Akila Jayawardena

Akila Jayawardena, an independent photojournalist, visual storyteller, and artist based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, represents the fourth generation of photojournalism in the country. His career began in 2017 as a freelance photographer at Ceylon Today, a prominent English newspaper, and he has since contributed to Roar Media, a South Asia-based digital media platform, where he publishes photo stories on a variety of subjects. Jayawardena's work captures significant moments in Sri Lankan society, from political unrest and economic crises to community development and cultural profiles.

In 2019, Jayawardena expanded his reach by joining the Nur Photo Agency in Italy as a contributor, which allowed his images to gain international recognition. His coverage of Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 lockdowns and the subsequent economic crisis has been featured on multiple international news platforms. Jayawardena's photographs, such as the one capturing university students taking selfies during a protest, illustrate the intersection of political activism and social media in contemporary society. He has also reported on the severe political and economic crisis in Sri Lanka, including widespread protests and the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, while highlighting the human side of these events through profiles of individuals like child rights activist Mahinda Dissanayake and barbershop owner Nelson Fernando.

Continuing to freelance locally, Jayawardena contributes to the Sunday Times, one of the leading English newspapers on the island. He also served as a freelance photographer for Ravaya, an alternative Sinhala newspaper, from 2019 to 2021. His services extend beyond photography, including documentary, news spots, events, videography, and acting as a fixer. Jayawardena's dedication to documenting the evolution of photojournalism in Sri Lanka, along with his interviews with prominent figures and coverage of sports strategies, underscores the power of journalism in capturing the human experience amidst political and economic challenges.