V- Awards 2018; a night to recognize inspiring citizens

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Fourteen of Sri Lanka’s most inspiring citizens made it to the V-Awards 2018 Grand Finale, held yesterday (February 20) at the Nelum Pokuna. The V-Awards is a partnership between the UN, the Government, various Volunteer Organizations, the Academia and News 1st. Launched in 2011, National Volunteer Awards or V-Awards is a journey to recognize and appreciate those who serve in silence in their communities. These individuals have selflessly contributed to Sri Lankan society and inspired others. Three prestigious awards were given away with the energetic support of the Wayo band.

• The Award for Volunteering for Peace Building was won by Hilir Mohamed. Hilir established the "Fight Cancer Team" which includes around 150 members with different social and religious backgrounds. With donations from across Sri Lanka, he raised the funds needed for the PET Scanner for the Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama within three months.
• Dileep Chathuranga was adjudged as the Youth Volunteer of the Year for volunteering towards youth empowerment through education. As a software engineer from Moratuwa University, he helps students who hail from impoverished backgrounds to get a better education.
• Finally, Ms. Selvika Sahadevan was awarded the National Volunteer of the Year 2018. Selvika started ‘Vimochana Home’ in 2011. The home now offers more than a safe place for drug and alcohol addicts. Over 400 people go for rehabilitation. This boasts a 70% increase in success rates from 2011 to 2018.