Sashikala Wijesiriwardena
Colombo
Summary
Experienced attorney-at-law specializing in international environmental law and policy. Possessing a comprehensive understanding of the field, dedicated to developing effective solutions that prioritize the conservation of biodiversity and natural resources. Committed to addressing critical challenges in Sri Lanka through the formulation of fact-based policies and legislative reforms.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Officer -Ocean Affairs, Environment, and Climate Change Division
THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
10.2020 - 11.2023
- Represented Sri Lanka as part of the four-member delegation to the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice - 31st Session on Expert Discussions on Crimes that Affect the Environment
- Coordinated and organized the side event 'Rediscovering Nitrogen: Solution synergies for climate change, health, biodiversity and circular economy' together with the International Nitrogen Management System (INMS) UK, focused on the nexus between climate and nitrogen waste, as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 26th Conference of the Parties- November 2021
- Coordinated and developed the National Maritime Disaster Preparedness Mechanism for Sri Lanka, together with key stakeholders following the MV-X Press Pearl vessel disaster
- Coordinated and assisted the expert team deployed to Sri Lanka to assess the ecological damage caused by the MV-X Press Pearl vessel disaster by the European Union and United Nations Environment Programme, June 2021
- Facilitated and supported round table discussions with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for collaborations on Maritime Safety and Security related issues - including fisheries crimes, plastic pollution as a crime - and bringing together the relevant stakeholders
- Member of the Sri Lankan delegation to develop the Second Indian Ocean Rim Association Action Plan (2022-2026)
- Member of the team that developed and presented the National Submarine Cables Protection and Resilience Framework, to the Secretary to H.E
- The President, July 2021
- This framework ensures that data cables within Sri Lankan waters are recognized as 'critical infrastructure' in local legislature
- Coordinated with the Government of UK in the lead up to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change COP-26, on two initiatives, the environment and climate change spheres: conservation and sustainable utilization of mangroves and the Colombo Declaration on Sustainable Nitrogen Management
- Carried out several joint activities, including drafting Statements for H.E
- The President
- Developed the national statement and presentation on Sri Lanka's updated Nationally Determined Contributions, which were presented at the virtual conference 'Introduction to COP-26' hosted by the British High Commission, December 2020
- Member of the Sri Lankan delegation to develop the 2nd Action Plan (2022-2026) of the Indian Ocean Rim Association Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security, March 2021
- Developed the Terms of Reference for the Committee established to act as the National Focal Point for the International Seabed Authority
- Organized a Meeting of National Experts in the field of Maritime Safety and Security to strategize the way forward for Sri Lanka, January 2021
- Participated in the Climate Ambition Summit (Virtual), December 2020
Independent Legal Consultant
Independent Legal Consultant
08.2019 - 10.2020
- Conducted an independent study for UNDP, for the 'Partnerships and Innovative Financing to Mainstream Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Management in the Wetland Intermediate Climatic Zones'
- The study focused on current legal arrangements for land management under the Regional Plantation Companies and remaining estate lands under the Land Reform Commission, and the provisions under the lease agreements on land conversion, or conservation of riverine or watershed forests
- It also examined the current laws and acts that support conservation, to understand the legal framework around creating privately managed protected areas on plantations or similar lands
- Conducted independent research into private conservancies and the Privately Protected Areas (PPA) Management Guidelines developed by IUCN, to draft Conservancy Agreements for private landowners
- The Agreements build upon IUCN's existing guidance for protected areas by exploring issues particular to PPAs and private landholders in Sri Lanka
Manager - Litigation
ENVIRONMENTAL FOUNDATION (GUARANTEE) LIMITED
10.2016 - 01.2018
- Legal Counsel to Environmental Foundation (Guarantee) Limited, in public interest litigation
- Areas of work include Environmental Law, Land Law, Human Rights Law, and International Law
- Provided legal opinions and legal advice to aggrieved parties on questions of law arising from violations of the applicable laws and environmental regulations
- Managed and led a team of lawyers in several Supreme Court and Court of Appeal cases, that included environmental damage that was caused by the illegal construction within the Vilaththikulam-Kallaru Forest Reserves, the environmental and human health impacts of the Norochcholai coal power plant, the illegal road within the Wilpattu National Park, and the illegal eco-tourism projects on an ecologically sensitive coral islet
