Philip Dissanayake is a well-known Human Rights Defender who was born on 6th September 1967 at Matara and former student of St. Thomas College Matara.
Founder member of “Sri Lankan NGOs’ Collective against Torture” since 2011. Executive committee member of “Families of the Disappeared”(FOD) from 2002 to up to now. Co-organizer of “Platform for Freedom” movement (PFF) from 2009 to till now acts the executive committee member & organizing committee member up to now. Founder Member and Convener of “Veediye Virodaya” – Change with Reforms Movement since 2014. Coordinator of “National Movement for New Constitution” (NMNC) since 2017.
He is a veteran civil society leader, journalist and a vibrant speaker. In 2011 & 2016 represented Sri Lankan Civil society in Geneva during the United Nations Committee Against Torture (UNCAT). He worked as news editor of “Haraya” Sinhala newspaper since 1992 -2001. Chief editor “Niveka” Sinhala monthly newspaper 2002-2005. Editor of “Right to Life” Sinhala bi-month magazine from 2007 to 2009. Consultant of “Aithiya” Newsletter and website since 2010.
He is interested in reading and writing