Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 40 years of experience, the expert is proficient in Business Management and Strategic Communications, having effectively navigated both private and development sectors. They have led impactful projects for renowned organizations such as the World Bank, UNICEF, and WHO, focusing primarily on health and urban development. Key skills include strategic planning, project management, and capacity building. Career highlights include leading a successful campaign that eradicated Leprosy in Sri Lanka and receiving the prestigious 'Marketer of the Year' award. Previously held roles include Director/CEO at Ogilvy Action and Senior Communications Specialist at the World Bank.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated extensively with international donors, including the World Bank, UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Their involvement has spanned strategic communication, project implementation, and capacity building across thematic areas such as health and urban development. Noteworthy projects include the Health Sector Enhancement Project in Sri Lanka, the Essential Health Services Access Project in Myanmar, and significant contributions to urban development initiatives in Sri Lanka. The expert's work has predominantly been national and sector-specific, impacting regions like Sri Lanka, Maldives, Myanmar, and Somalia.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in diverse sectors such as health, tourism, private sector trade, marketing and media, and advocacy, the expert has held senior roles that emphasize strategic communication and business management. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes integrating social marketing with corporate social responsibility, particularly in health sector projects in Sri Lanka and Myanmar. The geographic scope of their work is primarily in Sri Lanka, with additional experience in the Maldives, Kenya, and Somalia. Responsibilities have included strategic project management and fostering local governance and cultural dynamics.

Languages and education

The expert is fluent in English and possesses academic qualifications in French and Linguistics, demonstrated by their Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Kelaniya. These language skills have been instrumental in various professional contexts, including international development projects and strategic communication roles, facilitating effective collaboration in multilingual environments. Their educational background includes an MBA (International) from Edith Cowan University in Australia and a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) in the UK. Additionally, they completed an intensive summer course on Strategic Leadership in Communications at Johns Hopkins University.