National Civilian Bravery Awards 2018 honours 16 for bravery

• 14 students among those feted for braveryOne individual 
• awarded posthumously for sacrificing his life to save 22 people

By Skandha Gunasekara

The country’s youth made a special mark at yesterday’s National Civilian Bravery Awards 2018, with Speaker Karu Jayasuriya commending them for giving Sri Lanka hope for a brighter future.

Addressing the event held at the BMICH yesterday, Speaker Jayasuriya said that those who had won awards had shown what it meant to be human and symbolic of the innate kindness Sri Lankans have towards others. “These winners have made conscious decisions to help people and have acted from their hearts. Some have gone as far as to sacrifice their lives to save others. We have a duty to recognise, appreciate and help these brave, selfless individuals.” He pointed out that the fact that the majority of those honoured were students was a clear sign of a better future for the nation.

“This year we have several students who have won these Bravery Awards. No one told these students to act this way, they have done it of their own accord and righteous intentions,” said Speaker Jayasuriya. 

Janashakthi Insurance Plc partnered the Foundation of Civilian Bravery Sri Lanka for the third consecutive year to present the 24th edition of the National Civilian Bravery Awards. 

Janashakthi Insurance Plc Director Jude Fernando also participated in the event.

A number of individuals and groups were awarded yesterday including Udara Sandaruwan (11) who won the Civilian Bravery Fauna/Flora Award given to individuals who have exhibited initiative and dedication to protect fauna or flora. Sandaruwan had planted and cared for 250 plants in 2016 and over 500 plants in 2017, which were all handed over to the Central Environmental Authority. 

The White Swan Medal for Student Civilian Bravery Social Activity Award was awarded to a pair of sisters, Shenaya and Nayanthara Perera from S. Bridget’s Convent. The pair had initiated Photocause, a charity project for cancer and cancer awareness.

The Budal Na Gold Award was given to H.M. Keerthi Bandara Padmasiri posthumously for sacrificing his life to save 22 passengers in the bus driven by him. 

The Budal Na Silver Award was given to a duo of teenagers, Sachintha Lakshan (17) and Tharindu Weerasinghe (17), for risking their lives to save four people from drowning at sea. 

The Foundation of Civilian Bravery Sri Lanka is a non-profit organisation, established by Act No. 4 of 2009, dedicated to honouring civilians who voluntarily risk their lives saving or attempting to save the lives of others. Established in 1993, the foundation bestows medals of bravery annually at ceremonies in Colombo.