The news item about Hans Wijayasuriya joining SriLankan Airlines as an advisor has generated much humour on social media. I wish Hans all the very best in this challenging assignment. However, my position on SriLankan Airlines has remained unchanged for many years. SriLankan Airlines has become an unnecessary burden on the taxpayers of this country. It is a loss-making State-Owned Enterprise that has consumed enormous amounts of public funds over decades, with very little accountability. As Chairman of COPE, I had the opportunity to examine the affairs of SriLankan Airlines in depth. Based on those findings, I submitted a report to Parliament highlighting the urgent need for far-reaching reforms. Unfortunately, successive governments have failed to take the bold decisions required. @EranWick @samarajiva @VeriteResearch @danielalphonsus @dhananath The issue before us is not about individuals appointed to positions of responsibility. It is about the sustainability of a State enterprise that continues to operate at a significant cost to the public. Sri Lanka can no longer afford to postpone difficult but necessary reforms. I sincerely hope that Hans Wijayasuriya's involvement will contribute to a serious discussion on the future of SriLankan Airlines. But the real question remains: how much longer can the people of Sri Lanka be expected to carry the financial burden of an enterprise that has repeatedly failed to justify its existence in its present form? Reform cannot wait any longer.

වාරියපොළ ප්‍රාදේශීය සභා මන්ත්‍රීනි ධම්මිකා සමරකෝන් මහත්මියගේ සහ විජේපාල සමරකෝන් මහතාගේ පුත් අසේල සහ බුද්ධි ගේ මංගල උත්සවයේදි ...

I was delighted to see the recent Gazette Notification relating to the Chartered Media Professionals Institute Act. This marks an important milestone in the long journey toward the professionalization and institutional development of Sri Lanka’s media sector. Several years ago, I had the privilege of serving as the Chairman of the committee appointed by then Media Minister Dullas Alahapperuma (@DullasOfficial) to draft the proposed legislation for establishing a Chartered Media Professionals Institute in Sri Lanka. It was a challenging but rewarding task, undertaken with the support of an exceptionally capable group of media professionals, academics, legal experts, and industry practitioners who generously contributed their expertise and experience. Although our committee successfully completed the drafting process, circumstances at the time did not permit us to take the proposed legislation to Parliament as a draft bill. Therefore, it is particularly gratifying to witness the initiative moving forward and receiving official recognition through the present government’s Gazette Notification. Professionalizing the media sector has long been a necessity in Sri Lanka. The establishment of a Chartered Media Professionals Institute can contribute significantly to enhancing professional standards, ethics, continuous learning, accreditation, and public trust in journalism and media practice. Such an institution has the potential to become a cornerstone in strengthening the quality and credibility of our media landscape. I take this opportunity to express my appreciation to all members of the original drafting committee whose dedication made this achievement possible. Progress in public policy is often the result of collective efforts that transcend political administrations and individual recognition. I am pleased to share here a photograph of the committee together with the draft that we prepared at the time. It serves as a reminder that meaningful reforms often require patience, persistence, and the commitment of many individuals working toward a common goal. @NalakaG @rkalansooriya @anushapalpita @milindarj @MahindaPathir11 @asokadias #MediaProfessionals #SriLankaMedia #MediaDevelopment #PublicPolicy #ProfessionalStandards #CharteredMediaProfessionalsInstitute

පුංචි පැලේ ගස වෙනා..... "From a tiny sapling to a flourishing tree." (Twelve years ago, on World Environment Day 2014, I planted this mango sapling. Today, it stands as a thriving tree—a small reminder that meaningful change begins with small actions) #WorldEnvironmentDay #EnvironmentDay #ProtectNature #GoGreen #Sustainability #ClimateAction #EnvironmentalProtection #GreenFuture #NatureConservation #PlantATree

