Award-winning Sri Lankan journalist Namini Wijedasa has been named a recipient of the U.S. Secretary of State’s 2025 International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award, the U.S. Department of State announced. This prestigious honour recognises women from around the world who have shown exceptional courage, strength, and leadership—often at great personal risk and sacrifice.
Wijedasa, a journalist with over 30 years of experience, began her career chronicling the human toll of Sri Lanka’s civil conflict, giving voice to those affected by war and its aftermath. Her reporting shed light on the struggles of displaced communities, the plight of war widows, and the long-lasting consequences of the conflict on Sri Lankan society.
Over time, her work evolved to focus on investigative journalism, particularly in exposing corruption and abuse of power. Through fearless reporting, she has played a pivotal role in bringing critical accountability issues to public attention, often challenging those in positions of influence. Her commitment to uncovering the truth has not only sparked debate on governance and transparency but has also inspired a new generation of journalists to pursue investigative reporting.
A statement from the U.S. Department of State highlighted Wijedasa’s dedication to accountability, stating that she has consistently emphasised the need for the public to demand transparency from those in power. Her work, the statement noted, underscores the belief that meaningful change is only possible when people actively push for answers and challenge systemic injustices.
Despite working under increasingly restrictive conditions, including legal and institutional barriers that have curtailed press freedom in Sri Lanka, Wijedasa remains steadfast in her mission. At a time when many journalists face threats, intimidation, and censorship, she has continued to report on issues of national significance, advocating for good governance, economic reform, and social justice.
Her contributions go beyond holding power to account. By fostering dialogue on economic prosperity and the importance of transparent governance, she has helped shape public discourse and empower citizens to engage in democratic processes. Her legacy is not only one of courageous journalism but also of mentorship, paving the way for future reporters to uphold the principles of integrity and fearless storytelling.
Now in its 19th year, the Secretary of State’s IWOC Award has recognised more than 200 women from over 90 countries since its establishment in 2007. Each year, U.S. diplomatic missions nominate one woman of courage from their respective host countries, with finalists selected and approved by senior officials at the Department of State.
Wijedasa will be honoured alongside other award recipients at the 2025 IWOC Awards ceremony, hosted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and First Lady Melania Trump. The event will take place on 1 April at 1:00 p.m. EDT at the U.S. Department of State, celebrating the resilience and leadership of women who have made extraordinary contributions in the face of adversity.
