Dr. Suren Raghavan
Dr. Suren Raghavan is an acclaimed academic and transformative leader whose career spans the heights of global scholarship and national governance. With profound expertise in the intersection of society and belief, he completed his Post-doctoral training on Politics and Religion at Wolfson College, University of Oxford, solidifying his status as a distinguished voice in international academia.
Transitioning from the lecture hall to public service, he made history as the first Tamil Governor of the Northern Province. His subsequent tenure as the State Minister for Higher Education (2021–2024) was defined by a commitment to modernizing Sri Lanka's university system, fostering research innovation, and expanding equitable access to quality education for all.
Academic Excellence
Specialized research at the University of Oxford focusing on the complex dynamics of global politics and religious frameworks.
Historic Governance
Served as the 6th Governor of the Northern Province, pioneering inclusive administrative reforms and regional development.
Educational Reform
As State Minister, spearheaded initiatives to bridge the gap between local curricula and global industry standards.
Regenerating
Democratic Politics.
A plain-speaking conversational podcast that cuts through cheap market-based gossip to deliver informed exchanges on Sri Lankan, Asian, and Global politics.
Host
Dr. Suren Raghavan
Academic & Former Governor
Conversations That
Matter
Freedom First aims to regenerate an informed exchange by focusing on democratic nuances. Hosted by Dr. Suren Raghavan, an esteemed academic and writer who served as the 6th and first Tamil Governor of the Northern Province.
Dr. Raghavan is regularly joined by a diverse range of guests including journalists, activists, and world leaders.
Global Reach
Sri Lankan & Asian Politics
Plain Speaking
Informed Exchanges
Our Vision
"We wish to see a world order led by deeper values of citizens-led Consociational Democracy where the peripheral has the same voice as the centre."
Injecting deeper knowledge of democracy among Gen Z globally via electronic platforms with sensible theoretical and cultural contributions.
Dialogue Series
Constructing a probe into democracy with decision makers and Gen Z members.
Cultural Promotion
Promoting events that advance participatory democracy and philosophical governance.
Modern Polity
Utilizing available electronic platforms for sensible theoretical contributions.
Creative Aura Studio
Podcast Production
Esara Bhashitha
Creative Director
A Future Defined by Equity & Participation
We envision a citizen-led consociational democracy—a robust political framework where the power of governance is shared equally.
Core Pillars
Citizen-Led Governance
True democracy begins with the individual. We aim to move beyond passive representation toward active participation, where citizens are the primary architects of the policies that govern their lives.
Consociational Stability
By adopting a consociational approach, we prioritize power-sharing and mutual agreement. This ensures that in a diverse society, no single group dominates.
Elevation of the Periphery
For too long, the 'centre' has dictated the narrative. Our vision is to amplify the voices of those on the margins—ensuring they carry the same weight as traditional hubs.
Democratic Equilibrium
We strive for a system of checks and balances that doesn't just manage conflict, but proactively fosters equity and ensures resources are distributed based on justice.