Meet our board of directors
"Mr. Thirukumar Premakumar is a seasoned Professional Moderator with over a decade of experience on developing projects. With a background in investigative journalism, he has spent many years as a journalist before transitioning to his current role. Mr. Thirukumar is dedicated to implementing projects that contribute to the development of contemporary Sri Lanka, particularly in the face of challenges related to peace, transparency, gender equality, youth participation, media literacy, democracy, and accountability."
""Sanjay Samarasinghe is a dynamic executive leader and entrepreneur with extensive expertise in corporate strategy, institutional governance, and operational scale. Current Leadership Roles: Country Managing Director, Aramex Sri Lanka: Directs comprehensive corporate strategy and nationwide logistics operations. Co-Founder & Chief Performance Officer, Apex Performance Labs: Drives venture growth, strategic planning, and performance management. Chairman of the Board, IYAP: Provides overarching strategic direction and board governance. Vice President, CEPAC & Executive Committee Member, Sri Lanka Shippers' Council (SLSC): Leads industry-wide advocacy and national trade policy development. Core Expertise: Cross-border trade logistics, business model scaling, high-level investment pitching, and strategic public-private partnerships.""
""Accomplished, awarded, and resourceful professional with 23 years of Banking and International Development Sector experience. Credited with leading cross functional teams and diverse personnel, managing global projects, supporting social enterprise development and achieving and exceeding organisational goals/objectives. Proven record of employing good management practices, coaching line reports, and improving efficiency and financial sustainability. Highly skilled in building professional relations with multiple global stake-holders across all continents, performing tasks under pressure, meeting deadlines, and boosting communication and employee engagement across the business function.""
"Melvin Mervyn is a corporate strategist and innovation leader serving as COO of IQ Global, with expertise in transformation, strategy, and future-focused business thinking. Beyond the boardroom, he is a columnist for the Daily News, where his weekly Friday essays thoughtfully examine the human condition, society, culture, and the quiet complexities of contemporary life."
"Feminist activist and social justice leader from Sri Lanka, advancing gender equality, youth participation, and peacebuilding. Experienced in governance, advocacy communications, and movement-building, she co-creates inclusive, community-rooted programmes with girls, young people, and marginalized groups across national, regional, and global spaces."
"Matthias is an impact strategy and partnerships leader with 15 years of experience in international development and institutional fundraising. He currently heads global business development at Malteser International and is completing an Executive MBA at Kellogg School of Management and WHU. He holds a Master's in International Relations from Georgetown University and a Bachelor's in European Studies from Maastricht University. Based in Sri Lanka, he is a founding member of the Southern Innovation Hub, a regional entrepreneurship initiative bringing together impact-driven founders and enterprises across Southern Sri Lanka to support growth and collaboration. He brings expertise in international partnership development, organizational strategy, and governance to IYAP's board."
