Among journalists who use print, electronic and digital media in a manner most innovative and responsible, Saman Athaudahetti is unforgettable.
His newspaper articles, books, travelogues, translations are all embraced by the readers. Athaudahetti's television and radio presence remain memorable for decades. The lyricist and the announcer in Saman have received accolades.
Starting his journey at SLBC, with the emergence of television, Saman steered to television media. He remains among the few who excelled in both these forms of mass communication.
- Later he joined Government Service as an Assistant Secretary in 1991 and retired in 2019 September as a Additional Secretary.
- His career in Government Service, starting as an Assistant Director – Ministry of Industries (1992 – 1993),
- Senior Assistant Secretary (Information) – Ministry of Industries (1993 – 1993 May), Senior
- Assistant Secretary (Information) – Prime Minister’s Office (1993 May -1994 May),
- Media Secretary to the Leader of the Opposition (1994 May 2001December),
- additional Secretary (Media) – Prime Minister’s Office (2001 December – 2004.05.02),
- Acting Chairman – National Television Cooperation (2001 December – 2001 March),
- Media Secretary to the Leader of the Opposition (2004.05.03 – 2015.01.09),
- Additional Secretary (Media) – Prime Minister’s Office (2015 – 2019),
- Chairman – Public Perfomance Board, Chairman – ITN (2016 – 2018),
- Adviser Media to the Prime Minister (2022 June) and Chairman - Sri Lanka Foundation Institute.
Simultaneously, Athaudahetti has shared his skills as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Sri Jayawardhenepura and served as the Senior Vice President of the Sri Lanka Press Association. His global engagement includes representing Sri Lanka in the ASCA Overseas Cultural Exchange in Japan. A versatile professional, he has showcased his creativity as a writer, presenter of TV and radio programs, and as a columnist, showcasing a multifaceted and impactful career