Thirty youth receive Duke of Edinburgh Award

National Youth Award Authority, Asia Pacific Region 2T2 2011 Sri Lanka, Saman Amarasinghe presented a model of Duke of Edinburgh Award to Regional Director (Asia Pacific) of Duke of Edinburgh Award International Sue Walker, who in return handed it over to Head of Operations Duke of Edinburgh Award International Tim Smith.

Harsha Abeysekera of Maris Stella College, Negombo receiving the Gold Award from Regional Director (Asia Pacific) of Duke of Edinburgh Award International, Sue Walker. Head of Operations, Duke of Edinburgh Award International Tim Smith and Director of National Youth Award Authority, Asia Pacific Region 2T2 2011 Sri Lanka, Saman Amarasinghe are also in the picture.

(Asia Pacific region) ceremony was held recently in Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skills Development. Under the instructions of Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minsiter Dullas Allahapperuma the joint event held a special three day training program for youth trainers at the Club Hotel Dolphin in Negombo recently.

Sri Lankan youth were awarded at the closing ceremony held at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo at the end of the training sessions with Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skills Development S.S. Hewapathirana and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award International for young people the Asia Pacific regional Director Sue Walker as chief guests. Thirty youth from Sri Lanka were specially awarded this year commemorating the thirtieth anniversary of the award ceremony that was first held in 1981 with the participation of Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

National Youth Council Chairman Lalith Pium Perera, National Youth Award Authority Chairman Senarath Kahandaliyanage and Minister's Secretary Kavinda Dissanayake were among the distinguished guests at the grand final event. Senior members of this event were awarded for their long term service extended to the youth. The Asia Pacific regional Director of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award international for young people Sue Walker, Duke of Edinburgh's Award international for young people Operation executive Major Timothi Smith, Asia Pacific Regional program Manager Rob Oliphant and Director of the Regional Trainer training and Education program Saman Amarasinghe received especial awards. National Youth Award Authority Executive Secretary P.S. Gauthamadasa was awarded for his long term contribution to this good will course.

A new trophy designed under the instructions of Saman Amarasinghe for the International Award was handed over to the authorities from the England and Asia Pacific region.