Rishini Weeraratne

Editor, The Sun (Sri Lanka)

Rishini Weeraratne is a prominent figure in Sri Lanka’s media industry, with an impressive portfolio spanning journalism, digital media, and content strategy. As the Editor of The Sun (Sri Lanka) and The Weekend Online at the Daily Mirror, she plays a pivotal role in shaping thought-provoking and engaging content. In her capacity as Head of Social Media at Wijeya Newspapers Limited, she oversees the social media strategy for leading platforms, including Daily Mirror Online, Lankadeepa Online, Tamil Mirror Online, HI!! Online, Daily FT Online, Times Online, WNow English, and WNow Sinhala. Beyond her editorial work, Rishini is the author of ‘She Can,’ a widely followed weekly column celebrating the stories of empowered women in Sri Lanka and beyond. Her writing extends to fashion, events, lifestyle, world entertainment news, and trending global topics, reflecting her versatile approach to journalism. Recognized for her contributions to digital media, Rishini was honoured with the Top50 Professional and Career Women’s Global Award in 2023 for Leadership in Digital Media in Sri Lanka by Women in Management. Under her guidance, her team has achieved significant accolades, including Social Media House of the Year (2020, New Generation Awards), Youth Corporate Award (2021, New Generation Awards) and the Silver Award from YouTube for both Daily Mirror Online and Lankadeepa Online. Currently, Rishini divides her time between London and Colombo, continuing to drive innovation in media while championing powerful storytelling across multiple platforms.

Shaleeka Jayalath

Shaleeka Jayalath is an experienced educator and writer with a strong passion for learning beyond the classroom. She previously collaborated with Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. to create The Education Hour with Shaleeka Jayalath, a 12-part online series exploring innovative approaches to education. Her academic expertise is reflected in her published works, including Algebra for O’Levels (Sarvodaya Vishva Lekha Publications, 1999), a comprehensive textbook designed for O-Level students. She has also written insightful articles for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, such as The True Meaning of Scenario Analysis (2005) and MCDA: Putting the Numbers into the Intangible (2003). Her work reflects a deep commitment to education, analytical thinking, and the broader dissemination of knowledge.

Zara Esufally

At 15, she knew psychology was her calling. Over a decade later; equipped with two degrees and extensive hands-on experience; her passion for mental health advocacy remains as strong as ever. Revamping Sri Lanka’s mental health landscape is more urgent than ever. We must prioritize awareness, implement evidence-based policies, and establish frameworks that uphold best practices. While achieving these goals requires significant effort, meaningful change often begins with a single conversation. This is why she created Mind the Gap; a column dedicated to exploring diverse mental health topics within both local and global contexts. Through these discussions, she hopes to inspire a shift in attitudes and approaches to psychosocial well-being, paving the way for lasting progress.

Sahitra Ukwatte

Sahitra Ukwatte is an experienced digital and content marketer currently working for a U.S.-based company, as well as a freelance writer with a passion for uncovering both the hidden and well-known corners of Sri Lanka. A Colombo native and an English Literature graduate from the University of Edinburgh, she finds joy in beachside escapes, reading, music, experimenting in the kitchen, and, of course, crafting the perfect pun.

Humaira Azeem

Humaira Azeem holds a BSc in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Nottingham and an MSc in Obesity and Clinical Nutrition from University College London. Registered with the Sri Lankan Medical Council (SLMC), she is dedicated to combating weight stigma and promoting compassionate, non-judgmental approaches to health and nutrition. She understands the significant role that food plays in our culture and is passionate about helping people develop a healthy relationship with food. Her approach is rooted in recognizing that each individual’s journey to wellness is unique. Her mission is to promote evidence-based practices and encourage a compassionate, sustainable approach to nutrition and well-being.

Dr. Sulochana Segera

Dr. Sulochana Segera is a visionary leader, advocate, and changemaker with over two decades of dedicated work in women’s empowerment, gender equity, and leadership development. As the Founder and Chairperson of Women in Management (WIM), she has spearheaded initiatives that recognize and elevate women in business, careers, and leadership roles. With a strong background in corporate human resource development, training, and strategic leadership, Dr. Segera has been instrumental in shaping policies and programs that drive women’s advancement. Her expertise spans human capital development, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training, as well as mentorship for women entrepreneurs and professionals, making a lasting impact on the corporate and entrepreneurial landscape.

Anshu Bahanda

Anshu Bahanda is the founder of Wellness Curated (www.wellnesscurated.life), a digital media platform and podcast series, dedicated to promoting holistic well-being and helping individuals lead healthier, more balanced lives. With a passion for wellness, Anshu brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the areas of mental health, physical well-being, and mindful living. As a columnist for Daily Mirror, Anshu shares insightful content that inspires readers to embrace healthier lifestyles, offering practical advice and personal reflections on wellness trends, self-care practices, and ways to maintain balance in the modern world. Driven by a commitment to improving lives through holistic wellness, Anshu continues to empower individuals with the tools and knowledge to lead their best, healthiest lives.

