iMET Excellence Awards 2025: Star of the Year Recognition
iMET Excellence Awards & Gala 2025 in Colombo, bringing together excellence, inspiration, and lifelong learning.
At the iMET Excellence Awards & Gala 2025, we were proud to present the Star of the Year Award, one of our most prestigious recognitions. This award honours an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment, resilience, leadership, and organisational impact over the past year, someone whose contribution has played a defining role in shaping iMET’s journey.
This year, we received three outstanding nominations, each representing excellence in leadership, innovation, and dedication during a period of significant challenge and transformation for the organisation:
- Krishan Manoj
- Gawesha Fernando
- Sadeev Silva
After careful consideration, the Star of the Year Award 2025 was awarded to:
Winner: Gawesha Fernando
Winner Summary – Gawesha Fernando
Over the past two years, financial recovery and sales growth have become critical priorities for iMET. During one of the most challenging periods in the organisation’s history, Gawesha Fernando stepped forward with determination and strong leadership to drive sales performance and business continuity.
Leading by example, Gawesha worked closely with his team, the Marketing function, and senior management to deliver consistent progress under intense pressure. His ability to inspire, maintain focus, and turn uncertainty into forward momentum played a decisive role in helping stabilise and move the organisation forward.
Gawesha’s contribution was not just about numbers, it was about resilience, teamwork, and belief in what could be achieved together. This award recognises both his leadership and the collective success of the team he led.
Nominee Summary – Krishan Manoj
Krishan Manoj was nominated for his exceptional leadership in rebuilding iMET’s IT function following a highly challenging period. Taking on the role of Team Lead when the department had been reduced by over 80%, Krishan worked with a small team under significant pressure to stabilise and transform core IT systems.
Through his leadership, the IT function delivered results that were significantly stronger and more efficient than before, while also reducing departmental costs by over 80% across HR, software, and operations. Balancing organisational pressures with personal challenges, including time spent working from London, Krishan demonstrated resilience, strategic thinking, and long-term commitment. His contribution reflects not only his leadership but also the dedication of the team he supported over more than seven years with Imperial Edutech.
Nominee Summary – Sadeev Silva
Sadeev Silva was recognised for his pivotal role in strengthening iMET’s product development strategy during a critical learning and transformation phase. Over the past two years, he consistently drove innovation, embraced emerging technologies, including AI and balanced them effectively with human expertise.
Sadeev led his team through complex challenges, helping establish stability and momentum within product development. His impact extended beyond his own department, contributing to multiple cross-functional initiatives and supporting broader organisational goals. This nomination recognises Sadeev’s leadership, collaborative approach, and the lasting improvements he helped deliver across the product ecosystem.
Celebrating Collective Excellence
The Star of the Year Award 2025 reflects iMET’s commitment to recognising individuals who go beyond their roles to create meaningful, lasting impact. While the award celebrates one winner, it also honours the dedication, teamwork, and resilience demonstrated by all nominees and their teams.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Gawesha Fernando, Krishan Manoj, and Sadeev Silva for their outstanding contributions and continued commitment to iMET’s growth and success.