Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ Sri Lankan journalist Namini Wijedasa has been named a recipient of the US Secretary of State’s 2025 International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award, the US Department of State announced today. This esteemed honor recognizes women worldwide who have displayed exceptional courage, leadership, and resilience, often at great personal risk and sacrifice. Wijedasa, a veteran journalist with over 30 years of experience, has made a significant impact through her reporting, particularly in her early career when she documented the human toll of Sri Lanka’s prolonged civil conflict. Her reporting provided a platform for the voices of displaced communities, war widows, and individuals affected by the lasting consequences of the war. This dedication to exposing the realities of post-war Sri Lanka set the foundation for her subsequent work as an investigative journalist.
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As her career progressed, Wijedasa shifted her focus to uncovering corruption and exposing abuse of power within Sri Lankan society. Through fearless investigative reporting, she played an instrumental role in holding those in power accountable, shedding light on critical issues related to governance and transparency. Her work has sparked important public debates on political accountability and the need for reform in Sri Lanka, inspiring countless journalists to follow in her footsteps. The US Department of State, in a statement acknowledging her achievements, praised Wijedasa for her unwavering commitment to accountability. The statement emphasized her belief that meaningful change can only be achieved when the public demands transparency and holds leaders accountable for their actions. It also highlighted her efforts to create an informed citizenry, ensuring that the public remains engaged in democratic processes.
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Throughout her career, Wijedasa has continued to work in an environment increasingly hostile to press freedom. Legal restrictions, institutional barriers, and the growing threat of censorship have made it more difficult for journalists in Sri Lanka to report freely. Yet, despite these challenges, Wijedasa has remained committed to reporting on issues of national importance, including good governance, economic reform, and social justice. Her resilience and determination to continue speaking truth to power are key reasons for her recognition with this prestigious award. Beyond her investigative work, Wijedasa has also been a mentor to many young journalists, encouraging them to uphold the highest standards of integrity and to pursue fearless storytelling. Her contributions to the media landscape extend beyond mere reporting; she has shaped public discourse, empowering citizens to engage in discussions about economic prosperity, transparency, and the importance of democratic values.
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The IWOC Award, now in its 19th year, has recognized over 200 women from more than 90 countries since its inception in 2007. Each year, US diplomatic missions nominate one woman from their respective countries who embodies courage and resilience. The final recipients are selected by senior officials at the Department of State. Wijedasa will be honored at the 2025 IWOC Awards ceremony, which will be hosted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and First Lady Melania Trump. The event will take place on April 1, 2025, at 1:00 pm EDT at the US Department of State in Washington, D.C. The ceremony will celebrate the leadership and achievements of women who have made extraordinary contributions in the face of adversity, showcasing the power of resilience and courage in creating meaningful change.
