Thirty young speakers from schools and higher education institutions are preparing to take the stage as Future Voices 2026 reaches its Grand Finale in Kandy on 5 September.
Built around the belief that “every great voice begins with the courage to speak”, the programme aims to develop confidence, communication and leadership among young people through public speaking.
This year’s competition brought together 15 school students and 15 students from higher education institutions, each presenting their ideas, perspectives and ambitions before an audience.
Participating schools include Gateway College, Swarnamali Girls’ College, St. Sylvester’s College, Pushpadana Girls’ College, Viharamahadevi Girls’ College, Badi-ud-din Mahmud Girls’ College, Ecole Internationale and Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College.
Students from APIIT, ANC Education, American College of Higher Education, SLIM and SLIIT have also taken part, bringing together young voices from different academic backgrounds on one platform.
From the preliminary stages to the semi-final round, participants have been challenged to think critically, communicate clearly and speak with confidence. Beyond selecting winners, the competition has sought to encourage young people to overcome the fear of public speaking and develop the confidence to express their ideas.
The journey will culminate at the Future Voices 2026 Grand Finale, which will be held at the Level 5 Banquet Hall, Kandy City Centre (KCC), from 8.30am on 5 September.
Winners from the two categories will receive certificates and cash prizes, while the schools and institutions supporting the participants will also be recognised.
With two categories sharing one stage, Future Voices 2026 places the focus not only on competition, but on the wider value of communication and leadership among the next generation.
For every participant who steps up to the microphone, the achievement begins before a winner is announced: having the courage to stand up, speak and be heard.
