Advocate for Accessible Justice

System change is easier said than done, and Piyumani Ranasinghe understands this better than anyone. A Policy and Legal Researcher at the Centre for Policy Alternatives, she focuses on human rights, public interest litigation, digital rights and environmental law. As a lawyer, her work is deeply rooted in a commitment to human rights, driven by the belief that law should be accessible and impactful for all.

Piyumani sees a significant gap in public understanding of these legal frameworks, a challenge that motivates her to bring the law closer to the people. For her, true reform is only possible when individuals are informed and empowered to advocate for their rights.

Piyumani constantly questions the underlying issues laws are meant to address, always mindful of the broader social and political contexts. This critical perspective fuels her determination to strive for justice, even in a country like Sri Lanka, where legal and policy reform is often complicated amidst political instability and social challenges.

Beyond her legal practice, Piyumani also imparts her knowledge to the next generation of lawyers as a lecturer in environmental law at the University of Peradeniya. She is particularly passionate about empowering women in the legal field, recognizing the need for more female representation in a patriarchal society.

Piyumani aspires to contribute towards lasting change, ensuring that human rights and environmental justice remain central to legal and policy reforms in Sri Lanka.