Fifteen distinguished individuals were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the arts, media, and literature at the 2025 Gold Awards Ceremony organised by the National Catholic Writers’ Association.Held on 27 September at the new SEDEC Institute auditorium in Borella, the event recognised achievements across a wide spectrum—from vocal and instrumental music to journalism and creative writing.
Among the top honourees were Rev. Fr. Samad Dalpadatu, Editor of Bhakthi Prabodhanaya; musician Rev. Fr. Alanka Oshitha Bandara; acclaimed actor-singer Rodney Warnakula; music maestro Ernest Soysa; and actor-producer Piyal Sylvester. Each received the prestigious Gold Award for their lasting contributions to Sri Lanka’s cultural landscape.
Two senior journalists, A.J.A. Abeynayake and Joseph Stanly Pius of the Divaina newspaper, were presented with lifetime achievement awards for excellence in media and literature.
Also recognised were school principal Chaminda Prasad Samaratunga, Dr. Pantaleon Perera, Victor Denipitiyaarachchi, Sidney Karunasinha, Priyantha Peters, Nalani Hansamala Jayatilaka, Dr. M.C.J. Ian, and Jeffrey Michael Houson, whose contributions spanned education, academia, and the arts.
The awards were presented under the patronage of Most Rev. Jude Nishantha Silva, Chairman of the National Catholic Communications Commission. The event was graced by Rev. Fr. Jude Krishantha Fernando, Director of National Public Communication, and several invited guests.
In addition to the main awards, 60 schoolchildren were recognised for excellence in art and writing, competing under three age categories and 10 thematic areas.
In the under-10 art category, Luwisha Subashini Fernando secured first place, followed by G.R.R. Alwin in second place and Omesha Divon Leonard in third.
In the 10–14 age group essay category, Andriana Michelle Fernando took first place, with Elisha Dissanayake and A.P.J. Wechins placing second and third, respectively.
For the 15–18 age group essay category, Sanduni Wasana Pinto was awarded first place, while Kavinda Sulakshani Fernando and D. Adman Rehan earned second and third place.
In the Media and Communication Leadership competition, Senari Mendis won in the English medium category, Sathyarajah Prasanthani topped the Tamil medium, and Senalsa Mendis led the Sinhala medium.
The ceremony was hosted under the direction of senior lawyer Godfrey Cooray, President of the National Catholic Writers’ Association, with Dr. Sachitha Mendis serving as Secretary.
from The Island https://ift.tt/2SIJQ1s
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