{"id":149229,"date":"2025-04-21T08:31:01","date_gmt":"2025-04-21T15:31:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/?p=149229"},"modified":"2025-04-21T08:31:01","modified_gmt":"2025-04-21T15:31:01","slug":"nominate-selfless-individuals-who-have-defended-sri-lanka-website-to-honour-unsung-heroes-of-sri-lanka","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/2025\/04\/21\/nominate-selfless-individuals-who-have-defended-sri-lanka-website-to-honour-unsung-heroes-of-sri-lanka\/","title":{"rendered":"Nominate Selfless individuals who have defended Sri Lanka: Website to Honour Unsung Heroes of Sri Lanka"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><em>Shenali Waduge<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shenaliwaduge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/0bd2HRJ2xm5KhhMq_cover-1024x670-1.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Too many self-less individuals have come &amp; gone, they have dedicated their lives, time &amp; wealth to defending the Nation but they have never or rarely been appreciated. Let us change the status quo. The role of the nominator is as imporatnt as the nominee because nominators are people who have identified &amp; appreciated these self-less unsung heroes &amp; are coming forward to nominate them for recognition. Let us archive all the great humans Mother Lanka has produced so that our younger generations get inspired by the efforts people have taken to defend our sacred Nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please help me this iniaitive a success which we can continue forever\u2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>OUR VISION**<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To build a national archive of remembrance that honors and preserves the legacy of Sri Lanka\u2019s unsung heroes \u2014 patriots who, through quiet resolve or courageous action, safeguarded the soul of the nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We envision a Sri Lanka where those who served in silence are remembered in pride, and where future generations draw strength from their stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>OUR MISSION<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To identify, document, and celebrate individuals who have dedicated their time, knowledge, energy, and resources to protect Sri Lanka\u2019s sovereignty, cultural heritage, national assets, environment, and people \u2014 often without reward, recognition, or political power\/position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This platform seeks to correct historical oversight, give voice to those who spoke when it was difficult to do so, and ensure that patriotism \u2014 in all its forms \u2014 is preserved for posterity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>OUR OBJECTIVES<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1. Recognize Real Patriots<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To honor individuals who have worked tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to defend the nation through advocacy, activism, education, legal action, policy, diplomacy, or community work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. Document Their Contributions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To create a lasting digital archive featuring their names, photos, stories, and achievements \u2014 accessible to all Sri Lankans and future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. Inspire a Culture of National Responsibility<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To encourage citizens, especially the youth, to learn from these heroes and emulate their spirit of service and sacrifice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4. Bridge Generational Gaps in Memory<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To ensure that the contributions of elders, especially those now in their 70s, 80s, or 90s, are not forgotten \u2014 and that new voices are also acknowledged for their courage and commitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5. Encourage Community Participation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To invite the public to nominate individuals they know \u2014 whether a neighbor, teacher, writer, monk, lawyer, or international advocate \u2014 who may not be famous, but whose impact has been invaluable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>6. Preserve National Identity<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To safeguard the memory of those who defended Sri Lanka\u2019s culture, values, and independence, especially during times of political compromise, foreign pressure, or internal upheaval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>7. Ensure Integrity and Accountability<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To protect this platform from misuse by introducing a thorough vetting process and allowing community oversight through respectful feedback mechanisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why its time to honor our unsung heroes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a world where loud voices often overshadow quiet strength, many patriots who truly served the nation remain unknown or forgotten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This project is a call to restore balance to memory \u2014 to bring to light those who didn\u2019t seek fame, but gave everything for their country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let us recognize those who have stood guard over Sri Lanka \u2014 not just on battlefields, but in offices, temples, courts, classrooms, and international forums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let us give them the respect they never asked for \u2014 but always deserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nomination Criteria for Unsung Heroes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are committed to honoring true patriots who have dedicated their lives to defending Sri Lanka\u2019s sovereignty, cultural heritage, and the well-being of its people. To ensure the integrity of this platform and the authenticity of its nominees, we have established the following criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1. Dedication to National Defense or National Well-Being<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nominees must have demonstrated a sustained commitment to the defense and prosperity of Sri Lanka, including protecting national security, national assets\/resources, cultural heritage, environmental protection, or the overall welfare of the nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. Service in Silence or Without Public Recognition<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nominees must have worked largely in the background, contributing to the nation\u2019s development, protection, or unity without seeking public attention or recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their service should have been selfless, motivated by a desire to serve Sri Lanka rather than gain personal accolades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. Exclusion of Individuals Serving Foreign Interests<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Individuals who have received funding, support, or guidance from foreign governments, organizations, or entities with the aim of destabilizing Sri Lanka, undermining its sovereignty, or promoting foreign political or economic agendas are not eligible for nomination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This includes those acting as agents for foreign interests or who have engaged in activities that directly or indirectly harm Sri Lanka\u2019s national security, social cohesion, or national identity. The platform is dedicated to honoring those who have selflessly worked for Sri Lanka\u2019s benefit, not those whose actions serve external purposes that threaten the nation\u2019s peace, unity, and independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4. Clear Evidence of Positive Impact<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nominees should have clear, documented evidence of their positive contributions to Sri Lanka. This can include testimonials, media coverage, reports, or any other credible documentation that supports their role in protecting or advancing the nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5. A Commitment to National Unity and Cultural Heritage<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nominees should have demonstrated a commitment to unity and harmony across Sri Lanka\u2019s diverse communities. Their efforts should have contributed to strengthening national identity, fostering &amp; preserving the Buddha Sasana, promoting peace, and preserving Sri Lanka\u2019s cultural and religious heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>6. Respect for Sri Lanka\u2019s Constitution<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nominees should have consistently respected and upheld the principles of the Sri Lankan Constitution &amp; its ancient Sinhale civilizational rule, especially in protecting Buddhism, cultural values, and protecting all citizens. Their work should align with Sri Lanka\u2019s constitutional framework and ancient national values &amp; heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vetting and Accountability<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To ensure the integrity of this platform, every nomination will undergo a detailed vetting process. This includes verifying the nominee\u2019s contributions, assessing supporting evidence, and ensuring that the individual has no ties to foreign agendas that may compromise Sri Lanka\u2019s national interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If there are concerns or doubts about a nominee\u2019s affiliations, we will conduct thorough reviews and take appropriate action to ensure that only genuine heroes are recognized. A public report a concern\u201d option will be available, where individuals can raise questions or concerns regarding any nominee\u2019s background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The platform is committed to maintaining full accountability in this process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How to Nominate<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you know someone who fits the criteria and has selflessly defended Sri Lanka or contributed positively to its welfare, we encourage you to nominate them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please submit their name, a brief description of their contributions, supporting evidence, and a photograph (if possible).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Refer the attached template that has to be filled &amp; forwarded to<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shenaliwaduge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Nomination-Template-Honoring-Unsung-Heroes.pdf\">Nomination Template \u2013 Honoring Unsung Heroes<\/a>&nbsp;(please click &amp; fill the template)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shenali Waduge<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"mailto:shenaliwaduge@gmail.com\">shenaliwaduge@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>0771569969 (whatsapp)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Shenali Waduge Too many self-less individuals have come &amp; gone, they have dedicated their lives, time &amp; wealth to defending the Nation but they have never or rarely been appreciated. Let us change the status quo. The role of the nominator is as imporatnt as the nominee because nominators are people who have identified &amp; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-149229","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-shenali-waduge"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/149229","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=149229"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/149229\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=149229"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=149229"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=149229"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}