A First Look at Local Imagination

Rishini Weeraratne

Rishini Weeraratne is a prominent figure in Sri Lanka’s media industry, with an impressive portfolio spanning journalism, digital media, and content strategy. As the Editor of The Sun (Sri Lanka) and The Weekend Online at the Daily Mirror, she plays a pivotal role in shaping thought-provoking and engaging content. In her capacity as Head of Social Media at Wijeya Newspapers Limited, she oversees the social media strategy for leading platforms, including Daily Mirror Online, Lankadeepa Online, Tamil Mirror Online, HI!! Online, Daily FT Online, Times Online, WNow English, and WNow Sinhala. Beyond her editorial work, Rishini is the author of ‘She Can,’ a widely followed weekly column celebrating the stories of empowered women in Sri Lanka and beyond. Her writing extends to fashion, events, lifestyle, world entertainment news, and trending global topics, reflecting her versatile approach to journalism. Recognized for her contributions to digital media, Rishini was honoured with the Top50 Professional and Career Women’s Global Award in 2023 for Leadership in Digital Media in Sri Lanka by Women in Management, IFC (a member of the World Bank Group), and Australia Aid. In August 2025, she received the Sri Lanka Vanitha-Abhimana Award in the Corporate and Professional Sector, and in October 2025, she was named Legendary Woman of the Year 2025 for Pioneering Digital Media in Sri Lanka. In December 2025, she was the recipient of the Media Personality of the Year award at the 2025 Golden Business Awards. Rishini is also the Ambassador in Sri Lanka for the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR, UK) and The Halo Trust. Under her guidance, her team has achieved significant accolades, including Social Media House of the Year (2020, New Generation Awards), Youth Corporate Award (2021, New Generation Awards) and the Silver Award from YouTube for both Daily Mirror Online and Lankadeepa Online. Currently, Rishini divides her time between London and Colombo, continuing to drive innovation in media while championing powerful storytelling across multiple platforms.