SECRETARY GENERAL - CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Manique Mendis the Secretary General- CEO, of The Business for Peace Alliance, is a well known Communications specialist. She has over two decades of experience in Communication and Public Relations and functioned as the head of Communications, Public Relations and Information in several private and public sector and international organizations. These include, the Mahaweli Development Authority, MTV Television, MBC Radio and the European Union’s mission in Sri Lanka. She also served The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce as Consultant, Marketing and Public Relations. She made history in the media scene in Sri Lanka when she was instrumental in launching the Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka, a self –regulatory mechanism set up by the media to entertain complaints against newspapers and develop professionalism of media in Sri Lanka, in the capacity of its founder Chief Executive Officer. She has rich insights in working with diverse international partners through experience gained in working in multi national environments and training and international exposure in several countries including, UK, Russia, Singapore, Belgium, Nepal, India, USA, Sweden, Thailand and Australia. Manique is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Centre for Integrated Communications Research and Advocacy and Adviser to the Public Awareness Committee of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and Patron of the Tamil Speaking Women Journalists’ Association of Sri Lanka. Manique brings to BPA together with her expertise in Communications and Management, hands on experience in peace building at grass roots level and exposure to the art of Conflict transformation, gained at the Berghof Foundation for Conflict Studies, where she served as a Consultant. Manique has spearheaded many important projects related to Peace Building and Communication over the last decade throughout Sri Lanka, including the war -torn areas in the North and East and is strongly committed to doing her best to make a significant contribution to foster peace and prosperity in Sri Lanka.

Mrs. Manique Mendis BA Hons. Kelaniya PG Dip Marketing, J’pura Dip Journalism Home Town – Colombo manique.mendis@bpa-srilanka.com +94 (0)77 735 2118

MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION SECTION

MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION MANAGER

Hailing from Kandy, Kapila.M.Gamage holds the position of Media & Communication Manager at BPA. After completing his secondary education from Dharmaraja College Kandy and graduating from the University of Peradeniya his passion for Media and Communication directed him to obtain a Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication from Sri Jayawardhanapura University. He obtained a Certificate on Media Strategy for the Corporate Sector from the Sri Lanka Press Institute in 2007. He participated in a practical course on Television Production and Script Writing from the Sri Lanka Television Training Institute. (SLTTI) Kapila has over 20 years of experience in the Media sector which includes print media as a freelance journalist, broadcasting sector as a Producer, Senior Programme Organizer and a Television Presenter. From 2000 to 2004 he worked as a Senior Programme Officer for the Tea Shakthi Fund in the Ministry of Plantation where he has gained in depth knowledge in community development. From 2004 to 2006 he held the position of Communication Information and Education Specialist for the Coastal Resources Management Project funded by Asian Development Bank. Currently Kapila conducts training programmes on Mass Media for the National youth Centre, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation Training Centre and Media Research Forum as a part time Trainer and a Consultant for the Child Media Component at the Plan Sri Lanka. The four communication and literature books which he has published and the three are to be released this year have captured the knowledge he has gained from his work experience and foreign visits on study tours and conferences to countries such as Malaysia, India and Bangladesh.

Mr. Kapila M. Gamage BA Peradeniya PG Dip Mass Communication, J’pura Home Town – Kandy kapilagamage@gmail.com +94 (0)77 780 2721

MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION OFFICER

Thanuja is the Media & Communication officer at BPA. She completed her secondary education in her home town at the Kurunagala Wellawa Central College and obtained her BA degree from the University of Kelaniya specializing in Mass Communication. She has produced 2 short films and 1 documentary. She has assisted renowned Film producers such as Prasanna Withanage and Vishwanath Buddhika Keerthisena. She has also produced commercials, discussions and documentaries for Cinema Buddhi . While working as an Editor of the ‘Young Journalist’ magazine, she has compiled a research article on International and Sri Lankan short films. Thanuja has also conducted research and surveys on Tuberculosis for the World Health Organisation and the Ministry of Health. Presently she is following the MSsc in Mass Communication at the Kaleniya University

