Sanaka Samarasinha is a development professional, lawyer, journalist, and senior international civil servant with over 25 years of experience across 40 countries. His career has been defined by a commitment to sustainable development, human rights, and community empowerment, emphasizing the importance of localized, community-driven approaches to global challenges such as climate change.
During a conversation with Sanaka, he reflected on his journey from a young lawyer and journalist to a senior leader within the United Nations. “My experiences in law and journalism have deeply shaped my approach to development. They taught me the importance of communication and advocacy in driving social change,” he said.
Early Life and Education
Born in Sri Lanka, Sanaka pursued higher education in the United States, earning a Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Kansas. Reflecting on his academic background, Sanaka remarked, “The intersection of law and journalism provided me with a unique perspective on justice and equity, which has guided my work in international development.”
Professional Career
Sanaka’s career with the United Nations spans multiple regions and roles, where he has established himself as a leader in strategic communication and crisis management. As the UN Resident Coordinator for the Republic of Fiji from 2018 to 2023, he led 31 UN agencies across nine Pacific Island Countries, managing an annual budget of $250 million. “Leadership in complex environments requires understanding local contexts and mobilizing resources effectively,” he noted. A colleague described his leadership during this time as “decisive and deeply attuned to the needs of the communities he served.”
“Education is the foundation of transformation. By educating communities about climate change, we empower them to take meaningful action.”
Prior to his role in Fiji, Sanaka served as the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Belarus from 2013 to 2018. There, he facilitated dialogues on democratic governance and human rights, mobilizing over $150 million for development initiatives. He also established the UN Youth Advisory Panel in Belarus, emphasizing the importance of youth in development. “Youth engagement is critical to sustainable development,” Sanaka observed. A former colleague in Belarus commented, “Sanaka’s ability to navigate complex political landscapes while championing human rights was truly exceptional.”
Advocacy for Community-Driven Climate Action
Sanaka is a strong advocate for community-driven climate action, emphasizing that the most effective solutions come from those most affected. “Marginalized communities often have the best insights into sustainable practices,” he said. “We need to listen to them and build partnerships that leverage their strengths.” He highlights the importance of connecting community-based organizations (CBOs) with local governments to accelerate policy implementation. “CBOs are often the first responders to climate issues. Strengthening their partnership with local governments can lead to more tailored and effective climate actions,” Sanaka explained.
He also advocates for pushing climate education at the most localized levels, believing that informed communities can drive significant change. “Education is the foundation of transformation,” he said. “By educating communities about climate change, we empower them to take meaningful action.”
Challenges and Resilience
Sanaka’s career has involved navigating diverse cultural and political contexts, often in the midst of crises. His resilience and commitment to justice have been consistent themes. “Even in challenging circumstances, it’s essential to stay focused on the broader goal of sustainable development,” he remarked. A colleague from his time in Myanmar noted, “Sanaka’s resilience and calm under pressure were key to managing complex situations effectively.”
“True development is about empowering people to take control of their futures. When communities are involved, the outcomes are more sustainable and impactful.”
Today, Sanaka continues to be a prominent figure in global development, advocating for community-driven solutions and sustainable practices. His work highlights the importance of inclusive partnerships, data-driven decision-making, and a focus on real community needs. “True development is about empowering people to take control of their futures,” he said. “When communities are involved, the outcomes are more sustainable and impactful.”
Sanaka Samarasinha’s story reflects a career dedicated to advancing sustainable development through inclusive, community-focused strategies. His leadership and advocacy continue to influence global development efforts, emphasizing the importance of listening to and empowering local communities.
Interview with Sanaka Samarasinha
What keeps you motivated and excited about what you do?
One of the things that keeps me motivated and excited about my work is seeing the tangible impact that our efforts have on communities, especially those that are often overlooked. I remember a time in Belarus when we were working on a project to improve access to education in remote areas. After months of hard work, we visited one of the schools where the project was implemented, and I saw the joy on the children’s faces as they engaged with new learning materials. Moments like that remind me why this work is so important—it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives.
Additionally, I’m driven by the challenges that come with the territory. Each new assignment brings a unique set of obstacles, whether it’s navigating political complexities or responding to natural disasters. The unpredictability of my work ensures that no two days are ever the same, and that’s incredibly invigorating. The need to continuously adapt and innovate to address these challenges keeps me on my toes and fuels my passion for sustainable development.
