Home / Our Team
The People Behind CIDIG

Our Team

Driven by purpose and guided by values — meet the dedicated professionals, advisors, and community leaders who make CIDIG's mission a reality every day.

Leadership

Meet Our Team

DW

Dilshan Weerasinghe

Executive Director

A development professional with over 15 years of experience in inclusive governance, civil society leadership, and community development across South Asia. Dilshan founded CIDIG with a vision of rooting international development practice in local realities and shared human values.

Expertise

Inclusive Governance Civil Society Strategic Leadership
AP

Dr. Amara Perera

Programs Director

Former UN consultant with deep expertise in peacebuilding and post-conflict transformation. Dr. Perera leads CIDIG's flagship programs in Social Cohesion and Gender Equality, bringing rigorous methodology and compassionate community engagement.

Expertise

Peacebuilding Gender Equality Program Design
NF

Nimalka Fernando

Partnerships & Communications

With a decade of NGO communications and stakeholder engagement experience, Nimalka builds and maintains CIDIG's strategic partnerships with international donors, government bodies, and civil society networks.

Expertise

Communications Donor Relations Stakeholder Engagement
PS

Priyantha Senanayake

Research & Policy Lead

Holds a PhD in Development Studies and has published extensively on inclusive governance and youth empowerment in Sri Lanka. Priyantha leads CIDIG's research outputs, policy advocacy, and evidence-based practice across all programs.

Expertise

Policy Research Development Studies Advocacy
FH

Fatima Hassan

Community Outreach Coordinator

A grassroots development practitioner with extensive experience mobilising communities across Sri Lanka's southern provinces. Fatima coordinates volunteer programs, community events, and beneficiary engagement for CIDIG's outreach initiatives.

Expertise

Community Mobilisation Volunteering Outreach
Advisory Board

Our Advisors

CIDIG is guided by a distinguished advisory board of development professionals, academics, and civil society leaders.

RR

Prof. Rohan Rajapakshe

University of Ruhuna

Expert in public administration and governance reform, advising CIDIG on research methodology and academic partnerships.

EM

Dr. Elena Martinez

International Development Consultant, Spain

Brings global perspective on participatory development and civil society strengthening in post-conflict societies.

CJ

Mr. Chamara Jayawardena

Former Provincial Director, Southern Province

Provides strategic guidance on government relations and localising development programs in Sri Lanka's southern region.

KW

Ms. Kalyani Wickramasinghe

INGO Sector Representative

Facilitates connections with the broader INGO community and advises on funding strategies and international development standards.

Work With Us

Join Our Mission

We are always looking for passionate individuals to join our team and contribute to meaningful change. Explore current openings or find out how you can volunteer with CIDIG and make a difference in communities across Sri Lanka.