Introducing the Committee Members of the Sri Lanka Association of NSW
Saliya Tennakoon is an experienced event professional with over three decades in event management, production, and creative design.
He is the Chairman & Director of Event360 (Pty) Ltd, Australia (since 2012), delivering corporate and destination events for Australian and offshore clients. He is also the proprietor of Butterfly Avenue and Crafts with Love Australia.
Kasun Haputhanthri is an experienced, people-focused leader known for guiding teams through complex and demanding environments with calm, grounded direction. He brings a steady approach to organisational delivery and change, and is currently serving as the Acting Chief Information Officer for HammondCare, an aged care organisation with 6000+ staff and 45,000 clients.
Haran Perera is a Sydney-based entrepreneur engaged in engineering and infrastructure projects, including government-related work, with professional collaborations across Japan, Singapore, and the Middle East. He is also a respected community leader who has served in many community-based associations in New South Wales.
Upeka Pasqual joins the Sri Lanka Association of NSW Committee for 2025/2026, bringing strong experience in public service and a genuine passion for community and culture. She works as an Administrative Officer at a leading public hospital in Northern Sydney and has nearly seven years of experience in the Australian public sector. A Life Member and past committee member (2019/2020), Upeka remains actively involved and deeply connected to the arts, theatre, drama, and singing.
Mdhuri Arampatta is a dedicated community leader with nearly three decades of experience in Sydney. She has built her career in the banking industry, specialising in credit solutions, while actively serving in leadership roles across several community organisations.
Thilak Ekanayake is a Telecommunications Engineer with extensive experience in Sydney. He is a committed social worker and currently serves in a full-time voluntary role with the Lanka Rama Temple Committee, supporting administration and religious programmes.
Devni Goonaratne is a creative director and designer behind Amoda Designs. With a passion for bold, meaningful storytelling through design, she brings ideas to life visually, expressing emotion, voice, and narrative through her work.
Sheyana La Brooy is an experienced higher education professional driving business agility, inclusion, and strategic engagement in tertiary education. She holds a Master of International Studies and degrees in Commerce and Science from the University of Sydney. She is an Operations Manager at Macquarie University and an Institutional Coordinator for the Association of Tertiary Education Management, with a strong interest in education-led initiatives.
Sriyani Tennekoon is a veteran Art & Craft Instructor and internationally renowned quilt artist with over three decades of experience in Sri Lanka and Australia. She is also a cloth doll designer, floral designer, gospel song lyricist, and author, dedicated to preserving traditional craftsmanship while empowering communities, especially women and young learners. here
Buddhika Abeywardhana is an ambitious entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Spread Wings Travels. In 2023, he expanded his portfolio by founding MR B Rentals Pty Ltd, introducing innovative solutions to the car-rental market. He is known for customer-centric leadership, innovation, and long-term growth.
NAMAL DINESH brings over 20 years of experience in software development, specialising in object oriented analysis, design, and enterprise application development.
His expertise spans the full software lifecycle, including analysis, design, development, re-engineering, testing, and delivery of mission critical systems.
SHAMILA LINDSAY WHITE is a Senior IT Software Manager at Telstra, Australia’s leading telecommunications and technology company. A graduate of the University of New South Wales (Bachelor of Computer Science – Honours), she began her career as a graduate and has built a strong professional pathway in the technology sector. Alongside her career, Shamila has a long-standing passion for music and the arts, having performed in musical shows from a young age and continuing to develop her creative interests alongside her professional life.
MARITA SILVA Experienced education and childcare leader with over 20 years’ local and international expertise in childcare management, disability-inclusive education, and early childhood development. Proven track record in leading high- performing teams, managing operations, and ensuring compliance with regulatory, safety, and audit standards. Currently the CEO and founder of Celestia Disability services Pty Ltd
SIVALINGAM SRIKANDAKUMAR With over two decades of experience in Sri Lanka’s media industry, Sri, popularly known in Colombo as “Captain Sri,” has built a distinguished career as a radio DJ, news anchor, and senior media professional across several of the country’s leading broadcast networks. After completing his Master’s degree at the University of London (UK), he returned to Sri Lanka and played a key role in the establishment and growth of several start-up radio channels, serving in senior management roles and helping shape their vision, culture, and audience engagement.
Mr.KALINGA WIJEYEWARDENA Admitted to practice as a lawyer in Sri Lanka, England & Wales and New South Wales. Began his career as State Counsel in the Attorney Generals Department, Sri Lanka. Lawyer in Australia since 1984 and Legal Counsel, Telstra since 1989 to date, including International Counsel Asia South, China: Global Wholesale Counsel: Dispute Resolution Counsel: Director of Telstra overseas subsidiaries – Telstra South Asia Holdings Ltd (Mauritius), Modi Telstra Pvt Ltd (India), Olex – Telstra JV (Pakistan), Mobitel Pvt Ltd (Sri Lanka); Actg CEO Mobitel, Director Corporate Affairs and Sales, Mobitel. Member of Toastmasters International District 90 NSW and President Killara Toastmasters Club 2021-22, 2022-23, Area Director 2021-22, 2022-23, Hawkesbury Division Director 2023-24, 2024-25 Conference Chair 2025-26. Member of Sri Lanka Association of NSW Inc since 1985 and Secretary of the SLA in 1986-87, 2021-22, 2022-23 and President of SLA 2023-24, Trustee 2025-26.
Mr.ANANDA AMARANATH is a highly respected legal professional with over four decades of service, known for his integrity, compassion, and commitment to the community. He served for 27 years as a Senior Prosecutor with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, NSW, handling a wide range of matters that directly impacted individuals, families, and community wellbeing.
Admitted as a Solicitor and Barrister in New South Wales, and also in England and Wales, Ananda has further contributed his expertise internationally through senior legal roles in Sri Lanka and Seychelles. Throughout his career, he has been recognised for managing sensitive and complex matters with care, discretion, and fairness, offering practical guidance during difficult times. Ananda continues to be valued as a trusted legal practitioner whose work reflects a strong belief in justice, service, and giving back to the community.
