“I am Austin” presented to the President

The book “I am Austin,” authored by Mr. Austin Fernando, a former presidential secretary, was presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (09). Serving as both an autobiography and a commentary on public service and political activism, the book intertwines Mr. Fernando’s experiences in public service with reflections on the intricacies of political engagement.

Mr. Fernando, known for his multifaceted roles in contemporary Sri Lankan history, notably held the position of Secretary of the Ministry of Defence during the 2001-2003 ceasefire agreement and later served as the President’s Secretary from 2017 to 2018. His involvement in high-profile responsibilities within the public service and participation in private and international corporate functions make him a first-hand witness to some contentious events in Sri Lanka’s political history.

Offering a unique perspective, “I am Austin” unveils aspects of Sri Lankan political and administrative realms that often remain undocumented in mainstream media or other sources. The book serves as a window into the unexplored truths of the country’s political landscape, shedding light on the intricacies, vulnerabilities, and complexities inherent in human nature within the realms of government and diplomacy. In essence, “I am Austin” stands not only as an autobiography but also as a timely social discourse.