The 19th edition of the Journalism Awards for Excellence was held at the Empire Ballroom of the Mount Lavinia Hotel on July 31 amidst a large gathering of journalists and distinguished guests. Among the many prizes won, Lake House figured prominently in bagging several notable awards.
The Best Designed News Website of the Year Award (Tamil) was won by Thinakaran.lk. The award was received by Rizwan Segu Mohideen.
The Mervyn de Silva Journalist of the Year Merit award was won by Nissu Karrunanidhi of Thinakaran. The Best Designed Website of the Year Merit Award (Sinhala) was won by Dinamina.lk. The award was received by Asanka Bandara. The Best Designed News Website of the Year Merit Award (English) was won by Dailynews.lk. The award was received by Pramod de Silva.
Mrs Suganthi Kadirgamar of Kadirgamar Foundation was the Chief Guest.
Five senior journalists A.S. Fernando, Merril Perera, Sinniah Kanesan, Cyril Wimalasurendra and A. L. M.Saleem received the Lifetime Achievement Awards for 2017.
The sponsors for Journalism Awards for Excellence 2017 were:
Platinum Sponsor: John Keells Holdings, Gold sponsors: Development Lotteries Board, People’s Bank, National Lotteries Board and DFCC Bank, Silver sponsors: Dialog Axiata, Bank of Ceylon, HNB Grameen Finance and Wijeya Products, Bronze sponsors: the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and Sri Lanka Insurance.
Host Hotel: Mt. Lavinia Hotel