2016 Sep 14
by Shamila Naleer
On a national and regional level in Sri Lanka, we perceive the profuse presentation of awards in many distinctive fields. Like award ceremonies that take place annually, there are ones that occur once every two years and awards in the separate fields of the literary arts, drama, cinema and sports are presented with the support of sponsors and organizers who play vital roles when organizing these scintillating events. However, an award ceremony for all the skillful individuals in their distinctive fields on a shared platform is somewhat unheard of. Ergo, for the first time in our nation, Ada Derana presents “Sri Lankan of the Year 2016”; a prestigious night dedicated to the fiercely highlighted and talented Lankans in numerous distinct fields of expertise, both, nationally and internationally.
Our Sri Lankan pride and prestige has been put forth on a national as well as international level, through different fields, without politics, but including sports, science and technology, entrepreneurship and entertainment and thirteen spectacular individuals will receive this award for their noteworthy services. The recipient of the “Popular Award” was voted for through means of SMS and the special “Unsung Hero” award goes to an unacknowledged Lankan for his great contribution to the betterment of our country. These highly regarded awards go to thirteen individuals who well deserve them. This significant award ceremony will be held on September 23 in the grandeur and finesse it suggests.
With the move towards this event, the Ada Derana News team worked hard to search far and beyond for the ideal candidates for these awards. The researched and investigated for six months, and the list of potential recipients grew at a pace. The short listing was carried out by jury of nine intelligent and accomplished veterans, who selected the most suitable Sri Lankans, who maintain our Lankan pride and heritage, to receive these awards. This jury consisted of Professor Carlo Fonseka, Professor J.B Dissanayake, General Daya Ratnayake, Deshamanya Radhika Coomaraswamy, Dayan Gomez, Vijitha Yapa, Nalaka Gunawardene, Jezima Ismail and Chandran Rutnam.
An incomparable unsung service, like they have done, for the country and its people deserves utmost respect as well as appreciation, and these Lankans need to be supported and driven to push them further in their journey. The organizers of “Sri Lankan of the Year 2016” hope to achieve this through this through this renowned night.
