NDB Bank, in partnership with NewsFirst, proudly celebrated the Grand Finale of the Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana Awards on 20 August 2025, honouring extraordinary women across the island and marking a milestone season that advanced beyond recognition to long-term empowerment through the programme’s five-year sustainability model. This year built on the initiative’s expanded structure, including the introduction of the Digital Entrepreneur and Foreign Employment categories, while continuing to champion financial literacy, enterprise growth and market access for women nationwide 

At the heart of the evening was the coveted Most Popular Woman title, decided by public SMS voting from a shortlist of five national personalities which included Anudi Gunasekara, Tharindi Fernando, Kanchana Anuradhi, Lochana Jayakodi and Shanudrie Priyasad. The title was awarded to Anudi Gunasekara.

The Corporate & Professional Sector also celebrated a distinguished cohort of achievers. Honoured at the Grand Finale were Chathuri Munaweera, Suleesha Perera, Hyacinth Wijesinghe, Ashcharya Peiris Jayakody, Nilanthi Sivapragasam, Linda Speldewinde, Sandamini Perera, Prof. Neelika Malavige, A.G. Kumudika Fernando, Bernadine Jayasinghe, Bhagya Iddamalgoda, Princy Mangalika, Shiromal Cooray, Rishini Weerarathne, Deshika Rodrigo, Dulani Nissanka, Bimshani Jasin Arachchi, Suneetha Wijesuriya, Vaidyawathi Rajapaksha and Anusha Kodithuwakku.

Recognising lifetime contributions to the nation, five Vanithabhinandana (Lifetime) Appreciation Awards were conferred upon Manike Attanayake, Tilaka Jinadasa, Anomaa Rajakaruna, Wasanthi Chathurani and Vasugy Jegatheeswaran.

At the provincial level, excellence was recognised across multiple sectors, including V.M. Ayoma Nishanthi for Small Entrepreneur, D. Ransirini Gamage for Upcoming Entrepreneur, Anoma Wijethunga for Digital Entrepreneur, Nilma Samanthi Aluthgama for Education Services, Rajeepan Tharmini for Art & Literature, K.G.S. Maneesha Wicramasooriya for Young Leader, Nisha Shareef for Social Services and Chandrika De Silva for Sports.

The Foreign Employment category also honoured three exceptional women whose contributions abroad continue to uplift Sri Lanka’s global presence and inspire others in the sector. The winners were Lakmali Vidhanapathirana, S.W.Dhammika Priyadharshani and L.Sudhahari. Their stories reflect resilience, leadership, and a commitment to excellence that transcends borders.

Beyond awards, this landmark season advanced the programme’s five-year sustainability model, linking recognition to real, practical support. Through upskilling pathways, advisory and access to markets and finance, Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana is designed to help more women start, strengthen and scale businesses, with an ambition to nurture export-ready women-led enterprises by 2030. The initiative continues to serve as a national platform for capability building and sustained economic participation.

The Grand Finale of Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana 2025 underscored NDB Bank’s and NewsFirst's shared commitment to inclusive progress, celebrating achievements while also facilitating the removal of entry barriers so more Sri Lankan women can convert potential into performance and recognition into long-term results.

NDB Bank is the fourth-largest listed commercial bank in Sri Lanka. NDB was named Sri Lanka’s Best Digital Bank for SMEs at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025 and was awarded Domestic Retail Bank of the Year – Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Domestic Project Finance Bank of the Year by Asian Banking & Finance (Singapore) Awards 2024. NDB is the parent company of the NDB Group, comprising capital market subsidiary companies, together forming a unique banking and capital market services group. The Bank is committed to empowering the nation and its people through meaningful financial and advisory services powered by digital banking solutions.