Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ Three Sri Lankan trailblazers have earned a coveted place in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 List, marking a moment of pride for the nation. This prestigious annual list spotlights 300 of the Asia-Pacific region’s most dynamic individuals under the age of 30 who are transforming industries through creativity, innovation, and impact. Representing a diverse spectrum of fields, including technology, e-commerce, and culinary arts, the Sri Lankan honorees this year exemplify the rising global recognition of the island’s talent. They are Nikin Matharaarachchi (Social Media, Marketing & Advertising), Yanika Amarasekera-Siyaguna (Retail & Ecommerce), and Charith N Silva (The Arts – Food & Drink).
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Innovating with AI in Marketing: Nikin Matharaarachchi
At the forefront of marketing technology is Nikin Matharaarachchi, founder of Synapse AI Labs. Established in 2021, the company developed Kommon Poll, an AI-powered social listening tool that delivers actionable marketing insights by analyzing keyword trends across online platforms such as news sites, blogs, and social media. The tool’s innovation earned it recognition through the John Keells X (JKX) startup accelerator and open innovation program in 2022. Matharaarachchi’s work is helping redefine how businesses in Sri Lanka and beyond understand consumer sentiment in the digital era.
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Revolutionizing Gift-Giving: Yanika Amarasekera-Siyaguna
Yanika Amarasekera-Siyaguna, an alumna of the University of California, Berkeley and Imperial College London, has made waves in the e-commerce space with Silver Aisle, Sri Lanka’s pioneering wedding registry platform. Launched in 2019, Silver Aisle has since evolved into a comprehensive gifting platform offering experiences ranging from fine dining to horse riding. Beyond entrepreneurship, Amarasekera-Siyaguna took on a leadership role in finance as an independent director at LB Finance in 2023, further showcasing her influence across sectors.
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Culinary Star and Digital Sensation: Charith N Silva
In the realm of digital arts and cuisine, Charith N Silva has captivated millions with his culinary creativity. Through his YouTube channel Wild Cookbook, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Silva gained a massive following by presenting global dishes with a unique Sri Lankan twist. Now boasting over 10 million subscribers and more than 600 videos, the platform is one of the largest of its kind in the country. In November 2024, he expanded his culinary ventures with the launch of Wildish, a restaurant in Colombo that continues to build on his culinary brand and artistic expression.
A Moment of Global Recognition for Sri Lanka
The inclusion of these three individuals in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 List signals a growing international appreciation for Sri Lankan entrepreneurship, innovation, and talent. Each honoree represents a powerful story of dedication and vision, inspiring young leaders across the nation to dream boldly and act decisively. Their achievements indicate the potential for Sri Lanka’s youth to influence global conversations across industries, and their presence on the prestigious list marks a milestone in the country’s journey toward broader recognition on the world stage.
