EXECUTIVE CREDENTIAL

IN LEADERSHIP & PUBLIC POLICY

COURSE HANDBOOK
2024 - 2025

The Bandaranaike Academy for Leadership & Public

Policy is the first and premiere institute for leadership
and public policy in Sri Lanka, established with a
vision to create the next generation of ethical,
effective and socially responsible leaders.

Visit us : Block 4, Bmich. Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo

For more information : www. balpp. com
 Table of Contents
About BALPP P. 4

Message from the Executive Director P. 5

About the Course P. 6

Semester One - Introduction P. 9

01 Becoming a Visionary and Agile Leader P. 10

1.1 Module On Visionary Leadership P. 11

1.2 Module On Moral Leadership in a VUCA World : Corruption, Ethics & Integrity. P. 12

1.3 Module on Navigating broad systems-thinking within a holistic approach. P. 14

02 Leadership Principles in Policy-making, Politics and Governance P. 16

2.1 Module on Policy Formulation in Politics and Governance P. 17

2.2 Module on Policy Implementation Challenges P. 18

2.3 Module on Policy Innovation and Evidence-based decision-making. P. 19

2020 Impact Report 02

Table of Contents
Second Semester - Part I - Common Module P. 21

Part A - Next Generation of Leaders P. 22

Part B - Understanding Research & Scientific Method P. 23

Second Semester - Part II - Electives P. 24

Economic Policy P. 25

Emerging Technologies with Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity P. 25

Education Policy P. 26

Health Care Policy P. 26

Climate Resilience Policy P. 27

Power & Renewable Energies Policy P. 27

Second Semester - Part III - Capstone Project P. 28

Faculty P. 29

Special Invited Speakers P. 38

2020 Impact Report 02

 ABOUT BALPP
The Bandaranaike Academy for Leadership and Public Policy (BALPP) is an independent institution operating
within the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) and under the Bandaranaike
National Memorial Foundation Act. (Law No.2 of 1975 Parliament Act) BALPP is built on three main pillars:
Academic & Learning, Research and Outreach, all supported by a strong Administrative & Operational
Foundation.

Academic & Learning Pillar: BALPP offers postgraduate diploma and certificate programs in leadership
and public policy for both Sri Lankan and international students. The institution targets public servants,
government officials, corporate executives, civil society leaders, politicians and academics. The Expert
Resource Panel consists of renowned academics and professionals who conduct and design relevant
academic programs.

Research Pillar: BALPP has initiated research activities, focusing on contemporary and critical issues
across multiple disciplines in public policy, aiming to offer cutting edge solutions to regional and
international issues.

Outreach Pillar: BALPP promotes debate and dialogue through Policy Dialogues, Eminence Lecture series,
workshops and other events. The extensive Outreach Strategy aims to empower communities, students and
teachers all around Sri Lanka and understand critical issues at the grassroots level, reaching all sectors of
society.

BALPP is governed by an Academic and Governing Council and guided a Strategic Advisory Panel of
international experts. It was incorporated on 23 October 2023 as a company limited by guarantee under
the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007.

4
MESSAGE FROM THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

In these challenging times, the

importance of leadership and public
policy education in Sri Lanka cannot be
overstated. As Sri Lanka navigates
through a crisis of leadership and
governance, we need a new
generation of leaders who are
equipped with knowledge, skills, and
an ethical grounding necessary to
steer us towards a brighter and
prosperous future.

This course on leadership and public policy provides the critical tools to
understand the complexities of leadership in governance, the nuances of
policy-making, and the importance of serving the public good, in a socially-
responsible manner.

By investing in comprehensive leadership and public policy education, we are

not only preparing our young leaders to manage current issues, but we are also
ensuring that they have the vision and capacity to create sustainable solutions
for future challenges. We expect that this course will be a critical step in that
crucial direction for anyone who cares deeply about the future of our nation.

Dr. Tara de Mel

Executive Director - BALPP

5
ABOUT THE COURSE

The new Executive Credential on Leadership & Public Policy is a two-semester, 50-
week course which emphasizes the core-mandate of the Bandaranaike Academy for
Leadership and Public Policy.

This 30-credit course has been designed using international academic credit systems.

It provides an in-depth understanding of leadership, together with principles of public

policy development and associated policy challenges.

It will equip students with creative and design-thinking, leadership skills and policy
analysis capabilities in an innovative manner within an ethical framework.

OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

To equip students with essential skills needed to lead effectively in diverse environments,
which include decision-making, strategic planning, communication, and team
management.

To nurture broad systems-thinkers and policy executives, who will be skilled in

governance matters so that they can navigate multiple challenges and crises,
irrespective of whether they operate in the public, private, corporate or development
sectors.

To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the policy-making process,

including how policies are formulated, implemented, and evaluated, along with the
ability to conduct rigorous policy analysis using qualitative and quantitative methods.

To cultivate a strong sense of ethical leadership and social responsibility among

students, emphasizing the importance of integrity, accountability, and equity in policy-
making and implementation, regardless of the sector.

To offer opportunities for practical application of leadership and public policy concepts
through real-world case studies and hands-on projects, enabling students to develop
practical problem-solving skills, an analytical mind-set, and gain valuable experience.

6
 Students will be exposed to interesting and innovative pedagogical methods which will
sharpen critical thinking and analytical skills, interactive onsite and off-site learning, case-
studies, policy-brief preparation, quizzes and debates, and Immersive Learning Projects, all
of which will offer unique learning experiences for scholars at the BALPP.

Students will learn not only about ethical leadership, public policy development and policy
analysis, but also the integration of practical concerns of financial management and
economic fundamentals, essentials of emerging technologies, policy relevance of climate
concerns and renewable energy policy developments, and health & education policy
imperatives, all within local and global contexts.

Best practices of leadership in policy implementation, management and assessment,

across the domains of public administration and public policy, as well as in corporate and
civil society spaces, are a key focus of the pedagogy.

The culmination of the two-Semester course will be a Capstone Project undertaken

through independent study which all students will engage in, during the second Semester.

KEY EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Ethical Leadership and Social Responsibility: In today's interconnected world,
leaders are expected to demonstrate integrity, transparency, and a commitment to
ethical principles. Students should explore ethical dilemmas, cultural sensitivity, and the
ethical implications of policy decisions to cultivate a sense of social responsibility in
their leadership approach.

Strategic Decision-Making Skills: Students will be equipped with the ability to

analyze complex situations, identify key stakeholders, and make informed decisions that
align with organizational objectives. This involves understanding how to assess risks,
anticipate consequences, and prioritize actions effectively.

Effective Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: A critical aspect of

leadership is the ability to communicate vision, goals, and strategies effectively to
diverse audiences. Students should develop skills in public speaking, negotiation,
conflict resolution, and consensus-building to engage stakeholders and inspire collective
action.

Policy Analysis and Implementation: Understanding the policy-making process and

how to navigate bureaucratic structures is essential for effective governance. Students
should learn how to conduct policy analysis, assess the feasibility of proposed solutions,
and implement policies that address complex societal challenges while considering
political, economic, and social factors.

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 Innovation and Adaptability: Leaders must be able to anticipate and respond to
rapidly changing environments. Through exposure to case studies, simulations, and real-
world challenges, students should develop the creativity, resilience, and adaptability
needed to innovate, problem-solve, and lead organizational change in dynamic
contexts.

These outcomes aim to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset required to
lead with confidence and integrity, and make a positive impact in today's complex and
evolving world.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THE EXECUTIVE

CREDENTIAL?
Individuals seeking to become leaders and those who want to drive change by
innovation in the leadership and policy space.

Learners who seek skill-sets and knowledge to better navigate practical aspects in
government, business, civil society and communities.

Those who wish to participate interactively in cutting-edge learning sessions, engage in

deep-dive, intellectually rewarding discussions, meet with reputed subject experts
representing diverse disciplines, and eventually become part of the BALPP distinguished
alumni.

WHO WILL BE ELIGIBLE

TO APPLY?
Those with
Those with a degree from a recognized university or an equivalent professional
qualification

Those with three (03) passes in the G.C.E. (A/L) OR equivalent qualification with 02
years post-qualifying work experience.

Medium of instruction will be English.

