Citizens' Assembly Member Profile

R.B. HERATH is a professional engineer, author, poet and dramatist who holds a Ph.D. in organizational behaviour. He once led a political party in Sri Lanka. In his latest book, Sri Lankan Ethnic Crisis: Towards a Resolution, he proposes a new model of governance for that country. "This book," he says, "gives a review of the political and electoral systems in major democracies, including Canada, the US, the UK, India, and Switzerland." Working as a member of the Citizens' Assembly is a perfect fit, R.B. says, as he has been interested in electoral and governing systems all his life. "This is an experiment that will open new ways toward further democratization of governing systems in the world, and we are going to lead the way in doing that." Born in Sri Lanka, R.B. came to Canada in 1990 and to BC in 1992 after working in a number of countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa. He now heads the water allocation section of the Surrey Service Centre of Land and Water British Columbia. He lives in Surrey with his wife, Hemamala. They have three grown daughters. R.B. enjoys writing, swimming and playing tennis. He has written, directed and produced four dramas, three of which have been shown at the Michael J. Fox Theatre. His website is www.rbherath.com.