Who We Are
The FARO Foundation was established in 2006 by three pioneering associates as a philanthropic initiative to providing a value adding service to the less privileged youth of our society. It was incorporated as a nonprofit legal entity in Aug 2006, with the three founder members becoming its first Directors.
FOUNDER DIRECTORS
Kapila Gunawardana
Kapila is the former Vice President and Area Chairman of Energizer Inc, USA, a Fortune 500 company. Kapila started his career in Sri Lanka with Union Carbide, becoming its first local CEO. He relocated overseas with the parent company, working for 36 years in senior executive capacities throughout the world, before taking retirement in 2003 and starting up FARO.He is now dedicating his efforts to sharing the benefits that he enjoyed whilst growing up in Sri Lanka.
Chandima Gunawardena
Chandima is currently an Executive Director of the Carson Cumberbatch Group of companies and member of the Management Committee of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. He brings with him an extensive executive experience in both public and private sectors in the country and an excellent relationship with the local business community .His ongoing counsel and advice is assisting FARO in achieving its ambitious goals.
Sumana Liyanage
Sumana is the former CEO of the United Motors Ltd Group of companies and current Chairperson and Consultant to several nongovernmental organizations. He is also the honorary Treasurer of the FARO Foundation .His dedication and wealth of experience in dealing with social organizations in the country is an invaluable asset to FARO.
OPERATING TEAM
Together with the three founder Directors. The following form the management operating team at FARO.
Dilip Jayawickrema
Dilip brings with him a passion for helping the less privileged, sharing time between his personal jewelry business to undertake philanthropic work for FARO. He has been FARO’s Projects Director since 2007 and was responsible for the successful implementation of our first BPO at Mahavilachchiya. He is also a member of our Board of Directors.
Sandya Salgado
Sandya is the CEO of Ogilvy Action, Sri Lanka, a subsidiary of the Ogilvy advertising Group. She won the Marketer of the year award in 2001 and the Zonta Woman of Achievement in 2006 for her unique contributions in brand marketing and media communications. A devoted social worker, Sandya is currently an Advisor and Senior Associate of FARO.
Tulin Ratnam
Tulin is a former business executive who has worked in Sri Lanka, England, Canada and now domiciled in Melbourne, Australia. Tulin is leading FARO’s efforts in establishing its first rural BPO in the Jaffna peninsula, establishing an active conversation with the Sri Lankan Diaspora there and generating substantial funding for the project. He acts as an Advisor and Senior Associate of FARO.
