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Our Advisors

Meet our esteemed advisors who provide strategic guidance, mentorship, and expertise to support SLBANZ's mission of fostering Sri Lankan business excellence in New Zealand.

Krishan Gallage

Founder / President of SLNZ Helpline

Business helpline founder dedicated to supporting Sri Lankan community and business connections.

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How I can contribute:

  • Dedicate the SLNZ Helpline Business Helpline as a platform to share and promote SLBANZ information, activities, and events
  • Act as a bridge for all business-related queries, listening to members and connecting them with the right support

Suggestions:

I believe our strength lies in unity. By imparting the knowledge of existing members and building a strong bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and New Zealand and even globally, we can create credibility, trust, and long-term value. Together, through collaboration and visibility, we can uplift the Sri Lankan community and grow SLBANZ as a respected and trusted voice.

Parakrama Wijerathne

Business Advisor

Retired business professional with 22 years of experience in New Zealand business matters.

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I am a retired person with experience in business for 22 years in NZ. Also I have experience in actively taking part in Sri Lanka/New Zealand business council matters.

How I can contribute:

I am willing to advice any member on any business matter they need to know in implementing their plans.

Nalin Wijetilleke

ContinuityNZ Ltd

NZBN: 9429041342558

International award recipient specializing in business continuity, IT security, and compliance.

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My main business is supporting and advising businesses of all sizes and types, in Aotearoa (NZ) and across borders. I help organizations be resilient against unforeseen disruptions and comply with local and international business requirements in Information Security (ISO 27001), Business Continuity (ISO 22301), and Data Privacy (GDPR and NZ Data Privacy Act).

How I can contribute:

  • Use my specialist knowledge and network to support and advise Sri Lankan businesses to uplift their capability, resilience and regulatory compliance
  • Provide leadership and staff training

Suggestions:

  • Adopt the well-known 'Urgent – Important' Business matrix to identify what is in the High-High category
  • Adopt 'Member gets a Member' technique
  • Everyone's suggestions ideally be SMART suggestions (SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ACHIEVABLE, RELEVANT & TIMEBOUND)

I am willing to support the SLBANZ in setting up the above suggestions.

Abdul Salman

Service Manager & Community Leader

Fleet service manager and experienced community organizer with multicultural event coordination expertise.

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As a sole trader, I also serve as a Service Manager, overseeing a large fleet of trucks, tractors, turf construction, and agricultural machinery for a large company.

Beyond my professional role, I have been actively involved in community service for more than 14 years through USLA, where I had the privilege of serving as President last year and now continue as an Event Coordinator. I have also organized programs for NPPNZ Ethera Api Art Circle, and I am currently leading the coordination of a multicultural event that brings together the Sinhala, Muslim, and Tamil communities, scheduled for early December.

How I can contribute:

I believe these experiences equip me to make a meaningful contribution to the team, particularly in planning and delivering successful events.

Daya Prathapasinghe

Sports, Media & Business Leader

Experienced leader in sports, media, and business with strong community and cultural connections.

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I have experience in sports, media, and business across Sri Lanka and New Zealand. I helped start Kabaddi in Sri Lanka, worked as the Newspaper Coordinator, and I own a few companies. I have held directorship positions in the Mahaweli Authority and several institutions in Sri Lanka.

In addition to my professional roles, I have been active in building community connections, promoting Sri Lankan culture in New Zealand, and supporting youth involvement in sports and business.

Suggestions:

We should all work together to strengthen business and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, while supporting new business owners to find opportunities for growth.

Saman Edirisooriya

Vehicle Specialist & IT Expert

Multi-skilled professional with expertise in pharmacy, IT, and automotive industries.

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I have extensive knowledge and experience in multiple areas: Pharmacist (1990-1994), Young business entrepreneur in Sri Lanka running multiple businesses, BSc Degree from University of Colombo (1994-1997), IT Lecturer in NZ (2001-2007), IT Manager and Microsoft Engineer (2007-2015), and currently a Car Dealer and Vehicle Compliance Expert (2015-present).

Certifications:

  • MCSA, MCSE, CCA, MCT

Specializations:

  • • Vehicle Compliance Expert
  • • Vehicle Finance Expert
  • • WOF Expert
  • • Vehicle Import Expert
  • • Vehicle Insurance Expert
  • • Hybrid Specialist
  • • Collision Repair Specialist

How I can contribute:

I feel I can make multiple copies of myself for young blood and entrepreneurs through this society. Let's share our knowledge and experiences and make the Sri Lankan community rich with our legacy.

Connect with Our Advisors

Our advisors are here to provide strategic guidance and support. Reach out to learn how their expertise can benefit your business journey.

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