




Our Story

Our Team

Our Partners

CITRA
UNDP’s innovation journey began in 2014 when the idea of doing things differently was starting to take shape in the Communications (and later on Innovations) team. Prompted by a positive discussion with senior management, the team suggested an initiative aimed at bringing in a wave of change to UNDP: simply, by opening its door to young people!
Our Team
Our multidisciplinary teams brings in expertise from different angles.
Fadhil Bakeer Markar
Instrumental in the establishment of Citra, Fadhil has been championing innovation efforts within UNDP and in Sri Lanka since 2014, and is currently the UNDP Partnerships Analyst, while also providing guidance and leadership to the Lab team
Ahamed Nishadh
With vast experience in the Tech industry within multiple roles and organizations, Ahamed brings in expertise of a crucial part of our innovation work: technology. He works closely in implementing the National Youth Social Innovation Challenge, while also supporting the broader team with any technological aspects of solutions developed
Ayushka Nugaliyadda
Ayushka lends her background in Development Economics and prior work experience at UNDP’s Policy Unit to the ongoing work of Citra, as well as work closely with the Lab Lead to facilitate greater private sector engagement with the Lab
Bhagya Maheshi
With expertise in Data Science and prior experience at the United Nations ESCAP office in Bangkok, Bhagya brings the essential data component to all of the initiatives undertaken by the Lab to ensure prototypes developed are evidence-based and data-driven
Deshani Senanayake
Deshani is responsible for gender research and experimentation at the Lab. She also ensures that gender equity thinking is incorporated in all of the initiatives undertaken by the Lab to ensure we develop prototypes that are gender sensitive and inclusive.
Kithmini Nissanka
Working closely with Kulunu, Kithmini contributes to the everyday implementation work of the Innovation Challenge and documents the impact it strives to create. With her experience working in the public sector, she works effectively with the Ministry involved in this initiative, along with other partners
Kulunu Jayamanne
With expertise in Data Science and prior experience at the United Nations ESCAP office in Bangkok, Bhagya brings the essential data component to all of the initiatives undertaken by the Lab to ensure prototypes developed are evidence-based and data-driven
Milinda de Silva
Milinda develops advocacy and outreach material, and works closely with the Creative Strategist to maintain the digital presence of the Lab. His experiences in designing for numerous UN agencies supports him when it comes to visualizing Citra’s work in an accessible manner.
Noyalganth Rajkumar
Noyal is responsible for knowledge management and training at the Lab and leads our training arm on embedding innovation within the public sector. He lends his extensive experience in developing, delivering and monitoring training programmes to strengthen Citra’s standing as a leader in knowledge management
Sarika Warusavitarana
As the Sociologist in the team, Sarika conducts analysis of developmental issues undertaken by Citra. She brings a wealth of experience from working at the Governance Unit in UNDP Sri Lanka, and continues to study the interaction between societal trends and issues on the ground
Yasas Thalagala
Yasas is Citra’s focal point when liaising with the multi-sectoral stakeholders of the Lab. Coming from an Engineering background, his meticulous and detail-oriented organization skills helps in his everyday work of coordinating the Lab’s processes and interventions
Partners













































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