The main ceremony of the "Swabhimani" - 2024 National Awards for Self-Esteem Organizations, conducted by the Department of Social Services, was held recently in a grand manner at the 19th Floor Auditorium, Suhurupaya, Battaramulla.

The main award ceremony, held under the patronage of the Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhism, Religious and Cultural Affairs, National Integration, Social Security and Mass Media, Mr. Ranjith Ariyaratne, was held covering all districts of Sri Lanka.

It is unique that Kegalle District has managed to win five out of 17 categories in the "Swabhimani" Awards Ceremony this year. What is also special is that three of these five victories have been won at the national level.

According to the final judging results of this award ceremony, Mr. D. Sarath Ranaweera, District Social Service Officer of the Kegalle District Secretariat, won first place as the best district officer, Ms. K. Aruna Shanthi, Social Service Officer of the Bulathkohupitiya Divisional Secretariat, won the best regional officer, Ms. S. C. N. Karunaratne, Social Service Officer of the Kegalle General Hospital, won the best hospital officer, Mr. Mahinda Jayathilaka, Chairman of the 'Gemunu' Swashakthi Organization of the Rambukkana Divisional Secretariat, won second place as the best self-help organization, and Mr. H. D. K. Anura Sandaruwan, a disabled youth from the Deraniyagala Divisional Secretariat, won third place as the best new creation for the disabled (open). This is a notable feature of this year's award ceremony. Kegalle District is ahead in several categories of the competition.

Representing the Kegalle District, the Kegalle District Secretary, Mr. J. M. R. P. Jayasinghe, the Jaffna District Secretary, Additional Secretaries of Ministries and social service officers from each district participated in this event.