Our Fact Checkers
Harshana Silva has been at the helm of the fact checking arm of Hashtag Generation since its inception. He initially joined the organization in 2021 as a Social Media Analyst and Fact Checker, and has played a pivotal role in shaping the methodology and executing fact-checking procedures. Prior to joining Hashtag Generation, Harshana was a full time journalist at the Lankadeepa newspaper from 2013 to 2021. In his role at the Lankadeepa newspaper, he covered global news stories and provided analyses on international events. He also undertook coverage of significant institutions such as the Central Bank, along with ministries including Foreign Affairs, Fisheries, and Finance.
Harshana Silva
Lead Fact Checker
Shashika Kulathunga works as a social media analyst and fact checker at Hashtag Generation. Additionally she works as a trainer in Hashtag Generation’s pool of trainers on online harassment, countering hate on social media and regarding the dis/misinformation spread on social media.
Shashika Kulathunga
Analyst
Shabeer Mohamed currently works as a social media analyst and fact checker at Hashtag Generation. He has experience in news reporting, analyzing and election monitoring.
Shabeer Mohammed
Analyst
Saritha Irugalbandara is the current Head of Programmes at Hashtag Generation. Her work lies at the intersection of technology and freedom of expression, governance, and people. She is an ardent advocate for gender equality and equal rights for minoritised communities through community-centric programmes that focus on building important skills such as digital and information literacy to ensure they are equipped and supported to be active, vocal participants in decision-making processes. She is motivated by a need to empower young people with the tools and skills to make informed decisions about their lives, bodies, and communities.
Saritha Irugalbandara
Head of Programmes
Lakmali is currently the Head of Communications at Hashtag Generation, overseeing the organization’s communication strategy. She has 5 years of experience as a Communication Designer in the development field, having worked in multiple civil society organizations as a communications manager, content creator, and graphic designer. At Hashtag Generation, Lakmali utilizes her background in design, digital marketing, and sociology to lead the research, design, development, and dissemination of counter-narratives, with a primary emphasis on fostering societal good and transformation.
Lakmali Perera
Head of Communications
Maneshka Borham is a Programs and Resource Mobilisation Associate at Hashtag Generation. Prior to joining Hashtag Generation, she served as the Associate Editor for a local fact-checking organization. She is also a print media journalist with over 13 years of experience in Sri Lanka’s media industry. Maneshka focuses her reporting on a variety of topics, including human rights, defence, police and crime, and left-wing politics among others. Her career includes working for several prominent Sri Lankan newspapers such as the Daily FT and the Sunday Observer. Her in-depth coverage of human rights issues in Sri Lanka has been recognized by organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
Maneshka Borham
Fact Check Lead
Janithya Samarasinghe is a fact-checker at Hashtag Generation and a skilled trainer within the organization’s pool of trainers focused on countering hate speech and disinformation on social media platforms. With experience as a television program presenter, Janithya brings a diverse set of skills to her work. She holds a degree in Communications and Media Studies from the University of Colombo and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Mass Media.
Janithya Samarasinghe
Fact Checker
Amila Kumara is currently a fact checker at Hashtag Generation. He holds a degree in Communications and Creative Arts from the University of Colombo. He contributes to advocacy video content at Hashtag Generation and is a key team member involved in trainings and workshops conducted by the organisation. Amila is passionate about promoting media literacy and combating misinformation, dedicating his efforts to ensuring the public has access to accurate and reliable information.
Amila Kumara
Fact Checker
Dimuthu Senarathna currently works as a Communication Associate at Hashtag Generation. He is actively involved in overseeing the organization’s social media platforms and websites, while also spearheading online advocacy campaigns. In addition, he takes charge of the communication aspects of the fact-checking efforts, leveraging his creative skills to support the fact-checking team.