BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mr. Uthpala Basnayake – Chairman
Mr. Basnayake is a former Secretary of Defence and a distinguished officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS). He has held senior positions in several key ministries, including Public Management Reforms, Tourism, Advanced Technology, and National Enterprise Development. As Secretary to the Ministry of Environment & Renewable Energy, he served as the national focal point for a wide range of international environmental conventions and protocols. He holds an MSc in Agricultural Economics from the University of Peradeniya, an MDA from the Australian National University (ANU), and a BA (Hons) in Geography from the University of Kelaniya.
Mr. U. R. Rodrigo – Director
Mr. U. R. Rodrigo is an Attorney-at-Law and a respected advocate for disability rights in Sri Lanka. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Development with Disabled Network (DWDN), where he leads initiatives to promote inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment for persons with disabilities. He is also a member of the National Council on People with Disabilities, contributing to national policy and advocacy efforts. In recognition of his leadership and dedication, Mr. Rodrigo was elected uncontested to head Disabled Sports in Sri Lanka, where he continues to champion equal opportunities and representation in sports for person with disabilities.
Dr. Thusitha Sugathapala – Director
Dr. Sugathapala is a Senior Technical Expert on climate change and sustainable development and a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Moratuwa. He has served as Director General of the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UoM, and President of Clean Air Sri Lanka. With over 25 years of experience in energy, transport, environment, and sustainable development, he has contributed to national policies and research and has consulted international agencies including the World Bank, ADB, UNDP, UNEP, and USAID.
Dr. Margaret Kuruppu – Director
An Honors graduate of the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Dr. Margaret Kuruppu holds a PhD in Marine Biology from the same University.As a Senior Research Officer at NARA, Dr. Kuruppu introduced training and out-grower systems for the Aquarium Fish Industry. Possesses years of experience in conducting research and working with several organizations implementing projects at grassroots level among the poor, people with mental disability, those with gender concerns, etc.
Gained valuable experience in the SME sector as the Director Enterprise Services at Sarvodaya Economic Enterprise Development Services (SEEDS) GTE Ltd and guided several research projects exploring best practices and innovative approaches for skills development and pilot testing appropriate technologies for SMEs in 18 districts in Sri Lanka. Recipient of a large number of opportunities for skills development locally and internationally in subjects pertaining to the PhD, Ornamental Fish Culture and Breeding, & Business Development Services (BDS).
Presently engaged as a private consultant to many organizations both in the Government and NGO/INGO sector writing research reports, annual reports, translating, editing/proofreading theses/books/reports, etc., in both Sinhala and English languages.
Dr. Dileepa Witharana – Director
Dr. Witharana is the Chairman of the National Transport Commission, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Mathematics and Philosophy of Engineering, and Director of the Centre for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development (CESSD) at the Open University of Sri Lanka. He holds a PhD from Leiden University, Netherlands, an M.Phil. from the Open University, and a BSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Moratuwa. His academic and research interests focus on the philosophy of engineering and its intersections with society.
SENIOR EXECUTIVE TEAM
Dr. Janaka Hemathilaka
– CEO / Executive Director –
Dr. Janaka Hemathilaka is the Chief Executive Officer of Janathakshan and a founding member, providing strategic direction, vision and leadership to advance innovative, evidence-based solutions that contribute to a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development.
He holds a PhD in Sociology and is currently reading for a Master of Science (MSc) in Climate Change. He also holds a Master of Arts in Sociology, a Postgraduate Diploma in Community Development, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Sociology, reflecting a strong academic foundation in community development, participatory governance, and social inclusion. Since assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer, he has led Janathakshan through a period of strategic growth, strengthening the organization's institutional capacity, expanding its programme portfolio, and fostering strategic partnerships that have enhanced its sustainability, reach, and long-term impact.
Dr. Hemathilaka brings extensive expertise in community development, participatory governance, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), and social and environmental safeguards. Throughout his career, he has contributed to policy development, institutional strengthening, and capacity-building initiatives, while designing and implementing community-driven solutions that empower vulnerable and marginalized populations.
His work spans Sri Lanka and the wider South Asian region, where he has helped bridge research, policy, and practice to address development challenges. Through his leadership, Janathakshan continues to promote innovative approaches that strengthen community resilience, foster inclusive development, and create lasting social and environmental impact.
Sasika Konara serves as the Head of Programmes at Janathakshan, providing strategic leadership for the organizatio’s programme portfolio and overseeing the design, implementation, and delivery of initiatives aligned with the Janathakshan Strategy 2025–2030. As a member of the Senior Executive Team, he contributes to the organization’s strategic direction, institutional growth, and partnership development.
His expertise spans in Social Work, programme design and management, monitoring and evaluation, resource mobilization, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into development planning and practice.Throughout his career, Sasika has contributed to the successful implementation of more than 25 donor-funded programmes and projects, focusing on climate change adaptation, water resource management, sustainable and climate-smart agriculture, livelihood development, rural economic advancement, SME development, and capacity building. He also brings extensive experience in policy advocacy, organizational development, and strengthening systems that enhance programme effectiveness, accountability, and long- term sustainability.
Sasika holds a Master of Regional Development and Planning from the University of Colombo and a Bachelor of Social Work from the National Institute of Social Development, Sri Lanka. He is a Certified Project Management Analyst, a member of the Sri Lanka Evaluation Association and the Institute of Chartered Professional Managers.
