The Volunteer Specialists Network is a multidisciplinary community of experienced professionals, academics, researchers, consultants, and subject matter experts who voluntarily contribute their knowledge,
Asanga U. Ranasinghe is an international development and communications professional with expertise in strategic partnerships, organizational development, stakeholder engagement, and socioeconomic development. Passionate about technology, innovation, and human-centered leadership, he contributes to strengthening institutional collaboration, partnership development, and sustainable growth while supporting initiatives that empower young people and create lasting community impact.
Sylvana Semaan is a diplomacy and international affairs professional with expertise in peacebuilding, negotiation, mediation, protocol, and strategic communications. Passionate about youth leadership, conflict resolution, international cooperation, and the role of artificial intelligence in governance, she supports dialogue, leadership development, and cross-cultural collaboration to strengthen peacebuilding and sustainable social impact.
Mahada Fernando is an Attorney-at-Law and media professional with expertise in legal practice, public interest litigation, regulatory compliance, strategic communications, and programme development. Combining legal knowledge with media and public affairs experience, he contributes to governance, institutional communications, policy development, and programme quality while strengthening evidence-based and rights-focused initiatives.
Chew Yee Tieng is an internationally experienced business leader with over 25 years of leadership across multinational organizations in the Middle East, North America, Europe, and Asia. His expertise spans strategic leadership, cross-cultural collaboration, organizational transformation, stakeholder engagement, and international business development. Throughout his career, he has successfully led high-performing multicultural teams, built strategic partnerships, and navigated complex global environments while driving innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. Recognized for his collaborative leadership style, he is passionate about empowering people, fostering innovation, and translating strategic vision into measurable results.
Prashandt Manickarajah is a senior humanitarian and development professional with over 16 years of experience in programme management, strategic partnerships, resource mobilization, grants management, and organizational development. With expertise in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL), community development, and institutional strengthening, he contributes to building sustainable partnerships, enhancing programme quality, and strengthening organizational capacity.
Dr. Thimira Manamendra is an award-winning corporate strategist with over 25 years of leadership experience in business transformation, strategic partnerships, market development, and digital innovation. A senior corporate leader, leadership trainer, and academic, he contributes expertise in organizational strategy, global partnerships, branding, leadership development, and institutional growth while strengthening innovation and long-term sustainability.
Sajithra is a development professional specializing in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL), research, project management, and community development. She holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Information Technology, combining technical knowledge with evidence-based development practice.Her professional experience spans programme monitoring, impact evaluation, safeguarding, accountability systems, research, and stakeholder engagement across initiatives focused on youth empowerment, social inclusion, sustainable livelihoods, and community resilience.
Chathushi Vidushika is a legal professional, policy analyst, and youth advocate specializing in human rights, governance, legal research, and public policy. Currently serving as an Investigation Officer at the Sri Lanka Press Council, she brings expertise in promoting accountability, good governance, civic participation, and inclusive development through law and policy. Her professional interests focus on the intersection of law, technology, responsible artificial intelligence, anti-corruption, and sustainable development. Passionate about youth leadership and community engagement, she has contributed to legal research, policy advocacy, leadership development, training, and capacity-building initiatives that promote democratic values and social impact. As a Volunteer Specialist, Chathushi contributes expertise in legal and policy research, governance, human rights, youth leadership, peacebuilding, diplomacy, project management, training and facilitation, and strategic advocacy, supporting IYAP in strengthening institutional systems, leadership development, and sustainable community impact.
Kumudu Adikari is a psychology and People & Culture professional specializing in mental health, organizational development, human resource management, and employee well-being. She holds a BA (Hons) in Psychology from the University of Peradeniya, complemented by professional qualifications in Counselling Psychology, Human Rights, and Human Resource Management. Her professional interests focus on fostering positive workplace cultures, promoting psychological well-being, strengthening organizational capacity, and supporting individual and team development. Passionate about youth empowerment and inclusive leadership, she is committed to creating safe, supportive, and people-centred environments that enable individuals and organizations to thrive.
Our Volunteer Specialists contribute their professional expertise through strategic advisory, technical guidance, mentoring, capacity building, research, partnership development, and organizational strengthening
Provide expert guidance on organizational strategy, governance, institutional development, and long-term sustainability.
Coach, mentor, and develop young leaders, volunteers, interns, and programme participants through professional guidance and knowledge sharing.
Design and facilitate workshops, webinars, learning resources, and technical sessions across specialist fields.
Build strategic partnerships, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and identify opportunities for collaboration and resource development.
Our Volunteer Specialists represent diverse professional backgrounds and multidisciplinary expertise, enabling IYAP to access strategic knowledge, technical skills, and sector-specific experience across a wide range of thematic areas.
CTA Description Join a growing network of experienced professionals, academics, researchers, and industry leaders who are committed to empowering young people and strengthening communities through their expertise. As a Volunteer Specialist, you will contribute your knowledge, mentor future leaders, support innovative programmes, and help shape the long-term impact and sustainability of the International Youth Alliance for Peace (IYAP). Whether your expertise lies in governance, education, technology, human rights, research, communications, partnerships, or organizational development, your experience can create lasting change.
