HSBC announced its strategic partnership with the Junior Chamber International Sri Lanka (JCI Sri Lanka), to organize The Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Sri Lanka Award (TOYP) 2009, scheduled to take place at the Hotel Trans Asia on October 9 2009. The TOYP programme was launched in the year 1980 in Sri Lanka and since then JCI Sri Lanka remains as the undisputed leader in recognizing the talents and achievements of the youth in Sri Lanka. The JCI Sri Lanka partnership with HSBC for the fifth successive year for the TOYP Programme will recognize ten outstanding young individuals for their exemplary personal and professional achievements. Furthermore, winners who receive this TOYP award will be recognized internationally through the worldwide community of young active citizens, Junior Chamber International in more than 100 countries and territories.

JCI World President JCI Sen. Jun Sup Shin speaking to the media at the HSBC JCI TOYP 2009 Press conference.Dakshana Goonerathne - TOYP 2009 Project Secretary ,Nick A Nicolaou-Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Sri Lanka &Maldives JCI Sen. Jun Sup Shin - JCI World President, Azard Ishak -Deputy National President JCI Sri Lanka, Bimal Liyanage - National President JCI Sri Lanka. Pix by M.D.Nissanka

Expressing his views on the partnership, Nick Nicolaou, CEO HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives said "Integrating ourselves with the communities in which we operate is of paramount importance to HSBC. It gives us an opportunity to understand, contribute and create opportunities for growth. In this context, HSBC's partnership with the TOYP award is a particularly exciting proposition as it identifies and recognizes the life blood of a nation's future - young people who have soared high above their peers and made their mark in a variety of important fields."

Candidates who wish to apply for TOYP awards, could send in their nomination forms by obtaining an entry coupon published in daily and weekend newspapers from end July in all three languages. Completed Nomination Forms should be sent to the Project Chairman/ TOYP 2009 Secretariat, C/O Digital Base (Pvt.) Ltd., at 185/1, Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 7 on or before the closing date, September 25 2009.

To be selected as a TOYP honoree is an arduous process, and the submitted nomination forms will be screened by a panel of high profile judges in the presence of auditors appointed for this purpose. The criteria for selection will be based on noteworthy achievements which have inspired others with a record of adherence to the principles embodied in the Jaycees Creed. The general categories for submission of nominations will include Business, Economic and /or Entrepreneurial Accomplishment, Political, Legal and /or Public Administration, Academic Leadership and /or Accomplishment, Contribution to Arts, Culture, Literature and/or Media, Moral and/ or Environment Leadership, Contribution to Children, World Peace and/or Human Rights, Humanitarian and /or Voluntary Service, Scientific and /or Technological Development, Medical Innovation/or Research and Personal Improvement /or Accomplishment.

HSBC Sri Lanka CEO hands over the TOYP 2009 sponsorship cheque to JCI President Dakshana Goonerathne TOYP 2009 Project Secretary Bimal Liyanage - National President JCI Sri Lanka Nick A Nicolaou - Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Sri Lanka & Maldives JCI Sen. Jun Sup Shin - JCI World President Azard Ishak -Deputy National President JCI Sri Lanka

Junior Chamber International Sri Lanka (JCI Sri Lanka), is the Local Branch of Junior Chamber International, the world's largest Youth Leadership Development Organization which functions with the mission to provide development opportunities that empowers young people to create positive change. Established since 1954, this Non Governmental Organization is affiliated to JCI with its headquarters in Chester Field, Missouri, USA. Jaycees share a sense of social responsibility and take action to create a better future for all by constantly seeking ways to live with JCI's Slogan "Be Better". They believe it is their responsibility to recognize and reward the outstanding young persons who have made a positive change in this community.

Junior Chamber International Sri Lanka holds the franchise to conduct 'The Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Sri Lanka' Award Programme in the country and this award is presented worldwide through the Junior Chamber International National Chapters. The TOYP was originally conceived and developed by Durwood Howes, President of the United States Junior Chamber in 1930. In 1933, this programme was officially adopted by the US Jaycees. Since 1952, many other national organizations have established their own 'Outstanding Young Persons Programmes' in their respective countries.

The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, the founding and a principal member of the HSBC Group , with over 9500 offices in 86 countries and territories and assets of US$ 2,527 billion as at December 31 2008, is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organizations. HSBC was recently awarded "Best Global Bank" in the Euro money Awards for Excellence 2009.
For further information please contact JC Azard Ishak Deputy National President 0777634223 or Secretary General JC Chanditha Wickrema 0777-700692.