Thaliba Cader Receives Media, Journalism & Storytelling Excellence Award at the 7th Youth Top40 Awards 2026
Thaliba Cader, Journalist and Associate Editor of The Sun (Daily Mirror) and Assistant Manager, Social Media, Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. has been honored with the Media, Journalism & Storytelling Excellence Award at the 7th Youth Top40 Awards 2026, in recognition of her contributions to journalism, digital media, youth engagement, and child advocacy.
The annual Youth Top40 Awards celebrate young Sri Lankans whose work has created meaningful impact across a wide range of disciplines, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, service, and excellence. The Media, Journalism & Storytelling Excellence Award acknowledges professionals whose work has strengthened public discourse through responsible reporting, compelling storytelling, and a commitment to informing society.
Over the course of her career, Cader has built a reputation for thoughtful, research-driven journalism that explores issues extending beyond the daily news cycle. Her work has consistently examined subjects including child protection, education, youth development, science, entrepreneurship, arts and culture, public policy, and social justice. As Associate Editor of The Sun, she has contributed to shaping the publication's editorial direction while overseeing features that encourage informed discussion and highlight emerging voices. Alongside her editorial responsibilities, her role within Wijeya Networks has focused on strengthening digital engagement and expanding storytelling across multimedia platforms, helping connect journalism with wider and younger audiences.
Beyond her professional work in media, Cader has remained actively engaged in public service and youth leadership. She serves as a member of the UNICEF South Asia Young People's Action Team (YPAT), where she collaborates with young leaders from across the region to advocate for children's rights and youth participation in policy discussions.
She is also the founder of the Children's Future Forum, an initiative established to promote early childhood development, inclusive education, child protection, and greater awareness surrounding the rights and wellbeing of children with intellectual disabilities.
Currently pursuing her undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Cader represents an interdisciplinary approach that bridges science, communication, and public advocacy. Her academic background has informed much of her work, enabling her to communicate complex scientific and social issues in ways that are both accurate and accessible to the general public.
She paid special tribute to Rishini Weeraratne, Editor of The Sun (Daily Mirror) and Head of Social Media at Wijeya Newspapers Ltd., describing her as a mentor whose unwavering belief, encouragement, and leadership have profoundly influenced her career. Cader reflected that from the very first day she joined the organization, Rishini consistently challenged her to step beyond her comfort zone, embrace unfamiliar opportunities, and pursue stories with confidence and curiosity. She noted that beyond professional guidance, it was Weeraratne's remarkable work ethic, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence that reshaped her own perspective on journalism and professionalism, inspiring her to continually raise the standards she sets for herself both as a journalist and as a person.
Cader also extended her sincere appreciation to her colleagues across the newsroom and the wider team at Wijeya Newspapers, thanking them for creating an environment that felt like home. She credited their encouragement, collaboration, and friendship for making every challenge a shared experience and every milestone a collective achievement.
Reflecting on her personal journey, Cader shared that her earliest reader and greatest supporter was her late grandmother, whose belief in her gave her the confidence to begin writing. Today, that role has been lovingly carried forward by her younger sister, who continues to read every article, celebrate every success, and remind her why storytelling matters.
"Dream as big as you possibly can," she said. "Dreams really do come true. And when they do, I hope you will turn around and tell the next generation exactly the same thing. Hold the door open for those who come after you, because that is how we create lasting change."
