# For Children, Elders & Sri Lanka

We are

# AFT for Kids & Elders

a nonprofit organization uplifting those left behind in one of the world's most beautiful and resilient nations.

## Why Sri Lanka Needs Us,
Right Now.

Sri Lanka is a 2,500-year-old civilization and a global treasure of biodiversity. But today, Today the island faces multitudes of challenges.

The 2022 economic crisis and recurring climate challenges have put immense pressure on rural communities.

We exist to change that.

We are a nonprofit organization committed to transforming the lives of underprivileged children and forgotten elderly across Sri Lanka. Too many children are denied opportunities simply because of where they were born. Too many elders are left behind after a lifetime of contribution.

We believe this must change. Every child deserves love, education, dignity, and hope. Every elderly person deserves care, respect, and compassion. Through our work, we strive to create a new beginning for those whom society has overlooked.

Our innovative programs focus on education, scholarships, mentoring, sports, and health, empowering children to dream bigger, grow stronger, and become leaders of tomorrow. By nurturing young minds and caring for vulnerable elders, we are building a future rooted in empathy, equality, and opportunity.

This section highlights the urgent need for support in Sri Lanka due to economic and climate challenges.

92%

Literacy Rate

One of the highest in South Asia

1,200+

Families Supported

Together, we can uplift lives.

Learn about Sri Lanka
Learn History of Sri Lanka

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# Our Vision

## A society where no one is left behind.

### True progress is measured not only by scientific advancement, but by how we uplift those left behind.

— Dr. Sumith A. Kularatne

## Weaving the Golden Thread

AFT creates a direct, transparent conduit between global generosity and the specific needs of Sri Lankan communities.

By funding sustainable projects for youth and dignified care for elders, we ensure that the "Golden Thread" of connection never breaks.

## Our Mission

To enhance the well-being of children in Sri Lanka through impactful educational and social welfare programs, while extending care and support to all communities and living beings in need, guided by compassion, integrity, and excellence.

## Our Values

### Compassion

Serving with empathy and respect

### Equity

Ensuring fair access to opportunities

### Integrity

Acting transparently and ethically

### Excellence

Striving for the highest quality impact

### Collaboration

Working with communities and partners

The Land We Serve

## Kandy, Sri Lanka

Where ancient traditions meet compassionate hearts. This is our home — the place that shaped us and the communities we serve.

### The Last Kingdom.
The Cultural Soul of Sri Lanka.

Nestled 500 meters above sea level, surrounded by misty mountains and emerald forests, Kandy stands as the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka. It was the final royal capital — the only kingdom that never fully fell to colonial powers. Today, its sacred Temple of the Tooth continues to draw pilgrims from across the world.

But for us, Kandy is not just a destination for pilgrims.

It is where we mentor children who dream of a better tomorrow.
It is where we hold the hands of elders who once held this nation.
It is home. And for three decades, we have never left its side.

Discover the magic of Kandy

Temple of the Sacred Tooth

Esala Perahera

Traditional Dancer

Kandy Lake

— glimpses of our home, captured through time —

Message from the Founder

> "Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive, and every elderly person deserves dignity and compassionate care. AFT Kids & Elders was created to serve those who have been overlooked—and to unite people locally and globally to build a society where no one is left behind."

Dr. Sumith A. Kularatne

Founder, AFT Kids & Elders

Click to read full biography →

## Board of Directors

Our leadership resides and operates locally in Kandy, ensuring every initiative is culturally resonant and directly impactful.

View All Members

#### Dr. Sumith A. Kularatne, PhD

Founder, AFT Kids & Elders

Entrepreneur, Influencer, & Humanitarian/Philanthropist

#### Timothy Biro, MBA, RPh

Board Member, AFT Kids & Elders

Chief Operating Officer, On Target Laboratories

#### Malaika Tyson, Ph.D., J.D.

Board Member, AFT Kids & Elders

Shareholder, McAndrews | Intellectual Property Strategist

### Dr. Sumith A. Kularatne, PhD

Entrepreneur, Influencer, & Humanitarian/Philanthropist

Serial entrepreneur, scientist, and philanthropist with pioneering expertise in drug design and development. Leads precision medicine programs and image-guided surgery research.