- Represented the organisation and provided advisory opinions in deliberations with government agencies, national policy committees, media briefings, and panel discussions
- Carried out research on environmental policy and regulations for the dissemination of information to relevant stakeholders and Government Departments via publications, seminars, workshops, and other media
- Liaised with relevant Government Departments and other stakeholders such as the Central Environmental Authority, Wildlife and Nature Protection Society, Sustainable Development Authority, Department of Wildlife Conservation, and others, on a regular basis, to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations
State Counsel
ATTORNEY GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT OF SRI LANKA
08.2013 - 09.2016
- Legal Counsel to the Government of Sri Lanka and Government-owned Commercial Entities in Civil and Commercial litigation
- Provided legal opinions to Government Departments such as the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Central Environmental Authority, Forest Department, Ports Authority, Ministry of Finance, other Ministries, and Government-owned business entities on questions of law, policy, and regulations
- Institution of legal action on behalf of the Government, Government Departments, Ministries, and Government-owned Commercial Entities
- Represented the State in the Kegalle, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Ratnapura, and the Western Province circuits in civil and commercial litigation
- Was also tasked with the day-to-day administration and running of these circuits
Associate
NITHYA PARTNERS
02.2013 - 08.2013
- Provided legal advice to publicly quoted companies and financial institutions on corporate matters
- Drafted Shareholder Agreements, Franchise Agreements, and Loan Agreements for corporate entities
- Assisted in the incorporation of corporate entities and their compliance with principles of corporate governance
- Assisted in carrying out comprehensive and strategic legal due diligence exercises for Mergers and Acquisition transactions
Legal Apprentice
ATTORNEY GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT OF SRI LANKA
05.2012 - 11.2012
- Analysed the provisions relating to women's and children's rights in Sri Lanka and assisted in the presentation by the Government of Sri Lanka for an international conference
- Researched the role of the Securities Exchange Commission, its role in the Stock Market, and the Rules of the Stock Exchange
- Analysed the Money Laundering Act and the relevant provisions that required to be amended according to international standards
Legal Analyst
THE SUPREME COURT OF SRI LANKA
10.2010 - 11.2012
- Liaised between Justice S.Tilakawardane, other judges, lawyers and the registrar of the Supreme Court in order to ensure proper drafting and publishing of judgments
- Researched the development of the Law relating to women's and children's rights/protection
- Assisted in the activities of the Medico-Legal Society and the Cancer Society of Sri Lanka headed by Justice S.Tilakawardane
Legal intern
F.J.& G DESARAM
01.2006 - 12.2006
- Drafted legal contracts and carried out research for ongoing cases
- Engaged in Title searches in the Land Registry and the Registrar of Companies
Education
MASTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW -
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
07.2019
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW -
SRI LANKA LAW COLLECE
04.2012
L.L.B. DEGREE WITH 2ND CLASS HONOURS -
UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
09.2010
G.C.E O/LEVELS & A/LEVELS -
VISAKHA VIDYALAYA
08.2006
Skills
- Expertise in Environmental Policy Frameworks
- Advocacy and Communication Skills
- Legal Dispute Resolution
- Ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide strategic counsel
- Proficiency in interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement
- Commitment to justice and sustainable development
- Qualitative Analysis
- Teamwork and collaboration
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 02/23/87
Admissions
Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, 12/01/12
Timeline
Research Officer -Ocean Affairs, Environment, and Climate Change Division
THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
10.2020 - 11.2023
Independent Legal Consultant
Independent Legal Consultant
08.2019 - 10.2020
Manager - Litigation
ENVIRONMENTAL FOUNDATION (GUARANTEE) LIMITED
10.2016 - 01.2018
State Counsel
ATTORNEY GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT OF SRI LANKA
08.2013 - 09.2016
Associate
NITHYA PARTNERS
02.2013 - 08.2013
Legal Apprentice
ATTORNEY GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT OF SRI LANKA
05.2012 - 11.2012
Legal Analyst
THE SUPREME COURT OF SRI LANKA
10.2010 - 11.2012
Legal intern
F.J.& G DESARAM
01.2006 - 12.2006
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW -
SRI LANKA LAW COLLECE
L.L.B. DEGREE WITH 2ND CLASS HONOURS -
UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
G.C.E O/LEVELS & A/LEVELS -
VISAKHA VIDYALAYA
MASTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW -
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
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