Ranitha Gnanarajah
The United States has announced that Ranita Gnanaraja, a Sri Lankan lawyer and human rights activist, has been selected for the International Courageous Women Award presented by the United States.
The US Embassy in Sri Lanka has stated this.
The award ceremony will take place tomorrow via video.
Due to the spread of the Govt infection, arrangements have been made to host the award ceremony via video technology.
Jill Biden, America’s first lady, is said to be recognizing the achievements of selected women.
The US State Department says Ranita Gnanarajah has consistently fought for the rights of marginalized and vulnerable communities in the country amid threats and challenges.
Who is this Ranita Gnanaraja?
Ranita Gnanaraja has been providing free legal aid to those who went missing during the war and have long been detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Ranita Gnanaraja has been dedicated to bringing justice and accountability to the most vulnerable people of Sri Lanka, based on her extensive experience working with victims and their families, who have personally been victims of the war.
The award recognizes the courage and leadership of women around the world and advocates for peace, and honors them for their work for justice, human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment, regardless of personal risk.
BBC Tamil contacted lawyer Ranitha Gnanaraja to inquire about the matter.
She said she received the award from the US State Department, based on her ongoing work on human rights and women’s rights.
He said he continued to deal with issues including sexual assault, violence against women, torture, appeals for missing persons, and detention of detainees.
He also said that his human rights campaigns are based in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
She said that although the award had been given to two people in Sri Lanka before, she would be the first to receive the award on her own as a Tamil woman.
According to Ranita Gnanaraja, this is a victory for women lawyers working for human rights and for women fighting for justice and accountability.
BBC Tamil has questioned lawyer Ranitha Gnanaraja as to whether these issues can be fully addressed in the aftermath of receiving the award, as protests over Sri Lanka’s disappearances and human rights abuses have not ended.
“Nowhere in history has there been a history of war or ethnic conflict in which the remaining problems have been resolved,” he said. But, like the mother-in-law moves only if she hits the floor, only if we give her a voice in the matter will we be able to get the repercussions. That is the way I have been giving voice from within this country. Not only me, but the lawyers who are with me are constantly giving voice. It is gratifying to know that even though the big things are not done, the small things are done. There is hope that a solution will be found to our struggle and our voice. Accordingly, we are doing our job, “he said.
BBC Tamil asked lawyer Ranitha Gnanaraja how the Sri Lankan people will benefit in the future by receiving the International Courageous Women Award.
“It is questionable whether people will benefit or not. But, this award I received will still set an example for many. Because I think I can be a role model for giving the impetus to truly give a voice to the affected side with selflessness, commitment and fighting spirit. I think this recognition and award will be a great support to others, “he said.
Meanwhile, lawyer Ranita Gnanaraja says that she will continue with all the work she has done so far and in the future as well.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/tamil/sri-lanka-56314306
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