On February 15, 2025, at the Mihilaka Medura in BMICH, Colombo, the Bandaranaike Academy for Leadership & Public Policy (BALPP) hosted its inaugural Awards Ceremony—an event that marked the convocation of the Academy’s first cohort of students. It was a celebration of achievement and a launchpad for developing ethical, effective, and socially responsible leaders.

The ceremony began with warm welcoming remarks that set the tone for a day of reflection and aspiration. As delegates, educators, and emerging leaders gathered, the focus quickly turned toward addressing the critical challenges facing our society—challenges that Dr. Sasanka Perera, the chief guest, in his keynote address titled “Navigating the Winds of Change: Leadership, Ethics & Non-Compromise,” compellingly explored.

In his address, Dr. Perera acknowledged the mixed emotions of the day—a celebration of academic achievement amid the broader context of a nation struggling under political and ethical compromise. He argued that while formal courses like ‘Strategic Leadership’ or ‘Politics & Governance’ provide a foundation, true leadership must be forged in the unpredictable, often messy realm of real-life experiences. Drawing from personal narratives, including his time at South Asian University, Dr. Perera critiqued the erosion of ethical standards in our political system and emphasized that the qualities of leadership, ethics, and non-compromise are inseparable.

Beyond his inspiring address, the ceremony celebrated outstanding achievements on multiple fronts. In a historic moment, the first batch of BALPP Postgraduate Diploma students officially graduated—an emblematic milestone in the Academy’s commitment to cultivating visionary leaders. Additionally, students from various short courses were honored as they received their certificates.

The Awards Ceremony not only recognized exceptional contributions to governance and public policy but also served as a clarion call for a renewed commitment to principled leadership. BALPP’s vision—to transform theory into actionable change—was vividly brought to life that day, inspiring both new graduates and established leaders alike to strive for integrity, resilience, and transformative change.

The event also saw the unveiling of the BALPP Alumni Association by Daham Jayarathna, the External Relations Officer