Charitha Herath, (PhD)

I was pleased to join the panel on “The Future of the Fourth Estate” today at the Sri Lanka Broadcasters’ Symposium 2026 at Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo. Our discussion began with a question that goes to the heart of broadcasting today. How can broadcasters sustain independent journalism as audiences move online and on demand, and traditional sources of revenue come under pressure? We also explored what government, media organisations and other stakeholders can do to safeguard editorial independence and strengthen the media’s role in Sri Lanka’s democracy. It was a pleasure to share the panel with Laksiri Wickramage, Secretary of the Broadcasters Guild of Sri Lanka, Dr Kaushalya Ariyaratne, Deputy Minister of Media, and Dr @PhathiswaPM Magopeni, Executive Director of the Press Council of South Africa. My thanks to Dr @rkalansooriya , Asia Regional Advisor at International Media Support, for moderating the discussion. #BroadcastersSymposium2026 #FourthEstate #MediaFreedom #Broadcasting

It was a pleasure to meet Dr @PhathiswaPM , Executive Director of the Press Council of South Africa, at yesterday’s Sri Lanka Broadcasters’ Symposium. Her keynote was a highlight for me and left me thinking about how broadcasters can earn and keep the public’s trust. #BroadcastersSymposium2026 #MediaTrust #Srilanka

A change of pace this weekend. For the first time in a while, I couldn’t make my usual weekend visit to Katugampola. The heavy rain and damaged roads were among the reasons. Instead, I found some time to catch up on reading and spend a quieter weekend with a few newspapers and books. Sometimes, a little time away from the usual routine is welcome too. #Katugampola #WeekendReflections #Reading #Politics #PublicEngagement #SriLanka

The Future of the Opposition: Beyond Electoral Alliances Towards Political Renewal An important and thought-provoking analysis by Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka in today's Daily FT, titled “UNP, SJB: Longest Defeat, Shortest Road to Resurgence.” Dayan raises several fundamental questions about the historical trajectory of the UNP, the political identity of the SJB, and the challenges facing Sri Lanka's democratic opposition. What makes this intervention particularly relevant is its emphasis on the need to move beyond conventional electoral calculations and reconsider the ideological, social, and organisational foundations of opposition politics. The central challenge is not simply bringing political parties together. It is about developing a credible political alternative that can reconnect with the aspirations of ordinary citizens, accommodate diverse democratic traditions, and offer a meaningful vision for Sri Lanka's future. In this context, the social democratic tradition, the political legacy of President Ranasinghe Premadasa, and the necessity of building a broad-based democratic platform deserve serious reconsideration. Political resurgence requires more than organisational unity. It demands intellectual clarity, ideological renewal, political inclusiveness, and the courage to rethink established assumptions. Dayan's article offers a valuable contribution to this much-needed discussion, even where some of its interpretations may invite further debate. Worth reading and reflecting upon. ft.lk/columns/UNP-SJB-Longes… #SriLanka #PoliticalAnalysis #DemocraticOpposition #SJB #SocialDemocracy #PoliticalRenewal #DayanJayatilleka

A rainy Monday, and the beginning of another busy week. Came home a little early from office work today and found some precious time to catch up on my reading in my study. Of all the places I spend my time, this is perhaps the one I value most—and the one I miss most, amid commitments on many fronts, particularly politics. Always good to return to books, ideas, and reflection. #Reading #Books #Reflection #AcademicLife

I saw President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s message on the Brazilian presidential election, congratulating President (@LulaOficial) Lula da Silva on his victory. While appreciating the gesture, I thought it was worth reflecting on an important distinction between personal political convictions and the diplomatic responsibilities of a Head of State. As an individual and a political leader, President Dissanayake is entitled to his own ideological preferences and political judgments. However, when speaking as President of Sri Lanka, his statements carry a broader institutional responsibility. Congratulating President Lula is entirely appropriate. Yet extending such congratulations into moral and political judgments about the defeated political camp raises an interesting question about the diplomatic role of a Head of State. Democracy requires us to respect not only electoral outcomes but also the diversity of political choices made by citizens of other nations. Whether political families or dynasties should remain influential is ultimately a matter for the people of those countries to decide. For instance, if the people of India were to elect Rahul Gandhi as their Prime Minister, should his family background itself become a reason for questioning their democratic choice? There is, therefore, an important distinction between expressing political solidarity and maintaining the diplomatic neutrality expected of a Head of State. The presidency represents the nation as a whole, not merely a particular political tradition or ideological position. Respect for democratic pluralism and the political sovereignty of other nations should remain an essential consideration in presidential communication.

This is a welcome move, and one that I recommended during my tenure as Chairman of COPE. At the time, I proposed categorising State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) into three distinct categories: Category A: Profit-making enterprises that should operate efficiently on commercial principles, with strong accountability and professional management. Category B: Enterprises that may not generate profits but are strategically important for economic stability, public welfare, and balancing the broader economy. These require continued government involvement and appropriate policy oversight. Category C: Enterprises that are persistently loss-making and serve no compelling strategic or public purpose. Their future should be reassessed, with restructuring, consolidation, or other appropriate reforms considered. The key is to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to SOE reform. We need to distinguish between enterprises that can operate commercially, those that serve essential national interests, and those that impose an unnecessary burden on public finances. SOE reform should be guided by economic logic, strategic necessity, and public interest—not ideology alone. #SOEReform #StateOwnedEnterprises #EconomicReform #PublicSectorReform #GoodGovernance #EconomicStability #FiscalResponsibility #SriLankaEconomy #COPE @anuradisanayake

Today, I attended the foundation stone-laying ceremony at Yatattawala Raja Maha Viharaya in Katugampola.

