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“Civil society members have to come together to protect their Rights but unfortunately in Sri Lanka the civil
society is divided and therefore there is no common goal and the Srilnkan identity is lost" Dr. Deepika
Udagama made this remark during her key note address at the Human Rights Award Ceremony 2011 and
explained the role of the civil society in ensuring
their Rights. Dr. Deepthika Udagama was the
chief guest at the Human Rights Award ceremony organized by the
Human Rights office to felicitate the Human Rights activists and award
the winners of the Debate, Art and Essay competitions organized in view
of the International Human Rights day 2011.

The event was held at the Trinity College Kandy on the 10th of December 2011 with more than 1500
participants both students and activists. Bishop Vianney Fernando was the guest of honor who outlined
the urgent need for committed Human Rights activists to protect and promote the Rights of the Citizens.
Fr. Nandana Manatunga and the staff of the Human Rights office Kandy Sri Lanka felicitated 05 special
people for their commitment for Justice in spite of challenges.
Rev. Fr. Jeyabalan Croos- Human Rights Activist from Mannar
Mr. Anthony Croos - Human Right Activist from Digana Kandy
Rev. Sr. Babra A.C – Human Right Activist from Colombo
Miss. Gayashani Mudushika – A rape survivor who fought for
Justice since 2002
Mrs. Surangika Ranaweera -Attorney at Law who defended the survivors for the past 10 years.
 The theme for the 2011
Human Rights day Award
ceremony was “Dignity and
Justice to all of us ".
Calling everyone to work for
a society where Dignity of
the human person is upheld and every citizen is Equal before the law. The
participation of the school debate teams from the Central province was at the highest level and the competition lasted for almost
04 months.

The award ceremony was made colourful with dances and cultural items.
The parents of the disappeared, families of the prisoners, Torture and
rape survivors, legal and medical personal were also encouraged and
appreciated for their commitment and courage in seeking Justice at a
time when Justice delivery system is gradually failing.