Sagara Lakmal de Mel

Sagara Lakmal de Mel (born in 1973 in Colombo, Sri Lanka) is a Sri Lankan Photojournalism, Chief official photographer of President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa. And the Director of Photography of The Presidents Media Division at Presidential Secretariat office.
== Early life ==
Born on the 01st of March 1973 in Colombo, he is the son of a government servant and staff Nursing who were both very keen on music and instilled such virtues in Sagara, who is himself an accomplished Classical guitarist.Classical Guitarist https://kzwiev.info/u/0q_VX6yki52Eoac/andante-sentimental-antonio-alba-1873-1940-by-sagara-lakmal-de-mel He achieved numerous scholastic awards in the performance arts and as the Music director in the school drama ensemble.
Sagara attended the University of Sri Jayewardenepura to successfully complete his secondary education.
== Career ==
=== Early Career ===
With a strong musical background, Sagara had the opportunity to participate in the Muthuhara Children’s Society Programme at the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation the National Television Network of Sri Lanka. This gave him the stepping-stones to launch his career in the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, and he worked as a Television programme producer and director specializing in multi-camera live broadcasts from 1993- 2008.
2006 Sagara has started his own company "Media Ambassadors" (Creating video documentaries, commercials, multi camera live events and musical concerts, portrait photography, architectural photography, graduation photography, event photography, studio photography, wedding photography, celebrity photography etc).
Directing programmes in famous venues such as the Sydney Opera House and studios in UK, USA, Germany and France, his productions made their mark "by their superiority in the application of technology, creativity and sheer mastery in photography and cinematography.”
=== Photography ===
Having developed a keen eye for movement and capturing the moment which was recognised by famous Dance Choreographer Channa Wijewardena of the Channa-Upuli Performing Arts Foundation his career in photography was launched in 2003, with a generous gift of his first state-of-the-art Camera after which he became the official photographer and technical director of the world-famous dance troupe and toured the world on many occasions.
In 2005, Sagara became the official photographer of Sri Lankan Airlines and did many other commercial shoots to get his career off the ground. He has since become the official photographer for many local and international events and concertshttp://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2008/10/26/imp09.asp) such as Yanni live in Sri Lanka 2014, Enrique Iglesias live in concert 2015, KENNY G Live in Concert to name a few; theatrical productions such as Mamma Miahttps://cinnamonweb.blob.core.windows.net/cinnamonweb-prd/brochures/PR%209%20Mamma%20Mia%21%20%2824th%20July%202018%29.pdf and Sound of Music and the Papal visit of His Holiness Pope Francis in 2015. In recognition of his eye for detail through the experience gathered, he was also commissioned for portrait photography, concert photography, architectural photography, capturing graduation ceremonies, celebrity photographs. and event photography.
He is also imparting the vast knowledge gathered throughout the years as a visiting lecturer in the Universities of University of Moratuwa and University of Colombo in Video Production and Photography.
=== With HE Gotabaya Rajapaksa ===
In 2019 he was invited to follow and cover the political campaign of the then-presidential candidate Gotabaya Rakapaksa.
Upon election as President, Sagara then covered the Swearing-in Ceremony of President Gotabaya Rajapaksahttps://i1.wp.com/www.timeslanka.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/GR-Swearing-in-II.jpg at the Ruwanwelisaya|Ruwanweliseya Temple in Anuradhapura and the arrival at the Presidential Secretariat in 2019.https://www.presidentsoffice.gov.lk/index.php/2019/11/19/president-rajapaksa-assumes-duties/
He was then appointed the Chief Official Photographer of the new President-elect and the new presidential portrait was released soon after. He documents the President’s journey and accompanies him along with staff members in all official visits and events.https://www.dailynews.lk/2020/11/09/local/233226/new-lease-life-remote-velanvita-akkara-seeya-haldummullahttps://www.lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/05/must-look-at-weaknesses-and-strengths-of-13a-gotabaya-rajapaksa-tells-harsh-vardhan-shringla/
His cognizance in the industry has earned him one of the highest accolades in the country as Director of Photography at the President’s Media Division in the Presidential Secretariat’s Office.
Sagara is also the Brand Ambassador for prestigious brands such as JAT Holdings|Jat Holdings and Samsung Galaxy S9 mobile phone.
== Awards and accolades ==
Sagara was the laureate of many awards and accolades throughout the years in recognition of his achievements in the industry.
01. Nelson Mandela Peace Award 2019, Global Achievers Award - Lanka Achievers Foundation.
02. Sri Lankan Icon of the Year in Photography Award 2018 - Business World International Award USA. 
03. Icon of the Year in Photography 2018 - Global Business Leadership Forum & Award.
04. Panel of Judges for the Technical Committee 2013 - Ministry of the Culture & The Arts.
05. Panel of Judges - State Television Awards 2015 - Department of Cultural Affairs.
06. Panel of Judges for the Technical Committee 2021 - Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
07. Panel of Judges - Ms. Sri Lanka in Europe - France.
08. Doctor of Journalism & Mass Communication (HC) - American National Business University.
09. Chairman - Publicity & Photography - Asian-African Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
10. Highest Public Service Honour, Exemplary Star Medallion - World Peace & Diplomacy Organization. 
11. Member of Information & Media Committee of the Papal Visit 2015.
12. Media Ambassador - World Peace & Diplomacy Organization.
13. Honoree at Passion Vista Glamour Awards 2020 - Most Admired Photographer of Asia.
== Collections ==
=== Government ===
01. The swearing-in of state and deputy ministers at the presidential secretariat 2020 - in Sri Lanka25https://www.presidentsoffice.gov.lk/index.php/2019/11/27/new-state-and-deputy-ministers-sworn-in/
02. The new Cabinet of Ministers were sworn in before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at thePresidential Secretariat 2019
Category:1973 births
Category:Sri Lankan photographers
Category:People from Colombo
Category:Alumni of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura