On 9 September 2026, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the meeting of the Princess Srinagarindra Award Foundation’s Committee under Royal Patronage to decide on the recipient of the Princess Srinagarindra Award 2026.

The committee selected Professor Dr. Sudath Shirley Pathmasiri Warnakulasuriya from the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka as the recipient of the Princess Srinagarindra Award 2026. He has been recognized for his outstanding contributions in the fields of nursing and midwifery, which have earned both national and international acclaim. Prof. Dr. Sudath is a visionary leader who has played an important role in the development of nursing education and the nursing profession in Sri Lanka, advancing both to a higher level and toward international standards.

He has played an important role in promoting the provision of a Bachelor of Nursing Science study programme in the higher-education level and the establishment of master’s and doctoral degree programmes. Prof. Dr. Sudath also initiated programmes on mental health and psychiatric nursing, improving the quality of lives of nurses and enhancing recognition of the nursing profession in Sri Lanka and internationally.

The Princess Srinagarindra Award Foundation under Royal Patronage was established on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, on 21 October 2000, with the aim of recognizing exceptional nursing and/or midwifery professionals from around the world whose contributions are acknowledged both nationally and internationally. The 2026 award ceremony will be held on 28 October 2026, at the Grand Palace.