Ms. Neeliya Bandara, a student from the Faculty of Computing and Technology at the University of Kelaniya, won the prestigious Rainbow Horizon Award at the inaugural World University Animation Awards, for her University Final Year Project. Organized by the Hong Kong Metropolitan University, the event was held on September 16, 2025, in Hong Kong. This award recognized remarkable creative potential among entries, highlighting the emerging talent of young animators on the global stage.  

Supervised by Mr. Neil Cooray, Senior Lecturer of the Faculty of Computing and Technology, Ms. Bandara’s achievement brings immense pride not only to the University of Kelaniya but also to the entire Sri Lankan animation industry.

The World University Animation Awards received a remarkable 1,736 submissions from over 600 universities across 96 countries, demonstrating the fierce global competition and the high standard of work submitted. Against this strong international pool, Ms. Bandara’s recognition reflects the exceptional quality and creativity nurtured by Sri Lanka’s academic and creative communities.

This achievement further strengthens Sri Lanka’s presence in the global animation scene and underscores the potential of the country’s young digital artists. It is a proud milestone for the University of Kelaniya, the Faculty of Computing and Technology, and the national animation industry as a whole.

The University of Kelaniya extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Neeliya Bandara and Mr. Neil Cooray, and reaffirms its commitment to supporting and promoting Sri Lankan talent on the world stage.