Shanaka has a diverse practice and accepts briefs in all areas of the law. He has a particular interest in commercial law, regulatory law, and white-collar crime, and has appeared both led and unled in various New South Wales and Federal courts and tribunals. He is valued for his forensic analysis, written skills, and oral advocacy.

Shanaka is listed as a leading junior in The Legal 500 2023 Asia-Pacific Guide for Crime and Regulatory (Including White-Collar Crime), with feedback including “Very responsive, he provides excellent written work. Very easy to work with and very bright”.

Shanaka has a BA in Jurisprudence from the University of Oxford, where he graduated with First Class Honours. He also holds a Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) with Distinction from the University of Oxford.

Prior to coming to the Bar, Shanaka practiced as a solicitor at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in London and Henry Davis York in Sydney and was the tipstaff in the NSW Court of Appeal for Justice McColl AO and the tipstaff in the Supreme Court, Equity Division for Justice Robb.

Shanaka is also admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales.