Category: News

Nadarajah Nishanthan is an accomplished development professional with over 15 years of expertise in climate-smart agriculture, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and waste management, including more than a decade in senior managerial and advisory roles with UN agencies, USAID, and international NGOs. He has successfully led large-scale, donor-funded projects in Sri Lanka, focusing on sustainable agriculture, crop diversification, livestock development, market-driven approaches, water management, and policy reform, while creating inclusive economic opportunities for women, youth, and marginalized groups. His career spans leadership positions with USAID, ILO, FAO, Plan International, ZOA, UNICEF, IOM, and UNOPS, where he provided strategic guidance, strengthened partnerships, and coordinated national and provincial-level initiatives. Skilled in program management, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and financial oversight, Nishanthan combines technical expertise with strong leadership to advance sustainable development, social cohesion, and resilience in both communities and institutions.

Mrs. Vijayaparani Jayasuthan is an experienced counselor and community empowerment advocate with a strong background in psychosocial work, REIKI healing, and community service. With professional experience as a Psychosocial Focal Point and Program Assistant at OFERR (Ceylon), a Volunteer Counselor at the Mental Health Unit, Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, and a Community Empowerment Worker with the Chenkalady Divisional Secretariat, she has supported individuals and communities affected by conflict, displacement, and mental health challenges. She holds a master’s degree in REIKI Healing, a Diploma in Counselling, a Bachelor of Arts, and a Diploma in Psychosocial Work, complemented by certifications in co-counseling, trauma care, mindfulness, and psychosocial work. Skilled in counseling, conflict resolution, stress management, and capacity building, she is recognized for her cultural sensitivity, leadership, and commitment to promoting mental health, empowerment, and community well-being.

Janushanth is an experienced professional in community rehabilitation, legal processes, and social support systems, currently serving as a Work Inspector with the Community-Based Corrections (CBC) Unit at the Magistrate’s Court in Eravur. With earlier experience as a Marketing Executive Officer at CEYLINCO VIP and as an Irrigation Field Assistant, he combines strong organizational, administrative, and community engagement skills. He is widely recognized for his effective work with individuals facing drug abuse, domestic violence, and minor offences, offering constructive rehabilitation pathways that support reintegration into society. Having served the Community Corrections Department across Eravur, Batticaloa, Valaichenai, Sammanthurai, and Puttalam Magistrate Courts, Janushanth is respected as a compassionate and professional practitioner dedicated to strengthening families, empowering vulnerable individuals, and fostering safer, healthier communities.

Mr. Mohamed Safreen is the Senior Community Correction Officer for Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, with a strong legal and academic background and extensive experience in rehabilitation under the Ministry of Justice. He oversees province-wide rehabilitation programs within the Community-Based Corrections Department, focusing on individuals involved in minor offences and ensuring justice is delivered with fairness, dignity, and compassion. Safreen holds a B.A. (Hons) and M.Phil in Sociology, a Master’s in Human Rights and Multiculturalism, a Diploma in Counseling, a Higher National Diploma in English, and is currently pursuing an LL.B., equipping him with multidisciplinary expertise. Beyond his official duties, he has presented papers at international symposiums and contributed to journals on legal and social issues, particularly drug abuse prevention and response. Widely respected for his integrity and leadership, Safreen mentors colleagues, upholds high standards of service delivery, and strengthens rehabilitation and reintegration efforts across the Eastern Province and beyond.

Betsy R. Terance is an energetic and adaptable professional with extensive experience in human resources, administration, and social work, with a strong background in HR leadership at organizations such as Code Basys, SGIC, and World Vision Lanka, and prior experience as an Autism Therapist and Centre Manager, she combines expertise in people management, policy development, and organizational coordination with specialized training in child psychology, behavioral therapy, and monitoring and evaluation. A first-class graduate in Sociology, Economics, and History from Bangalore University, she is recognized for her leadership, creativity, and commitment to social impact, reinforced by active involvement in charitable initiatives, advisory boards, and extracurricular achievements.

