Our Team
A dedicated group of leaders, volunteers, and partners united by a single mission — serving the children and elders of Sri Lanka with dignity and compassion.
AFT Kids & Elders is built on the passion and expertise of
individuals from around the world — scientists, business leaders,
educators, and community volunteers.
Together, we bring decades of experience in healthcare, finance, law,
education, and social work to serve the communities of Kandy and beyond.
Board of Directors
Our leadership resides and operates locally in Kandy, ensuring every initiative is culturally resonant and directly impactful.
Dr. Sumith A. Kularatne, PhD
Founder, AFT Kids & Elders
Executive Vice President of R&D, On Target Laboratories
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
The Kandy Group
What began as a reunion among school friends evolved into something far greater. The 1992 graduating batch of Kingswood College, Kandy — scattered across the globe as engineers, doctors, scientists, and entrepreneurs — returned home with a shared purpose: to serve the community that shaped them.
Today, the 92 Batch forms the founding backbone of AFT Kids & Elders, contributing leadership, funding, and on‑ground presence to every program we run. Their commitment to lives on in every scholarship awarded, every elder visited, and every life transformed.
Kandy Officials
The dedicated team steering AFT’s mission in the Kandy region.
Dr. Sumith A. Kularatne, PhD
President
Serial entrepreneur, scientist, and philanthropist. Executive VP at On Target Laboratories. Guiding AFT’s strategic vision.
Mr. Mahinda Walisundara
Vice President
Experienced leader driving community outreach and strategic partnerships in Kandy.
Mr. Darshana Hikkaduwa
Chief Operating Officer (COO) (Operations)
Oversees all operational aspects, ensuring efficient delivery of programs.
Mr. Dulan Dissanayake
Chief Operating Officer (COO) (Marketing)
Leads branding, communications, and outreach strategies.
Mr. Maduranga Aththanayaka
Treasurer
Manages financial stewardship, budgeting, and donor funds.
Mr. Aruna Daswatta
Co-Treasurer
Assists in financial planning and compliance.
Mr. Gayal Kaluwawa
Secretary
Coordinates governance, records, and internal communications.
Ms. Lasanthi Daskon
Co-Secretary
Supports secretarial duties and community documentation.
Mr. Kalana Amunupura
HR
Supports human resource duties and community documentation.
Mr. Janaka Wijerathna
Assistant HR
Supports human resource duties and community documentation.
Mr. Rajitha Samarakoon
Assistant Chief Operating Officer
Supports secretarial duties and community documentation.
Legal Advisory Team
Dedicated legal professionals ensuring AFT operates with integrity and compliance.
Mr. Ajith Pathirana
Legal Advisor
Mr. Gayal Kaluwawa
Legal Advisor
Mr. Shenal Gunathilaka
Legal Advisor
Mr. Himasha Samarathunga
Legal Advisor
Ms. Lasanthi Daskon
Legal Advisor
Ms. Malaika Tyson
Legal Advisor (Intellectual Property)
Mr. Priyantha Ekanayake
Legal Advisor
Volunteers & Field Staff
The heart of AFT — dedicated individuals working directly with children and elders every day.
Priyani Perera
Education Coordinator
Oversees scholarship distribution and after‑school tutoring programs across 12 villages.
Dr. Chamila Rathnayake
Health Program Lead
Volunteer physician running mobile health clinics for elders in remote communities.
Nuwan Dissanayake
Sports Coordinator
Former cricketer leading youth sports programs and coaching clinics.
Samanthi Weerasinghe
Elder Care Coordinator
Leads the weekly elder visitation program and community integration events.
International Volunteers
Passionate individuals from around the world who have traveled to Kandy to serve.
Sarah & Mike Thompson
New York, USA
"We came to Sri Lanka as tourists and left as family. Teaching English at the AFT learning center was the highlight of our journey."
James Whitmore
London, UK
"I spent three weeks helping with elder care visits. The gratitude I received changed my perspective on what matters in life."
Priya Sharma
Melbourne, Australia
"As a Sri Lankan diaspora, volunteering with AFT allowed me to reconnect with my heritage while giving back to my motherland."
Advisory Council
Experts providing strategic counsel on program development, partnerships, and impact measurement.
Prof. Amara Hewage
University of Peradeniya
Education policy specialist advising on scholarship and mentorship programs.
Dr. Nihal Fernando
Consultant Oncologist
Advisor on health programs and future cancer care initiatives.
Join Our Team
Whether you're in Sri Lanka or abroad, your skills and compassion can make a difference. From volunteering on the ground to supporting remotely, there's a place for you in the AFT family.