Colombo (AsiaNews) - Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, executive director of the Centre for Policy Alternatives in Sri Lanka, won the "First Citizens" 2010 National Peace Council (NPC) peace prize. Social and human rights activist, known as Dr. Sara, he was chosen from among 52 candidates, announced in November last year.
The NPC press release reads: "Dr. Saravanamuttu has been a strong supporter of a political settlement to the ethnic conflict in the country. Over the years, he has distinguished himself as a leading champion of the ideals of human rights, good governance and power sharing between the different ethnic communities. "
Jehan Perera, executive director of NPC, said that "among the many qualities of Dr. Sara, two in particular have aroused our admiration. One is courage shown in word and deed to lessen the culture of impunity resulting from fear, extra-judicial executions, terrorism and intolerance of free expression of personal political opinion. The second – he adds- is his commitment to the cause of temporary Tamil residents of Colombo, threatened with mass expulsion by a government decree during the height of the war in 2007. "
The peace prize "First Citizen" was established in 2010 by the National Peace Council to honour and encourage those people in society who have shown courage and consistency in the protection and respect for human rights. The choice of winner is made up of nine members of the NPC Board of Directors, and ratified by 20 members of the Governing Council.
PHOTO: DushiYanthini Kanagasabapathipillai