Bhanuka Harischandra is a self-taught entrepreneur focused on building and scaling modern businesses through technology, data, and digital strategy. Starting his journey at just 18, he founded TheGamersCottage, a YouTube multi-channel network that helped creators monetize over 500 million eSports views globally.

He later launched Surge, a design, marketing, and technology firm that attracted strategic investment from senior executives at the Tavistock Group, before leading its merger with Calcey Technologies to form Short Circuit Group, a company supporting global enterprises and governments with digital transformation.

Bhanuka is also a TEDx speaker, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree, and was recognized among Rest of World’s Top 100 Changemakers.

🎧 Full Pod dropping this Friday, May 15th at 6:00 PM (IST / GMT +5:30) on the imno.expert YouTube channel.

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Jeevan Thondaman is a Sri Lankan politician, trade union leader, and Member of Parliament currently serving as the General Secretary of the Ceylon Workers’ Congress. Elected to Parliament at just 25 years old, he later became Sri Lanka’s youngest Cabinet Minister, leading major reforms in water supply and estate infrastructure development under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Known for his advocacy for plantation communities, social justice, women’s rights, and LGBT+ inclusion, Jeevan has emerged as one of Sri Lanka’s most progressive young political voices. In 2024, he was recognised by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader for his work in governance and community development.

🎧 Full Pod dropping this Friday, May 8th at 6:00 PM (IST / GMT +5:30) on the imno.expert YouTube channel.

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Dr. Thisuri Wanniarachchi is a Sri Lankan economist, State Literary Award–winning author, and public policy practitioner who has worked with governments, kingdoms, and multilateral development banks across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa on social protection, investment, and policy reform.In this episode, she reflects on her journey from government service to international development, and discusses her book The Department of Chosen Ones, recently longlisted for the Gratiaen Prize.

Sav Perera is a Sri Lankan-Australian chef who gained global recognition on MasterChef Australia, where she secured an impressive third-place finish by championing the bold, unapologetic Sri Lankan flavors.

Originally a banking consultant in Adelaide, she transitioned into food by blending her psychology background with a deeply personal mission to preserve her mother’s recipes. Today, she continues to shape the culinary space as a judge on MasterChef Sri Lanka and an advocate for Type 1 diabetes awareness.

Natasha Edirisooriya is a Sri Lankan stand-up comedian, writer, and content creator known for her bold, thought-provoking humor and fearless social commentary. She rose to widespread attention not only for her sharp, satirical performances but also following her controversial arrest in 2023 over material from her comedy show that sparked a national debate on freedom of expression and religious sensitivity in Sri Lanka.

Sadé Greenwood is a Sri Lankan model, beauty queen, and social sustainability ambassador who rose to prominence after being crowned Miss World Sri Lanka 2021. Representing Sri Lanka on the global stage, she gained recognition not only for her pageant success but also for her advocacy in environmental conservation, animal welfare, and community empowerment. With a background in international relations and a passion for making a positive impact, Sadé continues to inspire young people through her work and public presence.

Ransilu Jayathilake is a powerhouse in global strength sports and arguably the most decorated powerlifter in Sri Lankan history. With a staggering resume that includes being a 7-time Asian Champion, 3-time Commonwealth Champion, and the current Asian Deadlift record holder, Ransilu has consistently shattered boundaries for South Asian athletes. Most recently, he made history at the Arnold Sports Festival in the USA, becoming the first-ever Asian powerlifter to win a professional event. In this episode, we explore the sheer discipline required to compete at an elite level and the mental fortitude needed to represent Sri Lanka on the world’s most prestigious stages.

Sanjiva Weerawarna is the visionary founder and CEO of WSO2 and a global pioneer in open-source middleware.With a career that spans from being a research scientist at IBM to building a global software giant from Colombo, Sanjiva has redefined the possibilities of South Asian innovation on the world stage. In this episode, we explore the philosophy of building world-class technology, the courage to innovate without boundaries, and the bold vision needed to transform an entire national industry.

Otara Gunewardene is a pioneering entrepreneur, animal welfare advocate, and one of Sri Lanka’s most influential global figures.

As the founder of ODEL and the first female entrepreneur to take a company public in Sri Lanka, Otara revolutionized the island’s retail landscape before pivoting her focus toward animal welfare, environmental conservation and philanthropy. Through her work with Embark and the Otara Foundation, she has become the nation’s leading voice for the voiceless and a champion for human compassionate living. In this episode, we explore the evolution of her visionary career, the courage required to walk away from a retail empire at its peak, and her enduring commitment to creating a better future for Sri Lanka.

Natasha Gooneratne is the founder of Perspective South, a platform dedicated to providing a Third-World lens to geopolitical analysis & public International law.

A UN University Valedictorian, Public Affairs Specialist & IR analyst, Natasha specializes in decoding the complex interplay of global power and its direct consequences for developing nations and beyond. In this episode, we explore the high-stakes dynamics of modern international conflict and the critical ways these global shifts reshape the economic, political and cultural reality here at home.