Celebrating the next generation of Sri Lankan leaders and thinkers!

Deputy High Commissioner Gabrielle Isaak was delighted to serve as a judge at The Colombo Plan 75th Anniversary Inter-University Debate Final, alongside diplomatic and academic colleagues yesterday.

Both finalist teams demonstrated an exceptional standard of debating – showcasing impressive critical thinking, research, and eloquence. After a suspenseful tallying of the scores, the team from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, emerged with the championship title.

Our congratulations to Neha Shanaz, Geeshan Thilakasiri, Ranudi Wijeratna, Nifra Dulkarnein, Desandi Ama, and their mentor Prof. Pavithra Madhuwanthi on this outstanding achievement!

A special congratulations also goes to Neha Shanaz, who was recognised as Best Debater of the Competition, and received her award from the Chief Guest, Hon. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.

Meanwhile, for their outstanding performance in the final and for making the judges’ decision exceptionally difficult, we would like to extend a shoutout to the talented team from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.

To all participants, supporters, faculty members, and organisers—thank you for making this event such a success. The preparation, passion, and articulate arguments we saw, were a wonderful reminder of the talent and potential that Sri Lanka’s youth – and its future leaders and thinkers – hold!