At the private Bar, Shanaka has had a diverse practice, with a particular interest in criminal law and regulatory law and has appeared both led and unled in various New South Wales and Federal courts and tribunals. 
Shanaka has accepted a 6-month retainer with the NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions commencing on 13 January 2025.

Shanaka was 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 tipstaff in the NSW Court of Appeal for Justice McColl AO and tipstaff in the Supreme Court, Equity Division for Justice Robb.

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