Colombo (IANS): A Sri Lankan Tamil magistrate has won "Women of Courage" award from the US State Department for demonstrating "exceptional courage and leadership" in the region, the US embassy said on Thursday

US ambassador Robert Blake recognised Magistrate Srinithy Nandasekaran "as a South Asian regional finalist for the secretary of state's Women of Courage award", it said.  

US embassies around the world annually select outstanding women leaders to receive "Women of Courage" recognition. For this year they have nominated over 80 exceptional women for their extraordinary work in areas such as advancing human rights and advocating women's issues.  

"Throughout her career as an attorney and magistrate, Ms. Srinithy has shown exemplary commitment and courage in the dispensation of justice to Sri Lankans of all ethnic groups, often while serving in the country's most difficult conflict-torn areas," Mr. Blake said on Wednesday. 

Mr. Blake has made a special mention on Nandasekeran's "tireless efforts on behalf of Sri Lanka's children".

Courtesy: hinduonnet.com