MEDIA RELEASE: Caritas Australia receives the Royal Order of Sahametrei from the

Cambodian Government

Caritas Australia has been awarded the Royal Order of Sahametrei from the Cambodian Government, presented by their partner organisation Caritas Cambodia. The Royal Order of Sahametrei recognizes foreign parties who have done a great service to the people and Kingdom of Cambodia.

The Royal Order was presented to Ranmal Samarawickrama, Caritas Australia’s Asia Associate Director, by Rattana Kim, Executive Director of Caritas Cambodia.

The ceremony was attended by Vichheka Nay, Caritas Cambodia Deputy Director, Chanthea Nou, Asia Manager, Phaldyn Prum, Caritas Australia Program Manager and Joseph Komandachaly, Caritas Australia Regional Advisor.

“This award signifies deep gratitude from the Government and people of Cambodia towards the significant contribution of Caritas Australia in rural development and humanitarian aid.” Says Rattana Kim, the Executive Director of Caritas Cambodia.

According to Chanthea Nou, “The Royal Order of Sahametrei is conferred primarily on foreigners who have rendered distinguished services to the King and to the people of Cambodia, particularly in the field of external relations and diplomatic services or, as a token of friendship.”

Pictured:

Vichheka Nay, Caritas Cambodia Deputy Director, Rattana Kim, Ranmal Samarawickrama, Chanthea Nou, Asia Manager, Phaldyn Prum, Caritas Australia Program Manager and Joseph Komandachaly, Caritas Australia Regional Advisor

Photo Credit: Caritas Cambodia

Caritas Australia is deeply honoured and thankful for the recognition that this award represents.

To find out more about our work in Cambodia you can visit our website: https://www.caritas.org.au/about/where-we-work/cambodia/

Media contacts:               Nicole Chehine 0412 179 063 / Nicole.chehine@caritas.org.au

Tom Svich 0407 916 787 / tom.svich@caritas.org.au