TEDxColombo 2025 Brings ‘MADness’ to Life -A Stage for the Bold, the Brave, and the Brilliantly Unreasonable

What once seemed absurd now shapes the future. That spirit was alive and electric at TEDxColombo 2025, which returned for its milestone 15th edition on Sunday, June 1st, filling the iconic Nelum Pokuna Theatre with over 900 attendees and one compelling idea: ‘MADness.’

This year’s theme wasn’t chaos for its own sake. It was a deliberate celebration of thinking that challenges the norm.

Setting the tone with irreverent humour and sharp intellect, Ashok Ferry opened the event with a blend of satire and sincerity that had the audience laughing and thinking in equal measure. From there, the day unfolded in waves of emotion, intellect, and inspiration.

Jason Rajasinghe, speaking from the heart of Sri Lanka’s film industry, challenged the country to imagine itself on the global cinematic stage- with vision, pride, and persistence. Vickum Nawagamuwage dug into the emotional architecture of stress and sorrow, reframing them as symptoms of a disconnected world in desperate need of compassion.

Environmental scientist Anya Ratnayake delivered a quietly urgent talk on Colombo’s wetlands –  not just their ecological value, but their emotional and cultural importance. Yevan David, the young Formula 1 prodigy, defied expectations by speaking not of speed, but of stillness – how patience, meditation, and silence helped shape him on and off the track.

Tech entrepreneur Sanjiva Weerawarana called for a radical shift in Sri Lanka’s tech mindset- from service delivery to product innovation, likening the transformation to the evolution of Sri Lankan cricket. Sonali Silva, in a moment of courageous clarity, broke the silence around unsafe abortions, challenging societal stigma and advocating for justice and bodily autonomy. And closing the day with warmth and poetic storytelling, Kevin Wilson traced the journey of Chai Tea – a metaphor for migration, identity, and belonging, leaving the audience with a rare, resonant stillness.

Adding another dimension to the event’s creative tapestry was a special performance by Cracklepop, a live electronic music act made up of Sweetie, Geve, and a delightful ensemble of whimsical, noise-making machines. Blending the textures of house, breaks, boom bap, dub, and unfiltered curiosity, their set offered a playful yet immersive sonic experience- plush, strange, and irresistibly groovy.

Together, these talks wove a narrative of “madness” not as instability, but as the essential ingredient in real change. They reminded us that every meaningful leap begins with a moment of doubt, a raised eyebrow, or someone saying, “That will never work.”

“Some of the world’s most transformative breakthroughs began as ‘mad’ ideas,” said Safra Anver, Licensee and Organizer of TEDxColombo. “We wanted to honour the courage it takes to dream differently – to act boldly in a world that often rewards playing it safe. Each speaker today reminded us that change rarely starts with consensus.”

TEDxColombo 2025 was made possible through the support of forward-thinking partners, led by John Keells IT, as Main Partner in a partnership that has spanned over 10 years.

“Ideas spark change — and TEDxColombo 2025 lit the fire. It brought together fearless voices, disruptive minds, and bold dreams,” said Ramesh Shanmuganathan, EVP/Group CIO of John Keells Holdings & CEO of John Keells IT. “ At John Keells IT, we’re proud to stand with those who challenge the status quo and lead with purpose. Because real change begins with those brave enough to imagine it.”

TEDxColombo has long been more than just a stage. The energy in the theatre carried through every break, where ideas spilt into hallways, lobbies, and impromptu circles of conversation. Volunteers, partners, speakers, and guests shared more than just space; they shared a sense of collective curiosity. The best ideas- the ones that change minds, move hearts, and reshape futures- often start with someone brave enough to sound a little mad.

A wide range of supporting partners brought the event experience to life. From brand collaborators to technical specialists, each played a critical role in building a TEDx that was immersive and world-class: Ceccato Colombo, Ilgelato, Illy Coffee, Titanite, Richardson Outdoor, Acumen Intelligence, Daily Mirror, Daily FT, Hii Magazine, Bling Events, VIDA Medical Services, Audio Technica, E-Maan Digital, Ushan Gunasekera Photography, Anim8, PR Wire, EnCare, Book Studio, Nuts on Top, American Water, Mailchimp, and BoxOffice.lk.

Videos and full talks from TEDxColombo 2025 will soon be available at www.tedxcolombo.org. Follow @TEDxColombo and join the ongoing dialogue under #TEDxColombo2025.

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