Yesterday, at the Jaffna Cultural Hall, the Leprosy People Association presented an award to Rev. Fr. Benny SJ for his novel PAIN SANS PAIN, which powerfully highlights the lives of those affected by leprosy.

The award was presented by Mr. Yōhei Sasakawa, founder of the Nippon Foundation and Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination (Japan), in recognition of Fr. Benny’s dedication to raising awareness and advocating for the dignity of leprosy-affected individuals through literature.

This honour underscores the impact of storytelling in driving social change and fostering empathy.