අද කටුගම්පොළ ... At my home in Katugampola

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Professor Thiru Kandiah, a respected scholar, a remarkable teacher, and a very close friend. My memories of Thiru go back to 2004/2005, when he returned from the University of Hong Kong and served as Professor of English at the University of Peradeniya. During that time, I lived in the room next to his at Lady Hill residence. The room next to his was occupied by the late Vibhavi Wijesiriwardana, and the three of us shared many memorable moments. One of the most remarkable things I remember about Thiru was his extraordinary dedication to teaching. His preparation for lectures was meticulous, and he often worked until midnight preparing for the following day’s classes. On some evenings, Vibhavi and I would go to the Faculty Club for a drink, while Thiru would settle down to prepare his lectures. When we returned at around 10.30 p.m., he would still be at work. His commitment to teaching and his students was truly admirable. We also shared some wonderful weekends travelling from Kandy to Colombo in Thiru’s car. With Thiru living in Nawala, Vibhavi in Kotahena, and me in Wellawatte, our journeys were filled with long, engaging conversations and plenty of laughter. Those memories remain very special to me. After 2005, I moved to Colombo to take up a public assignment. Sadly, Vibhavi passed away much too soon, while Thiru eventually retired and moved to Australia to be closer to his son. Although our paths took different directions, the memories of our time together at Peradeniya have stayed with me. Thiru was not only a respected academic and an inspiring teacher but also a dear friend. His contribution to the Department of English at Peradeniya and to English studies in Sri Lanka will remain an important part of our intellectual and academic heritage. My heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to Mrs. Kandiah and the entire family during this difficult time. May you rest in peace, dear Sir. You will be remembered with great respect, affection, and gratitude. - Charitha Herath

As usual, another weekend spent in Katugampola—meeting people, listening to their concerns, and staying connected with the community. For me, politics is not only about Parliament or public platforms. It is also about being present among people, understanding their everyday experiences, and engaging in meaningful conversations. Another weekend, another opportunity to listen, learn and stay connected. #Katugampola #PeopleFirst #Politics #CommunityEngagement #Democracy #ListeningToPeople

The symbolic launch ceremony marking the commencement of @insitecampus's newest programme, the Hospitality Management Diploma and Certificate Programme, was held yesterday in Colombo. The Diploma programme, offered by the Australian Institute of Business and Technology (AIBT), is accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The programme also offers approved credit exemptions for further higher education studies at Griffith University, Southern Cross University, and the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia.

A pleasant moment at the Vidarshana Bookshop exhibition, held outside the BMICH alongside Colombo’s annual book season. I was happy to visit Vidarshana and spend some time among books—a reminder that reading remains one of the most powerful ways of expanding our understanding of the world. Reading is not simply about gathering information. It develops our capacity to think critically, encourages curiosity and imagination, and exposes us to different ideas, cultures, histories, and perspectives. In that sense, a strong reading culture is an essential part of human development. In an age when our attention is increasingly shaped by short and fast-moving digital content, it is important to preserve the habit of serious reading. Books give us the space to reflect, question, engage with ideas, and develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and the society around us. A society that reads is a society that thinks, questions, learns and grows. Glad to have been part of Colombo’s book season—and to have visited Vidarshana during the exhibition. #Vidarshana #BookExhibition #ColomboBookSeason #Reading #Books #Knowledge #HumanDevelopment #CriticalThinking #SriLanka

☕ A coffee on the way to work — with a little reminder! I stopped by Barista this morning to grab a coffee on my way to work. The young lady serving me smiled and reminded me, “Today is International Coffee Day!” So, here’s to that simple cup of coffee that starts the day, accompanies conversations, fuels ideas, and gives us a small moment to pause in the middle of a busy schedule. Happy International Coffee Day to everyone who enjoys a good cup of coffee! ☕️ #InternationalCoffeeDay #CoffeeDay #CoffeeLovers #MorningCoffee #CoffeeTime #SriLanka

Had a very interesting and engaging discussion with my good friend Faraz Shauketaly on his Newsline programme. We exchanged views on a range of important issues concerning Sri Lanka’s current political and economic landscape, as well as some of the challenges and choices facing the country. Always a pleasure to have a thoughtful and candid conversation with Faraz. The full discussion will be aired soon. Stay tuned! #Newsline #FarazShauketaly #SriLanka #Politics #Economy #CurrentAffairs #Discussion

I am pleased to share that my book, first published in 2016, is available once again at the Kiyawana Nuwana Bookshop at the Colombo International Book Fair 2026. Almost a decade after its original publication, it is always encouraging to see a book continue to find new readers and generate interest. If you are visiting the Book Fair, please drop by the Kiyawana Nuwana Bookshop (D 19-20) and pick up a copy. 2016 පළ කළ මෙම කෘතිය.... කොළඹ ජාත්‍යන්තර පොත් ප්‍රදර්ශනයේ විසිදුනු - කියවන නුවණ (D 19-20) කුටිවල දී මිලදී ගත හැක. #ColomboBookFair #CIBF2026 #Books #ReadingCulture #SriLanka #Colombo