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FIRST SEMESTER
Duration 24 weeks

195 Contact Hours (7.5 Contact Hours

Contact Hours
per week)

Themes 2 Themes

Modules 6 (3 per theme)

Credits 13 Credits

Semester One focus: ‘Leadership Strategies for a Changing World’

This semester will include two themes and the modules in each theme will be taught by a team of
subject experts who will share their knowledge, expertise and experience with the students.

Theme 1 Theme 2
Becoming a Visionary and Agile Leadership Principles in Policy-
Leader making, Politics and Governance

Module 1 - Visionary Leadership

Module 1 - Policy Formulation in Politics
and Governance
Module 2 - Moral Leadership in a VUCA
(volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and
Module 2 - Policy Implementation
ambiguity) World : Corruption, Ethics &
Challenges
Integrity.

Module 3 - Policy Innovation and

Module 3 - Navigating broad systems-
Evidence-based Decision-making.
thinking within a holistic approach.

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Semester One – Theme 1
Becoming a Visionary & Agile Leader

This theme consisting of three modules will equip students to understand the
fundamentals of leadership, designing a vision, negotiation and conflict management,
empowerment and delegation of powers, and leading change with an innovative mind-
set.

Theme Duration 12 weeks

105 Contact Hours (7.5 Contact Hours

Contact Hours
per week)

Weekday - 3 Hours (On Line)

Sessions
Weekend - 4.5 Hours (In Person)

Credits 7 Credits

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1.1 - Module on Visionary Leadership
(2 Credit Module, 4 Weeks, 30 Contact Hours (7.5 hours per week))

This module focuses on developing visionary leadership skills essential for effective policy-
making and implementation. Participants will learn to craft and communicate compelling
visions, utilizing design-thinking principles to innovate and solve complex problems.
Strategic planning and interventions in decision-making will be explored, equipping
leaders with the tools to drive meaningful change and navigate dynamic policy
environments.

1.1.1 Introduction to Visionary Leadership:

Understanding the concept of visionary leadership
Historical examples of visionary leaders, their journeys, successes and failures
Is a charismatic leader always a ‘good’ leader?
Characteristics of a compelling vision and the importance of vision in driving
organizational success

1.1.2 Crafting and Communicating Vision:

Techniques for crafting a compelling Vision Statement.
Communicating the Vision effectively to stakeholders.
Case studies of successful Vision communication strategies
Aligning organizational culture with the Vision.

1.1.3 Design-thinking Principles:

Introduction to design-thinking methodology
User-centric design techniques, prototyping and iteration.
Applying design-thinking to leadership challenges
Is a good Manager, always a good Leader?

1.1.4 Strategic planning & interventions in decision-making

Strategic planning frameworks and methodologies
Analyzing trends and forecasting future scenarios in specific policy areas
Identifying key stakeholders and building coalitions for effective interventions
Decision-making under uncertainty and complexity

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 1.2 - Module on Moral Leadership in a VUCA (volatility, uncertainty,
complexity, and ambiguity) World : Corruption, Ethics & Integrity.
(2 Credit Module, 4 Weeks, 30 Contact Hours (7.5 hours per week)

Moral Leadership in Organizations and Society

Successful moral leadership can motivate others to make positive change wherever they work.
Moral leadership can be practiced within small or large organizations, communities, and
societies, where leadership interventions will impact few or many people. Effective leaders are
constantly trying to understand how change can impact the wider society. VUCA describes the
situation of constant, unpredictable change that is now the norm in governments, organizations,
industries, and the business world.

In the ‘Moral Leadership’ Module individuals can acquire the skills necessary to begin the practice
of moral leadership to understand change, and to instill characteristics of change that can have
lasting impact on the community. Moral leadership is about encouraging people to work together
for positive change, by defining problems, understanding issues and experimenting to make
progress toward solutions.

1.2.1 Moral and Adaptive Leadership

Moral leadership could challenge the traditional definition of leadership, and students will learn
that leadership is a practice and not a position.
Practicing leadership is not the same as possessing authority and using that ‘authority’. In fact,
leadership represents a set of skills that can be learnt and practiced, in a humane and efficient
manner.
A powerful and charismatic leader may not always be the ideal leader, who’d compel their
‘followers’ to be servile executors of instructions only.

1.2.2 Pursuing the Greater Good vs Protecting Individual Rights

Leaders should distinguish between the goal of promoting the greater good (that would benefit
the larger public) and the goal of respecting individual rights. He/she should select which to
pursue, and that is a skill of a good leader.
Good leaders will understand when these two situations align, and how to choose between them.
Leaders should always be conscious of individual bias and prejudices, and not allow those to
interfere in decision-making.

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1.2.3 Moral Narratives, Trade-offs and Practice
Individual moral narratives are a manifestation of character and personal values. Explore moral
narratives and the personal values they're rooted in, and how to use them to mobilize the team.
Moral dilemmas are challenges with multiple possible solutions. Each solution may satisfy one of our
core values, but may violate another.
Learn how to make moral trade-offs that advance positive change.

1.2.4 Corruption, Ethics and Integrity

Students will discuss issues of corruption, i.e. financial, institutional, moral/intellectual, and other
forms of corruption. They will discuss the moral compass and maintaining integrity within the
leader’s and the organization’s moral compass.
Corruption needs to be addressed so that positive is possible. Evaluate possible moral trade-offs so
you can make acceptable compromises that promote positive change.
Equipping students with knowledge about strategies to prevent and mitigate corruption is vital for
future leaders. This aspect might involve discussing measures such as implementing robust
accountability mechanisms, fostering a culture of transparency, promoting whistleblower
protection, and strengthening regulatory frameworks. Exploring the role of ethical leadership in
combating corruption and promoting integrity within organizations and communities is essential.

1.2.5 Ethical Leadership

Teaching students about the principles of ethical leadership is crucial in understanding how leaders
can influence organizational cultures. This aspect might involve discussing topics such as integrity,
transparency, accountability, and the importance of leading by example.

1.2.6 Guiding an organization within the principles of integrity

Practice of moral leadership in the public sphere is a special skill. What concrete steps can be
undertaken in organizations and society. Exploring various forms and consequences of corruption is
essential in understanding its detrimental effects on society, organizations and individuals. This
aspect might involve examining case studies, historical examples, and current events to illustrate
how corruption undermines trust, weakens institutions, and impedes development.

13
1.3 Module on Navigating broad systems-thinking within a holistic approach.
(3 Credit Module, 4 Weeks, 45 Contact Hours (7.5 hours per week))

This module equips participants with the skills to navigate complex systems within a holistic
approach, essential for effective policy-making and leadership. Topics include building and
managing teams, understanding and managing change, gender dynamics in leadership, and
aligning organizational and community values. Participants will also explore legislative
processes related to policy decision-making, fostering a comprehensive understanding of how
to enact change within diverse and interconnected systems.

1.3.1 Understanding systems-thinking within a holistic approach

Introduction to systems-thinking and its application in leadership
Understanding interconnectedness and complexity in organizational systems
Tools and methodologies for systems analysis and problem-solving
Conflict-sensitivity, early diagnosis, conflict management

1.3.2 Building Teams, Managing People & Managing Change

Empathetic communication, emotional literacy, emotional intelligence, and social emotional
learning (SEL)
Understanding the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership
Techniques for empathetic communication and active listening.
Strategies for managing conflicts and fostering collaboration.

1.3.3 Gender Dynamics in Leadership

Leaders should comprehend the concept of gender and how it influences workplace dynamics,
communication styles, and leadership behaviors. This includes recognizing biases and stereotypes
related to gender that can impact decision-making and team interactions.
Intersectionality: Gender intersects with other aspects of identity, such as race, ethnicity, sexual
orientation, and socioeconomic status. Students may explore how these intersections impact
individuals' experiences in the workplace and how leaders can support employees from diverse
backgrounds.

1.3.4. Organizational & Community Values

Values that unite a community can also blind it to the values & perspectives of other
communities.
How does a leader’s character strengths & core personal values align with, and depart from, the
values of the community of the leader?
Managing civil disagreement and preventing unrest.

