Sunera’s work received some official recognition this month when our Creative Director Rohana Deva was honoured with a Presidential Award for his services to the differently-abled.
The award, the Kala Suri, recognised not only Rohana’s theatrical work over the last 30 years but also his pioneering efforts to use dance and drama as a therapeutic means to work with differently-abled youth.
“Although this award is in my name, this honour would never have happened without all the people at Sunera being with me,” Rohana said, “From the trainers in the field to the parents of our participants to the people in the office, we all have something unique to give to keep our work going.”
Rohana was presented the award at a ceremony on November 14 by then President Chandrika Kumaratunga, as part of the first Presidential Awards in six years. He was later honoured with a kiribath reception at Sunera’s Colombo office.
Wolfgang Stange, one of the original founders of Sunera, was also recognised with a presidential award - the Sri Lanka Ranjana.