Meet Our Passionate Team
At the Noble Dawn Foundation, our journey towards creating positive change is steered by a team of dedicated individuals who share a common vision – a vision of a brighter future for our communities.
Our leadership team comprises professionals from diverse backgrounds, each bringing a unique set of skills, experiences, and a shared commitment to service. Together, we’re driven by the belief that small actions can spark significant change, and we’re determined to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.
Get to know the faces behind our foundation, learn about their backgrounds, and discover what motivates them to dedicate their time and expertise to our cause. We’re proud to introduce you to the heart and soul of the Noble Dawn Foundation – our team.
Join us on this journey, as we strive to make a difference, one project at a time.
Leadership
Mission Ambassadors
Maj Gen (Rtd) Milinda Peiris is one of the key inspirations that lead to the formation of The Noble Dawn Foundation.
He is an extraordinary individual who has made indelible contributions on multiple fronts. He is a transformative leader with a global reputation who has brought significant recognition to Sri Lanka.
As a renowned academic and decorated war veteran, Maj Gen Peiris played a pivotal role in ending a 30-year conflict, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to peace and stability. With an impressive 43 years of administrative experience, he has held key positions such as Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, Vice-Chancellor of KDU (where he transformed the defense academy into an internationally recognized institution), Executive Director/CEO of the University Hospital KDU, and CEO of Saegis Campus. Additionally, he has served as the Chief Commissioner of the Sri Lanka Scout Association, where his leadership has guided and inspired the country’s youth and also serves in many advisory panels in which his expertise continues to shape critical decisions.
Maj Gen Peiris is not only a professional luminary but also a dedicated advocate for community service. He has initiated numerous impactful community service initiatives, reflecting his deep-rooted sense of responsibility to support those in need.
He is also a recipient of international educational awards, including the prestigious International Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education. Maj Gen (Rtd) Milinda Peiris is an individual of the highest caliber, known for his innovative and pragmatic leadership, and his reputation as a leader and change-maker precedes him.
The Noble dawn Foundation embodies and lives by the values demonstrated by this extraordinary individual.
A versatile corporate leader with a proven track record, having over 38 years of experience holding strategic positions in both the private and public sectors, in varied leadership capacities [MD/CEO of Colombo Dockyard PLC, Secretary General/CEO of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce – CCC, Chairman of the Board of Investment – BOI, Secretary General/CEO of the Employers Federation of Ceylon – EFC, Executive Director of Lanka Data Foundation.
Skilled in leading organisational transformation, strategic/operational planning and management, policy advocacy, negotiations, complex project coordination and management, as well as public relations and communications.
Trained in mediation at the Singapore International Mediation Centre
Currently function as a member of the visiting faculty of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research/SLIIT Business School delivering a module on Business Negotiation, a Council Member of SLTC Research University, Member of the Council of the Institute for Commercial and Legal Practice (ICLP), and a Member of the Arbitration Board of the CCC-ICLP IADR Center
The Chairman and Founder of the Noble Dawn Foundation, brings a dynamic blend of professional expertise, entrepreneurship, leadership, and a deep commitment to community service to our organization.
Avinash has garnered over two years of experience in various aspects of supply chain management, including procurement, purchasing, planning, and operations. Currently employed as a Purchasing and Inventory professional at Fisher and Paykel Healthcare. As a budding entrepreneur, Avinash has achieved success in establishing ventures where he has successfully launched a venture and is poised for his next. This is evident in his role as a Director of Bloom Bright Pvt Ltd, a surgical masks manufacturer and distributor. His entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking have consistently driven growth and positive change.
His dedication to community service spans over eight years, during which he has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at improving communities. His active involvement in the social service arena is underscored by his leadership roles in the Interact Movement. He served as a Director of the Rotary Sponsored Interact District Council 3320, Sri Lanka, and Maldives, where he was a part of the council that oversaw the activities of the entire movement. His leadership extended to the Presidency of the Interact Club of Nalanda College, where he drove significant innovative changes. Additionally, he was a member of the Scouts Association and briefly associated with the Duke of Edinburgh Program.
Avinash’s leadership qualities were evident from a young age when he held the position of Junior Deputy Head Prefect at Nalanda College. Concurrently, serving in various other capacities, showcasing his ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
Rooted in his commitment to community service and driven by his track record of achieving top-level results, Avinash is a driving force behind the Noble Dawn Foundation. His vision, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit propel us forward as we work to create a brighter future for those in need.
Udani Liyanage, our Director in Australia, and one of the founding members of the Noble Dawn Foundation, is a future medical professional on the cusp of completing her Doctor of Medicine.
Udani is actively involved in multiple committees, holding key positions that reflect her commitment to making a positive impact. She serves as the current Student Representative Coordinator for all universities within the Queensland Medical Women’s Society. She’s also the Treasurer of the Bond University Ophthalmology Society and played a pivotal role as a founding member of the Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Student Committee at Bond University.
Her dedication to community well-being extends to her role as a facilitator for Respect Now Always workshops at Bond University. Udani brings a unique perspective to our team, having worked as a paramedic before embarking on her medical journey.
