Rathnapura students shine at National Youth Awards 2025

Two talented young women from Rathnapura have brought pride to their hometown by winning prestigious national honours at the ‘National Youth Pride – Abhiman Sinhala 2025’ awards ceremony, held at the Bandaranaike Memorial Conference Hall (BMICH) recently.

Rusith Thathsara, a student of Seevali Central College, Rathnapura and Lochana Isurandi, a promising young actress from Rathnapura, were among the award recipients. Rusini received the ‘National Youth Pride Astronomy Excellence Award’, while Lochana was honoured with the ‘2025 Supporting Actress Award’.

Rusini, a student of astronomy under Anura C. L. Palihakkara at the Moratuwa University has also been selected to represent Sri Lanka at an upcoming world astronomy event, a remarkable achievement that further highlights her exceptional talent.

Distinguished personalities such as Deepika Priyadarshani, Wasantha Duggannarala, Kishu Gomes and Nuwandika Senaratne were also in attendance at the ceremony, which celebrated excellence in a range of fields.

Speaking at the event, Veena Kumari, Director of Veenavi Entertainment and organiser of the Abhiman Sinhala Awards, said: ‘It’s inspiring to see young individuals like Rusini and Lochana from Rathnapura rising to national prominence across diverse disciplines. This year’s ceremony truly showcased the depth of talent emerging from across the country. I extend my warmest congratulations to all the award winners’.