14
1.3.5 Empowerment in Leadership
Understanding empowerment and its significance in leadership
Empowerment vs delegation
Building trust and autonomy within teams
Strategies for empowering team members and integrating Vision and Empowerment

1.3.6 Legislative Processes in Policy-related decision-making

Constitutional law and regulatory frameworks.
The role of courts in shaping policy and leadership.
Students will be encouraged to delve into specific case studies of successful legal reforms and
their impact on society.
Analyze current legal challenges and propose their own reform initiatives, in the local and global
context.

15
Semester One – Theme 2
Leadership Principles in Policy-making, Politics and Governance

Public policy is a thoughtful and organized effort to deal with different issues affecting society,
covering social, economic, and political aspects. It involves various policies and decision-making
processes to reach specific goals.

During these 12 weeks, students will learn essential techniques and frameworks on policymaking
while discussing and working on real policies from around the world. Whether students are already
working in government, the private sector, non-profits, entrepreneurship or community
organizations, these modules will empower them to design policy solutions which would help
create advanced governance systems regardless of where they work.

There will be discussions on tools for identifying the roots of policy problems and designing an
effective policy. An effective policy is one that will achieve the intended results, is politically
feasible, and implementable in a cost-effective way. Comparing different policy options,
considering the tradeoffs, and succinctly recommending the option most likely to succeed will be a
key focus.

Public policy in any country holds a central position in molding a nation's future and the welfare of
its people. Many developmentally advanced countries have achieved notable milestones in
confronting diverse challenges and conflictual situations, through advanced policy-making.
Primarily, this has been due to the implementation of well-considered policies and initiatives,
enduring challenges, necessitating a collaborative commitment from policymakers, civil society,
and the citizenry.

Duration 12 weeks

90 Contact Hours (7.5 Contact Hours

Contact Hours
per week)

Weekday - 3 Hours (On Line)

Sessions
Weekend - 4.5 Hours (In Person)

Credits 6 Credits

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2.1 Module on Policy Formulation in Politics and Governance
(2 Credit Module, 4 Weeks, 30 Contact Hours (7.5 hours per week))

This module provides a comprehensive overview of the history, nature, and principles of
policy formulation and governance. Participants will delve into democratic governance
principles and the basics of policy formulation, laying the foundation for effective policy
design. The module also covers techniques for diagnosing underlying policy-related
problems, empowering leaders to develop informed and impactful policy solutions.

2.1.1 Politics and Democratic Governance

Understanding historical evolution of politics, democratic governance and public policy
evolution globally. In most countries, politics, governance and public policy landscape have
undergone significant transformation throughout history, and have been moulded by
historical occurrences, democratic principles, and constitutional provisions.

2.1.2 Basics of Policy Formulation

Purposeful – Public policy is intentional, addressing specific problems or societal needs. It’s a
purposeful effort to tackle identified issues, such as improving the economy, education, and
public health, reducing crime, ensuring law & order or addressing climate change.
Systematic – Public policy isn’t a single decision but a series of coordinated actions working
together for a desired outcome. It involves multiple stakeholders and decision-making
processes in its development and implementation.
Strategic – Public policy focuses on achieving long-term goals rather than immediate needs.
Policymakers consider the potential consequences of their decisions, aiming to create policies
with a lasting impact.

2.1.3 Foundations for Policy Design

Normative frames, value-based viewpoints that shape policy work, analysis of the strengths
and challenges of three policy actors: the market, the government, and civil society.
Understanding Political Realities in designing policy will require maturity and a moderate
viewpoint so as not to allow personal bias and prejudice to intervene.

2.1.4 Diagnosing Underlying Policy-related Problems:

Historical overview of policy development and analysis
Roots of policy-problems, evidence-based policy making, issues connected to executing
policy and principles of implementation.
Importance of evidence-based decision making in policy formulation
Policy implementation strategies and challenges

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2.2 Module on Policy Implementation Challenges
(2 Credit Module, 4 Weeks, 30 Contact Hours (7.5 hours per week))

This module will deal with assessing practical and structural concerns of policy implementation in
the context of organizations, using insights from institutional implementation capacities. It will also
study allocating scarce resources for policy trade-offs and evaluating implementation capacity
and cost-benefit analysis.

2.2.1 What Could Impact the Policy-related Problems?

Challenging preconceptions and evaluating policy-correctness
Mapping links between policy interventions & outcomes
Use models from complex scenarios, locally and globally.
Problem diagnosis, case studies on successful policy implementation and failures
Using problem diagnosis to detect points of leverage for policy solutions.

2.2.2 Policy Recommendations and Influencers

Role of uncertainty in making decisions, decision analysis
Systematically evaluating sources of formal and informal authorization for policy
approval/implementation
Background on comparative politics and types of political institutions
Framework for Stakeholder analysis
Structured comparison of policy solutions
Making tradeoffs in selecting the best policy solution
Effective communication of policy recommendations to stakeholders

2.2.3 Principles of Descriptive evidence

Descriptive evidence is essential to understanding issues and making informed decisions.
This module equips you with methods and skills to help understand the world, from
descriptions to decisions. Students will learn to leverage descriptive evidence, use
analytical methods for complex problem-solving, and weigh net benefits of decisions.
Basics of descriptive evidence and basic descriptive statistics and Principles for use of
descriptive evidence.

2.2.4 Priors and Counterfactuals

Drawing out existing beliefs about the world (priors)
Understanding what would have happened if a policy never existed (counterfactual).
Methods to translate priors into a concrete representation of impact.
Evidence for a ‘Theory of Change’, managing change in policy evaluation contexts.
Focus on causal links and evidence to confirm or negate causal links.

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2.3 Module on Policy Innovation and Evidence-based decision-making.
(2 Credit Module, 4 Weeks, 30 Contact Hours (7.5 hours per week))

Policy innovation and scaling are two of the most important and challenging policy design
processes, which will stretch the individual’s abilities, and those of colleagues in the organization.
It is a deliberate process of trying new things to drive towards positive change. Scaling is the
process by which successful policy innovations are brought to broader audiences. Students will
learn concrete tactics for building innovative policy solutions within dynamic systems and develop
skills to test and iterate innovation. They will discover the paths through which solutions can scale
and acquire strategies for navigating the sensitive political and organizational aspects of
innovation and scaling.

2.3.1 Introducing Innovation and Scaling

Defining innovation and scaling in a policy context, and characteristics of policy innovation
Pathways and common landmarks in innovation and scaling processes
The relevance of values and ethics in innovation
Understanding complex, dynamic systems, centering beneficiaries, and identifying areas for
innovation

2.3.2 Evidence-based, policy related, decision-making and the role of Politics.

Understanding decision-making and evidence procedures for application in public or
corporate spheres.
Focusing on systematic methods to analyze choices and trade-offs of policy options.
Smart Policy Design and Iteration, learning from failures
Auditing authorization and designing a political strategy and tactics around resistance to
change

2.3.3 Challenges in Public Policy Implementation

Implementation gaps: translating policy into action is fraught with much difficulty
Too Much Red Tape – Excessive bureaucracy and complicated administrative processes can
slow down policies and make it hard to get their benefits to the people they’re meant for.
Lack of political will or poor consensus
Lack of accountability and poor monitoring, no systems for tracking ground-level
implementation
Corruption – Corruption within government institutions can weaken how public policies work.
It’s crucial to have measures in place to fight corruption and make sure resources are used
properly and fairly. Encourage and protect whistle-blowers.
Limited Resources – The government may not have enough resources to cover all sectors with
comprehensive policies. In such cases, it’s important to prioritize and use resources efficiently
for policies to work well.

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2.3.4 Policy Tradeoffs: Making Decisions Under Scarcity
Economic models as a way to simplify and understand the world.
Modeling and reasoning about individual tradeoffs with graphs to visualize production,
preferences, indifference, and optimal choice.
Modeling societal tradeoffs with external effects
Making tradeoffs for a social program under scarce resources
Analysis of data and options for social program targeting, and additional considerations of
efficiency, feasibility, logistics, and politics

2.3.5 Financial Literacy in Public Administration and Public Policy

Basics of public finance and budgeting
Understanding financial statements and fiscal policies
Analysis of revenue sources and expenditure patterns in public administration
Financial risk management and accountability mechanisms
Case studies on financial management in public sector organizations

2.3.6 Policies on Technological advancement: Ethics and Governance

Harnessing digital technology, what are the new-age technologies and ethical concerns?
Use of Big Data analytics in decision-making
Applications of AI and machine learning in leadership and policy analysis
Ethical considerations and challenges in the use of emerging technologies
Case studies on successful implementation of AI and big data solutions in various sectors. Using
offsite educational sessions will be useful
Students will explore the complex political, regulatory, and technological challenges leaders face,
using case studies on the development of 5G technology.

