Australia Awards South and West Asia

Australia Awards alumna Sudharma Karunarathna from Sri Lanka completed a Master of Public Policy at the Australian National University in 2024. Sudharma has now returned to her role as an Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Defence in Sri Lanka. Below, she shares in her own words her thoughts as she concluded her Scholarship, reflecting on the journey and the insights she gained from the experience.

I am sharing my Australia Awards journey with the same excitement I felt when I received the news that I had been selected for an Australia Awards Scholarship. This was a realisation of my teenage dream of studying at an Australian university, and I am deeply grateful to Australia Awards for making this dream a reality.

The Australia Awards Scholarship is truly a lifechanging opportunity, offering access to the world-class education provided by Australian universities. Joining the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University marked a pivotal moment in my professional and personal life. As a government executive officer in Sri Lanka, I have always felt a significant gap between citizens’ needs and government policy decisions, a gap that required a deeper understanding to bridge. Thanks to the Crawford School, I found answers to many of the questions that had been on my mind for years.

Sudharma pictured with other Australia Awards scholars from South Asia and Mongolia during her time in Australia.

The Australia Awards Scholarship is much more than a chance to study abroad; it is a well-structured program designed to help scholars define their goals, understand their purpose and plan their future. From the beginning, it encourages us to think critically about why we want to study and how we can make an impact in our home countries after completing the program. Moreover, the Scholarship doesn’t end with academic study; it also introduces us to a lifelong journey through the Australia Awards alumni network. The connections and friendships I built during this time are truly invaluable. The peers I met during my studies are not just friends, but professional linkages that will open new doors for me throughout my life.

During my time in Australia, Australia Awards provided me with countless opportunities to gain hands-on experience and expand my knowledge in diverse ways. These opportunities offered immense support for professional development, leadership skills and networking. I was fortunate to present two of my academic papers at conferences, as well as participate in networking events and Scholars Forums organised by Australia Awards and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Additionally, I had the unique opportunity to attend a Global Academy program hosted by the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, China. I am profoundly grateful to Australia Awards and the Crawford School of Public Policy for making these experiences possible.

Sudharma facilitating a panel discussion at the 2024 Australia Awards – South Asia and Mongolia Scholars Forum in November 2024.

My journey wasn’t limited to the university world. Living in Canberra for two years allowed me to immerse myself in Australian culture and interact with people from diverse backgrounds. These experiences taught me about cultural variations and how geographical differences shape people’s daily lives and practices. They gave me a new perspective on the world. I also worked as an after-school care educator during my Scholarship. This role enabled me to make new friends, witness the open-mindedness and friendliness of Australians, and understand the Australian school education system and childcare policies—valuable insights for me as a policy leader in Sri Lanka.

I am especially thankful that this Scholarship has been designed as a family-friendly program. It supported my educational journey and helped my son grow and thrive under an advanced education system. My husband also had the opportunity to expand his career experiences during our time in Australia.

Sudharma (second from right) with other Sri Lankan scholars in Canberra.

As an executive public official, I aspire to become a policy analyst and advocate in Sri Lanka. I strongly believe that Australia Awards has opened the door for me to pursue this goal. It has equipped me with the knowledge, connections and experience to contribute to meaningful policy changes in Sri Lanka. My journey in Australia has been about much more than completing a degree—it has been about growth, discovery and building a foundation for a future of impactful service.