Ms. Thanuja Sri Narayana B.A. Degree (Maco), Keleniya MSsc, Keleniya Home Town - Kurunegala thanusrinarayana@yahoo.com +94 (0) 78 612 0533

REGIONAL SUPPORT OFFICER

Ramar Chandramohan, Regional Support Officer hails from the plantation community .in Sri Lanka. He is well known as a Translator. He is equally skilled in translating from Sinhala into Tamil and from Tamil to Sinhala. He has served as a translator in several organizations involved in the peace and development sector. These include The Future Peace Youth Network, Champion for Free & Fair Elections (CaFFE). He has also done a great deal of free lance translation work for Non Governmental Organisations. As such he has gained rich insights in to the areas of Conflict Management, Conflict Transformation, Human Rights and Minorities Rights. He has obtained exposure in working in multi ethnic environments. Chandramohan is a champion of youth empowerment and is an active member of The Future Peace Youth Network. He provides the network with expertise in Conflict Transformation, Minorities Rights, and the Team Building process. Chandramohan has obtained training in Conflict Transformation; Human Rights, and Minorities Rights. He has hands on experience gained at grass root level. He has spearheaded many important activities related to Peace Building for four years throughout Sri Lanka, including the War – torn areas in North and East

Mr. Ramar Chandramohan B.A (Hon), University of Peradeniya Home Town – Hatton sirihotmail@yahoo.com +94 (0) 71 349 3415

PROGRAMME SECTION

PROGRAMME MANAGER

Subhashini Vithanage the Programme Manager of the Business for Peace Alliance is a specialist in Fisheries Biology. She has fifteen years of working experience on Fisheries and Aquaculture development and improvement and project management in various capacities in foreign funded projects, which were implemented under the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and International Non governmental organizations. She completed her first degree in Bio Science from the University of Ruhuna where she was also employed from the department of Fisheries Biology as a temporary staff member. She obtained a Master of Philosophy on Fisheries Biology from the same University. In 1998 she accompanied with one of the leading ornamental fish exporters, Lumbini Aquarium Pvt. Ltd., as a first lady aqua culturist to the said company to share her knowledge towards increasing the profit of the business and promoting entrepreneurs in doing the business as out growers. Moreover Subhashini has authored and co-authored nine local and international scientific papers, presentations and posters on marine and fresh water fisheries science development with the international exposure into some of the countries. From 2001 on she stepped into project management rather than getting involved in pure technical field while working as an Advisor for Fisheries Management and fish Farming with the GTZ funded and lead Fisheries Community Development and Resources Management Project (FCDRMP). Subsequently she worked as a project and programme manageress to Hambantota district for various projects and programmes that were implemented under the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. During the period she covered some important areas such as promoting alternative livelihood, poverty reduction, Tsunami recovery activities, Resource management in coastal resources, solid waste management etc. In addition, she worked as a consultant for some international Non governmental organisations such as Action Aid in the areas of implementing project impact assessments in Tsunami rehabilitation work.

Ms. Subhashini Vithanage BSc in Biology – University of Ruhuna M.Phil in Fisheries Biology - University of Ruhuna Executive Dip. In Business Administration (Reading)- University of Colombo Home Town – Mawanella subhashiniv2000@yahoo.com skype subhashini.vithanage

+94 (0) 715882747

She bears a founder membership of the Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resource (SLAFAR). Currently she is handling the programmes which are carried out by The Business for Peace Alliance.

