About the Author

Srimal Fernando is a Doctoral Fellow at Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA), India. Fernando was the recipient of the prestigious O.P. Jindal scholarship to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Affairs on “Political and Economic Integration in South Asia: A Prerequisite for Regional Community Building”. He is also the Advisor / Global Editor of Diplomatic Society for South Africa and, the winner of the 2018/2019 ‘Best Journalist of the Year’ award in South Africa .He has been the recipient of many other accolades for his journalistic work over the years including the GCA Media Awards for 2016. Having graduated with a Masters of Philosophy (M.Phil.) degree in Sociology from the South Asian University (SAU) in India, he was a South Asian University (SAU) Scholarship holder awarded under the SAARC umbrella spanning 8 regional countries in 2016 His former positions and experience include the handling of media and publications as a Publication Assistant /Press Officer to the Office of the Former President of Sri Lanka H.E Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga at the Presidential Secretariat as well as a Visiting Lecturer and International Speaker for several reputed academic institutions. A highly skilled analyst, he has undertaken various roles over the years; as Regional Advisor to International Alert UK Peace Building –INGO, he headed the Business for Peace Alliance, a consortium of 25 Regional Bossiness Chambers of Commerce during the Sri Lanka conflict period. He has also, in the past, undertaken the effective coordination of EU, UN and INGO funded projects and has been a key thought leader in the Multi party Political dialogue process in Sri Lanka. Over the years, as an Advisor, he has worked with policy makers for various peace building and conflict resolution initiatives that include working on the Post conflict Human Development Index (HDI) Report after the liberation of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. In the field of politics, and Policy affairs, Fernando is a specialist, with over ten years of first hand experience in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Upon completion of his Doctoral studies , it is his aspiration to pursue a career in politics and to steer his island nation towards the path of a new and robust foreign policy.