Our Story
Our Team
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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
Ayushka Nugaliyadda
Ayushka has been part of the Lab team since 2018, and is currently supporting Citra's crisis response work. Lending her background in Economics and Development Studies to the Lab's initiatives and research efforts, she strives towards fostering a culture of meaningfully tackling development challenges in ways that are human-centred, inclusive and sustainable.
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
Kithmini takes the lead in initiating various Social Innovation challenges and plays a pivotal role in the Enterprise Incubation arm of the HackaDev Programme by engaging young people in Sri Lanka to be more innovative and entrepreneurial in the SDG 2030 development agenda.
Kulunu Jayamanne
Kulunu leads UNDP’s programmes on Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship, working with numerous stakeholders in creating partnerships, and aims to strengthen UNDP’s role as an integrator within the youth innovation eco system. A key figure at the Lab, his mission is fostering meaningful engagement of Sri Lankan youth in the 2030 agenda.
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
Ralani Weerasinghe
At the forefront of UNDP’s youth skills-building programmes that upskill youth and educators through the HackaDev Academy, Ralani helps young people develop next-generation, future-fit skills to gear them for the future of work, entrepreneurship and life, through a richer learning experience.
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
Kaushala Amarakoon
Kaushala is responsible for designing and delivering youth skills-development programmes and is actively involved in community project development and management. An experienced facilitator, his national and international experience in training young people allows him to better relate to youth and meet their requirements.
Partners
Let's Connect
Want to see how you can get involved with the great work we do here at Citra labs? Get in touch.