Sri Lanka continues to make its mark on the global innovation and creative landscape, as three young trailblazers have been named to the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2025. Representing diverse sectors—technology, digital content creation, and e-commerce—these individuals are being recognised for their groundbreaking contributions and entrepreneurial spirit.
Nikin Matharaarachchi Achchi: Pioneering AI for Brand Intelligence
Featured under the Social Media, Marketing & Advertising category, Nikin Matharaarachchi Achchi, a data scientist and entrepreneur, is the founder of Synapse AI Labs, a Colombo-based start-up developing real-time AI-powered tools for brand intelligence.
He currently leads Kommon Poll, an AI-driven social intelligence platform that monitors and interprets digital narratives across platforms, languages, and sentiment trends. He is also building MentionedBy.ai, a new AI tool designed to track brand references across generative AI platforms.
A PhD candidate in Artificial Intelligence at Monash University, Matharaarachchi’s work is helping to position Sri Lanka as a rising force in global marketing and AI technology. From his base in Colombo, he remains dedicated to creating globally relevant innovations rooted in local talent and insight.
Charith N. Silva: Digital Culinary Star Behind WildCookbook
Named in the Arts (Art & Style, Food & Drink) category, Charith N. Silva has become a household name in Sri Lanka and beyond through his widely popular YouTube channel, WildCookbook. Launched in 2020 during the pandemic, the channel showcases outdoor cooking in immersive natural settings, blending traditional techniques with modern storytelling.
Today, WildCookbook stands as Sri Lanka’s largest YouTube channel with over 10 million subscribers, more than 600 videos, and a total of 4 billion views. In March 2025, the channel became the first in Sri Lanka to receive the YouTube Diamond Play Button, a milestone achievement in the country’s digital media history.
Silva’s influence extends across platforms, with 4.6 million TikTok followers and 2.3 million followers each on Instagram and Facebook. In 2024, he expanded into physical dining by opening Wildish, a Colombo-based restaurant inspired by his most iconic recipes.
Yanika Amarasekera-Siyaguna: Revolutionising Gifting Through E-Commerce
Recognised in the Retail & E-Commerce category, Yanika Amarasekera-Siyaguna is the founder of Silver Aisle, Sri Lanka’s first online wedding registry. Launched in 2019, the platform has grown into a full-scale lifestyle and gifting marketplace, offering curated experiences such as vacations, fine dining, and hobby-based activities.
A graduate of UC Berkeley and Imperial College London, Amarasekera-Siyaguna has also made strides in the corporate world, having been appointed an Independent Director at LB Finance in 2023. Her dual role as a dynamic entrepreneur and emerging corporate leader exemplifies the growing influence of young professionals in shaping Sri Lanka’s private sector.
A Rising Generation of Changemakers
These three honourees represent the new face of Sri Lanka: innovative, globally connected, and deeply rooted in local relevance. Their inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list reflects not only their personal achievements but also Sri Lanka’s growing presence in the global arenas of technology, creativity, and commerce.
For the full list, visit: Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia – 2025
