CIPR appoints Rishini Weeraratne as Ambassador for Sri Lanka

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has appointed Rishini Weeraratne, Editor of The Sun (Daily Mirror) and Head of Social Media at Wijeya Newspapers Ltd., as its new Ambassador for Sri Lanka. 

This strategic appointment strengthens the CIPR’s global ambassador network and represents a significant step in expanding its presence across South Asia. 

In her new role, Rishini will promote professional standards in public relations, support local practitioners, and encourage engagement with the CIPR’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and accreditation programmes.

Founded in 1948, the CIPR is the world’s only Royal Chartered body for PR professionals representing over 11,000 members across 80 countries and setting the global benchmark for professionalism, ethics, and excellence in public relations. 

Its international ambassador network plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration, enabling practitioners worldwide to achieve Chartered status while upholding the values of transparency, trust, and integrity. 

As the CIPR’s Ambassador for Sri Lanka, Rishini will serve as a vital bridge between the Institute and the country’s communications and media professionals, helping to build capacity, encourage career-long learning, and enhance the professional development of PR practitioners in Sri Lanka.

Commenting on her appointment, Rishini said: “I am deeply honoured to represent the Chartered Institute of Public Relations in Sri Lanka. This appointment is a recognition of Sri Lanka’s growing presence in global communications, and I look forward to strengthening professional networks, promoting ethical practice, and fostering meaningful collaborations.”

Chartered Institute of Public Relations CEO Alastair McCapra said: “We are delighted to welcome Rishini as our Ambassador for Sri Lanka. Her outstanding leadership across and beyond the public relations profession embodies the global standards of professionalism and integrity that the CIPR represents.”

“Rishini’s appointment marks a significant step forward in strengthening our international network and deepening our engagement across South Asia. Her vision and experience will be invaluable in supporting PR professionals in Sri Lanka to build skills, achieve professional recognition, and uphold the highest standards in communication. We look forward to working with her to further our mission of promoting trust, transparency, and excellence in public relations worldwide,” McCapra added.

Rishini is a renowned Sri Lankan media professional with a career spanning journalism, digital strategy, and corporate communications. As Editor of The Sun (Daily Mirror) and Head of Social Media at Wijeya Newspapers, she has driven innovative projects in digital storytelling, audience engagement, and content transformation across the group’s leading platforms, including Daily Mirror Online, Lankadeepa Online, Tamil Mirror Online, and HI!! Online. 

Her visionary approach has successfully bridged traditional journalism with the dynamic world of social media and digital content creation. Under her leadership, Wijeya Newspapers’ social media teams have won multiple accolades, including Social Media House of the Year (New Generation Awards, 2020), the Youth Corporate Award (2021), and numerous YouTube Silver Creator Awards for outstanding audience engagement and reach.

Rishini’s exceptional leadership has been recognised through several prestigious awards, including the Top50 Professional and Career Women’s Global Award (2023) for Leadership in Digital Media, the Sri Lanka Vanitha-Abhimani Award (2025), and the Legendary Woman Award (2025) for pioneering digital media in Sri Lanka. 

Her experience extends internationally, having held senior communications roles such as Head of External Communications at BRG (UK) and her current role as Head of Strategic Partnerships and External Communications at D3 Collective Limited (UK). Dividing her time between London and Colombo, Rishini continues to blend global expertise with local impact, driving innovation and excellence in communications.