Youth with Talent – Generation Next is a Sri Lankan reality talent competition that aired on ITN in 2017–2018. The show featured contestants aged 15 to 35 competing in various talent categories including dance, magic, stunts, and music.
Format The competition was hosted by Dilshan Pathirathna and directed by Sandaruwan Jayawickrama. Production was overseen by Saman Athaudahetti, Chairman of ITN, and Eranda Weliange, Chairman of the National Youth Services Council (NYSC).
Judges panel The permanent judging panel consisted of: Rookantha Gunathilake Nadeesha Hemamali Umara Sinhawansa Kishu Gomes Chitral Somapala
Guest judges appeared in various episodes throughout the season.
Competition structure
Auditions Auditions were conducted across Sri Lanka, with each round featuring 20 participants. Judges selected 10 candidates to advance through successive elimination rounds. Acts that received the Golden Buzzer were granted direct entry into the grand finale.
Round 1 The first round took place from 9 September 2017 to 16 December 2017, featuring preliminary performances from contestants nationwide.
Round 2 Round 2 aired from 23 December 2017 to 27 January 2018, with increased difficulty in performances. The round included a challenge episode on 27 January 2018.
Semi-finals Two semi-final episodes aired on 10 February and 18 February 2018, narrowing 38 contestants down to the top 10 finalists.
Grand finale The grand finale was held on 3 March 2018, featuring the top 10 contestants. Guest judge Hemal Ranasinghe joined the permanent panel for the finale.
Results
Final results Place Contestant Age Hometown Act Votes Winner Janaka Kanchana Mudunnayake 32 Hanguranketha Strongman 52.9% Runner-up Nishfahan — Nawalapitiya Mathematician 39.7% 2nd Runner-up Nimesh Maduwantha 17 Ratmalana Contortionist and dancer 7.4%
Top 10 finalists The grand finale featured 10 acts: Emil Eranga – Magician (Colombo) Janaka Kanchana Mudunnayake – Strongman (Hanguranketha) – Winner Upul Ranjith – Solo dancer (Medawachchiya) Janaka – Balance act Nimesh Maduwantha – Contortionist and dancer (Ratmalana) – 2nd Runner-up Janith Dimuthu – Extreme danger act (Rajanganaya) Nishfahan – Mathematician (Nawalapitiya) – Runner-up Janaka Jeewa – Danger varieties Dhilanga and Chamodh – Circus (Anuradhapura) Subha Hansani – Fire dancer (Kandy)
Notable acts
Golden Buzzer recipients Several acts received the Golden Buzzer, granting direct entry to the grand finale: Janaka Kanchana Mudunnayake – Strongman (Winner) D. L. E. Upul Ranjith – Solo dancer Janaka – Balance act Dhilanga and Chamodh – Circus
Talent of the Day awards Multiple contestants received "Talent of the Day" recognition throughout the competition, including Janith Dimuthu (twice), Nishfahan, Chamara Madhushanka Dissanayake, and Dhammika Susantha Kumara.
See also Youth with Talent – Related Sri Lankan talent competition series List of Sri Lankan television programs
References
External links ITN Official Website