The International Youth Alliance for Peace (IYAP) recently gathered at the American Center in Colombo to honor three extraordinary young leaders at the 2024 EMPOWER Youth Awards. Joined by the U.S. Ambassador, who presented the awards, this inspiring ceremony recognized remarkable achievements in Social Impact, Sports, and Innovation. These awards highlight young changemakers from Sri Lanka whose commitment to their communities and fresh ideas create meaningful paths for a brighter future.
The event opened with a heartfelt speech by the Executive Director of IYAP, who emphasized the organization’s mission and its twelve-year journey supporting youth empowerment across Sri Lanka.
“This evening isn’t just about awards; it’s about the power and promise of youth. These awardees have shown immense dedication to making a difference, and IYAP is proud to support their ongoing journeys,”
He shared alongside the Ambassador and the awardees.A keynote address was given on the topic of ‘AI and Future of Democracy: Empowering the next generation’ by Jayomi Lokuliyana, Founder and CEO of zMessenger.
Meet the 2024 Youth Awardees
1. Social Impact Award: Geilee Geenandi Skandakumar
With a focus on empowering marginalized communities, Geilee has championed grassroots initiatives that bring essential SRHR educational resources to underserved areas. Accepting the award, she shared her commitment:
“My goal is to build a more inclusive Sri Lanka where everyone can access education and opportunity. This is just the start, and I am eager to continue expanding our reach.”
2. Rising Sports Star Award: Thiyagaraja Nagaraja
Thiyagaraja has excelled in his field, an emerging talent in Sri Lankan sports while advocating for physical wellness and youth engagement in athletics. In his acceptance speech, he highlighted his dedication:
“I envision a future where sports unite young people, crossing boundaries to foster unity. I’m determined to make sports accessible to all youth in Sri Lanka.”
3. Youth Innovation Award: Dilanka Sanjaya
Passionate about environmental sustainability and technology, Dilanka has developed projects that balance environmental responsibility with practical innovation. He shared his vision:
“I dream of Sri Lanka becoming a global leader in sustainable technology. Innovation can drive lasting change, and I’m excited to contribute to that journey.”
Each of these awardees embodies the resilience and creativity of Sri Lanka’s youth. Their stories have only begun, and the IYAP Youth Awards are committed to amplifying their work, connecting them with resources and networks that support their growth.
A Message from the U.S. Ambassador
The U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka admired the young awardees, who she praised as inspiring leaders for the nation’s future.
“The United States is proud to support young leaders like you because we believe that engaged youth are essential to building a more inclusive and equitable society,” U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung told the participants. “Our partnership with Sri Lanka reflects a shared commitment to empowering young people to make a positive impact in their communities. Together, we are working to create meaningful opportunities through education, leadership programs, and human rights advocacy, so that every young person, especially women and those from marginalized communities, has the tools to thrive and contribute to a resilient Sri Lanka.”
Looking Ahead
With ongoing support from the American Center and other partners, this event marks the beginning of new opportunities for the awardees. Over the coming year, IYAP will work with each awardee, supporting them in making their visions a reality and helping them connect with a broader network of changemakers across the region.
This evening was a powerful reminder of the impact youth, community, and shared vision can have. As the Director of IYAP concluded, “Together, we can shape stories that uplift, create change, and inspire action. This is just the beginning.”