Brave civilians feted

Chaminda Perera

Outstanding Sri Lankans and South Asians who risked their lives to save their fellow beings were recognized at the 15th Civilian Bravery Awards ceremony at the BMICH yesterday.

This awards ceremony is organised by the Foundation for Civilian Bravery Sri Lanka annually to honour and appreciate the services of outstanding citizens who came to the rescue of others in times of emergency and natural disasters.

Twenty eight incidents of bravery were reported last year and 19 of them were shortlisted for awards. Viharadhipathi of Adagala Viharaya, Kiridunwewa Ven Badulle Ariyawansa Thera and Rev Fr Alfred Alexander of St. Philip Neris Church, Colombo 11 secured the Gold awards for their acts of bravery.

Ven Badulle Ariyawansa Thera donated his kidney and 60 per cent of his liver to save two persons despite the doctors' advice not do so. Rev. Fr Alfred Alexander was able to secure the release of a 22 year old youth who was to be abducted by a six member gang in Wellawatte.

The priest demanded their identity and insisted that he should accompany the youth and the gangsters had to release the youth.

British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Dr Peter Hayes who was the chief guest presented the Silver and Gold awards.

Dr. Charitha Rangana Prabath Seneviratne who saved more than 10 lives in the aftermath of the bomb blast at Nugegoda received the Budal Na Gold Medal.

Dr. Seneviratne who was in the vicinity when the bomb blast occurred took more than 10 victims to the hospital before the rescue team arrived at the scene.

Most of these victims were in a critical condition and his timely action paved the way to rescue their lives.

The foundation also recognised two Asians who displayed exceptional bravery by presenting Silver and Gold medals for civilian bravery for Asia.

The Gold Asian award was presented to Maldivian student Mohamed Jaisham Ibrahim who saved the life of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.