Deepika wins Gusi Peace Prize

Princess Al Sabah (Kuwait), Dr Ana Flisscr (Mexico), Liisa Kiianlinna (Finland) and Deepika Priyadashani (Sri Lanka)

Visharada Deepika Priyadashani and musician Naseer Shamma from Iraq

Popular songstress Vishardha Deepika Priyadarshani Peiris was among 20 laureates of the Philippine Gusi Peace Prize 2012 for performing arts with her song 'Saroja.'

Gusi Peace Prize is a Philippine based award, recognizing individuals working toward the attainment of peace and respect for human life and dignity. It is the Asian equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize. Gusi International Peace prize is awarded in memory of Captain Geminino Javier Gusi, a Philippino guerilla who resisted the Japanese invasion and later in his life, as a politician, campaigned for human rights.

The song 'Saroja' was a result of Deepika's desire to do productions that address current social issues. It was hailed as the best peace song of the time by many critics. With 'Saroja' she established herself as an artist with a mission. The song was sung by Deepika Priyadarshani, Lyrics by Mahinda Chandrasekara, Music by Rohana Weerasinghe and VDO Directed by Uplai Ariyasiri. The award was presented recently at the Philippine International Convention Centre, Manila.

In 2010, Commander Security Forces-Jaffna (SF-J) Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe was awarded the prestigious Gusi International Peace Award at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila.