Pannala, Kurunegala (December 16, 2023) — In recognition of distinguished individuals who have dedicated their lives to social service and national development, the Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation (SHCCF), in conjunction with the Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC SMM), hosted the prestigious "Shri Hela Abhimani Honors Awards 2023."
The grand ceremony took place at Hotel La Queens in Makandura, Pannala, honoring Sri Lankan sons and daughters who have made remarkable contributions to their motherland.
Distinguished Guests and Dignitaries
The event was presided over by prominent religious leaders from Buddhist and Christian clergy, alongside an array of distinguished academic, medical, and administrative luminaries, including:
- Prof. Rangika Bandara (Head, Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, University of Kelaniya)
- Dr. Madhavi Bandara (Head, Sri Lanka Vocational Education and 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 of Sri Lanka), Mrs. Deshabandhu Panchali Ratnayake (UNA), and Mr. Dharmadasa Witharana (UNA)
- Mr. Sudarshana Gamage (All Ceylon Cultural United Foundation - ACCUF)
150 Outstanding Personalities Recognized Across 4 Categories
Over 150 distinguished individuals—spanning entrepreneurs, athletes, educationalists, artists, state security and administrative officers, healthcare professionals, drug prevention counselors, journalists, and grassroots social workers—were evaluated and conferred honors across four award categories:
- Shri Hela Abhimani Honorary Award: Recognizing visionary leaders who have made lifelong sacrifices to drive positive social change.
- Shri Hela Abhimani Lankaputhra Award: Honoring individuals for exceptional national service and dedication to societal wellbeing.
- Shri Hela Abhimani Business Award: Commending entrepreneurs and business leaders committed to fostering social progress through ethically driven enterprise.
- Shri Hela Abhiman Award: Encouraging passionate individuals and youth actively working to uplift local communities.
Multilateral Institutional Support & Organizing Committee
The national event received full endorsement and active support from partner organizations, including the 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, and the Nature and Cultural Protection Foundation.
The organizing and executive management committee of the SHCCF included:
- Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M. Dissanayake (Founder / President / Director General)
- Senior Executive Directors & Board Members: 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.
Date: December 16, 2023
