Mr. Karu Jayasuriya was honored with the honorable title of 'Sri Lankabhimanya'

 

The 'Sri Lanka Bhimanya' award, which is considered the most prestigious lifetime award in the country, was presented by President Ranil Wickramasinghe to Member of Parliament Deshbandu Karu Jayasuriya a few moments ago (February 03).

The Presidential Media Division (PMD) reported that the former speaker received the award at an investiture ceremony held at the President's House in Colombo this morning.

The decision to confer the award was announced in an extraordinary gazette notification published on January 24. 'Sri Lanka Bhimanya' is Sri Lanka's highest civilian award given by the President on behalf of the Government.

It is awarded to those who have rendered exceptional and outstanding service to the nation. Only five Sri Lankans can hold this honor at a time, which means that if five awardees are alive, the award cannot be given to a sixth person.

However, the award can also be given posthumously. Addressing the ceremony, Mr. Karu Jayasuriya said that what should be done at this moment is not the struggle of racism, but work to create national harmony.