EXTENSION ANDCOMMUNITY MOBILIZATION MANAGER

Raja brings to BPA a very special skill- that is his ability to work with any community in the grass roots level , in any challenging situation! Raja started his career as a Research Assistant after passing out of the University. He was then appointed as a graduate teacher and obtained training at the Dambadeniya Teacher Training college. Raja worked in W.H.O-F.P.A.S.L. programme as a training coordinator and counsellor. Raja has a great deal of experience in identifying training needs, Curriculum development, organizing training workshop, monitoring, evaluating and lecturing. He participated in the training workshop at Lahor, Pakisthan on “How to communicate to the Community Elders” conducted by W.H.O.-I.P.P.F. Raja also obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology and Counselling and is an expert at dealing with challenges relating to people. He is able to direct anyone to the target or objective by using the counselling method. He furthered his knowledge in this field through numerous training workshops in counselling, personality development, leadership, and capacity building. He has wide experience as a trainer and lecturer at workshops and also in delivering public lectures to the community. Raja worked at the Sri Lanka Freedom from Hunger campaign Board as a Group Organizer. He joined Plan international as a Community Development Officer and worked as a Senior Community Development Coordinator. During this period, he had 10 Group Animation Officers under his supervision and managed the team in grass roots level development . He trained community leaders to improve their Project Circle knowledge and also implemented community income generating projects. From 1995, Raja worked at W.H.O. - F.P.A.S.L. programme as a Project Coordinator in the Kandy District. At this time he received a Post Graduate Diploma in “Community Development and Training”. . Raja then worked at G.T.Z. (German Technical Cooperation) as a Community Development Consultant from 2005 to 2007. He was responsible for Monitoring the project and social mobilization, and to managing the community’s participation to the project.

Mr. N.R.Widanapathirana BA Colombo PG Dip Community & Training, Colombo PG Dip Counselling, Colombo LLB Colombo Home Town – Tangalle rajavidana@yahoo.com +94 (0)71 321 8384

Raja joined the BPA in 2007 as a Project Manager and too overall responsibility for BPA’s project ”Networking Business for Conflict Transformation”, the Galle, Kalutara and Kegalle Districts. Raja now serves BPA in the capacity of “Community Mobilization and Extension Manager” and oversees BPA’s engagements with communities in all the regions throughout Sri Lanka.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION OFFICER

Mohamed Faslan is the Monitoring and Evaluation office of The Business for Peace

Alliance. He has around Eight years experience the field of IT, Programming, Analysis

and teaching. His home town is Akuressa. He completed Diploma in Software Engineer

and BSc graduation at the Peradeniya University. Immediately after graduation he

started to work as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and

Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya. Then he left to Middle East to

work as IT Maintenance Analyst in one of world’s Largest Cement Industries in the

Eastern Province of the Kingdom Saudi Arabia.

In 2007 he returned to Sri Lanka and started his MSc in Project Management at

the University of Moratuwa and obtained employment The Business for Peace Alliance.

Faslan is a life member of the Community based Ahadiya Association of

Godapitiya. From his childhood, Faslan was interested in Social work. As a result of

his interest, he was instrumental in forming the Ahadiya Association geared at

developing education and uplifting the standards of the community.

Mr. Mohamed Thassim Mohamed Faslan MSc in Project Mgmt (Reading) BSc (Hon.) Computer Science & Chemistry Dip. In Computer Software Engineering Home Town – Akuressa faslan2002@hotmail.com +94 (0) 71 657 0793

PROJECT MANAGER

Pushpika Weerakoon presently holds the position as the Project Manager of the ‘Learn & Lead’ program. Ms Weerakoon is a Bridgeteen who holds an MBA from the University of Wales UK, LLB and LLM (International & Commercial law) degrees from the University of Buckingham UK, Diploma in Conflict Resolution from the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies affiliated to the UN University of Peace in Costa Rica and a Diploma in Human Rights from the The Institute of Human Rights Colombo. She provided her services as a Victim Support Consultant at the Brent Victim Support Scheme UK while she engaged in postgraduate studies and worked as a trainee consultant & the Millennium Volunteer at the Citizens Advice Bureau Buckinghamshire UK for which she was awarded the “Certificate of Excellence” by the Education & Skills Minister UK in 2001. After returning to Sri Lanka she took up the position as the Director / Registrar at the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute (ADRI). As a trained Mediator and a Mediator trainer while at ADRI she coordinated and actively participated in promoting Mediation Island wide from grass root level. In 2006 she was the Programme Manager – Legal at the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) which engaged in Tsunami initiative conflict transformation and micro finance livelihood projects. All of these positions have taken her from the deep South areas of Sri Lanka to the war torn North & East which has given her great insight and practical knowledge on conflict transformation, reconciliation and development work. In 2005 Ms Weerakoon represented Sri Lanka at the “Leadership Training for Women” Program conducted by the State Department of United States of America. In 2007 she represented Sri Lanka at the “Rotary Peace & Conflict Resolution” Program for professional development conducted by Chulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and was an invitee lecturer at the “Rotary Zonal Institute” in Malaysia as the ‘Peace scholar’. Presently she is the World Rotary Foundation “Ambassadorial” Scholar for 2008-2009. Through training, lecturing and participating in forums in US, UK, Scotland, France, Thailand, Maldives, India and Cambodia she has gained vast experience and practical

