Sri Lanka has earned a proud moment on the international stage as two remarkable young individuals have been honored with the prestigious Commonwealth Young Leader Awards. Kishoth Navaretnarajah, representing DreamSpace Academy, and Geilee Skandakumar, representing the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPA Sri Lanka), have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to their respective fields. This achievement highlights the growing influence of Sri Lankan youth in shaping a better future not only for their nation but for the broader Commonwealth community.
Who Are the Award Recipients?
Kishoth Navaretnarajah is a passionate advocate for technology education and innovation. As a key figure at DreamSpace Academy, he has dedicated his efforts to bridging the digital divide in Sri Lanka, particularly in underserved and conflict-affected communities. DreamSpace Academy is widely recognized for empowering young people with digital literacy skills, creative thinking, and STEM education. Through hands-on learning environments and community-driven programs, Kishoth has helped transform the educational landscape for hundreds of young Sri Lankans who might otherwise have been left behind in an increasingly digital world.
Geilee Skandakumar brings a different but equally vital dimension to this recognition. Working with the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka, she has championed causes related to reproductive health, gender equality, and youth empowerment. Her work addresses some of the most sensitive yet critically important issues facing young people in Sri Lanka today. By advocating for comprehensive health education and inclusive policies, Geilee has made a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals, particularly young women and marginalized communities across the country.
What Are the Commonwealth Young Leader Awards?
The Commonwealth Young Leader Awards are among the most respected recognitions for young changemakers across the 56 member nations of the Commonwealth. Administered by the Queen's Commonwealth Trust and supported by various Commonwealth organizations, these awards celebrate individuals between the ages of 15 and 29 who are driving meaningful change in their communities. Recipients are selected based on their demonstrated leadership, innovation, social impact, and commitment to the values that the Commonwealth upholds — including democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.
Each year, the awards draw nominations from across the globe, making the selection process highly competitive. Being chosen from a pool of extraordinary young leaders across dozens of nations is a testament to the caliber of work that both Kishoth and Geilee have been carrying out on the ground in Sri Lanka. The recognition not only celebrates their past achievements but also opens new doors for collaboration, networking, and amplified impact on a global scale.
The Significance for Sri Lanka
For Sri Lanka, a nation that has navigated significant social, economic, and political challenges in recent years, this recognition carries deep meaning. The acknowledgment of two young Sri Lankans on a Commonwealth platform sends a powerful message about the resilience and potential of the country's youth. It demonstrates that despite adversity, Sri Lankan young people are not only surviving but thriving — and making their voices heard on the world stage.
Both honorees represent sectors that are crucial to Sri Lanka's long-term development. Technology education, as championed by Kishoth through DreamSpace Academy, is essential for preparing the workforce of tomorrow and ensuring economic competitiveness. Meanwhile, the health advocacy work led by Geilee through FPA Sri Lanka addresses foundational issues of well-being, gender equity, and informed decision-making that are central to any thriving society.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Perhaps the most lasting impact of this recognition is the inspiration it provides to other young Sri Lankans. When peers see individuals from their own country receiving global recognition for grassroots work, it reinforces the belief that local action can have international resonance. Both Kishoth and Geilee started with a commitment to their communities, and that dedication has now been acknowledged by one of the world's most significant multilateral organizations.
Youth organizations, schools, and community groups across Sri Lanka are likely to look to these two leaders as role models. Their stories illustrate that meaningful change does not require enormous resources — it requires vision, persistence, and a genuine desire to uplift others. In a country where youth unemployment and social inequality remain pressing concerns, such examples of purpose-driven leadership are both timely and necessary.
Looking Ahead
As Commonwealth Young Leader Award recipients, Kishoth Navaretnarajah and Geilee Skandakumar will join a distinguished global network of young changemakers. This network provides opportunities for mentorship, international collaboration, and access to platforms where their ideas can influence policy and practice at higher levels. For Sri Lanka, their continued work — now bolstered by this global recognition — promises even greater impact in the years to come. The nation watches with pride and anticipation as these two exceptional leaders carry the Sri Lankan spirit forward onto the world stage.