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Public-sector transformation
Reform that connects policy intent with the people, systems and institutional discipline needed to deliver it.
Public administration · Leadership · Institutional reform
Prof. M. Thilakasiri
Public leadership
focused on lasting impact.
Helping institutions move from complex challenges to clear direction, capable leadership and meaningful public value.
HighFlyerChairman
SLIDAFormer Director General
HUSTVisiting Professor
Prof. M. Thilakasiri has spent more than four decades helping public institutions and leaders make better decisions, strengthen capability and deliver sustainable change. His career connects senior public administration, postgraduate education and practical management consulting.
- 41+
- Years in public administration and consulting
- 30+
- Years at SLIDA
- 04
- Sri Lankan universities as visiting lecturer
- 2017—Present
- Chairman of HighFlyer
What Prof. Thilakasiri brings
Four decades of public-sector perspective, translated into clear and practical institutional advice.
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Leadership & human capital
Executive learning and leadership development grounded in public-service practice and organisational realities.
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Strategy & institutional reform
Clear strategic direction, stronger management systems and pragmatic pathways from ambition to implementation.
Experience
A career shaped by public service.
From co-operative development and university teaching to three decades at SLIDA, Prof. Thilakasiri’s experience combines administration, education and advisory leadership.
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Jan 2017 — Present
Chairman
HighFlyer
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2015 — Present
Visiting Professor
Huazhong University of Science and Technology
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Mar 1986 — Dec 2016
Director General
SLIDA
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1982 — 1986
Lecturer
University of Colombo
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1977 — 1982
Co-operative Development Officer
Department of Cooperative Development
Academic foundation
Public administration at the foundation. Strategic management at postgraduate level.
Master of Business Administration
University of Birmingham
Birmingham Business School · United Kingdom
Bachelor of Science in Public Administration
University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Sri Lanka Continuing contribution
Still shaping the public-service conversation.
In 2026, Huazhong University of Science and Technology renewed Prof. Thilakasiri’s appointment as Visiting Professor, continuing an academic relationship that began in 2015. To mark the renewed appointment, he delivered a lecture on bureaucracy, red tape and the enduring challenge of administrative reform.
Read the university announcementSelected media
Ideas in the public conversation.
Interviews and discussions exploring leadership, institutions, public life and the choices that shape meaningful change.
Showing media items 1 to 3 of 6.
Connect
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