Commonwealth award for Prashan
British High Commissioner James Dauris presenting the award to Prashan. Pic by Amila Gamage
Queen Elizabeth II recognized Prashan De Visser as the 2nd Commonwealth Point of Light in Sri Lanka and the 65th Global Commonwealth Point of Light on August 13. The ceremony was held at Westminster House, the official residence of the British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka.
Founder of Sri Lanka Unites Prashan was recognized for his exceptional volunteerism in engaging and empowering the country’s youth towards reconciliation.
Founded in 2009, Sri Lanka Unites is a volunteer based youth movement aimed at bringing hope and reconciliation to the nation following the aftermath of the almost 30 year civil war. Currently the movement has grown to a community of 20,000 youth between ages 12 – 30 from various ethnic and religious backgrounds. By creating five reconciliation centres for the youth to collaborate and discuss peace promotions, Prashan’s leadership has sparked a ripple effect of purposeful charity work across the nation.
As the Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II recognizes one volunteer each from across 53 Commonwealth countries every week in the two years following the Commonwealth summit this year, for their services to the community.
Kushil Gunasekera, the first recipient of the Queen’s Point of Light in Sri Lanka was also present at the event.
Speaking on Prashan’s dedication and commitment to reconciliation and the youth movement, the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and British Ambassador to Maldives James Dauris said the work done by Sri Lanka Unites is crucial to the prosperity of the nation as it establishes “reconciliation as a reality”.
“I am deeply humbled and honoured to accept the award,” Prashan stated, addressing the gathering.