About Us

Who we are

We are an incorporated society, registered as the Kiwi Sri Lankan Charitable Trust Board in June 2017.

Our Mission

Our mission is to support the Sri Lankan community in New Zealand by promoting cultural heritage, providing educational and wellbeing support, and fostering integration and mutual understanding.

Mindful School camps & day programme

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Community Badminton sessions

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Music Lessons

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Children & Youth benefited

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Board Members

Meet the dedicated individuals who guide and support our mission through leadership and collaboration.

President

Wasantha Marasinghe

Wasantha Marasinghe is a founding member and the current President of the Kiwi Sri Lankan Charitable Trust, bringing over 30 years of experience across Health, Education, Finance, and Community Development in both Sri Lanka and New Zealand. He has held senior roles in Sri Lanka’s Ministries of Health, Education, and Finance, and worked on World Bank and ADB-funded projects. In New Zealand, he has served in advisory roles within central government agencies, focusing on community development. A UNDP Fellowship recipient, Wasantha completed his Master’s in Public Policy at Victoria University of Wellington. He is a dedicated volunteer and community leader, having served as Vice President of the New Zealand Sri Lanka Buddhist Trust, Deputy Principal of Sri Mihindu Dhamma School, and Founding President of the Matra Dancing Group. He currently leads three organisations: the Kiwi Sri Lankan Charitable Trust, the Sri Lankan Cricket Club, and the Nissarana Meditation Centre in Auckland.

Vice President

Dr. Anura Jayasinghe

Dr Anura Jayasinghe is a public health physician with over 25 years’ experience across Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Australia, and the Cook Islands. He has worked as a medical officer, epidemiologist, researcher, academic, and health program coordinator. He holds medical and postgraduate degrees from the Universities of Peradeniya and Colombo, A Fellow of the New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine, Royal Australian College of Physician. He has held leadership roles in several DHBs in NZ and the Cook Islands Ministry of Health since migrating to New Zealand in 2013. He currently serves as a Public Health Physician at Bendigo Health in Victoria, Australia. He continues to support public health policy development in SL and leads community health initiatives for KiwiSL.

Treasurer

Dr. Rasangi Sabaragamuwa

Dr. Rasangi Sabaragamuwa is an experienced educator and food scientist with over 20 years of academic involvement in teaching and research. She completed her BSc and MPhil in Food Science and Technology at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, and earned her PhD from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Rasangi enjoys her role as a university academic, where she teaches undergraduate students, conducts research in food science, and collaborates with the food industry on applied research projects. Her work is driven by a passion for scientific innovation and the sharing of meaningful knowledge. In addition to her academic career, Rasangi is dedicated to community service and frequently volunteers her time to support social causes. She values her role as a mother and prioritises her family while striving to live a balanced, meaningful life. Her life goal is to make a positive contribution to society while cherishing time with loved ones.

Board Member

Anura Hemakumara

Anura Hemakumara is a professional with over 20 years of experience in public sector leadership and cross-cultural business administration, having worked in Sri Lanka, the UK, and New Zealand. He holds a BSc in Food Science and Technology from Sri Lanka and a Master’s in Public Management from Japan. Anura commenced his career in the food industry and later as a food business entrepreneur, before transitioning into public service through the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, where he held senior roles including Divisional Secretary and Secretary to the Provincial Ministry of Agriculture. Since relocating to New Zealand in 2015, he has led quality assurance in the food manufacturing sector. He now serves as CEO of Sanmik Natural Food, supplying organic and natural products nationwide. Passionate about community engagement, Anura also serves on the committee of the University of Peradeniya Alumni Association in New Zealand, in addition to being a Board member of the Kiwi-Sri Lankan Charitable Trust, where he actively supports cultural and social initiatives.

Coordinators

Administration Coordinator

Anupama Rathnayaka

Anupama Rathnayaka brings over 30 years of experience in the education sector as both a classroom teacher and project administrator. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education (Teaching) from Victoria University of Wellington, completed in 2007, and has a strong background in educational leadership and youth development. Anupama plays an active role in supporting mindfulness and well-being initiatives within the Sri Lankan community in New Zealand. Since 2018, she has served as the lead coordinator of the annual Sati Pasala Residential Mindfulness Camp, helping young people build emotional awareness and resilience. Known for her energetic personality, attention to detail, and dedication, Anupama is a valued team member of the Kiwi Sri Lankan Charitable Trust. She continues to contribute meaningfully to programmes that nurture both mind and heart, making a lasting impact on the community she serves.

Youth Programme Coordinator

Kuma Maharage

Kumara Maharage brings a wealth of experience and deep commitment to his role as Youth Programme Coordinator. With a strong educational background in both mathematics and Buddhist studies, he completed his A-Levels in Sri Lanka and successfully passed the final Dhamma School examination conducted by the Sri Lankan Department of Education, following a dedicated 10-year journey in Buddhist education. Professionally, Kuma has over 30 years of experience in airline operations and currently serves at the Air New Zealand Operations Control Centre, where precision, collaboration, and resilience are essential. Beyond his professional life, Kuma is a passionate and long-serving community volunteer. He has been a voluntary teacher at Sri Mihindu Dhamma School (Sri Lankaramaya Temple, Auckland) since 2015 and served as Deputy Principal from 2020 to 2024. He also coordinates the Sati Pasala mindfulness programmes in Auckland since 2018, promoting mindfulness and emotional wellbeing among youth. Kuma is widely known for his calm presence, thoughtful leadership, and unwavering dedication to youth and spiritual development.

Music Coordinator

Ashanka Deniyage

Ashanka Deniyage is a talented musician and audio professional with a strong passion for community music education. He holds a Visharad in Music (Vocals) from the Bhathkande Music Academy in India and is a skilled keyboardist, guitarist, and vocal trainer. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Audio Production from the Southern Institute of Technology in New Zealand. His background in audio engineering complements his musical expertise, allowing him to guide students in both performance and sound production. For over eight years, Ashanka has actively supported music communities across New Zealand through voluntary teaching, mentoring, and creative collaboration. He also runs a community radio channel that promotes local talent and cultural diversity. Ashanka’s work blends creativity, technical skill, and a deep commitment to empowering individuals through music, making him an invaluable member of the Kiwi Sri Lankan Charitable Trust team.

Sports Coordinator

Prasad Sanjeewa Dias

Prasad Sanjeewa Dias is a dedicated sports enthusiast and community volunteer with a strong academic and professional background. He received his school education at Royal College, Colombo 7, and holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science and Technology from Jiangsu University in China. During his university years, he displayed leadership as captain of the international students’ badminton team. Prior to moving to New Zealand in 2023, Prasad served as System Automation Manager at Belvantage (Pvt) Ltd in Sri Lanka. He was also an active member of the Neutralise Badminton Club in Bandaragama, where he contributed to promoting team spirit and healthy competition. Now based in Bucklands Beach, Auckland, Prasad is employed at Countdown Highlands Park and serves as the Sports Coordinator for the Kiwi Sri Lankan Charitable Trust, supporting recreational activities that build physical well-being and community connection.