HSBC in partnership with the Junior Chamber International Sri Lanka (JCI Sri Lanka) will hold The Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Sri Lanka Award (TOYP) 2010, in October. HSBC's association with the TOYP programme dates back to 2005, when the bank became the strategic sponsor of the event held for the sixth year in 2010. The TOYP Programme will recognize ten outstanding young individuals for their exemplary personal and professional achievements. Winners who receive this TOYP award will be recognized internationally through the worldwide community of young active citizens.

Expressing his views on the partnership, Mr. Nick Nicolaou, CEO HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives said ""HSBC is pleased to be part of this prestigious event for the sixth year to honour young people who have reached the heights of progress in numerous human endeavours. We also hope this will serve as an example to other young people in the country, by encouraging and inspiring them to follow suit, and help them realize their dreams and visions for the future."

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 young people in Sri Lanka. Nominations are now open for the 2010 National TOYP Programme, recognizing the achievements of young people from Sri Lanka" said Jc. Azard Ishak, National President of JCI Sri Lanka. "We want to honour outstanding young people in our communities and in our country.

This programme is open to people between the ages of 18 and 40, giving us the opportunity to acknowledge those young people who serve as role models to their peers and will become the outstanding leaders of tomorrow".

"By recognizing these young people, JCI encourages them and others to seek excellence and serve others," added Ishak. " It's just one way that JCI contributes to preparing better leaders, who will create better societies. Candidates who wish to apply for the TOYP awards, could send their nomination forms by obtaining an entry coupon published in daily and weekend newspapers from mid July in all three languages. Completed Nomination Forms should be sent to the Project Chairman/ TOYP 2010 Secretariat, 185/1, Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 7 on or before the closing date, August 31 2010. A Copy of the Nomination Form for TOYP 2010 can be found online at www.jcisl.org

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;

• Business, economic, and/or entrepreneurial accomplishment
• Political, legal, and/or governmental affairs
• Academic leadership and/or accomplishment
• Cultural achievement
• Moral and/or environmental leadership
• Contribution to children, world peace, and/or human rights
• Humanitarian and/or voluntary leadership
• Scientific and/or technological development
• Personal improvement and/or accomplishment
• Medical innovation

JCI is a worldwide community of young active citizens in the ages 18-40 who are dedicated to creating the positive change they wish to see in themselves and the world. JCI's International Network connects more than 115 countries. 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 founder and a principal member of the HSBC Group , with over 8,000 offices in 88 countries and territories is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organizations that has been supporting JCISL to recognize outstanding young people in Sri Lanka.