Celebrating the success of Date with Danu and a remarkable contribution to Sri Lanka’s media and entertainment industry.
Award-winning television host, media personality and Head of Channel at HiTV, Danu Innasithamby, was honoured with two recognitions at the Global Business Excellence Awards 2026, acknowledging his contribution to the media industry and the continued success of his popular television talk show, Date with Danu.
Launched in 2018, Date with Danu has grown into one of Sri Lanka’s recognised conversational television platforms, bringing together personalities from entertainment, business, politics, sports, arts and various other walks of life. Known for its relaxed, engaging and often humorous approach, the programme has created a space where guests share their personal journeys, experiences and perspectives beyond their professional identities.
Over the years, the show has remained consistent despite the many challenges faced by Sri Lanka, including the Easter Sunday attacks, economic uncertainty, political transitions and the changing landscape of the media industry.
Through it all, Date with Danu has continued to stay true to its original purpose: creating meaningful conversations, celebrating inspiring individuals and encouraging Sri Lankans to share their stories.
Reflecting on the recognition, Danu expressed his gratitude to the people who have contributed to the programme’s journey.
“Every award is special, but what makes these recognitions truly meaningful is knowing that they represent years of hard work, dedication and the collective efforts of so many people. Date with Danu has never been just about me. It has always been about the guests who trusted us with their stories, the team that works tirelessly behind the scenes and the audiences who have continued to support us,” he said.
With a career spanning 25 years in media and entertainment, Danu has established himself as a versatile personality across television, radio, digital media, acting and publishing. His ability to connect with audiences across different communities and generations has remained central to his work.
As Head of Channel at HiTV, he has also played an important role in developing engaging content and creating opportunities for fresh talent, while continuing to champion Sri Lankan stories and personalities
Speaking about the importance of recognition, Danu added:
“Awards are wonderful milestones, but the real reward is in the people we meet, the stories we share and the impact we create along the way. I have always believed that success is never an individual achievement. There is always a team, a support system and an audience behind every milestone.”
The two recognitions at the Global Business Excellence Awards 2026 mark another significant chapter in Danu’s professional journey, celebrating both his individual contribution to the industry and the enduring appeal of Date with Danu.
As the programme continues to evolve, Danu remains committed to exploring new conversations, introducing fresh perspectives and creating content that entertains, inspires and connects audiences.
For Danu, the journey is far from over.
“There are still so many stories waiting to be told, so many interesting people to meet and so many conversations worth having. I am grateful for how far we have come, and I look forward to everything that lies ahead.”
With 25 years in the media industry and Date with Danu continuing its journey since 2018, these recognitions celebrate not only a career built on passion and perseverance but also the power of storytelling to bring people together.