Nestlé Lanka’s Samaridu, Minindu win Cannes Lions Young Marketer Competition 2022

From left: Nestlé Lanka Senior Brand Executive Ambient Dairy Samaridu Vitharana and Nestlé Lanka Assistant Brand Manager Milo Powder Minindu Alles

Nestlé Lanka’s Samaridu Vitharana and Minindu Alles emerged first at the coveted Cannes Lions Young Marketer Competition 2022. 

Having won the local title, the duo will now represent Sri Lanka at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity set to be held in June. Organised by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) in partnership with Metal Factor for the ninth consecutive year, this year’s competition saw participation from 20 teams of talented marketing professionals from leading companies in the country. Testament to the calibre of its young talent, this is the third time a team from Nestlé Lanka won this prestigious title.

“We are thrilled and humbled by this win. We are grateful for all the opportunities, learnings and experiences gained throughout our careers at Nestlé Lanka, which helped us successfully compete against some of the country’s best young marketers. It is an absolute privilege to represent our country on a global stage. We hope to make the best out of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and make Nestlé Lanka and Sri Lanka proud,” said Nestlé Lanka Senior Brand Executive Ambient Dairy Samaridu Vitharana and Assistant Brand Manager Milo Powder Minindu Alles.

Cannes Lions Young Marketer Competition is one of the most recognised competitions in the advertising and creative communications industry. It is part of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, which is considered the largest global gathering of advertising professionals, designers, digital innovators and marketers. Teams from around the globe come together at the annual event to celebrate creative brand communication, discuss industry issues and network with one another.