Naomi Gunasekara

Naomi has worked with UK and Sri Lankan media as a reporter/sub editor, including BBC World Service, where she doubled as a presenter and translator.

Naomi obtained a BA (Hons) degree in Mass Communication, Sociology and English in Sri Lanka and holds a MA in International Journalism from City University London (Sky News Trish Ennis Fellow). She is on the Roll of Attorneys-at-Law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, and is an Attorney-at-Law with a London-based Immigration Law practice.

As a Skillset Millennium Awards Fellow (2003-04), Naomi produced the documentary, “A Cure for Vitiligo”, which is showcased at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

When she came to the Program, Naomi was in search of ways in which she could fully utilize her skills and experience. The Foundation’s former president, Harry Parnass, was extremely helpful, she says. “I took on board some of his suggestions and have sought his advice from time to time.”

Naomi audited classes on South Asian Politics; “It was important to gain an academic insight into the conflicts/political tensions that I dealt with on a daily basis as a reporter.” “Custodian of Death: Sri Lanka Police” was written during her stay in Canada. Naomi helped produce a brochure for McGill’s Department of Architecture on their “Making the Edible Landscape Project”, and wrote an article for the Sri Lankan Sunday Times about the attempts to regenerate a Colombo slum through urban agriculture. She also attended a lecture by fellow Sri Lankan, Dr Radhika Coomaraswamy, and interviewed her for The Sunday Times.

Testimonials: 

“We had a variety of speakers and lively discussions. The Scholars brought a wealth of experience. The Program was a wonderful opportunity to learn about different cultures and forge friendships beyond the seas. It was a truly serendipitous experience.”