The Abhiman Awards 2024, organized by the Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya, marked a groundbreaking initiative to celebrate Sri Lanka’s thriving digital media industry. Held on November 11, 2024, at the Faculty of Computing Technology Auditorium, the event recognized and honored influential digital creators and media personalities across over 20 categories. This inaugural ceremony, spearheaded by the club’s Professional Development Avenue, was a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering innovation and uplifting Sri Lankan talent.
A Star-Studded Gathering
The ceremony brought together a diverse audience of digital influencers, social media content creators, industry experts, and academia. Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, graced the event as the chief guest, joined by Professor Kolitha Bhanu Dissanayake, Douglas Ranasinghe, and other distinguished personalities. Their presence added gravitas to an evening dedicated to celebrating creativity, impact, and excellence in digital media.
Recognizing Media and Creativity
The awards recognized a wide array of talent, with notable winners including:
- Ada Derana – Most Popular News Coverage on YouTube
- TV Derana – Most Popular TV Channel on YouTube
- Shaa FM – Most Popular Radio Channel on YouTube
- Chanux Bro – Most Popular Tech Show
- DP Education IT Campus – Most Popular Educational Channel
The music categories are honored by Kanchana Anuradhi, Bathiya & Santhush, and Ravi Jay, while Wild Cookbook won the award for Most Popular Cooking Show. Each winner represented the pinnacle of excellence in their respective fields, showcasing the transformative power of digital platforms in modern media.
Shanudrie Priyasad’s Triple Victory
The night’s most celebrated personality was undoubtedly Shanudrie Priyasad, who achieved an unprecedented feat by claiming three of the most prestigious awards:
- Most Popular Personal Vlog on YouTube
- Most Popular Personality on Instagram
- Most Popular Personality on Facebook
Shanudrie’s achievements reflect her immense popularity, versatility, and influence across multiple platforms. Her engaging content and unwavering connection with her audience have made her a household name in Sri Lanka’s digital space.
The Team Behind the Event
The success of the Abhiman Awards 2024 was driven by the dedicated organizing committee of the Rotaract Club, led by Rtr. Shahmi Rizwan, Rtr. Kusal Jayasooriya and Rtr. Safaa Amir. The collective efforts of the Professional Development Avenue.
Acknowledgments and Vision
The Rotaract Club acknowledged the support of its partners, including Hemas Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd as the official gift partner and Amazon College and Campus as the bronze partner. Speaking at the event, Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva commended the initiative, expressing her hope that the Abhiman Awards would become an annual tradition.
The Abhiman Awards 2024 set a new standard for recognizing digital excellence in Sri Lanka, bridging the gap between academia and media innovation. This celebration not only recognized existing talent but also inspired creators to continue pushing boundaries. The Rotaract Club remains committed to fostering creativity and innovation, ensuring that the Abhiman Awards will continue to shine as a beacon of inspiration in the years to come!
