Sri Lanka’s trailblazing nightingale named ‘Most Popular Woman’ at Vanithaabhimana

National Hospital National Coordinator Training – Accident Service Pushpa Ramyani De Soyza accepting the award from NDB Director/Group CEO Dimantha Seneviratne

Pushpa Ramyani De Soyza was named the Most Popular Woman in Sri Lanka at the Grand Finale of Sri Lanka Vanithabimana 2020/2021.

The ceremony, which was held parallel to International Women’s day on 8 March, at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, felicitated the female trailblazers of Sri Lanka in their various fields.

De Soyza, the National Coordinator Training – Accident Service at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, was awarded following an islandwide vote. The other contestants were Susanthika Jayasinghe, Otara Gunewardene, Shashika Nisansala, Pooja Umashankar, Shalani Tharaka, Chamari Atapattu and Umaria Sinhawansa.  

Vanithabimana, introduced by NDB Bank and Sirasa News 1st, has become a platform for Sri Lankan female trailblazers who are fast breaking new ground. The platform is also a national level program that has empowered women and made them direct participants of the Sri Lankan economy. 

Further, 10 appreciation awards were presented to Kalakeerthi Iranganie Serasinghe – Actress, Kalakeerthi Sumithra Peiris – Film Director, Kalasoori Latha Walpola – Singer, Visharada Nanda Malini – Singer, Dr. Vajira Chithrasena – Traditional Dancer, Dr. Paba Palihawadana – Consultant Specialist, Sumithra Rahubaddha – Author, Jayanthi Kuru-Uthumpala – Adventurer, Deshabandu Susanthika Jayasinghe – Sprint Athlete and Asha De Vos – Biologist, for their contribution towards their various fields, thus creating pathways for all women to contribute and prosper in respective fields.