Sharon De Alwis serves as the Head of Human Resources & Administration at Janathakshan, providing strategic leadership in human resource management, organizational governance, and corporate administration. Working closely with the CEO and Senior Management Team, she plays a key role in enhancing organizational effectiveness by aligning people, systems, and governance frameworks with Janathakshan’s strategic objectives.
With over 30 years of professional experience across both the development and corporate sectors, Sharon has built a distinguished career encompassing finance, executive support, human resources, management and administration. This diverse professional background has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of organizational operations, institutional governance, business development and management.
At Janathakshan, she leads the organization’s human resource management, policy development, employee relations, compliance, and contributes to organizational development. She also oversees governance and administrative systems, contributing to strategic planning and institutional strengthening initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency, accountability, and organizational performance.
Sharon holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Relations and Human Resource Management from the University of Colombo. She is further supported by professional qualifications in Finance and Business Administration and is a member of both the Institute of Financial Accountants (UK) and the Institute of Public Accountants (Australia).
Ms. Koshali Ekanayake
– Head of Finance –
Koshali Ekanayake is the Head of Finance at Janathakshan, bringing more than 20 years of experience in organizational and project financial management. She provides strategic leadership in financial planning, budgeting, donor compliance, financial reporting, and supporting the Strategic Governance and Senior Management Teams in informed decision- making and organizational growth.
Over the years, she has successfully managed the finances of projects funded by leading development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Green Climate Fund, the Coca-Cola Foundation, GGGI, and other international donors. She is recognized for her ability to adapt to new financial systems, donor requirements, and donor reporting while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and accountability.
As Head of Finance, she is committed to ensuring that Janathakshan's resources are managed transparently, effectively, and efficiently, helping maximize the impact of the organization’s programmes and the benefits delivered to the communities it serves.
Koshalie is a Certified Business Accountant (CBA) and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka.
Nandana Sumedha Mohottige serves as Programme Manager – Disaster Risk Reduction & Climate Action at Janathakshan, where he provides strategic leadership for the DRR and Climate Action programme and operational oversight for initiatives that strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities and ecosystems. He is an experienced development professional with over 20 years of expertise in disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change adaptation, community resilience, and sustainable development in Sri Lanka.
As a member of Janathakshan’s Senior Executive Team, Nandana contributes to organizational strategy, advocacy, policy engagement, and institutional development. His commitment to community-centered approaches and climate-smart solutions continues to support Janathakshan’s mission of building resilient communities and promoting sustainable development across Sri Lanka.
Throughout his career, Nandana has successfully managed and implemented multifaceted development programmes that integrate climate resilience, environmental sustainability, livelihood development, and community participation. His expertise encompasses strategic planning, project design and implementation, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and evaluation, budget management. He has built strong partnerships with government agencies, development partners, local authorities, and community organizations to drive impactful and sustainable development outcomes.
He holds a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture from the University of Peradeniya and a Diploma in Management from the Open University of Sri Lanka, bringing extensive expertise in programme management, stakeholder engagement, and community-based resilience building.
COMMITEES
Board of Directors
Provides strategic leadership, governance, and oversight to Janathakshan
Audit Committee
To ensure financial integrity, transparency, and accountability across the organization. The committee oversees internal controls, financial reporting, and audit processes to ensure compliance with legal, donor, and organizational requirements.
Risk Management & Compliance Committee
To ensure the organization adheres to all legal, regulatory, and donor requirements. The committee monitors policies, procedures, and practices to maintain accountability, ethical standards, and risk mitigation.
Procurement Committee
To ensure transparent, fair, and efficient procurement of goods, services, and works in line with organizational policies and donor regulations. The committee reviews procurement processes, promotes accountability, and supports value-for-money decision making.
Vehicle Committee
To ensure the safe, cost-effective, and sustainable management of Janathakshan’s vehicle fleet by addressing operational inefficiencies, enforcing compliance, and recommending strategic improvements and driver management
Office Environment Committee
To promote a safe, healthy, inclusive, and productive office environment for all staff. The committee supports staff wellbeing by addressing workplace conditions, occupational health and safety, environmental sustainability, and respectful workplace practices.
POLICIES
PSEAH policy
The purpose of having a PSEAH (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment) Policy for Janathakshan GTE Ltd is to establish a clear framework that protects both the communities the organization serves and its employees from any form of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment. This policy ensures that Janathakshan upholds the highest standards of ethical behaviour, respect, and dignity in all its operations, particularly given its focus on community development and working with vulnerable populations.
Gender policy
The purpose of the Gender Policy is to ensure that Janathakshan employees share a common understanding and capacity to adopt a gender-sensitive and responsive approach across all operations. It aims to embed gender equality and gender mainstreaming into the design and implementation of all projects, programs, and initiatives. The policy also seeks to ensure that individuals of all identities, including gender, have equal opportunities for professional growth and development. Furthermore, it promotes the creation of a safe, respectful, inclusive, and gender-transformative working environment within the organization, while fostering open communication and dialogue on gender-related issues.
Environmental and Social Safeguard Policy
The purpose of Janathakshan’s Environmental and Social Safeguard Policy (ESSP) is to increase environmental and social sustainability, and to minimize and address any potentially negative impacts of Janathakshan’s interventions may pose on the environment, people, and communities. It applies across the theme of building economic and social resilience of vulnerable communities and ecosystems through promoting sustainable livelihoods and disaster risk reduction, and partnerships towards sustainable development.
It provides practical guidance to conduct Environmental and Social Risk Screening (ESRS), Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), and to develop, implement, and monitor Environmental and Social Risk Management Plans (ESRMP) throughout the project lifecycle.
