much as celebration.
"Today Sri Lanka has many award ceremonies, but too often awards become trophies that remain inside display cabinets rather than symbols of responsibility. At Youth Top40, we believe an award is a commitment. The young people we recognise are not simply award winners. They become ambassadors of integrity, leadership and positive change. Our responsibility is to ensure that every title carries purpose, values and accountability long after the applause ends."
That philosophy has helped distinguish the Youth Top40 Awards from conventional recognition programmes. Beyond honouring achievement, the platform encourages recipients to become role models who actively contribute to their professions and communities while inspiring future generations of young leaders.
This year's awards are chaired by Ovin Amaratunga, an Executive Committee Member of New Generation Sri Lanka and himself a former Youth Top40 recipient. His own experience as an award winner has shaped his understanding of the programme's long-term value.
"Today, people often speak about Generation Z as a disruption instead of embracing the value we bring to the world. We may think differently, lead differently and innovate differently, but we are not only the future. We are very much the present. Youth Top40 is the only professional platform in Sri Lanka that recognises young people beyond corporate designations and job titles. It celebrates impact, courage and leadership in all forms. The youth are ready to lead. The real question is whether Sri Lanka's private sector is ready to invest in and believe in the next generation."
As Sri Lanka continues rebuilding its economy and strengthening its institutions, investment in young people will remain central to the country's future success. Recognition platforms such as the Youth Top40 Awards play an important role by highlighting examples of excellence while encouraging young people to pursue careers built not only on professional achievement but also on integrity, responsibility and service. The awards also send an important message to employers, educators, policymakers and business leaders about the importance of creating opportunities that allow young people to realise their potential within Sri Lanka while remaining globally competitive. More than an evening of celebration, the New Generation Youth Top40 Awards 2026 represents a national commitment to identifying future leaders whose achievements are matched by character. By celebrating young people who lead with integrity, innovate with purpose and create lasting impact, the platform continues to shape a generation prepared to contribute meaningfully to Sri Lanka's future.
Further information about New Generation Sri Lanka and the Youth Top40 Awards is available at www.newgenerationsl.org.