Today is World Environment Day. Having had the privilege of serving in a position responsible for environmental conservation and management in Sri Lanka, I firmly believe that our country possesses a strong and comprehensive legal framework for environmental protection. What is needed now is greater commitment, stronger enforcement, and more effective implementation of these laws and regulations. It is particularly encouraging to see some of the initiatives that were launched during my tenure as Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority continuing to move forward with strength and purpose. One of the most significant among them is the effort to amend and modernize the National Environmental Act. After years of consultations, technical work, and policy engagement by many stakeholders, it is gratifying to see that this important reform process has now reached a more concrete and meaningful stage. On this World Environment Day, let us reaffirm our collective responsibility to protect, conserve, and sustainably manage our natural environment for future generations. #WorldEnvironmentDay #Environment #EnvironmentalProtection #Sustainability #SriLanka #CEA #CharithaHerath

There has been a narrative that, even after 76 years of independence, Sri Lanka has achieved nothing and that the country has failed. I believe that is a mistaken judgment. While we may disagree with the views of the JVP and others, we must listen carefully to the message sent by the people who voted us out. Democracy requires not only defending our own record but also understanding the concerns, aspirations, and frustrations of the people. The way forward is not denial, but honest reflection, engagement, and a renewed commitment to building a stronger Sri Lanka. #charitha_herath #SJB

In my discussion on Point Blank, I explained that Sri Lanka’s economic collapse cannot be understood by looking only at the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration. The root vulnerability was the country’s growing dependence on International Sovereign Bond (ISB) borrowings accumulated over successive governments since 2008. When global financial conditions tightened and Sri Lanka lost access to international markets, the Gotabaya government could not refinance maturing ISBs as previous governments had done. The resulting foreign exchange crisis became the decisive factor behind the economic collapse and ultimately led to the fall of the administration. Understanding the crisis requires an objective analysis of structural debt vulnerabilities rather than a purely political narrative. #SriLanka #Economy #DebtCrisis #ISB #PointBlank #EconomicPolicy #SriLankaPolitics

May the light of Vesak guide us toward peace, kindness, and wisdom. 🌕🪔 Happy Vesak! #SriLanka #NexusResearch #IndustrialPolicy #Research #Vesakpoyaday

May this Vesak bring peace, compassion, wisdom, and the light of humanity into your life. Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Vesak filled with happiness, serenity, and meaningful reflection. #Vesak2026 #HappyVesak #VesakBlessings #වෙසක් #පින්බරවෙසක් #MayPeacePrevail #Compassion #Humanity #SriLanka #Mindfulness #PeaceAndHarmony #charitha_herath

Pleasure to participate in the Farewell Reception hosted by the Deputy High Commissioner of India, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, (@DrSatyanjal) at the Sangam Ballroom, ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo. The evening was a meaningful occasion to acknowledge and appreciate his diplomatic service and contribution towards strengthening Sri Lanka–India relations and regional engagement. It was also a valuable opportunity to reconnect with distinguished guests from academia, diplomacy, policy, and professional sectors while exchanging perspectives on regional cooperation and future collaboration. Sharing a few moments from the event. @IndiainSL #Diplomacy #IndiaSriLanka #FarewellReception #InternationalRelations #PublicPolicy #Governance #Leadership #SriLanka #RegionalCooperation #charitha_herath

It was a privilege to participate in the launch of 'Ekata Gatuma' by former minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, held on May 25 at the BMICH Olympus Hall. The publication offered timely reflections on international politics, global power dynamics, and the evolving geopolitical landscape shaping our region and the world. It was encouraging to witness academics, policymakers, professionals, and public intellectuals engaging in an important conversation on the future of global affairs and Sri Lanka’s place within it. Books and discussions of this nature are essential in strengthening informed public discourse, strategic thinking, and democratic engagement in our society. #EkataGatuma #PataliChampikaRanawaka #BookLaunch #InternationalPolitics #Geopolitics #SriLanka #PublicPolicy #PoliticalThought #BMICH #Colombo #PolicyDialogue #PublicDiscourse #charitha_herath

We’re excited to announce that we’ve moved to a new space - a fresh environment for new ideas, collaboration, and growth. This new chapter reflects our continued commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences and building a future-ready community. We look forward to welcoming you to our new home soon! Stay connected with us and explore more: insite.lk/ #NewBeginnings #NewLocation #InSITECampus #Education #Innovation #Growth #SriLanka

