The Ten Outstanding Young Persons 2015 

The Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award (TOYP) 2015, an initiative by the Junior Chamber International Sri Lanka (JCI Sri Lanka) was officially launched at a press briefing held recently. The TOYP Award is a venture to recognise the talents and achievements of the youth in the island.

Speaking to the press, Project Chairman Isuru Samarage said that TOYP is a search to find 10 people who have excelled in 10 different avenues of service. “It provides a platform for young enthusiasts to get an exposure in to the international arena. Therefore, those recognised locally will get an opportunity to attend the TOYP international ceremony which will be held overseas. Many popular personalities have been entitled to this award and over the years there have been over 300 winners recognised in different categories. Nominations can be sent in until September 30, 2015 and the awards ceremony is scheduled to be held on October 14, 2015. This year is a special year for JCI as we celebrate 100 years of service and therefore we are planning to have the event on a grand scale.”

In his comments Past TOYP Winner Dr. Lasantha Malavige said that it is an award that recognises pioneers in a particular field. “People who win the TOYP award are extraordinary individuals and they don’t walk in a path created by someone else. As such they are individuals who strive to perform yeoman service to the nation.”

‘TOYP 2015’ nominations are now open to any individual between ages 18 and 40 and applicants can be nominated in one of the following categories.

· Business, Economic and /or entrepreneurial accomplishment
· Political legal and /or Public Administration
· Academic leadership and /or accomplishment
· Contribution to arts, culture, literature and/or media
· Moral and/or environment leadership
· Contribution to children, world peace and/or Human rights
· Humanitarian and /or voluntary service
· Scientific and /or Technological development
· Medical innovation/or Research
· Personal Improvement /or accomplishment

JCI Sri Lanka is the local branch of Junior Chamber International which is the world’s largest youth leadership development organisation which functions with a mission to provide development opportunities that empowers young people to create a positive change in their communities and the world at large. JCI Sri Lanka holds the franchise to conduct the Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Sri Lanka Award programme in the country and this award is presented worldwide through the Junior Chamber International National Chapters.

The event was made more glamorous by the presence of JCI National President Bhathiya Hettiarachchi, and Past TOYP winner Rohan Pallewatte who addressed the gathering as a guest speaker.

By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe
Photographs by Waruna Wanniarachchi