“Being a mother is not an obstacle in the way of achieving your dreams” Nilushi Ranaweera, Sri Lanka’s first female Assistant Attorney General in Minnesota, USA

Nilushi Ranaweera, Sri Lanka’s first female Assistant Attorney General in Minnesota, USA, explained how tough it is in America to start a fresh life after being convicted of a crime

She crossed continents to study law at Hamlin University in Minnesota State in 2006, and later received her Juris Doctorate from Michel Hamlin Law College 
in 2016

In Sri Lanka, like in many places around the world, it’s all too common for women to set aside their dreams and aspirations upon entering motherhood. Countless women find themselves relinquishing their ambitions as they navigate the responsibilities of adulthood and raising a family. Yet, another Sri Lankan woman defied societal expectations showing that motherhood needn’t be an obstacle in the path of having a successful career.  
Meet Nilushi Ranaweera, an individual who broke barriers and transcended expectations. After migrating to the United States of America following her marriage, Ranaweera embarked on a transformative journey. Determined to pursue her passion for law she decided to embark on this path in her late thirties; despite having to nurture two young children.  

Contrary to the fears of derailing her career or sacrificing family time, Ranaweera’s story took a different turn. As she recounted her journey to the Daily Mirror, she proudly said, “My career actually skyrocketed after getting married and having children.” At present, Ranaweera stands tall as the first Sri Lankan female to be appointed as an Assistant Attorney General in Minnesota State in the USA.  
Her pivotal role involves leading a groundbreaking expungement programme that aids American citizens in sealing minor convictions and nonviolent felonies from their records; all without any cost. This initiative, known as the “Help Seal My Record” programme, was a groundbreaking effort when introduced in Minnesota in October 2020, setting an example for other states in America to follow.  
As a mother, Ranaweera believes that her achievements have a profound impact on her children. By setting an example of perseverance and determination, she demonstrates to her kids that they can conquer any challenge they set their minds to.  
Ranweera’s journey is particularly significant within the context of Sri Lanka’s labour force dynamics, where the female labour force participation rate remains alarmingly low, hovering between 30-35 percent over the past two decades. Such disparities in employment opportunities have far-reaching consequences on the country’s economy and the well-being of its citizens.  

Hailing from Batapotha, Madelgamuwa, in Gampaha, the foundation for Ranweera’s educational was laid at Holy Cross College before she earned her degree from the Colombo University in 2005. Continuing her pursuit of knowledge, she crossed continents to study law at Hamlin University in Minnesota State in 2006, and later received her Juris Doctorate from Michel Hamlin Law College in 2016.  
Determined to embark on her journey to gain legal expertise, she underwent further specialised training under the guidance of a government judge in Minnesota, leading to her momentous appointment as Assistant Attorney General on August 23, 2019. Ranaweera’s supportive husband, Eranda Liyanapathirana, and their two sons, Akain and Krishen, form a strong familial foundation that enables her to navigate the demands of a successful career.  
During Ranaweera’s interview with this scribe she candidly shared memories of chasing her dreams while balancing motherhood and stated that it was no walk in the park. “When I decided to attend law school, I was in my late thirties and my boys were aged 3 and 5. The two years I spent for law school education were the toughest years of my life. It was tough on my kids as well,” she reminisced.  
Entering law school in her late thirties, with her young boys around, posed formidable challenges. Nevertheless, her prior legal studies in Sri Lanka, coupled with her experience as a mother, equipped her with the tenacity and skill to secure her esteemed position at Minnesota 
AG’s Office.  

Ranaweera has a message to her fellow Sri Lankan women: “My message for Sri Lankan women is that you can be a mother, you can be a wife and you can absolutely be a career woman at the same time. Being a woman or a mother is not an obstacle in the way of achieving your dreams. Make it as an opportunity to follow your dreams with the life skills that every mother has; including multi-tasking. Dream big and unapologetically embrace your aspirations. The journey may not always be smooth, but with resilience and determination, anything is achievable,” she said.   
Ranaweera’s unwavering spirit and triumphs inspire women across Sri Lanka and beyond. Her story serves as a beacon of hope, reminding everyone that the pursuit of one’s passions need not be sacrificed on the altar of motherhood.