Award-winning Sri Lankan journalist Namini Wijedasa has been honoured with the US Secretary of State’s 2025 International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award, recognising her fearless investigative reporting and commitment to accountability.
The prestigious award celebrates women worldwide who demonstrate exceptional courage, leadership, and resilience, often at great personal risk.
During the award ceremony, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce praised Wijedasa’s contributions to journalism.
“Namini Wijedasa from Sri Lanka is an award-winning investigative journalist who initially chronicled the human toll of Sri Lanka’s civil conflict. Her work to combat corruption and hold the powerful accountable not only fosters transparency but also sparks crucial dialogue on reconciliation, inspiring a new generation of reporters,” Bruce stated.
The award was presented by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and First Lady Melania Trump, who, in her speech, emphasised the strength found in courage and love.
“Throughout my life, I have harnessed the power of love as a source of strength during challenging times. Today, we celebrate courage—a strength rooted in love. Our honorees prove that love can inspire extraordinary bravery,” Melania Trump remarked.
Now in its 19th year, the IWOC Award has recognised more than 200 women from over 90 countries since its inception in 2007. U.S. diplomatic missions nominate women of courage from their host countries, with finalists selected and approved by senior State Department officials.
