Lilan Dayananda Named Social Entrepreneur of the Year at New Generation Asia Awards

Lilan Dayananda, the dynamic Managing Director and CEO of Elzian Agro, was honored as the Social Entrepreneur of the Year at the Fifth New Generation Asia Awards held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo. This event celebrated over 40 young leaders for their exceptional achievements across various sectors, including leadership, entrepreneurship, technology, media, and more.

Lilan Dayananda’s recognition is a testament to his significant contributions to social entrepreneurship. As co-founder and CEO of Elzian Agro, he has been at the forefront of innovative agricultural solutions. His accolades include a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2024, recognition among the top ten Youth Social Entrepreneurs at the Global-South Development Expo 2022, and the Commonwealth Youth Award for excellence in development work. In 2023, he was also named among the top 100 meaningful business founders by Ernst & Young (EY) and Hogan Lovells Global Law Firms.

The Youth Top 40 New Generation Asia Awards 2024, organized by WIM New Generation Sri Lanka in collaboration with the National Youth Services Council (NYSC), took place under the theme ‘Striving Beyond the Status Quo.’ The event highlighted the innovative spirit and leadership of young talents from various fields.

The awards, sponsored by Sunmatch Company’s flagship brand Soorya, celebrated the best performing youth talents in Sri Lanka. In collaboration with Women in Management (WIM) and the Youth Council of Sri Lanka, the event underscored the importance of nurturing young talent poised to make significant contributions to society.

Under Lilan Dayananda’s leadership, Elzian Agro has made groundbreaking advancements in precision agriculture, combining innovation and sustainability. This accolade as Social Entrepreneur of the Year not only highlights his dedication to social impact but also sets a benchmark for future generations to follow.