Bodh Maathura

Bodh Maathura 24, is a young economic research and development professional from Sri Lanka, specializing in industrialization, inequality, youth, and sustainable development. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance, leading policy advocacy initiatives to elevate the voices of youth and children in national and regional policy frameworks. 
 

As a former Council Member of the National Youth Services Council of Sri Lanka, he led initiatives in research, engagement, and climate action. In his role as Head of Climate Action at the National Youth Services Council, he spearheaded efforts to raise climate awareness among youth in rural communities by delivering content in their local languages. He was the youngest member involved in designing and implementing the annual Youth Development Action Plan of NYSC for 2024, ensuring that it was inclusive of all vulnerable & marginalized groups. 
 

Additionally, Bodh represented Sri Lanka at COP28, where he led the drafting of Sri Lanka's National Youth Statement for the conference. His efforts were instrumental in introducing and institutionalizing Climate Change Education as a core component of NYSC's annual youth development program. He also served as a Youth Representative at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024, where he participated in multiple intergenerational dialogues, advocating for the inclusion of youth priorities in the CHOGM outcome statement.

Alongside his leadership in youth advocacy, Bodh is an economic researcher specializing in development and inequality. At UNDP Sri Lanka, he conducted in-depth analyses of economic crises and developed strategies to mitigate their impacts on vulnerable populations. He has contributed to academic publications, including those by Routledge, and frequently shares his insights on economic and development issues in Sri Lankan media.