Ms. Pushpi Weerakoon Dip in Conflict Resolution - UN University of Peace Costa Rica Skills Development Peace & Conflict Studies - Chulalongkorn University Thailand LLB - University of Buckingham UK LLM - International and Commercial Law UK MBA - University of Wales UK Home Town – Ratnapura pushpiweerakoon@yahoo.co.uk learnandlead1@gmail.com +94 (0)77 376 0044

knowledge in Conflict Resolution & Transformation, Law, Development, Micro Finance and Human Resource Management.

Manager, Governance & Enterprise Development

Hailing from Kandy, Yogi holds the position as Manager, Governance & Enterprise Development at BPA. After completing her secondary education in Colombo Ladies’ College and graduating from the University of Madras, her passion to serve the development social sector has diverted her academic path to obtain a Diploma in Human Rights from the Institute of Human Rights in Colombo, a credential in Social Integration through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from the University of Colombo & a Berghof Foundation capacity building course for a year, based around the publication titled Contemporary Conflict Resolution; 2002. Yogi is currently reading for Masters in Development Studies and Public Policy at the Open University of Sri Lanka. She is currently closely working with the BPA Board of Directors & the Regional Chambers of Commerce to identify businesses and entrepreneurs seeking investment to promote the opportunity and process by which proposals can be generated to attract investment from national and international sources and also to support businesses and entrepreneurs in developing robust and detailed business plans. In the capacity as Management Executive at BPA for 15 months she was involved in leveraging the Sri Lankan regional business sector to impact social change and in creating bridges between media, business, and government to strengthen community development initiatives. She also has experience in working on entrepreneurial programs, having participated in various trainings, workshops on entrepreneurship and development. She is also the Joint Secretary of the Rotaract Club of Cinnamon Gardens. Yogi is fluent in English, Tamil and Sinhala.

Ms.Yogitha Karunanandham Reading for Masters in Development Studies & Public Policy – Open University of Sri Lanka Dip in Social integration through CSR - University of Colombo Dip in Human Rights - Institute of Human Rights, Colombo B.Sc Nutrition & Dietetics - M.O.P Vaishnav College, India Home Town – Kandy yogi@bpa-srilanka.com +94 (0)71 606 8054

PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR

Dharshani Karthigesu, hails from Kotagala in the plantation area. She is strongly committed to the development of the plantation community. Due to her keen interest in working with the grass roots in the field, she was appointed as the Project Co-ordinator of The Business for Peace Alliance. She is now based in the Ampara District and oversees BPA’s IT based project there. . Prior to taking up this appointment, she worked in the capacity of Regional Support Officer for BPA for eight months. She also had worked as a Project Coordinator at the Department of Social Studies, of the Open University of Sri Lanka for two years. Dharshani is a first class BA degree holder from the University of Madrass, India. She is currently following her Master’s Degree in Development Studies at the University of Colombo.

