Name

Senal Senevirathne

Program

Sri Lankan Fulbright Master's Scholar

Cycle

2024

During my Fulbright year, I pursued an LL.M. at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., which hosts one of the largest LL.M. cohorts in the United States. Studying alongside colleagues from all over the world made the experience both academically rich and personally rewarding.

I was also given the opportunity to serve as a Teaching Fellow at Georgetown Law while completing my studies, which allowed me to engage with the academic community in a meaningful way. My focus was on governance and dispute resolution, and I completed the program with a Certificate in Dispute Resolution.

Being based in Washington, D.C., further offered exposure to a range of governmental and non-governmental organizations, which helped me connect my studies to practical applications. I was fortunate to complete the program with distinction, and I remain deeply grateful for the support and friendships that made the experience so memorable.

Overall, the Fulbright was a formative chapter for me, both in building expertise and in appreciating the value of cross-cultural exchange.

  • Highlight: The major highlight of my Fulbright experience was meeting Justice Sonia Sotomayor of the United States Supreme Court, a jurist I have deeply respected since my first year in undergraduate law school. Her powerful dissent in the Dobbs case was a key inspiration behind my decision to apply for the Fulbright in 2023, and meeting her in person was both humbling and transformative.

  • Exploring the U.S.: One of the ways I explored the U.S. during my Fulbright was by traveling extensively along the East Coast, from historic cities to vibrant cultural hubs. I made it a point to step outside my comfort zone, meeting new people, engaging in conversations, and learning from diverse perspectives. Food was another gateway: I tried cuisines from many different cultures, which felt like a window into the rich diversity the U.S. embodies. These experiences helped me connect more deeply with the country beyond the classroom.

  • Advice: If you are clear and honest about your true motivations, it will come through in your Fulbright application. The program values authenticity, and when your goals genuinely align with your passion, it strengthens your chances of success and makes the experience more meaningful.