In the journey of finding hidden talent amongst the youth of Sri Lanka, and in the quest of unveiling their unsung contribution to the nation, Women in Management (WIM ) in partnership with Sri Lanka National Youth Services Council will be hosting the 2^nd New Generation Awards  on the 17^th of July 2021 at the Galadari Hotel, Colombo.

The New Generation Awards 2021 aims to shine a spotlight on extraordinary young leadership within the age group of 15 to 30 years, to support and recognize positive contribution to their communities, nation and the world at large, in sectors such as entrepreneurship, technopreneur, sports, social service, innovation, arts, creative sciences, social media, etc.

Nominations open from the 1st of May to the 30^th of May 2021 and can be made by visiting www.womeninmanagementawards.org 

This year’s panel of judges, chaired by Mr. Damitha Wickaramasinghe - Chairman National Youth Service Council together with a diversified team including Ms. Varuni Amunugama Fernando - Managing Director Triad Advertising Limited and the national TV channel Derana, Ms. Kasturi Chelleraja Wilson- Group CEO Hemas Holdings Plc, Director Ms. Zahara Ansary – Country Manager CIMA Sri Lanka, Dr. Ravi Dissanayake  - Senior Lecturer, Department of Marketing Management, the Faculty of Commerce & Management Studies of the University of Kelaniya, (Prof) Dr. Suranaga De Silva – Director of CERIPA and Act Director at CUCEC at University of Colombo and Mr. Yasas Hewage – Marketer, Innovator & Entrepreneur.

“This is the second year we are organizing the NG awards, and we are happy to witness the positive changes, as well as the opportunities the last year’s award winners, received after the recognition they received from the NG Awards. We ensured that the past winners used the award to build their future and to inspire the youth. I have personally witnessed that they are proudly and positively doing that while branding their own personalities” says Dr. Sulochana Segera Founder / Chairperson of WIM as initiator of the New Generation Awards.

In the process of this tremendous journey, the role of National Youth Services Council explained by Mr. Damitha Wickaramasinghe - Chairman National Youth Service Council saying “The National Youth Services Council, as the apex body in Youth Development in Sri Lanka, deeply appreciates the interest and commitment displayed by Women In Management in organizing New Generation Awards for the youth of Sri Lanka. The NYSC has partnered with WIM, enthusiastically extending support to initiatives of this nature, founded by non-governmental actors in recognizing youth talent and contributing towards Youth Empowerment with the goal of harnessing the potential of future leaders.”

Ms. Varuni Amunugama Fernando - Managing Director Triad Advertising Limited and the national TV channel Derana enlightens the fact on judge’s measures saying “With performance comes recognition, rewards and exciting new opportunities. Use the stage wisely, kindly and patriotically. The future of our country is in your hands.”

Ms. Kasturi Chelleraja - Group CEO Hemas Holdings Plc said “The future is you. Want more for our country, more for our people , So be the best versions of yourselves and unleash your potential.”

Ms. Zahara Ansary – Country Manager CIMA Sri Lanka said “our youth are a significantly important segment of our country – they are our future. The New Generation Awards are meant to recognize trail blazers under various categories who are movers and shakers in their own environs – all for the betterment of society and our country. We’ve seen how the past winners have gone to inspire other youth and created great impact. I am delighted to be in the panel of judges to select Sri Lanka’s best!”

Dr. Ravi Dissanayake  - Senior Lecturer, Department of Marketing Management, the Faculty of Commerce & Management Studies of the University of Kelaniya, “"empowering future leaders for sustainability."

(Prof) Dr. Suranaga De Silva – Director of CERIPA and Act Director at CUCEC at University of Colombo said “Creation of visionary leadership for sustainable future,” and Mr. Yasas Hewage – Marketer, Innovator & Entrepreneur said “The old world is being disrupted with a loud invitation for the youth, begging you to reimagine and rebuild , so take a risk and lead.

This year New Generation Award will be chaired by Dr. Himalee De Silva, WIM ExCo member, Senior Lecturer, Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo said “As a person who works with youth I think this is a great opportunity for youth to find their future support system” and Vice Chair will be Onella Karunanayake WIM member, Executive Director OSM Holdings said “I am happy to part of this for the second consecutive year, as a youth we feel that we are stuck in a blame generation for individualism but NG Awards open a great opportunity for youth to prove that it’s just a myth.”