Three writers have been awarded lifetime achievement awards for their contributions in boosting Catholic literature in the Buddhist majority country. The awards handed out by the National Catholic Writers Association are the highest honors the local body the International Catholic Organization of the Media (ICOM) can give to Catholic writers. Basil Fonseka, Agnes Siyambalapitiya and Mercy Edirisinghe picked up their prizes at a special gala evening in Colombo on Sunday. Over 150 people, including Bishop Harold Anthony Perera of Kurunegala and ICOM general secretary Joseph Chittamppally attended the ceremony at the Paul VI Center, which coincided with the NCWA’s 27th anniversary. Basil Fonseka, a veteran journalist and ucanews.com reporter, won his prize for his work which the association said contributed much to the search for peace and reconciliation. Thanking the association, Fonseka, 73, said he has contributed over 800 articles to local and Catholic newspapers over many years. “Some of my articles were based on the teachings of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI,” said Fonseka, who translated the book Christianity Before Christ by American historian John G. Jackson into the Sinhala language. Agnas Siyabalapitiya, 63, who won the Kivisuru Award for her lifetime’s work as a poet said she started writing poetry when she was 14. She said it took a long time for her to gain public recognition. “Church-run magazines and newspapers recognized my talents and published my work. Any success I have had I have them to thank,” said Siyabalapitiya who has published four books including a book of short stories in the Sinhala language. Related reports CATHOLIC WRITERS NEED CHURCH SUPPORT, BISHOP SAYSSTUDENTS SPEAK ON RIGHT TO LIFE IN CHURCH-ORGANIZED ESSAY COMPETITION