Theme: R-Evolution

What occurs when a group of people band together to support a bold notion and launch seemingly limitless possibilities for a better future? A Revolution.

Even the most distant movements have impacted our daily lives, and a spirit of revolution has captured and united many people at home and around the world. Ideas that shape the world today could lead to gradual change or momentary disruption. Driven by this energy, R-evolution investigates the revolutionary potential, challenging modern changemakers to consider the inevitable next step our society must make. How do you usethe means and capacity for revolution in order to further sustainable change and progress?

We looked for answers outside of the usual sources by bringing together multiple voices from very different disciplines.

Colombo
Colombo
Colombo, Kŏḷamba, 00600
Sri Lanka

Ashok Ferrey

Award Winning Author

Armed with a degree in Pure Mathematics from Oxford University Ashok Ferrey found work (naturally) as a labourer on a building site – ending up rather improbably as a South London property developer. When he turned thirty he cashed in his chips and returned to Sri Lanka. Here he continues to design and build. His last project, The Cricket Club Café in Colombo, was nominated for a Geoffrey Bawa Award for Excellence in Architecture. As an antidote to the stress of caring for his cancer-stricken father he turned to writing, at the tender age of 42. He has currently seven books to his credit. The latest – The Unmarriageable Man – recently won Sri Lanka’s Gratiaen Prize. By day Ashok is a personal trainer.

Bhavani Fonseka

Senior Researcher/Attorney at Law, Centre for Policy Alternatives:

Bhavani Fonseka is a highly accomplished Senior Researcher and Attorney at Law at the Centre for Policy Alternatives. Her work revolves around extensive research, national and international advocacy, and public interest litigation, all aimed at assisting victims and affected populations throughout Sri Lanka. Bhavani has been actively involved in legal and policy reforms, public interest litigation (PIL), and various notable publications. As the editor of books like “Elusive Justice & Emblematic Cases in Sri Lanka” (2023), “Transitional Justice in Sri Lanka: Moving Beyond Promises” (2017), and co-editor of “Salient Aspects of Public Interest Litigation Jurisprudence in Sri Lanka” (2023), Bhavani showcases her expertise in legal and human rights matters. Her contributions extend beyond academia, as she served as an adviser to the Consultation Taskforce appointed by the Government of Sri Lanka in 2016 and contributed to the drafting committee for the National Human Rights Action Plan.

Lakmalie Jayaweera

Medical Researcher

Lakmalie Jayaweera is a multi-talented professional excelling in various domains. She is a dental surgeon, attorney at law, professional speaker, blogger, and health administrator. With an extensive background in the public health system of Sri Lanka, Lakmalie has held notable positions such as Deputy Regional Director of Health Services in Anuradhapura and Pollonnaruwa, as well as the COVID-19 Relief Coordinator of the Northern Province. Currently pursuing an MD in Medical Administration at the esteemed Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Lakmalie’s thirst for knowledge and contribution to the field is relentless. Her educational qualifications include a Bachelor’s in Dental Sciences, Attorney at Law certification, Masters in Medical Administration, and she is also pursuing a Doctor of Medicine in Medical Administration.

Orange Mango

Experimental Band

Orange Mango is a musical experience that defies preconceived notions of what music is and transcends predetermined harmonic values. Their goal is to convey the feelings and thoughts of daily life while highlighting the sense of joy contained in the insignificant things that are frequently overlooked. Orange Mango consists of Sarani Perera (guitarist), Uvindu Perera (bassist), Riyal Riffai (bassist), Dinelka Liyanage (sound artist) and Sithija Dilshan (Drummer). Each band member contributes an explosion of original musical ideas to their dynamic genre fusion sound.

Palinda Kannangara

Architect

Palinda Kannangara is an esteemed architect known for his unique approach to design and his deep connection with the natural environment. With a background in Mathematics and Architecture, Palinda’s architectural journey began under the tutelage of Sri Lankan modernist architect Anura Rantavibhushana, who had previously worked closely with Geoffrey Bawa. In 2005, Palinda established his independent practice, Palinda Kannangara Architects. Palinda Kannangara Architects is renowned for creating experiential architecture that embraces simplicity and harmonises with its surroundings. Over the course of 18 years, the firm has garnered numerous national and international accolades, such as the RIBA International Awards for Excellence in Architecture 2018 and 2021, as well as the Geoffrey Bawa Award for Excellence in Architecture 2020/2021. Their exceptional work has also been featured in the esteemed El Croquis monograph 212.

Ryan Rockwood

International Mining Expert

Ryan Rockwood brings over 20 years of extensive experience in the natural resources sector, encompassing roles as a company director, investment banker, and engineer. His expertise lies in corporate strategy, value addition, and organizational development. Having lived and worked in Europe, the USA, Australia, and Africa, Ryan returned to Sri Lanka, his home country, to contribute his international industry experience. Throughout his career, Ryan has collaborated with industry giants such as BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, along with numerous mid-tier companies. He has successfully completed over 20 equity and debt capital raisings, including IPOs, as well as various mergers and acquisition transactions. Ryan has held positions as both an Executive and Non-Executive Director in Australian Stock Exchange listed companies, where he gained valuable insights into corporate governance practices. He also holds a MEng, MA, and BA Hons (double 1st class) from the University of Cambridge.

S.Kisho Kumar

Founder, Organization of Inspire People:

S.Kisho Kumar is a dedicated social activist, independent researcher, and documentary photographer based in Central Sri Lanka. For the past 15 years, he has tirelessly worked to uplift the plantation community, focusing his research on crucial issues such as school dropouts, teenage pregnancies, and challenges faced by migrants. Recently, Kisho organized a thought-provoking documentary photography exhibition titled “Hills of Neglect,” shedding light on the political sensitivity and hardships endured by the plantation community. Kisho’s impact goes beyond research and documentation. He has conducted over 300 capacity-building programs to address school dropouts and provided guidance and counselling to more than 1,500 victims of sexual abuse. Moreover, Kisho launched an innovation lab that empowers individuals from the grassroots level, nurturing them to become social entrepreneurs and innovators.

Sandarangi Perera

Choreographer and Dance Artist

Sandarangi Perera; a Sri Lankan dancer and choreographer, is the founder of Vibe Dance Academy and the current Head of the HipHop Department at The Deanna School of Dancing, two of Colombo’s best-known dance institutions. Starting dance at the age of 9, Sandarangi found her passion for dance first through Kandyan dancing which she trained in for seven years prior to her introduction to Commercial HipHop. With the intention of gaining international-level training and exposure, Sandarangi travelled to Melbourne, Australia in early 2019 for full-time dance training for a period of three months at the Space Dance & Arts Center. The various styles that Sandarangi has been exposed to have heavily influenced her current Commercial dance style and choreography.