Internship Dates
February 2013- March 2013
Where do you call home?
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Where are you now?
I am currently working with UNDP in Colombo Sri Lanka.
Where have you been in between?
Between my time at TP and now, I went on an exchange to Bucerius Law School in Germany, backpacked across Europe, graduated from Law school in India, had a short stint at a Law firm in Bangalore, went on to finish my Masters in Law (LLM) at Queen Mary University, London and finally realized that there is no place like home and moved back to Sri Lanka.
Career progression since TP?
Having tried out different avenues a Law degree can offer, I worked with different law firms, NGOs and policy tanks, and found my calling in research and policy specifically in the developmental sphere. I still remember an associate at TP telling me that I seemed like the kind of person who wouldn’t be satisfied with just a desk job. (Should’ve listened to Clinton!)
Personal Highlights?
Moved back to Sri Lanka after 17 years, learnt a new language, made more friends in Sri Lanka, who are pretty much family now, travelled across the Island, got out of my fear of public speaking, did my first hand stand in yoga, and worked with the prison system and found people needing assistance and help.
The future….?
I see myself being content, happy and making a difference to the people around me. I continue to surprise myself both personally and professionally every day and only hope that I go forward with an open mind. On a side-note, I really hope I will be able to cook a decent meal very soon…the cooking genes seemed to have skipped me.
Interests away from work?
I make it a point to save and travel as often as I can. Travelling across Cambodia was my latest this year. I also make time to read and tutor Law school kids.
Reflections on your time in Kuala Lumpur and at Thomas Philip?
Malaysia has always been like a second home to me, thanks to the love and hospitality of my friends and the yum food, my family and I travel to KL at least once a year. TP was easily one of the best places that I have ever worked. Not only was the internship very structured, but it also offered a personal touch that most firms do not. Be it, the first breakfast Peter bought for my co-intern and I on our first day and talked us through working at TP, or the daily snippets associates would share with us of their life as lawyers when you drive with them to court or the taking you out for lunches and listening to what you have to say about a particular case…. everyone at the firm treats you like family and recognizes your contribution. The first time I met Mathew, I was awed by the attention he gives his employees and how quickly he recognizes what each has to contribute. But more importantly, he would patiently listen to every opinion, including those of an intern like me. My time at the firm was filled with lots of fun, life lessons and motivation to do better.