Ms. Dharshani Karthigesu B.A., Madras PG Dip - Development Studies, Colombo Home Town – Kotagala dharshisl@gmail.com +94 (0)77 357 0901

SENIOR PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR

Bandula is a well known trainer in the field of Conflict transformation and peace building. He has developed his career in programme management and has a wealth of experience in working with communities at grass roots level. He completed his Diploma from the Sri Lanka School of Agriculture and has obtained the Certificate of Leadership from Asian Rural Institute, Tochigi- ken, Japan. He also possesses a Diploma in Community development obtained from University of Peradeniya and the PG(Dip) in Business Administration from the University of Colombo. Bandula has 20 years experiences working in the corporate sector, government and non government sector. Before joining BPA he was attached to the Kegalla District Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture as the Chief Executive Officer, FORUT Sri Lanka as Project coordinator, Land commissioner’s department as Land officer and Integrated Rural Development Programme Nuwaraeliya as Extension Officer. As a trainer, Bandula provides skills in , coaching, facilitating and counseling on business development, conflict sensitivity, organizational development and entrepreneurship development.

Mr. Bandula Weerasinghe Dip in Agriculture Home Town – Kegalle kdccia@wow.lk +94 (0)77 996 0540

PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR

Karunanidy or “Karu” as he is better known, hails from Pottuwil in the Wayamba District. He is the holder of the Higher National Diploma with Commerce as the main subject. He has also obtained formal training in Community Development. . Katru has undergone training in Community Development such as the ILO SIYB (Trainer). He has also obtained training in Micro finance management, Project management, Disaster management and Conflict sensitivity. Prior to joining BPA, he worked ar FORUT Sri Lanka as a Field coordinator and Project coordinator. He has also worked as human resources development coordinator in the Janasaviya programme as a District Micro finance coordinator. He is extremely hard working and committed to team work.

Mr.N. Karunanidhi Higher National Dip Commerce Home Town – Pothuhera kdccia@wow.lk +94 (0)72 294 9398

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER

Janahan Nirushan the Finance and Administrative Manager of The Business For Peace Alliance is a well experienced accountant. He had completed CIMA the Upper Intermediate Level Examination.(Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting).He also obtained a Membership from the Association of Accounting Technicians of Sri Lanka (MAAT). He has rich insights in working at SJMS Associates (Charted Accountants) which is a Independent correspondent firm to Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, which is an International firm of Accountants, supported by a qualified team of Chartered Accountants and Consultants. Nirushan was employed for four years as an Experienced Senior Auditor In the Fields of Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Financial Management and Information Technology, he has gained a valuable practical experience. Nirushan worked as an Assistant Finance Manager/Budget Controller at Caritas – Hudec which is an International Non Governmental Organization based on Critas France. His main responsibility covers to manage and control all aspects of Financial and Human resources across all departments in the BPA.

Mr. J. Nirushan CIMA Finalist jannirushan@yahoo.com +94 (0)77 340 5790

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION OFFICER

Navod is the Finance and Administration officer of The Business for Peace Alliance. He has several years experience in accounting field and he hails from Mount Lavinia.

Currently he is following Final stage in “Professional Qualification in Human Resource Management” at Institute of Personnel Management (IPM) and CIMA in Managerial Level.

Prior to joining BPA he served as a Accounts Executive in M/s NMK Management Services (Pvt) Ltd , which is related to importing & exporting of edible oils. Also he has worked as a “Trainee Accountant” in M/s Pricewaterhouse Coopers and Audit Trainee at M/s Ernst & Young. Navod is a member of Leo Club of Colombo HOST.

Mr. Navod Gooneratne Professional Qualification in Human Resource Mgnt. (Reading) - IPM CIMA - (Reading) Certificate Level in Human Resource Mgnt - IPM Dip. in Computer Studies - Aquinas College Of Higher Studies Certificate in Business communications- University Of Colombo Home Town – Mount Lavinia navod.gooneratne@gmail.com navod@ymail.com

