I began my professional journey as a researcher in Sri Lanka's flourishing floriculture industry, specializing in European and Far Eastern markets. Over five years, my dedication to research and development focused on pioneering non-conventional breeding methods to create novel floriculture varieties, significantly advancing the sector. This foundation enabled my successful transition into project and program management.
Throughout my career, I have collaborated extensively with governmental bodies and international funding organizations. I played a pivotal role in the success of the National Agriculture Development Program (2003-2014), with responsibilities encompassing strategic planning, coordination, and ensuring successful execution. This experience contributed to over two decades of diverse expertise within Sri Lanka's agriculture development sector.
My professional trajectory has been shaped by multidisciplinary training, developing proficiency across various domains. I bring expertise in:
Project and program management
Comprehensive monitoring and evaluation capabilities
Strategic planning in MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning)
Sustainable rural development initiatives
Climate-smart agriculture implementation
Food and nutrition security programming
Results-Based Management (RBM) adherence
Gender mainstreaming advocacy
Knowledge systems management
Since October 2015, I have coordinated multifaceted projects and programs for the EU Delegation in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. These initiatives have been instrumental in driving integrated rural development across crucial sectors including agriculture, food and nutrition, local governance, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), SCP (Sustainable Consumption and Production), housing, and water sectors in Sri Lanka.
This continuum of roles and experiences has expanded my expertise while strengthening my commitment to fostering positive change and sustainable development within Sri Lanka's diverse sectors. My aim is to continue leveraging my skills and experiences to drive impactful transformations and contribute meaningfully to our evolving development landscape.