Sri Lanka's Namini Wijedasa Receives Top Honor From US State Department

COLOMBO (News 1st); Namini Wijedasa, an award-winning Sri Lankan journalist with over 30 years of experience has been named as a recipient of the US Secretary of State’s 2025 International Women of Courage Award.

Namini Wijedasa, began her career chronicling the human toll of Sri Lanka’s civil conflict and giving voice to those affected by its aftermath. 

Over time, her focus shifted to combating corruption through investigative reporting, bringing critical accountability issues to the forefront and inspiring the next generation of journalists.

Through her work, Wijedasa has consistently championed accountability, emphasizing that meaningful change can only be achieved when the people demand transparency from those in power, urging them to address the nation’s long-standing challenges. 

Despite restrictive legislation that had a chilling effect on many reporters and freedom of expression in Sri Lanka, she remains undeterred in her pursuit of positive change. Her work not only aims to hold the most powerful accountable but also fosters dialogue on economic prosperity and transparent governance, paving the way for a new generation of reporters and ensuring a legacy of courageous, impactful journalism.

On Tuesday, April 1, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and First Lady Melania Trump will host the annual International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards ceremony at the Department of State.

Now in its 19th year, the Secretary of State’s IWOC Award recognizes women from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership – often at great personal risk and sacrifice. 

Since 2007, the Department of State has recognized more than 200 women from over 90 countries with the IWOC Award. U.S. diplomatic missions overseas nominate one woman of courage from their respective host countries, and finalists are
selected and approved by senior Department officials.

The 2025 IWOC awardees are:

Henriette Da – Burkina Faso
Amit Soussana – Israel
Major Velena Iga – Papua New Guinea
Angelique Songco – Philippines
Georgiana Pascu – Romania
Zabib Musa Loro Bakhit – South Sudan
Namini Wijedasa – Sri Lanka
Amat Al-Salam Al-Hajj – Yemen

Madeleine Albright Honorary Group Award
“Women Student Protest Leaders of Bangladesh”