At the end of Semester One, students will be equipped with a variety of leadership skills
coupled with strategic thinking capabilities, and with tools to develop policies, and to detect
evidence of the impact of policies in whichever sector they work in. They will be able to use
these tools for improving their performance at leadership and policy-making. They will be
better equipped to assess outcomes and make holistic decisions at national and local levels, in
large or small organizations.

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 SECOND SEMESTER
Duration 26 Weeks

Contact Hours 255 (7.5 per week)

Electives 6

Number of Modules Under Each

7
Elective

Credits 17

Key components:
One common module for all students on: The Next Generation of Leaders & Understanding
Research & Scientific Method (2 Credits, 2 weeks, 15 contact hours in total, 7.5 hours per
subject area)

Six Electives. Each student will select one Elective (7 Credits, 105 contact hours in total) which
will run through 14 weeks.

Capstone Project (8 Credits, 10 weeks). Each student will identify one Capstone project at the
beginning of the Second Semester and the topic should align with the Elective he/she
chooses.

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Semester 2 – Part 1

Common Module (2 Credits, 2 Weeks, 30 Contact Hours (2 Sessions))

A. Next Generation of Leaders

(Weekend 7.5 Hour Session x 2)

This common Module aims to strengthen the skills that upcoming leaders would need to build
cultures of excellence and high quality, effectiveness, and global relevance throughout the
institutions they lead and across the public and private sectors.

Throughout the programme, participants work on skills and frameworks that are essential today
across all branches and departments of government in any country or corporate or academia or any
international institution.

Communicating effectively: Examine how leaders of public organisations communicate to best

effect: internally, across government, and beyond. This requires an ability to listen and communicate
with the clarity necessary to catch attention amid a jumble of competing messages around
government. These sessions will leave you with a fresh understanding of the role of storytelling as a
fundamental part of leadership.

Reducing cognitive bias in decision-making: Explore framing bias, confirmation bias,

overconfidence bias, and sunk-cost bias, as well as examples of group think. You will consider the
consequences for decision-making and test some simple techniques to overcome these biases in
individual and group decisions.

Strengthening organisational effectiveness: Understand the trends and cycles in organisational

reform and what evidence there is to support strategies of radical reform or incremental
improvement. You will look at the tools that different administrations use to improve performance,
including target-setting, data generation and outsourcing.

Negotiating in the public interest: Refresh and extend your familiarity with core concepts and
expand your knowledge of more advanced negotiation tactics. Through interactive simulations, you
will learn and practice specific analytical tools for conducting multi-stakeholder deliberations across
international boundaries, with powerful commercial interests and multiple governments.

Continuous Learning and Improvement: Encouraging participants to stay updated on the latest
research in leadership and to reflect on their own experiences fosters a culture of learning and
growth.

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B. Understanding Research & Scientific Method
(Weekend 7.5 Hour Session x 2 )

Scientific Method, Research Methodology, Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis

Teaching the components of the scientific method and research aspects to ensure rigor and
effectiveness.

Problem Identification: Teaching participants how to identify problems, formulate research

questions, and define clear objectives is essential.

Systems/Literature Review: Understanding existing research and theories related to leadership is

crucial. Encouraging participants to conduct thorough literature reviews to inform their leadership
practices ensures that they are building on established knowledge.

Hypothesis Formulation: Teaching participants how to formulate clear and testable hypotheses
helps them approach leadership challenges with a scientific mindset.

Research Design: Covers different research designs applicable to leadership studies, such as
experimental, correlational, or qualitative methods. Participants learn how to choose the most
appropriate design for their research questions and how to implement it effectively.

Data Collection: Teaching participants various data collection techniques equips them with the
skills to gather relevant information in different contexts.

Data Analysis: Understanding basic statistical concepts and data analysis techniques is essential
for leaders to draw meaningful insights from their data. Training in statistical analysis software and
interpretation of results.

Critical Thinking and Evaluation: Teaching critical thinking skills, such as identifying biases,
assessing the validity of research methods, and considering alternative explanations, strengthens
participants' ability to apply scientific research to leadership practice.

Ethical Considerations: Discussing ethical considerations in research, such as informed consent,

confidentiality, and integrity in data collection and reporting, ensures that leaders conduct
themselves ethically in their research endeavors.

The ideal student will be passionate about assessing data and outcomes to determine how to target
the right population for the right program. They will work within real-world constraints to monitor
impact and strengthen accountability for current and future programs. By incorporating these
components and research aspects into this leadership course, participants can develop the skills and
knowledge needed to lead effectively in today's complex and dynamic organizational environments.

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 Semester 2 – Part 2

Electives – Students will have to choose one of the six electives

mentioned below.

Duration 14 Weeks

105 Contact Hours (7.5 Contact Hours

Contact Hours
per week)

No. of Modules Under Each

7
Elective

No of Credits per Elective 7 Credits

At the time of applying for the Executive Credential, the students will choose one Elective.
In each elective, the emphasis will be placed on how leadership is relevant within such a
discipline and how modern-day leaders would deal with the policy area concerned.

Based on the choice of the Elective, the student would need to complete a Capstone Project
through independent study.

Each of the electives will be taught by a team of Subject Experts.

The pedagogy will be modern, and will include theoretical understanding of the topic, with
practical and experiential understanding of ground-level realities in the modern day.

Lectures, written assignments, group interactive sessions like case analysis, debates and
discussions, quizzes, case-studies, field trips (off-site study sessions), simulation debriefs,
and similar activities will be included.

Each elective will be taught within 7 modules during the 14 weeks and each Module will be
of 2 weeks duration.

24
Elective 1 - Economic Policy

This elective explores the principles and strategies of economic policy-making, focusing on
sustainable development, fiscal responsibility, and inclusive growth. Participants will learn to design
and implement policies that promote economic stability and equity, guided by ethical leadership
and empirical evidence. Topics such as economic systems and theories, macroeconomic indicators,
fiscal and monetary policy, international trade, and economic development strategies will be
discussed, complemented by case studies and policy analysis.

Overview of Economic Systems and Theories.

Macroeconomic Indicators and Analysis.

Fiscal Policy: Taxation and Government Spending.

Monetary Policy and Central Banking.

International Trade and Globalization.

Economic Development Strategies.

Case Studies and Policy Analysis, an overview of the Elective.

Elective 2 - Emerging Technologies with Artificial Intelligence &

Cybersecurity

This elective addresses the growing importance of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence in
public policy. Participants will learn to develop and implement policies that ensure digital security
and ethical AI deployment, grounded in evidence-based practices and ethical considerations.
Topics such as emerging technologies, fundamentals of AI and machine learning, global policy
efforts, cybersecurity threats and risk management, data privacy and ethics, and blockchain
technology will be discussed, complemented by case studies and practical applications.

Introduction to Emerging Technologies.

Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Global Policy efforts and applications of AI in Various sectors like education, health

Cybersecurity Threat Landscape and Risk Management.

Data Privacy, Governance and Ethics in AI.

Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrencies.

Case Studies and Practical Applications, Overview of the Elective.

25
Elective 3 - Education Policy

Focused on transforming educational systems, this elective covers policy design and
implementation to foster equitable and high-quality education. Ethical leadership and evidence-
based approaches will guide participants in addressing issues such as access, curriculum
development, and educational innovation. Topics such as historical perspectives, education
reform, technological innovations, teacher training, tertiary education policies, governance, and
citizenship education will be discussed, along with strategies and challenges in policy
implementation

Historical Perspectives on Education Policy, Equity and Access

ECE, K-12 Education Reform, Technological innovations in education transformation

Teacher Training and Professional Development of Educators

Tertiary Education Policies, Affordability and Access.

Governance, Assessment and Funding Education

Citizenship, Character and Values in education.

Education Policy Analysis, Policy Implementation: Strategies & Challenges.

