A Mississauga volunteer who spent more than three decades opening doors for young people through cricket has been named the city's 2026 Citizen of the Year.
Ranil Mendis received the Gordon S. Shipp Memorial Award on the evening of Nov. 7, when Deputy Mayor Matt Mahoney presented it as part of the City of Mississauga's annual Civic Recognition awards event, according to a City of Mississauga news release.
The award recognizes one Mississauga resident who has given unselfishly of their time and energy for the betterment of the community. The City said Mendis was celebrated for his leadership, community service, philanthropic efforts and his ability to inspire others through co-operation and dedication.
Mendis, an internationally trained accountant who arrived in Canada in 1988, has built a long record of community work in Mississauga centred on youth sport and inclusion. The City credits him with transforming access to youth sport, strengthening community connections and inspiring thousands of young people.
Having faced the barriers many newcomers encounter, Mendis used cricket as a platform for belonging and development. He led the Ontario Schools Cricket Association and helped launch the Mayor's School Cricket Program in 2013 alongside then-Mayor Hazel McCallion. What started as small volunteer-run school efforts has grown into structured, City-recognized programming.
"Mississauga is a great city because of the people who give back, and Ranil Mendis is one of those people. His commitment to community service, volunteerism and helping others has made a meaningful difference across our city. This honour is well deserved and I am proud to celebrate Ranil as Mississauga's 2026 Citizen of the Year." — Deputy Mayor Matt Mahoney
Mahoney's remarks were included in the City of Mississauga news release announcing the award.
"I am honoured to receive this recognition from Mississauga, the city I have called home for nearly four decades. Cricket helped me find friendships and a sense of belonging when I first arrived in Canada. Through the Ontario Schools Cricket Association, I've been fortunate to help create those same opportunities for young people. I share this honour with my family, volunteers, educators and community partners who have made this work possible. Thank you to the City of Mississauga for this very special recognition." — Ranil Mendis
Mendis made the comments in the City's announcement.
The award is named for Gordon S. Shipp, a local custom home builder and chairman of the board of Shipp Corporation Ltd., and commemorates his legacy of community service. A volunteer selection committee — made up of residents chosen by Council, a member of the Shipp family and the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® — reviewed the nominations and made the final selection.
This year marked a change in how the honour is handed out. Council approved in August 2025 that the City of Mississauga would take responsibility for the award, which was last presented in May 2025 by the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS®. In 2026 it was presented as part of the City's Civic Recognition awards evening for the first time.
The City has posted a video with more about Mendis and his work on its website.