+94 (0) 71 683 5578

ADMINISTRATION OFFICER

Rajani Natarajan is a professional Pre-School trainer and an experienced Administration cum Organizer of development programs. She served the plantation Rural Education and Development Organization (PREDO) as a trainer of Pre-School teachers for over ten years and was instrumental in planning and executing various development activities including educational programs for the rural communities. Having the ability to work in all three languages is undoubtedly an asset. This advantage was instrumental in the successful planning and execution on National Integration Programs such as cultural events and peace walks among the rural and plantation communities in association with Young Asia Television. These programs were sponsored By the National Integration Program Unit (NIPU) of the Ministry of National Integration and ethnic Harmony. These programs won the Sahithiya award in 1997 under PREDO for the Preschools. Her involvement with the World University Service of Canada also gave her the opportunity to implement a Gender and development training program for the members of partner organization. She has also assisted in adult training programs such as career guidance program for unemployed youth of the plantation sector in Kandy. She has been instrumental in planning and training Women in Dambulla on self income generating projects such as food processing which she organised at the Cathyrich Memorial Food Processing Center Embilipitiya. As a teacher in the British school in Colombo she performed the task of teaching Tamil to non Tamil speaking students. She also was a teacher in the Maldives for over two years and taught English and Social Studies at Gallohu Madharusa. Since she is interested in integration among different cultures, she has now joined BPA as the Administration Officer. She provides programmatic support for BPA’s CSR programmes.

Ms. Rajani Natarajan Dip. in Montessori / Child Dev. and Psychology Dip. in Preschool Dip. in Speech and Drama Home Town – Gampola n.rajani28@gmail.com +94 (0) 77 528 4084

SECRETARIAT ASSISTANT

Sathees studied in Vivekananda College, Colombo. His home town is Avissawella. After completing his advanced levelexamination, he was involved in the National Anti – War programme for students. He served as a volunteer. Straight after leaving school, he worked as a stacker at the Cargils Food City in Colombo. Sathees or Dinesh as he is known by his friends, is very interested in IT and aspires to be an Hardware specialist some day.

Mr. Rajarathnam Sathees G.C.E. (A/L), Arts Home Town - Dehiwela deepr.satheesh@yahoo.com +94 (0) 78 525 1969

SECURITY OFFICER

Chandradasa Senanayake, the Security Officer of BPA comes from the deep South. His home town is Niyagama in the Galle District. He has worked as a NAR soldier and also worked as a permanent Corporal in 4th Vijayaba regiment of Sri Lanka Army for 9 years. He was involved in the Elephant pass battle. He started his carrier as a Field Officer in Tea & Rubber estates and worked there for 5 years. He also has experience working in a private security company, SANOTE Security Services as a security officer. His hobby is horticulture and he takes pride in maintaining the garden of the BPA Secretariat. He is strongly committed to doing his best for BPA.

Mr. Chandradasa Senanayake Home Town – Kamburupitiya

ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT

Mike Davidson is an Organisational Development Consultant, placed in the Business for Peace Alliance through the International NGO VSO since December 2007. Mike has experience working in small, mid-sized and corporate environments, operating across public, private & voluntary sectors. He has a consistent track record of leading the strategic process, from analysis through to implementation, including business modelling, planning & allocating resources. He has a proven capability working across a spectrum of environments – from complex Board structures to solo internal assignments, and to providing external consultative support and guidance. His particular skills include analysis, business structuring, facilitation, negotiation and communication. Mike began his working career abroad, mostly in the Middle East, where he was Managing Director of a small enterprise in Cairo. In England he has worked for the multi-national British Telecommunications plc, in strategy, marketing, and change management capacities, has been Programme Director for a Governmental business support agency in London, and has operated extensively as a management consultant. He has significant experience in building and growing companies, and also in downsizing, and rationalization. He has a sound knowledge of developing, managing and executing complex programmes within the business environment. Mike has an MA Honours degree from Edinburgh University, an MBA from Cranfield University, and a Certificate in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors in London.

Mr. Mike Davidson MBA, Cranfield University MA Honours degree, English literature Certificate in Company Direction, Institute of Directors Home town - London, UK eleanorroad@msn.com +94 (0)77 492 2605