Shanaka Premarathna is a dedicated individual with a strong background in business administration, strategic planning, and digital outreach. With a passion for fostering educational and professional development initiatives, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening U.S.-Sri Lanka collaborations through various capacities.

Currently serving as a Program Officer at the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, Shanaka brings years of experience in program management, stakeholder engagement, and digital literacy training. Before this role, he worked as the Coordinator of American Corner Matara, a U.S. Embassy-supported information center, where he managed daily operations, developed strategic programs, and built key partnerships with NGOs, educational institutions, and private sector organizations.

Before his tenure at American Corner Matara, Shanaka served as the Chief Manager and Executive Manager at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Matara, where he spearheaded initiatives to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province. His leadership in these roles strengthened business development programs and facilitated international collaborations.

Shanaka holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Ruhuna, specializing in marketing, operations, and strategic management. He also earned a Bachelor of Science (General) degree from the same institution

International training programs, including the American Spaces Digital Literacy and Training Program (Boston & Washington, D.C., 2024), Introduction to Management and Digital Outreach (Vienna, 2019), and Central & South Asia American Spaces Training (2021), further enrich his expertise. These programs have equipped him with skills in digital engagement, strategic programming, and policy-driven outreach.