Third Shift Media honoured Agency of the Year South Asia at Campaign Asia

• Wins Silver the highest honour awarded in the media agency category
• Only independent Sri Lankan agency to achieve consistent success

Third Shift Media, one of Sri Lanka’s leading independent media agencies, has once again secured regional recognition at the Campaign Asia Awards 2025 in Mumbai, winning Silver which was highest honour awarded in the media agency category this year.

Established in the 1990s, the Campaign Asia Awards are regarded as one of the most respected benchmarks of excellence in marketing communications industry, recognising outstanding leadership, agencies, brands, and work across local, regional, and global markets.

This latest recognition marks the sixth time Third Shift Media has been honoured on this prestigious regional platform, reinforcing its position as the only independent Sri Lankan agency to achieve such consistent success at the Campaign Asia Awards. Competing against major regional and global network agencies, the achievement underscores the agency’s ability to deliver world-class media solutions while remaining firmly grounded in deep local insight.

Third Shift Media has built its reputation on a distinct approach that blends local cultural understanding with world-class media planning and data-driven strategy. Over the years, the agency has steadily expanded its regional footprint while continuing to champion Sri Lankan strategic and media talent on an international stage, further strengthening the country’s presence within the regional advertising and communications industry.

Third Shift Media Director Chrishani Kotalawela said:  “At its core, this recognition reflects the confidence our clients place in us to deliver meaningful solutions to real business challenges. This award is a testament to the true value we have delivered through strong partnerships built on trust, accountability, and consistent results.”

She added that Third Shift’s approach has always gone beyond traditional media buying and planning, focusing instead on building sustainable business impact for brands.

Third Shift operates under MTM Group and its Managing Director Kapila Vidanagamage said the award reflects the growing stature of independent Sri Lankan agencies on the global stage.

“Third Shift’s success is a proud moment for the entire MTM Group. As an independent Sri Lankan media agency, achieving repeated recognition at a regional level is a remarkable accomplishment. It clearly demonstrates that locally built agencies can stand shoulder to shoulder with global networks in the regional and international media agency landscape.”

Third Shift Media Director and MTM Group CEO Prasanga Jayathunga said emphasised the strategic integration of artificial intelligence with human insight across all stages of planning.

“We have integrated AI with human intelligence at every stage of our planning process to deliver outcomes that are smarter, faster, and more accountable for our clients. Technology allows us to improve precision and speed, but it is human insight that ensures relevance, context, and strategic depth. The power lies in bringing both together,” he said.

He further noted that this unified approach has strengthened the agency’s ability to deliver high-impact solutions in an increasingly data-driven media environment.

Third Shift Media Chief Operating Officer Lasantha Mallawaarachchi acknowledged the critical support of the agency’s broadcaster partners.

“Our media partners are a core pillar of our success. Their collaboration, trust, and long-standing support enable us to consistently deliver strong results for our clients. This recognition is a shared achievement, and we sincerely thank our broadcasting partners for walking this journey with us,” he said.

Third Shift Media CEO Asantha Kalyananda dedicated the achievement to the team.

“This sixth recognition reflects six years of resilience, learning, and relentless effort by our team. I am extremely proud of the people behind Third Shift and the difference they continue to make for our clients year after year. This award belongs to every individual who has contributed to this journey.”

Founded as an independent Sri Lankan media agency, Third Shift Media continues to focus on blending strategic thinking, performance-driven media solutions, and strong client partnerships. Its repeated success at the Campaign Asia Awards not only strengthens the agency’s standing in the regional media landscape, but also reaffirms Sri Lanka’s growing presence in South Asia’s competitive marketing and communications industry.