6 May 2023 12:05 pm
Sri Lanka born Dr. Hareen De Silva, a recipient of the British Empire Medal is among the invitees at the coronation of Britain's King Charles III to be held today (06).
Dr. Hareen de Silva was honoured with a British Empire Medal at the Queen’s Birthday Honours last year for his work as a Nightingale doctor on the frontline of the Coronavirus response.
In this context, the Royal Family recently announced on its official website that British Empire Medal recipients will be among the guests at King Charles' coronation.
"Community volunteers and key workers will be part of the 2,000-strong congregation at Westminster Abbey on 06 May for King Charles' coronation," it stated.
"British Empire Medals are awarded for achievement or contribution of very ‘hands-on’ service to the community in a local geographic area," it added.
Listing out some of the inspiring guests who will be attending the Coronation on 06 May, the name of Dr. Hareen De Silva is also mentioned on the official website of the Royal Family.
According to the official website, Dr. Hareen De Silva received a British Empire Medal for services to general practice during COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, he worked in various settings including NHS Nightingale, the Test and Trace service and GP clinics in London.
“I am looking forward to being present in a historic event for this country”, he says. “To be witness to the ceremony itself and being able to tell my family and future generations what I have witnessed,” Dr. de Silva said.
“I feel immense pride in being invited and a valued member of society.”
“I am feeling privileged to be a part of this momentous occasion, especially being a Sri Lankan immigrant, being raised in one of the poorest areas of London and then receiving a British Empire Medal from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”