Chairperson

Ms. Rathika Pathmanathan is a social activist and an inspirational speaker. As a co-founder and former youth ambassador for a key USAID programme, she played a vital role in the resettlement and rehabilitation of war victims in the conflict-affected Northern region of Sri Lanka. Her firsthand experience on the front lines of recovery has solidified her reputation as a deeply committed champion for vulnerable populations. Her visionary leadership remains central to bridging divides, empowering marginalised voices, and creating a cohesive, harmonious society.

Secretary

Mr. Mohamed Halith is a social scientist who graduated top of his class as a Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) gold medallist. He is deeply passionate about social justice, youth empowerment, and community development. Partnering with government and national organisations, he has built extensive expertise in community development, social research, and volunteer management. An impactful leader and communicator, he is dedicated to designing sustainable initiatives that strengthen communities, foster social cohesion, and create lasting social harmony.

Treasurer

Ms. Sonali Kumanayake is a National Integration Development Officer dedicated to fostering cultural harmony and social cohesion in Sri Lanka. An accountancy graduate, she uniquely combines strong administrative and financial acumen with grassroots peacebuilding. At the Centre, she plays a vital role in designing, funding, and executing transparent initiatives that promote lasting, peaceful coexistence.

Honorary Advisor(s)

Ms. Rachel Pearce is a dedicated social work professional at the Centre for Harmonious Coexistence, holding Master’s degrees in counselling & psychotherapy and Creative Art. Drawing on extensive international experience across the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia, she brings a global perspective to navigating the complex impact of culture on modern mental and physical health. Specialising in community care and alcohol abuse counselling, Rachel delivers compassionate, inclusive and direct therapeutic support. By building deep human connections and shared trust across diverse backgrounds, she actively advances the Centre’s mission of fostering a balanced, harmonious society.

Honorary Advisor(s)

Professor Siri Hettige is an emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Colombo and chairman of the Social Science Committee at the National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka. With over 45 years of experience in social development, he remains a deeply motivated leader who serves society with immense enthusiasm. His distinguished career is defined by an unwavering dedication to public service, national policy formulation, and community empowerment.

Honorary Advisor(s)

Buddhist Priest Ven. Bogawanthalawe Rahula Thero, associated with Sri Sudharmaramaya in Balangoda, Sri Lanka, is known for preaching the principles of Buddhism in Tamil to Tamil speakers, including in the Northern and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka, to foster understanding of the Dhamma among those who do not speak Sinhala.

Honorary Advisor(s)

Prof. Saman Seneweera: He was the ex-chairman of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka and Chair Professor of Agriculture. He is also the research professor & discipline leader of plant biology at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia.

His work continues to inspire innovations in agriculture and sustainability, contributing to global efforts towards a more secure and sustainable future. Prof. Seneweera is a member of the Australian Society of Plant Scientists, the American Society of Plant Biologists, Japanese Society of Plant Physiologist and the Australian Society of Agronomy.

Honorary Advisor(s)

Swami Sarawanabawanandan, The Sri Vishnu Thurkkai Amman Temple, Zurich. Switzerland Switzerland (A local swami to be appointed at a later stage)

Honorary Advisor(s)

Rev. Fr. Rogesious Emmanuel, SDB (Sri Lanka) serves as the Principal of the Don Bosco School of Excellence in Kilinochchi. Living by his motto, “Educating for Peace and Harmonious Coexistence,” he merges advanced technology training with deep moral grounding. Under his visionary leadership, the campus has become a transformative hub that heals historical divisions, fosters empathy, and empowers youth with sustainable career pathways to build a unified, peaceful society.

Honorary Advisor(s)

Professor I. M. Dharmadasa is an Emeritus Professor of Electronic Materials & Devices at Sheffield Hallam University, UK, and a visionary champion of sustainable development. He is deeply passionate about leveraging renewable energy and pioneering the creation of solar villages to alleviate poverty and drive economic growth. Demonstrating this commitment, Professor Dharmadasa has successfully established 10 groundbreaking solar villages across Sri Lanka. These projects do far more than generate clean energy—they empower self-sufficient local communities, bridge social divides, and build a lasting foundation for social and ecological harmony.

Honorary Advisor(s)

Moulavy Aatham Bawa Mohammed Simly. He is the Principal at Haq Hiflul Quraan Institute, Nintavur and the General Secretary Al Bashayir Social Development and Advancement Nintavur, Sri Lanka.

Founder/Honorary Advisor

Dr Piyadasa Gamage, the founder of the Centre for Harmonious Coexistence, has dedicated his life to empowering individuals and uplifting community well-being. Guided by a gentle, people-first philosophy, he brings forth invaluable insights gained from his distinguished tenure as Quality Manager at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva. Supported by over 40 years of international experience in Quality Management across the UK and Australia. In every initiative, Dr. Gamage quietly inspires sustainable excellence and a harmonious way of living together.