Her accomplishments include being a recipient of the Griffith Golden Key Award, a testament to her academic excellence and dedication. Udani is passionate and well-versed in healthcare, disease prevention, and aged and differently abled care, making her a valuable asset to our foundation.
Malik Peiris is not just a Director for Sri Lanka at the Noble Dawn Foundation; he is also one of the founding members. His journey brings together a unique blend of professional prowess, strategic management experience, and natural leadership.
With an impressive seven-year career in Business Management and Administration, Malik has honed his skills and demonstrated exceptional commercial acumen. His current role as Senior Cluster Manager at Alliance Insurance Lanka Limited is no small feat. In fact, he holds the distinction of being the youngest cluster manager within the entire Alliance Group across South Asia, at the time of his appointment, showcasing his leadership abilities and penchant for driving organizational improvements.
Malik’s commitment to community service is deeply ingrained in his character. His past affiliations with notable organizations like The Interact Movement and the Scouts Association highlight his unwavering dedication to supporting those in need, often working quietly behind the scenes to make a difference.
From a young age, Malik exhibited exceptional leadership qualities, evident in his outstanding school career. His role as the former Head Prefect of Nalanda College stands as a testament to his remarkable leadership skills. These attributes, combined with his fervent commitment to positive change, enrich our mission and guide us toward a brighter, more impactful future.
Amaaya is a dedicated Director for New Zealand and also a founding member of the Noble Dawn Foundation. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team. Currently serving as a lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Amaya’s academic prowess is underscored by her prestigious Monbukagakusho (MEXT) postgraduate Research scholarship from the Government of Japan.
During her time in Japan, she collaborated with the Urban Renaissance Agency on urban development projects for Japanese cities, demonstrating her commitment to sustainable urban development. Her research interests closely align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas such as quality education, gender equity, and the development of resilient and smart infrastructure.
Amaya’s dedication to social service is evident through her active involvement in the Rotaract Club of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. Her unique blend of academic excellence and a passion for creating positive change makes her an invaluable member of our team.
An aspiring law student currently studying at the University of Law, London. With nearly 8 years of dedicated service, she has become an experienced leader and a true driver of change. Sesadi’s passion for social service has been evident through her active involvement in various initiatives. She held key positions within the Rotary International Movement, including serving as a former Director in the Rotary Sponsored Interact District Council 3220 Sri Lanka and Maldives, which oversees all operations of the Interact movement. She also has a successful track record, having previously been the Assistant Secretary of the Rotaract Club of Colombo East and the President of the Interact Club of Colombo North.
One of Sesadi’s remarkable qualities is her exceptional people management skills, making her a highly effective leader and driver of change. She is known for her self-driven nature, and her commitment to her goals is unwavering. She is a ‘get things done’ individual who consistently delivers results. Sesadi Wickramasinghe embodies the spirit of compassionate leadership and is instrumental in driving the Noble Dawn Foundation’s mission forward.
Beyond her academic and leadership achievements, Abigail is a passionate advocate for social causes. She volunteers for the UN Volunteers, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive change on a global scale.Her dedication to just and meaningful actions aligns perfectly with the Noble Dawn Foundation’s mission to create a brighter future for those in need through compassionate service.
Our Treasurer brings a wealth of financial expertise to our team as a Certified Chartered Accountant and Financial advisor with an impressive 24 years of experience. His professional journey includes roles as a seasoned auditor and his current role as a financial consultant for SEBSA Europe SRL.
Throughout his career, J.A.D. has held significant positions, including Deputy General Manager of Finance and Administration at the Southern Provincial Road Development Authority, and CFO/Assistant General Manager – Finance at the National Insurance Trust Fund Board. He’s also been a key figure as a Bursar at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.
J.A.D. is a respected member of several professional associations, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, the Institute Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka, and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK (CIMA). His deep financial acumen and vast experience make him an ideal fit for the role of treasurer.
Mr. Wasantha Wimalaweera, is a Chartered Accountant by profession, counting more than 25 years’ experience in the fields of Auditing, Taxation and Finance. He was the General Manager of Employee’s Trust Fund Board, the second largest superannuation fund in the country for ten years before joining to Kotelawala Defence University as the Bursar. In his professional career, Mr. Wasantha Wimalaweera has gained in-depth experience in managing investments, and has specialised in services such as portfolio management and corporate valuations. His expertise has generated significant value to the Employees ‘Trust Fund Board in transforming its outdated and archaic accounting system into a modern financial reporting system in keeping with international standards. Mr. Wasantha Wimalaweera is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountant – UK,Associated Accounting Technicians – Sri Lanka and holds a Bachelor of Commerce Special Degree with a from the University of Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. He is a registered Sectary of the Registrar of Companies of Sri Lanka. He also previously held the position of an Independent Non-Executive Director of Ceylon Hotel Corporation PLC and Lanka Salt Limited. Due to his extensive experience and ethical standards, he has been appointed as an independent auditor for The Noble Dawn Foundation.