From War Zones to Boardrooms: What the Marginalized Taught Me About Leadership

Soon after the war ended, I was appointed to the Northern Province as an Assistant Director in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skill Development. At that time, the wounds of conflict were still fresh, and the path to recovery had barely begun.

As the only Tamil officer in my role at the Ministry, this assignment was more than a professional responsibility—it was personal.

One of our Ministry's core mandates was to uplift disadvantaged communities, and that became our mission in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu, two of the country's most affected districts.

Sri Lanka’s Renewable Energy Sector as a Catalyst for Economic Revival and Job Creation on World Earth Day 2025

Introduction

As the world unites under Earth Day 2025’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” Sri Lanka stands at a pivotal juncture. The island nation, grappling with economic instability and energy insecurity, is increasingly turning to renewable energy as an environmental imperative and a socio-economic lifeline. With its abundant solar, wind, and hydropower resources, Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector is emerging as a transformative force, driving job creation, fostering innovation, and redefining its economic trajectory. This analysis examines how the sector evolves into a "job engine," leveraging real-world data and policy frameworks while navigating systemic challenges.

The Renewable Energy Landscape in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s energy matrix has undergone significant shifts. Historically reliant on hydropower, which once supplied 80% of electricity, the country now generates 48.8% of its power from renewables, including solar, wind, and biomass 1. However, deforestation and poor land management around reservoir catchments have reduced hydropower’s share to 50%, forcing dependency on costly fossil fuels during dry seasons 1. The government’s “Green Energy Acceleration Plan 2025–2030” aims to reverse this trend by targeting 70% renewable energy by 2030, with plans to add 6,925 MW of renewable capacity, including 4,705 MW from solar and 1,825 MW from wind 17.

The Double-Edged Sword: Analyzing Uber's Women Rider Preference Feature in Sri Lanka

Uber's introduction of the Women Rider Preference feature in Sri Lanka, allowing female drivers to accept ride requests solely from women passengers, marks a significant development in the platform's efforts to enhance safety and inclusivity. This feature, already implemented in over 20 countries across five continents, including Australia, India, South Africa, and parts of Latin America and Eastern Europe, aims to provide a greater sense of security and control for women drivers, particularly during vulnerable times such as night driving or navigating unfamiliar territories. While the intention behind this feature is laudable, a critical analysis based on existing data and reports is necessary to understand its potential benefits, inherent limitations, and possible unintended consequences within the specific socio-economic context of Sri Lanka.

The Bitter Pill of Reform: Analyzing Sri Lanka's Economic Crisis and the IMF's Prescription

Peter Breuer's poignant reflections on Sri Lanka's economic crisis and subsequent recovery efforts, delivered during Finance Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana's book launch, offer a stark assessment of the nation's recent economic trajectory. As the outgoing Senior Mission Chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Breuer's insights, particularly his emphasis on past policy missteps and insufficient preparedness for external shocks, warrant a critical analysis based on publicly available data and reports to understand the depth of the crisis and the implications of the IMF-backed reform agenda.

Their World, Our Waste: A Stark Reminder from a Journey That Will Stay With You.

A few years ago, driven by a familiar purpose, I embarked on a journey to empower and support the resilient community of Thonithaddamudu village. Nestled deep within the forest of Batticaloa District, approximately 100 kilometers from Batticaloa Town and about 125 kilometers from my starting point near Kaluwanchikudy, Thettatativu South, lies this isolated haven.

The journey itself was a testament to their remoteness. My friend and I navigated broken roads and expansive grasslands on a motorbike, the sun beating down on landscapes that mirrored the parched lives we were heading towards. The faces we encountered along the way, weathered by hardship yet holding a spark of hope, etched themselves into my memory.

Honored to Celebrate Community Service with the Sethupathy Award!

On the auspicious occasion of New Year’s Day, 14th April 2025, we had the privilege of organising and coordinating a truly meaningful event at Kompuchchanthi Pillayar, Thettativu, to recognise and honour selfless individuals who dedicate their time and energy to the upliftment of our local community.

The Sethupathy Award, one of the most prestigious awards rooted in India’s rich history since the Nayakar Regime, was presented to those who have made outstanding contributions in education, cultural development, agriculture, and preserving regional norms and traditions — all in collaboration with local bodies.

This event was graced by academia, village leaders, and many inspiring personalities, with the generous support of Hon. P. Kamalanathan, President of Sri Balamurugan Temple, Thettativu.

It was a moment of immense pride for me to have had the opportunity to coordinate and organise this ceremony to appreciate the dedicated service of others working tirelessly for society's betterment.