The Foundation came into being on 13th January 1993 as a Trust of Kasun P. Chandraratne, the Founder and current President of the Foundation which is presently incorporated by an Act of Parliament Act No 4 of 2009. As the maiden activity, the Foundation recognized, in the year 1993, the ferryman of Ukwatta in Kalutara who died in his attempt to save 6 passengers when his ferry capsized in the middle of the river.
The Foundation for Civilian Bravery is dedicated to recognizing and rewarding Civilians who save lives of others, risking own life; & promote safety. Such acts of saving another is described as Civilian Bravery. Often, these heroes without any obligation undertake risk to their own lives to save another. Appreciation of these heroic deeds should be a paramount duty of any civilized society especially in the context of the present day social environment. In Sri Lanka there was no such organization to fulfil this task until the Foundation assumed duties to fill the void.
In the latter part of the 10th century, Great King Vijayabahu recognised Budal Na - Dandanayaka of Ruhuna- for saving his life. The Foundation named its highest bravery medal in recognition of Lord Budal to remind Sri Lankans of their past glory.
Declared by Sir Arthur C Clark the foundation also named the "Kalamala" (Derris Parviflor) flower indigenous to Sri Lanka as the symbol of civilian bravery, thus making lifesaving, the most civilised act, deeply rooted in Sri Lanka.
National Civilian Bravery Awards: Those eligible for recognition are citizens of Sri Lanka who courageously without concern for danger to life or limb, volunteer to save others whose lives are imperiled by tide, fire, mine, and rough seas and similar dangers occasioned by natural or manmade disasters. The awards consist of the Budal Na Gold Award and Silver Medals for Civilian Bravery.
Civilian Bravery Philanthropy Award: Eligible are those who have built a hospital or school primarily of their personal funds.
Civilian Bravery Fauna/Flora Award: Eligibility is for those who have exhibited initiative and dedication to protect and save fauna and/or flora.
Civilian Bravery Nur (Life) Award: The award is given to recognize the donor’s substantial contribution for the promotion of Civilian Bravery by way of (1) personal dedication, (2) media exposure, or (3) media research and exposure to discover risks to life.
Civilian Bravery White Swan Medal: Students Civilian Bravery Social Activity Award.
Hon. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya
- Parliament of Sri Lanka
Former Minister, Hon. P. Dayaratne
Mr. Kasun P. Chandraratne
Mr. Chandana Ranweerachchi SLAS
- SAS Ministry of Disaster Management
Mr. R P R Rajapaksha, SLAS (Special Grade)
- Additional Secretary
Major General Sathyappriya Liyange WWV RWP ndc psc
- Sri Lanka Army
Air Vice Marshal C. Welikala
- Sri Lanka Air Force
Deputy Inspector General Ajit Rohana
- Sri Lanka Police
Capt. Prasanna Mahawithana
- Sri Lanka Navy
Wing Commander Malinga Silva
- Sri Lanka Air Force
Col Ravi Jayasinghe
- Sri Lanka Army
137 A Siddattharama Road,
Walana, Panadura,
Sri Lanka.
+94 38 224 1777
info@civilianbravery.org
Foundation for Civilian Bravery © 2020