Professor Rangita de Silva de Alwis, a trailblazing Sri Lankan-American scholar and advocate, was re-elected to the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) for a second consecutive term (2027–2030). Among 20 candidates, she secured an overwhelming 144 votes out of 187 participating member states the highest tally in the election of 12 new members to the 23-expert committee.
This milestone marks her as the first Sri Lankan to serve two terms on this pivotal body, a testament to her enduring global influence and Sri Lanka’s commitment to gender equality since ratifying the CEDAW Convention in 1981.
From Colombo to the World Stage
Born in Sri Lanka, Rangita de Silva de Alwis’s journey embodies the power of education as a force against inequality. She earned her Bachelor of Laws from the University of Colombo before pursuing advanced studies at Harvard Law School, where she obtained her LL.M. and S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science). Her academic path took her across continents, blending Sri Lankan roots with a truly international outlook.
Over more than 30 years, Professor de Silva de Alwis has emerged as a formidable expert in international women’s human rights. She has advised governments, the United Nations, UNICEF, and UNFPA on law reform initiatives across Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Her work spans landmark areas: using international human rights norms to drive domestic legal changes, advancing disability rights through the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and championing women’s leadership, peace and security, and responses to emerging challenges like technology, cybercrime, and climate emergencies.
She currently serves as Distinguished Adjunct Professor of Law and Global Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. She has held roles at Harvard Kennedy School’s Women and Public Policy Program, Oxford University, and the Wellesley Centers for Women. As a member of CEDAW, she chairs the Working Group on the Individual Petitions Mechanism under the Optional Protocol and co-chairs efforts on Women, Peace and Security. She also contributes to the high-level advisory board of the President of the UN General Assembly and serves as Vice Chair of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute.
Her advocacy is rooted in a powerful belief: “An educated woman and girl is the greatest threat against misogyny, fundamentalism, and all forms of extremism.” This conviction has driven her to push for gender parity in leadership, intersectional approaches to discrimination, and accountability in democratic systems.
Global Recognition and Lasting Impact
Professor de Silva de Alwis’s contributions have earned prestigious honors, including the Austrian Justicia Award, recognition from the South Korean Supreme Court, and Harvard Law School’s “Woman Inspiring Change” accolade. In 2010, she received the U.S. Outstanding American by Choice award for her exceptional contributions. She was also named the Hillary Rodham Clinton Distinguished Fellow on Gender Equity at Georgetown’s Institute for Women, Peace and Security.
Her re-election comes at a critical time. As the CEDAW Committee monitors the implementation of the landmark convention across 187 ratifying nations, her expertise will continue shaping responses to evolving threats—from digital violence and climate displacement to barriers in women’s political and economic participation. Sri Lanka’s strong lobbying effort, led by Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath, underscored the nation’s pride in fielding such a distinguished candidate.
A Story of Hope and Determination
This victory is more than a diplomatic success; it is a narrative of resilience. From her early days in Sri Lanka to influencing policy at the highest international levels, Professor Rangita de Silva de Alwis has woven her personal story into a broader tapestry of progress. Her re-election signals that expertise, persistence, and a deep commitment to justice can transcend borders and inspire generations.
As she begins her new term, the world watches a scholar, lawyer, and visionary who continues to remind us that the path to equality demands both bold ideas and unwavering action. For Sri Lanka and for women everywhere, Professor de Silva de Alwis stands as a luminous example that one voice,amplified by knowledge and convictioncan echo across continents and shape a fairer future.
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