Namini Wijedasa Receives Prestigious US Award

COLOMBO (News 1st); Namini Wijedasa, an award-winning Sri Lankan journalist with over 30 years of experience, has been honored with the US Secretary of State’s 2025 International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award.

The prestigious award recognizes women from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership, often at great personal risk and sacrifice.

During the award ceremony, Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the US Department of State, highlighted Wijedasa's significant contributions to journalism.

"Namini Wijedasa from Sri Lanka is an award-winning investigative journalist who initially chronicled the human toll of Sri Lanka’s civil conflict. Her work to combat corruption and bring accountability to those in power not only aims to hold the most powerful accountable but also fosters dialogue on reconciliation, paving the way for a new generation of reporters," Bruce stated.

The award was presented jointly by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio & Melania Trump, the First Lady of the United States, who emphasized the power of love and courage in her speech.

"Throughout my life, I have harnessed the power of love as a source of strength during challenging times. Love has inspired me to embrace forgiveness, nurture, and exhibit bravery in the face of unforeseen obstacles. Today, we celebrate courage—a strength that is rooted in love. This truth is illustrated through our honorees, who have proven that love can inspire extraordinary valor," Melania Trump remarked.

Now in its 19th year, the IWOC Award has recognized more than 200 women from over 90 countries since its inception in 2007. U.S. diplomatic missions overseas nominate one woman of courage from their respective host countries, and finalists are selected and approved by senior Department officials.

Namini Wijedasa's recognition underscores her unwavering commitment to journalism and her relentless pursuit of truth and justice in Sri Lanka.