State Minister of Defence Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene attended the 'Janashakthi- National Civilian Bravery Awards 2017' held at the Nelum Pokuna Theater in Colombo last evening (15th Thursday, June 2017). Speaker of the Parliament, Hon. Karu Jayasuriya graced the event as the chief guest.
The event was organized for the 23rd time, by the Foundation for Civil Bravery and Janashakthi Insurance PLC to recognize civilians who voluntarily risked their lives while saving, or attempting to save others from peril.
During the event, 12 people received bravery awards, including Leading Aircraftman Naveen Dhanushka Bandara of the Sri Lanka Air Force who saved four lives from drowning in the Batticaloa lagoon.
State Minister Wijewardene presented tokens of appreciation to those recognized at the awards ceremony.
Inspector General of Police, distinguished invitees, members of the organizing committees and senior military officers were also present at the occasion.