The 2026 King’s Birthday Honours list has formally recognised the exceptional contributions of Professor Terence Jeyaretnam, who has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to social justice, environmental conservation, and sustainability. This prestigious accolade serves as a testament to a career defined by an unwavering commitment to the protection of human rights and the advancement of ecological responsibility, reflecting a journey that began in the midst of conflict and has culminated in national leadership within the Australian community.
As the current Chair of Amnesty International Australia and a Partner at EY in the Climate Change and Sustainability team, Professor Jeyaretnam exemplifies the profound impact that members of the global Sri Lankan community can have when their professional expertise is harmonised with a deep sense of social consciousness. His appointment to the Order of Australia is not merely a personal milestone but a significant moment for all Sri Lankans abroad, highlighting the vital role that those with refugee backgrounds play in shaping the moral and environmental landscape of their adopted nations.
A Journey Rooted in Resilience and Heritage
The narrative of Professor Jeyaretnam’s life is one that resonates with many within the Sri Lankan expatriate community, having arrived in Australia as a refugee from a war-torn homeland. It is this foundational experience of displacement and the fragility of peace that has remained instrumental in shaping his worldview, ensuring that his advocacy for human rights is never treated as an abstract academic exercise but as a fundamental necessity for human dignity. By drawing upon the lived reality of his early years, he has been able to bridge the gap between policy and practice, advocating for those whose voices are often silenced by systemic injustice or environmental catastrophe.
His academic journey in Australia commenced at the University of Western Australia, where he pursued a degree in Environmental Engineering during the early 1990s. This technical foundation proved to be the antithesis of stagnant traditionalism, as he quickly moved to the forefront of the burgeoning sustainability movement in Australia. His early recognition as one of the top ten most influential young engineers in the country by Engineers Australia in 2005 foreshadowed a career that would be replete with pioneering achievements and institutional leadership.
Pioneering Sustainability and Environmental Governance
Before his prominent role at EY, Professor Jeyaretnam was the founder and Executive Director of Net Balance, which grew to become Australia’s largest standalone sustainability and climate change consultancy. Under his stewardship, the organisation became a beacon for corporate responsibility, assisting both government agencies and private enterprises in navigating the complex requirements of environmental governance. The eventual acquisition of Net Balance by EY in 2014 allowed his influence to scale even further, enabling him to advise global corporations on how to integrate ethical considerations into their core business strategies.
His work has been particularly influential in the development of sustainability standards and reporting frameworks, including his advisory roles linked to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation. By advocating for transparent and rigorous environmental reporting, Professor Jeyaretnam has helped to ensure that the impact of corporate actions on the planet is both measurable and accountable. His dual role as an Associate Professor of Practice at Monash Business School further underscores his commitment to mentoring the next generation of leaders, ensuring that the principles of sustainability are embedded within the curriculum of future business professionals.
Leadership at Amnesty International Australia
As the Chair of Amnesty International Australia, Professor Jeyaretnam has provided principled leadership during a period of significant global instability. His tenure has been marked by a focus on the intersectionality of modern crises, particularly the manner in which climate change acts as a threat multiplier for human rights abuses. He has frequently highlighted the inextricable link between environmental degradation and the displacement of people, arguing that the protection of the planet is a prerequisite for the protection of human life.
In his response to receiving the Member of the Order of Australia, Professor Jeyaretnam dedicated the honour to the countless individuals and organisations working tirelessly to protect human rights across the globe. He noted that for someone who once sought refuge from conflict, the legal and social protections afforded by institutions like Amnesty are precious and must never be taken for granted. This sentiment echoes the values of service excellence and social consciousness that eLanka strives to celebrate within our community.
The Convergence of Human Rights and Climate Action
One of the most distinctive aspects of Professor Jeyaretnam’s advocacy is his ability to articulate the relationship between human rights, displacement, and the climate emergency. He maintains that the global community cannot address one of these issues in isolation without acknowledging the impact on the others. This holistic approach is essential in a contemporary context where environmental factors are increasingly becoming the primary drivers of migration and social unrest.
Through his involvement with organisations such as Global Citizen Australia and the Australian Conservation Foundation, he has worked to mobilise public support for policies that prioritise both ecological health and social equity. His appointment to the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board of Australia (AuASB) further demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that the mechanisms of governance are robust enough to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Celebrating Excellence in the Sri Lankan Community
The recognition of Professor Terence Jeyaretnam AM in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours is a source of immense pride for Sri Lankans in Australia and across the globe. It serves as a powerful reminder of the contributions made by those who have overcome adversity to reach the highest levels of professional and civic life. At eLanka, we believe in sharing and celebrating such positive stories, as they inspire the next generation of Sri Lankan expatriates to strive for excellence while remaining grounded in their heritage and values.
Professor Jeyaretnam’s career is a masterclass in how professional skill can be leveraged for the greater good. Whether he is advising on international sustainability frameworks or leading a national human rights organisation, his actions are consistently guided by a desire to improve the lives of others and protect the world we inhabit. His story is one of transformation, from a young refugee seeking safety to a national leader providing guidance on some of the most pressing issues of our time.
For those who wish to learn more about the achievements of the Sri Lankan community in Australia or to stay updated on upcoming community events, eLanka remains the premier digital hub for news, connections, and celebrations of our shared heritage. We invite you to join us in congratulating Professor Terence Jeyaretnam AM on this well-deserved honour and to continue supporting the initiatives that bring our global community together.
Professor Jeyaretnam’s enduring commitment to patient care, social justice, and the environment serves as a beacon of hope, proving that with dedication and compassion, it is possible to build a more just and sustainable future for all. As we look forward to the continued impact of his work, we are reminded that the strength of our community lies in our ability to support one another and to celebrate the achievements that elevate us all.
Source: Amnesty International Australia announcement
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