Nilanthi Samaranayake

Nilanthi Samaranayake serves as a Visiting Expert for the South Asia Programs at the United States Institute of Peace and as an Adjunct Fellow at the East-West Center in Washington since 2023. Prior to these roles, Nilanthi directed the Strategy and Policy Analysis Program at CNA from 2010 to 2023, focusing on global strategy and policy issues. Notable public speaking engagements include congressional testimony in 2023 and various appearances at prestigious institutions between 2016 and 2022. Nilanthi's early career includes a fellowship at the National Bureau of Asian Research, conducting research on Sri Lanka's relations with China, and a position at the Pew Research Center managing surveys on U.S. global standing. Nilanthi holds an MSc in International Relations from The London School of Economics and a BA in International Studies from American University, complemented by a study abroad experience in China.