WIM, NYSC unveil New Generation Awards 2021 under the theme ‘Arise Shine’

WIM Chairperson and founder of New Generation Awards Dr. Sulochana Segera (second from right) with  NYSC Chairman Damitha Wickramasinghe (right) along with few of the members of the panel of judges. 

In the journey of finding hidden talents of Sri Lankan youth and their unsung contribution to the nation, Women in Management (WIM) in partnership with Sri Lanka National Youth Services Council (NYSC) have organised the New Generation Awards, under the theme ‘Arise Shine,’ for the second consecutive year, on 28 August at the Galadari Hotel.  

Youth make up almost a quarter of Sri Lanka’s population – 4.64 million or 23.2%. Harnessing the power of youth in Sri Lanka in a sustainable development process will provide inconceivable outcomes in the long run. Development of youth in Sri Lanka will contribute an amazingly high yield to the economic growth of the country. By allowing these young adults to discover and develop skills, and making them responsible and self-reliant, with proper mentoring, will not only create a flourishing future for them but also long lasting and sustainable growth for the country.  

Dr. Sulochana Segera, the founder of New Generation Awards, said: “Today many complain and promote negative attitudes, which in return has led to the actions of a few youths, leading them to a platform neglecting values. On the other hand, a majority of youth who have values, positive attitudes and skills, wrestle to discover a platform to brand themselves as Sri Lankan youth. Largely intelligent and creative Sri Lankan youth can easily be drawn into productive action by educating them about how meaningful and important their contribution is to the motherland.” 

She also mentioned that in terms of youth empowerment, “the private sector contribution in Sri Lanka is of paramount importance as they are capable of providing immeasurably more opportunities to youth than the Government.” 

NYSC Chairman Damitha Wickramasinghe said: “This is not a daunting task if leadership is given by a committed, dedicated and adequately clued-in team of experienced professionals. Youth empowerment consists of interdependent dimensions such as psychological, economical, organisational and social aspects. An appropriate and prudent programme will provide the required motivation and awareness to the youth. As a result, NYSC collaborated with WIM NG Awards for the second consecutive year.” 

WIM NG Chapter Spokesman said: “Judging of the nominees is ongoing. This time judges invited shortlisted nominees for physical and online interviews so that nominees would be able to explain their stories, expectations and visions, so that the judges would be able to understand the attitudes of the nominees.” 

Prof. (Dr.) Ravi Dissanayake said: “Providing Sri Lankan youngsters with necessary information and resources in order to analyse issues that affect their lives will assist them in becoming strong decision makers. They should be given the tools to engage, by supporting them to brainstorm, which leads to finding answers. Encouragement should be provided to these young men and women by guiding them to use their passions and creativity, to help them find a purpose in life. During the interviews we met some incredible, talented and humble youth who had clear visions and were ready to contribute to the motherland.” 

Varuni Amunugama Fernando added: “For a young person to succeed, it is vital to instil a method as well as a purpose. Without a plan in place, achieving a task is near impossible and there must be a purpose beyond that task, to make any achievement meaningful.” 

Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson said: “During judging we noticed that youth were more focused on societal impact than individual success. This is a positive value which our generation ignored yet the new generation have given priority to – the wellbeing of humanity and nature.” 

Sri Lanka is a country teeming in youth literacy, with a staggering rate of 98.7%, which should be looked at by relevant authorities in the administration to devise techniques and utilise this valuable factor to enhance gross productivity. 

Prof. (Dr.) Suranga Silva said: “The Sri Lankan system of education does not provide guidance at the proper time to select their careers at this crucial phase. Therefore, these youngsters who are at a peak mental and physical point in life are either unaware or only realising what is to be expected in their future. These types of platforms will open opportunities for youth to explore private, public, and society opportunities.” 

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