![Diploma awarding ceremony 2021-2022](/images/2022/01/27/3(6)_medium.jpg)
The Annual Diploma Ceremony 2021/22 of the Institute of Politics was held on 15 January 2022 at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo 07.
53 diploma holders who completed courses in Governance, Democracy, and Government Policy received their diplomas at the ceremony. in addition
Members of Parliament who are most actively involved in the parliamentary process were also recognized at the event.
SLPP MP Sudarshani Fernandopulle and SJB MP Rohini Kavirathna were presented with the Special Award by the Women's Political Academy for the 'Best Female Member of Parliament of the Year' while Justice Minister Ali Sabry was awarded the "Best Male Member of Parliament of the Year.'
TNA MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam was awarded the 'Young Member of Parliament of the Year".
Former speaker Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya was awarded the 'Gold Award for Democracy' which is presented once-in-a-lifetime to a senior political leader and the late Mangala Samaraweera has been awarded the ‘Gold Award for Reconciliation’ for his commitment and dedication to promoting reconciliation in Sri Lanka.
![Mangala Samaraweera recognised for his contributions to reconcilation in Sri Lanka](/images/2022/01/21/bfbfb_medium.jpg)
The late Mangala Samaraweera has been awarded the ‘Gold Award for Reconciliation’ for his commitment and dedication to promoting reconciliation in Sri Lanka.
The late politician was recognised for his yeoman efforts directed at building an 'inclusive Sri Lanka' at the Annual Diploma Ceremony of the Institute of Politics that was held on 15 January 2022 at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo 07.
The inaugural ceremony of the Diploma in Democracy, Governance, and Public Policy was held on 12th June 2021 via Zoom with the participation of numerous political leaders and highly recognized professionals. Senior Lecturer Dhamma Dissanayake and Mr. Austin Fernando (Former secretariat to the president and former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India) addressed the gathering as special invitees.