During 24-27 July 2019, the Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo welcomed Mrs.Valepon Gunan, wife of Lt.Cdr. Saman Gunan, on the occasion of the awarding of the Asian Gold Medal of Civilian Bravery by the Foundation for Civilian Bravery to Lt.Cdr. Gunan for his bravery and sacrifice in the search and rescue operation for the 13 members of the Wild Boar youth soccer team who was trapped inside a cave within the Tham Luang – Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park. Lt.Cdr. Gunan was killed on duty during the operation on 6 July 2019.

Mrs. Gunan was handed over the Gold Medal from H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Opposition Leader and former President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, at a ceremony held on 25 July 2019 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, Colombo. Prior to the ceremony, she gave an interview to a local TV station, expressing her thoughts and feeling about her husband who was regarded as a hero, and the awarding of the medal. She also gave suggestions to people facing similar loss. Mrs. Gunan was also received by H.E. Karu Jayasuriya, Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka. On 26 July 2019, she visited the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy, to pay respect to the Buddha relic.

The Foundation for Civilian Bravery is a non-profit organization founded in 1993, and incorporated under the Sri Lankan Parliament Act in 2009. The Foundation presents awards annually to civilians who risk their life to safe others. 5 foreigners received this award in the past. Lt.Cdr. Gunan is the 6^th foreigner to be honored with this award.