Emeritus Professor and Crawford PhD graduate recognised in King’s Birthday honours
Two members of the Crawford community have been recognised for their contributions to their fields in the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List.
Emeritus Professor Prema-chandra Athukorala AM
Crawford Emeritus Professor Prema-chandra Athukorala AM has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to tertiary education, and to international trade and development economics.
He was one of 183 people who were appointed Member of the Order (AM) in the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List.
“Having come from a humble rural background in Sri Lanka, I could never have imagined receiving this recognition,” he says.
“I regard it not only as a personal honour, but also as a tribute to the many brilliant students, colleagues, and friends—including, of course, you—whose inspiration, encouragement, support, and collaboration have enriched my academic and professional journey.”
Professor Paul Burke, Deputy Director of the Crawford School of Public Policy, added “Emeritus Professor Prema-chandra Athukorala has made a major contribution to understanding international supply chains and the economies in our region. He has supervised many PhD students to successful completion and they have gone on to successful careers. It is excellent to see his many contributions honoured by being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).”
Dr Nu Nu Win PSM
Dr Nu Nu Win PSM was awarded the Public Service Medal for her service towards improving the inclusiveness and diversity of the Australian Public Service. Dr Win completed her PhD at Crawford as part of the Sir Roland Wilson Scholarship.
“It is an honour to receive this PSM, and to be recognised for bringing rigorous analysis to important diversity issues in the APS. My PhD at the ANU under the Sir Roland Wilson Scholarship was a significant part of the journey, with my chapter on APS promotions sparking many conversations across the agencies. I also hope that the hundreds of staff across the APS working on inclusion committees to make the APS fairer, more inclusive, and meritorious see this award as also reflecting their efforts and achievements,” she says.
Her PhD supervisor, Professor Robert Breunig says "Dr. Win is an exceptional public servant. As a PhD student at ANU, funded by a Sir Roland Wilson Scholarship, she wrote an exceptional thesis spanning issues in labour markets and business investment. Her research and policy work are insightful and impactful. It is a such a pleasure to work with her."
Crawford School Director Professor Janine O’Flynn says, “This is a wonderful acknowledgment of Prema-chandra Athukorala’s and Dr Nu Nu Win’s contributions to their fields of work. It’s a huge honour and recognition for them both and we are delighted and proud of their achievement.”
You can congratulate Prema-chandra Athukorala AM here, and Dr Nu Nu Win PSM here.