Elective 4 - Health Care Policy

This elective delves into the complexities of healthcare systems and policies, aiming to improve
access, quality, and affordability of healthcare services. Students will analyze evidence-based
approaches to tackle contemporary healthcare challenges and enhance public health outcomes.

Health Policy Analysis Frameworks

Public Health Policy and Global Reform Landscape

Healthcare Systems Models, Constitutional/Legal Frameworks, Doctor-Patient Relations

Healthcare Affordability, Financing and Insurance

Healthcare Reform and Access to Care

Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation

Global Health Challenges and Policy Responses

26
Elective 5 - Climate Resilience Policy

This elective explores policies aimed at enhancing climate resilience and sustainability. Students will
engage with ethical leadership principles to design evidence-based strategies that mitigate climate
risks, promote environmental stewardship, and support sustainable development goals. Topics such
as climate change science, resilience strategies, sustainable land use, climate governance,
environmental justice, climate activism, and policy implementation will be discussed.

Understanding Climate Change Science.

Climate Resilience Strategies and Adaptation Measures.

Sustainable Land Use and Urban Planning.

Climate Governance and International Agreements.

Environmental Justice and Equity.

Climate activism, role of communities and governments.

Case Studies in Climate Resilience Policy Implementation.

Elective 6 - Power & Renewable Energies Policy

This elective examines the transition to sustainable energy sources, addressing the economic,
environmental, and social implications of energy policies. Participants will explore ethical
leadership in energy management, emphasizing evidence-based strategies to promote renewable
energy and energy efficiency. Topics such as energy systems, renewable technologies, energy
policy, efficiency measures, sustainable transportation, and energy transition challenges will be
discussed, complemented by case studies in policy implementation.

Overview of Energy Systems and Sources

Renewable Energy Technologies and Innovations

Energy Policy and Regulation

Efficiency and Conservation Measures

Sustainable Transportation Policies

Energy Transition Challenges and Opportunities

Case Studies in Renewable Energy Policy Implementation

27
Semester 2 – Part 3
Capstone Project (8 credits,10 weeks)

It is mandatory for every student enrolled with the ECLPP to do a Capstone Project,
irrespective of the elective that he/she chooses. The Capstone Project aims to demonstrate
the student's mastery of the particular subject or field of study that he/she chooses. Students
will be encouraged to initiate work on the Capstone Project at the beginning of the second
semester, at the time of choosing the Elective. The project would involve research, analysis,
problem-solving, and creative work, and it should reflect the student’s ability to think critically,
communicate effectively, and work independently. The ultimate aim of this Project is to
produce high-quality, original work that contributes to the student’s academic and
professional development. It will be a practical project including a written component, and the
latter would exhibit a student’s research and analytical skills. This culminating project that
integrates and applies the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course, will include
an extended essay or a similar written assignment of 5000 - 6000 words.

Capstone Project Supervisors will be identified by the BALPP will be identified from among the
resource persons who will be teaching in each module.

Contact hours at all sessions will be recorded by the BALPP as per the student and teacher
attendance sheets. It will be the responsibility of each student to prove their involvement in other
subject-related activities with documented evidence and submit to BALPP.

28
 FACULTY
Dr. Nirmal de Silva PhD, FCPM, FABE, FCIM, DBA, MBA, CIMA
Associate Professor, Visiting Lecturer, Curriculum Developer and Thesis Supervisor for Undergraduate
and Postgraduate level programs in a number of local and international universities. Dr. de Silva serves
on the Advisory Board of two education-focused establishments, namely Asia Pacific Institute of
Entrepreneurship Development (IMED) and NANASKA (Pvt) Ltd. He is also a strategy consultant and
award-winning corporate trainer for a number of blue-chip organizations. 

Mr. Chaaminda Kumarasiri FCA, FCCA, FCMA, FMAAT, MBA, B.Sc. Accountancy (Sp.)
Mr. Kumarasiri is a Senior Chartered Accountant, Management Consultant, Keynote Speaker, Business
Advisor and Corporate Trainer, holding senior leadership positions in leading local entities and
multinationals. He is a Fellow member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, The
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants – UK, The Association of Accounting Technician of Sri
Lanka and The Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka. 

Ms. Sankhitha Gunaratne MA (University of Sussex), LLB, Attorney- at-Law.

Ms. Gunaratne currently heads the Governance and Anti-Corruption Division Formerly, Deputy
Executive Director of Transparency International Sri Lanka. Sankhitha is a lawyer and an anti-
corruption activist with a particular focus on the right to information, election campaign finance, asset
declarations and asset recovery. She is a Chevening Scholar.

Dr Ajay Jeyaseelan MBBS, MBA, Dip, MCGP

Psychological Counsellor with extensive experience as a Family Physician and at prestigious hospitals
in Sri Lanka. He is a seasoned professional in business administration, holding an MBA with
international recognition, and is deeply involved in digital technologies, real estate, and management
consultancy. He is also an internationally certified trainor.

Prof Shehan Williams MBBS (Jaffna), MPhil (Kelaniya), MDPsych (Colombo), FRCPsych
(UK), FSLCOP.
He is a Professor in Psychiatry in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. He is a
Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists UK and the Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists. He is a past
President of the Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists and currently the President of the SAARC Psychiatric
Federation. He has also been a consultant to the Office of National Unity and Reconciliation under the
President of Sri Lanka to help in rebuilding a peaceful and tolerant Sri Lanka between 2011 – 2015. 

29
 Dr. Pavithra Jayawardena BA (Colombo) MA (Colombo) PhD (Wellington)
Currently a senior lecturer at the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Arts, University of
Colombo, She currently teaches an introductory course for International Relations, Geopolitics, South
Asia, Advanced Theories of IR and Research Methodology at the undergraduate level and critical
theories in International Relations, Gender, Migration and Research Methodology at the postgraduate
level.

Ms. Aneetha Warusavitarana MPhil (University of Cambridge), BSc (University of London)

Ms. Aneetha Warasavitarana recently graduated from the University of Cambridge with an MPhil in Public
Policy. She has a background in research, management and advocacy, having worked as an Analyst and
Research Manager at the Advocata Institute. In addition, she has experience working in government, as
an Analyst at the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs.

Dr. Ramesh Ramasamy BA (Hons), MRDP, PhD

Dr. Ramasamy is a senior lecturer in Political Science at the University of Peradeniya. His research
interests are largely on quality of governance, corruption, institutional trust, public service delivery and
minority rights. He teaches governance, public policy, human rights, development administration and
research methodology at both bachelors and postgraduate levels over the last ten years. He has
coordinated governance and trust surveys in Sri Lanka (2015 and 2020) under NORHED project on Policy
and Governance Studies in South Asia.

Mr. Dhananath Fernando BSc (University of Colombo)

Mr. Dhananath Fernando is currently the chief executive officer of Advocata Institute, an economic policy
think tank in Sri Lanka, where he is a founder member. Previously he held the position of Associate
Research Director at Breakthrough Business Intelligence, a leading market research agency in Sri Lanka
and as an Executive at MAS Holdings a leading apparel exporter in Sri Lanka/Asia. Dhananath is also a
curator and founding member of AK Lit Fest, a trilingual literary festival dedicated to showcasing local
authors of Sri Lanka. He is also a member of Tik Tok Safety advisory council for South Asia.

Dr. Roshan Perera BA, MA (University of Colombo), MPA – Public Policy Analysis (Harvard
Kennedy School), PhD (Melbourne), Edward A. Mason Fellow
Dr Roshan Perera is a public policy specialist with more than 20 years experience in formulating and
implementing monetary and fiscal policy. She also has expertise in regulating and supervising financial
institutions and in helping strengthen approaches to managing risks. She was a Director at the Central
Bank of Sri Lanka and is presently a Senior Research Fellow at the Advocata Institute, an independent
policy think tank. 

30
 Mr. Asela Waidyalankara LLB and LLM (RANEPA), BBA (Staffordshire University)
Mr.Asela Waidyalankara who received his LLB and LLM from the Russian Presidential Academy of
National Economy and Public Administration is a cyber-security thought leader based in Sri Lanka, with
more than a decade of experience in progressive technology, digital strategy and policy. He received
his BBA from the University of Staffordshire in 2008. Garnering qualifications in legal and technical
spheres, Asela works to bring Cyber Security essentials to society.