Abdul Zarook is a humanitarian and development professional with over two decades of experience leading impactful programs across Sri Lanka since 2005. Holding an MSc in Sustainable Development from the University of London, he has extensive expertise in program management with a strong focus on livelihoods recovery, education, health and nutrition, good governance, anti-corruption, and child protection. His career spans key leadership roles including Programme Manager – Public Sector at Transparency International Sri Lanka, where he championed governance and anti-corruption reforms; Country Project Manager for Girls’ Nutrition at the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts; Programme Officer – Field Coordination at UNICEF; and District Livelihood Coordinator at the International Labour Organization. With a proven track record in results-based program management covering employment creation, emergency education, institutional strengthening, accountability, and protection, Zarook has consistently demonstrated his commitment to empowering communities, advancing sustainable development, and driving systemic reforms for long-term impact.

Marie Evangeline David is a highly experienced development professional with over 23 years of expertise across diverse sectors including food security, women and youth empowerment, education, child protection, health and nutrition, WASH, disaster risk reduction, environmental management, and integrated community development. She has held senior leadership roles with UNOPS, ChildFund partners, Aide et Action, Diakonia, Save the Children, and YMCA, managing donor-funded programs, child protection initiatives, livelihoods, and emergency responses across Sri Lanka’s North and East. Skilled in project and partner management, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and proposal development, she is fluent in English and Tamil with intermediate Sinhala. Her strong background in gender mainstreaming, human rights, and community mobilization, combined with advanced training in child protection and program management, underlines her commitment to fostering inclusive, sustainable, and rights-based development outcomes.

Yohan Sashimal Wedithantrige is a humanitarian and social development professional with 20 years of experience leading protection, peacebuilding, and development initiatives across Sri Lanka and South Sudan. He has held senior roles with organizations such as Nonviolent Peaceforce, VSO, Muslim Aid, GOAL, Christian Blind Mission, and ADRA, managing multi-donor programs, education projects, emergency responses, and livelihood initiatives. Alongside his field expertise, Yohan brings strong skills in digital and social media management, specializing in audience targeting, campaign optimization, and influencer outreach to strengthen humanitarian and advocacy campaigns. With a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science and additional training in participatory research and policy practice, he is recognized for his leadership, conflict resolution, stakeholder engagement, and ability to integrate digital strategies with program delivery for greater impact.

Rajendran Kabilanjalee is a multilingual communication professional and aspiring IT graduate. Skilled in crafting culturally appropriate content across social media, print, radio, and digital platforms, she develops audience-specific messaging strategies for youth, women, and MSMEs, and integrates behavioral insights to drive positive change in areas such as sustainability and food systems. Fluent in Tamil, Sinhala, and English, she brings strong writing, editing, and translation abilities. With a foundation in Information Technology studies at the University of Colombo, alongside achievements in dance, athletics, and community engagement through the Sri Lankan Girl Guides and Scouts Association, Kabilanjalee combines creativity, communication expertise, and cross-cultural sensitivity to deliver impactful results.

David Kanagaretnam is a humanitarian and development professional with over 20 years of experience across Sri Lanka and South Sudan, specializing in project management, gender, protection, and livelihoods. He has led large teams and complex field operations with organizations such as Nonviolent Peaceforce, UNHCR, World Vision, and ZOA, successfully managing civilian protection, conflict resolution, community rehabilitation, and nutrition programs. His expertise spans strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, and administration, with added strengths in digital media, social media management, and audiovisual production. Known for his strong leadership, organizational skills, and solution-oriented mindset, David brings proven experience in working under challenging conditions, building partnerships with government and communities, and delivering impactful, sustainable outcomes.

Aseervatham Florington is a seasoned humanitarian leader with over 22 years of international experience across Africa and Asia, including 14 years in senior management roles such as Country Director and Head of Mission. He has led large-scale humanitarian and peacebuilding operations in Sri Lanka, South Sudan, Sudan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Uganda, managing multimillion-dollar budgets and teams of more than 250 staff. His expertise spans humanitarian operations leadership, multi-sectoral programming (Health, Nutrition, WASH, Education, Protection, Peacebuilding), and high-level advocacy. Florington has represented INGOs at the UN Security Council, African Union, and European capitals, championing civilian protection and human rights defenders. At the grassroots level, he has worked with displaced and marginalized populations, including Rohingya refugees, conflict-affected communities, and war-affected civilians. Recognized for integrity, resilience, and vision, he has been nominated for prestigious awards such as the Human Rights Tulip and the Tenenbaum Peacemaker, continuing to advance rights-based humanitarian action worldwide.