Deborah Edirisinghe from Sri Lanka. She is the founding director of Child Action Lanka, a network of children’s shelters based in the city of Kandy, in central Sri Lanka. It offers housing, food and schooling and educational resources for over 1,500 children. Edirisinghe leads a team of 110 volunteers to address underlying causes of school dropouts and inequalities.
“I was absolutely delighted, and surprised, to receive this news. I’m humbled and feel privileged to be a recipient of the Commonwealth Points of Light Award from Sri Lanka,” the 38-year-old said. “Thank you for considering me. Recognition of such high status will enable the work I do with vulnerable children and women to expand the much needed support and partnerships that can further enable its continuity and growth. I am absolutely grateful for this award and recognition.”
British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Sarah Hulton, applauded Edirisinghe’s achievement and her outstanding service to local communities. “My warmest congratulations to Debbie Edirisinghe from Sri Lanka for receiving the Commonwealth Points of Light Award. Her work in providing children with education, health and nutrition and building supportive communities is commendable. I wish her all the best as she continues this remarkable journey, helping vulnerable children in Sri Lanka have a chance at a brighter future,” Hulton said.