Ms. Gayani Hurulle MPP (National University of Singapore), BSc (University of London)
Gayani is a Senior Research Manager at LIRNEasia. In her work, she has led mixed-methods research
projects, supported the drafting of national policies and regulations, and facilitated capacity building
programmes for government. Her work lies at the intersection of economic development, policy, and
the use of digital technologies, applied in varied areas including poverty and social protection, digital
access and use, and digital taxation. She is also currently working as a consultant at the World Bank,
with the Digital Development, and Social Protection and Labour practices.

Mr. Senith Abeyanayake MSc (University of Oxford), BSc (University of London), Bachelor
of Laws (Colombo)
Senith is a Research Associate/Programme Manager at Centre for a Smart Future (CSF). Previously he
has been a Research Assistant for International Growth Centre (IGC) and Assistant Analyst at Verité
Research. He is a Chevening Scholar. 

Mr. Talal Rafi Bsc (University of East London)

Talal Rafi is an Economist and a Regular Columnist for the International Monetary Fund. He is an
Expert Member of the World Economic Forum, and he was a member of the Deloitte Global Economist
Network. He is an Economics Fellow at the British think tank Oxford Global Society. He is a Visiting
Lecturer at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Mr. Thilan Wijesinghe BSc (State University of New York), BSc , BA (Cornell University)
Thilan specializes in investment banking and real estate. Thilan was a cofounder of Asia
Capital PLC, Sri Lanka's largest investment bank in the 1990s. Upon exiting his shareholding, he
functioned as the youngest ever Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka. From 2017
to 2019, Thilan served the Finance Ministry in an honorary capacity as the founding Chairman
of the National Agency for Public Private Partnership. 

Mr. Thulith Edirisinghe BSc (MIT)

Thulith is a Mechanical Engineer from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA and a UWC
Atlantic college alumni. He has experience of working in five countries across four continents,
in diverse industries such as AI, E-commerce, Education, Renewable energy, Agriculture and
even Biotech. Thulith strives to leverage his diverse expertise for a positive change, and
founded and leads Meu Labs which teaches STEM-related programs to teachers and students.

31
 Mr. Thilina Panduwawala MSc (Colombo) , BSc (University of London)
Thilina Panduwawala is currently Senior Macroeconomist at Frontier Research, a Colombobased
macro-research firm. Previously he was a Consultant to the ADB's Sri Lanka Resident Mission. He
holds a Master of Financial Economics from the University of Colombo and a BSc in International
Relations from the University of London International Programmes. His publications have focused on
Chinese and Indian lending to Sri Lanka, and ongoing research is focused on Sri Lanka's sovereign
default. 

Mr. Rohan Edirisinha LLB (Colombo), LLM (University of California, Berkeley)

Mr. Rohan Edrisinha served as a Senior Political Officer and Constitutional Advisor in the Department
of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) of the United Nations from March 2016 to December
2023. He served as the constitutional advisor to UNDP Nepal and the head of its constitution support
programme from 2011 to 2014. He taught at the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo from 1986 to
2011, the Faculty of Law, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, in 1995, and was a visiting
fellow at Harvard University (2005) and the University of Toronto (2009). He was a founder Director
and Head of the Legal and Constitutional Unit of the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), Sri Lanka,
from 1996 to 2010.

Ms. Kavindya Thennakoon BA (Wellesley College, USA), MA (Stanford University)

Ms. Kavindya Thennakoon is a Sri Lankan community development and youth activist. She co-founded
‘Without Borders’, an initiative which is a grassroots effort to improve capacity building, language
skills, and personal development opportunities for youth living in areas of high unemployment. She
specializes in early childhood education and education reform study and founded ‘Tilli’, a novel
education start-up focusing social emotional learning in young children. 

Ms. Neema Jayasinghe MPhil (University of Cambridge)

Neema Jayasinghe pursued her bachelor’s in education, Policy, and International Development at the
University of Cambridge, followed by an MPhil degree in Education, Globalization, and International
Development, also at Cambridge. Currently, she is employed by Cambridge University Press and
Assessment, where she focuses on academic textbooks and is undergoing training in educational
assessment. In her previous roles, Neema worked as a researcher for Educational Consultancy Jigsaw
and the Cambridge Edtech Hub, specializing in impact assessment of Educational Technology. Her
contributions earned her the prestigious Cambridge Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Social Impact,
which is bestowed upon one master’s student each year.

32
 Mr. Harshana Perera LLB (Colombo), Attorney at Law of the Supreme Court, CIMA (UK),
MBA
Mr. Harshana Perera, an accomplished lawyer, management accountant, and educator, embarked on
a distinguished career marked by excellence. With expertise in labor law, industrial relations, and HR
development, he served as an advisor to numerous organizations and represented Sri Lanka
internationally. Transitioning to education, he held leadership roles in prestigious institutions, driving
academic and infrastructural advancements. Notably, as Principal of Gateway College Colombo, he
fostered a culture of academic excellence and unity. In 2017, he assumed the role of Principal at Asian
International School, continuing his legacy of transformative leadership in education. 

Dr. Nishara Mendis LL.B (Colombo) , LL.M (Yale Law School) , PhD (Maastricht University)
Dr. Nishara Mendis received her LL.B (Hons, First Class) from the University of Colombo and LL.M from
Yale Law School and her PhD from Maastricht University, The Netherlands. She is currently reading for
an MA in English Studies at the University of Colombo. She was formerly a Senior Lecturer (tenured,
permanent post) in the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, where she taught
International Law topics for undergraduates and Human Rights topics at the Postgraduate level (2003-
2022). Since February 1st 2024, she is the Director/Research at BCIS.

Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda MPhil (University of Sussex), BSc (University of London)

Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda is responsible for the discovery and/or description of almost 100 new species
of vertebrates from Sri Lanka, has a number of fish and amphibians named after him, has penned a
number of books, is a Rolex laureate, and most recently, was the recipient of the prestigious Linnean
Medal for Zoology in 2022. 

Prof. Buddhi Marambe M.Agr. and D.Agr. (Hiroshima Univ of Japan) B.Sc (Peradeniya)
Prof. Buddhi Marambe has more than 36 years of experience as an academic attached to the
Department of Crop Science of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Prof.
Marambe has won the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the International Weed Science
Society (IWSS) in 2022 for the contribution made to field of Weed Science. His research interests
include weed science, climate change adaptation, and food security.

Dr Terney Pradeep Kumara Ph.D. (University of Kalmar, Sweden) , B.Sc Hons (Ruhuna, SL)

Dr. Terney Pradeep Kumara is the head of the department at Department of Oceanography and
Marine Geology, University of Ruhuna. He hold a Ph.D from University of Kalmar, Sweden and B.Sc
(Honors) in Zoology (Ruhuna, SL) . He is PADI certified diver at Dive Master level and an underwater
photographer with immense experience exploring reefs. 

33
 Mr. Vinod Malwatte MSc (University of Colorado), BSc Macalester College, USA.
As a conservationist, Vinod is interested in the convergence of conservation and responsible
development. His primary interests lie in the management of mixed-use landscapes that border the
Protected Area network and how local communities, that act as custodians of these lands, can be
incorporated into conservation interventions. Vinod is the Executive Director of the Lanka Environment
Fund, Co-Founder of The Parrotfish Collective, a Trustee of the Federation of Environmental
Organizations (FEO) and is on the Panel of Judges for the Chamber of Commerce's Best Sustainability
Awards at its annual Best Corporate Citizen Awards

Dr Ananda Malawatantri PhD, MSc (Washington State University) , BSc (Col)

Dr. Ananda Mallawatantri is an experienced Sri Lankan professional in project management, multi-
sector and multi-stakeholder partnerships, research, education, and sustainable development. Ananda
has held notable positions at prestigious organizations such as USAID, serving as Senior Advisor in
Environment and Energy and Country Director for USAID/US-Asia Environment Partnership Program in
Sri Lanka, and with UNDP Sri Lanka, as Assistant Resident Representative and Team Leader for
Environment, Energy, and Disaster Risk Management, in Sri Lanka. He also contributed as the Country
Representative for International Union for Conservation of Nature in Sri Lanka. After over 20 years in
international development, Dr. Mallawatantri presently serves as the Advisor to the President of Sri
Lanka on Environment, Climate Change and Green Finance.

