Youth with Talent - Generation Next
Youth with Talent - Generation Next is the first Sri Lankan reality talent show commenced in 2016. As the pioneering television network in Sri Lanka, ITN (Independent Television Network) initiated and executed this programme with the assistance and inspiration of National Youth Services Council (NYSC). The concept of Youth with Talent was formulated and directed by Mr. Sandaruwan Jayawickrama, an award-winning musical and tele-drama director who has exhibited outstanding directing while working in the industry. Mr. Saman Athaudahetti, the chairman of ITN, veteran author & renowned journalist and Mr. Eranda Weliange, the chairman of NYSC  gave their guidance and fullest cooperation in succeeding this television talent show in real sense of the word. HDTV is the video format used in broadcasting this show. Dynamic and energetic Youth with exceptional and remarkable talents between 15 – 35 ages, participate in this contest to showcase their talents spread in a wide range. The utmost objective of this contest is to produce brilliant characters island wide, uplifting their talents and bringing them to the international level. On the other hand, this has become a proving ground of Sri Lankan youth with full of dreams to make their dreams a  reality. All participants are highly motivated through this entire show to perform from the very best of their levels for gaining the valuable reward and also, to be the amazing character. Main theme of the contest is, “If determination is, the victory - Talent should be extraordinary.” Auditions. Auditions were held at different places throughout Sri Lanka and the best acts were selected to be telecast-ed on television, along with other acts. Around 20 participants competed in each audition round and the judges approximately selected 10 contestants for the next round (round 2). Golden buzzer acts were directly sent to  the grand finale. Round 1. Round 1 was held from 09/09/2017 to 16/12/2017. Judge's decision was used to put forward the suitable contestants for the next round (either Round 2 or direct entry to the Finals using Golden Buzzer). Round 2. Round 2 was held from 23/12/2017 to 27/01/2018. Judge's decision was used to put forward the suitable contestants for the next round. Rookantha was unavailable, Mr. Chithraal Somapala took his position in the judge panel. Round 2 Summary. Round 2-1 Episode 16 (December 23, 2017). Guest Judge : Chandani Seneviratne Round 2-2 Episode 17 (December 30 , 2017). Guest Judge : Rukshi Gamage Round 2-3 Episode 18 (January 6, 2018). Guest Judge : Indika Upamali Round 2-4 Episode 19 (January 13, 2018). Guest Judge : Dannielle Kerkoven Round 2-5 Episode 20 (January 20, 2018). Guest Judge : Sangeetha Weeraratne Guest Judge : Srimali Fonseka Semi Finals. Semifinals will be started on February 10, 2018. There will be 38 contestants and only 6 will be selected by the judge panel. Each semifinals will consist of 19 contestants. Results are based on judge decisions. Semi Finals 1 Episode 23 (February 10, 2018). Guest Judge : TBA Semi Finals 3 Episode 24 (February  18th 2018). Guest Judge : TBA