Universal College Lanka (UCL) believes education should empower young people to turn knowledge into action, lead with purpose and make a meaningful contribution to society. Central to this vision is creating opportunities for students to tackle real challenges, develop practical solutions and grow into confident, socially responsible leaders.

LeaderRise, UCL’s national school social entrepreneurship and youth leadership initiative, brings this vision to life. Delivered in partnership with the University of Lancashire, UK, it encourages school students to identify challenges within their schools and communities, develop practical responses and present their ideas to experienced academic and industry professionals. Along the way, participants build confidence, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving skills.

The initiative culminated in the Grand Finale of LeaderRise 2026, held at UCL on 15 October 2026. Following a call that attracted more than 25 proposals from schools across Sri Lanka, ten finalist teams presented projects addressing public health, student wellbeing, culture, waste management and safety.

Team Target 450 from Leeds International School, Galle, emerged as the overall winner for its dengue early-warning project. The team also secured the Best Innovation Project and Best Community Impact Project awards. Double Blues from Wesley College, Colombo, finished as runners-up, while Project Refocus from Iman Academy secured third place and the Best Presentation award.

The judging panel included Dr Robert Smith, Associate Dean of the School of Engineering & Computing, and Professor Andrei Chamchine, Professor of Engineering and Academic Lead, from the University of Lancashire, UK, alongside Dr Chamila Ariyananda, CEO of UCL, and members of UCL’s academic leadership. Mr Ric Brame, International Partnerships Project Manager at the University of Lancashire, addressed the audience on behalf of the university, reinforcing the partnership’s commitment to nurturing young talent and supporting student development.

For the finalists, the Grand Finale marked the beginning of the next stage of their journey. Through UCL LaunchPad, the college’s innovation and incubation initiative, teams will receive support to develop their projects further. Access to space, mentoring and industry connections will help them refine their ideas and work towards practical solutions with lasting community value.

By connecting school students with university expertise and opportunities for continued development, LeaderRise demonstrates UCL’s commitment to recognising potential and helping it grow. The initiative celebrates achievement while giving young people the encouragement and support to take their ideas forward. UCL congratulates all LeaderRise 2026 finalists and thanks the schools, teachers, judges and partners whose contributions made the initiative possible.