About us

Gift Sri Lanka Foundation is a U.S. based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, officially established on March 29, 2024. Originally launched in 2021, we were founded with a heartfelt mission to uplift the lives of children and families in need through education, housing, healthcare, and cultural engagement.

Rooted in compassion and driven by action, we work to build stronger, more resilient communities—both in Sri Lanka and across the Sri Lankan diaspora in the United States.

🎯 Our Vision

To create a world where everyone has access to quality education, cultural enrichment, fostering empowerment, and opportunity for all.

💡 Our Mission

To empower underserved children and families by funding initiatives that provide access to quality education, secure housing, and opportunities for cultural appreciation while fostering community unity through impactful events and philanthropic partnerships.

Our Impact Areas

📚

Education Support

Providing school supplies, scholarships, and educational materials for underprivileged students

🏡

Housing Assistance

Helping build homes for families living in unsafe or unstable conditions

🏥

Healthcare Aid

Supplying critical medicines and medical equipment to hospitals serving underserved populations

🌟

Cultural Engagement

Celebrating Sri Lankan heritage through community events and cultural programs

🎉 Community Engagement & Impact

Our work is brought to life through hands-on initiatives and culturally rich community events:

• Pahan Eliya (2021) A beautiful celebration of Sri Lankan tradition, unity, and the spirit of giving
• Ridma Cultural Shows (2023 & 2024) Music and dance showcases that celebrate Sri Lankan talent while raising funds for vital projects in Sri Lanka
• Food Festivals Held in the U.S., these events bring communities together through the joy of Sri Lankan cuisine—while supporting causes like the Georgia Buddhist Vihara building fund and other charitable missions

🤝 Our Board of Directors

Ajith DeSilva

President

Dr. Ajith DeSilva serves as President, providing strategic leadership, organizational oversight, and mission-driven direction. With a professional background grounded in education, he brings a strong blend of executive insight and operational expertise to the organization. Throughout his career, Dr. DeSilva has held distinguished leadership roles in academia and has been recognized for his notable professional achievements. As a professor at the University of West Georgia, he is dedicated to research in nanoscience and sustainable energy, while also helping to strengthen academic and community programs. Dr. DeSilva earned his Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati.

Patrick Ettampola

Secretary

Patrick Ettampola is a seasoned nonprofit leader with more than 20 years at Habitat for Humanity International. As Director of Individual Giving, he advances Habitat’s mission through strategic, relationship-centered fundraising. Patrick is known for his strong communication skills, deep donor insight, and proven ability to design and deliver multimillion-dollar, data-driven fundraising strategies. A servant-leader at heart, he motivates teams, strengthens donor engagement, and fosters a culture of collaboration and excellence. Patrick holds a Master’s in International Economic Development from the City University of New York.

Mayura Gamage

Treasurer

Mayura Gamage is a Chartered Accountant with over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, including significant work in the not-for-profit sector. He holds a Management Special (Public) Degree from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, and has worked in both international and U.S. financial environments. As the Treasurer of Gift Sri Lanka Foundation, Mayura brings strong expertise in financial management, compliance, and accountability.

Jinath Gamage

Director

Jinath Gamage is an Associate Director, Engineering at IRIS Software Group, where he guides strategic vision, technical innovation, and mission-driven initiatives in software development. With a background in technology, particularly in product management, DevOps, and AI-driven development, Jinath brings strong leadership and operational expertise to the organization. Throughout his career, Jinath has held leadership roles at IRIS Software Group and previously at organizations focused on software solutions and offshore team management, and has been recognized for enhancing team productivity through AI tools and improving application security. In his role at IRIS Software Group, he focuses on expanding product features, strengthening development processes, and supporting scalable financial solutions. Jinath holds a Master's Degree in Computer Science from Georgia Tech, USA.

Roshan Dehipitiarachchi

Director

Roshan Dehipitiarachchi is a Director, where he guides strategic vision, governance, and mission-driven initiatives. With a background in engineering and technology, Roshan brings strong leadership and operational expertise to the organization. Throughout his career, Roshan has held technical leadership roles at multiple Fortune 100 companies, and has been recognized for exceptional leadership. In his role at Gift Sri Lanka Foundation, he focuses on managing charitable projects for Sri Lanka through providing governance over project proposal evaluation and execution. Roshan holds a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.

Sahan Thanthiriwatte

Director

Dr. Sahan Thanthiriwatte is a Director responsible for cultural engagement programs at Gift Sri Lanka Foundation. With over 20 years of experience in industry and academia, Sahan brings strong leadership and a scientific research background to the organization. He holds a Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry from Mississippi State University and completed postdoctoral research at Georgia Institute of Technology. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Colombo. Sahan is committed to strengthening cultural connections and supporting the Sri Lankan community through meaningful engagement initiatives.

Shameer Abdeen

Director

Dr. Shameer Abdeen is a Lecturer in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Georgia State University. Prior to joining Georgia State, he served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Georgia Southern University and as an Instructor at the University of Arkansas, where he also earned his Ph.D. in Physics with a concentration in Astrophysics. He holds a Special (Honors) degree in Mathematical Physics from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. In addition to his academic background, Dr. Abdeen is a multidisciplinary artist who enjoys exploring creative expression across a variety of media. Complementing his scholarly work, Dr. Abdeen has been extensively involved in community service and nonprofit leadership. He has held notable leadership positions, including serving as Vice President of the Northwest Arkansas Islamic Center, where he oversaw community outreach initiatives, cultivated interfaith collaborations, and directed programs that supported local families and addressed broader community needs.

Chirangee Tissera

Director

Dr. Chirangee Tissera, Ed.D., is the Founder and CEO of ConsultED LLC, a consulting firm specializing in organizational development, executive coaching, and strategic project leadership. She brings extensive experience in educational leadership, talent development, and communications, having served as a Head of School, Direct Marketing and Digital Fundraising Manager, On-Air Producer, and Senior Lecturer in both domestic and international settings. Dr. Tissera holds a Doctor of Education in Learning, Leadership, and Organizational Development from the University of Georgia, an M.A. in Educational Leadership Studies from West Virginia University, and a B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Fresno. She is committed to advancing mission-driven organizations through people-centered development and evidence-based leadership practice and is honored to serve as a contributing member of the Board.

Prabha Padukka

Director

Dr. Prabha Padukka is a Senior Lecturer at Georgia Tech who is strongly committed to education and community service. Proud of her Sri Lankan roots, she is actively dedicated to supporting initiatives that strengthen and uplift the Sri Lankan community in the United States. Dr. Padukka is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the mission and efforts of Gift Sri Lanka Foundation.

Together, we're building a brighter future. Through compassion, action, and community, Gift Sri Lanka Foundation continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.