Prof Panduka Karunanayake MBBS (NCMC), MD Medicine (Col.), FRCP (Lon.), FCCP (SL)
Professor Panduka Karunanayake is a specialist in General (Internal) Medicine, with an interest in
clinical infectious diseases. He has published original research on leptospirosis, dengue, visceral
leishmaniasis, and brucellosis. Panduka is a SEDA Recognised Teacher and has won the Faculty’s
Teacher Excellence Award. In the past he has been chairperson of the Infectious & Parasitic Disease
Module; Secretary of the Curriculum Development & Evaluation Committee; Faculty Student
Counsellor; Secretary of the Board of Study in Medicine at the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine; co-
editor of University of Colombo Review; and Director of the University of Colombo Staff Development
Centre. 

Dr. Ruvan Weerasinghe PhD, M.Sc. (University of Wales College of Cardiff), B.Sc. (Cmb)
Dr. Ruvan Weerasinghe, with a Mathematics and Statistics degree from the University of Colombo,
transitioned to IT and Computer Science through UK postgraduate studies. A key figure in Sri Lanka's
ICT landscape, he spearheaded internet introduction and trained network personnel globally. His
academic tenure spans IT education while his research focuses on Human Language Processing,
Statistical approaches, and Machine Translation.

34
 Prof. Hemanthi Ranasinghe B.Sc. (Hons), M. Sc. (USJ), Ph.D. (Wales), C. I. Biol. (Sri Lanka)
With over 20 years of experience as a Chartered Environmental Professional, she has contributed as a
Consultant, Researcher, and Trainer in Ontario and globally. Her extensive work spans various
countries, collaborating with prestigious international organizations like the World Bank and the United
Nations. Leading diverse teams, she has conducted environmental assessments across a spectrum of
projects including transportation, water supply, renewable energy, and forestry. Certified in ISO 14001
and FSC auditing, her expertise encompasses Environmental Impact and Site Assessments, Ecological
Impact, Water Management, and Climate Change. Recognized as the 'Professional Woman of the
Year 2000' by the Women's Chamber of Commerce, she bridges academia and industry to foster
sustainable practices and drive business growth through environmental stewardship. 

Mr. Johann Peiris MA (New York University), BA (Ithaca College)

Mr. Johann Peiris is a sociologist, researcher and musician. He received his BA from Ithaca College and
MA in Sociology of Education from New York University. Equipped with 8 years of involvement with
history-related programmes and initiatives, he hopes to continue being actively engaged in platforms
that allow critical dialogue on history and memory. He currently oversees the work areas of education
at the Collective for Historical Dialogue and Memory (CHDM). In addition to his work on history, he is a
frequent performer with the Chamber Music Society of Colombo. 

Dr. M. Aruna Devanmini Rabel M.B.B.S, M.Sc (Medical Administration), MBA.

Hospital and Healthcare System Management Specialist with extensive expertise in both public and
private sectors in Sri Lanka and international healthcare systems. Skilled in healthcare strategy
planning, health system financing, and revenue cycle management. A leader in healthcare
management system transformation, digital innovation, and cost optimization, with certification as an
International Hospital Accreditation Assessor and proficiency in human resources planning and
development

Mr. Parakrama Jayasinghe BSc Eng (Hons) University of Peradeniya

As a former engineer and as the current president of Bioenergy Association of Sri Lanka, Mr.
Jayasignhe supports EFL with projects related to bioenergy. His projects at the moment involves
development of bio mass, engineering design and installation of steam turbine power generation
system and help design fabrication and installation of coir fibre pith screening, drying and briquetting
and other processing machinery. 

35
 Prof. Roshan G. Ragel BSc Eng (Hons) University of Peradeniya
Dr. Ragel is a distinguished Professor in Computer Engineering at the University of Peradeniya,
appointed as a Senior Lecturer in 2007 and promoted to Professor in 2017. A Professional Member of
IEEE and ACM, he has co-authored nearly 200 peer-reviewed articles spanning topics like Systems on
Chip, IoT, Bioinformatics, Wearable Computing, and Local Language Text Digitization.

Mr. Piyal Hennayake BA (University of Moratuwa), MBA (Asian Institute of Technology)
Mr. Piyal Hennayake, a seasoned visiting lecturer and consultant, has enriched minds at two
prestigious Sri Lankan universities for over two decades. With 23 years of senior management
experience in premier banks, he excels in areas like Project Finance, Branch Network Management,
and Facilities Management. Renowned for his friendly, confident demeanor and innovative approach,
Mr. Piyal has made significant voluntary contributions to the banking community, serving as President
of the Association of Professional Bankers, Sri Lanka in 2014/15.

Dr. Dileep De Silva PhD, MBA, MSc, MD

Chair Professor of Dental Public Health at the University of Peradeniya, with over 12 years as a senior
lecturer in Health Sciences and 25 years at the Ministry of Health Sri Lanka, including leadership as
Head of the Health Human Resource Division. Holds a PhD in Health Care Management from the
University of Southampton UK, alongside an MBA, MSc., and MD in Public Dental Health. A Chartered
Banker and Health Finance Consultant known for exceptional communication, interpersonal, and
academic prowess. 

Prof. Rose Wijeyesekera LLB, MPhil, PhD

Prof. Wijeyesekera is a Chair Professor of Private and Comparative Law at the University of Colombo,
specializing in Family Law, Children’s Rights, and Gender studies. She has led numerous initiatives on
women's empowerment and legal reforms, earning the Senate Award for Research Excellence in 2017.
She has been a Consultant to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Women and Gender, Parliament
of Sri Lanka, and has served in several Law Reform Committees at national level, including the Advisory
Committee on reforming the Adoption and Foster care Law reform, Law Reform Committee (Children-
definitions) both of which she headed, and Family Law Reform Committee and National the
Committee which recommended the introduction of law to the national school curriculum.

Prof. Deepika Udagama LLB, LLM (University of Colombo), LLM JSD in international human
rights law (University of California at Berkeley, USA)

Prof. Nelum Deepika Udagama is currently the Chair Professor of Law and Head, Department of Law,
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. In 1991 she founded the Centre for the Study of Human Rights
(CSHR) at the University of Colombo. She served as the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission
of Sri Lanka (October 2015 – August, 2020).

36
 Mr. Travis Gomez CFA
Travis is currently an associate director of Uzabase Inc. where he leads the custom research
function of the SPEEDA Edge platform, where he delivers besoke research on emerging
technologies and manages a team of analysts oversseing a range of industries including
Generative AI, Marketing & Sales, and workplace automation. Travis previously managed the
new curation and sector research team at Frontier Research (Pvt) Ltd. Travis is also a Director
and office bearer of the CFA Society of Sri Lanka and leads the CFA Society Candidate
Outreach initiative. Under Travis’s leadership, in 2021 the Candidate Council won the Impact
and Innovations award, a global award which recognizes innovation and excellence conferred
by the CFA Institute. Travis also became the first Sri Lankan CFA Charter holder to win the CFA
Institute’s Outstanding Young Leader award in 2022.

Dr. Thushari P Silva PhD (City University of Hong Kong), MSc (Asian Institute of
Technology, Thailand), BSc (Kelaniya)
With over 15 years of teaching and research experience at BSc, MSc, and PhD levels at the University
of Moratuwa, Dr. Silva has published over 40 journal and conference papers in reputed journals and
indexed conferences. Their research focuses on applying explainable artificial intelligence techniques
for personalizing products and services in the digital economy. Demonstrating excellence in teamwork,
they have four years of experience as a Director of LK Domain Registry, Sri Lanka, and have served as
the president of the Sri Lanka Association for Artificial Intelligence.

