Deshamanya M. D. D. Pieris

Desamanya Dharmasiri Pieris, a luminary whose career has traced the evolution of Sri Lanka's civil service, stands as a towering figure in the annals of public service. His journey, initially woven into the fabric of the then Ceylon Civil Service and later seamlessly transitioning into the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, reflects a tapestry of dedication and distinction. His chapters in public service tell the tale of a seasoned leader who held pivotal roles, leaving an indelible mark on the nation. From serving as the Secretary to the Prime Minister in 1972 to steering the helm as the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Home Affairs, his influence reverberated across key governmental spheres. The corridors of power further echoed with his presence as the Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Cooperatives, and later as the Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Beyond these esteemed roles, Desamanya Pieris chaired and participated in numerous Government Statutory Boards, showcasing his adeptness in steering critical initiatives. His global contributions include serving as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO and leading the National Eisenhower Award Nomination Committee, an honor extended by the Ambassador for the United States of America. A diplomatic maestro, he represented Sri Lanka on the world stage, serving as the Governor for Sri Lanka on the Governing Board of the SAARC Centre for Human Resource Development in Islamabad, Pakistan. His leadership further extended to the 51st ESCAP meeting of ministers in Bangkok, Thailand, where he was elected as a Vice President, underscoring his international acclaim. Desamanya Pieris continues to wield influence in diverse arenas. As the Chairman of the Board of Management of the Informatics Institute of Technology and a member of the Boards of Flagship Conglomerates and the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies, his strategic insights contribute to shaping the landscape of education and business. Academically adorned, he serves as a member of the Academic Affairs Board for Post-Graduate Studies at SLIDA. His contributions extend to delivering convocation addresses at prestigious universities, including the University of Colombo, Sri Jayawardenapura, Ruhuna, and the Open University. A testament to his distinguished service, Desamanya Dharmasiri Pieris has been conferred the high National Honour of "Desamanya" for his meritorious contributions to the nation. His literary contributions include a memoir titled "In the Pursuit of Governance," capturing the essence of his experiences in the public service of Sri Lanka. As a graduate of the University of Ceylon (Peradeniya), a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, UK, and a recipient of honorary degrees from the University of Colombo and the University of Westminster (UK), Desamanya Pieris embodies the epitome of excellence. His commitment to education and governance persists, exemplified by his current role on a Presidential Committee to establish an international-level "School of Public Policy and Governance." In every facet of his illustrious career, Desamanya Dharmasiri Pieris remains a beacon of leadership, service, and scholarly achievement.