Maheshi Herat is a governance and legal specialist with over a decade of leadership in advancing anti-corruption, human rights, and rule of law initiatives in Sri Lanka and internationally. As the Deputy Executive Director of Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL), she provides strategic oversight to the organisation’s core work—driving institutional integrity, strengthening civic accountability, and reinforcing transparency across sectors.
She has played a central role in shaping Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption architecture, being at the forefront of several landmark legislative and policy initiatives in Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption landscape, including the National Anti-Corruption Policy, the Composite Law on Anti-Corruption, and the Proceeds of Crime Law —each aligning domestic efforts with international standards and best practices.
Maheshi is recognized for her ability to bridge legal expertise with inclusive governance, championing participatory approaches that place citizens at the heart of reform. She has led national training programs, community engagements, and policy dialogues that empower citizens and civil society to become active stakeholders in combating corruption.
With a strong focus on innovation, she has also championed the integration of digital solutions into anti-corruption initiatives, reinforcing access to justice and institutional transparency through technology-driven approaches.
An Attorney-at-Law in Sri Lanka, Maheshi holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Legal Studies from the American University Washington College of Law. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to advancing rights-based, participatory governance, anchored in legal precision, and a deep-seated dedication to democratic accountability.