16TH OCTOBER 2017, COLOMBO: Derana, Sri Lanka’s No. 1 news and entertainment media network recently hosted ‘Ada Derana Sri Lankan of the year 2017’ Awards ceremony for the second consecutive year at the Hilton, Colombo. At this milestone event, Derana honoured and celebrated individuals and groups whose valiant efforts and achievements have had far reaching influence on the country; delivering a positive impact on the local community while helping to elevate the perception of Sri Lanka amongst the international community. A large number of eminent personalities from both corporate and other respective fields graced the occasion.
World renowned Sri Lankan cricketer Mr. Muttiah Muralitharan received the highest award ‘The Sri Lankan Icon of the year 2017’ at this ceremony for his remarkable sporting achievements and the social community/ philanthropic services.
All winners were carefully selected by a panel of eminent individuals headed by distinguished Sri Lankan diplomat Dr Jayantha Danapala. Others who comprised the panel were Prof. J.B. Dissanayake , General Daya Rathnayake ,Mrs. Jezima Ismail, Deshamanya Radhika Coomaraswamy, Mr. Chandran Rutnam, Mr. Dian Gomes , Mr. Nalaka Gunawardane and Mr. Vijitha Yapa.
A total of 17 awards were presented under 14 respective fields in recognition of their respective achievements. The award winners include:
1. SPORTS PERONALITY OF THE YEAR – Mr. Dinesh Priyantha Herath
2. ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR (CLASSICAL CATEGORY) – Mr. Ravibandu Vidyapathi
3. ENTERTAINMENT OF THE YEAR (DISTINGUISHED ACHIVEMENT)– Kala Keerthi Irangani Serasinghe
4. ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR – Ms. Aban Pestonjee
5. GLOBAL BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR – Mr. Mahesh Amalean
6. GLOBAL SCIENTIST OF THE YEAR – Prof. Chandra Wickramasinghe
7. GLOBAL ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR – Mr. Rohan De Silva
8. GLOBAL PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR – Mr. Cecil Balmond
9. POPULAR CATEGORY OF THE YEAR – Mr. Chamara Weerasinghe
10. PUBLIC SERVICE OF THE YEAR – Mr. Gamini Wijesinghe
11. UNSUNG HERO – Mrs. Lily Violet and Ms.Thilini Nadeeka Shalwin
12. BRAVERY AWARD – Mr. Naveen Danuska, Mr. Nihal Sarath Kumara and Mr. Eranga Wikumsiri
13. LIFETIME ACHIVEMENT – Sri Lankabhimanya Lester James Peiris
14. SRI LANKAN ICON OF THE YEAR – Mr. Muttiah Muralitharan
