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
Darshatha Gamage currently serves as the Head of Programmes at Hashtag Generation. He possesses expertise in areas involving youth, peacebuilding, volunteerism, and digital media literacy. He served as a UN Volunteer on Youth and Peace for 2 years and led youth capacity development programs and formed strategic partnerships with the diverse stakeholders. Darshatha also served as the Assistant District Rotaract Representative for Sri Lanka and Maldives (2018-19).
Darshatha Gamage
Head of Programmes
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
Rebecca David currently serves as a Project Lead at Hashtag Generation. She has experience in working on human rights issues, child rights, election monitoring and disaster response. She serves in the capacity of a volunteer in different platforms working on human rights violations, monitoring and archiving human rights violations and community development projects.
Rebecca David
Project Lead
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.
Dimuthu Senarathna
Communication Associate
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.