Sri Lankan environmental journalist Rifthi Ali has been awarded the Silver Award in the Media Sector-Individual Category at the Presidential Environment Awards 2025, recognizing his outstanding contributions to environmental journalism.
The prestigious award ceremony was organized by the Central Environment Authority (CEA) under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment, and was graced by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, along with Ministers Dhammika Pattabendi, Sunil Handunetti, Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody, and CEA Chairman Prof. Thilak Hewawasam.
Rifthi Ali received the award for his impactful reporting on environmental issues published in Tamilan, a leading Tamil-language daily newspaper in Sri Lanka. His investigative stories have shed light on critical environmental challenges, from pollution and deforestation to community-led conservation initiatives.
Currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief of Vidiyal, a prominent Tamil news website in Sri Lanka, Ali has been widely recognized for amplifying environmental awareness within Tamil-speaking communities and promoting inclusive climate discourse across the island nation.
The Presidential Environment Awards aim to honour individuals and institutions that demonstrate excellence in environmental protection, sustainability practices, and green innovation. Rifthi Ali’s recognition underscores the vital role of journalism in fostering environmental accountability and inspiring public engagement on climate and ecological issues.
