Chandita Samaranayake
Chairman & Founder, Connect to CareDirector, Connect to Care Global
Chandita Samaranayake is the driving force behind Connect to Care, a charitable consulting firm limited by guarantee in Sri Lanka, registered under Sec. 34 of the Companies Act No. 07 of 2007 committed to delivering purpose driven boutique consultancy services. With a strong focus on creating mutual benefit for corporates, non-profits, and government partner… Read more
Lakshi Nethicumara
DirectorLakshi Nethicumara is a dynamic professional with a strong background in design and interior architecture. She is also a Director of Salaka Restaurant and Golden Nugget, where she plays a key role in strategic leadership and business growth. Lakshi holds a Bachelor of Design (Interior Architecture) (Honours) from Swinburne University, bringing creativity and analytical thinking to her professional pursuits. In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, she is actively involved with Connect to Care, contributing to financial audits and investment management to ensure sustainable operations and effective resource allocation.
Srikanthi Samaranayake
DirectorSrikanthi Samaranayake is a retired Executive at the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Colombo from 1981 to 2008. She received A medal for her work from His Majesty The King of Norway in 2008. She was also attached to the Sri Lankan Mission in Paris from 1973 to 1980.
Prof Sarath Amunugama
AdvisorProfessor Sarath Amunugama, a leading academic, boasts an impressive educational background, with a Bachelor’s Degree, a Master’s Degree and a Ph.D. in Applied and Social Lingustics all from University of Sorbonne III, Paris,. He has also earned M.Phil Degree from University of Bourgone, France. Prof. Amunugama was the founding Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Visual & Performing Arts, Colombo, and served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya from 2014 to 2018.
He was conferred with Chevalier Knighthood and with Commandeur des Palme Academique which is the Highest Honours for academic excellence, by the Government of France in 1998 and 2018 respectively. Prof. Sarath Amunugama’s vast experience aligns well with Connect to Care’s mission. As an advisor, he contributes his expertise to guide the organization in creating a lasting impact. Connect to Care aspires to make a meaningful difference, and Prof. Amunugama’s dedication
Shamir Zavahir
AdvisorShamir Zavahir is a seasoned legal professional with over a decade of experience. He holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of London and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb). Since December 2009, he has worked as an Attorney-at-Law in Corporate & Commercial Law. In 2020, Shamir assumed the role of Head of Reforms at the Ministry of Justice in Sri Lanka, where he’s actively involved in shaping legal reforms.
Shamir’s involvement with Connect to Care reflects his dedication to making a positive impact. As an advisor to the organization, he contributes his legal expertise to further its mission of fostering collaboration for positive change.
Connect with Shamir Zavahir on LinkedIn
Dinesh Weerakkody
AdvisorDinesh Weerakkody’s career combines leadership and philanthropy, impacting Sri Lanka and beyond. As an advisor to Connect to Care, he brings invaluable expertise to guide the organization. His educational background includes a Graduate degree in Business Administration and an MBA.
In his career, Dinesh serves as Chairman of the National Human Resource Development Council of Sri Lanka and advises the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs. He held the role of Director at Hatton National Bank PLC and chaired significant government committees. His corporate roles extend to boards and active participation in Audit and Remuneration Committees.
As an advisor to Connect to Care, Dinesh contributes his extensive expertise to guide the organization’s mission. His role bridges public and private sectors, aligning perfectly with the organization’s mission to foster collaboration for
transformative change.
Connect with Dinesh Weerakkody on LinkedIn
Anjali Nayyar
AdvisorAnjali Nayyar is the Executive Vice President for Global Health Strategies (GHS) and has more than 20 years of experience in global health issues. Her expertise lies in developing integrated strategies to impact health policy and practice in the global south. Prior to joining GHS, she served as Country Director for Program for Appropriate Technology on Health (PATH) in India. Preceding PATH, she worked with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) for six years, where she served initially as India Country Director and then as Vice President for Country and Regional Programs in New York. As Vice President, she led field operations and non-research programs in India, Brazil, South Africa, China, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. In addition, she led the strategic development and management of IAVI’s Vaccine Preparedness Unit.
Anjali has also worked with the Population Council Regional Office, South and East Asia, as a Communications Specialist and Project Director. In these capacities, she oversaw focusing on advocacy for reproductive and sexual health issues in six countries in the region. Anjali holds a Master’s degree in Population Studies and a Bachelor’s degree with honours in English Literature. She has also earned diplomas in Mass Communication from St. Xavier’s Institute of Mass Communications and Advances in Family Health Communication from Johns Hopkins University.
Presently, she is a member of Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) National Committee on Public Health, the Expert Group on Tuberculosis set up by a Forum called Global Coalition Against TB and a member of the Advisory Group, Uniting to End Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Connect with Anjali Nayyar on LinkedIn
Dr. Vinya S Ariyaratne
AdvisorVinya Ariyaratne is the Honorary President of Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement of Sri Lanka. He is the eldest son of Dr A. T. Ariyaratne the founder and President of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement in Sri Lanka. He is a Medical Doctor by profession. and a Development Practitioner. He is also a lecturer in Community Medicine Faculty of Medical Sciences University of Sri Jayewardenepura in Sri Lanka. Vinya is also the 129th President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association.
Connect with Vinya Ariyaratne on LinkedIn
Roshan Mahanama
AdvisorRoshan Mahanama, a renowned former Sri Lankan cricketer, made significant contributions to the world of cricket during his career, becoming a beloved figure in the sport. Beyond his achievements on the field, he established the Roshan Mahanama Trust, a charitable organization committed to making a positive impact on society.
BDO Partners
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