What’s your go-to way to relax and enjoy yourself during your downtime?
During my downtime, I find solace in nature, particularly through hiking. Whether I’m in Fiji, Sri Lanka, or anywhere else in the world, I make it a point to explore the local landscapes. There’s something profoundly calming about being surrounded by nature, away from the demands of work. I often find that these moments of solitude are when I can reflect on the day’s events, clear my mind, and recharge for the challenges ahead.
Aside from hiking, I also have a deep love for reading. I enjoy delving into books that offer new perspectives, whether they’re on history, philosophy, or even fiction. Reading allows me to disconnect from the world and immerse myself in different narratives, which can be incredibly refreshing. Sometimes, I’ll revisit classic literature from my university days; other times, I’ll pick up something entirely new. Both activities help me maintain a healthy balance between my professional and personal life.
What do you think is your single most crucial trait for success?
If I had to pinpoint one trait that has been most crucial to my success, it would be resilience. Working in international development often means facing unexpected challenges, from political instability to natural disasters. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from setbacks—it’s about maintaining a sense of purpose and direction, even when the path ahead is unclear. For instance, when I was coordinating relief efforts in the Pacific during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were days when the challenges seemed insurmountable. But resilience kept me focused on the bigger picture and the ultimate goal of helping communities rebuild.
Another aspect of resilience is the ability to adapt to new situations and environments. My career has taken me to 40 different countries, each with its own unique cultural and socio-political landscape. The ability to quickly acclimate, understand local contexts, and adjust strategies accordingly has been invaluable. Resilience, combined with adaptability, has allowed me to navigate the complexities of my work and continue pushing forward, even in the face of adversity.
What’s the weirdest thing that has happened in your career?
One of the strangest experiences I’ve had in my career occurred during my time in Belarus. We were in the midst of organizing a major event to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and as part of the campaign, we arranged for a train—the #UN70BelarusExpress—to travel across the country, spreading awareness. What we didn’t anticipate was that the train would become somewhat of a local celebrity. People began following the train from town to town, turning the campaign into an impromptu festival at each stop. We even had local musicians and performers join in, turning what was supposed to be a serious awareness campaign into a traveling circus of sorts.
It was certainly an unexpected turn of events, but in the end, it worked in our favor. The unique nature of the campaign drew widespread media attention, and we were able to engage with communities in a way that traditional methods wouldn’t have allowed. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most unconventional approaches can lead to the greatest impact.
How do you handle negative feedback when you receive it?
Negative feedback is something I’ve come to see as an essential part of growth, both personally and professionally. Early in my career, I remember receiving some harsh criticism regarding a project proposal I had worked on for weeks. My initial reaction was one of frustration—after all, I had poured so much effort into it. But after taking a step back, I realized that the feedback wasn’t an attack on my abilities; rather, it was an opportunity to improve and refine my approach.
Over the years, I’ve developed a practice of actively seeking out feedback, even if it’s negative. I find that by approaching criticism with an open mind and a willingness to learn, I can turn it into a constructive experience. This mindset has allowed me to continuously evolve in my roles and has helped me build stronger relationships with colleagues and stakeholders. I also make it a point to mentor others on the importance of embracing feedback—it’s a vital tool for personal and professional development.
What’s the hardest obstacle you’ve overcome in your life or career, and how did you do it?
One of the most challenging obstacles I’ve faced was during my tenure as the UN Resident Coordinator in Fiji, particularly during the aftermath of Cyclone Yasa. The cyclone caused widespread devastation, and the scale of the disaster was overwhelming. Our team had to mobilize resources quickly, coordinate with multiple agencies, and ensure that aid reached the most affected communities—all while dealing with the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The hardest part was witnessing the suffering of those who had lost everything, knowing that our response needed to be swift and effective.
The key to overcoming this challenge was collaboration and trust in my team. We worked around the clock, relying on each other’s strengths and expertise. I made it a point to stay grounded, taking time to listen to both the needs of the affected communities and the concerns of my team. By maintaining clear communication and focusing on our shared mission, we were able to navigate the complexities of the situation and deliver the necessary aid. It was a powerful reminder that even in the face of immense challenges, collective effort and resilience can lead to meaningful impact.
