Keshal Jayasinghe

Striving to create an inclusive Sri Lanka

A young leader dedicated
to empowering the youth of Sri Lanka

A young leader dedicated to empowering the youth of Sri Lanka, fostering social change, and promoting inclusivity. An aspiring youth representative on the Sri Lankan political landscape with a diverse background in politics, business, and media, and a mission to build a more inclusive, progressive, and prosperous nation where every voice is heard, and every Sri Lankan has the opportunity to succeed.

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Who is Keshal Jayasinghe?

Keshal Jayasinghe is a dynamic professional who has worked across various sectors, using his skills to inspire change and lead by example. His career spans leadership roles in government, media, and business, where he has consistently championed the values of equality, innovation, and collaboration. 

Keshal has formally served as the CEO of Freedom Hub, a creative space, skills development and collaboration hub based on the Values of a ‘Radical Centre’, formed as the brainchild of late minister Mangala Samaraweera. Through this platform, they sought to foster creativity, innovation, and leadership among the younger generation, helping them shape a better future for the country. Keshal is currently holding the position of Director at Kandila (Pvt) Ltd, a family-owned business venture.
Keshal also used his skills as a daring, young journalist to bring Lanka Leader, a new age digital news platform to its heights as its Editor-in-chief and has been instrumental in shaping the narrative of social and political discourse through this platform.

Keshal’s previous government positions, including Chairman of Selacine Television Institute and People's Travels (Pvt) Ltd, reflect his deep-rooted commitment to public service. With a career that includes serving as the Coordinating Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Management Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Keshal has actively contributed to the policy-making processes in Sri Lanka, especially in the areas of digital media and communication strategies.
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A young erudite with a vision

Drawing from his international education, with a BA in International Relations from San Francisco State University, Keshal combines global perspectives with a deep understanding of local challenges. His experience in both the public and private sectors positions him as a visionary leader who is dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of all Sri Lankans.

Join Keshal in Building a Better Future

Keshal Jayasinghe invites you to be a part of his journey toward creating a more inclusive and dynamic Sri Lanka. Whether you are a young professional looking to make a difference, a business leader seeking collaboration, or a citizen passionate about the future of the country, Keshal’s platform offers opportunities for engagement, dialogue, and action. Let’s work together to create a Sri Lanka that thrives on inclusivity, innovation, and equality for all.

Striving to create an inclusive Sri Lanka

As a young leader who believes in the intervention of politics to create a better world, a better Sri Lanka, my vision is deeply rooted in the values and principles of moderation, tolerance, and radical reform.

I envision a nation that transcends the divisions that have historically held us back and steps forward, united in our diversity to build a prosperous future for all. This vision is guided by the philosophy of my mentor, the late Minister Mangala Samaraweera and resonates with my own commitment to creating a fair, inclusive, and democratic Sri Lanka.

At the heart of my vision is the belief that Sri Lanka stands at a crossroads. We have faced an unforeseen economic crisis that essentially led to political and social turmoil as well. It demanded immediate and decisive action. The crisis was managed to large extent by former president Mr. Ranil Wikremesinghe during his tenure in office, but the nation is not out of the woods yet, not in the long run.

The choices we make today will shape the destiny of our nation for generations to come. It is crucial that we make these choices based on hope and aspiration, not fear and prejudice. We must reject the voices of extremism and division that dominate the sensationalist majority and instead uplift the silent minority that values democracy, tolerance, and moderation.

My vision is anchored in a renewal of consensual democracy, one that transcends the adversarial politics of the left and right. I firmly believe that we must create a political culture based on the values of freedom, equality, and justice. The radical center that I represent is one that celebrates diversity in all its forms, where every voice is heard, and dissenting opinions are respected.

Our nation has been in the grip of extremism, intolerance, and prejudice for too long. We must resist the forces of division and seek unity through dialogue and cooperation. The voices of a few, steeped in hate and exclusion, have too often drowned out the aspirations of the majority. It is time for Sri Lanka to reclaim its values of moderation, tolerance, and compassion. We need to rebuild our country on the foundation of these ideals, ensuring that every citizen -regardless of ethnicity, religion, or background- has an equal stake in our future.

My vision for Sri Lanka is one of a ‘Radical Center’, where the principles of democracy, freedom, and equality guide us toward creating a just and prosperous society. This vision draws inspiration from Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and the teachings of great leaders. They remind us that true leadership comes from empathy, respect for diversity, and a commitment to non-violence.

We must move beyond the outdated, adversarial politics that have kept our nation divided and embrace a new political culture—one that fosters consensus and constructive dialogue. The Radical Center is not a contradiction; it is a space where diverse voices and opinions can be heard and where solutions are found through collaboration rather than conflict. It is a space that rejects authoritarianism, extremism, and the pseudo-patriotism that has fueled racism and division since our independence.

Education reform is also central to my vision. The current system has failed to equip our youth with the knowledge, critical thinking, and values necessary for a rapidly changing world. We must overhaul our education system to meet 21st-century challenges, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) while promoting inclusivity and respect for diversity. Our youth must be prepared to innovate, lead, and contribute to a global society.

Equally critical is the need to revitalize our economy. Sri Lanka has the potential to be a dynamic and competitive player in the region, but we are being held back by corruption, outdated legislation, and a lack of investment in critical infrastructure. We must create a meritocratic society where opportunity is available to all and where entrepreneurship and innovation are encouraged. Our geographical location makes us a natural hub for foreign investment, and it is time we leveraged this strategic advantage.

Furthermore, my vision includes a steadfast commitment to the rights of marginalized communities. LGBTQ rights must be recognized, with an end to archaic laws that discriminate against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Equality for women must be at the forefront of our national agenda, ensuring women have equal representation in politics, business, and all areas of public life. We must also address the pressing issue of violence against women and work towards creating a society where every woman feels safe and empowered.

Additionally, disability rights must be prioritized by improving access to education, employment, and public spaces, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their physical or mental abilities, can live a life of dignity and opportunity. Inclusivity is the foundation of a just society, and no one should be left behind.

Finally, my vision is one of compassion and empathy. In addition to the above reforms, my vision includes a commitment to human rights, environmental sustainability, and social justice. The rule of law must be upheld, and our judiciary must remain independent and free from political interference. Also, we must extend this compassion to the environment and to all living beings, enacting laws that promote animal welfare and sustainable development.

We must build a society that cares for its most vulnerable members, protects human rights, and condemns all forms of extremism, hate speech, and discrimination. Whether it is fighting the scourges of racism, corruption, or drug abuse, we must do so with a firm commitment to justice and the rule of law.

My vision for Sri Lanka is clear: an inclusive country, a united, just, and prosperous nation where democracy, freedom, and equality reign supreme. Together, we can build a future where every Sri Lankan can achieve their full potential, and our country can regain its rightful place as the pearl of the Indian Ocean.

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