Chevaan Devavarathan Daniel (born 11 May 1978) is a prominent Sri Lankan figure, known for his diverse contributions in the fields of media, technology, and humanitarian work. With a career that spans from being a TV news anchor to founding a pioneering tech start-up and leading one of Sri Lanka’s largest conglomerates, Daniel’s journey is a testament to his versatility and dedication.
Early Life and Education
Daniel was born to parents of mixed racial heritage. His early education began at several rural schools before he was admitted to S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, in 1988. He holds a degree in economics and a master’s degree in political science. In 2010, Daniel was selected as a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow under the Fulbright Programme, which allowed him to study at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. During his time in the United States, he worked for NBC and MSNBC in New York City.
Career Milestones
Media and Technology
Daniel’s career began in the newsroom of Capital Maharaja, where he started as a part-time typist. He quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the youngest individuals appointed to the main board of the 80-year-old conglomerate. Daniel is best known for launching eezee2.com, Sri Lanka’s first classified advertisement website, in 1998, and the country’s first SMS news alert service in 2000. His role as an English news anchor on MTV Sri Lanka made him a household name in his early twenties.
Leadership at Capital Maharaja
Today, Daniel serves as a Group Director at Capital Maharaja, Sri Lanka’s largest and most diversified privately held conglomerate. He attributes much of his success to his mentor, R. Rajamahendran, the chairman and managing director of the Maharaja Organization.
Humanitarian Efforts
Daniel is a key figure behind ‘Gammadda’, Sri Lanka’s largest rural development movement. He has represented the Capital Maharaja Organization at numerous international forums, including the World Humanitarian Summit and the United Nations Global Consultation on Humanitarian Efforts. His role as Master of Ceremony at the WHS Global Consultation and his official statement at the UN World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul in 2016 highlight his commitment to humanitarian causes.
Achievements and Recognitions
Daniel’s contributions have been widely recognized. He is a Fulbright Scholar, Eisenhower Global Fellow, and has been twice selected as one of Sri Lanka’s 40 Under 40 outstanding young business leaders by Echelon Magazine. In 2008, he was awarded the Junior Chamber International’s Most Outstanding Young Person of the Year award. In 2017, he received the first Eisenhower Special Award conferred on a Sri Lankan and was appointed to the Global Advisory Board of the Humanitarian Innovation Initiative at Brown University.
Controversies
Daniel’s career has not been without controversy. In 2009, after his station was attacked and burned by unidentified gunmen, he was interviewed on CNN about the incident. Subsequently, he faced an investigation and was forced to make a dangerous exit out of Sri Lanka. Despite these challenges, Daniel returned to Sri Lanka within a week, refusing offers for asylum overseas. In 2010, he famously stood his ground against then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa, leading to his removal from Temple Trees.
Personal Life
Daniel is married to Raaidah Daniel (née Wahab), and they have a son, Chelian. His interests extend beyond his professional life; he is an avid composer, singer, and lyricist with several English and Sinhalese singles to his name. Daniel has also composed music for national programmes, including campaigns for peace and reconciliation.
Conclusion
Chevaan Devavarathan Daniel’s journey is marked by significant achievements in media, technology, and humanitarian work. His leadership at Capital Maharaja, innovative contributions to Sri Lanka’s tech landscape, and unwavering commitment to rural development make him a multifaceted leader who continues to inspire many.
