Savith Wijesundera
A returning member of the 2024 team that competed in Serbia, Savith is a seasoned debater and former Head Prefect at Elizabeth Moir School. Having already competed on the WSDC stage, Savith brings invaluable experience and calm under pressure. His insights into tournament dynamics and deep sense of sportsmanship provide strong leadership to the 2025 squad.
Nimansa Jayasundera
An alumna of Ladies’ College Colombo, Nimansa led her school’s debate club with distinction. She has consistently demonstrated an ability to think critically, argue persuasively, and maintain composure under pressure. Her journey in debating has been characterised by hard work and discipline, and she is widely respected for her collaborative spirit and ethical integrity, traits essential for international competition.
Rudhesh Ram Sathananthan
Currently a student at Colombo International School, Rudhesh boasts a remarkable résumé. He served as the Past President of the Model United Nations Club and Vice President of the debating club at Lyceum International School. His educational journey began at Trinity College Kandy, giving him exposure to a broad spectrum of perspectives. With a calm but assertive speaking style, Rudhesh excels at strategy and rebuttal, making him a linchpin in the team’s structure.
Akein Bandara
Also hailing from Colombo International School, Akein is the Debate Club Captain, a school Prefect, and Secretary of the Model United Nations. A keen thinker and a persuasive speaker, he combines clarity of expression with a deep understanding of global affairs. Akein is known for his analytical precision, often breaking down complex motions into digestible components while leading his team with confidence and humility.
Dihen Udumalagala
Representing St. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, Dihen is the Captain of the debate team, a College Prefect, President of the English Literature Society, President of the Media Unit, and Director of Finance of the Interact Club. His versatility, time management, and leadership skills are evident across his co-curricular engagements. Dihen’s command of language, ability to frame arguments persuasively, and sharp sense of timing make him a key figure in the team’s tactical play.
At the World Schools Debating Championships 2025 in Panama
From July 22nd to August 1st, 2025, the vibrant nation of Panama will become the global stage for the most prestigious school-level debating event in the world, the World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC). Since its inception in 1988, WSDC has evolved into a powerful platform that transcends borders, uniting young minds from over 70 nations to engage in rigorous intellectual exchange. This year, among the diverse cohort of international contenders, the Sri Lankan National Debating Team stands poised to make a formidable impact, carrying with them not just their arguments, but the hopes of an entire nation.
Organised under the aegis of the Debaters’ Council of Sri Lanka, the national body responsible for overseeing English-language debating at secondary and tertiary levels, this team has been meticulously selected for their eloquence, analytical prowess, leadership, and dedication to the art of debate. As they gear up for Panama 2025, their journey symbolises much more than competition, it’s a celebration of critical thinking, diplomacy, and the spirit of youthful excellence.
A Legacy of Excellence and a Future of Promise
This year’s team is the product of years of hard work, countless hours of practice, and the unwavering support of mentors and institutions. Their selection followed a rigorous national process that included debating tournaments, training camps, and one-on-one evaluations, all geared towards shaping a team that could stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world. More than just a competition, WSDC is an opportunity for these students to represent Sri Lanka on a global platform, engage in diplomatic discourse, and build lasting friendships across cultures. The issues debated at WSDC often reflect the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change and international security to artificial intelligence and economic inequality, allowing students to engage meaningfully with global affairs from a young age.
Behind the Scenes: Coaching the Champions
Guiding the team is a stellar coaching panel composed of some of the country’s most accomplished debaters and educators. These individuals have dedicated their time and expertise to ensure the team is well-prepared for the intellectual rigors of WSDC 2025.
Kavindra Senaratna
A veteran in both national and international debate circuits, Kavindra began his debating career at St. Thomas’ College before going on to represent Sri Lanka at WSDC in 2016 and 2017. He has since judged at WSDC 2020 and reached the Grand Finals of the United Asian Debating Championships in 2025. Currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Engineering at the National University of Singapore, Kavindra blends academic rigor with mentoring finesse, making him a cornerstone of the team’s preparation.
Sharuka Wikramanayake
Another stalwart of the debating world, Sharuka launched his career at St. Thomas’ College and later represented Sri Lanka at WSDC 2014. His coaching credentials include leading the New Zealand national team in 2022, and his debating highlights feature semifinal finishes at the Australasian and World Universities Debating Championships in 2021.
In 2023, he chaired the Grand Final of Australia, cementing his reputation as a thought leader in the debating community.
Sachin Tissera
With roots at Royal College Colombo and international experience at the London School of Economics, Sachin’s debating pedigree is impeccable. He was a finalist at the 2024 European Universities Debating Championship and has consistently performed in elimination rounds at the Oxford, Cambridge, and Princeton IVs. His sharp insights, structured feedback, and global exposure greatly benefit the Sri Lankan team.
Team Manager:
Dewin Hewage
Handling the logistical and administrative side of the campaign is Dewin Hewage, whose role as team manager ensures smooth operations, from travel coordination and practice schedules to welfare and team morale. Dewin’s calm demeanour and attention to detail are crucial in supporting the athletes so they can focus entirely on performance.
Looking Ahead: A Nation’s Pride, A Global Responsibility
As the countdown to Panama begins, the Sri Lankan National Debating Team is not only preparing to compete, but they are also preparing to inspire. Representing a country rich in heritage, resilience, and intellectual curiosity, these five young individuals stand as ambassadors of the next generation of Sri Lankan thought leaders. Their journey is emblematic of what debate at its best can offer: empathy, diplomacy, reasoned argument, and mutual respect. In a world increasingly divided by polarisation and misinformation, debate becomes a vital skill; not just for competition, but for life. When the gavel drops in Panama, Sri Lanka’s team will be ready, not just to speak, but to be heard. And in doing so, they will carry forward a legacy of excellence that inspires future generations to think critically, speak confidently, and act justly on the world stage.