####
Areas of Expertise

Drug Design & Development Antibody-Drug Conjugates Small Molecule Therapeutics Precision Medicine

####
Key Achievements

3
FDA Approved Drugs
8
Clinical Trials
250+
Patents
100+
Publications

####
Education & Training

- • Postdoc: The Scripps Research Institute (Molecular Biology & Biomedicine) - Mentored by Dr. Peter G. Schultz
- • PhD: Purdue University (Medicinal/Organic Chemistry) - Mentored by Dr. Philip S. Low
- • Graduate Research: Purdue University

####
Awards & Recognition

- 🏆 Outstanding Young Scientist Award in Drug Discovery Sciences (2023)
- 🏆 SBIR Grant Awards for NSCLC Research (2014, 2016, 2018)
- 🏆 Elevate Ventures Award for Image-Guided Surgery Research (2018)
- 🏆 AAPS Postdoctoral Fellow Award (2012)

#### Honorary Societies

Phi Kappa Phi National Society of Collegiate Scholars Beta Phi Upsilon

> "True progress is measured not only by scientific advancement, but by how we uplift those left behind."

— Dr. Sumith A. Kularatne

### Timothy Biro, MBA, RPh

Chief Operating Officer, On Target Laboratories

Entrepreneurial leader with extensive experience in medical device, pharmaceutical industry, and venture capital. Former Co-Founder and CEO of multiple companies.

####
Areas of Expertise

Venture Capital Pharmaceutical Management Medical Devices Entrepreneurship

####
Education & Training

- • MBA (Finance & Marketing) - Wharton School of Business
- • BS in Pharmacy - Temple University (Fellow)
- • BS in Microbiology - Pennsylvania State University

####
Professional Experience

- ▹ Co-Founder & CEO - SpineMatrix
- ▹ Co-Founder & CEO - Therox Pharmaceuticals
- ▹ CEO - OncoImmune
- ▹ Founder & Managing Partner - Ohio Innovation Fund
- ▹ Partner - Reservoir Venture Partners
- ▹ Partner - Brantley Venture Partners
- ▹ Management Positions - Merck

### Malaika Tyson, Ph.D., J.D.

Shareholder, McAndrews | Intellectual Property Strategist

Corporate intellectual property and patent protection strategist. Specializes in integrated approaches to strategic IP management for innovative companies.

####
Areas of Expertise

Patent Prosecution IP Portfolio Management Corporate IP Strategy Trademark Protection

####
Education & Training

- • J.D. - The University of Chicago Law School
- • Ph.D. in Chemistry (Analytical) - Purdue University
- • Senior R&D Scientist - MilliporeSigma Biotechnology

####
Leadership & Service

- • Chair - ABA-IPL International Patent Laws Committee
- • Co-Chair - AIPLA's USPTO Relations Subcommittee
- • Vice President (Chicago) - Coalition of Women's Initiatives in Law
- • Board Member - Chicago Committee
- • Founding Member - Emerging Leaders Council of Bottom Line

#### Honorary Societies

40 Under Forty (2016) Illinois Rising Star - Intellectual Property Law

# Latest News & Impact Stories

View All News
Mar 2, 2026 • Agriculture

### Support for Farmers in Central Province

Our recent mission reached over 100 farmers with essential agriculture supplies and knowledge camp.

Feb 15, 2026 • Healthcare

### Community Outreach Success in Central Province

Our recent mission reached over 200 families with essential healthcare supplies.

Jan 3, 2026 • Food

### Ditwa Donations in Central Province

Our recent mission reached over 200 families with essential food supplies.

## A Society Where
No One is Left Behind

Join us in making Sri Lanka a place where no one is forgotten. Your support, whether a donation or your time, directly transforms lives in the Kandy district.

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