Friday Sep 11, 2026
Friday Sep 11, 2026
Friday, 11 September 2026 06:58 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu (left) receiving the Freedom Award from Advocata Institute Academic Chair Dr. Sarath Rajapatirana and CEO Dhananath Fernando (right)
Advocata Institute presented the institute’s inaugural Freedom Award to Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, recognising his tireless efforts to further freedom and civic life of Sri Lankan citizens.
Dr. Saravanamuttu’s journey, which commenced from strong moral roots to academic excellence at the London School of Economics, has consistently guided the nation toward transparency, accountability, and pluralistic liberal democracy.
The award was presented by Advocata Institute Academic Chair Dr. Sarath Rajapatirana at the Asia Liberty Forum, which was held in Colombo on 10-11 September.
A national impeachment in the 1990s crisis spurred Dr. Saravanamuttu to return from the UK and lead the newly founded Centre for Policy Alternatives, championing initiatives that protect civil society, ensure free elections, and confront corruption.
He later helped establish Transparency International Sri Lanka (2002), the Platform for Freedom (2009), and earned the inaugural Citizens Peace Award from the National Peace Council (2010). His influence transcended borders, working with international organisations including the Commonwealth, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and countless others.
Advocata’s mission is that “economic freedom cannot thrive without a foundation of rule of law, transparent institutions, and protected liberties.” Dr. Saravanamuttu’s work has sought to sustain this foundation that allows markets, business, and citizens to flourish within a stable, trust-based society.
“This award celebrates a scholar, a policy pioneer, and an architect of accountability,” said Advocata Institute Chief Executive Officer Dhananath Fernando. “Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu’s legacy embodies our belief that liberty and prosperity must grow together.”
The inaugural Freedom Award ceremony celebrated Dr. Saravanamuttu’s contributions in the context of the Asia Liberty Forum, attended by hundreds of delegates from think tanks across Asia.
The Advocata Freedom Award will be presented periodically to those who dedicated their lives to the protection and advocacy of civic, economic, political, and personal freedom in Sri Lanka.
The handcrafted trophy personifies Advocata as “our advocate,” a secular civic figure standing in defence of liberty. The open book represents knowledge and wisdom, while the raised torch, echoing Liberty, enlightening the world it represents, enlightenment, and the light of reason.
Together, they symbolise informed advocacy in the service of freedom.