Thaliba Cader

Thaliba Cader, a young woman with short hair and towering ambitions, discovered her passion for molecular biology at age twenty. Now an undergraduate at the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, she has long found solace in writing; journaling daily since she was twelve. With each passing day, she edges closer to turning her words into a published book, a milestone she sees as the true measure of a life well lived (procrastination included).

Yashmitha Sritheran

Yashmitha Sritheran is a passionate writer with a flair for sharing captivating stories and insights with the world. Writing is her true passion, and she loves creating content that is engaging, dynamic, and full of energy. By day, Yashmitha works as a social media executive, where she crafts attention-grabbing content that resonates with audiences. She is also pursuing a Higher Diploma in Computing and Data Analytics to expand her skill set and stay ahead in the digital landscape. Yashmitha is excited to share her thoughts, reviews, and discoveries with her audience, and she looks forward to inspiring and engaging with them through her work.

Minoli Ratnayake

Minoli Ratnayake is a well-established media and journalism figure in Sri Lanka, widely recognized as a trailblazer in the industry. She has served as Publisher and Editor of Adoh!, Confetti, Cars & Gadgets, and Homes & Property magazines, making significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s media landscape. Her influence extends to television, where she gained prominence as the host of Home Gourmet and Power Women on Vanguard and ETV. Beyond media, she has an extensive background in PR and communications, having managed campaigns for Saman Villas, Belvedere, Cotton Collection, CIMB Bank (Malaysia), Royal Enfield (India), Crocodile Clothing, Hennessy and Chandon, to name a few. Minoli’s expertise also spans consultancy, working with brands such as Cinnamon Life Residencies, Phillips Avent, Playmais, Sugar Beach, Sugar41, and Sugar Bistro. She is also a Director of the Colombo Lifestyle Co.

Amantha Perera

Amantha Perera is a no-nonsense marketer, content creator, and founder of his own marketing company. Known for his raw and unfiltered takes, he has built a following of over 200K by telling it like it is. In his column with The Sun, he breaks down Sri Lanka’s marketing landscape; calling out the bad, applauding the good, and keeping it real.

Meera Santiapillai

Meera is an editor at a publisher in the UK. She reads many genres of books but especially enjoys fantasy and cosy crime, with the occasional non-fiction title has thrown in. When not reading, Meera likes baking and embroidering, usually with mixed results.

Nisindi Jayaratne

With a background in law, Nisindi approaches writing with an analytical mindset, ensuring depth and insight in every piece. As a law undergraduate at the University of London, Nisindi explores the intersections of society, culture, and current affairs. In addition to writing, Nisindi works as a social media intern, gaining first-hand experience in digital engagement and content strategy. Her work includes two columns; one on fashion, examining trends and self-expression, and another on trending topics, offering fresh perspectives on contemporary issues. Through writing, Nisindi aims to inform, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations.

J. Raksha Prasanya

J. Raksha Prasanya is a writer with a passion for uncovering curious facts, history, and cultural insights, as well as exploring unique experiences through her column, Cafe Chronicles. Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in International Business Management, Raksha balances academics with a full-time role as a Social Media Executive, seamlessly blending marketing expertise with storytelling. With a commitment to creating well-researched and compelling content, Raksha aims to engage, inform, and inspire readers. Excited to be part of the team, Raksha looks forward to sharing fresh perspectives and thought-provoking narratives.

Umasha Caldera

Umasha is an undergraduate with a strong interest in both the IT field and the world of media. Passionate about storytelling, digital engagement, and journalism, she enjoys exploring topics that inform and inspire audiences. Her work encompasses content creation, research-driven writing, and analysing trends in social media. Beyond writing, Umasha is also a content creator, curating fashion, food, and travel-related content for a growing online audience. With a background in Business Information Systems, she seamlessly blends analytical thinking with creative expression, making an impact in both tech and media spaces. With a solid foundation in digital communication and a deep enthusiasm for journalism, Umasha is eager to navigate the evolving media landscape while continuing to refine her skills in IT and storytelling.

Anjna Kaur

Anjna Kaur is a prominent fashion columnist for Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror, where her column, “The Fashion Room by Anjna Kaur,” offers readers insightful commentary on contemporary fashion trends and personal style. Her articles cover a diverse range of topics, from seasonal fashion trends to the influence of social media on fashion, providing readers with a comprehensive view of the evolving fashion landscape. Anjna is a post-graduate student at Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design (UK).