"One of the most disturbing developments within certain universities today is the misuse of administrative power to target individuals based on personal disagreements, ideological differences, professional jealousy, or internal rivalries. Disciplinary procedures, delays in promotions, exclusion from committees, denial of research opportunities, and even transfers are, at times, used not for institutional integrity, but as instruments of retaliation. When academics and administrators who voice independent opinions or expose irregularities become subject to subtle or direct harassment, the very spirit of the university is placed at risk." In my latest article, I reflect on governance, accountability, institutional culture, and the decline of administration within universities, and why these issues matter for the future of higher education and democratic society. #HigherEducation #Governance #Accountability #UniversityAutonomy #SriLanka #PublicPolicy #AcademicFreedom #Leadership #charitha_herath Read the full article here: ft.lk/columns/Reflections-on…

I write Voices of Dissent, on the history of dissent in India, from early India, Buddhist, Hindu times to the Sufi, Bhakti period, all the way to Gandhi. And I would have thought, well, it will have an Indian audience and that’s it. But people outside are interested because it is a manifestation of something that they are facing in their society. So I think there’s a much greater awareness of concepts that are determining the writing of books, which may be based in one culture but are being read by others. Read Here: telegraphindia.com/life/livi… This interview of eminent historian of our times, Romila Thapar, is a must read. @seemay @manojkjhadu @puru_ag @suhasinih @PalshikarSuhas @Ram_Guha @ShashiTharoor

Umberto Eco’s words may sound harsh, but they reflect a growing challenge of our digital age. Social media has democratized expression in powerful ways, yet it has also blurred the line between informed opinion and reckless noise. Freedom of speech is essential, but so are responsibility, critical thinking, and respect for truth. #SocialMedia #DigitalAge #FreedomOfSpeech #CriticalThinking #MediaLiteracy #TruthMatters #PublicDiscourse #UmbertoEco

This weekend at Katugampola. Ground conversations. Real people. Real concerns. Real energy for the future. #Katugampola #SriLanka #CommunityEngagement

Honored to participate as Chief Guest at the Student Orientation Program of Kelani Metropolitan Campus. Shared with students that a degree is more than a qualification - it is an opportunity to grow, lead, and create impact. Encouraged them to become social entrepreneurs and always remember two key values in life: Commitment & Compromise. Wishing them success in their new journey ahead! #StudentOrientation #Leadership #SocialEntrepreneurship #YouthLeadership #charitha_herath

Behind every success story stands a mother’s love, guidance, and sacrifice. Today, we celebrate the strength, care, and endless support of all wonderful mothers. Wishing you a joyful and beautiful Mother’s Day. #Education #success #inSITECampus #srilanka #MothersDay

Had the opportunity to participate in the launch of the book “Galle Face People’s Struggle or the Regime Change Movement 2022” held today at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. The event reflected on the 2022 people’s movement, its political and social implications, and the broader conversation surrounding democracy, governance, and civic engagement in Sri Lanka. It was a meaningful gathering that brought together diverse perspectives to revisit an important chapter in the country’s recent history. ගාලු මුවදොර ජන විප්ලවය හෙවත් Regime Change ව්‍යාපාරය 2022” කෘතිය එළිදැක්වීමේ උත්සවයට අද ශ්‍රී ලංකා පදනම් ආයතනය හිදී සහභාගී වීමට අවස්ථාව ලැබුණා. 2022 ජන අරගලය, එහි දේශපාලන හා සමාජීය බලපෑම්, සහ ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ ප්‍රජාතන්ත්‍රවාදය හා පාලන ක්‍රමවේදය පිළිබඳ විවිධ අදහස් හා සංවාද රැසක් මෙම අවස්ථාවේදී ඉදිරිපත් විය. රටේ නවීන ඉතිහාසයේ වැදගත් අවධියක් නැවත විමසා බැලීමට සහ අදහස් හුවමාරු කර ගැනීමට මෙය අර්ථවත් අවස්ථාවක් විය. #Aragalaya #SriLanka #RegimeChange #BookLaunch #Democracy #PublicDialogue #SocialChange #charitha_herath