37
 SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS
Mr Murtaza Jafferjee MSc (University of Colombo), CFA, BSc
Mr. Jafferjee is an investment professional with over 25 years of industry experience. He has previously
been a director of the Colombo Stock Exchange, Nations Trust Bank and Serendib Hotels PLC. He was
a past president of CFA Society of Sri Lanka, the local member society of the CFA Institute and also
held the advocacy chair whose responsibilities include promoting good ethical practices. He is also a
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

Prof Arjuna Parakrama BA (University of Peradeniya), MA (University of Georgia), PhD

(University of Pittsburgh)
Prof Parakrama has teaching and research experience in universities in three continents, with brief
assignments in another three; extensive regional experience; 35 years of opinion leadership as a Sri
Lankan academic and administrator; serving as an international UN adviser, consultant, and expert for
over twenty years, working with UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCHR and UN DESA among others

Dr Sanjiva Weerawarana PhD (Purdue), BSc (Kent), MSc (Kent)

Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana is a CEO, software developer and open-source software evangelist. He is
known for his work on Web Services standards including WSDL, BPEL, and WSAddressing. He is the
founder, chairman and CEO of WSO2, an open-source middleware company, and creator of the
Ballerina programming language.

Dr Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu PhD (London School of Economics and Political Science)

Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu is the founder Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Alternatives
(CPA), a member of the Foreign Policy Advisory Group and of the Board of the Lakshman Kadirgamar
Institute for International and Strategic Studies. He has presented papers on governance and peace in
Sri Lanka at a number of international conferences and is widely quoted in the international and local
media.

Dr Anila Dias Banadaranaike PhD (London School of Economics and Political Science)
A former Assistant Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr. Anila Dias Bandaranaike has also
served as the monetary authorities’ Director of Statistics and of Bank Supervision. Before joining the
Central Bank in October 2007, she was a postdoctoral Research Fellow at Harvard University. And
following her retirement, she served on the Council of the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL).

38
 Dr Sanjana Hattotuwa B.A. English (Hons) from Delhi University, Master of International
Studies (MIS) from The University of Queensland, Doctor of Philosophy – PhD from the
University of Otago
Dr. Sanjana Hattotuwa is currently the Research Director of the Disinformation Project in New Zealand.
Awarded fellowships by the Ashoka and Rotary World Peace Foundation, he was the first TED Fellow
from Sri Lanka. Since 2001, he has been at the forefront of pioneering the integration of technology
into peacebuilding initiatives. In 2007, he founded and curated Ground views, Sri Lanka’s first citizen
journalism website, until June 2020. His expertise extends beyond Sri Lanka and South Asia, covering
extensive work in five continents over two decades. He has worked on civic media, information
disorders, new media literacy, web activism, digital security, and online advocacy. 

Ms. Indira Malwatte Combined Degree in Economics and Geography (University of

Peradeniya)
She has 40 years of experience in serving the Government both internationally and locally as a Top
Export Promotion Officer facilitating exports and hands on experience as a COO serving in the private
sector and exporting a highly perishable product and entering new and demanding markets where the
Company had the honour of being the first Agricultural entity in Sri Lanka to be Global GAP Certified.
She has an in-depth knowledge of multi-sectors ranging from Industrial, Agricultural and Services in
Supply Chain Management and International Marketing. Ms. Indira Malwatte has served as the focal
point on a number of World Bank, ITC, GIZ, CBI and JETRO export development projects. She has also
served a number of Government and Private Sector Boards and undertaken a number of product
development and export-related consultancies.

Prof. Savitri Goonesekera MA (Harvard), BSc (University of Peradeniya)

Professor Goonasekara is one of the most eminent jurists in Sri Lanka and a social activist. She has
done outstanding research on gender studies and human rights in South Asia. She was the first female
Professor of Law to be appointed at the Open University of Sri Lanka in 1983. She worked as the first
female Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo from 1999 until 2002.

Mr Prashan de Visser MA (University of Notre Dame), BA (Gordon College)

Prashan De Visser is the founder of Sri Lanka Unites and Global Unites, youth movements for
reconciliation. His book, ‘Phoenix Generation: From the Ashes, a New Generation Dares to Transform
Their Nations’, is based on the experiences and lessons learnt over 15 years of working in
peacebuilding, reconciliation and youth leadership initially in Sri Lanka and later elsewhere in Asia,
Africa and Latin America. He currently leads the political organization United Centenary Front.

39
 Mr Deepal Sooriaayarchchi MBA (University of Sri Jayawardenepura)
Mr. Deepal Sooriyaarachchi has over 30 years’ experience in Sales, Advertising, Marketing, Human
Resources Development and Strategy with extensive experience in the field of Insurance. Fellow
member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing UK and Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing. 

Dr Nishan de Mel MPhil (University of Oxford), BA (Harvard)

Nishan de Mel is the Executive Director of Verité Research (Pvt) Limited, a think tank providing
analytical research and advisory services on economic, political and legal issues in Sri Lanka and Asia.
He is an economist with extensive academic, policy and private sector experience. 

Ms Radhika Hettiarachchi MSc (LSE)

Ms. Radhika Hettiarachchi is a development practitioner and researcher working on Socioeconomic
Stability, conflict transformation and peace-building. She has worked on tsunami recovery with the
United Nations Development Programme and peacebuilding through business, ‘peaconomics’, with
International Alert. She is involved in the Arts in Sri Lanka as a means of creating space for civil society
discourses. She was the curator of Colomboscope, which focused on tackling issues of history,
representation and politics through various forms of art. 

Prof. Sarath Kotagama PhD (University of Aberdeen, Scotland) , BSc Zoology Hon (Cmb)
He is a Sri Lankan ornithologist and environmentalist. He is a Professor Emeritus and former head of
the Department of Zoology, University of Colombo. Prof Kotagama is the founder of the field
ornithology group of Sri Lanka (1976). Prof Kotagama has contributed immensely towards the policy
planning of the government by authoring many guidelines on nature and wildlife. Amongst them The
National Wildlife Policy (1990), National Wetland Conservation Policy (1997), and the Strategy for the
Preparation of National Biodiversity Action Plan for Sri Lanka (1994) are considered significant. 

Mr. Mano Sekaram

Mano Sekaram is a seasoned tech entrepreneur, renowned as the Founder and Chairman of 99x
Technology Sri Lanka. Previously, Mano served as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Association of
Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM), the apex body of the IT/BPM sector. His influence
extends into Sri Lanka's startup ecosystem through his roles in the Lankan Angel Network (LAN) and
Lanka Angel Fund, where he holds the position of Chairman Emeritus. Currently, Mano serves as a
Board Member of the David Pieris Group, a prominent privately-owned conglomerate, and sits on the
Board of the Sri Lanka Technological Campus (SLTC), a leading private university in the country. His
dedication to nurturing talent and promoting academic excellence is evident through his past
involvement as a Council and Board member of the University of Jaffna and the University of Colombo
School of Computing (UCSC).

40
 Prof Prathap Bhanu Mehtha PhD in Politics from Princeton University, PPE from Oxford
Prof. Pratap Bhanu Mehta is a former head of the Center for Policy Research, a leading think tank in
India. He was the Vice Chancellor of Ashoka University. He is a Professor at NYU School of Law and
visiting Professor of Government/Harvard University. His policy experience includes being Convenor of
the Prime Minister of India's Knowledge Commission (2005-2007) and member of India’s National
Security Advisory Board. He is also an editorial consultant to the Indian Express. He is the author of The
Burden of Democracy (Penguin 2003) and has produced several edited volumes. He is (most recently)
co-editor with Madhav Khosla and Sujit Choudhary of The Oxford Handbook to the Indian Constitution.

Prof. Jayadeva Uyangoda PhD in Political Science, B. A in Political Science

Professor Uyangoda possesses an extensive record of research and academic publications, locally and
internationally. His research and publications have been mainly on Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict, minority
rights, conflict and peace processes, democratization and state reform in Sri Lanka. Several of his
books, many book chapters and journal articles published in Sri Lanka and abroad. He has also held
senior administrative positions in the educational sector. He was a member of the Council of the
University of Jaffna (2018-2019), a member of the Governing Board, of the National Institute of
Education (2018-2019), Chairman of the Academic Affairs Board of the National Institute of Education
(2018-2019) and a member of the Academic Board of the Bandaranaike Centre for International
Studies (BCIS).

41
VII

The Bandaranaike Academy for Leadership & Public Policy is the first
and premiere institute for leadership and public policy in Sri lanka,
established with a vision to create the next generation of ethical
socially responsible effective leaders.

Visit us : Block 4, Bmich. Bauddhaloka Mawatha,

Colombo
For more information : www. balpp. com
Contact Us : [email protected]
071 231 0648