Pannala, Sri Lanka — December 16, 2023
In a grand celebration of humanitarian dedication and nation-building, the Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation (SHCCF), in strategic partnership with the Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC SMM), successfully hosted the prestigious “Shri Hela Abhimani Honors Awards 2023.”
The landmark event took place at Hotel La Queens in Makandura, Pannala, drawing together distinguished national figures, civil society leaders, and community changemakers from across Sri Lanka.
A Gathering of Visionary Leaders and Dignitaries
The ceremony was solemnly blessed by religious leaders representing the Buddhist and Christian clergy, underscoring the foundation's core values of unity and cultural harmony.
The occasion was graced by an array of eminent personalities from academia, medicine, public administration, and human rights advocacy:
- Prof. Rangika Bandara — Head, Department of Zoology & Environmental Management, University of Kelaniya
- Dr. Madhavi Bandara — Head, Sri Lanka Vocational Education & Skills Development Division
- Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara — Director, Homagama Base Hospital & Former Ministry of Health Spokesperson
- Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M. Dissanayake — Sri Lankan Commissioner, IHRC / Founder, President & Director General, SHCCF
- Dr. Sarath Peiris — President, Lanka Human Rights Organization
- Dr. Nihal Senarath — Education Officer, Dehiwala National Zoological Park
- Dr. Kamal Abeywardena — Pioneering Paleontologist
- Deshabandhu M.M. Sawahir — President, United Nations Association (UNA) of Sri Lanka
- Mrs. Deshabandhu Panchali Ratnayake & Mr. Dharmadasa Witharana — United Nations Association (UNA)
- Mr. Sudarshana Gamage — All Ceylon Cultural United Foundation (ACCUF)
Honoring 150 Exceptional Community Leaders Across 4 Categories
The “Shri Hela Abhimani Honors Awards” evaluated and recognized 150 outstanding individuals—including entrepreneurs, athletes, educators, artists, state security officers, administrative officials, healthcare workers, drug prevention counselors, journalists, and grassroots social workers—across four main categories:
| Award Category | Purpose & Recognition |
|---|---|
| Shri Hela Abhimani Honorary Award | Conferred upon visionary leaders who have made lifelong sacrifices to drive profound social transformation. |
| Shri Hela Abhimani Lankaputhra Award | Honoring exceptional citizens for their dedicated national service and unwavering commitment to societal wellbeing. |
| Shri Hela Abhimani Business Award | Commending ethical entrepreneurs and business leaders committed to creating social progress through corporate responsibility. |
| Shri Hela Abhiman Award | Encouraging passionate emerging leaders and youth actively uplifting local communities across Sri Lanka. |
Multilateral Collaboration & Governance
This national initiative was made possible through the robust support and endorsement of key partner organizations:
- International Human Rights Commission (IHRC)
- Youth for International Human Rights Organization
- Women and Children Concern Organization
- All Christian Rights Protection Organization
- Sri Lankan Youth Api Foundation
- All Ceylon Cultural United Foundation
- Nature and Cultural Protection Foundation
The event was organized and managed under the leadership of Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M. Dissanayake (Founder, President & Director General) alongside the SHCCF Executive Board:
Deshabandhu Hemantha Vitharana, Deshamanya Udara Rathnayake, Deshamanya Sakura Wasanthi, Deshamanya Dhammika Sisira Kumara, Deshamanya Nalin Darshana, Deshamanya Chaminda Nishantha, Deshabandhu Sadeva Amaradasa, Pandit Amaradasa Delankarachchi, Mrs. Nisansala Wijekoon, Deshamanya Rev. Pastor Susil Rupasinghe, Rev. Pastor Nixon Wadigasinghe, Deshamanya Chaminda Hapu Arachchi, Mr. Sisira Rangapathi, Mrs. Prashanjani Mudunkotuwa, Ms. Saumya Dilki Rathnayake, Mr. Dinesh Rajakaruna, Mr. Shenal Sanjana, Mr. Anusha Munasinghe, Miss Sakura Munasinghe, Miss Shalika Erandathi Edirisinghe, Mrs. Shalika Edirisinghe, Mr. Jayathissa Athaudahetti, and Rev. Pastor Ananda Kumara.
Official Event Record
Date: December 16, 2023
Venue: Hotel La Queens, Makandura, Pannala
Reported by: Hemantha Vitharana (Senior Executive Director — Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation)
